Sandejas Legacy #7: Withered Roses

Sandejas Legacy Series #7: Withered Roses

“Sandejas Legacy continues…”

“You don’t have to pluck the roses just because it’s beautiful…unless you
want it withered and dead.”

Alchiel Sandejas x Z.B.S.🥀

(2023)

Note: You can read this story as STAND-ALONE but for BETTER reading
experience, you can check the pinned book in my profile entitled “Book Updates
(Story Guide! Check Here!) >> Book Guide for New Readers” for the chronological
order. You can still read this book in any order if you like, just beware of some
spoilers. Thank you! Enjoy!

Hi, Dear Reader!

Thank you for dropping by! Hope you could read these first before proceeding
to the story.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, songs, places,

events, ideas 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.

All Rights Reserved © heartlessnostalgia (Chennie Ann Cerro)

Reminders:

-Stories are rated MATURED. Contains vulgar words and explicit contents not
suitable for young audiences.

-Some scenes/ideas were inspired in real life scenarios, actual events,

memes, social media posts, recent and timely issues/topics and other books read by
the author.

-Stories (mostly the old ones) may contain insensitive jokes, verbal
insults/abuse and misogynistic remarks that readers may find disturbing. My
apologies for this, the stories (usually the old ones) were written years ago
wherein the author wasn’t knowledgeable enough. However, you could reach out to the
author via this email (heartlessnostalgiabooks) kindly add the at yahoo.com for
concerns and clarifications for the betterment of her works.

-The stories will be edited once the author will have some spare time.

-Stories are usually under romantic-comedy (for the romance ones) and it may
contain dry humor that others may not find amusing. There are what they called Gen-
Z jokes and if you’re not into this, kindly drop the story.
 -READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. You’ve been warned.

Thank you for reaching this far! If the story wasn’t your cup of tea, I’m
asking you to kindly drop the story. There are a lot of great stories you could
read in the platform and give it a chance.

PLAGIARISM is a crime √

All rights reserved 2023

©heartlessnostalgia (Chennie Ann Cerro)

Warning! PLEASE READ!

Warning!

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic violence, profanity and
contains sensitive topics that may or may not be in favor in everyone’s opinions,
ideas, or beliefs. This includes mature scenes not suitable for young readers. This
story contains sensitive contents which some people may find disturbing. If you
can’t handle sensitive topics then this story is not for you.

Please be warned. Again, read at your own risk.

This story is for readers that are matured or 18 and up. Please be open-
minded and take this warning seriously, if not, you can skip this book and read the
other installments.

Topics: Forbidden Romance, Taboo (If you are not into this topics/tropes,
please do not proceed)

Content Warnings: Will tackle/mention drugs, kidnapping, murder/homicide,

death, abuse, brainwashing and traumas.

If in any way this book and contents are making you uncomfortable and were
detrimental to your mental health, I advise you not to proceed. If ever you did
click the next page and continue, good luck! Thank you for continuing with me in
this journey.

I want you to know that you are so brave and I admired your courage for
holding on a lot. If you need help. We are here to listen. You are not alone.

Suicide Prevention Hotline/Emotional Crisis:

The HOPELINE Project’s hotlines can be reached at (02) 804(4673), 09175584673

(HOPE) and 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).

Chiel’s Zahrah (Sneak Peek)

Heartlessnostalgia Files: Behind The Notes Podcast presents: Withered Roses

Alam kong inaabangan n’yo ‘to! Ang unang silip sa story ni Chiel-taba ay nasa
HN Files! Kahit wala pang story (sa ngayon😉) here’s a pasilip and read along for
Chiel-taba’s story!!! Oh, sosyal!!! This will also be our last episode and I wanted
to sincerely and genuinely thank you for your nonstop love and support to our
podcast!

Thank you very much to Wattpad, Spotify, and Podmachine!

To listen, you can simply click the Spotify Icon below and listen to the
latest episodes!✨

How far would you go for the sake of love?

Hahamakin mo ba ang lahat para lang sa pagmamahal na walang kasiguraduhan?

Paano kung ‘di pa handa? Paano pala kung hindi para sa ‘yo? Will you pluck the
rose just because you like it? Even if it withered…and died?

In the last episode of HN Files, let’s have a glimpse of what lies behind
the notes of the most anticipated story of Atty. Alchiel Sandejas! Magkaka-love
life na ba siya this time o forever sana all at props na lang sa mga pinsan niya?

Giveaway alert! Aside from our weekly giveaway, be one of five winners of 100
Wattpad Coins! To join, listen to the podcast and tell us what you love and learn
and comment/tag us on social media with the HT #SpotifyxWattpad #HNFilesPodcast!
Good luck!

Also, you can be a grand winner by simply listening and sharing for a chance
to win the Sandejas Boxed Set!

Synopsis & Announcement

Sandejas Legacy #7: Withered Roses

#HNWitheredRoses

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Tasked to find evidence to free her father in jail, Zahrah Ortega pretends to
be the new secretary of the strict and mysterious prosecutor in their area. But
when she suddenly finds herself in a complicated relationship with him, can Zahrah
still fulfill her mission in time?

* * *

Suffering from trauma when kidnapped years ago, Zahrah Ortega is forced to
live in a secluded mansion for her safety. With her father jailed for crimes his
lawyer claims he didn’t commit, Zahrah finds herself tasked with a difficult
mission—she must pretend to be the secretary of the new prosecutor to get evidence
that could set her father free. Zahrah believes she can fulfill her mission, but
when she meets the cold and mysterious prosecutor, she is suddenly unsure what to
think. With the doubts starting to cloud her thoughts and remnants of her past
haunting her back, can Zahrah set aside her growing feelings for the prosecutor to
uncover the truth once and for all?

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 Hi, Archers!

I am happy to share with you that Sandejas Legacy #7: Withered Roses will be
updated under Wattpad Paid Stories, a program that helps explore different ways
writers like me can gain from their works in Wattpad!

This has been the project I’ve been focusing on for a few months now, reason
for the slow updates (sorry :D) but I hope you’ll like it! The seventh installment
from Sandejas Legacy with (surprise characters winks) are very happy to share this
great news with you!

Unlike the usual, this book will have more than 30 chapters. Possibly 40-50
chapters depending in our journey throughout this book. However, before proceeding,
please read the disclaimers and warnings I have put before reading.

I’ve been writing in Wattpad for almost eight years, and I am amazed and glad
how you all appreciated and loved my works. Because of you and your support for me
and my stories, your words of encouragement and love, I never expected to reach
where I am right now.

I hope you’ll still support me here in Wattpad’s program to help writers like
me grow and become better storytellers. I assure you that this story will be worthy
of your support.

I am blessed to have you, Archers! I love you! I hope you’ll support me on

this journey! Thank you!

PS: For your reactions, we are using one HT for the whole story. Please tag
us on social media with the hashtag #HNWitheredRoses and also, pretty pleaaaseee?
You can freely share your thoughts (your kilig, galit, stress and more), you can
also share some lines but not too much, please? Not every scene. Let’s avoid
spoiling your co-Archer’s reading experience?🤫💞

With love,

Heartlessnostalgia (with Sandejas Family and secret characters winks)

Simula

Simula

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“What happened then, Mommy? Did the prince slay the dragon and save the
princess?”

I couldn’t see her eyes, but I could hear her voice and warmth. Her fingers
laced on my hair, combing it slowly and gently.

“Nope, princess,” she whispered. “The prince came not to rescue her but to
motivate her instead. The princess got the courage and slayed the dragon herself.”

Nangunot ang noo ko. Mas nagtataka sa kanya.

“‘Di ko po gets, Mommy.”

 A male, baritone voice answered instead, giving me the fatherly warmth inside
my chest.

“The prince urged and helped the princess to gather strength and bravery to
face her fears instead. Sa halip na siya ang gumawa, pinalakas niya ang loob ng
prinsesa na harapin ang takot and she did. She slayed the dragon herself,” he
answered.

My mouth parted in awe, realizing how amazing that was.

“Oh, wow! It’s different po sa story books po, Mommy? Daddy?” I asked. “Kasi
po ‘di ba sa fairytale, ‘yong princess po nasa likod ng prince tapos po ang prince
ang papatay po sa monster?”

“Hmm, yeah,” Mommy answered. “But you see, princesses can be their own
warriors, too. She’s as strong as the prince—they’re equal.”

I looked expectantly at the blurry face of my father and only saw his soft
smile.

“Yes, princess. Mommy’s right.”

“Then, how about after po, Mommy? Daddy? After killing the dragon, did they
get married?”

“Yeah, at some point in time but the tower where the princess was held in
prison was just the start of their journey. When they got out, back-to-back, the
prince and princess slain monsters on their way to the palace.”

“Wow!” I beamed in excitement. “Galing! Pero po, Mommy, okay lang po ba sa

princess na nakikipaglaban po siya sa monsters?”

“Yup.” She smiled. “You know, my rose, the greatest lesson and gift the
princess could ever have was through her adventure.”

“I love you, Mommy! Daddy! Thank you po sa story time!”

“We love you, too, our rose.”

I smiled as these two wonderful people held me closely. Their arms tightened
into a warm embrace. I couldn’t see their blurry faces but the love I was feeling
was enough to make me feel at home.

The scene had changed. I found myself crying and running away from the kids
on my classmates teasing. Magulo at mabilis ang pangyayari. Ni hindi ko nga makita
ang mukha nila at ‘di ako sigurado kung ako iyong inaasar pero nasasaktan ako sa
pagtawa nila.

“Ah! Hindi naman pala totoong pamilya!” they mocked and pushed me. “Totoo ba
‘yon? Ampon?”

I was stunned. I knew it already but if it was coming from other people, why
did it sting?

“N-no…” Umiling ako.

“Alam namin, ano! H’wag ka nang magsinungaling! Narinig namin ang pinsan mo
na sinasabi bibisita ka sa mommy mo sa sementeryo!”
 They laughed more until my head started spinning. Tinulak ko ang tumulak sa
akin bago nagtatatakbong walang direksyon.

I just wanted to leave. I just wanted their teasing to be hushed. I just

wanted this to stop.

I was crying when I tripped and fell, my knees scratching the stone. Napaupo
ako at umiyak nang makita ang dugong namumuo sa tuhod ko.

I sniffed. I couldn’t stop my tears any longer until it fell

more—unstoppable this time.

Tinakpan ko ang mukha ko. Nagtaas-baba ang balikat ko habang humahagulgol.

Hindi ko naiintindihan kung ano’ng nangyayari pero mabigat ang dibdib ko at

nasasaktan ako. Their laughter and mocking still lingered on my head, running like
a broken record.

“Don’t listen to them.” Nakarinig ako ng boses at doon na ako nag-angat ng

tingin.

My heart leaped.

I couldn’t see the man’s face clearly. It was blurry, just like my parents
but I could clearly see those wonderful ocean blue eyes gazing at me with such
affection and concern.

Kumunot ang noo ko, hilam pa rin sa luha ang mga mata nang magsalita.

“What are you doing here? Leave!” singhal ko at muling ibinaon ang mukha sa
tuhod nang mapapiksi sa kirot.

Naalala ko ang tuhod kong may sugat kaya itinago ko na lang ang mukha ko sa
palad at humikbi.

“Ang kulit mo talaga,” bulong-bulong niya. Inangat kong muli ang mukha at
sumimangot.

“E di umalis ka!” singhal ko. “Bakit ka ba sunod nang sunod?! Alam mo naman
palang gano’n ako! Alam n’yong lahat pero walang nagsasabi sa ‘kin na alam n’yo
lahat!”

I always thought it was only me and my parents who knew the truth about where
I came from. Kung sino ang mommy ko.

Akala ko iniisip ng buong pamilya na real akong family nila pero ngayong
nalaman kong alam nila… were they thinking the same thing as those bullies?

Tinatawanan din ba nila ako kasi ampon ako? Na wala akong tunay na mommy at
daddy?

“You were just a kid—”

“I am not a kid!” singhal ko. “You’re only a bit older than me but you knew!
T-tapos ako… tapos walang nagsabi sa ‘kin na alam n’yo…”

“Sasabihin naman ni Tita,” paliwanag niya. “Kami ng kambal ko, alam namin ang
totoo kasi s’yempre, mas matanda kami sa ‘yo. Naabutan ka namin pero sasabihin
naman ni Tita na alam namin sa ‘yo. Maybe she was just waiting for the right
time—”

“Right time? Right time na ano? N-na malaman ko sa iba?!” Galit kong hinawi
ang luha.

“I knew they had a reason for doing so,” he explained, but I was standing on
my feet and smacking my skirt clean.

Masakit ang tuhod ko sa sugat. Nararamdaman ko ang kirot at ang paghulog ng

dugo sa balat pero wala na akong pakialam.

Aalis ako! Lalayas na ako! Hindi naman nila yata ako mahal!

Nagmartsa ako paalis pero mas nangibabaw ang kirot sa tuhod ko sa nangyaring
iyon. Muntik na akong mawalan ng balanse. Inangat ko ang kamay para maghanap ng
makakapitan bago pa ako tuluyang bumagsak nang may humawak sa kamay ko.

Napatili ako, kumapit sa humawak pero nahila ko lang siya kasama ko sa halip
na makakuha ng balanse. Nahulog ang katawan ko sa semento, alam na tatama ang ulo
ko at baka mamatay na lang pero ‘di ko naramdaman iyon nang sa halip ay sa malambot
na palad ‘yon tumama.

Suminghap ako, naramdaman ang mabigat na katawan sa ibabaw ko at

nagkatinginan kami ng lalaki. Mas napansin ko ang malalim at asul na asul niyang
mga mata.

I have always liked his eyes but today, it seemed like it’s in a different
shade—or was it just my excuse because they were breathtaking?

Nagkatitigan kami. Mas naghalo ang kaba at sakit sa dibdib ko.

“A-aray…” daing ko nang tumama ang tuhod niya sa tuhod ko. Do’n na siya
napabalikwas ng tayo.

“How many times do I have to tell you to be careful?!” singhal niya habang
inaalalayan ako paupo. “You are so clumsy! Ilang sugat mo na ‘yan ngayong buwan?”

“And so?!” Suminghot ako at pinalo ang kamay niya. “I was playing with—”

“Pero hindi siya nagkakasugat. Ikaw, oo.” Muling kumunot ang noo niya at ‘di
na ako nakaangal nang buhatin niya ako sa bisig niya.

He was only a bit older than me, but I felt tiny in his arms. ‘Di rin naman
siya malaki! Matangkad lang pero kung makabuhat sa akin, akala mo laruan ako!

Hindi na ako umapila sa takot na baka ihulog niya na lang ako. Kumapit ako sa
batok niya, pilit pa ring hinahanap nang buo ang mukha niya pero tanging ang asul
na pares lang ang nakikita.

Tumama ang sinag ng araw sa mukha niya. Ang buhok na may halong itim at
tsokolate kapag naaarawan ay nahulog sa kanyang noo.

He lowered me on the swing, pissed. Inabot niya ang bag niya at pinagmasdan
ko siyang naglalabas ng maliit na kit doon.

“What’s that?” tanong ko at suminghot.

“Emergency kit, obviously,” bagnot niyang sagot at nagpatong sa hita ko ng

panyo. “Punasan mo ‘yang sipon mo.”
 Napaayos ako ng upo, mas nagtatalim ang tingin.

“Wala akong sipon!” singhal ko sabay lapit ng panyo niya sa mukha para
punasan ang luha at suminga ng sipon ko.

“See? May sipon?” Nasalubong ko ang mata niya.

Umirap ako.

“Lalabhan ko ‘to!”

“Sa ‘yo na ‘yan, ayoko ng may sipon.”

Umawang ang labi ko at sinubukan siyang sapukin.

Umiling siya’t nakaiwas. Pinanood ko siyang tinatanggal ang coat ng uniporme

bago ipinatong sa hita ko para matabunan ang palda at muling lumuhod.

He extended my skinned knee.

“Aww…” daing kong muli.

“Ang kulit kasi,” reklamo niya. “Kung tatakbo ka, usong tumingin sa daanan.”

“E, umiiyak ako, e! Alangan namang maisip ko pa ang daanan?” reklamo ko. “At
bakit ka may dalang emergency kit? Balak mo mag-med?”

“Your dad insisted you take this, but you refused.” Nilinis niya ang sugat
ko. “Kaya ako na ang kumuha at napakaarte n’yong dalawa ni kambal. Ayaw malaki ang
bag, puro pampaganda lang naman yata laman niyang bag mo.”

“What?” Ngumuso ako sabay yakap ng pink na bag. It was shaped like a heart,
binili para sa akin ng best friend ko. Red ang kanya at pink sa akin para matchy-
matchy.

“Uh-huh,” he mumbled.

“It’s just some face powder here and notebooks. Then, hair clips and comb.
And Dad’s overreacting. I don’t need that.”

He pressed the cotton on my knee. I groaned painfully.

“Ano? Hindi mo pa rin kailangan?” sikmat niya.

“Fine,” I surrendered. “Pero ‘di ko naman nagagamit, a? Ngayon lang kasi

nadapa ako.”

“You think so?” Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. “Pangatlong gamit ko na ‘to
ngayong buwan dahil sa inyong dalawa ng best friend mo. Sumabit kayo kung saan
no’ng nakaraang linggo, hindi ba? Kasi nakikipag-unahan kayo sa magazine ng boy
group ba ‘yon sa mall?”

Mas lumabi ako.

“We weren’t hurt.”

“But you two have bruises,” aniya. “Ano sa tingin n’yong gagawin ko no’ng
bumalik kayo sa ‘kin yakap-yakap ang magazine tapos may mga pasa?”
 “Sorry na,” nguso ko. “Suplado naman.”

Umiling siya at ‘di na umimik. Tahimik ko lang siyang pinagmasdan hanggang sa

nagsalita na ako.

“Lalayas na lang ako sa bahay,” I declared.

“What?” When he lifted his eyes, I saw they were turning almost pitch black.
I shivered but remained stoic.

“Ampon lang naman ako kasi, ‘di ba?” sagot ko. “E di hahanapin ko ang totoong
parent ko—”

“That’s just stupid.” Umiling siya. “You’re stupid.”

Nalaglag ang panga ko. “How am I stupid?! I shouldn’t be in your family! E,

alam n’yo namang ampon ako—”

“Ask your mother first. How sure are you that you would find your biological
father, hmm?” Kunot pa rin ang noo ko. “And you’re still young. Ni hindi ka pa nga
marunong maglaba at magsaing na sa sarili mo, lalayas ka? Ano’ng gagawin mo?
Mamamalimos sa kalsada?”

“I-I can work!” I exclaimed. “I’m independent! Alam mo bang ako na ang
nagpaplantsa ng uniform ko?”

“Really?” he laughed. “I heard you almost burned your bed last time.”

“Ih!” I whined. “That’s not the point! I mean, kaya ko namang matuto! Alam ko
‘yon!”

“Patience is a virtue,” he answered. “Talk to your parents. You’re just in

fifth grade. Baka mahuli ka pa ng sindikato at ipagbenta ng sampaguita, gusto mo
‘yon?”

“E di sa high school,” bulong ko na. “Kailan mo nalaman na… ano ako?”

“We’re older, obviously, but well, I overheard it a long time ago. Can’t
remember exactly when.” Nilagyan niya ng benda ang tuhod ko. “Accidentally with Dad
and Tita. They were talking about some properties or whatever to be transferred to
you when you come of age.”

“Matagal na pala, and you didn’t even tell me?” Humalukipkip ako.

“It doesn’t even matter.” Tumayo siya at napapikit ako nang pitikin niya ang
noo ko. “We shouldn’t be really discussing this.”

“Pero ‘di ko kayo kamag-anak!” I pointed out. Hindi siya umimik at nakatitig
lang. “Right?!”

“I know,” pormal na sagot niya.

Mas nakagat ko ang labi.

“Does your twin know?” I asked hesitantly.

Tumango siya. Napahawak ako sa dibdib.

 “How? You told her? When?”

“I didn’t.” Umiling siya at muling dumukwang para pantayan ang tingin ko.
“She just found out last year. She was looking for Dad’s debit card or something,
may in-order na naman tapos nakita niya.”

My heart fell.

“She didn’t t-tell me…”

“Because it doesn’t matter,” he explained again.

“How is it not?” I whispered. “M-masyado akong feeling close sa inyo, akala

naman kamag-anak.”

“Talk to your parents,” he reminded again. “H’wag matigas ang ulo. You can
talk to your best friend about it, she’ll tell you the same thing. It doesn’t
matter. H’wag mong papansinin ‘yong mga bully na ‘yon. Sino ba ‘yon? Papakasuhan
natin kay Dad.”

Umiling akong lalo.

“E di lalayas na nga lang ako,” bulong ko pa. “‘Di ba may property naman na
raw na ita-transfer? E di ayon na lang—”

“Listen.” He tipped my chin down so he could meet my gaze. “Did your parents
ever make you feel you didn’t belong?”

I rummaged inside my head, trying to look for it but couldn’t find any.

I shook my head.

“Did they ever make you feel unloved? Like you are different?” he asked
again.

I shook my head again, my eyes stinging with the memories of those blurry
faces telling me stories and tucking me to sleep.

I have never felt hungry in my life. I was pampered. I was given everything.

I was… loved. I’ve always been.

“No,” I whispered. “They loved me… truly and deeply.”

“Then, there you go,” he smiled. I couldn’t see his face entirely, but I knew
he was smiling with the way his eyes curved with it.

Mas gumaan at mas naging asul ang mga mata niya.

“Ask them before deciding.” He pinched my cheek. “I’m sure they’d tell you
everything once you ask them. At maglalaro ba kayo ng dress up mamaya sa computer?”

“Huh?” I blinked. “Oo? Bakit?”

“Sali ako.” Kumindat siya sabay lagay ng isang piraso ng gum sa hita ko.

Ang mabigat na dagan sa dibdib ko ay gumaan at natawa na rin ako.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 I woke up with almost the same dream. Same familiar gazes. Familiar voices
and faint memories from the past but I woke up in the same place.

Sabi ng psychiatrist ko ay normal lang daw iyon at hayaan ko lang na dumaloy

pero ‘di ko pa rin maiwasang mapaisip at paghinalaan ang paligid ko.

I was born here and grew up in the city but while I was healing, I was
staying here to not trigger stressors—they said. Pero hanggang ngayon ay ‘di pa
rin ako sanay sa lugar na ito. O siguro, dahil wala lang talaga akong malinaw na
naaalala.

It was all because of that stupid accident. Ang sabi nila, I drove around
town when I got into an accident, and boom, I woke up like this, with no
recollection of everything from the past.

I didn’t even know my name!

Bumuntonghininga ako at sumulyap sa garden at nakita ang mga rosas na

itinanim kong namumukadkad na.

Well, at least I have some spare time to spend on my lovely roses.

Matapos kong magdilig at mag-exercise ay bumalik ako sa kwarto para maupo sa

terrace at pagmasdan ang malawak na lupain sa harapan ko kung saan nakatayo ang
mansyong ‘to.

I wasn’t sure if we’re secluded in the area o baka may kalapit na mga
establisyemento.

Ipinikit ko ang mata at suminghap.

Another boring day in this dull and lifeless mansion.

“Ma’am Zahrah? Mamamalengke po kami ngayon, may gusto po ba kayong ipabili?”

the head of the house helps asked kaya napaisip ako saglit.

Gusto ko sanang sabihing wala akong ipapabili pero kaagad akong natigilan
nang may naisip. I glanced at her and spoke.

“P’wede… p’wede po ba akong sumama sa palengke?” I asked. I saw her eyes

widen.

“Naku, Ma’am, bawal po yata—”

“P-please?” I pleaded and sighed. “I am so bored in this house… ayoko rito.

Baka matuluyan na akong mabaliw. Please?”

She sighed. I saw her hesitating for a while but then, she slowly nodded.

“Sige, pero h’wag kang lalayo, Ma’am, a? Yari tayo kapag nalaman…” she
reminded, and it made me smile. Mabilis akong tumayo at hinawi ang suot na dress
para ayusin.

“Opo! Hindi ako aalis!” I exclaimed happily.

I was beaming with excitement while we’re on our way. This was my first time
going out on my own will! I must cherish this! Lumalabas lang ako kapag nagpapa-
ospital at ‘yon na ‘yon, hindi man lang nakakapag-ikot at bawal na bawal daw.
 Kaagad kaming bumaba pagdating sa palengke. The guards were following us, and
they looked so scary but mabuti na ‘yon kaysa sa makulong ako sa bahay na ‘yon.

The house help bought fruits and veggies and I was just following her. Malaki
ang ngiti ko habang naglalakad kasunod niya. Masaya dahil may bagong bagay at lugar
akong nakikita.

I saw people glancing my way as we made our way inside and bought some food.
Mukhang naninibago rin at kasama ako.

“Magkano itong sibuyas?” aniya sa tindera na napuntahan namin. The vendor

told her the price and I saw her glancing at me and asked.

“May gusto ka bang bilhin? Sige, punta ka muna r’yan pero h’wag kang lalayo,
a?” aniya sa akin kaya mas lumaki ang ngiti ko.

“Salamat po!” I cheered happily and walked around to look for something to
buy or anything! Dapat may makita ako para ‘di boring sa bahay.

I didn’t mind the guards following me. Pumunta ako sa bilihan ng hair clip at
namili ng maganda. I bought a few and smiled because I found those really cute.

Mura pa!

“Hija, baka gusto mo ng libro?” tawag ng isang tindera sa akin kaya napaayos
ako ng tayo.

I glanced at the guards near me and saw them talking to each other, not
minding my business. Ngumuso ako at naglakad patungo sa store na ‘yon at napansing
hindi nila ako nasundan.

“Ito, hija…” The lady showed me some cheap, old, international books and I
felt happy while looking at them.

P’wede ko itong mabasa!

I looked around for possible interesting books. I wanted to read romance

books para kahit paano’y kiligin naman ako sa relasyon ng iba kahit wala na ako.

It’s not like I could see men around beside those scary bodyguards, right?

Kinuha ko ang mga may interesanteng blurb sa likod, lalo na ‘yong mga
prinsesa ng isang gawa-gawang bansa ang mga bidang babae at gustong-gusto ko ‘yon.

Naging abala ako sa pagtingin sa may tindera nang may narinig akong tinig,
kinakausap siya.

“Miss, may malapit bang gasolinahan dito?” a baritone voice asked behind me
and I froze.

My chest pounded.

That voice…

“Ah, meron sa malapit, hijo,” the old lady answered.

I shifted my gaze and I saw how the man shifted his eyes at me, too. His eyes
widened in shock. His crystalline blue eyes immediately watered, and his mouth
parted when he saw me.

“C-Clyte?” he muttered.

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“C-Clyte?”

Tumitig ako sa lalaki, ang asul niyang mga mata ang kaagad kong napansin.
Umawang ang labi ko para sana magsalita nang naglakad siya palapit.

Napaatras ako at humugot ng hininga. He stopped in his tracks, his watering

eyes still watching me like a hawk.

“Sorry,” I pursed my lips and tilted my head. “Do I know you?”

His mouth parted and opened again. Ang mga mata niya’y napunta sa katawan ko,
sa mga braso ko pabalik sa mukha ko pero ‘di ako nakaramdam ng takot.

But he’s still weird.

“Sorry, do I know you from before?” I asked, leaving him gaping at me.

“Are you…” He closed his fist and hid it on his jeans. Mukha siyang nalilito,
parang nakakita pa ng multo. “You don’t know me?”

Umiling ako, nakatitig pa rin sa kanya.

Matangkad at matipuno. Kahit simpleng turtleneck na dark blue lang ang suot
ay mukha na siyang mamahalin at may sinasabi sa buhay. Matikas, malinis ang
maikling buhok at kitang-kita ang pagkakaporma ng panga.

He stepped forward. I gasped and hugged the books more.

“Don’t.” Umiling ako at wala siyang sinabi, itinigil ang paglapit.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed, magpaghanap ang mga mata. “I just thought I’ve…
I’ve seen you before…”

“Oh.” I nodded, my heart pounding and I wasn’t sure why. “Maybe you’ve seen
me before. Pero ‘di kita kilala, Sir. Sorry.”

Hindi siya umimik. Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin, tila sabik na hindi ko
maintindihan.

“Are you from here?” biglang tanong niya, ang palad ay inaayos na ang
turtleneck niya sa may leeg, tila ‘di makahinga sa damit.

My heart fluttered again. Sumulyap ako sa guards sa hindi kalayuan pabalik sa

kanya. I caught him glancing at my guards, too, then back to me.

“Your guards?”
 I nodded, hugging the books more.

Naalala ko ang bilin nila sa ‘kin. H’wag na h’wag daw makikipag-usap sa ‘di
kilala dahil maraming kalaban ang Daddy.

“Yeah, uhm, I’m around here,” I answered quickly, “but sorry I can’t say
more. You should leave before the guards come.”

Umawang ang labi niya at akmang hahawakan ako pero binawi niya rin kaagad at
humawak sa kanyang batok. Ang mga matang asul ay kagaya ng kanina, kumikislap.

He looked sad, longing? I don’t know.

“Ma’am Zahrah?” When I heard the guards calling, I let out a small gasp and
turned my back to him to give the books to the lady.

“Kukunin ko na po,” sinabi ko at habang binabalot niya ‘yon ay siya ring

pagdating ng guards.

“Ayos lang kayo, Ma’am?” ani ng guard. “Sino ‘yong kausap n’yo?”

“Ah, he’s…” Lumingon ako para ituro ang lalaki pero wala na ‘yon sa pwesto
niya kanina.

I stopped.

Weirdly enough, I felt a hollow part in my chest knowing he was gone. As if

something filled the cracks and vanished again, leaving me empty.

Umiling ako sa guard. “Nawawala lang, nagtatanong ng direksyon.”

Tumango sila at pagkatapos kong magbayad ay muli kong nilingon ang pwesto
n’ong lalaki kanina pero ‘di ko na talaga siya nakita.

Buong biyahe ay ‘yon ang laman ng utak ko. I was already on my bed staring at
the ceiling with the books I bought beside me pero paulit-ulit sa utak ko ang
lalaki kanina at ang asul niyang mga mata.

Where have I seen them? I knew I did or at least they’re familiar but I
wasn’t so sure.

He’s beautiful. Matangos ang ilong, manipis ang pulang-pulang labi. Malinis
ang buhok at matikas. He was obviously a foreigner if not half because of those
eyes… Those eyes…

Saan ko ba iyon nakita?

Oh, hindi kaya sa magazines? O sa kung saan? It’s not like blue eyes were
rare. Marami n’on sa mundo na magkakatulad.

Ano’ng bago, Zahrah?

Inilapag ko sa dibdib ang libro at bumuntonghininga. If only I had access on

social media or even some television, baka p’wede pa akong makahanap ng mga dating
kaibigan bago ang aksidente pero ngayon?

Umiling ako.

Bawal nga kasi, Zahrah. Maraming kalaban ang daddy mo. He’s in jail now.
Those enemies killed your mother kaya napariwara ka sa buhay!

I shouldn’t be curious. This was really bad for me.

I got lost in the novels the whole night and slept. Those blue eyes were
haunting me even in my sleep, again.

“There are times dreams are made-up fantasies in our head, Miss Sebastian,”
my psychiatrist said.

“But I have dreams about certain faceless people, and it felt so real,
Doc.”

I saw something in her eyes, but it vanished after a while. What was it?
Pity?

She shook her head.

“It’s possible they were a few acquaintances of yours before your accident
but based on my assessment of you through the past years, it’s totally unrelated.”

Tumango ako, may agam-agam pa rin sa sinasabi niya. I think I knew something
about my case, but I couldn’t even grasp it. Baka imahinasyon ko lang.

“You are a smart woman, Miss Sebastian,” she said. “You’re imaginative and
you loved reading—fairytales if I’m not mistaken?”

Tumango ako. “Yes, but I still know how to distinguish reality from
fiction.”

“Yes, but it still adds some factor to your dreams,” she explained, “meaning,
not everything you’ve been dreaming is a part of your memories. Some are just what
your mind unconsciously made to satisfy you.”

Umalis siya habang naiwan na naman akong ginagawa nang paulit-ulit ang mga
nakasanayan nitong mga nakaraang taon.

Boredom kills me every damn time pero ano nga bang magagawa ko? My whole life
revolved around here with my books and garden filled with roses.

The sun was up, and I gazed at the balcony and stared at the lot in front of
me. Mayabong ang mga pananim doon at kabaligtaran n’on ang nararamdaman ko. I felt
empty.

“You own everything in here, Zahrah.” Nilingon ko ang nagsalita at may maliit
na ngiting lumitaw sa labi nang makita kung sino iyon.

“Attorney,” I called, smiling.

Nang inilahad niya ang braso sa akin ay tinanggap ko ang yakap niya at
tinapik ang likod. “You didn’t tell me you’ll be here.”

“It’s a surprise,” he chuckled and placed his palm on the top of my head.
“How are you? When was the last time I saw you?”

“Last month,” sagot ko at muling tumitig sa harapan kung saan tanaw ang
malawak na lupaing sa akin daw. Walang bahay na mga kalapit pwera ang mansyong ito.

“Good thing I’ve visited you again. Are you bored? I bought you new books.”
“Really?!” Namilog ang mata ko, lumalaki ang ngiti. Nang tumango siya ay
napatili na ako at niyakap siya. “You’re the best, Cole!”

“Basta ikaw.” He hugged me back.

Nang makawala ay pumasok ako pabalik sa kwarto at tuwang-tuwa sa mga binili

niyang mga libro. Pampatay ito ng oras ko kapag nababagot ako. Nasa sampu yata iyon
at kapag isinama ang mga nabili ko sa palengke, baka isa o dalawang buwan akong may
babasahin!

“Anyway, I just…”

Nag-angat ako ng tingin para pakinggan siya pero ‘di niya itinuloy ang
sinasabi. Kumunot ang noo ko.

“Why?”

“Oh, nothing.” Umiling siya. “Sige, tumingin ka muna ng mga libro.”

Hindi ko sinunod ang sinasabi niya. I closed the book I was checking out and
placed it beside me, looking at him intently.

“I know you, Cole,” I started. “You won’t just come here for nothing. Spill
it.”

He sighed. “Zahrah—”

“Sooner or later, you’ll tell me about it, anyway. Ano’ng kaibahan kung
sasabihin mo na ngayon?” Tumaas ang kilay ko. “It’s not like I won’t force you to
tell me because I will.”

Tumitig siya sa akin, bumubuntonghininga.

I let him and watched him quietly.

I knew him well now and I knew if something was bothering him. He’s only a
bit older than me, and he’s our current family lawyer. He’s the first person I saw
after my accident, and he told me everything.

I’m Zahrah Bellarose Sebastian and I got into a car accident when I was
kidnapped. My father was falsely accused and was jailed. My mother died because of
those people who jailed my father.

Naalala kong muli ang panaginip ko. Kung paano ako pinapatulog ng mga
magulang ko. We were once a happy family with a loving and sweet mother and a
protective and great father pero nasira ang lahat na ‘yon dahil sa mga taong may
ayaw sa pamilya namin.

However, when I woke up, I never once got the chance to talk to my father in
jail. Ang naging daan para malaman ko ang nangyari at kung kumusta siya ay si Cole.

They never allowed me to visit him since the enemy was after me and I knew I
was in danger. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit namatay ang mommy ko, hindi na rin ako
magugulat kung pati ako ay idamay nila.

Those heartless people… they’ve taken my family from me!

“We just found out the accident you had wasn’t an accident at all.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

 “What?”

“Someone attempted to kill you. It’s not an accident,” deretsong sinabi niya
sa akin. “At alam kong nagtataka ka kung bakit simula no’ng nagising ka’y hindi ka
pinapalabas.”

“Wasn’t that because I’m in danger?” takang tanong ko.

“Yes, partly.” Tumango siya. “But the truth was… well, no one really knew you
existed.”

Everything stopped. My ears rang with the sudden revelation.

Everyone thought I was what? Not existing?

“Ano?” Umawang ang labi ko, ang puso’y malakas na kumakalabog. “What do you
mean… What do you mean I was not existing? You’re kidding, right?” Tumawa pa ako.
“It isn’t possible—”

“Zahrah—”

“What do you mean?!” I exclaimed. “All this time, I let you control me by
staying here because I’m in danger and now you’re saying I am not existing?!”

“It was for your own safety. Calm down,” he breathed. “Your father had no
choice but to fake your death back when you’re young—para ‘di ka nila muling
habulin.”

“No…” Umiling ako, hindi makapaniwalang itinago nila sa ‘kin ‘to ng ilang
taon.

“You were homeschooled and were kidnapped by your father’s enemies when they
found out about you. That night when you drove to escape them and crashed, we
thought it was merely an accident, but the truth was, they chased and tried to kill
you.”

My mouth parted.

“No! Shut up! It wasn’t true!”

“But Zahrah, your father needs you now. I came here to tell you—”

“Leave,” mariing utos ko, naghahabol ng hininga.

“Zahrah—”

“I said leave!” I exclaimed, pointing to the door.

He watched me closely and I fought his gaze. He must’ve realized I wasn’t

planning to back out. He stood and sighed.

“We’ll talk if you’re calm,” marahang sinabi niya. “I’ll be in the library.
You know where to find me.”

When he left, I let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding. I fisted my
palm, gripping my hair.

What the hell? Everyone thought I was dead?

 Was it why no one dared visit me? Let alone ask how I was? Was that it?

Masakit ang ulo ko at nakatulog ng ilang oras. Muli na naman akong binisita
ng mga panaginip ko.

I could hear laughter, a certain large mansion that wasn’t where I was
living.

I was talking to a girl. I couldn’t see her entire face, but she had black
eyes, and we were wearing matching sleepwear.

“I bought this for you, BFF!” she chirped excitedly. “Kasi yesterday, I went
to Singapore to visit their spa but then came across the mall! I saw this! Sa ‘yo
ang violet, akin itong pink. Isasama ko nga sanang bilhan si kambal kaso
nagsusungit na naman at saka baka isumbong ako kay Dad!”

“Thank you!” I smiled. “Pero you don’t have to buy me one. I told you, mag-
ipon ka. Kapag nalaman ni Tito…”

“Aww, ayaw mo?” The tone of her voice softened; she was sad. It broke my
heart. “Sorry, hindi na—”

“It’s fine.” I pulled her closer for a hug. “But you must be careful spending
money next time, okay? Hindi lahat ng oras may pera.”

She sighed. “Okay…pero may nakita akong phone case na may diamond—” She
laughed loudly when she saw my face. “Kidding! Payakap nga ako, BFF!”

Pagkagising ay gusto ko pa rin sanang magmukmok sa loob ng kwarto pero paano?

May magagawa ba ang pagmumukmok?

Ilang taon na akong nagmumukmok at isang araw pang gano’n, kung hindi pa ako
baliw ay baka masisiraan na talaga ako ng ulo!

I took a quick bath and went to the library to see Cole.

“Zahrah, let me—”

“What’s happening?” malamig kong tanong.

Napansin niya ang distansya sa boses ko kaya napatungo ito at tumango. He sat
on the long couch before glancing beside him.

Sa halip na sa tabi niya ay naupo ako sa pang-isahang upuan katapan niya,

pinagsasaklop ang nanginginig na palad para hintayin ang sasabihin niya.

“Sir Israel’s in danger,” he started.

Napaayos ako ng upo.

“What do you mean my father is in danger?”

“We’re working on an appeal for his case,” aniya.

Hope bloomed inside my chest.

“I-is it possible?”
 “Yes.” Tumango siya. “Your father was falsely accused, Zahrah. Alam mo naman
ang pulitika, may mga taong ayaw sa dad mo. They obviously had the means and
manipulated the law. They threw him in jail, the reason why your mother died and
why he missed watching you grow.”

My jaw clenched.

Muling bumalik sa alaala ko ang mga panaginip ko. Kung paano ako minahal ng
mga magulang ko. Kung paano nila hawakan ang kamay ko nang mahigpit para makatulog
ako.

Their stories about the princess slaying the dragon herself…

“Am I an orphan, Cole?” I asked out of nowhere.

Natigilan siya.

“What?”

“Am I an orphan?” I repeated.

Napansin ko kaagad ang gulo sa kanyang itsura.

“No.” He shook his head. “You’re not…”

Then why were my dreams like that? Was it the fantasy my psychiatrist was
saying? Was I making all these memories of my parents in my head?

“Bakit, Zahrah? Did someone tell you you’re an orphan?” he asked curiously.

Umiling ako.

“Nothing, don’t mind me. I just had these weird dreams.”

“Again?” Mas nagsalubong ang kilay niya. “Are you seeing Dra. Agoncillo? Or
are you skipping therapies again—”

“I’m fine, okay? I’m seeing her. Happy?” Sinuklay ko ang buhok at pagod na
sumandal. “Enough about me. What do you want me to do?”

“I’ve talked to Dad,” he started, referring to Atty. Kiko Fernandez, his

father, and my father’s attorney. “And he suggested talking to you since an appeal
will be coming a few months from now. Your father has also been a model prisoner in
jail which is a good thing.”

I waited.

“But you see, Zahrah, malalaki at makapangyarihan ang mga kaaway ng dad mo.
We can file an appeal, but it is possible we won’t win this one unless…” Nag-
aalangan siyang tumitig sa akin.

“Unless?”

“We do something internally. This will be against our morals, but we have no
choice, Zahrah.”

My heart thumped nervously with anticipation.

“There will be a new prosecutor in town,” panimula niya. “As per my father,
he will be handling and reviewing Sir Israel’s case for the appeal.”

“And…?”

“We want you to know every little update and information regarding the case,
so my father could prepare a defense for him in advance to our advantage.”

Tumango ako, ang pag-asa ay nabubuo nang paunti-unti.

If my dad gets out, then… I’ll have my father again. I can have a family
again. I won’t be alone.

“I’ll do it,” I said without hesitation. “But how? Everyone thought I was
dead.”

“This new prosecutor, we have no idea who he is exactly for now, but he came
from the States,” he explained. “He wouldn’t know you personally and because you’re
dead to them, you will be assuming a new identity. You don’t have to worry about
it, kami na ang bahala.”

“And what will I do? Just tell me already, Cole. Ayoko ng paikot-ikot. I
don’t care if I have to do something immoral, I just want my father out of that
jail. What should I do?”

“You will disguise as his secretary,” he answered, stunning me.

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I smiled at the camera, waving my hand. I could hear the cheers from
everyone, mixing from girls and boys but what I’ve noticed the most were the people
in front.

A man and a woman.

They were cheering and everyone had their banners, screaming for me when I
was announced as this year’s Miss Intrams.

Wow.

Those two, that man and woman were holding hands and were screaming I was
their daughter. How proud they were of me. How happy I made them, and it was more
than just the sash and the crown from the pageant.

It was too bright—from the spotlight, from the twinkling lights until the
cheers turned to screams.

Biglang dumilim.

I screamed a name… someone I couldn’t grasp.

“H’wag n’yong sasaktan! Let me go! Let me go!” I screamed so loud my ears
began ringing.
 “Tangina, bilis!” a man behind me screamed. Mas nagpumiglas ako at sumigaw.
“Yari tayo kay Ma—”

I screamed more, scratching these large men behind me with my fingers. Wala
na akong pakialam pa kung masaktan ako, basta kailangan kong makaalis!

Sasaktan nila ang best friend ko! Sasaktan nila ang mga mahal ko!

“Let me fucking go!” Sumipa ako nang hatakin nila ako papasok sa likod ng
sasakyan. Siniko ko nang malakas ang may hawak kaya nakawala ako.

The car was already moving.

I moved hastily, reaching for the handle to open the door to jump out when a
gunshot echoed and when I looked back, I saw a man running after the car falling on
the ground.

“N-no…” I shook my head, screaming. “No! No!”

Inabot ko ang handle pero nagdilim ang paningin ko nang maramdaman ang
pagtama ng kung ano sa likuran ng ulo.

Napasinghap ako at napaupo. Naghahabol ako ng hininga. Nagkukumuhog akong

tumayo at nanginginig na tumayo paalis sa kama bago sumiksik sa gilid.

It was so dark. So dark.

Were those men here? Will they take me away again? Will they…

Nanginginig na inilusot ko ang kamay sa ilalim ng unan at inangat sa ere ang

cutter.

I looked around, adjusting my gaze.

I could still hear the whispers. I could still hear the way they laugh. How
stinky the place was. How dark…

Nanginginig pa ang kamay ko nang magbukas ang pintuan ng kwarto at sumilip

ang liwanag galing sa hallway.

My heart raced. I was frantic again.

Nand’yan na sila… Nand’yan na sila… Nand’yan na—

“Zahrah?” I screamed, inangat ko ang cutter para lumaban nang kumalat ang
ilaw sa buong kwarto at nasalubong ko ang tingin ni Yaya Mildred.

“Zahrah!”

Umawang ang labi ko at nabitawan ang cutter na hawak. I heard a loud thud
when it hit the ground. She walked closer and hugged me.

“Zahrah…” she called gently.

“Y-yaya…” I whispered, shaking. “I-I’m s-sorry, I-I was…oh God…I’m sorry…”

“A-ayos lang,” she whispered. “Ano’ng nangyari? Nanaginip ka ulit? Sorry,

kakauwi ko lang galing sa mga anak ko. Ano’ng nangyari?”
 I shook my head and cried more, my fingers clutching her shirt.

“I-it was them again…” I whispered. “T-those men… They took me away from my
parents… T-they…”

“Shhh…” she hushed and assisted me towards the end of the bed. “Hinga ka.
Inhale, exhale.”

I followed, controlling my breathing. I was hyperventilating again. I won’t

stop shaking.

“Sandali, kukunan kita ng tubig.” I hesitantly let her go as she stood to

take the pitcher beside my bed, refilling the glass before extending it to me.

Inabot ko iyon at dere-deretsong ininom, nanginginig pa rin ang palad.

“Tawagan ko ba si Dra.?”

“N-no,” I shook my head. “P-please, no. I’m not crazy.”

“Hindi ka baliw, Zahrah.” Inabot ni Yaya ang palad ko. “May trauma ka, hindi
baliw.”

I shook my head.

“I-I have these dreams that didn’t happen, Yaya. The doctor said it could be
a part of a fantasy I’m putting inside my head. Hindi lahat ng napapanaginipan ko
ay nawalang alaala. Who knows if I’m fucked in the head?”

Her eyes softened, obviously feeling bad about my situation.

“H’wag mong sabihin ‘yan.” Pinisil niya ang palad ko. “Hindi ka ganyan, okay?
Tatawagan ko si Dra. bukas para sa session mo. Sinasabi mo ba sa kanya ang tungkol
sa mga napapanaginipan mo?”

I nodded.

“I don’t think therapy’s helping,” I answered. “It’s not like those dreams
I’m having are disappearing. Mas lumalala lang.”

She sighed and caressed my hair.

“Tara, anak, doon muna tayo sa higaan mo. Tatabihan kita hanggang sa
makatulog ka. Marami ka pang gagawin bukas, hindi ba?”

I closed my eyes and massaged my temple.

“I’m so tired, Yaya…” pagod kong bulong. “K-kailan ba ako magkakaroon ng

magulang?”

“Magiging ayos din ang lahat.” She soothed my hair. “Magdasal ka lang at
magtiwala sa sarili mo. H’wag kang mag-isip ng negatibo at minsan, paniniwala
naming mga matatanda ay nakakadala ito ng malas.”

Easier said than done.

Kung possible nga lang na itakwil lahat ng negatibo sa utak sa isang isip ko
lang ay matagal ko nang ginawa.
 But our minds are powerful. Sometimes, they shield us from pain reasons why
they blocked us out of traumatizing memories we couldn’t face but sometimes, it’s
just in your damn head.

Kapag sinasabi mong ‘di mo na iisipin ay saka mo mas maiisip lalo.

Tumango ako at sumunod na lang.

In this empty, large house? Tanging si Yaya lang ang nakakausap ko. Ang
sinabi niya sa akin ay matagal na siyang nandito sa mansyon. She was my mother’s
yaya before she died.

Ang tanging kakampi ko lang sa bahay na ‘to na punong-puno ng guards at mga

taong malayo ang loob sa akin.

I tried to talk and get close to them, but they seemed so scared of me. Tila
may nakakahawa akong sakit kung makaasta sila at lumalayo sa bawat lapit ko.

Kaya ang kasama ko lang, kung hindi ang mga libro ko ay si Yaya o ‘di kaya’y
si Cole na bumibisita minsan kapag napapadaan siya.

Cole was also an attorney. His father was handling my father’s case, his
defense counsel. Ang sabi nila ay naakusahan ang ama ko ng murder at trafficking ng
droga.

They filed an appeal kaya mabubuksang muli ang kaso pero makapangyarihan ang
kalaban ng pamilya namin.

They said those people… they were the ones who kidnapped me before. The one
who’d taken me away from my family. The reason why I was experiencing this.

Why I was traumatized.

Rage tripled inside my fucking chest.

I will never forgive those people.

Revenge flickered and lit the withering part of my heart. I will do whatever
it takes to clear my father’s name and get even.

I won’t fuck this up.

If they want war? I’ll give them war.

For the next few days, I was with Cole. He told me the things I had to do and
what kind of information I had to relay. If possible, they wanted me to obtain
copies of the documents from the prosecution to prepare a defense.

“How can you sneak me inside the prosecution?” I asked. “Possible ba ‘yon?”

He smiled.

“I’m an attorney, Zahrah. I have connections inside. Don’t worry, you have my
word. You just need to send your resume, attend the interview online, and expect
the call.”

“How about my name?” I asked. “If I was dead or not even existing to
everyone, then I should change my name, right?”
 “Just the surname,” he informed me. “It will be suspicious if you’ll use your
father’s surname. We registered you as Zahrah Ortega.”

I went to the hospital for my therapy and as usual, the psychiatrist said the
same thing all over again. She prescribed medications with stronger dosages this
time.

I went to the mall first to buy a new wardrobe. Of course, with those
bodyguards since they insisted on coming with me.

Bakas ang pagtataka sa mga tao kapag nakikita akong dumadaan na may kasamang
guards pa sa gilid. I sighed in embarrassment.

“I’m fine,” sinabi ko na sa kanila. “Can you stay at least five feet away?”

“Ma’am?” the head of the security asked.

“We’re in public and can’t you see people looking? Mas nakakakuha lang ng
atensyon.”

“Pero Ma’am…”

“It’s not like we’re in danger or something. We’re in public. You can see
even from a distance. Just…” Sinuklay ko ang buhok ko. “Give me some space, will
you?”

They were hesitating but decided there would be no danger, so they let me go.
Nag-ikot ako sa mga boutique para mamili ng mga damit.

I smiled widely when I saw a pink one with adorable furs. For sure, she would
love this!

I stiffened.

Who would, Zahrah?

Binitawan ko ang dress at ipinikit ang mata bago napaupo nang pumintig ang
sentido ko.

I was dizzy again.

“Ma’am, do you need any assistance?” the saleslady asked.

“No, thank you. Medyo sumakit lang ang ulo ko,” sagot ko bago ngumiti,
hinihilot ang sentido.

Nang mawala siya sa tingin ay sumulyap ako sa labas ng boutique kung saan
nakakalat ang bodyguards.

I didn’t allow them to get inside here.

They were suffocating. Ni hindi man lang ako makaalis mag-isa!

I decided to look around the large boutique offering formal and business
attire when I felt fine again until I reached the men’s section.

My lips pursed.

Mas marami akong taong nakikita sa women’s section kaysa sa mga lalaki na
nag-iikot dito sa parteng ‘to.

“Hello, Ma’am. Are you looking for dresses? Gowns? Or business attire?”

“Business attire,” sagot ko sa saleslady. “Do you have some suggestions?

Simple lang, for a secretarial job.”

“This way, Ma’am,” she mentioned, showing me the way.

Sumunod ako at napatango sa mga naka-display na damit.

I noted the logo with the CS written on it. Nang binasa ko ang pangalan ay
nakita ko ang brand name.

Crescent Shines

It was simple but elegant looking. Halatang ginawa nang mabusisi. Mukhang sa
halip na secretary ay mukhang CEO ang kalabasan, a?

“Neutral colors would be fine,” turo ko sa gusto kong terno na nakita ko sa

stall. I chose one with pencil skirts and slacks.

Maganda kasi ang tela at malambot. Alam kong ‘di ‘to mainit suotin at
komportable.

“Let me check ones for your size, Ma’am,” paalam niya bago umalis.

Naupo ako habang nag-aantay, inaayos ang floral dress na suot. My hair was
tied up in a ponytail, my bangs covering parts of my forehead.

Tinitigan ko ang itsura ko sa katapat na salamin at inabot ang pisngi.

I was pale and has fair skin. Naniniwala akong kaya ganito na ako kaputi
ngayon ay dahil sa pagkukulong sa mansyon. Madalang lang akong maarawan maliban na
lang kapag nag-aasikaso ako ng garden ko.

I was still nervous about all these plans and tasks I had to do but for my
father and my dead mother, I should do this.

I have to get my father out of jail. He’s the only family I have.

Tumayo ako para sana mag-ikot pa nang makarinig ng pagmumura.

“What the fuck was this?” an annoyed, baritone voice echoed.

Mula sa pwesto ko ay sumilip ako sa men’s section at nakita ang nakatagilid

na lalaki habang kaharap ang salamin.

I could only see his side profile, but he was tall, masculine, and has an
athletic stance. Kitang-kita ko ang hubog ng braso niya sa suot na puting dress
shirt na nakatupi hanggang sa kanyang siko.

“Is this shit really necessary?” he hissed again, kaaway ang sarili sa
salamin hanggang sa napansing kong may hinila siya mula sa kanyang leeg.

He coughed when it choked him, but he pulled it loose after, cursing.

Oh… a necktie!
 I folded my arms on my chest to watch him be annoyed by the poor little
thing. I smiled.

Why did he seem so familiar? Have I seen that built before?

“Ma’am, wait lang po, a? Tinawag ko na po ang size para sa ibang damit.”

“It’s fine,” I answered. “I’ll wait here.”

Pagkaalis niya’y napuntang muli ang pansin ko sa lalaking sumusubok namang

buhulin ang necktie niya. I decided to sit back again to watch him struggling.

It’s adorable but frustrating at the same time.

Napangiwi ako nang magkamali siya. Sinubukan niyang pantayin ang haba ng
dalawang side.

He adjusted it after lifting the other one but then he made a wrong move kaya
mas nabuhol iyon. I sighed, frustratedly tapping my foot, and watched.

Hindi dapat ako makialam. ‘Di ko naman siya kakilala.

But then he repeated the wrong steps all over again I became so pissed I
stood and marched closer to him.

“Excuse me, hi,” I started. “I don’t mean to interrupt but I’d like to
help—”

He shifted his position and we both stiffened upon seeing each other.

“O-oh…” Turo ko sa kanya. “You’re that…”

Tinitigan ko ang kabuoan niya at nanuyo ang aking lalamunan. I tried putting
words on my mouth but failed to do so.

“Sorry?” he suddenly asked, the surprised look from his eyes earlier
vanished.

Umawang ang labi ko at tumikhim.

Suddenly, I was jumpy and nervous. Nararamdaman ko ang malalakas na kalabog

ng dibdib habang pinagmamasdan ang asul niyang mga mata.

“Do I know you?” I decided to ask.

He’s the man in the market!

“Sorry but…” Umiling siya sa ‘kin. “I mistook you from someone else before.
My apologies.”

The familiarity I’ve seen in his gaze the last time was gone now. It was as
if he was looking at a stranger and he didn’t know me.

He mistook you for someone else, Zahrah.

Pumormal siya at mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin, bumabaling muli sa salamin

para ayusin ang kurbata.

My throat dried up. Nakagat ko ang labi at naglakad naman papunta sa kanyang
tabi.

“Mali ‘yong paglusot mo,” I said.

Nilingon niya ako.

“What?” he asked formally.

“The necktie.” Tinuro ko ang nasa leeg niya.

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa kurbata kaya tumikhim ako at tinuro iyon.

“Can I?”

I thought he’d reject my offer, but he shifted his body towards me, his
massive chest in front of me. Bahagya akong tumingala para masalubong ang tingin
niya at nag-init ang pisngi sa malamig niyang tingin.

Natulala ako sa asul niyang mga mata.

“Miss?” he called.

“Ah!” Tumawa ako at inabot ang necktie niya. “Sorry, well, first… dapat hindi
mo papantayin ang magkabilang dulo.”

Sa lapit naming dalawa ay naaamoy ko ang kanyang pabango. I was not good with
perfume names so I couldn’t exactly pinpoint what he’s using but I was sure it’s
something expensive.

Hindi matapang pero hindi rin sobrang bango. Sakto lang ang amoy, ‘yong
tipong gusto mong amoy-amuyin palagi dahil hindi nakakasawa at masakit sa ilong.

The perfume mixed with the scent of his aftershave, making it more
intoxicating to smell.

While I was telling him about the proper way on how to tie his necktie,
napansin ko ang patubong mga bigote sa panga niya.

“L-like that.” Muli kong inangat ang tingin sa kanya pagkatapos ayusin ang
kurbata.

He blinked and glanced down, looking surprised I was done with the necktie.

“There…” I took a step back and hid my hands behind me.

He cleared his throat and touched his necktie.

“Thank you,” his words echoed. My head stung a little.

Muli akong napaatras.

What the hell was that?

“Miss?” he called. “Are you okay?”

“Ma’am? Nandito na po ang size.” When I heard the saleslady’s voice ay

ngumiti ako sa lalaki bago tumalikod at dali-daling umalis.

Nababaliw na yata ako. Hindi mawala ang pananakit ng ulo ko no’ng araw na
‘yon nang makita ko ang lalaki. My dreams even ran like a broken record, repeating
and repeating that I’ve been hearing his voice all over again.

I didn’t tell anyone about meeting that man. It didn’t matter. My head’s just
acting up again that when I learned I passed the online interview for the
secretarial job for the new prosecutor, I was elated.

This will take some things off my mind. That’s good.

I would be busy and wouldn’t be thinking of those messy dreams and that man
with blue eyes, but fate really has ways of playing with people’s lives because a
week after, I was on my way to the office.

The HR called so I could finally meet my boss.

Inihatid nila ako sa tapat ng opisina bago sinabihang pumasok na lang.

You can do it, Zahrah!

Sinuklay kong muli ang buhok, hinaplos ang damit, at humugot ng malalim na
hininga bago kumatok.

Naghintay ako ng ilang segundo pero walang sumagot kaya pinihit ko nang
paunti-unti ang doorknob at pumasok.

When I got in, I immediately noticed a tall man staring at the overlooking
small city in a black coat.

Naglakad ako at ngumiti.

“Hello, good morning, Sir! I will be your secretary from now on. I’m Zahrah
Ortega,” I introduced myself.

His silhouette moved and when he shifted his body to face my way, my breath
caught in my lungs as my heart sped up.

My mouth parted when the familiar man walked closer to me, his gaze cold and
lips firm. Nakapamulsa siya, tanging slacks, coat, at button down shirt na walang
kurbata lang ang suot.

Tumayo siya sa at tinagilid ang ulo para pagmasdan ako.

“You are?” His cold voice sent shivers down my spine.

“Z-Zahrah.” I offered my palm. “Zahrah Ortega.”

Tumitig siya sa palad ko bago kinuha paalis ang kanya sa bulsa at inabot ang
akin. He shook mine firmly, and his rough, large palm pressing on my skin.

“Looking forward to working with you, Miss Ortega. Prosecutor Verón

Castuares,” he introduced himself, a challenging smirk forming on his lips.

Kabanata 3

Kabanata 3

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 He’s handsome, okay? Pero aanhin mo ang kagwapuhan kung garapal ang ugali?

I was fuming, annoyed.

“Ma’am Zahrah?”

“Ano?” tanong ko nang biglang matanto ang tono.

Sighing, I closed my eyes and flashed a small smile to the poor woman who
almost became a victim of this attitude.

“Sorry…” agap ko. “I’m just… what is it?”

“Ayos lang, Ma’am.” Ngumisi siya. “Naiintindihan ko kasi sino ba namang ‘di
mawawala ang mood kay Prosecutor?”

I stiffened but then it caught my attention.

“You meant to say… he’s really like that?” Tinuro ko ang pintuan na
pinaglabasan ko mula sa main office ng prosecutor.

Sumulyap-sulyap siya sa paligid bago ako tinanguan.

“Opo,” she answered in a whisper. “Three days na ‘yang nandito, walang

nangangahas makipagkaibigan. Palaging nakasimangot, mag-isa pa palagi kahit sa
lunch.”

“Oh…” I nodded, glancing at the glass wall separating his main office from
where we were. Nakababa ang blinds kaya ‘di makita ang masungit na fiscal.

“Kaya pagpasensyahan mo na, Ma’am. ‘Di rin namin alam kung bakit ganyan pero
wala namang bago. Ang sabi ni Judge, magaling daw iyan. Wala pang natatalong kaso.”

Wow, that was something.

“At saka okay na rin, gwapo naman siya,” aniya sabay hagikhik.

Natawa na rin ako at lumapit sa tinuro niyang lamesa.

Kapag talaga gwapo, may free pass sa kasungitan, ano?

“Ito po ang magiging upuan n’yo, Ma’am,” aniya. “Ito po ang akin at saka kay
Sir Bryce.”

“Oh, sorry, I forgot to ask you about your name…” Inilahad ko ang kamay. “I’m
Zahrah Ortega.”

“Hi, Ma’am Zahrah! Meia na lang po.” She accepted my hand. “I’ll be your
assistant secretary and si Sir Bryce… mamaya pa po iyon pero siya po ang
investigator ni prosecutor.”

“Hello, Miss Meia, nice meeting you.”

I nodded and sat on the swivel chair. Tsinek ko kaagad ang computer ko at
tumabi sa akin si Meia para ipaliwanag ang gagawing pagpalit ng password o kung
saan ko ipa-file ang mga kung ano pang kailangan.

“Bago ka rin?” I asked, curious.

 “Ay, hindi po,” she smiled. “Nasa Civil Department po ako last time then
nalipat this month sa Criminal Department kaya ayon, sanay na sa gawain ng
secretary pero medyo nangangapa pa rin.”

“I see.” I nodded. “Are there any cases while I was gone?”

She shook her head.

“Wala naman po, Ma’am Zahrah. Nag-a-adjust pa rin po kasi si Prosecutor at

may briefing sila last time nina Judge at saka aantayin ka raw po.”

“Ako?”

“Opo,” she giggled. “Kung ako hihintayin ni Prosecutor, kikiligin din ako.”

“Inaantay kasi secretary, ikaw talaga,” a voice echoed and when we glanced at
the door, pumasok doon ang isang gwapong lalaki.

“Hello, Sir Bryce!” masayang bati ni Meia.

The man waved at her before walking closer to me, offering his hand.

“Hi, Ma’am Zahrah. Bryce Assistio. I’m Prosecutor Castuares’ investigator.

I’m a former police captain.”

“Hello, Sir Bryce.” I accepted his hand. “Zahrah na lang.” Sumulyap din ako
kay Meia para sabihing h’wag nang isama ang Ma’am.

“Bryce na lang din, Zahrah,” he smiled.

“And Meia na lang sa akin!” the bubbly lady said.

We spent our next hours getting to know each other. I have learned Bryce was
older than us by five years habang si Meia naman ay mas bata sa akin ng dalawang
taon.

They asked me where I came from and I was guilty of lying but it’s not like I
had a choice, right? So I fed them small lies about myself.

Na galing akong Maynila at nandito sa city dahil sa pamilya at naghanap ng

trabaho para sa pagiging sekretarya and so on, following what Cole instructed me to
do.

Inayos ko ang desk ko pagkatapos habang nag-uusap pa ang dalawa bago bumaling
sa opisina.

He’s still not out.

Ano’ng ginagawa niya ro’n sa loob? Nagre-review ng case buong araw nang
walang kinakausap na tao?

It’s damn boring. Naranasan ko na ‘yan ng ilang taon sa mansyon.

“Ma’am, lunch na,” tawag ni Meia sa akin. “Tara na po?”

Muli akong sumulyap sa glass wall sabay turo. “Hindi ba kakain si

Prosecutor?”
 “Ah, mamaya pa po siguro ‘yan kung sakali o hindi kakain,” sagot niya. “Mas
gusto kasi niyan kasama ang case niya kaysa sa mga tunay na tao.”

She chuckled again. I smiled.

“Ayain natin,” I offered.

It’s not like I was worried he’d starve or something. Ang sabi lang kasi ni
Cole ay kailangang maging malapit ako sa prosecutor. Kahit naman masungit siya,
dapat maganda ang impression niya sa akin, hindi ba?

Kahit kanina pagkatapos naming magpakilala sa isa’t-isa ay bumalik siya sa

swivel chair at naupo. Naiwan akong nakatunganga pa sa kanyang harapan, naghihintay
ng susunod niyang sasabihin pero inangat niya lang ang malamig tingin at tinaasan
ako ng kilay.

“Yes?” He even had the audacity to ask what I wanted!

I almost frowned and made a face.

Pero pinirmi ko ang labi at pekeng ngumiti.

“What can I do to help, Prosecutor?” I asked gently.

“You’ll meet your assistant outside,” sagot niya at pinaglaruan ang pen sa
daliri bago bumuklat ng mga papel para pumirma.

Naninigas lang ako sa tapat niya.

Why did he seem so familiar? I’ve seen him twice before this meeting, but it
felt like…

I tilted my head to observe, almost jumping, when those glazing blue orbs
stared right through me again.

“Need anything more, Miss Ortega?” he asked like he couldn’t stand my

presence any longer.

“Wala na, Prosecutor,” magalang ko pang sagot bago tumalikod at saka

sumimangot.

“Sungit!” I mouthed without a sound, annoyed. Mas nagsalubong ang kilay ko at

inabot na ang doorknob para lumabas nang umalingawngaw ang boses niya.

“Smile, Miss Ortega.” His voice soothed, running down my spine. “Wipe that
frown off your face.”

What the heck? How did he know I was frowning?

Nilingon ko siya pero nasa papeles pa rin niya ang kanyang atensyon.

How? What?

Sumulyap ako sa pintuan at tinaliman iyon ng tingin. Don’t tell me may mata
siya rito?!

“I only have two eyes,” sagot niya sa unheard questions ko.

What the heck again? Was he reading my mind—

 “And I’m not reading your mind,” he sighed. “Get out. I can’t focus.”

Anak ka ng…

Muli akong sumulyap sa kanyang pinapanood na ako habang nakasandal sa swivel

chair niya. He was still toying his black pen with his fingers, and his long legs
were crossed.

He shot his brow up at me impatiently. Pinalitan ko ng pekeng ngiti ang nasa

labi sabay tango at labas, iritado nang masalubong si Meia na alangang ngumiti, ‘di
sigurado kung masaya ba dapat o may simpatya.

“Hindi ‘yan sasabay, Zahrah.” Bryce’s voice took me back from those annoying
flashbacks.

“Ayain pa rin,” sinabi ko na.

Kung kailangang maging sipsip, gagawin! I have to get my hands on the files!

“Naku, Zahrah.” Ngumuso si Meia. “Nagsasayang ka lang ng oras. Ilang beses at

araw na kaming nag-aaya, hindi talaga sasama ‘yan.”

But I insisted.

“It’s fine, let me just invite him, and if ayaw niya, tayo na lang.”

They watched me walk towards his door to knock.

“Prosecutor?” I called. “Lunch na po.”

No answer.

Sumulyap ako sa kina Bryce. They gave me the “I-told-you-so-look”.

But I was persistent, so I knocked again.

“We’ll be eating lunch, Sir,” I said. “You can join us if you want.”

No answer.

Ngumuso ako.

Meia sighed then walked closer, looping her arms on mine.

“Tara na,” she said sadly. “Sabi ko sa ‘yo, e. ‘Di talaga ‘yan sasama si
Prosecutor—”

“Let’s go.” We both stiffened when we heard that baritone voice, the same
time the door opened.

Napagilid kaming dalawa nang lumabas mula roon ang matangkad na lalaki, wala
na ang coat na suot at tanging puting long sleeves na lang na nakatupi hanggang sa
kanyang siko.

I saw the protruding veins on his arm, the black Rolex watch, and the gold
ring on his pinky finger.

“Prosecutor!” masayang bati ni Bryce. “Sasabay ka sa lunch?”

 He glanced at Bryce, shrugging.

“I’m hungry,” sagot niya na ‘di man lang ako nililingon. “Brief me about the
scene of the crime,” dagdag nito bago sila sabay naglakad, nauuna sa amin.

Meia giggled. “Oh my God? Sasabay siya sa ‘tin?”

I couldn’t help but smile. I did that.

“I told you.” Siniko ko siya. “Ayain mo lang. Baka busy lang talaga kaya ‘di
sumasama.”

The four of us walked in the hallways of our small city’s Regional Trial
Court. Ang mga pasilyo ay halatang pinaglumaan na ng panahon. Halata sa disenyo na
dati pa ito at kung may bagong mga parte ay pawang mga renovation lang.

The offices were so busy. Meia greeted everyone we passed by, even pointing
at me for an introduction.

“Si Zahrah,” she kept on saying. “Our new secretary!”

I greeted them back, smiling. But what I’ve noticed mostly was their side
eyes and silent adoration for the prosecutor. They greeted him. He nodded formally,
his palms inside the pockets of his slacks while listening to his investigator.

I pursed my lips, watching. I couldn’t help because he’s damn attractive.

Yakap na yakap ng long sleeves niya ang kanyang katawan kaya kitang-kita ang
hubog ng kanyang braso at likod. It was tucked on his slacks.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kabuoan ng kanyang katawan pababa sa pang-upo at sa

mahabang legs. I gulped.

“Daddy Long Legs,” Meia giggled.

Namilog ang mata ko.

“What?!” Napalakas ang boses ko kaya nilingon ako ng dalawa.

Umayos ako ng tayo at hilaw na ngumisi kay Prosecutor na binalik lang ang
tingin sa daan.

Ang sungit!

Hinarap ko si Meia. “Anong Daddy Long Legs?”

She pointed prosecutor’s legs with her lips. “Ang haba ng biyas, ‘di ba?”

I nodded, she’s right. Bukod sa pagiging prosecutor ay paniguradong pasok din

iyan sa pagmomodelo kung gugustuhin man niya.

“Pero bakit gano’n ang tawag?” I asked silently.

“Narinig lang.” Humagikhik siya. “Close kasi iyang si prosecutor kay

judge—‘yong presiding judge natin dito. E, no’ng first day, naabutan namin sila
na nagdi-dinner sa may restaurant do’n sa may mall. ‘Di nila alam na nando’n kami
ta’s ayon narinig. Sabi ni Judge: Ano ‘tong naririnig ko na Daddy Long Legs ang
tawag sa ‘yo ng mga estudyante mo?”
 My mouth parted.

“H-he’s a law professor?” Napatakip ako sa bibig.

“I heard,” aniya. “Nag-try ako mag-research kaso wala, e. Very private si

Prosecutor kaya ayon… ikinwento ko kay Bryce, e, kunwari lang ‘yan seryoso pero
tsismoso. Kaya kumalat. Tawag sa kanya rito is masungit na DLL.”

I cackled.

Muling bumaling sa amin si Prosecutor.

“Care to share the jokes?” he asked formally, his tone strict and cold. I
swallowed my laugh.

“N-nothing, Prosecutor,” sagot ko at lumabi, tumutungo habang pasimpleng

kinukurot si Meia na ayaw matigil sa tawa niya. Parang mga estudyanteng nahuli ng
teacher na nagdadaldalan sa likod.

We got into the mini cafeteria inside the prosecutor’s office. I immediately
noticed the government employees inside with some clients.

“This way,” ani Bryce kaya pumila kami para makakuha ng pagkain.

Umalis saglit si Meia para kumuha ng tray at nagpasalamat ako nang abutan
niya rin ako.

Nasa unahan ko si Prosecutor kaya pinagsawa ko ang sariling titigan siya mula
sa likod. I think he’s in his mid-30’s if not a bit younger and older than that.
Well, I was the same.

He moved and tilted his head, his eyes locking with mine. With the light
illuminating the cafeteria, mas naging malinaw sa akin kung kaganda ang asul na
kanyang mga mata.

My grip on the tray tightened, my fingers almost digging into the steel.

His mouth parted as if wanting to say something but decided not to push
through. I have seen a slight shift in his emotion as he moved a little and nodded.

“You go first,” aniya.

I wanted to refuse but I couldn’t get a word out of my mouth, so I followed

him in the end. Naglakad ako paabante pero ‘di ko naman naisip na literal na ako
ang mauuna at nasa likuran ko lang siya.

He’s tall but I was tall, too. Aabot siguro ang tuktok ng ulo ko sa may
bandang noo niya dahil sa heels at kung wala, siguro’y sakto lang sa may labi niya.

I could feel the way his gaze was burning a hole at the back of my head. Mas
humigpit ang hawak ko sa tray.

Why was my heart racing? Was I having another panic attack again?

But it’s not like I was scared of that gaze—it’s actually quite the
opposite. It was overwhelming, like seeing new roses blooming—it was beautiful,
anticipating, it gave me a beacon of hope.
 For what, Zahrah?

I shut my eyes.

Of course, he’s the hope for your father’s case. You’re overthinking.

“You’re next.” His voice sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded stiffly and walked a step closer to wait for my food.

Pasulyap-sulyap ako habang katabi ko siya nang mapunta sa harapan para

antayin ang naglalagay ng pagkain. He glanced my way again. My cheeks burned.

Umiwas ako at nagpasalamat sa nag-aasikaso ng pagkain at lumingon para

maghanap ng inumin.

I glanced at the stalls around, sighing in disappointment, when I realized

they didn’t have the drinks I wanted.

I wanted some fresh orange juice. Any fresh fruit juice or shake would be
fine. Isang linggo na akong hindi nakakainom.

While I was looking hopelessly around, I caught his eyes again. Tila binabasa
niya ang itsura ko kaya binawi ko na lang ang tingin at dumeretso sa lamesa.
Nando’n na si Meia na kumakaway sa akin katabi si Bryce.

I walked closer to them, but I almost slipped when a man suddenly appeared
and walked past me. Akala ko’y mahuhulog ko na ang tray kung ‘di lang may malapad
na palad na pumirmi sa baywang ko kaya ‘di natuluyan natumba.

My breath got caught in my lungs when he pulled me close, my back against his
side. Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa tray.

“Careful,” he mumbled in a strict yet hushed voice.

“T-thanks, Prosecutor,” I took a step away and gripped the tray.

Without even looking, dumeretso ako sa upuan at pinanlakihan ng mata si Meia

na nang-aasar ang tingin.

I could feel his presence looming over us as he placed his tray on the table
beside mine. I waited for him to sit but he left without a word.

Sinundan ko ng tingin.

“Saan siya?” I asked curiously.

The two shrugged.

“Tara kain.”

Hindi na namin hinintay si Prosecutor at nagsimula nang kumain. I felt

overwhelmed with the food dahil marami nga iyon at hindi ako madalas kumain ng
marami sa mansyon.

I just want something fresh… that’s all.

I was on my third spoon when he came back with another tray but instead of
food, there were drinks.
 Nagliwanag ang mukha ko pagkakita ng shake!

He glanced my way. Binawi ko ang excitement sa itsura at tinusok ng tinidor

ang sitaw para kunwari’y walang pakialam.

“Wow, para sa amin ba ‘yan, Prosecutor?!” Meia beamed. Sumilip ako nang
kaunti.

The side of his lips curved for a mischievous remark, making his stern, dark
brows loosen up. The strict aura surrounding him softened a little.

“I realized I haven’t formally met my team,” sumulyap siya sa ‘kin. “Also, I

hate to leave a bad impression.”

I winced and pursed my lips.

Inilapag niya ang apat na fresh juices and shake sa harapan namin. Nanuyo
kaagad ang lalamunan ko.

Yes! Saan ba ‘to nabibili? Wala rito kanina, a?

“I’m Prosecutor Verón Castuares,” he started off. “It was a pleasure to meet
you all. You probably have a bad impression of me.”

Nagkatinginan kami ni Meia. Tumawa si Bryce.

“Naku, hindi naman, Prosecutor! Ayos lang, alam naman naming busy ka at alam
mo na…” Awkward siyang tumawa.

“Still.” He chuckled sexily.

Napasubo tuloy ako ng gulay. Napuno ang bibig ko at muling sumulyap.

Ang sarap-sarap tusukin ng matang ‘to nang matigil kakasilip!

Mag-focus ka sa gulay, Zahrah! Nasa harap ang gulay, wala sa katabi!

Pero masustansya siya, girl…

Patuloy lang ang pagkain ko habang nagpapakilala ulit sina Bryce at Meia sa
kanya for formality kaya nang sa akin na ang pansin ay muntik pa akong mabulunan.

I swallowed the veggies and smiled at them.

“Zahrah Bellarose Ortega,” I introduced with my choked tone.

My eyes caught his, and from those beautiful blues, my gaze fell down his
aristocratic nose, down his mouth until I noticed the slight crease in his chin
just beneath his full, red lips.

A cleft chin.

“Bellarose.” My second name sounded sensual coming from him. “I am sure you
are growing roses somewhere, aren’t you?”

“H-hmm?” I blinked.

“May garden ka raw siguro ng rosas, Zahrah,” ani Meia.

 Amazed at how he thought of it, I chuckled. “How can you say that,
Prosecutor?”

His lip twitched with an amused half-smile. He looked stunning. If ever it

was the right and proper word I was seeing now.

“I… just knew.” He took his spoon and said, “Am I wrong?”

“You’re right,” I sighed but ended up smiling. “Luckily, I have a green

thumb. Naalala ko sa bahay, patay ang mga halaman doon, e, wala naman akong
ginagawa kaya sinubukan kong tumabas ng mga sanga. One day, it bloomed. I was so
happy kasi wala akong libangan sa malaking bahay na ‘yon pero…” My next words
vanished when I realized what I had said.

Fuck.

Nanatiling nakatitig si Prosecutor sa pagkain niya pero napansin ko ang

paghigpit ng kanyang hawak sa kutsara.

“Malaki? Wow, mayaman ka pala, Zahrah?” Meia asked.

“Not… really,” agap ko. “My family just had a large house in Manila until we
went here in Cebu. Hindi ako mayaman, my parents are…”

My parents, whom those people took away from me.

“Who are you staying with here?” Prosecutor asked.

Hindi ako kaagad sumagot at sumulyap sa shake. Parang mas gusto ko ‘yong
avocado na kay prosecutor.

I was unaware I was eyeing it shamelessly until he took the orange juice from
mine and pushed the avocado closer to me without a word.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin habang nagtatanong ang mga matang tinitigan siya. He
gave in what I think was a brief nod before I happily reached for it.

“Thank you,” I said in a low voice before sipping.

“I’m with someone…” sinabi ko na lang pagkaraan.

“Boyfriend?” He glanced at me with that expression again. The stern,

frowning
one.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero may hapding pumiksi sa dibdib sa tanong niya
na
iyon.

I shook my head.

“No, I don’t have one,” I answered. “Just a family friend…”

Nawala ang kunot ng noo niya pero ‘di nakaligtas sa akin ang pag-igting ng
panga niya at ang pagbaling pabalik sa pagkain.

Sina Bryce at Meia na lang ang nag-uusap sa buong lunch habang binabalot
kaming dalawa ng katahimikan. Aside from the occasional touching of our arms and
shoulder to the quick glances, we did nothing else.
 Not even talk.

I felt the hollow in my stomach.

The mood shifted and he was back inside his shell again. Like how he was
earlier this day.

Nauna rin siyang matapos at nagpaalam sa amin paalis dahil may kakausapin daw
siya. I even asked if I could come since I was the secretary, but he said it was
not about work. He said I could go home early since it was my first day.

Hindi ko na siya nakitang muli sa opisina buong araw at sa uwian ay namasahe

akong pauwi sa mansyon ayon sa turo nina Cole.

They even told me they’d take me home, but I refused. I said no to guards, to
service, or anything. If I wanted to stay in the office and not be suspected, I
should act as a normal individual.

Wala silang choice kundi pagbigyan ako.

I was in the cab on my way home when my phone, which I forgot I had, was
vibrating.

I pulled it out of my clutch and saw Cole’s name. Sinagot ko iyon.

“Hello, Cole?” I asked but his next words stopped me from my tracks.

“Zahrah.” He sounded delightful. “Your father wanted to see you.”

Kabanata 4

Kabanata 4

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I was shaky. I didn’t know if it was because I was excited or nervous seeing
my father.

It’s not like I’d physically see him. Ang sabi ni Cole ay sinabi raw ni Tito
Kiko na gusto akong makita ni Dad kahit saglit. How they managed to sneak in a
phone inside the prison? I wasn’t sure.

Dad, former Mayor Israel Sebastian, was jailed here in Cebu. Ayon sa mga
dokumento at kwento na rin sa akin ni Cole, dati ay sa Maynila siya nakapiit pero
nagawan ng paraan ni Atty. Kiko Fernandez para mailipat dito sa Cebu.

Ever since I woke up from the accident—no, the attempted murder I had
survived, I never once saw my father. Not in actual, not in video calls. Nothing.

Tanging litrato niya lang sa malaking mansyon na ito ko nakita ang itsura
niya no’ng nagising ako, sila ni Mommy. No’ng kasal nila.

When the door opened and Cole got in, I rose from my seat.

“Was he…” I mouthed. I couldn’t hide my feigning anxiousness and excitement.

But the smile I had on my lips vanished when he shook his head, sighing.
Nahulog ang balikat ko.

“What happened, Cole?”

“He…” He shook his head. “Something happened kaya ‘di naipuslit ni Dad ang
phone sa loob—”

“He didn’t want to see me, did he?” I asked.

Kaagad siyang umiling sa akin.

“Zahrah, it’s not—”

“Ilang beses na ‘tong nangyayari, Cole. All these years ago a-and… if I’m
about to see him, biglang hindi na natutuloy. He hates me, doesn’t he?”

“Zahrah…” Lumapit siya at inabot ang braso ko. “It wasn’t like that, okay?
Things just happened. I’m sure your father misses you…”

“And yet, he couldn’t even spare his time to see me?” I asked. “I couldn’t
even go to the prison for a visit!”

“Because he’s worried,” he explained. “If his enemies find out you are alive,
you’ll be in danger. All these, what your parents had done to protect you, would be
for nothing.”

Tumungo ako at humigpit ang pagkakakuyom ng kamay.

“Zahrah, the only thing we could do in the moment is to help him in any way
we could. You are helping him to be freed, to clear his name from the cases he was
falsely accused of. What you’re doing, how you patiently waited for him, lahat iyon
ay alam ni Tito Israel.”

My hand trembled. Inangat ko ang palad para hawiin ang luhang nahulog sa
aking pisngi.

“D-does he…” It wasn’t a question.

“He does,” marahang paliwanag ni Cole. “He was asking for every update about
you through my father. He loves you, Zahrah. You’re his only heiress, his only
child. Mahal na mahal kayo n’on ni Tita Ritch.”

I swallowed the lump on my throat when Cole pulled me for an embrace.

Idinantay ko ang ulo sa balikat niya, humuhugot ng hininga.

“Will I ever have a family again, Cole?” I asked in a hushed tone.

“You will, Zahrah,” he breathed. “I know you will…”

When he got a work call, I was left alone. Sinilip ako ni Yaya Mildred at
hinatiran ng pagkain kaya nagmukmok akong muli sa kwarto habang pinipilit magbasa
pero hindi mawala ang utak ko sa araw ko sa trabaho at kay Dad kaya walang salitang
pumapasok sa utak ko.

Instead, I stood and walked in our large mansion’s hallway. Iilan lang ang
ilaw sa buong mansyon kaya dim kung hindi madilim ang pasilyo.

I felt like a ghost creeping in the dark as my eyes roamed around large
portraits of my parents.
 Israel and Ritchel Sebastian.

My father was a handsome man, but my mother was stunning. She has soft,
genuine features. Manipis ang labi, malambing ang mga ngiti, at matapang ang
tsokolateng mga mata.

I realized, while looking at her photos, that I got my face from her. Brown
din ang mga mata ko, mahaba ang itim na itim na buhok, ang kaibahan lang ay may
manipis akong bangs at ang mommy ko ay sopistikadang-sopistikada, walang tikwas
man
lang ng buhok sa mukha.

She was wearing a gown, probably for a party, and behind her was my father.

He’s again, handsome. Matangkad at matapang ang features. He looked brutal

and strict, and I didn’t know why but I felt a pang of discomfort and worry while
looking at his photo.

Like he was so scary…

Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa picture ng mommy ko. Unlike him, her aura was
soothing, comforting, like we could be best friends kung naabutan ko siya. She was
so beautiful, charming, and I didn’t know why but I kinda missed her.

Kahit ‘di ko naman siya maalala man lang.

Sa lahat ng litrato nila sa mansyon ay wala ang kasama ako. I could also
notice the way my mother’s eyes became lifeless in the pictures. May kaunting
liwanag pa no’ng una pero habang tumatagal, sa bawat titig ko sa kanyang reaksyon
at bawat bagong litrato sa pasilyo ay napansin ko ang kawalan ng buhay roon.

It looked dark, lifeless, and dull.

Did they really love each other?

I shook my assumptions away. It’s not good that I was like this, making
stories inside my head. Hindi ko maalala ang mga magulang ko at sa panaginip ko…
masaya naman ako kaya ayos naman kami sigurong pamilya.

They told me stories before I fell asleep. In my head with the faint
memories, I knew how they empowered me, how they told me about the princess who
slayed the dragon herself instead of waiting for her prince charming.

I should stop making stories in my head like I was in a novel with dramatic
plot twists. This was real life.

Hinaplos ko ang mukha ni Mommy sa picture niyang mag-isa, ngumingiti.

“I’ll do my best to save Dad, Mom,” I reassured her. “For our family.”

I was bored to the bone when dinner came so when I received an anonymous
message which was Meia asking me to join them in the bar, um-oo kaagad ako.

I told Cole but he didn’t allow me. He said I should be careful, and I only
met those people blah… blah… blah…

I shut him out and sighed.

“You want me to get close to them and yet, hindi ako p’wedeng sumama at
makihalubilo?” Namaywang ako.

“Zahrah—”

“I am going,” I pointed out. “And you don’t have a say, Cole. I was here all
these years, alone in this fucking large house. I will not get caged here again.”

Tumitig siya. I fought him back with a stare, not backing down.

He sighed.

“Fine,” he gave up. “But I will come with you.”

“No,” I gritted my teeth. “I will be meeting my co-workers, Cole.”

Napahawak na siya sa batok. “Then, at least let me take you there and I’ll
stay for a while. I promise I’ll leave.”

“I’ll take a cab home,” presenta ko na.

Umawang ang labi niya para pa sana may sabihin pero itinaas ko ang palad para
pigilan siya.

“I’m a grown woman. For God’s sake, I’m in my fucking thirties!”

“Zahrah, ang dad mo—”

“I don’t care.” Lumabi ako at dumeretso sa dresser para buksan ito at

makahanap ng damit. “Leave me alone. Walang magsusundo sa akin. Uuwi ako kung gusto
ko.”

Pagod siyang naupo sa gilid ng kama ko at pinanood ako.

“I was just worried, that’s all. Maraming kalaban ang dad mo. Kapag nalaman
nilang buhay ka, baka ano ang gawin sa ‘yo.”

“I thought my disguise was pretty convincing?” Tumaas ang kilay ko at sinilip

siya. “Knowing you made me a fake identity and everything. With documents. If it
was, you shouldn’t be worried.”

I noticed the uncertainty in his eyes. He relaxed his shoulders afterwards.

“Fine, you can be alone,” aniya. “Pero ihahatid kita.”

“Okay.” I shrugged and went back to my dresser to look for clothes.

Mabuti na lang din at nag-shopping ako. Kahit papaano’y may damit na p’wede.
I took out a silver one-shoulder dress and went to the bathroom to change.

Pagkalabas ko ay nag-aantay pa rin si Cole na abala sa phone niya. His face

lit up when he saw me kaya inilahad ko ang itsura ko. “Do I look fine…?”

His lip twitched.

“Beautiful.” He tilted his head. “I think I should just go with you—”

“Oh, quit it, Cole.” Tumawa ako at dumeretso sa may vanity para abutin naman
ang makeup.
 I curled my hair and put on a simple one just enough to see in the evening
and of course, to suit the clothes I was wearing. Tumayo ako bago mag-heels at
kinuha ang clutch, excited na excited nang sa wakas ay makakaalis na ako ng bahay!

I said my goodbyes to Yaya Mildred who was so happy and excited for me at
habang nasa biyahe papunta sa bar sa siyudad ay nakatingin ako sa bintana.

My eyes followed the streetlights and the building on our way. Malaki ang
siyudad ng Cebu at hindi ako makapaniwala na ganito kalaki ang ‘di ko naikot at na-
enjoy sa ilang taon kong nakakulong sa mansyon.

I seldom went out. Lumalabas lang ako only to go to my psychiatrist or malls.

Other than that, wala akong ibang pinagkakaabalahan bukod sa mga rosas ko.

Speaking of my roses, nagsimula nang mamukadkad paunti-unti ang iba kaninang

umaga! I was sure they’d bloom more one of these days.

“What club, Zahrah?” he asked.

Inabot ko ang phone at nakita ang sunod-sunod na message ni Meia. I scrolled

up to see the bar’s name.

“ICON,” I answered.

We were in complete silence while on the drive and I can’t help but think of
the prosecutor again.

“Cole,” I started.

“Hmm?”

“What do you know about Prosecutor Verón Castuares?” I asked curiously.

“I actually wasn’t familiar with the name,” sagot niya. “But I don’t feel
good about him.”

My forehead creased. “Why so?”

“He feels… off.” He shrugged. “I tried googling him. Found nothing. It’s
either he’s a private person or he’s hiding something.”

Napatawa ako.

“Like?” I asked. “Stop reading too much about that, Cole. What matters is I
am the secretary and I’m sure one of these days, I’ll be getting a hold of
something worthy for Dad’s case.”

We stopped in the side of the road. Sa paglingon ko ay nasa tapat na kami ng

bar.

“Let me.” Nauna sa paglabas si Cole at pinagbuksan niya ako ng pintuan.

I accepted the palm he’s offering and went out, watching the young adults and
group of friends making their way inside the bar. Kahit nasa labas ay dinig na
dinig ang tugtog na nagmumula sa loob.

May dalawang bouncer na naglalakihan ang katawan sa may entrance, at sa itaas

ay ang malaking pulang logo na nakasulat na ICON. The lights were dancing, and I
watched in fascination how happy these young people were entering with their
friends.

Hinaplos ko ang silver dress at biglang nakaramdam ng hiya.

I haven’t had the chance to get out for years. Will I blend here? Or…

“Are you sure you don’t want me to join you?” Cole asked beside me.

Umiling ako.

“I’m fine, Cole.” Hinarap ko siya. “Really…”

He remained staring at me. I smiled back to show him I was fine here, but he
moved his head, shocked when he kissed me.

Nagulat ako at napaatras.

I saw a quick movement from a silhouette from my peripheral vision,

napalingon ako roon pero walang naabutan kaya muli akong bumaling kay Cole.

“What…” Napahawak ako sa labi.

His eyes widened, “I’m sorry. I…”

“We talked about this, Cole,” bulong ko at mas humigpit ang hawak sa clutch.
“I told you I wasn’t ready and…”

“I’m sorry,” he breathed. “I didn’t mean to. I was just frustrated because I
was with you all these years and yet you still don’t like me.”

“You’re a friend,” I explained. “And yes, we’ve been together all these years
but how about me, Cole? Sa haba ng taon na ‘yon, wala na akong nakita o nakasama
kung hindi ikaw o si Yaya, o mga guard ko.”

“You mean to say…”

“I still haven’t explored anything about this place, about other people. I
don’t…” Umiling ako. “I’m sorry but I still don’t know, Cole. Give me time to
think.”

“Are you giving me a chance, then?” he asked hopefully.

I stared at him, my only friend. I tried searching for even a slight

affection for the romantic bone I had with my silly novels. I tried looking for an
ounce of attraction, but…

I opened my mouth, but he took my other palm, squeezing it gently.

“You don’t have to answer right away,” agap niya. “I’ll wait.”

Tumitig ako sa kanya. I felt bad rejecting him this instant.

Isa pa, wala namang masama mag-try, hindi ba? He was a good man, after all.

I nodded and gave him a small smile.

“I gotta go,” mahinang sabi ko bago siya tinalikuran at dumeretso papasok sa

loob ng bar.
 “May VIP room po, Ma’am?”

I smiled. “I’m actually not sure. Can I check with my friends first?”

“Sure po, pasok lang kayo, Ma’am.”

The smoke and the loud music boomed when I got inside. I glanced at the red
wristband I got when I entered.

Napapikit pa ako nang tumama sa mukha ko ang naglalarong mga ilaw at hindi pa
naman masyadong malalim ang gabi kaya hindi pa wild ang mga tao.

I saw people on the stools in the middle just right beside the large dance
floor. Ang malaking DJ booth at screen sa likod na may nakalagay na “Welcome to
ICON” ay nagpangiti sa akin.

A scene played in my head.

It was me dancing with other girls, screaming with the song and I was calling
out the DJ to change the song to something else.

And then I felt a gentle touch from my waist.

Napatalon ako at biglang natauhan sa biglang hawak sa balikat ko.

“Zahrah!”

“Meia,” I greeted, blinking.

“Buti nakita kita!” she beamed. “Dito tayo!”

I was expecting we’d go to the seats near the dance floor pero umakyat siya
habang hawak-hawak ako. I followed her, cautiously looking around but people had
their own businesses.

Some were glancing, even waving at us. My lips protruded, nag-iwas ako, at
naupo sa mga puting upuang nakabilog.

May mga kutkutin na sa lamesa. May tugtog man ay hindi pa ganoong kabuhay
dahil hindi pa kalaliman ang gabi. For places like this, kapag ten o kaya
hatinggabi na magiging buhay na buhay.

Inabutan ako ni Meia ng menu habang kinakausap niya ang mga kakilala sa
kabilang table. I chose one with a familiar name and called the waiter.

“Ano’ng order mo?” Naupo sa tabi ko si Meia.

She was wearing a flashy red dress, and it complimented the curves of her
voluptuous body. Kulot ang buhok niya at pula rin ang labi.

“Just some cocktail,” sagot ko. “You look gorgeous.”

“Ikaw nga r’yan!” she exclaimed. “And you’re tall! Seryoso, Zahrah, hindi ka
ba model?”

I laughed. “Me? Model? I don’t think so…”

“Why not?” Her eyes twinkled. “Matangkad ka, o! Hanggang sa may balikat mo
nga lang yata ako! And your face, ganyang mga mukha ang plakada sa pageants! Didn’t
you try joining? P’wede kang pambato sa Miss U tapos representing Cebu City!”

I chuckled when she even raised her hand like a beauty queen.

“I was joining school pageantry before,” sagot ko, naalala ang panaginip.

“Hindi ka nag-push?” she asked. Umiling ako.

“Sayang naman ang beauty!” She pouted. “Plakadang-plakada sana! Beauty and
brains!”

“Paano ‘yon kung ganda lang?” I teased, giggling with her.

Dumating ang drinks kaya inabot ko ang akin at ininom. Napapansin ko rin na
mas dumarami na ang tao sa bar habang mas lumalalim ang gabi.

“Tayo lang ba?” I asked.

“Ah, hindi. Malapit na si Bryce at saka ‘yong ibang officemates natin,

ipapakilala kita! Si Prosecutor nandito na rin yata.”

My heart leaped.

“Prosecutor? Nandito siya?”

“Oo, kanina,” aniya. “Nakita ko kaso nawala, baka may mga nakitang kakilala.
Siya ang nag-reserve nitong VIP.”

“I see…” I looked around, my gaze unknowingly looking for a pair of blue

eyes.

Why was I even looking for him? I just met him earlier.

Oh, okay. Maybe I was unconsciously looking for a way to get closer to him.
That’s it.

“Sasama ba siya sa ‘tin?” I asked Meia who was singing with the music.

“Yep!” she sang. “Mamaya siguro.”

“Nasaan ang CR?” I asked. “Retouch lang.”

She directed me to the restroom’s direction, reminding me to be back in five

minutes or so dahil pupunta na raw kami sa dance floor para magsayaw.

I went to the bathroom to fix my makeup and combed my hair, checking my phone
to answer Cole’s messages. Pagkalabas ko ng banyo ay may pila na sa labas kaya
naisipan kong lumabas saglit para magpahangin.

“Saan kayo, Ma’am?”

“Papahangin lang po saglit,” paalam ko sa bouncer bago lumabas.

I inhaled the fresh Cebu scent. This was a city and there were cars around
pero hindi lang pulos usok ang maaamoy. Pasalamat na rin at marami pa ring mga puno
sa paligid.

I walked around, observing the ambiance until I saw a familiar frame from a
distance. Curious, I took steps closer to take a peek.
 Sa kanyang jeep ay nakasandal si Prosecutor, suot ang itim na slacks at
puting turtleneck. I saw the way his Rolex watch glinted with the light post, the
ring on his pinky showing.

Pero hindi lang iyon ang napansin ko.

He’s smoking.

A vehicle honked from the distance, and I saw how his shoulder’s squared when
he glanced at it and saw it was a van. His jaw clenched. Ipinikit niya ang mata at
napahawak sa batok bago muling tinikman ang sigarilyo niya.

Tila may kung anong dumagan sa puso ko habang pinapanuod siya. He was
serious, as if he was lost with his own thoughts and the cigarette was sort of a
stress reliever.

I didn’t know why but I felt a slight pang of disappointment.

I decided to leave him alone. Umatras ako para sana makaalis na pero mukhang
pinaglalaruan ako ng tadhana at may naapakan akong bote ng tubig.

Obviously, it made a sound that when he snapped his attention to me, I had no
choice but to show myself.

Nagulat siya at itinapon sa lapag ang sigarilyo na akala mo’y nahuli ng

nanay.

It made me shoot a brow up but hid it with a smile.

“Good evening, Prosecutor.”

He stepped on his cigarette, fixing his hair before glancing my way.

“Miss Ortega,” he greeted formally.

“Hello, Sir. Pasensya na po sa abala,” I mumbled, trying to calm myself

because that damn stare was making my heart race again. “Nakita ko lang po no’ng
napadaan ako.”

He remained looking at me.

“And Meia was looking for you. Nando’n na yata sina Bryce.”

My cheeks heated with the way his eyes roamed, from my face down to the dress
I was wearing. I was sure I looked quite decent pero nahiya ako at na-conscious sa
paraan ng pagtingin niya.

“I’m sorry again for disturbing you.” Tinuro ko ang bar. “I gotta go,
Prosecutor.”

I turned my back on him to leave when his voice echoed.

“Wait, let’s go together.”

I stiffened. Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng sasakyan niya kaya pasimple akong

lumingon at pinanood siyang may kinukuha sa loob.

When he got out and shut the door, I looked away to pretend I wasn’t looking.
Naglakad siya papunta sa tabi ko, at napansin kong hawak na niya ang itim na coat.

I took one last glance to the ground and saw the cigarette butt. Pag-iwas ko
roon ay ang tingin naman niya ang nasalubong ko.

Sumulyap siya sa lapag kung nasaan ang sigarilyo bago bumalik. Confused, I
watched him take the cigarette butt and throw it in the nearby trash before jogging
closer to me.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized.

My forehead creased. “For what?”

“For not throwing.” Ngumuso siya sa basurahan at napahawak sa batok.

I smiled and nodded.

Such a good boy.

Wala kaming imikan habang naglalakad nang magkalapit. Minsan ay nagtatama ang
daliri namin at hinahayaan ko lang no’ng una pero tila may humahalukay sa tiyan ko
sa bawat pagkakataong iyon kaya ihinawak ko sa clutch ang dalawang palad.

I could smell his familiar perfume but this time, I could sniff the hint of
mint from his cigarette.

Hindi naman sa ayaw ko ng sigarilyo pero hindi lang ako komportable masyado
at ‘di ko masyadong gusto ang amoy.

I wrinkled my nose.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated and took a step away.

Nagtataka ko siyang nilingon.

“Sir?”

“I don’t usually smoke,” aniya. “Just occasional if I’m stressed but I’m
trying to lie low. Napapadalas lang nitong mga nakaraang buwan.”

Why was he telling me this?

He looked so guilty. Akala mo’y papagalitan ko.

Well, I felt a bit disappointed he’s smoking since I was not quite a fan of
it, but it wasn’t right to call him out when I barely knew him.

Pero kung kakilala ko ito, aba, papagalitan ko talaga. Hindi maganda ang
sigarilyo sa health.

Kahit matapang ang mga mata niya’y bakas doon ang pag-aalangan. It was like
he did a very bad thing and he had to be punished from it.

“You don’t have to apologize, Prosecutor. Ayos lang,” I consoled him.

Hindi na siya umimik kaya ako na ang nagtanong.

“Kanina ka pa po ba?” I asked.

 His lips thinned. “Stop with the po, Miss Ortega.”

My eyes widened. “Ay, sorry po.”

Tumalim ang tingin niya kaya mas suminghap ako at nahampas ang bibig.

“Sorry! Hindi ko lang mapigilan. Knowing, of course, you’re my boss and…

well, I respect you. I’m sure you’re older than me—”

“Just months older,” he insisted, annoyed. “And just Chi—Verón.”

“No, I can’t.” Umiling ako. “I’m your secretary. Ikaw ang boss ko kaya
Prosecutor o kaya Sir?”

Sumambakol ang mukha niya. He looked adorable. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa

clutch para pigilan ang ngiti.

“Miss Ortega…”

“Atty. Castuares,” agap ko.

Matiim siyang tumitig. Ngumuso ako, nang-aasar.

“Kahit na,” I explained. “Months or years, you’re still older than me. Ano’ng
gusto mo? Boss o… Kuya?”

His eyes glinted with annoyance and amusement.

“Miss Ortega…” he warned, his tone playful.

I didn’t know why but I grinned. “Yes, Kuya?”

His mouth parted. “You…”

I squealed and sprinted with my heels on until I reached the entrance to go

back inside, looking back at him with a grin.

Marahan na ang lakad niya, nakapamulsa at iniilingan ako.

“Still the same…” he said.

Kumunot ang noo ko.

“Ano ‘yon, Kuya?!” I screamed back and when he took quick steps closer to me
now, nagtatakbo na ako papasok habang tumatawa.

Kabanata 5

Kabanata 5

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Nakihalubilo ako sa mga tao, sumisiksik sa mga nagsasayawan na sa dance

floor.

I kept on looking back, checking if the prosecutor was following me after I

made a stupid joke.
 Kuya? Seriously, Zahrah?

Gano’n mo ba ka-close si Prosecutor para magbiro!

Habang mas nag-lo-loading sa utak ko ang katangahan na ginawa ay mas nilamon

lang ako ng hiya. I smacked my forehead, gritting my teeth.

Baka bad shot na ako! Isang araw pa lang! Isang araw pero ito ako at parang
tangang feeling close sa kanya! How dare me call him Kuya? He’s pissed, I was sure!

Pag-iinitan ako nito sa trabaho tapos… tapos paano na kami magiging close?
Paano na ang Daddy ko?

“Zahrah! There you are!”

My eyes brightened upon seeing Bryce.

“Bryce!” tawag ko. He offered his hand kaya inabot ko iyon at hinila niya ako
paalis sa nagsisiksikang crowd na nag-ipon-ipon sa dance floor.

“Zahrah! Saan ka galing! Fifteen minutes kang nawala!” Meia’s voice roared.

“Huh?” Nilingon ko siya at muling nag-init ang mukha habang naaalala ang
katangahang nagawa. “Nothing, nagpahangin lang ako sa labas kaya natagalan saglit.”

“Galing ka sa labas?” Bryce asked.

I nodded.

“Oh? Nakita mo si Prosecutor? Nando’n daw ‘yon—”

“N-nope.” I shook my head. “‘Di ko siya nakita—”

“Why are you running away from me, Miss Ortega?” I jumped when I felt a voice
just beside my ear, his breath touching my earlobe.

“Prosecutor!” I exclaimed and awkwardly shifted my head to face him.

Mas bumilis ang kalabog sa dibdib ko nang matantong sobrang lapit na ng mukha
namin.

I couldn’t say anything. I remained gawking at his face, wide-eyed. Tila ako
batong natulos, nalulunod sa paraan ng pagkislap ng mas dumilim na asul niyang mga
mata.

“Hmm?” His hum reverberated.

“Nothing.” Tumikhim ako at umiwas. “Ito na si Prosecutor! Dinala ko!” Sabay

lahad ko sa fiscal na tumayo nang maayos at nagpamulsa.

“Ah? Akala ko ‘di mo nakita?” Meia asked.

“Huh?” I pretended. “Wala naman akong sinabing ‘di ko nakita, a? Ikaw talaga,
Meia!” I laughed awkwardly.

“Huh?” she asked back. Tila may invisible question mark na lumitaw sa tuktok
ng ulo nito.
 May narinig akong natawa. Sinulyapan ko si Bryce. He stared at me knowingly
sabay sulyap sa prosecutor.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata at nagkunwaring nagpapanggap na naguguluhan. Mas

lumaki ang ngiti niya.

“Bryce…” his cold voice called him.

“I didn’t say anything,” aniya sabay taas ng palad at baling kay Meia na
binabalikan pa rin ang alaala sa mga sinabi niya.

“Walang sinabi si Zahrah, Meia,” aniya sabay akbay sa babae. “Tara do’n dali!
Libre kita ng pagkain!” Tinangay niya ang huli na tinuro pa ako.

“Si Zahrah—”

“Isa lang kaya kong ilibre! Bahala na si Prosecutor sa kanya! ‘Di ba,
Prosecutor?” anito sabay sulyap niya kay Prosecutor na nakatitig lang nang masama
sa kanya.

He didn’t wait for him to answer. Tinangay na niya si Meia at iniwan ako sa
prosecutor na sinundan ng tingin ang dalawa, nakapamulsa at nakaigting ang panga.

Damn it, Bryce!

Nagkatinginan kami ni Prosecutor. I pursed my lips and awkwardly brushed my

bangs. He followed my movements then his lips curved for I didn’t know was a smile
or a smirk.

“Ah… I gotta go.” Sabay turo ko kina Bryce at hakbang palayo.

He scoffed.

“Kuya, huh? Miss Ortega?” he asked.

Napasinghap ako at tumakbo palayo. His baritone chuckle echoed.

Tinataguan ko si Prosecutor. Nakihalubilo ako kina Bryce at sa ibang

officemates ko sa table habang hinahanap ng mata ang prosecutor na naglaho na
naman.

Ano ba ‘to, multo? Saan nagsusumiksik at palaging missing in action?

Pero nang lumitaw siya sa may table namin ay nagsisi naman akong hinanap ko
pa siya.

They greeted him, thanking him for the reservation. Nang magsalubong ang mata
namin ay medyo nagpadausdos ako sa couch sabay dukot ng pulutan at suksok sa bibig
ko.

“Welcome sa prosecutor’s office, Sir!” Masaya nilang binati ang huli. “We are
honored to have you here!”

“I’m honored, too. Thank you,” he answered formally with a small smile.

Sumulyap ako sa kanya. Nakasandal siya sa couch habang pinapakinggan ang mga
sinasabi ng mga kasama sa trabaho.

He was really dashing. Bagay na bagay talaga sa kanya ang pagsuot ng mga
turtleneck longsleeves dahil kitang-kita ang hubog ng kanyang braso at muscles. He
was sporting it with his jeans and sneakers, sa kanyang gilid ay ang nakatuping
coat.

Siya ‘yong tipong kahit isang tingin lang, alam mo na kaagad na mabango.

His legs were crossed, giving everyone a nice view of his long legs.

“DLL,” ani Meia na humahagikhik.

My lips protruded as I reached for the peanut, watching him listen to them.
Weirdly enough, walang baso ng inumin sa harapan niya.

Won’t he drink?

“Prosecutor, p’wede magtanong?” the drunk Meia asked. Lahat kami ay

napatingin sa kanya.

“Meia…” Bryce called.

“What is it, Miss Legazpi?” he asked casually.

I reached for my drink and took a sip.

Meia grinned. “Ano’ng masasabi mo sa tawag sa ‘yong Daddy Long Legs?”

Muntik ko nang mabuga ang inumin.

“Meia!” I hissed. Si Bryce ay napamura sa pwesto niya at napasapo sa noo.

Sa kabila ng ingay sa dance floor ay dinig na dinig ang katahimikan sa pwesto

namin. Everyone was holding their breaths, waiting for his response.

Damn it. He’ll be mad for sure—

“Thanks for the compliment,” sa halip ay sinabi niya.

Sabay-sabay silang nagpakawala ng pinipigil na hininga samantalang ako’y

gano’n pa rin dahil napunta sa akin ang tingin niya.

He held my gaze hostage for a brief moment before he looked away as if he was
burned. He then moistened his lips after.

“How did you know that, Miss Legazpi?”

“Narinig—”

“Kalat na sa office, Prosecutor,” agap ni Bryce bago pa mapahamak ang lasing

na si Meia sa pagiging tsismosa. “We heard your former students often calls you
DLL.”

I noticed the slight alarm on his features, but it smoothened as if it never

happened. I looked around to see if someone noticed that briefest change pero
mukhang ‘di nila iyon nahuli.

“Hmm…” His lips curved for what it might be—a smile. “Paano n’yo naman
nalaman?”

“Narinig lang si Judge!” ani Meia bago pa matakpan ang bibig niya ni Bryce.
 “Wala ‘yon, Prosecutor—”

His eyes narrowed at Bryce for a slight warning. Sighing, he let her go.

“How so, Miss Legazpi?”

“Nagkataon lang po na nakita namin kayong kumakain ni Judge,” ani ng bangag

na si Meia. “Tapos narinig kong inaasar kang Daddy Long Legs pero ‘di ako ang
nagkalat, Prosecutor! Si Bryce ang tsismoso!”

Bryce sighed and closed his eyes.

Tumitig si Prosecutor kay Meia bago isinandal ang likod sa couch,

humahalukipkip.

“What else did you hear?” he asked curiously.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

Was there something she was not supposed to hear?

“Ah, wala naman na, Prosecutor!” she giggled. “Masyado na akong overwhelmed
sa nalaman! Pero… pero ‘di ako ang nagkalat! Si Bryce!”

Bryce groaned. Everyone laughed but I couldn’t join them dahil bantay na
bantay ako sa kilos ng fiscal.

I saw the slight and unnoticeable by others changes in him. How his squared
shoulder relaxed, how his hardened face softened a little, how he unclenched his
jaw.

What are you hiding, Prosecutor Castuares?

The atmosphere lightened as Bryce ordered more drinks.

“It’s on me,” ani Prosecutor kaya mas nag-ingay sila.

Habang nag-aasaran sila ay hindi mawala ang tingin ko sa lalaking nahanap ang
tingin ko sa dilim. I felt like I was electrocuted with his fiery gaze.

Nag-iwas ako.

“Let’s dance!” Meia announced.

They cheered and began moving around to go down to the dance floor. Nanatili
akong nakaupo.

“Zahrah!” Meia called and reached for my hand. “Tara!”

I shook my head, “I’m fine. I don’t really dance—”

“H’wag KJ! Tara! Sasama kaming lahat dito! Ikaw lang ang maiiwan!”

I was about to tell her I was doing fine alone here but then caught a glimpse
of Bryce asking the prosecutor. He shook his head.

Our eyes met, making my heart go rabid.

 If I won’t dance and he’ll remain here, then…

I smiled and reached for Meia’s hand.

“Let’s go,” I accepted. She squealed and pulled me with her.

Hindi ko na muling sinulyapan ang mukha ni Prosecutor at nakihalubilo sa

kanila.

I should be able to blend with them. Kung gusto kong magawa ang trabaho ay
dapat magtagal ako rito at marunong makisama.

The crowd was wild. I felt a bit suffocated on the dance floor but with
Meia’s help ay kumalma rin ako kahit papaano.

“Dance!” she urged me.

I was embarrassed at first, trying to mimic her movements until the beat of
the song dropped and I felt alive. The music made me feel alive.

Tila sa ibang timeline ay ganito ako nabuhay. In my head, scenarios played

out. Maybe just the made-up stories I was so fond of making myself believe these
days, but I can see myself in bars. In pageants. The center of attraction.

I was loved.

But now… what happened?

Masyado na pala akong nawala sa sarili na napansin kong nawala na ako sa tabi
ni Meia na may kasayaw na pala sa hindi kalayuan. I looked around for her as I
planned to call her attention when a man smiled at me.

Awkward pero kailangan mong makihalubilo, Zahrah, hindi ba? This was the life
you were deprived of before this shit happened! You should start living!

“Let’s dance?” he asked.

He’s handsome. Magkasintangkad lang kami at mukhang maayos na tao naman kaya
tumango ako.

He took my palm to his shoulder, moving his hips. Hesitantly, I swayed with
him, but the music was so damn better now than it was a moment ago kaya mas nadala
ako.

What made bars more exciting was the DJ playing. Kung hindi maganda ang
songs, parang nakakatamad sumayaw pero ngayon? Mas buhay na buhay ang crowd.

Sumubok akong lumingon sa DJ booth at napansing iba na ang tao roon. I

couldn’t see the face entirely because of the pyrotechnics effect in the booth.

Naghiyawan ang mga tao sa tila indoor fireworks kasabay ng pag-drop ng beat.

The DJ was so good.

“Sikat na DJ ‘yan,” ani ng kasayaw ko.

“Hmm?” malakas kong tanong.

“DJ,” aniya. “He’s just a guest DJ visiting. Magaling!”

 “Ahh!” sagot ko na lang at muling sumulyap sa booth para makita ang gwapong
DJ.

I couldn’t see his entirety from my direction, but I was sure he has long
hair. Naka-bun iyon habang may headphones siya sa leeg at inaangat ang kamay niya
para makisabay sa kanta.

“Your name?” agaw ng pansin ng kasayaw ko.

His hand on my waist fell up my back. I shivered with his touch.

I gave an awkward smile.

“You first,” I said.

He gave me his name. Hindi ko narinig kaya pinaulit ko pero sa lakas ng ingay
ay ‘di ko rin naintindihan kaya tumango-tango na lang ako at tumawa.

“You?” he asked.

He grinded himself on me. Tumikhim ako at napaayos ng tayo, nag-iisip ng

excuse para makaalis.

Yes, I wanted to explore nightlife but… wasn’t this too fast? But it’s
normal, wasn’t it?

Inikot ang tingin. Everyone was dancing with somebody else. It will be rude
if I leave this man who asked me to dance.

“I’m sorry but I’d like to go to the restroom—”

“Damn, such a killjoy.” He smiled wickedly. “We’re just getting started.”

Mas bumaba ang palad niya mula sa likod ko sa may pang-upo. I felt a squeeze
at bago pa ako makagalaw mula sa gulat ay napaungol siya sa sakit.

“I think your time is up.” I stiffened when I felt a large palm snaking on my
stomach from my behind.

With a gentle pull, my back was already resting on his massive chest. That
scent and voice will never be mistaken as someone else’s.

“Fuck!” The man I was dancing with cursed and when I looked down, nakita ko
ang isang kamay na pumipilipit na sa palad niyang humawak sa pang-upo ko.

“Fuck! Sino ka ba?! Bitawan mo nga ako!” he exclaimed but he won’t let go.

“Hey…” I called, shifting my face to get a glimpse of his dark expression.

“Tangina, sino ka ba—”

“If I see you touch her again, I’ll break your arm.” His voice roared back
dangerously.

Hindi makapaniwalang kumurap ako.

He saw it? Kanina pa ba siya nandito?

 “Anong hinawakan? ‘Di ko siya hinawakan kung ‘di niya rin gusto!” he
exclaimed, cursing. “Let me the fuck go before I call my lawyer.”

“Call him, then,” hamon ng huli,

“Bitawan mo ako!” he hissed. “Tatawagan ko siya!”

“Sir…” I reached for his stiff hand on my stomach. “Let him go.”

Pissed, he let the man’s palm go. Nagmura ang huli sabay hawak sa kamay niya,
matalim ang tingin kay Prosecutor.

“What? Call him,” he challenged.

Oh, good Lord. I felt bad for this asshole already. Pagod akong tumitig sa
lalaki.

“Talagang tatawagan ko! Lalabas ako!” he announced as he walked away.

Habang nagsusumiksik siya paalis sa mga taong natigilan na rin para panoorin
ang kumosyon ay bumilis ang paghinga ko.

I felt the touch on my shoulder as he spun me around to see my face.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice filled with worry.

“No…” Umiling ako at sinalubong ang tingin niya. “I’m okay. Thank you.”

His serious blue eyes roamed on my face and as if he wasn’t satisfied enough,
hinubad niya ang suot na coat at ipinatong sa balikat ko.

“Prosecutor, hindi na kailangan—”

“I insist.” His jaw clenched. I couldn’t find the words to say anything, so I
let it go.

Tumango ako at napatungo.

“Good girl,” I heard him say as he reached for my wrist. “Come on.”

Sumunod ako. Nakita ko ang pagtango niya sa may DJ booth at nagsumiksik kami
sa mga kumpulan ng mga taong bumabalik na sa kasiyahan.

We got out of the bar and saw that one who grope me. Sa kanyang gilid ay
nakatayo ang mga bouncer na bumati kay Prosecutor pagkarating namin.

“Did you call your lawyer?” malamig na tanong ni Prosecutor.

The man glared at us, still pressing on his phone.

“Hindi naman hinawakan! Ang arte!” pasaring niya at iritadong tumitig sa

akin. “Ang swerte mo nga at pinatulan kita! Akala mo naman ang ganda mo—”

“We’re pressing charges,” the prosecutor announced.

Namilog ang mata ko.

What?
 “Ano?!” the man exclaimed. “Charge saan?! Ang kapal n’yo! Hindi n’yo ba ako
kilala—”

“Bakit? Sino ka ba?” he asked coldly. Natahimik ang lalaki.

“My… my father was a congressman!” he exclaimed. Mas humigpit ang hawak ni

Prosecutor sa wrist ko.

He was pissed. Oh, God. You could never… as in never flex whatever family
connection you have with law people! At times, p’wedeng makalusot but mostly, you’d
end up digging your own grave.

“Name?” Prosecutor asked, challenging.

Prosecutor nga ito at ang hilig maghamon!

“At bakit ko sasabihin sa ‘yo?!” he spat back.

Pinakawalan ni Prosecutor ang palapulsuhan ko. Tila may nahulog sa puso ko na

kaagad kong iwinala.

I was going crazy…

Iniyakap ko na lang ang mabango niyang coat sa katawan ko.

“Aren’t you supposed to scare me with this so-called congressman father of

yours?’ he asked, folding his arms on his chest. “Why? Hindi ba sumasagot si
Daddy?”

Muntik na akong matawa pero kinagat ko ang labi para ‘di kumawala ang ngisi.
The bouncers couldn’t help it, nagngisian sila.

The asshole cursed under his breath.

Prosecutor remained impassive, waiting for his answer. As if everything he’s

been hearing was boring him to death.

“You will not get away from this!” he hissed. “Malapit na ang lawyer ko!
Humanda kayo sa ‘kin!” Pinagtuturo niya kami.

Naghanda ako sa isip ko. Habang nagsasalita ang galit na galit na lalaki ay
muli akong hinarap ni Prosecutor.

“Cold?” he asked.

Kung anong lamig at galit niya kanina’y kabaligtaran ngayon. He sounded so

calm, in peace, sweet.

I smiled, shaking my head.

“Hindi, baka ikaw nga ang nilalamig d’yan at nasa akin ang coat mo.” I
shrugged my shoulders. “Ikaw? Are you cold?”

He remained staring. Nag-init ang mukha ko.

“Sir?”

He swallowed, like he was snapping himself back to reality.

 “Hmm?” he asked again, getting out of the fantasy he was running inside his
head.

“Sabi ko, are you cold?”

He stared.

“For years, yes,” sagot niya habang nakatitig sa akin. “But… not anymore.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko, naguguluhan sa ibig niyang sabihin pero ‘di na ako
nakapagtanong muli nang marinig namin ang boses ng lalaki, tinatawag na ang abogado
niyang pababa ng sasakyan.

We walked closer.

A man went out, probably in his 40s.

“Ano na namang ginawa mo, Jason?!” he hissed.

“Uncle! These people are accusing me!” Sabay turo niya sa amin.

The man glanced our way, but his eyes widened when he caught a glance at the
man beside me.

“Prosecutor!” he called. “Kumusta?”

“Good evening, Atty. Tan,” he greeted back formally.

“P-prosecutor?” The asshole blinked. “Uncle, sila ‘yong—”

“What did my stupid nephew do this time, Prosecutor?” Umamo ang tinig niya.

“Uncle!”

“Your nephew, Atty.?” Sumulyap siya sa lalaking galit na galit na sa gilid.

“Yes, I’m sorry… He’s just… What did he do this time?”

“He groped my secretary.” Sumulyap siya sa akin.

“I didn’t—”

“Shut up, Jason!” the lawyer exclaimed then his face softened at me. “Did he,
Miss?”

Sumulyap ako saglit kay Prosecutor bago tumango. Nagmura iyong Jason, iritado
sa akin.

Napapikit ang abogado, mukhang ‘di na bago sa kanya ang nangyari. He glanced
at him.

“Apologize, Jason!”

“Why—”

Nag-usap sila ng tingin na sa huli ay lumapit ang Jason sa akin at

bumuntonghininga.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” he sighed and lowered his head. “Hindi na mauulit.”
 Hindi ako kaagad sumagot. Umayos siya ng tayo at mas naging sinsero ang
tingin.

“Sorry… it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have groped you—”

“You shouldn’t… for everyone,” I corrected. Tumango siya at muling inulit ang
sinabi, humihingi ng sorry at ‘di na raw mauulit.

Pinanood siya ng abogado, pagod na ang itsura. Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa

lalaki.

“I won’t file a complaint,” I said. Nagliwanag ang mukha niya.

“Miss Ortega,” Prosecutor called, pissed.

“I won’t… for now,” I said. “But if I hear or see you doing it again, I won’t
hesitate. I will see you in the precinct. Do you understand?”

He nodded continuously. “Yes… yes, I’m sorry…”

Sumulyap ako sa abogado niya.

“Please look after him, Attorney,” I said. “If he did this again, I won’t let
this go.”

“Of course, Miss Ortega,” he nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank
you.”

We watched them leave. Nang maiwan na kaming dalawa ay bumuntonghinga ang

nasa tabi ko.

“No—” I eyed the prosecutor intently. Nilabanan niya ako ng tingin.

“Let this go. I’m fine,” I said.

“He groped you, Ortega!”

Oh, so we’re using surnames now?

Bumuntonghininga ako.

“Look here, Castuares,” I started.

His eyes widened briefly as his expression changed. He’s back at that
challenging look again. Hinahamon niya ako ng tingin ngayon.

Lumaban ako.

“So, we’re into surnames now, Ortega?” he asked.

“We’re outside work, Castuares,” I answered back. “Bakit, bawal ba?”

He took a step closer. Like an instinct, I took a step back.

He did it again. Umatras ako hanggang sa maramdaman ko na ang pagtama ng

likod sa sasakyan.

He towered me, placing his palm above my head. Umawang ang labi ko nang mas
lumapit pa siya hanggang sa naramdaman ko na ang init ng kanyang katawan.

It was a cold night, but I was scorching hot.

Maybe it’s the cocktail’s effect now! Right? Kaya mainit…

Inangat niya ang kamay pero ‘di ko inaasahan ang sumunod niyang ginawa. He
brushed my bangs.

“Who cut this?” he asked.

“Uh… me?” I answered.

Sa lahat ng itatanong niya o gagawin, hindi ito pumasok sa isip ko.

“Hmm… I’m good in cutting bangs,” he randomly said kaya natawa ako.

“Really?”

He nodded like a kid, his eyes glistening.

“I practiced with my twin,” aniya. “Nagalit kasi epic fail pero marunong na
ako ngayon. Sinubukan ko naman kay Adi—”

My phone vibrated.

Nawala ang atensyon ko at nahulog ang tingin sa clutch. I ignored it,

glancing back at him but his eyes were on it.

“Answer it,” he said and took a step back.

What…

Closing my eyes, dinukot ko ang phone at dinala iyon sa tainga ko.

“Hello?”

“Zahrah? Saan ka na?” Cole’s voice answered.

“I’m about to go home,” I answered, glancing at the man in front of me. Hindi
siya umiimik at pinapanood lang ako.

I smiled. Binasa niya ang labi at inayos ang coat niya sa balikat ko pasara.

I mouthed ‘Thank you’. Tumango siya at sinipa-sipa ang invisible na kung ano
sa lapag.

I bit back a smile. He’s so adorable.

“Good, ayos ka lang ba r’yan?”

“Hmm…” I hummed.

“I would like to wait for you, but I have to meet Dad. Call me when you are
back?”

“Sure,” I nodded, still staring at the man in front of me.

“Take care, Zahrah. Good night.”

 “Take care, too, Cole. Good night,” I answered back.

I immediately noticed the stiffness on his shoulder. Pinatay ko ang phone at

ibinalik sa clutch.

“Prosecutor?” I called. Hindi ko nabasa ang ekspresyon ng kanyang mga tingin

pero alam kong nag-iba iyon.

“Susunduin ka ng boyfriend mo?” he asked suddenly, his eyes blank.

Boyfriend?

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

“No.” I shook my head. His jaw clenched. “I mean, no, he won’t fetch me and
no, he’s—”

“Kahit dito, bawal pa rin,” he said lowly, bitterly. He chuckled.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Sir…”

“Bryce would take you home, Miss Ortega.” He squared his shoulder to look at
me blankly. “Be at my office tomorrow. Eight. Sharp,” anito bago tumalikod at
iniwan akong tulala sa likod niya.

Kabanata 6

Kabanata 6

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Jam, if I see you, I’m gonna kill you!” I hissed under my breath.

“Sorry! Sorry na!” ungot niya. “Biglaan lang kasi na kailangan akong sumama
kay Dad kaya ako absent.”

“Practical exam!” I whined. “How am I supposed to do a practical kapag wala

ang partner ko?”

“Magpapasa ako ng excuse letter, promise!” she exclaimed. “Promise sa next

meeting magpa-practical tayo.”

“Siguraduhin mo!” I sighed, then turned the call off.

I watched my classmates, all in their white uniforms talking with their

partners. Inaayos na nila ang mga injection na kailangan sa practical pati ang
elastic.

When Dra. Mercado got inside, dumeretso ako palapit sa kanya para sabihin na
wala si Jam at kung possible na next meeting na lang kami.

“I’m sorry, Miss, but we’re approaching the finals week. Pre-final
examination na kayo next week. It’s either you’ll do the practical exam now or
not.”
 Umawang ang labi ko.

“Dra…”

“Gusto kitang pagbigyan, hija,” she sighed. “But it will be unfair to the
other blocks na hindi ko pinagbigyan.”

I bit my lower lip, sighing.

“What can I do, Dra.? Wala po ang partner ko at sakto lang po ang mga
kaklase. Lahat po sila may partner kaya…”

“I will call you last,” aniya. “I suggest you call someone to volunteer.”

“Volunteer…?”

“To be your patient,” aniya.

Before I could even speak, tumayo siya at pumunta sa gitna.

“Okay, first group, dito sa gitna,” she announced.

I panicked. Lumabas ako, nagmamadali. I looked for my phone trying to see if

I could reach someone, but no one was answering.

I dialed again to call for someone pero lahat silang nandito sa university ay
busy o ‘di kaya’y may klase!

I texted my best friend, asking if she was free, and told her I needed help
for my practical pero hindi siya kaagad nakasagot.

Bakit lahat sila may klase ngayon? Sino’ng maiistorbo ko?

It’s not like I have a lot of friends because I didn’t. Kaunti lang din ang
mga kaibigan ko at madalas na sila lang ang kasa-kasama ko.

Lahat ng nasa kolehiyo ay may pasok. Hindi rin na ako p’wedeng humila ng sa
high school department!

I sighed and clenched my fist. That one person I was doing my best to ignore
came to my mind. He was out of options but… if I wanted to graduate this year,
kailangan ko na. Bahala na!

I marched towards the law school sa likod na building lang ng school namin.
Ngumiti ako sa guard na nagtanong kung saan ako pupunta at ano’ng kailangan ko.

“May emergency lang po, Kuya,” I explained. “May kailangan lang po akong
kausapin na student sa loob.”

He asked me to log in the visitor’s log bago ako hinayaang makapasok. I felt
so out of place inside the campus. Lahat sila ay naka-corporate attire o ‘di kaya’y
formal samantalang akong pa-multo na sa all white na suot.

Puting uniform, puting shoes, puti lahat!

Nagsulyapan sila sa akin pero walang pakialam na bumalik sa business nila na

para lang akong multo.
 Sa bagay, who could afford wasting time watching some ghost running around
the campus when they have exams and recits to study? Alam ko kasi kitang-kita ko
ang struggle n’ong kikitain ko ngayon.

I knew how his nose bled because of lack of sleep. Ilang beses sinasabihan
pero puro kape! Kape ang tubig! Parang apat na oras nga lang yata ang tulog n’on.

I frowned.

Why the hell was I even worried? Galit kami, ‘di ba? Magkagalit kami! ‘Di
kami bati!

Nakaakyat ako sa floor kung saan ang classroom nila. It’s already six in the
afternoon. Sa bawat nadadaanan kong mga room ay ramdam na ramdam ang tensyon.

May isang estudyante na sinisigawan. May umiiyak sa labas ng classroom. May

nagku-quiz.

Oh, good Lord. To be a law student.

Stressed na ako sa acads pero kapag nai-imagine ko ang stress sa Law School,
mas okay na sa acads ko na lang ako mamroblema.

It was another level of hard.

Tsinek ko ang classroom numbers. Kapag Wednesday, nasa dulo iyong classroom
n’on.

I sighed deeply when I got there, peeking on the door to see if he was
there.

It’s his break. Mamayang alas otso pa ang pasok n’on ulit.

Saan na ‘yon?

My phone vibrated.

From: BFF

BFF!!!! Sorry late replies hihi nasa SG ako!

My brow arched.

To: BFF

SG?

From: BFF

Singapore!!! �

Umawang ang labi ko.

Seriously… This woman…

I typed again, saying I would ask her twin instead for a favor, when she
replied.

From: BFF
 NO!!!!! Hindi ‘yon papayag huhu sorry bestie dapat ako na lang nand’yan.

To: BFF

Bakit ‘di papayag?

From: BFF

Secret lang, ah? Shhh… pero takot ‘yan sa injection. 🤣

My eyes widened.

What the fuck… Really?! Pero bakit naman no’ng nakaraan…

Muli akong sumilip sa salamin sa pintuan para hanapin siya ng mga mata ko. I
felt a presence beside me.

“Sino’ng hinahanap natin?”

“Si… gosh!” I gasped loudly when I saw his face. Natampal ko siya sa gulat.

“Aww!” He frowned, touching the nose I smacked. “Ang brutal? Galit ka pa

rin?”

Napapikit ako at umayos ng tayo.

“Bakit ka nanggugulat?”

“Ako?” Kumunot ang noo niya. “Bakit ako, e, ikaw nga ‘tong biglang lumilitaw
rito?”

My lips pursed. He smiled.

Nakakainis. Bagay na bagay talaga rito na mag-abogado at ang daming rason

palagi.

Sumulyap ako sa orasan. I already wasted fifteen minutes of my time!

Sumulyap din siya sa orasan bago sumandal sa pader at humalukipkip.

“Ano’ng inaantay natin, Miss?” He smirked. Gusto kong burahin ang ngisi niya
sa inis ko.

I sighed.

He’s scared of injection? E, bakit no’ng mga nakaraan…

Was he just tolerating me?

“Pst… sungit,” he called. “Ano ‘yon?”

“Nothing,” I sighed again.

Tumabi ako sa kanya at sumandal din sa pader.

 “May recit ka?” I asked.

“Later,” he answered. “Wala si Attorney sa next class kaya baka mamayang ten
pa ‘yong recit. Naaral ko naman na kahapon.”

Tumango ako.

I chewed my lip. Binaba ko ang kamay ko para dumukot sa bulsa niya. He cursed
and jumped.

“What the fuck…”

“Chewing gum!” ungot ko at hinatak pabalik ang bulsa niya. “Alam ko may
chewing gum ka r’yan! Pahingi.”

He sighed. I fished for his gums.

“Damn, girl,” he chucked lowly. “You could’ve just asked. Baka mamaya niyan,
iba pa ang madukot mo.”

My eyes widened. Hinatak ko ang kamay ko paalis sa bulsa niya at sinapok

siya.

“Aww!” he hissed, laughing. “I was kidding! Fuck, aray!”

“Bastos!” I hissed, my cheeks heating. “Sasapakin talaga kita!”

“Sorry na!” He winced and caught my palm. I stiffened when he looked around
to see if there’s anyone in the hallway before pinning my hand on the wall.

Namilog ang mata ko sabay angat ng isang kamay para sapukin siya pero nahuli
niya rin.

“Isa…” I warned, glaring at his face.

His blue eyes glinted. His lips curved.

“What is it, hmm?” he asked.

“Nothing.” I answered.

“Nothing?” His brows furrowed. “You won’t just come here for nothing.
Especially when you have a class. What was it?”

I sighed.

“Wala…”

Takot siya sa injection and all these times, I was asking him if not his twin
to be my patient! Akala ko namumutla lang siya kasi takot siyang masaksak ko ng
injection ‘yon pala ay literal na takot pala in general!

“Hey…” He let go of my hand and tilted my chin up. “What is it? Hmm?”

My heart raced.

I tilted my head.

Calm the fuck down, self. You made peace with these stupid feelings,
remember?!

“I have a practical.” Sinalubong ko ang tingin niya.

“Uh-hmm, and?”

“Si Jam, ‘yong partner ko sana, absent.” Lumabi ako. “Sinabi ko kay Dra. kung
p’wede na next week pero bawal kaya hanap daw akong volunteer na ano… friend.”

“Friend,” he mumbled. “I am your friend?”

“Oo, bakit, ayaw mo ba?” I asked.

His eyes twinkled.

“Of course, I want to be your… friend.” Tumitig siya pabalik. “Ayaw mo best
friend?”

“Damn you.”

He laughed.

“Ang unfair, a? Bakit si kambal BFF? Bakit ako—”

“Oh, do you want to be back with acquaintances?” hamon ko. Mabilis siyang
umiling.

“Of course not. Okay, friend. What do you need?” he asked.

I pushed him a bit.

“Show me your arms,” I said.

Namilog ang mata niya sabay yakap sa katawan.

“Oh, come on…”

Laughing, inangat niya ang sleeves ng dress shirt niya at pinakita sa akin
ang injection site behind his elbow. My lips pursed.

Natadtad ko yata no’ng huli kong practice.

I pushed it down carefully.

I should look for another or just fail this one…

“I gotta go,” I turned my back on him, but he pulled my arm back.

“What is it?” he insisted when he faced me.

“Are you scared of injections?” I asked.

Natahimik siya.

I noticed the shock on his face, but he was too quick to mask it with
something else.

“Sino’ng takot? Ako?” he asked innocently, as if he was confused, too. “Do

you have proof?”
 I frowned.

“Don’t go all lawyer on me, freshman.” Sumimangot ako. “I was told you hated
this. That you’re scared of this.”

I noticed he was about to wash hands. Pinanlakihan ko ng mata. Napirmi ang

labi niya at saka siya bumuntonghininga.

“You could lie to everyone but not to me, future attorney.” Tinuro ko siya.
“So, spill. Are you only pale because you thought I’d mess your veins up or because
you’re scared—in general?”

Umawang ang labi niya.

“And don’t lie to me or I’ll demote your friend status!”

Napakamot siya ng kilay. Pinigilan ko ang paglitaw ng ngiti ko.

“Fine…” he sighed. “I hate the damn injections.”

I tsk-ed.

“Simula no’ng bata ako,” aniya. “Sabi ni Mom, kahit baby pa, ayaw ko na raw.
I was wailing, akala mo kinakatay. Nadala ko na paglaki. Takot nga ako, e. Ayaw ko
sa vaccines.”

My jaw dropped. I took a step back.

“Why…”

“I’m so sorry but I draw the line with anti-vaxxers.” I motioned an

invisible
line.

Nahulog ang panga niya.

“No!” he exclaimed. “It’s not that!”

I shook my head, disappointed in him.

Akala ko iba siya…

“I was a kid, damn it!” He brushed his hair frustratedly. “I didn’t know
better! Basta ayaw ko lang ng injection pero may vaccine ako!”

Tumaas ang kilay ko, hindi naniniwala.

“I’ll show you a damn proof!” Laban niya. “With… with the vaccine card! I
have evidence to support my claim!”

My lips thinned. Napahawak siya sa batok.

“W-well, three people restrained me just to get a shot.” He smiled awkwardly.

“Pero vaccinated ako… promise…”

My phone vibrated. Nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanya at binasa ang message ng

kaklase, sinasabing panlima na ako mula sa nagpa-practical ngayon.

“Use me,” his voice echoed.

 I lifted my face.

“I will probably become pale as a damn ghost but remember when you said to…
face your fears?” he asked, smiling. “I promise I won’t faint.”

He lied. He did faint.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I had these messy dreams inside my head pero simula nang magtrabaho ako, mas
lumala lang iyon. Some parts, I will remember. Some, I couldn’t.

Lalo na kapag maganda.

Alam mo ‘yong pakiramdam na parang totoong nangyayari ang panaginip mo? Alam
mong maganda tapos sasabihin mo, matatandaan ko ‘to pagkagising pero pagmulat ng
mata’y basta na lang mawawala?

The scenes were there but the feelings remained.

I have been working in the office for two weeks, but I rarely saw the
prosecutor. Yeah, sure. I was the secretary, but I didn’t feel like one.

Siguro dahil kasi bago pa lang ako but I felt like Meia was doing a lot of
work. She’ll let me check the petitions and documents for some cases and then siya
ang magpi-print at magbibigay kay Prosecutor.

Hindi na siya sumabay ng lunch sa amin. I was disheartened and annoyed.

Ewan kung bakit. Malamang siguro ay dahil… ano ba? Dahil akala ko magiging
malapit kami dahil sa gabing iyon sa bar?

Bakit ko nga ba ine-expect na magkakalapit kami? I was only here for the job,
nothing else. Kapag natulungan ko na ang Dad ay aalis na rin ako.

I should befriend them but not to that extent I’d find it hard to let go.

“Hays, kapagod!” Meia sighed loudly as we turned the computers off.

Alas singko na. Uwian.

I yawned.

“Zahrah, may gagawin ka mamaya?” she asked.

Napaisip ako.

Manonood o kaya’y magbabasa lang…

I shook my head.

“How about Sentral?”

“Sentral?”

“Bar?” She grinned at me. “Maganda ro’n!”

“I’m not—”
 “Come on, Zahrah! Live a life! Ikutin natin ang Cebu! There’s too much to see
and explore in this city!”

Kaya sa huli ay pumayag na ako. I went home to change, hearing Cole’s

nonsense again.

“Zahrah,” paalala niya. “Pumunta ka ro’n para sa case ni Tito Israel at hindi
para mag-bar—”

“Can’t I live a little?” iritado ko nang tanong at hinarap siya sa salamin.

“But your father’s enemies…” I didn’t get to hear his last words. I left,
annoyed.

I’m not a kid! I can do whatever I like!

I made sure they didn’t follow me before hailing a cab. Mahirap dahil nga sa
exclusive ang village at dito sa may pwesto ng mansyon? Walang ibang nakatayo kung
hindi ang amin.

Hindi ito ang tinitirhan namin noon. I think I spent weeks to a month in our
old house in Biliran bago bigla na lang kaming lumipad sa Cebu.

I called Meia when I got to the location and as usual, buhay na buhay na
naman siya. She was chirping, telling me stories about the people she met inside
already.

The lights were dancing in different shades of colors, and the music was
booming. I could smell the scent of liquor and smoke inside.

I looked up to the DJ booth.

Nightlife in Cebu was probably one of the liveliest.

Dinala niya ako sa upuan namin at mga kasama. The same group of friends
greeted us. Bryce smiled.

“Zahrah! Buti nakapunta ka!”

“Wala namang ginagawa,” sagot ko at ngumiti.

I unconsciously looked around, searching for a certain someone. I only

realized I was doing it when Bryce cleared his throat.

“Male-late si Prosecutor kasi may biglaang aberya sa RTC kanina pero darating
‘yon, medyo male-late nga lang.”

Tumikhim ako.

“Ah… okay, ‘di ko naman hinahanap,” sagot ko bago inabot ang pulang cup para
uminom.

He cleared his throat. ‘Di ko pinansin.

Naupo siya sa tabi ko.

“Bakit ‘di kayo nagpapansinan?”

 My forehead creased. “We are. Bakit naman hindi?”

“Hmm…” Ngumuso siya. “Ayos naman kayo no’ng first day, a? Tapos two weeks na
kayong seenzoned sa isa’t isa.”

I shook my head at him.

“Stop making issues, Bryce.”

He chuckled.

“Single iyong si Prosecutor,” bulong niya.

Talaga?

I snapped back. Inalis ko ang ekspresyon.

“So…?” I narrowed my eyes at him. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

“Wala, share ko lang.” Tumawa siya. “Baka kako type mo.”

My shoulders fell. Tumawa siya.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell Meia—”

“Hindi nga sabi…” I insisted.

Thankfully, hindi na siya muli pang nangulit. Mas dumami ang tao nang lumalim
ang gabi.

Masaya naman pero nag-umpisa na akong ma-bore kaya ‘di na ako tumanggi nang
niyaya ako ni Meia na sumayaw.

I was having fun, dancing with co-workers when I felt an intense stare
burning a hole in the back of my head. Natigilan ako at lumingon sa paligid pero
wala akong nakita.

Frowning, I let it go but just five minutes after I returned to dancing, that
intense stare made me stop again. Alam kong may nakatingin. Naramdaman ko.

I looked up, looking around to find the suspect when I locked gazes with the
blue ones from above.

He was leaning on the metal barricade, a glass of what looked like orange
juice in his hand.

I looked around, checking kung sino ang tinitignan niya pero wala akong
makita kung hindi ako. Ako ang pinapanood niya?

Umikot ang sikmura ko.

The only time he took his eyes off me was when a girl appeared beside him and
whispered something. He tilted his head and listened. I grimaced.

“Hi, miss, let’s dance?” I heard a voice behind me.

“Sure,” hindi lumilingon kong sagot at hinayaan ang lalaking hawakan ang
tiyan kong nakalitaw dahil sa damit. He danced behind me. My eyes threw daggers to
the upper level, pissed.
 Bakit ako galit?

I glared at him, smiling with whatever the lady was saying. May sinabi siya.
Humagikhik ang babae at pinalo ang kanyang braso.

Nakaitim siyang dress shirt na nakatupi sa kanyang siko at slacks,

paniguradong galing pa sa korte kanina. His Rolex was glinting with the lights, the
annoying gold ring still on his pinky.

His hair was disheveled from probably combing it with his fingers… or not.

Mas nagpuyos lang ako.

“Why are you so stiff, baby?” bulong ng kasayaw ko kaya bigla akong
natauhan.

Damn it! There was someone dancing with me and all I did was glare at some…
some whatever!

Iniangat ko ang palad pahawak sa batok ng kasayaw. He whistled and danced

with me.

He told me his name, but I didn’t get it because I saw that man from above
saying something to the girl. She smiled and walked away.

Nakataas pa ang sulok ng lalaki roon pero kaagad iyon napawi pagkakita sa
akin.

His eyes darkened.

I didn’t give a fuck. I danced with the stranger while locking gazes at him,
satisfied when I saw his jaw clenching.

You wanna piss me? I’ll piss you off, too.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baso ng juice at inisang inom iyon. I watched in
fascination the way his Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed, how he licked his
reddish lips, and tilted his glass a little to play with the melting ice cubes.

I stopped when I felt the man grinding on me from behind. Napabaling ako sa
kanya at lumayo.

“Miss?” he called, confused.

Muli akong nag-angat ng tingin pero wala na ro’n si Prosecutor.

“Miss—”

“I gotta go,” I excused myself before something happened, my feet taking me

to the bar counter instead.

Nasa gitna ang counter sa bar na ito. May mga case ng beer at ang mga
bartender ay naghahalo ng mga inumin para sa mga lumalapit. In the middle was a
display of colorful bottles of liquor.

Sumalampak ako ng upo sa bar stool.

“Oh!” I jumped in shock when a handsome man pointed at me.

 Napahawak ako sa dibdib.

“Excuse me?”

He stiffened and then suddenly smiled handsomely.

“Oh, may magandang customer!” He grinned. “Ano sa ‘yo, Miss?”

Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad. I stared at him intently.

“Some Jack Coke would be fine,” sagot ko.

Ngumiti siya ulit sa akin bago nagsimulang gawin ang order ko. I watched him
silently.

He has blue eyes and long hair in a bun. Handsome with a friendly face.

I blinked.

“Have I seen you before?” I asked.

Muntik na niyang mabitawan ang baso sabay angat ng tingin sa ‘kin.

“H-hindi, a.” He shook his head, panicking. “Bakit mo naman ako makikita?”

“No.” I pursed my lips, rummaging my head to remember where I had seen him.

“Isipin mo mabuti, Miss,” he urged. “Alam mo na kasi ‘yong kagwapuhang

ganito, masyadong rare.”

“Ganyan talaga kapag endangered species,” a voice answered from behind.

Sumulyap ako sa likod at nangunot ang noo pagkakita ng babae. She’s

beautiful. I wasn’t so sure if her eyes were brown or something but it’s beautiful.

“Misis…” he whined.

“Ang tagal mo,” the beautiful blonde lady said. “Hinahanap ka na ng panganay
mo.”

Oh, must be his wife?

I smiled at the lady who kept on watching me closely. In the end, I noticed
the slight shock on her face before glancing at the bartender who gave her a look.

Lumabi ako.

“Hindi n’yo naman ako ho-holdapin, ano?” I blurted out.

Sabay silang natawa.

“No way.” The lady smiled at me. “I was just telling him you’re pretty,
right?”

“Yup.” The man smiled, extending the glass of drink to my hand. “I’m… Lloyd,
by the way.”

I accepted his hand.

 “Hi, Lloyd.”

Na-a-amaze ang mukha niya habang nakatulala sa akin at kinakamayan ako. Akala
mo’y nakakita ng multo.

“Lloyd?” I called.

He snapped and glanced at the lady.

“This is my wife… Bea.”

“Bea?” Nilingon ko ang babaeng maganda, nangingiti sa akin.

“Hi, Miss. I’m Bea,” she introduced but I noticed a hint of amusement in
her
tone.

“Bea… Lloyd…” Tinuro ko silang dalawa. “Wasn’t it from the television?

Kapangalan n’yo ‘yong mga artista?”

“Popoy at Basha?” ani Lloyd kaya natawa ako at tumango. “Hindi ba?”

“Pwede rin, ‘yong itsurang ganito kasi pang-artistahin?” Kumindat pa siya.

They laughed. Napangiti na rin ako at nakipagkamay sa babae.

“Zahrah,” I introduced.

“It was nice meeting you… Zahrah,” the lady said with a small smile, glancing
at her husband who wouldn’t stop staring at me.

I minded my own business when the two started talking, and I sipped on my
drink.

It was a cold night tonight. I shivered. Napahawak ako sa braso nang may
maramdamang init sa balikat nang may magpatong ng jacket doon.

The familiar scent made my heartbeat quicken. Suminghap ako nang maramdaman
ang pagtama ng balikat niya at mas inatake ng kanyang pabango.

Nagkatinginan sila ng bartender.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” he asked.

“Wala, na-miss na kita kaagad,” the bartender answered, a knowing grin on

his
face.

Oh… they knew each other?

“They’re friends,” agap ni Bea sa tabi ko.

I nodded, fixing the jacket on my shoulder. Habang sinisimsim ko ang inumin

ay sinulyapan ko ang dalawang nagpapalitan ng tingin.

A silent conversation was probably happening. The prosecutor was pissed while
the bartender was having fun.

“Nasaan ang inaanak ko?” the prosecutor asked.

“Hotel with her brother,” sagot niya. “Date night sana kami ng misis ko
ngayon tapos naalala kong nandito ka kaya ‘yon. ‘Di mo ba ‘ko na-miss, taba?”

“Miss my ass. I was only gone for weeks,” sabat niya bago sila nagtagisan ng
tingin.

The lady beside me chuckled. Sinulyapan ko siya.

She smiled sweetly, brushing her blonde strands.

“Kain?” She extended her peanuts.

“Thank you.” Dumukot ako roon at pinanood nang tahimik ang daliri ko.

I was annoyed and I was not exactly sure why. Prosecutor didn’t look at me
even once when he sat beside me. I snorted.

Hinarap niya ako at nagtagisan kami ng tinging dalawa.

“Saan na ‘yong kasayaw mo?” he suddenly asked.

“Saan na ‘yong kabulungan mo?” I retorted back.

His jaw clenched. My frown deepened. Walang gustong magpatalo.

“Opps! Mamaya na ang patayan ng tingin, inom muna tayo!” May lumitaw na beer
sa gitna naming dalawa.

“No thanks,” the prosecutor answered, frowning.

Napunta ang tingin ko sa beer pabalik sa kanya na pinaglalaruan na ang

orasan.

“Why not, Sir?” I asked. “Not a fan of liquor?”

Naubo ang bartender. I noticed the quick glare the prosecutor gave him. He
lifted his hand as if surrendering.

“I am not into drinking tonight,” malamig niyang sinabi.

“Tonight or even the other night?” I smirked.

His eyes found mine. He’s irritated.

“What do you mean to say, Ortega?”

“Wala naman, Castuares.” I shrugged. “I was just curious since the last time
we went to the bar, wala kang inumin. Pulutan ang pinapapak mo. Tapos kanina, ano
‘yong iniinom mo, orange juice?”

Lloyd cleared his throat. When I glanced at him, an amused smile was playing
on his face.

“Are you saying I am liquor intolerant, Miss Ortega?” he asked stiffly kaya
bumalik ang tingin ko sa kanya.

“Nope, you don’t get to put words in my mouth… unless… it’s true?”

His jaw clenched.

 “Give me a damn beer,” he demanded to Lloyd.

Lloyd’s face brightened as he whistled.

“Ayan, ayan ang gusto ko sa ‘yo, taba! Competitive!”

“Honey…” the lady beside me warned.

He winked at her then placed another beer in front of us, extending two
glasses.

“What’s my reward if I prove to you that I’m not?” he challenged.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“For what?” I asked.

He smirked.

“Sorry to tell you, Miss Ortega, but I don’t bet unless I have something to
earn,” hamon niya.

Abogado nga…

Gusto lang yata nitong makaligtas, e. Akala mo, a?!

“Game,” I competitively answered. “Whoever wins gets to grant a favor from

the loser.”

He stared at me as if checking if I was kidding but when he realized I was

not, tumango siya at nilagyan ng beer ang baso niya.

“Game,” he accepted.

I drank. He did, too. Hindi mawala ang eye contact naming dalawa habang
umiinom.

“Saan na ‘yong kabulungan mo? Kita kayo mamaya?” I taunted.

“What about that asshole behind you, huh? Seems like you enjoyed dancing with
him.” Tumungga siya ulit.

Nahuli ko ang pagpungay ng kanyang mata at ang pamumula ng mukha.

Hindi ko sigurado kung dahil mestizo lang siya o ano…

“Ohh… may kasayaw ba, taba?” Lloyd asked.

Bakit taba?

“Oo!” He glanced at him. “Tiningnan ko siya sa taas tapos siya sasayaw sa

iba…” he sniffed.

What the fuck?

“Tama ba ‘yon?” he asked again, his eyes teary now.

Lloyd smirked evilly.

 “Ang sama, ‘no? Akala niya ‘di mashakit…” I blinked in confusion when his
tone changed as he clutched his chest.

Namumula na siya kanina pa pero mas namumula na siya ngayon. In his second
glass, I noticed the way his hand trembled from holding the glass.

“Prosecutor,” I called seriously. “Lasing ka na.”

“I’m not!” He glared at me with his drunk blue eyes. “H-hindi ako…
nalalashing!”

Oh, damn. He’s drunk.

“Tama na,” I called out when he sipped again. “Castuares!”

“Ortega!” laban niya at bago ko pa makuha ay inisang lagok niyang muli ang
natitira sa baso niya.

“Shit…” I cursed when he dropped the glass on the counter, grinning at me

handsomely. His face was crimson red. “Tama na, lasing ka na.”

“Hindi!” he snapped, reaching as he pinched my cheek.

“Ganda mo… pero ‘di ako… ‘di ako lashing!” he hissed, and a loud gasp left my
lips when he fell on the stool, his back flat on the ground as he snored.

Kabanata 7

Kabanata 7

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Masayang-masaya ang alaga ko, a?”

“Hi, Yaya!” I greeted her, smiling at her while running on the treadmill.

I had nothing good to do this early morning. Mamaya pa kasing ten ang pasok
ko dahil sa aalis daw ang prosecutor.

Obviously, I wasn’t needed.

Hindi naman yata ako secretary n’on, e! Bakit wala akong masyadong ginagawa?

My lips protruded. Inabot ko ang tumbler ko habang tumatakbo at uminom.

“Wala ka bang pasok ngayon, anak?” ani Yaya na inilalagay ang mga pagkain ko
sa side table. Nilingon ko siya.

“Mamayang ten pa, ‘Y,.” I answered. “Pero ewan, baka wala rin kasi wala ‘yong
boss ko ngayon.”

Nagpaalam siyang aalis muna at pagkaalis niya ay muli kong inangat ang phone
at pinanood ang video.

I cackled again when I saw the drunk prosecutor and the way he mumbled in his
sleep, even after telling me he wouldn’t get drunk.
 Nagulat pa ako nang mahulog siya sa lapag. Everyone saw him, including our
officemates and I couldn’t help but be ashamed for him.

Kung ako siguro nakita ng mga kasama sa work na gano’n, ‘di na ako papasok
forever.

I kept the contract he did while he’s drunk about the favor for the winner
pero ‘di man lang siya nakapirma at focus siya masyado sa pagsasabi sa ‘king ‘di
siya lasing! Pero ang ending, bago pa makapirma, tinulugan ako!

This man… really.

The boys helped him up as he slept on the bar counter, his mouth parted.

“Take a video,” Lloyd urged.

Lasing na ako pero umayos ako ng upo at gulat siyang tinitigan.

“No,” I answered. “I’m drunk, Sir, but I won’t… He’s a respected prosecutor.”

I even hesitated when deep inside me, there was this rebellious thought to
take a video just for fun.

“Respected?” he chuckled, amused.

“Honey…” Bea sighed.

“It’s fine, hun,” he answered before staring at me. “If you remember, I’m
sure you’ll be the first one to take a video of the drunk him.”

My forehead creased.

“Honey…” the lady warned.

Nanatiling nakatitig sa akin ang lalaki, pinagmamasdan ang reaksyon ko. I

fought gazes with him, challenging that look on his face.

When I looked at him, I felt like he was looking at me like he knew every
little thing—every little secret I had.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Nothing.” Muling bumalik ang magaan niyang ngiti. “Akala ko lang kasi close
kayo ni Ch—Verón. Iba ang tinginan, e.”

I snapped, shaking my head.

“We’re not,” sagot ko kaagad. “I’m just his secretary. Nothing else.”

“Ohh…” Tumango siya sabay sulyap sa fiscal. “I see. Poor taba. Kahit saan,
wala pa rin.”

Mas nagkaroon ng question mark ang ulo ko habang pinapakinggan siya. I was
about to ask him to further elaborate it but he shook his head and smiled.

“Sorry, miss, nalalasing na rin yata ako…” He stared at me, his eyes telling
me a lot of things.

Bakit ang dami-daming gwapong may blue eyes akong nakikita sa lugar na ‘to?
 “He’s just senti when drunk,” Bea retorted.

“Tama…” Lloyd glanced at her affectionately. “Ano’ng gusto mong inumin, misis
ko? Daan tayong grocery mamaya, nagre-request si bundat ng lumpia.”

Pinanood ko silang dalawang nag-uusap. They seemed so comfortable with each

other.

The lady was strict looking. Matapang ang mga mata at kung sa tingin lang ay
paniguradong ‘di approachable pero kapag kaharap niya ang lalaki ay magaan ang
kanyang ngiti.

One look at them and I can tell one thing: they’re in love.

I have read it a lot of times in books, watched it in movies, and dreamt of

it at night with my fake scenarios to fall asleep but nothing really beats seeing
it in actuality.

Pinanood ko ‘yong lalaki. He seemed so happy. ‘Di ko alam kung bakit pero
parang ang saya-saya ko para sa kanya.

Partida, ah? ‘Di ko naman ito kilala.

“You’re married, right?” I asked them.

“Yup,” Lloyd answered proudly, showing me his rings with a bright smile. Nang
mapansing nakangiti lang ang asawa ay sumimangot. “Misis, dali! Flex mo ‘yong
wedding ring!”

The lady chuckled, lifting her hand and I blinked in shock when I saw
multiple rings in her fingers.

“That’s… plenty,” I commented, amazed.

“Ah, oo, Cl—” Tumikhim siya. “Zahrah. Hindi ko na kasi papakawalan ‘to.
Bale ito ‘yong sa first wedding namin, sa second, sa third…” Tinuro niya isa-isa.
“Wala na ‘yong sa engagement kasi ang hirap daw suotin ‘yong safety pin.”

I laughed.

He’s amusing. Who would use a safety pin for an engagement ring? What safety
pin ba, bomba?

Natigilan ako at nanlaki ang mata sa kanya.

“Joke lang,” habol niya sabay ngiti pero nahuli ko ang kurot sa kanya ng
asawa.

“Three weddings.” Inabot ko ang kamay ni Bea at natutuwang pinagmasdan ang

mga singsing niya.

“Must be expensive, hmm?” I noticed. “Three times, bale tatlong beses din
nagplano? Sa event or anything?”

“Not really, the first one was only the two of us,” ani Lloyd. “Ang huli
naman, medyo bongga kasi deserve ng misis ko ‘yon kahit dati pa. ‘Yong pangalawa
naman, kaunting salo-salo lang. Someone helped us in designing and planning the
venue in such short notice.”
 “Wow…” I smiled happily. “Must be a tough work? Mabuti na lang ay may event
coordinator kayong nakuha nang mabilisan? Sa panahon yata ngayon ang hirap na kapag
rush.”

“We got a very efficient one,” ani Bea habang nakatitig sa akin. “I liked the
design better on our second wedding because it was made by someone…”

My heart raced, and I didn’t know why. Siguro ay sa kaba ko? O ano kaya?

“Perhaps, do you have a calling card or something? Who knows if I could use
some service in the future.” I shrugged. “I’m honestly interested in planning
events, too. It would be fun to talk to someone with the knowledge. Para kapag
pinalayas ako sa opisina kasi bi-video-han ko ang lasing na prosecutor, may
sideline ako.”

We all laughed.

“We’ll see what we can do,” ani Lloyd. “But I’m giving you bravery and
blessings to take a video of him. Kapag pinalayas ka sa opisina, ako bahala sa
sideline mo.”

Maybe I was drunk, too, or just simply comfortable and having fun but I took
a video of him sleeping and mumbling in his sleep.

“Hindi…” Sininok siya. “Hindi ako lashing… hindi…” He chuckled.

Napatakip ako sa bibig at napahalakhak nang makita ang itsura ng mag-asawang

tawang-tawa.

“Hindi?” I asked. “Paano ba ‘yan, Prosecutor? E di may utang kang favor sa

‘kin?”

“Hindi!” Nagulat kami nang umayos siya ng tayo at malaking iminulat ang mata
para antok akong tingnan.

His eyes softened.

“Hi, bwotiful…” He grinned at me, reaching for my cheek. My face heated. “‘Di
ako…lasing…”

My mouth parted. “Okay—God!” sigaw ko na nang muling bumagsak ang ulo niya
sa counter.

I got it all in the video. Kasama na no’ng hinihila na siya nina Bryce at
Lloyd papunta sa sasakyan. He was drunk that he was singing in a small voice,
tumatalon pa at nagpapabuhat sa dalawa na muntik pang mag-agaw buhay sa bigat niya.

“I’ll take you home, Zahrah,” nakangiting baling sa akin ni Bea.

“Hmm?” I asked. “No, I’m fine. Busy ka yata—”

“She got you, Zahrah,” Lloyd called my attention. “Ako na bahala kay
Prosecutor.”

My forehead creased.

“But…”
 “I got my bike,” Bea answered. “And don’t worry, your prosecutor would be
safe with him. Nand’yan naman din si Bryce.”

Tiningnan ko si Bryce. He gave me a nod and then he smiled.

“Meia’s home, too. Ikaw na lang. See you in the office?”

“Okay, see you.” Tumango ako at bumaling kay Prosecutor na nakahiga na sa

upuan ng sasakyan sa likuran.

Sumama ako kay Bea at namangha pa nang makita ang kanyang big bike. She
smiled at me beautifully.

Wow, she’s so cool!

“Will you be comfortable riding a bike, Zahrah?” she asked.

“Y-yeah.” Tumango ako at kinuha ang jacket ni Prosecutor sa balikat para

itali sa baywang ko. “I’m good.”

She grinned. She helped me fix my helmet before I rode with her.

“Hun, I’m leaving,” narinig kong sabi niya.

Sa phone yata? Ewan, ‘di ko napansing naglabas siya ng phone.

“Hmm… sabay na tayo palabas,” aniya at pinahawak niya ako sa kanya bago siya
umandar.

When we got out of the parking lot, I saw the familiar car they used to bring
the prosecutor. Bumaba ang salamin at sumilip doon si Lloyd na nag-flying kiss pa
sa asawa na napailing na lang.

I smiled.

They’re adorable.

But then the window from the backseat opened. Napaayos ako ng upo pagkakitang
nakasilip doon ang prosecutor. Antok ang kanyang mga mata nang masalubong ang
tingin ko.

His mouth parted.

“Oh!” he gasped like a kid, “Zy! Nakita ko na si Cl—”

“Shit!” I heard a loud curse and the car swerved. Napatili ako sa gulat nang
matumba ng higa si prosecutor sa upuan.

“Oh, God!”

“Jesus…” Bea gasped. “Careful, idiot!”

Sumilip si Lloyd at nanlalaki ang matang nilingon ako sabay ngisi.

“Lasing lang iyon, Zahrah! H’wag mo pansinin!” he exclaimed and when the
prosecutor peeked again outside the window while staring at me like he was seeing
an apparition ay muling nag-swerve si Lloyd kaya bumaldog siya pahiga ulit sa
backseat.
 Napansin kong lumalayo na mula sa amin ang sasakyan nina Lloyd. It seemed
like he changed lanes and Bea’s been cursing.

“Why are they changing lanes?”

“Huh? Uh, I’m not sure…” aniya at bigla ring binilisan ang bike kaya halos
mapayakap ako sa kanya sa gulat.

She drove until the car’s out of sight. Narinig ko ang buntonghininga niya
bago nagsalita.

“Hey, hun, drive slow and safe, okay?” aniya ulit, kinakausap ang asawa.

“Yup, what?” She chuckled afterward. “Kakasabi ko lang sa ‘yo ng I love you
three days ago, a?”

“Fine…” Natahimik siya tapos biglang napabughalit ng tawa. “Zahrah!” she

called.

“Yeah?”

“Sumuka raw sa sasakyan,” aniya.

“Sino?”

“Si Prosecutor,” sagot niya at nadamay na rin ako sa tawa habang kinukwento
niya kung paano sumigaw ang asawa sa kabilang linya nang biglang may nagsuka sa
likod dahil sa ginawa niyang pag-ikot-ikot sa sasakyan nila.

And now, those memories from last night kept on playing with the video kaya
ang ganda-ganda ng gising ko.

Meia called saying mamayang ten na ako pumasok at aalis daw yata si
Prosecutor para may puntahan. Ang tibay naman ng lalaking ‘yon, akala mo ‘di lasing
na lasing at nagsuka kagabi!

But I heard it’s fine if ‘di ako papasok ngayon. I might just finish the
audiobook I’ve started.

I lowered my phone and resumed my audiobook. I was in the exciting part

already.

A.K.A. smut.

The sexy voice of the male narrator made me giggle. Ang lakas pa naman ng
tension sa mga ‘to! Grabe!

Binilisan ko ang speed ng treadmill para mas bumilis ang pagtakbo hanggang sa
tumagaktak na ang pawis ko. I puffed a breath, gasping for air.

I should try jogging outside one of these days. Sawa na akong titigan ang
pader sa harapan ko.

I realized someone was calling my phone. I stopped.

Tinanggal ko ang EarPods at pinatay ang treadmill bago inabot ang phone pero
saktong namatay ang tawag.

My brows shot up when I saw an anonymous number. Habang inaantay na muling

tumawag ay umalis ako sa treadmill at naupo sa yoga mat, hinihingal pa.

I placed my phone in the center before starting my planking.

Umilaw ang phone ko. Sinagot ko iyon at nag-loud speaker.

“Hello?”

I stiffened with the baritone voice from the other line.

“Hello?” I answered, my breath unsteady.

“What the hell are you doing, Miss Ortega?” Tumigas ang tono ng boses niya.

“Prosecutor?” tawag ko at napatili nang manghina ang kamay at bumagsak sa

mat.

It obviously made a sound, embarrassing me further.

“What happened?” mariing sinabi niya.

“N-nothing,” hinihingal kong sagot bago sumalampak ng higa sa mat at inangat

ang phone ko. “Yes, Sir?”

“What are you doing?” tunog galit niyang sabi kaya mas lumalim ang gatla sa
noo ko.

“What? Nothing, Prosecutor,” I answered. “Why?”

“Nothing?” I could audibly hear the annoyance and frustration from his voice.
“Bakit hinihingal ka?” mabagsik niyang tanong.

Hindi ako kaagad ako nakasagot sa kanyang tanong. Mga ilang segundo pa akong
natulala sa phone.

“Miss Ortega,” he impatiently called. “What are you doing? Sino’ng kasama
mo?”

I was still catching my breath, my mouth parting.

“Zahrah!” His pissed, sexy voice roared.

“Yes, Sir!” Napaahon na ako at biglang natauhan. “Huh?”

Did he just call me by my name?!

“I’m asking you. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with? Bakit
hinihingal ka?” walang preno niyang tanong, galit yata o ano.

“Nothing!” I answered. “Nag-exercise lang ako, Sir.”

Natahimik siya sa kabilang linya pero dinig ko ang paghugot niya ng hininga.

“Exercise?” he asked calmly.

Inabot ko ang tumbler para uminom muna bago sumagot.

“Hmm…”
 “Zahrah,” he called.

“Yes,” sagot ko. “I ran. Treadmill. Tapos planking.”

He sighed loudly. “Bakit ‘di mo sinabi agad?” reklamo niya.

Natawa ako.

“No offense, Prosecutor, a? Pero bakit ko sasabihin sa ‘yo?”

“Because I was asking!” Siya pa ‘tong nagmamaktol. “Ang tagal-tagal magsabi,

kailangan pa ulit-ulitin.”

I rolled my eyes. Weirdo.

Akala mo boyfriend! Napalabi ako at nag-init ang mukha kaya humilata akong
muli sa mat at itinaas ang paa.

“Kumusta?” I decided to ask because he wasn’t saying anything. Parang tumawag

lang kasi bored siya. Akala mo talaga.

“What?”

“Kumusta ang ulo mo, Prosecutor?”

“Verón,” he mumbled. “Call me Verón.”

My cheeks heated. The way he said his name sounded so sexy.

Inakyat baba ko ang paa habang nakapatong ang phone sa dibdib ko.

“I can’t. You’re my boss,” sagot ko.

“Are we in work now?” tanong niya na may kalakip pang tonong: Common sense,
Zahrah. Common sense.

I rolled my eyes.

“So, bakit mo ‘ko tinawagan?” I asked. “Kung ‘di pala work?”

Natahimik siya.

“Prosecutor—”

“Verón,” he retorted. “Don’t make me repeat twice, Ortega.”

“Sungit mo, Castuares.” Kinagat-kagat ko ang labi ko. “Okay, Verón.”

Comfortable silence filled us.

“Where are you?” he suddenly asked.

“Home?” sagot ko. “Mamaya pang ten ang pasok ko kasi aalis ka ,‘di ba?”

“Come with me,” aniya. Napalabi ako.

“Saan?”

“RTC,” he answered. “Para doon sa kaso sa Calawisan. Homicide.”

 “I see,” I nodded. “What time do you need me?”

“Seven thirty,” sagot niya kaya inangat ko ang tingin at napabalikwas nang
makita ang oras.

“It’s seven!” I exclaimed then took my towel.

I heard his smile. “Hmm… I know.”

“No.” Umiling ako. “There’s no way I’d get there by seven thirty! Maliligo pa
ako! Magme-makeup, maghahanap ng damit!”

“Maganda ka naman kahit walang makeup,” he mumbled huskily.

Napapikit ako nang mariin at muntik nang ihagis ang phone.

“Shut up. ‘Di ako nagme-makeup para sa ‘yo,” I spat.

His sexy chuckle reverberated. Napalunok ako.

“I know,” sagot niya. “But if you do, male-late tayo. ‘Di ako makakapunta sa
korte kapag wala ka.”

“At bakit?” tanong ko habang pumapasok sa banyo. “Paa mo ba ‘ko? Mama mo?”

He chuckled again.

Ang sexy. Shit.

Binasa ko ng tubig ang mukha para mahimasmasan.

“Make it quick, twenty-seven minutes to go.”

“What?! Teka!”

“Sixty, fifty-nine—”

“Heh! Bye!” singhal ko na at nang umugong ang tawa niya’y pinatayan ko na.

This man… Prosecutor ba ‘to o bata?

It was the quickest bath ever! Dali-dali akong humalukay ng coordinates sa

dresser at basta na lang isinuot iyon. Ni hindi na nga ako nakapag-blower!

I was running while brushing my wet hair.

“Zahrah! Saan ka?!”

“Work, ‘Ya!” I exclaimed.

“Oh? Akala ko ten pa?”

“Emergency!” sagot ko.

“Kumain ka muna,” aniya. “May sopas akong niluto!”

Sopas?
 Natigilan ako at tumakbo sa kusina.

“Ya, can you prepare two sets for me?” I asked. “Baunin ko na lang sa
work.”

“Oh, siya, sige,” aniya kaya habang inaantay ko siya ay tinapos ko na ang
pagsusuklay at nagtungo sa medicine cabinet.

“May meds po tayo for hangover?” I asked.

“Oo, anak, check mo lang d’yan.”

I smiled when I got one and took the paper bag Yaya gave. Lumabas ako sa
village para magtawag ng cab pero obvious naman na late pa rin ako.

Paano ba naman kasi’y biglaan!

Frowning, I glanced at my watch.

It’s eight in the morning!

Tinakbo ko ang opisina at nasalubong si Meia na nanlalaki ang mata.

“Zahrah?”

“Nakaalis na siya?” I asked, panicking.

“Who?”

“Si Prosecutor.” Dumungaw ako pero nakababa ang blinds. Or siguro umalis na
siya?

Damn it! Dapat mas binilisan ko para nakasama!

“‘Di ba pupunta siyang RTC?” I asked.

“Huh? Oo pero mamaya pang eight thirty.”

What? My jaw dropped.

“That little…” Sumimangot ako at kumuyom ang kamay. “Nand’yan ba siya sa

loob?”

“Oo—” Hindi ko na hinintay siyang matapos dahil dere-deretso lang akong

naglakad sa opisina niya. I didn’t even knock. Pinihit ko lang basta ang doorknob
at pumasok, handa na sanang bumulyaw nang makita ko siya.

Kinain ko na lang ang sasabihin at dahan-dahang pumasok.

He was resting his head on his swivel, his eyes closed.

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa lamesa niya, sa baso ng tubig at isang pirasong

sandwich. Hindi man lang nagagalaw.

This poor man…

Napailing ako at lumapit. Ipinatong ko ang paper bag ng sopas sa lamesa bago
siya pinanood.
He looked dangerous in the outside. Timid. Strict and cold pero kapag
nakapikit ay akala mo’y maamo.

His eyelashes were thick. Nahiya naman ang pilik-mata ko.

His hair was jet black and lustrous, too. Malinis ang pagkakaayos kumpara sa
kagabi na hinayaan niya lang na may nahuhulog sa kanyang noo.

Matangos ang kanyang ilong at mestizo. His lips were thin and reddish pero
ang pinakanakakuha ng atensyon ko bukod sa asul niyang mga mata ay ang cleft chin
niya.

He’s still not wearing his coat na nakasampay pa rin hanggang ngayon. Just
his usual white crisp dress shirt, bukas ang tatlong butones sa kanyang dibdib kaya
medyo nasisilip ang yummy delicious—

“Kung hindi ka pa nag-breakfast, baka busog ka na.”

I jumped. Nang magmulat siya at nakasalubong ko mapaglaro at asul niyang mga

mata ay sumimangot.

He smirked. I shot my brow up.

“Excuse me?” I asked, annoyed.

He shrugged. Umayos siya ng upo bago bumaling sa lamesa.

“What’s this?”

“Sopas,” sagot ko at kinuha sa bag ang para sa hangover niya at nilapag sa

lamesa. “Drink this para sa hangover mo.”

His face crumpled.

“I am not drunk,” he retorted.

“I am not drunk,” I mimicked.

Bumusangot siya.

Hala! Parang bata!

Tumitig lang ako, walang sinasabi.

“Hindi nga sabi!” Inarte niya. “Hindi ako lasing kagabi.”

He glared at me with his lips slightly protruding. Muntik ko nang mapitik ang
nguso.

I shrugged instead.

“Hindi nga kasi…” ungot niya sabay tayo.

“Fine, okay.” I raised my hand. “Hindi ka na lasing… oo na. Ano’ng gagawin?”

tanong ko nang ilahad niya sa ‘kin ang necktie niya.

He didn’t say anything and just nodded, extending his necktie.

“Anong…” Tumango ako para ipakita ang ginawa niyang pagtango.

 Parang tanga. Alangang ma-gets ko kaagad ang tango-tango niya sa ‘kin?

“Just…” He nodded again and cleared his throat. “Necktie, please…”

“Ohh…” It dawned to me. Kinuha ko ang necktie niya at tsinek kung babagay pa
sa damit niya.

“Are you using that coat?” I asked, then pointed at it.

Tumango siya.

“May ibang necktie ka pa?” I asked.

“Bakit? ‘Di ba bagay?” he asked then stood beside me to take something from
his drawer. “Here…”

“Thanks,” I smiled and checked the other two.

Itinabi ko iyon sa coat niya hanggang sa makapili ng gusto at hinarap siya

para sana ipakita pero napansin ko nang pinapanood niya lang ako.

He was resting his back on the edge of his table, those blue orbs watching me
closely. Bigla akong nahiya sa pagiging pakialamera.

“Sorry.” I bit my lip. “For being nosy. Bagay naman ‘yong kanina pero mas
okay ‘tong…”

“It’s fine,” aniya. “I’m not good at choosing neckties, anyway.”

Tumango ako at naglakad papunta sa harapan niya. I was shy as I hesitantly

raised my hand to put the necktie around his nape, but he lowered his head a bit
like how he did the first time I did this to him way back in the boutique.

Nakasandal na siya sa may lamesa pero ang tangkad pa rin kaya kahit nakaupo
nang bahagya ay pantay ang mukha namin.

“Sino’ng namimili ng neckties mo, kung gano’n?” I asked as I locked gazes

with him.

Hindi siya umimik. Nanatiling nakatitig lang kaya binalingan ko na lang ulit
ang necktie.

Stupid, Zahrah. That was a weird question!

“Listen,” I started. “This is how you tie a necktie.”

“I won’t remember it,” aniya. “I tried, kept on failing.”

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Huh? Wasn’t it necessary to wear neckties if you have appearances in court?”

I asked.

He nodded.

“E, sino’ng nag-aayos ng necktie mo no’ng nandito ka na? May kakilala ka ba

o…”

“I know a lawyer, nagpapatulong ako—”

 Nag-iba ang timpla ko.

“What?” I hissed. Nagsalubong ang tingin namin. Tila may humalukay sa sikmura
ko. “Who’s fixing your tie?”

“Kung sino ang p’wede,” sagot niya. “Sometimes si Bryce, nagpapatulong ako.
Kung hindi si Attorney Lindsay.”

“Lindsay?” Humigpit ang hawak ko sa necktie.

“Yes,” he answered nonchalantly. “She’s a good—”

“You should learn how to fix your own, Prosecutor,” I said coldly, pissed. I
didn’t know why. “Ang laki-laki mo na, ‘di ka pa rin marunong?”

He chuckled deeply, his eyes teasing.

“Mommy, ikaw ba ‘yan?”

Natigilan ako nang nag-process ang reaksyon.

Ano ba’ng ginagawa ko?

“Shut up, Daddy Long Legs,” I spat back. Napawi ang ngisi niya at sumimangot
sa akin.

Mabuti nga…

Feeling like a winner, inilusot ko ang kurbata.

“You should learn how to fix your own. Tingnan mo, ganito—”

“You’re wasting your damn time, Miss Ortega,” he sighed. “I won’t learn it.”

“Anong hindi? Sabihin mo kamo, ayaw mo,” sikmat ko. “Iba ang hindi natututo
sa ayaw matuto. I will send you videos and demonstrations—”

“I’m busy. Wala ‘kong time,” he answered like a brat.

I eyed him. He eyed me back. Tila may laser na nagsisilabasan sa mga mata
naming dalawa.

I wasn’t the type to back down first but his gaze… his gaze was enough to
make my stomach twist, my heart jump out of my throat, and my knees wobble.

Nanghina ang tuhod ko at biglang tumabingi ang heels ko. I gasped and
tripped.

Nahila ko ang necktie niya kasabay ng paghawak ng palad niya sa baywang ko

para sumalo.

My eyes widened. He gasped.

Nakatitig lang kami sa isa’t isa habang nasa ere ako at hawak niya ang
baywang ko.

Time froze as I locked gazes with the most beautiful pair of blues I’ve ever
seen. It was fiery, dark, and yet… I felt calm.
 My eyes fell from his parted red lips. It looked so soft.

So…

“Z-Zahrah,” he called.

“Hmm?” I hummed. My eyes won’t leave his lips.

No’ng nagpaulan siguro ng kagwapuhan nakahilata lang ito sa kalsada.

“Zahrah…”

Parang sa mga librong binabasa ko, tila may background music na tumugtog sa
paligid. My grip tightened.

“Yes, Verón?” I asked as I visibly ogled at those luscious, sweet lips…

Parang ang sarap…

“Z-Zahrah!” he hissed under his breath as if he was struggling.

“Oh?” Nawala ang music sa paligid at iritado siyang tinitigan.

Panira naman ‘to ng daydream!

“Ano’ng problema mo?!” irita kong tanong pero nawala iyon nang makitang
namumutla na siya.

“I-I’m choking…” He gasped. Nahulog ang tingin ko sa palad ko at napabalikwas

nang natantong nakahawak pa rin ako sa kurbata niya, sinasakal na siya.

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Sana kainin na lang ako ng lupa!

Fuck!

“Miss Ortega…”

Mas binilisan ko ang lakad pagkarinig ng boses na ‘yon, nagpapanggap na

walang naririnig.

What the fuck did I just do?

Dere-deretso akong lumabas sa office, ni hindi na nabati ang mga ka-opisinang

bumati sa akin nang madaanan ako.

I could feel his presence behind me, his gaze burning a hole at the back of
my head. Mahaba ang legs niya kaya siguradong kung gusto niya akong pantayan at
habulin ay baka isang hakbang lang niya ako pero ‘di niya ginawa.

He stopped calling me and just continued following me like a ghost lurking in

the shadows. Mas kinabahan lang ako at nag-init ang mukha ko.

I choked him. Fuck, why the hell did I ever think of kissing him?!

“Miss Ortega…” he called.

Lumunok ako at ‘di nagsalita. Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa paper bag ng
pagkain na ‘di niya nakain.

Dere-deretso ako sa parking. Narinig ko ang mahinang tawa niya.

I frowned and marched faster.

Saan na ba ang sasakyan nito? Lumingon ako sa kaliwa. Bahala na!

“Miss Ortega,” he called again but I kept on walking until I felt a grip on
my elbow.

“Oh?!” I snapped as I looked back, frowning.

Nagulat din siya sa biglang paglakas ng boses ko pero tumaas ang sulok ng
labi para sa nagbabadyang ngiti.

“Calm down,” marahang sinabi niya.

Natanto ko ang nagawa kaya bumuntonghininga ako at mas nag-init ang pisngi
ko.

“Sorry, Prosecutor,” mahinang sagot ko. “Wala lang ako sa sarili, sorry…”

“It’s fine.” When I looked at him, his lip curved slightly for a smirk. “I
was just calling you to say my car’s that way.” He pointed to the right side.

“O-oh…” Tumikhim ako. “Sorry.”

Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin kaya napatitig din ako sa kanya. No words
were said but it felt like somehow… it spoke volume. I just didn’t know what words
but there was something I couldn’t explain.

His grip on my elbow slightly tightened. My heart raced as I looked down at

his large palm wrapped around my skin.

Sabay kaming napalayo. Tila napapasong nabitawan niya ako at ako nama’y
gano’n din.

“Let’s go,” pormal niyang sagot at ‘di ko na nakita ang ekspresyon niya dahil
dagli na siyang tumalikod at umalis.

I followed him silently, still feeling the warmth of his rough palm against
my skin.

My cheeks burned when he opened the door for me. I got in and watched him
walking casually like a runway model towards the driver’s seat.

Ano ba ‘yan, Zahrah? Kulang ka ba sa boyfriend?

Well… I was sure I had boyfriends before since I had some memories of me on
different dates with different men. I didn’t even know if they were aware I was
Zahrah Bellarose Sebastian, the secret daughter.
 Nakakalabas naman na ako ngayon.

Why not try to date? Hindi ‘yong lahat ng gagawin ng boss ko ay naaapektuhan
ako.

It wasn’t a good thing. To think I had a goal, and it shouldn’t involve my

damn feelings. Not now when it might risk my father’s freedom.

I fixed my seatbelt and silently watched the prosecutor fixing his and
maneuvering the car. I watched how his veins protruded when he gripped the steering
wheel.

I noticed how mestizo he was, obviously he’s more of a foreigner dahil sa

asul niyang mga mata at hulma ng mukha.

I remembered what Meia told me before. Si Verón daw ay isang afam.

What’s afam? ‘Di ko alam ang meaning, ‘di ko na na-process ang paliwanag ni
Meia at pumasok ang afam sa opisina na seryoso at nakasabit ang necktie sa balikat
at hawak ang coat niya kasama ang briefcase.

“Afam,” I mumbled.

Nilingon niya ako. “Hmm?”

Shit!

“N-nothing!” I blurted out and looked away. Nasa punto na akong bubuksan ang
pintuan at tatalon sa highway para lang makaalis sa sobrang kahihiyan.

Kasalanan ‘to ni Meia! Masasabunutan ko talaga ang bruha na ‘yon!

I took my phone out and sent her a message saying it was her fault with
exclamation points. She sent me back with confused emojis. I sent the angry ones
back.

“Mababasag mo na ang phone, Zahrah,” he pointed out.

Muntik ko nang mabitawan ang phone pero mabuti naman ay napigilan ko ang
kamay. I gripped my phone and gave him a small smile.

“Nothing, Prosecutor. Kausap ko lang si Meia.”

“Hmm…” he hummed. “Would I like to know what she said to make you furiously
type a message?”

Nakagat ko ang labi at umiling-iling.

“Wala, Prosecutor, kalokohan lang,” sagot ko at muling kinagat ang labi ko.
Nanunuyo na naman ang bibig ko.

I want something to chew… anything!

Nakakainis na Meia kung ano-anong kabalbalan ang nilalagay sa utak ko!

I felt his gaze on me. I didn’t look at him and remained staring at the road
ahead.
 “Compartment,” he said.

Nilingon ko siya.

“Hmm?”

“In the compartment, there’s chewing gum,” sagot niya.

My forehead creased.

How did he know I wanted gum?

“Baka lang gusto mo,” he added, his eyes straight on the road but I noticed
his jaw clenching like he was pissed off something—himself or me, I wasn’t so
sure.

A weird glimpse played in my head. That one man being the center of my
dreams. And the gum in his pockets.

“Do you keep gums in your pockets, Prosecutor?” I suddenly asked.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa steering wheel.

“No, why would I keep gums in my pocket?” he asked.

Yeah, right, Zahrah. Why would he? Stop making faces to the fantasies inside
your head.

“I see…” sagot ko at binuksan ang compartment niya at nakita ang iba’t ibang
klase ng chewing gum doon. Mayro’n pa no’ng maasim na makulay kaya iyon ang kinuha
ko.

I smiled.

“Yakee?” he asked when he caught me smiling.

“Hmm! Natikman mo na ‘to? Maasim pero masarap!” I said.

“Yup.” He nodded. “I like the blue ones better.”

“Same!” I gasped loudly. “Masarap naman ‘yong iba pero ‘yong blue ang gusto
ko.”

“I can’t see much store selling that around here,” aniya. “Kaya bumili lang
ako ro’n sa may sari-sari store sa may malapit na karinderya.”

I laughed. Sumulyap siya sa akin at ngumuso.

“Are you laughing at me, Miss Secretary?” He teased me.

I shook my head.

“Natutuwa lang ako. ‘Di ko ma-imagine na pupunta kang naka-suit and tie sa
sari-sari store para bumili ng Yakee.”

His lips twitched. I noted how handsome he was.

“Pinagtitinginan ako ng tambay,” kwento pa niya. “Paano ba naman at

tinitingnan akong humahalukay sa lagayan n’ong Stick-o na nilagyan ng bubble gum.
Nagreklamo pa ‘ko bakit wala silang blue.”

I laughed more, imagining his face nagging about the blue ones.

“Sabi ko, ‘Hello, Ate. Good morning, bakit no blue?’” he mumbled. I laughed
harder.

“Conyo!” I hissed. Mas lumaki ang ngiti niya at lumiit ang kanyang mata.

Hindi ko alam na mas may igugwapo pa siya.

“I didn’t realize it!” aniya. “Nagulat na lang ako tinatawanan ako n’ong mga
tambay. Conyo raw. Sabi pa nila ako lang daw ang gano’n ang suot pero humahalukay
ng Yakee sa tindahan.”

I couldn’t stop chuckling.

“And in my defense, I’m not conyo,” he said in finality, but I couldn’t stop
laughing.

He glanced at me briefly.

“Tawang-tawa, Zahrah?” he noticed, an amused smile playing on his lips.

Kinagat ko ang labi at sumandal habang pinagmamasdan siya.

“Wala, nai-imagine ko lang.” I shrugged. “Kaya wala palang blue?”

“Yeah, so I just collected different colors. But still, nothing beats the
blue.”

We stopped because of the red light.

“Correct!” I agreed, smiling as I opened the candy wrapper and moved my hand
closer to his lips.

Nagulat siya at sinulyapan ako. His forehead creased.

“Eat it,” I offered. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa kamay ko.

“I’d rather not,” he said firmly.

I smirked.

“Why, Prosecutor? Afraid I’ll see you making that funny sour face—”

Inilapit niya ang labi at kinagat ang chewing gum. I gasped in shock when it
vanished in my hand, only leaving the wrapper.

He faced me.

“I’m not, see—” But his face crumpled, and he made that funny look when his
mouth processed what it tasted.

Mas lumakas ang tawa ko nang nag-iwas siya at nagmura nang paulit-ulit.

“You didn’t see that!” he exclaimed, blushing so hard.

“But I did,” I said, beaming.

 Nakasimangot sa akin ang prosecutor hanggang sa makarating kami sa RTC.
Malaki lang ang ngiti ko at ‘di matigil sa kakatitig sa kanya na namumula pa ang
mukha.

“Stop laughing, Ortega,” he said seriously.

“I won’t, Castuares,” I fought back and locked gazes with him, giving him a
challenging look.

Nagtitigan kami.

Thirty seconds and a minute passed but no one surrendered then suddenly, as
if he couldn’t look at me anymore without blushing so hard ay nag-iwas siya.

“You’re insufferable,” he hissed.

I scoffed. “Not my fault you couldn’t look at me straight without blushing.”

Nilingon niya ako at mas namula lang.

“I’m not… blushing!” he defended, kulang na lang ay mamula ang tainga.

“Oh, ano ‘yan? Blush on?” Sabay turo ko sa mukha niya kaya napasulyap siya sa
may salamin at natigilan.

I laughed harder and when I heard the click of his seatbelt. Napatili na ako
at sinubukang pindutin ang akin para matanggal at makaalis pero ‘di ko magawa. Why
was this so hard? Ngayon pa talaga?!

I frantically tried to unbuckle it pero mabilis siyang nakaluhod sa upuan

niya para harapin ako.

My breath hitched when he leaned in closer and leveled my face. I stiffened.

Natuon ang pansin ko sa kanyang mapupulang labi, sa patubong mga bigote sa

panga, sa matangos na ilong, at…

I got drowned with his ocean blue eyes and I was about to do something out of
character like ask if I could kiss him ay narinig ko ang pag-click ng seatbelt ko.

“There you go, Ma’am. Unless you wanna do something else?” he mumbled with a
teasing smile.

Nag-iinit ang pisngi kong tinulak siya palayo at mabilis na lumabas ng kotse
habang naririnig ko ang tawa niya habang nasa loob.

Ewan ko ba rito! Minsan suplado! Minsan parang tanga mang-asar!

I was glaring at him while walking in the hallway going to the secretary.
Nakapamulsa naman siya at pasulyap-sulyap sa akin.

Whenever he caught my gaze, he’d give me an arrogant smirk. I was so tempted

to wipe it off his mouth.

“Quit smirking, Prosecutor,” I said. “Ayaw ko pang maging kriminal.”

He chuckled.
 “So brave of you to say that in the court.” Inikot niya ang tingin sa korte.

“Whatever,” bulong ko bago bumaba ang tingin sa bulsa niya at nakakita ng

umbok doon.

My lip twitched.

“Ah-huh! Wala ka pa lang tinatagong gum, a!” Sabay dakma ko sa bulsa niya,
dahilan kaya muntik na siyang malakas na mapamura at pinanlakihan ako ng mata.

“Damn, woman!” His eyes widened. “Really?!”

I beamed and grinned.

“Pahingi pa ng chewing gum!” Ngumuso ako at nang-asar. Ako pa

pagsisinungalingan nito, a?

“The hell…” bulong niya at lumayo sa akin para siya na ang kumapkap sa bulsa
niya. “You could’ve just told me! Mamaya niyan ibang gum pa madukot mo.”

My eyes widened dramatically as I hugged myself, staring at him maliciously.

His mouth parted but then shook his head and fished the chewing gum from his
pockets out.

“Here.” Naglahad siya ng tatlong sari-saring brand. “And stop looking at me

like that…”

“Bakit, paano ba ako nakatingin?” I asked.

Tumitig siya, nakalahad pa rin ang kamay.

“You looked…” His intense blue eyes took my face in. “Like you’re
interested.”

It was my turn to have my jaw dropped.

“Aren’t you?” Ngumisi siya kaya nag-init ang mukha ko, hinablot ang gum at
nag-walk out.

That jerk!

Sinamahan ko siya na mag-file ng kaso. I was just listening, amazed at how

professional he was. The way he spoke, the way he stood, and the way he expressed
himself.

It was powerful.

Nakisilip ako sa papel na inaasikaso niya habang nakatayo sa counter. He was

filling out the form and I watched his neat penmanship evade the blank page.

Mas nagdidilim ang reaksyon niya sa bawat dagdag sa dokumento niya. When he
read the name of the defendant of the homicide case involving young kids, his jaw
clenched.

Kung anong ikinagaan ng loob ko sa kanya ilang minuto lang ang nakakaraan ay
kabaligtaran ng aura niya ngayon. It was dark, as if he was hiding a lot of things
under his sleeves ready for his evil disposal.
 No wonder Cole warned me about him. He seemed dangerous.

Will we win the case kung saan para kay Dad if he’ll handle it?

Nakatayo lang ako sa tabi niya, inaantay siyang matapos. Tanging pangalan at
pirma na lang ng fiscal ang kailangan at tapos na siya.

I waited for him to sign it, curious what his signature would look like.

Would it be sexy like him?

Sinulyapan niya ako at tumaas ang kilay, nagtatanong ang mga mata kung anong
dinudungaw ko sa papel niya.

“Patingin lang ng pirma mo,” I answered.

The side of his lips rose. “Can you get me a new pen?”

“Hmm? Bakit wala na bang tinta?”

He nodded.

Umalis ako sa tabi niya para lapitan ang assistant secretary at humingi ng
bagong pen bago bumalik.

“Here…” But my face crumpled when I saw him leaning on the counter while
watching me marching towards him with a frowning face.

“Tapos na?” I asked.

He nodded.

“Napasa ko na.”

“What?” I whined, my voice low. “‘Di ko pa nga nakikita ang pirma mo! Madaya,
akala ko ba walang tinta?” Tumabi ako sa kanya at sumilip sa secretary pero ‘di ko
makita ang pina-file niya.

I made a face. Humarap siya kaya nagdikit ang balikat namin at nakigaya sa
ginagawa ko.

“Why are you so curious about my signature?”

“Haven’t seen it yet,” I answered. “Walang pirma at pangalan palagi ang mga
napupunta sa desk ko. Tapos kapag natapos ka namang magpirma, deretso kaagad ang
papeles kay Meia. ‘Yong totoo, secretary ba ako?”

He shrugged. Tinitigan ko siya.

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

“Of course, you are. Mas kabisado niya kasi ang proseso sa ngayon kaya…”

“Still,” I sighed. “I should be the one doing it. Kaya nga sekretarya, ‘di
ba?”

He nodded but didn’t say anything. Hindi na rin ako nagsalita at tahimik na
lang na naglakad patungo sa sofa habang nag-aantay.
 I saw him walking closer to me through my peripheral vision. Naupo siya sa
tabi ko, nagtipa ako ng phone kunwari. He cleared his throat when he noticed I
wasn’t interacting despite his shameless stares.

“Wanna see my signature?” pampalubag-loob pa niya. Hindi ako sumagot.

“Ayaw mo…?” he asked again, teasing, at dahil curious nga ako ay tumango at
sumimangot sa kanya.

He chuckled.

“So grumpy…” he mumbled.

I grimaced.

Naghanap siya ng papel na p’wedeng gawing scratch pero wala kaming makita sa
may sofa kaya inayos ko ang skirt ko.

Kukuha na lang ako sa secretary.

“I’m gonna get one—” Before I could even stand, he reached for my hand.
Nangunot ang noo ko sa kanya.

“Prosecutor?”

“Verón,” aniya at inangat ang palad ko. “Would you mind if I sign here
instead?”

Oh… I see.

I nodded.

I was trying not to show my jaw dropping when he removed the cover of the pen
with his teeth as he seriously scribbled his signature on my palm.

It was a simple gesture but why did it look so sexy from him? Bakit? Nasaan
ang hustisya?!

Ibinaba ko na lang ang tingin sa palad kong hawak niya. My hand felt so small
on his large, rough one. Nasa ilalim ng likod ng palad ko ang kamay niya habang ang
isa’y abala sa pagpirma.

I smiled. Determinadong-determinado siya sa ginagawa.

So adorable. Akala mo hindi halimaw sa korte, e.

I was fascinated, alright. He’s comfortable to be with kahit minsan ay ang

intimidating niya. If there’s any way I could be his friend, I would grab it but I
was worried.

Will he be mad at me if he found out I was only here to use him for my
father’s case?

Nawala ang kamay niyang pumirma at kinuha ang takip ng ballpen.

“Done,” he announced.

Bumalik ako sa sarili at napatitig sa palad ko.

 V. Castuares

It was scribbled neatly and honestly? Ang hirap gayahin.

“Hirap naman gayahin nito,” I commented.

He chuckled. “That’s the point of a signature, sweet rose.”

What?

My heart raced. Inangat ko kaagad ang tingin sa kanya pero wala na siya sa
tabi ko at naglalakad na palayo.

What the heck?

“W-wait, Prosecutor!” singhap ko at dali-daling humabol sa kanya sa

paglalakad.

I didn’t have the heart to ask him about what he called me. He didn’t seem to
mind it, too. Parang ‘di ako tinawag na sweet rose habang kaswal niyang sinabi na
ipapainit niya ang sopas na dala ko!

I was waiting for him, nag-aantay sa may open area sa may parke malapit sa
court habang wala pa siya. When he came back, he casually placed the heated soup in
front of me with another paper bag in his hand.

“Ano ‘yan?” usyoso kong tanong.

“Fruit shake,” aniya sabay labas ng dala niya.

My mouth salivated with the sight. Halos yakapin ko iyon at tinaasan siya ng
kilay na pinapanood akong naaaliw.

“What?”

“You like it, right?” aniya sabay turo n’ong avocado.

“Paano mo nalaman?” I asked. “Stalker ka, ‘no?”

“You bet.” He chuckled sexily and sat beside me. Napaayos ako ng upo at
sumimangot.

“May upuan sa harapan, Boss!” I pointed out.

He shrugged as he opened the soup.

“Mainit sa pwesto, Miss,” aniya. “Do you want me to get grilled or

something?”

“Sunbathing!” I exclaimed.

“Ang init!” My eyes went to the kids playing on the playground while they ran
away from the sun. He narrowed his gaze at me and shot his brow up.

This arrogant ass…

“E di okay.” Umirap ako sa hangin. “Pasalamat ka at may pa-avocado shake ka,

Verón.” Sabay tusok ko ng straw at sipsip doon.
 He chuckled. Isinandal niya ang siko niya sa tabi at pumahalumbaba habang
nakatingin sa akin. Sinulyapan ko siya at muntik pang mabulunan sa tingin niya.

Ang gwapo! Kainis! Tama ba ‘to?!

“I’m Verón now, huh?” he teased me.

“Lunch time kasi at saka outside work,” I explained. “Mamaya, boss na ulit
kita kaya sulitin mo na.”

He smirked and saluted at me. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Nag-iwas na lang ako ng tingin at nag-focus sa sopas ko. I didn’t know why
but I could always feel my face turning crimson whenever he’d tease me with his
random names—or endearments?

No, I supposed it was just names! Why would he call me with endearments?! ‘Di
ko naman siya close o ano… boyfriend?

I hated how I reacted whenever we were close, and I could see his beautiful
blue eyes. I hated that I had to stop myself from reaching for his chin to touch
his cleft chin.

“Masarap?” I asked, watching him eat.

Tumango siya. “You cooked?”

I shook my head.

“Hindi, ang yaya ko,” I answered. “Sakto nagluto kanina tapos naalala kita.
Bagay sa hangover mo.”

His shoulders squared as he faced me.

“I’m not drunk,” he said defensively. I bit my lip. “I don’t have a

hangover.”

“Sino kayang sumigaw sa kotse?” I asked. His face lost its color.

“I did?” gulantang niyang sabi kaya ngumisi na ako at nagkibit-balikat. “I’m

not drunk! I still remember what I did last night, and I didn’t…” He froze.

“You owe me a favor,” I said happily and stuck my tongue out at him.

“That’s…”

“We’ve signed a contract, prosecutor!” I sang happily. Mas napaisip pa siya.

“We did?”

“Sa tissue paper!” I answered then took my pouch to show him the crumpled
tissue carefully.

“Wala akong pirma.” Tinuro niya. “It’s void—”

“E di verbal agreement!” I exclaimed and carefully took the napkin back

before he could snatch it away. “Basta valid ‘yon. Wala kang kawala, bawal.”

His forehead creased, trying to be defensive again.

 “But I’m drunk,” he pleaded.

“So you admit you are?” I teased. Mukhang na-process niya ang sinabi dahil
mas itong sumimangot. Tumawa ako.

“Smart ass,” he whispered but I was almost dancing.

Maiisahan ko siya!

Natahimik siya pabalik para mag-isip ng palusot na naman niya.

“Did you know that contracts agreed to in a state of drunkenness are

voidable?” he spat.

I rolled my eyes.

“Fine, okay! ‘Di valid ang contract sa tissue kasi medyo nga lasing ka na—”
He glared at me. “Oh? Tatanggi ka? So, ibig sabihin ‘di ka lasing no’ng—”

“Fine! I’m drunk.” He pulled his necktie loose. Umawang ang labi ko at
napalunok nang makita ang paggalaw ng Adam’s apple niya.

“What now?”

Shit!

Nag-init ang mukha ko at tumikhim.

“Pero iyong verbal… ‘di ka pa lasing no’n!” His mouth parted. “Don’t be
sneaky, Atty. Castuares! I have witnesses to support my claim!”

It was his turn now to smirk at me. “Alright, Miss Ortega. Fine, I owe you a
favor. When are you gonna use it?”

“Hmm… pag-iisipan ko pa!” I blurted out, smirking.

“Tss…” Umiling siya. “Dapat sa ‘yo nag-abogado na lang. Marami kang rason.”

I laughed harder.

“Okay, Mr. Alcohol Intolerant,” I sang.

He groaned and messed with his hair before pulling his necktie loose again.

I glanced at it, annoyed it was messy now.

Mukhang nakita niya ang inis sa mukha ko dahil humila pa siya ng isa habang
nakatitig sa akin.

My jaw clenched. He moistened his lower lip and gave me a cocky smile.

“Isang hila pa, Castuares, at ipapaikot ko na ‘yan sa leeg mo. Pinaghirapan

ko ‘yang ayusin, a?!”

Sumipol lang siya sabay hila pa. ‘Di na ako nag-react at baka makagawa pa ako
ng krimen kapag nainis pa sa kanya.

He didn’t know I had a video of him yet. I was excited to see his expression
when he sees the way he sang and mumbled in his sleep with only a few drinks.

Mr. Alcohol Intolerant…

Tinusok ko ang sopas para makuha ‘yong sahog pero wala na pala kaya inis kong
tinusok pa para makahanap kung may kahit maliit.

“You’ll probably make a hole if you continue poking the lagayan,” aniya.

I laughed. Sinulyapan niya ako habang ngumunguya at tinaasan ako ng kilay.

“Conyo,” I commented.

His face crumpled and as if he realized what he just did, nahulog ang
balikat
niya.

“Kasalanan ni Book Joo,” aniya at bumuntonghininga sabay lapit ng lagayan

niya sa akin. “I have sahog pa here, take it.”

Hindi ako kaagad nakasunod.

“Book Joo?” I asked, my forehead creased.

Tumikhim siya at kinuha ang kutsara ko bago siya na ang naglipat ng sahog
niya sa lagayan ko.

“My sister. I have a twin,” he started. My eyes widened.

“R-really?!”

“Hmm…” he hummed. “She’s amazing and I love her but well, she’s conyo.”

Napatawa ako at biglang na-excite. It was thrilling to hear he has a twin! A

sister!

“I’m not usually like this,” aniya. “Maayos ang vocabulary ko pero kapag
napapalibutan ka ng mga conyo sa paligid, bumabaluktot na rin ang dila. Last time
before I went here, I spent most of my time with my sister and my nieces.”

“You have a niece?!” I gasped.

His eyes twinkled.

“Yup, two girls. Twins.”

“Holy…” I didn’t know why but I was so thrilled to hear that!

“Yes, holy!” Ngumisi siya sabay abot sa akin pabalik ng kutsara ko. “They’re
turning two now and very, very talkative. Nagaya sa mommy nilang conyo at ayon,
kapag kausap ako, naghahalo ang salita kaya no choice. Nako-conyo na rin ang sagot
ko.”

I was chuckling. Tinusok ko ang sahog kong di-no-nate niya sa ‘kin.

“That’s cool. I’m sure you’ll be a great tito.”

“Hopefully.” He shrugged. “Haven’t seen them for quite some time now. I miss
them.”
 “Oo nga pala,” sabat ko pagkatapos simutin ang sopas. “I heard you’re a
promising prosecutor.”

He shot his brow up and smirked. Sumimangot ako.

“H’wag mo akong yabangan, Castuares,” I hissed.

“Why not? Seems like you googled me?”

“I didn’t.” Umiling ako. “Wala ngang lumalabas tungkol sa ‘yo.”

“So you googled me, huh?” Mas lumaki pa ang ngisi niya kaya tinitigan ko na
nang mabuti. He bit his lower lip and titled his head. “Hindi na, Ma’am. What is
it?”

“You came from the States, right?” I asked.

He nodded.

“I stayed in Manila, too,” seryosong sagot niya habang nakatitig sa akin.

“I’m sure you have a great background. Marami rin sigurong offer sa ‘yo in
Manila. I heard there’s a shortage of prosecutors here in the Philippines so for
sure, in demand ka.”

Hindi siya sumagot.

“Right, you are,” I pointed out.

“It doesn’t matter,” sagot niya at nagkibit-balikat.

“I also heard you haven’t failed a case,” I said.

“As a prosecutor, no.” Umiling siya. “But back when I was a lawyer… I don’t
know. Did my best but it’s hard when powerful people are behind public officials.
They could go all the way with the money. Tried my best to try to make an appeal
for my clients but was denied. Hindi ko alam kung ako ang nagkulang at may mali o
ang hustisya.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, knowing how those evil people convicted my father
with false accusations. They probably paid a lot, too, to buy justice.

Ang lala. Pati ang hustisya ngayon, nabibili na.

“So why Cebu?” I asked. “Why risk flying all the way here to work when your
family’s… probably in Manila? You miss them, right?”

Tumango siya.

“Yeah, ayokong umalis pero hindi ko rin papalagpasin ang tiyansa na pumunta
rito para sa kanya,” he said those last words lowly, confusing me.

“Who?”

Inangat niya ang tingin sa akin, hindi nagsasalita pero ang mga mata niya…
bakit gano’n? Bakit tila may sinasabi ang mga ‘yon kahit wala naman ang labi niya?

“Someone,” he answered. “She was away for a long time. No one lost hope we’d
find her again.”
 Tila may kumurot sa puso ko sa sinabi niya pero ‘di ko alam kung bakit o
paano…

“So you went here to find this certain someone?” I asked.

He nodded.

“I’ll take her home this time,” aniya. “Lost her a lot of times, won’t make
the same mistake twice.”

I didn’t ask. I know this wasn’t my business, but curiosity kills the cat,
and if I die? Then, better make it worthy.

“Girlfriend mo?” I asked.

He stiffened.

“In my dreams,” he mumbled and chuckled lowly.

My eyes stung. Pinaglaruan ko ang straw bago uminom at pakiramdam ko’y

nanunuyo na naman ang lalamunan ko.

Bakit ako naiiyak?

Kinurap ko ang mata at hinalo ang shake ng straw, pasimple siyang pinapanood
na inuubos ang sabaw ng sopas niya.

I decided to try my luck again. I didn’t care much if in the end, it’ll burn
me.

“Importante sa ‘yo?” I asked and he glanced my way.

Nagtitigan kaming dalawa. I watched how his eyes roamed around my face, as if
memorizing every feature.

“Mahal mo?” I asked again and noticed the way his eyes slightly reddened.

“Sobra,” bulong niya sabay iwas ng tingin sa akin.

Kabanata 9

Kabanata 9

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Attorney Kiko was mad. Bakit daw wala pa akong nakukuhang ebidensya na
p’wedeng makatulong sa Dad.

I just listened as he lamented that I could’ve done better when it was only
weeks when I started working in the office. Sinabi ko naman nang mahihirapan ako
roon.

Prosecutor Castuares wasn’t an easy prey. Oo, mabait siya sa akin pero alam
kong magiging ibang usapan na kapag trabaho niya ang pinakialaman ko.

I didn’t even have the chance to process documents without going through Meia
when supposedly, I was the secretary. Sinasabi nilang dahil mas sanay si Meia roon,
but I was sure he didn’t trust me fully.

At least, not yet. For now.

Kailangan kong makuha ang tiwala niya.

Everyone was stressed. I was sure they wanted to say something pero ‘di pa
sinasabi sa akin kung ano sa ngayon. It’s making me anxious, but I didn’t press.

If I had to know, I was sure they would let me know.

“You know why your father wouldn’t talk to you yet?” he asked.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin mula sa mga kamay ko para tignan siya.

“Dad,” Cole called.

“No, Cole, she should know,” he insisted.

My forehead creased with the seriousness of his tone and the way his brows
furrowed.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Dad…” Cole called again. “You shouldn’t—”

“He thinks you weren’t worthy of the Sebastian’s name,” he lamented. Para
akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa sinabi niya.

“What?” Nanginginig ang labi ko pero pilit kong itinanong iyon.

“He did everything to protect you, Zahrah,” he said. “He sacrificed himself
to protect you from that damned family but you… you disappoint him, you disappoint
us.”

I was still in shock. Tila nadurog ako sa narinig na ‘yon mula sa kanya.

And for those words to come from my father’s mouth…

“I…” Nangatal ako at napabaling kay Cole na bumuntonghininga. “Why did I

disappoint you?”

“Zahrah.” Bumuntonghininga si Cole. “Your father’s appeal was rejected.”

My mouth parted.

“W-what…”

“Yes, Zahrah,” malamyang sinabi ni Atty. Kiko. “We received the mail from the
court. Hindi pinayagan ang dad mo para sa appeal.”

My heart pounded painfully. Lumunok ako at napatayo.

“What do you mean… Hindi na makakalabas ang Dad ko sa kulungan?”

Hindi sila umimik kaya mas nangilid ang luha ko. I shut my eyes close to not
let my eyes betray my emotions.
 My father… hindi na siya makakalabas doon? Pagkatapos siyang maparatangan ng
kasalanang ‘di niya ginawa?

It’s my fault! It’s my fault! Kung kumilos ako kaagad pero hindi! I embraced
the freedom I had! I went to bars instead and had friends.

Inuna ko ang sarili ko kaysa sa ama at ngayon, mas mawawala pa siya sa ‘kin.

I didn’t deserve his name… He’s right.

My eyes found my mother’s in the large portrait in the center of the library.
In her eyes was dull coldness. It was empty despite the curve on her pink lips.

Are you disappointed in me, Mom?

Napasulyap ako sa Daddy na nasa tabi niya sa portrait at mas nadurog ang puso
ko.

I failed my mother. They protected me and yet I couldn’t do anything!

“No.” I shook my head. “What can I do, Attorney? I’ll do it! I’m sorry…it’s
my fault…”

“We asked you to look for any evidence that might help your dad, Zahrah. To
help us refute the evidence against him but…” He shook his head. “And now they’re
trying to pin him with murder.”

Nahulog ang panga ko.

“What?!”

He sighed and massaged his head as if it was throbbing.

“Just an hour ago, two jail guards were found dead outside his cell,” aniya.

Napakurap-kurap ako, nagwawala na ang dibdib sa kaba.

“And? How about my father?”

“Your father’s nowhere to be found.”

Mas nahulog na ang panga ko at mahigpit na nakuyom ang kamay.

“What do you mean he’s nowhere to be found? Did he escape? Or…”

“Why would your father escape, Zahrah?” Kumunot ang noo ni Atty. Kiko, parang
galit pa sa tanong ko. Bigla akong nahiya at nagsisi sa sinabi.

“He wasn’t guilty! Pinag-uusapan lang namin kahapon ang balak naming pag-file
ulit ng appeal at tapos bigla siyang mawawala? Suddenly, there are two murder
cases, and the primary suspect was him!”

I stopped.

He couldn’t do that, I know, but why did it feel like there was a tiny seed
of doubt in my chest?

“Nasaan siya?” I asked Attorney.

 He sighed and looked away.

“Hindi ko alam, Zahrah,” bulong niya.

“Paanong hindi mo alam? You are his lawyer! And why could he get out of the
cell? Why…”

“We believed he was kidnapped,” Cole said. Mas nanlumo ako.

“A-ano?”

“That family.” Atty. Kiko’s jaw clenched. “That family started again. Your
mother’s death anniversary is around the corner, Zahrah. Hindi pa sapat na
ipinakulong nila ang dad mo. They started playing with us again and I’m afraid
after your dad, ikaw naman ang pakay nila.”

My hand trembled. The images of men who took me before came back. Mahigpit
kong hinawakan ang palad at itinago sa likod ko.

“I thought I was a secret…”

“You were,” ani Attorney. “But no secrets can be hidden forever, Zahrah. I’m
sure soon, we’ll hear about what they are planning to do to your father. I’m sure…
probably they’ll find out about you sooner. If they still haven’t.”

Lumunok ako at mas nagwala ang puso sa ‘di maipaliwanag na kaba at takot.

Would Dad’s enemies take me from him, too? Will they get me kidnapped again?
Will they…

“The Sandejas are piece of shits,” mapait na sinabi ni Atty. Kiko kaya nag-
angat ako ng tingin sa kanya.

“Sandejas?” The surname tasted familiar on my lips. “Sandejas ang kalaban

ni
Dad?”

He didn’t answer me, as if he was caught off guard. Tumikhim siya.

“Attorney,” I demanded. “Sandejas ba ang pamilya na may gawa nito?”

He didn’t answer. I got impatient.

“Attorney,” I called. “Wala ba akong karapatang malaman? This is my family!

I’m a Sebastian! Sila ang dahilan kaya namatay ang mommy ko! Sila ang dahilan kung
bakit nakulong ang dad ko! They got me kidnapped! You are asking me to help my
father but how could I when you won’t tell me the whole story?! How would I know
what evidence to take kung wala akong alam!”

“Zahrah…” marahang tawag ni Cole.

“No, Cole!” I spat. “I am my Israel’s daughter! I deserve to know!”

Hindi sila umimik. Tumitig sa akin si Attorney at nang makitang wala akong
plano palagpasin ito ay bumuntonghininga siya at inilahad ang upuan sa akin.

“Take a seat, Zahrah.”

He told me everything about my father’s case. He said he was framed for

murder, illegal possession of drugs, trafficking, and marital rape years ago when
they were still in Sorsogon.

Marital rape?

Inangat ko ang tingin sa portrait at nakipagtitigan sa mommy ko.

I wish she were here… I wish she were here to give me light, to tell me
everything.

“Your father was framed, Zahrah,” aniya kaya tumango ako. “Idiniin at
tinaniman ng ebidensya ang ama mo para madiin siya.”

I didn’t answer, my mind processing things slowly.

“Mahal na mahal ng mga magulang mo ang isa’t isa, mahal na mahal ka nila…”
That’s when I raised my eyes again to see him.

In his eyes was pure sincerity. He seemed genuine.

Hindi ako sigurado kung magaling lang talaga siyang abogado at kaya niyang
maloko ako habang nakatitig sa mata ko o nagsasabi siya ng totoo.

I chose to believe the latter.

My parents… they loved each other.

My father was the former mayor and he was accused of two counts of murder for
Anselmo at Thelma Lopez and attempted murder for a certain Zidney Agnieszka
Sandejas, formerly known as Scira Lopez.

Scira… Sandejas…

My head throbbed. Mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko.

I heard it somewhere, I know.

Pamilyar. Pamilyar. Pamilyar.

“Zahrah?”

I snapped back and sighed, nodding.

“Hmm?”

“They easily framed your father,” he said. “Dahil maimpluwensya ang pamilyang
iyon. They planted false evidence against him. Abogado noon ang kapatid ni Zidney,
Iñigo Sandejas.”

Oh, God. My head’s pounding.

Bakit pakiramdam ko alam ko ang mga pangalang ‘yon? Bakit pakiramdam ko…

“Iñigo Sandejas, who was a judge now was still in power,” aniya. “Bakit sa
tingin mo ‘di pinayagan ang appeal sa dad mo? May koneksyon sila and now, they’re
using it against him again.”

I bit my tongue from asking any further.

Zidney… Zidney…
 “They might’ve heard of your father being a model prisoner in jail and I’m
sure they were afraid na baka lumabas ang baho nila kapag napatunayang walang
kasalanan si Israel sa pagkamatay noon ng mga matanda. They even tried scaring your
father by kidnapping you, reason why you got into an accident and lost your
memories.”

Nakuyom ko ang kamay ko.

“And now… your father’s nowhere to be found. Kumikilos na kami ni Cole para
malaman ang nangyari at kung maaari’y mahanap siya but it will be hard. If we
manage to get him back, he’ll face another count of murder for the things he never
did.” His eyes softened. “Inosente ang ama mo, Zahrah.”

“Dad…”

“She must know, Cole. Na siya lang ang inaasahan natin para kay Israel. Ilang
taon siyang nasa kulungan, namamayat, ginugulpi, at pinapahirapan.”

I fisted my palm to try and remove the images inside my head, but I couldn’t.

“For them to do this? To kill jail guards, frame your father, and possibly
kidnap him? I’m sure they feel threatened with our appeal—it was rejected, yes.
But because of what they did just today? Sigurado akong may laban tayo.”

I didn’t answer. Nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa kanila, ‘di alam ang
sasabihin. Hindi pa napoproseso sa utak ang mga sinabi nila.

“And you are in danger,” he informed me. My breath hitched.

“Dad, don’t scare Zahrah,” ani Cole.

“No, son. It’s better if she knew,” aniya. I nodded and gave Cole a
reassuring smile.

“It’s fine.”

“It’s a matter of time before they find out about this house, Zahrah.
Kailangan mong lumipat.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

I was panicking deep inside. I glanced at my mother’s picture again. It

somehow gave me calm and peace.

“They shouldn’t know you are here, or at least not confirm it. Kapag nalaman
nilang nasa prosecution ka at sekretarya ng prosecutor?” Umiling siya. “It will be
bad for you, for us… for your father.”

I nodded, trying to take bravery from my dear mom. I haven’t met her—or
even remembered her but I knew inside my heart, mahal na mahal ko siya.

“Your mom will be sad, Zahrah,” he added. “Mahal na mahal niya ang dad mo at
ikaw.”

Naramdaman ko ang paghulog ng basa sa pisngi ko. I realized I was crying kaya
dagli kong hinawi iyon.

“I-I’m sorry…” I whispered.

 Tumayo si Cole at tumabi sa akin. He touched my shoulder, and I frantically
dried my tears.

“We will transfer your things to a secured condominium unit tonight,” he

informed. “Unti-unti, para ‘di halatang dadalhin ang gamit mo roon.”

“How about Yaya?” I asked hopefully.

“Mildred will come from time to time but I’m afraid she couldn’t stay with
you, Zahrah,” aniya. “You have to do this alone. We will help you.”

Malungkot akong tumango.

“Alright…”

“For now, mas problema natin ang murder case na kakaharapin ng ama mo.
Malakas ang ebidensya dahil bigla siyang nawala and instead of the rejected appeal,
I want you to work on this case.”

My forehead creased.

“How?”

“The prosecutor that will handle this case will be Castuares,” aniya at mas
nagwala ang puso ko sa sakit at kaba. “Don’t disappoint us this time, Zahrah.”

He left me with Cole alone while I was crying.

Nasasaktan ako. Nagagalit ako sa sarili na wala akong nagawa at humantong pa

kami sa ganito. Nagagalit na na-disappoint ko si Dad, ang mommy ko…

And then, Veròn. I wanted to be close to him because I felt comfortable with
hi. He felt so familiar to me that I couldn’t even explain to myself how or why I
felt this way.

But then feelings were hindrances. Pumasok ako sa sa opisina para tumulong
kay Dad, aalis akong malaya ang ama sa kulungan.

I liked Veròn but he held the key to my father’s conviction, and I had to do
whatever it took to stop him from doing so.

Not later than fifteen minutes later I received a call from Meia calling me
to go to the prison, to the scene of the crime.

Nagmamadali akong nagbihis at sumakay sa cab para magtungo roon. Masikip ang
dibdib ko sa mga nangyayari, masakit na nakikita kong pina-pack ni Yaya, ang tangi
kong kakampi sa mansyon, ang mga gamit ko.

It was hard. I was exhausted.

I think I have to see my doctor again.

Veròn called a couple of times. ‘Di ko sinagot sa takot na may mali akong
masabi o ‘di kaya’y maging emosyonal.

Pagkarating ko sa presinto ay marami nang tao roon.

I have seen the media trying to have an exclusive regarding the crime pero
walang nakakapasok ni isa.

I showed my ID, and I got in. Kaagad kong nakita ang mga galing sa forensics
na abala sa pabalik-balik.

“Ma’am.” May iniabot sa aking shoe cover ang nasa forensics na kaagad kong
isinuot sa paa para ‘di masira ang crime scene.

They let me in, and my eyes caught Prosecutor’s dark expression as he

listened to Bryce. His jaw was clenching, his eyes cold and distant. Alam ko ang
itsura kapag magaan ang ekspresyon niya kaya ngayon ay alam kong galit na galit
siya.

Who wouldn’t? Two innocent jail guards were killed. My forehead creased when
I realized something.

I didn’t know why I felt so bitter knowing he was probably thinking it was my
father who did it. I knew he was just only doing his job—to find someone to
convict and my father was the main suspect.

I still haven’t shown myself and I continued watching.

He looked so anxious. I saw how his jaw repeatedly clenched, his fingers
brushing his now disheveled hair. Hinila pa niya ang necktie para mas makahinga.

He asked Meia something. She shook her head and showed him her phone. Mas
kumunot ang noo ni Veròn at may sinabi pabalik, mas ‘di na maipinta ang mukha.

My phone vibrated.

Kinuha ko iyon at nakita ang mensahe ni Meia. She was asking where I was,
anong oras daw kaya akong makakarating.

I replied, saying nandito na ako at humakbang palapit sa kanila.

Veròn’s head snapped towards my direction and our eyes met. May sinasabi pa
si Meia pero mabilis na ang malalaking hakbang niya papunta sa akin.

In just a matter of seconds, he was in front of me, his eyes panicking.

Umangat ang kamay niya na tila aabutin ako pero ‘di niya ginawa.

His shoulders squared, as if trying to refrain himself. Instead, ipinasok

niya ang dalawang palad sa bulsa at tumikhim.

“Where have you been?” he asked, his voice strained. “Bakit ang tagal mo?”

Pinagsawa ko saglit ang tingin ko sa kanyang mukha. I was tempted to reach

for his forehead and remove the crease on it but rebelled against it.

“Sa bahay,” sagot ko at lumunok. “Sorry, medyo traffic kasi.”

“You weren’t answering my calls,” aniya. “Are you okay?”

He frantically scanned my face with his eyes.

Humawak ako sa bag ko bago tumango.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I answered, roaming my gaze at him. “Ikaw?”

 He licked his lower lip and nodded.

“I’m fine,” he breathed.

Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin kaya iniwas ko ang mata pero nahuli niya
ang chin ko ng daliri niya.

Our gazes clashed.

“You… cried,” he concluded.

Tumikhim ako at umiwas pero ‘di niya ako hinayaan. His finger followed my
chin, he even moved his body to not let my eyes escape his.

“Why?” It was a whisper.

“I was just reading a book,” I lied while staring at his eyes. “Tragic kasi
kaya naiyak ako.”

He kept on staring at me like he was reading an open book.

“Liar,” he concluded.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at umatras.

“Bakit naman ako iiyak?” I chuckled. “Para saan?”

He didn’t say anything. Lumingon ako sa gilid niya.

“Where’s the scene?” I asked.

He was watching me closely. I stared at him back and shot my brow up.

“Prosecutor?” I called formally.

His expression darkened as he raised his hand. “This way, Miss Ortega.”

Halos magsitaasan ang balahibo ko sa lamig n’on.

It was brutal. Muntik pa akong masuka sa pag-ikot ng tiyan sa nakitang mga

bangkay.

They were choked with what seemed to be a piece of nylon. They were stabbed,
too, with broken fragments of glass. May isa sa kanilang hindi yata nawalan ng
buhay kaagad kaya ginilitan ng bubog sa leeg.

Oh, Jesus. Who did this to them?

It wasn’t my dad, right? Impossible! In their stories, he was a good man!

Nagkakamali sila.

Set up ang lahat ng ito! It was the damn Sandejas who did this all! To frame
him again!

My throat bobbed. I wanted to chew on something sweet or I might puke.

It was brutal. It was sick. Demonyo lang ang p’wedeng makagawa nito sa
inosenteng mga tao!
 I can’t imagine any sane individual who would do this! Demonyo lang ang
makakagawa nito!

My hand trembled, remembering that time I was kidnapped. Kung ‘di ako
nakatakas… baka ganito rin ang kinalabasan ko.

May humawak sa kamay ko. I jumped but then realized it was him.

“Prosecutor,” I whispered.

Hindi siya nakatingin sa akin pero magkadikit ang kamay namin. He was hiding
our palms with his body. He caressed mine gently, almost feathery. Hindi ko nga
alam kong hinahaplos niya talaga o nag-i-imagine lang ako.

It didn’t take a minute until I realized my hand wasn’t trembling anymore. I

sighed.

Sumulyap siya at muntik pa akong magreklamo nang kunin niya ang kamay paalis
sa akin pero muling bumalik.

My heart raced. I felt something on my palm as he closed my fist without

looking before he took a step forward.

“Brief me with the possible cause of death,” pormal niyang sinabi at parang
wala lang na dumukwang sa tabi ng bangkay habang nakikinig kay Bryce.

My eyes fell on my closed fist and when I opened it, I saw a piece of chewing
gum on it.

Humigpit ang hawak ko ro’n at bumaling sa kanyang seryosong nakikinig habang

inoobserbahan ang nangyari.

Why did it feel like he knew me so well? And why… did it hurt so bad my heart
felt like it’s been broken again?

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Buong gabi kaming nasa kulungan habang inaantay ang forensics at mga pulis na
matapos sa pagkuha ng litrato sa mga patay.

While touching my hand and chewing the gum to control my nerves, I looked
around the prison walls.

It was suffocating and dim. Kung may ilaw man ay ‘yong sumisilip lang siguro
sa mga rehas sa pader o ‘di kaya’y ang ilaw lang sa pasilyo.

Hindi na rin maayos at maliwanag iyon. Akala mo’y napag-iwanan na ng panahon

at pundido na ang iba.

It also stung in here. Amoy kulob at mapanghi.

Then my father… he stayed here for a long time, in decades. Nanakit ang
dibdib ko habang naiisip na nandito siya sa mahabang panahon. Sa madilim at maliit
na selda.

My father’s room was secluded, away from the other prisoners. They said he
had to be separated from others because he was dangerous, but everyone said
otherwise.

For Atty. Kiko and Cole, he was a good man. Si Yaya Mildred ay wala ring
sinasabi sa akin. Ni hindi nga namin napag-uusapan masyado ang mga magulang ko.
She’ll try to change the topic whenever we’d talk about it. Ang palaging sinasabi
niya lang ay mahal na mahal ako ng mommy ko.

I glanced around, seeing more police do another round of patrol. Ang sabi
nina Atty. sa akin ay tuwing sa kainan o kaya’y may activities sila pinagkakaisahan
ang dad ko.

Wala man lang bang ginagawa ang mga pulis sa gano’n?

I sighed.

I shouldn’t be shocked. Baka nabayaran na ng pamilyang ‘yon.

“What’s with the sighs?” I jumped when I heard his voice.

Nilingon ko siya at nakitang nakatayo siya sa may likuran ko, tinitingnan din
ang pinagmamasdan ko.

“Prosecutor,” I called. “Tapos na ang forensics?”

He moistened his lower lip and cocked his head.

“I think.” He shrugged, looking stressed. “They will wrap it up in a while.

Si Bryce ang magdadala ng results ng autopsy. It was probably asphyxiation and loss
of blood to the other one, but we’ll see.”

Tumango ako at hinarap siya na nakatingin pa rin sa malayo, mukhang hinahanap

ang tinitingnan kong kawalan kanina. I took a peek on his side to see if they’re
done.

Nang hindi pa ay ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanya at nahuli ang paghila niya
ng necktie.

I frowned, annoyed seeing him mess it up.

Isang hila pa ay napatikhim na ako. He lowered his gaze at me. I shot my brow
up and pointed to his necktie.

“You’ll end up choking yourself. Stop it,” I said.

He realized what he was doing. Ibinaba niya ang kamay mula sa necktie at
bumuntonghininga.

“Sorry,” he breathed. “I was just stressed.”

Lumabi ako.

“You pull your necktie when stressed,” I mumbled and reached for his collar.
Natigilan siya at pinanood akong tanggalin iyon nang marahan paalis sa batok niya.

He even lowered his body a little, so I wouldn’t struggle much. Nagkatapat

tuloy ang mukha naming dalawa.

I saw his blue eyes. They were lazy, sleepy, and tired.

My heart made a slight jump. Hindi ko iyon pinansin at humakbang kaagad ako
nang medyo paatras pagkakuha ko sa kanya ng necktie, leaving him with his dress
shirt and coat.

Inikot ko sa palad ang necktie.

“Wala ka naman nang pupuntahang trial mamaya o hearing?” I asked.

He shook his head and my throat bobbed when he unbuttoned the first few
buttons of his shirt. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at mas humigpit ang hawak sa kurbata.

“You’re going home?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Hatid na kita,” aniya kaya napasulyap ako at napatitig sa parte ng dibdib

niyang medyo lumitaw na dahil tinanggal niya ang pagkakabutones ng dress shirt.

“Huh?” I frantically shook my head. “‘Di na, ayos lang. Malapit lang naman.”

Saan ba ako mag-i-stay na condo?

I mentally noted to check the address Cole sent me before leaving.

“Ihahatid kita,” ulit niya bago nagpamulsa at naglakad kina Bryce.

I followed him and listened to their conversation. Sinabi ni Bryce na baka

bukas pa ng umaga o kaya’y tanghali makuha ang resulta kaya uuwi muna siya.

Meia was yawning in the corner.

“Ako na bahala kay Meia,” aniya. “Ikaw ba, Zahrah? Hatid na kita,” he
offered.

I smiled. “Ayos—”

“I’ll take her home,” Veròn announced.

Namilog ang mata ni Bryce. “Oh? Akala ko mag-stay ka sa opisina, Prosecutor?”

“You’ll stay in the office?” I asked.

“Oo, Zahrah,” ani Bryce. “Kaya ako na ang maghahatid sa inyo—”

He snapped his head to his direction. Natikom ni Bryce ang bibig sabay tago
ng ngisi.

Kunot ang noong tumikhim siya at binalingan ako na parang ‘di niya tinakot si
Bryce sa tingin niya.

“I’ll take you home,” he informed, ‘di sinasagot ang tanong ko.

Ngumuso ako.

Bryce glanced at him with a smirk. Si Prosecutor ay nakabusangot lang, akala

mo’y batang inaagawan ng laruan. There’s always a part of me that’s tempted to
remove the crease on his forehead every time he’s grumpy. Pinipigilan ko lang.

‘Di naman kami close…

Alas dos na ng madaling-araw. He told me I could take a rest tomorrow since

ngayon lang kami makakauwi.

“You’ll stay at the office?” I asked.

Tumango siya, ang mata’y nasa kalsada pa rin.

“Hmm, I have to check the files and photos. Baka may nakaligtaan ako,” aniya.

“But it’s late, too,” I mumbled. “‘Di ba p’wedeng ipagpabukas?” I asked

worriedly.

Kung ako nga’y pagod, siya pa kaya na buong araw umikot? May hearing pa nga
ito kaninang umaga tapos deretso naman siya sa presinto pagkatapos.

“It’s fine,” he answered. “I’m used to it.”

My brow shot up.

“Used to what? Magpagod?” I asked.

“Work,” he answered. “Since Law School and while working, the load doubled,
sometimes tripling these past few years.”

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero may urge sa akin na pagalitan siya. Naiinis ako
sa ginagawa niya sa sarili. Sinubukan kong pigilan ang sarili.

‘Di naman kami close o kaya friends kaya bakit ko papagalitan?

“It’s fine, nag me,” aniya. Namilog ang mata ko at nasapo ang bibig.

“Paano mo!” I hissed.

Ano, nababasa ba nito iniisip ko?!

“For the second time, I’m not a mind reader,” he said, amused. Mas lumabi ako
at bumuntonghininga. “Come on, you can nag. I don’t mind.”

Mas sumimangot ako.

“Wala na! Naunahan na ako. Ano pang ipapagalit ko kung aware ka naman sa
sermon ko?”

He chuckled, his sexy tone reverberating.

“It’s fine, I could try forgetting. Just give me a second.” Natahimik siya ng
tatlong segundo at nilingon ako.

“What are you saying?” he asked, his eyes feigning innocence.

Napatawa na ako bigla at nahampas ang braso niya. He cursed when we almost
swerved out of the line! Napatili ako bigla at kumapit sa seatbelt ko.

“Jesus, Zahrah!” he called.

 I gasped. “Sorry! Sorry! ‘Di ko napigilan!”

We stayed silent for a while until we got back to the lane. Buti na lang ay
madaling-araw at maluwag ang kalsada.

When I was sure we’re fine, hinarap ko na siya at tumalim ang tingin ko sa
kanya.

The side of his lips curved.

“What is it, Ma’am?” he asked, amused. “You smacked me! I was shocked!”

Mas nanliit ang mata ko. Sinulyapan niya akong may pigil na ngiti.

I sighed.

Ano kayang ginawa nito sa past life niya?

“Sasama ako sa ‘yo,” I announced. Nawala ang ngiti niya at sumulyap.

“What?”

“Sa office,” I answered. “As your secretary, I should stay with you,
right?”

He shook his head.

“I’ll be fine, Ma’am, promise,” aniya.

Nagulat ako at puro siya ma’am sa akin pero ‘di ko pinansin.

“You mean to say you’ll do an all-nighter in the office alone? Paano kapag
may kailangan ka?”

“I could do it. I’m used to being alone.” He sounded so amused and bitter.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Wala kang girlfriend?” I asked.

Napaubo siya bigla at tumikhim, inaayos ang palad sa steering wheel. My eyes
wandered on the veins protruding in his arms, that familiar watch and gold ring.

Sino kaya ang nagbigay niyan? ‘Yong sinasabi niyang hinahanap niya rito sa
Cebu?

Nawala ang ngiti ko.

“You don’t have to answer that.” Maliit akong ngumiti sa kanya.

Muli siyang sumulyap sa akin bago tumaas ang kilay.

“Jealous, sweet rose?” he asked.

Ang kyemeng ngiti ko’y mas nawala. He chuckled sexily. I grimaced.

“Ako, Castuares, tigil-tigilan mo ako, a?” I spat.

His lips protruded. “Suplada naman.”

 I folded my arms on my chest and stared at the road.

“Basta sasama ako sa office,” I answered. “If you’ll do an all-nighter, fine.

But include me. I’m your secretary.”

I saw him nodding through my peripheral vision.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he agreed. “And I don’t have a girlfriend.”

Tumikhim ako at ‘di na sumagot.

Wala akong pakialam!

Nakarating kami sa opisina na medyo dim na ang ilaw at tahimik. Tanging

utilities na lang ang naroon na ‘di na nagulat pagkakita kay Veròn.

Palagi ba ‘tong all-nighter? Bakit ‘di ko alam?

“Prosecutor, hello po,” bati nila. “Ma’am Zahrah, kasama ka po pala.”

I gave them a sweet smile. Tumango naman si Prosecutor bago kami dere-
deretsong pumasok sa office.

I was planning to stay on my seat outside not to bother him but he gave me a
look when he saw me putting my bag on the table.

“What?” I asked.

Tumikhim siya at bumaling sa office niya. Tinaasan ko ng kilay. He repeated

it.

Namaywang ako.

“Alam mo, Prosecutor, uso magsabi ng gustong sabihin,” I said. “Hindi ‘yong
tatango? Ano sasagot ko sa ‘yo, tango?”

He showed me that grumpy face again. Natawa ako.

“Ganyan mukha mo sa mga estudyante mo?” I asked, referring to his expression.

“What?”

“I heard you’re a professor,” I answered. “Masungit ka raw yata sa students

mo sa law school, right? Suplado pero DLL.”

Mas bumusangot siya. Ewan pero tuwang-tuwa ako.

“Hindi ako masungit,” suplado niyang sagot.

“Oh, really?” Ngumuso ako. “E, ano ‘yang tono mo? Tunog ba ‘yang mabait?”

He realized his tone. I smiled at him, amused.

“Fine…” he breathed and brushed his hair. “If it’s not too much, Miss
Secretary, I want you inside the office.”

I tilted my head.
 “Walang please, Prosecutor?” I asked teasingly.

Tumiim ang tingin niya sa ‘kin.

“Please…” he added.

“Okay!” I beamed and took my bag. Nauna pa akong pumasok sa opisina niya at
inagaw ang brief case niya para ako na ang kumuha ng dokumentong ire-review namin.

“You can rest first,” aniya pagkakitang inaayos ko ang mga papel. “I’ll take
a quick bath.”

Sumulyap ako sa kanya na pumapasok sa private room ng opisina niya. It has a

bed in it, ‘di ko na masyadong nakita dahil nagsara na.

Don’t tell me he’s sleeping here?

I shrugged it off. Nagtimpla ako ng kape para sa aming dalawa habang inaantay
siya. I felt sticky, too, and I wanted to take a bath o kaya maghilamos man lang
but I didn’t have any clothes here.

While waiting for him, my eyes roamed on the documents in front of me. Inikot
ko ang tingin ko.

Atty. Kiko’s voice echoed inside my head.

I knew for a fact there were no CCTV cameras inside the main office, tanging
sa labas lang ng opisina kaya kahit kinakabahan ay tumayo ako at nagmamadaling
kinuhanan ng litrato ang mga dokumento para mai-send ko kay Attorney mamaya.

My heart was racing, my head throbbing and I quickly hid my phone and reached
for the coffee.

Fuck. Muntik na.

I calmed down after a few moments and he’s still not out. Pinaypayan ko ang
sarili at muling hinawakan ang mug.

Sumisimsim ako ng kape nang magbukas ang pinto at nakita ko siya.

If I was not in my proper mind, baka nabuga ko na ang kape sa nakita.

He’s wearing a simple white polo shirt and jeans! Basa ang kanyang buhok mula
sa shower dahilan kaya nahuhulog ang itim na itim na hibla sa kanyang noo. Sa
kanyang batok ay ang puting t’walya na ginamit niya pamunas ng buhok.

Napaso tuloy ang dila ko.

Naibaba ko ang kape at napatakip ng bibig. Nagtataka niya akong binalingan.

“You okay?”

“Y-yeah.” Tumakbo ako sa dispenser para kumuha ng tubig na maiinom.

I turned my back on him to drink my water.

Damn it, Zahrah?!

I refilled it again, pinapakiramdaman kung nasaan siya nang ‘di lumilingon.

Wala akong narinig ni kaluskos kaya I assumed na wala na kaya hawak-hawak ko ang
basong may tubig ay lumingon ako para lang makita siyang nakasandal sa pader at
matiim na pinapanood ako, nakahalukipkip at may pilyong ngiti sa labi.

I jumped the same time my heart did. Sa panic ay biglang naiangat ang baso ng
tubig kaya nabuhos at kumalat iyon sa top ko.

“Shit!” I panicked.

Inikot ko ang tingin, hindi magkandaugagang naghahanap ng patungan dahil

ramdam ko na ang lamig sa may dibdib ko.

Nawala ang baso sa kamay ko nang kunin niya iyon mula sa kamay ko.

“Here.” Kinuha ko ang inaabot niyang tuwalya para ipunas sa nabasa kong
dibdib pero walang silbi dahil lumitaw na ang itim kong brassiere na bumakat sa
puting top.

We both stopped and stared at my chest.

I heard the way he swallowed.

Inangat ko ang tingin at nang magkatitigan ay kaagad na nag-iwasan, nag-iinit

ang mukha.

“Y-you should change,” he said and cleared his throat.

Niyakap ko ang tuwalyang humahalimuyak sa shower gel at amoy niya sa dibdib

ko.

“Wala akong damit…”

“I have some spare clothes,” aniya kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya.

“P’wede?”

He gave me a slight nod.

“You can… change inside. Iiwan ko na lang sa kama.”

“Thank you,” maliit kong sagot at sumunod na ako sa kanya.

Dumeretso ako kaagad sa banyo para hubarin ang top na nabasa at maghugas ng
mukha at braso para mawala ang lagkit sa pakiramdam.

Maliit lang ang bathroom, may isang sink, bowl, at shower area. Pinagmasdan
ko ang hilera ng mga personal soap doon at body wash, mamahalin at halos kalahati
na.

He’s really staying here often, wasn’t he? Wala ba siyang tinutuluyan dito
sa
Cebu?

Sumilip ako sa labas, sa kwarto niya na may single bed lang at maliit na
lamesa. Doon sa gilid ay may stand kung saan nakasabit ang coat niya. Mas marami
pang dokumento roon kaysa sa personal niyang gamit!

I took his dress shirt. I couldn’t resist but put it on my nose to have a
quick sniff.
 Amoy Veròn. I smiled.

Malaki iyon sa akin nang isuot ko at papasa na yatang dress dahil umabot na
sa ibabang hita. I looked like a ghost while staring at myself in the mirror.

Ang tagal ko pala talagang nasa mansyon lang kaya siguro ang putla-putla ng
kulay ko at mukhang ‘di naaarawan.

I tucked his shirt on my pencil skirt instead and rolled the sleeves on my
forearm. Mabuti rin kahit papaano’y makapal ang tela ng shirt niya kaya hindi bakat
ang dibdib ko.

I didn’t wear my brassiere because it was really wet.

When I got out, he was busy reading the documents. He didn’t even look at me.
Medyo napangiwi ako pero ‘di ko na ginawang big deal.

Para saan pa? Required bang magmaldita kasi ‘di tiningnan?!

I sat on the couch just on his side. Nasa one seater kasi siya at ako ‘yong
nasa mahaba, ang salaming lamesa ay nasa tapat namin kung saan nakalagay ang mga
dokumento.

I cleared my throat.

Doon na siya nag-angat ng tingin.

Bigla kong binawi na inaantay kong sulyapan niya ako sa paraan ng pagtingin
niya sa akin iyon. It was dark yet surprised.

Dahil nga sa dim ang ilaw at ang study lamp lang sa tapat namin ang mas
nangingibabaw ay tila anino siyang nagmamasid sa dilim. His blue eyes—which was
bluer than the calm seas in daylight was dark as it was in night right now.

Raging like a storm. Dangerous but luring for someone to take a risk and
jump.

Gumalaw pa ang panga niya at binasa ang labi.

My heart raced that I was the first one to look away.

“Are you comfortable with that?” tanong niya.

Sumulyap ako sa damit at tumango. Malaki pero masarap naman sa pakiramdam at

feel na feel ko dahil ang bango.

“Yeah, thank you,” I smiled.

Pero nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin. Sinulyapan ko at tinaasan ng kilay.

“What?” I asked.

Umiwas siya at umiling, sumandal sa couch at inaangat ang tingin sa papel

niya. I noticed the slight blush on his cheek.

“What is it?” I asked again. “Prosecutor…”

“Nothing,” he insisted pero mas diniin ko na ang tingin. Itinatago pa niya

ang mukha sa papeles kaya iritado kong inagaw sa kanya iyon.
 “What is it?” I demanded.

He sighed and brushed his hair. “Nothing, Zahrah. Just some nonsense, now—”

“Tell me,” ulit ko at nakipagtagisan ng tingin sa kanya.

I casually reached for my now cold coffee while staring, ‘di papatalo. Sa
huli ay napasuklay siya ulit ng buhok at napahawak sa kwelyo nang damit niya at
malamig akong tinitigan.

“‘Di ka nagba-bra?” he blurted out.

Muntik ko nang mabuga ang kape sa bibig ko sa gulat. Napaubo pa ako at

tinakpan ang bibig sa gulat, hinablot pa ang throw pillow sabay hagis sa kanya.

His laughter roared, nahuli niya ang hinagis ko at dinala sa hita niya. He
even rested his back on the couch, crossing his long legs.

I made a face.

“Really?!” Napasulyap ako sa dibdib, biglang na-conscious at inayos ang damit

niyang suot ko. “Sa lahat ng tanong mo, ganyan pa?!”

“You were asking!” He smirked. “I told you it was nonsense, but you insisted…
that’s why,” aniya sabay sulyap sa dibdib ko.

I rolled my eyes, fixing that part on my chest.

“Nabasa kanina,” I told him. “Kaya ‘di ko na sinuot.”

He gave me a smug look.

“And pakialam mo kung mag-bra ako o hindi?” I asked.

Tumaas ulit ang sulok ng labi niya at umiling.

“I don’t.” He shrugged, his gaze still teasing. “Kaya nga ‘di ko na sinabi,
‘di ba? It was your fault you asked, I only obliged.”

Mas dumiin ang tingin ko sa kanya, nag-iinit pa rin ang mukha.

He shot his brow up at me.

“Perhaps you want me to ask someone to buy one for you now? Anong size ‘yan,
A—?”

“B!” I hissed. “May boobs naman ako, excuse me!”

He chuckled.

“I know, sweetheart. I can see…” Bumaba ang tingin niya sa dibdib ko.

I rolled my eyes and took a handful of documents.

 “Let’s start,” I said formally. “And stop smirking at me… and my boobs,
Castuares. Busy ako!”

He raised his palms. “Fine, Ma’am. Alright.”

Maliit siyang ngumiti at nang magkatinginan kami ay binato niya sa akin

pabalik ang unan na sumapol sa mukha ko. Nasa point na akong papatol sa laki ng
ngisi niya kung ‘di lang kumatok ang utility para magsabing mauuna na muna sila.

We started working, quiet and serious. The light mood shifted as we got so
engrossed in the case, we began discussing what might’ve happened.

I still can’t wrap my head about this brutality.

Pasulyap-sulyap ako sa phone dahil ka-text si Cole, nagtatanong kung bakit

‘di pa ako nakakauwi.

Nang umilaw ulit ang phone ko ay inabot ko ‘yon para mag-reply nang
maramdaman ko ang tingin niya. ‘Di ko pinansin at abala sa text, nagtatanong sa
progress kay Daddy.

Cole said Atty. Kiko was working on it, and they said he thinks my father’s
safe. ‘Di niya raw alam ang detalye pero itatanong niya raw sa ama.

Kahit papaano ay nakahinga ako ng maluwang.

He’s safe… but if he was, who did these brutalities to those jail guards? Mga
Sandejas pa rin?

Ayaw kong isipin na ang dad ko… impossible. Mahal ako n’on. Pinrotektahan.

Nagtitipa ako ng phone nang mahuli ang matiim na tingin ni Veròn sa phone
ko. Ibinaba ko ‘yon at tinitigan siya.

“Yes, Prosecutor?”

“Who are you texting?” Sumulyap siya sa akin. Masungit na naman ang mood.

“Just some friends,” I answered. “Why?”

“Was it important?” he asked again.

Umiling ako. “‘Di naman—”

“Then focus on the job,” he said grumpily and snapped his gaze back to his
documents.

Nakakunot ang noo niyang nagbabasa. Umawang ang labi ko at suminghap.

E di fine! Suplado!

Hindi pa namin mabuo ang official document dahil wala pa ang final results ng
autopsy at ‘di pa nakakausap si Bryce na nauna sa amin sa scene of the crime but sa
ngayon ay alam ko na ang posibleng nangyari.

According to him, as the prosecutor of the case, the following happened:

Israel Sebastian managed to get out of the cell, if he personally knew someone
inside, he might’ve helped him out. Pero naabutan ng biglaang ronda ng jail guard
kaya niya sinugod.
 He choked the other one with the piece of nylon they’ve been using in one of
their prison activities until he died. The other one suddenly appeared no’ng
matagalan ang kasama niya at naabutan ang bangkay.

Before he could even call for backup, nahabol siya at ginawang muli ang
ginawa sa una pero mas malakas at handa kaya ‘di kaagad nawalan ng buhay. To end it
all, he managed to reach for a piece of glass from the broken vase which fell
during the struggle and sliced his throat.

And then, he took the keys and left.

Pakiramdam ko ay nasusuka ako sa lahat ng narinig. He showed me the scene of

the crime photos and explained why he claimed that’s how it happened.

“But we have to wait for the autopsy to verify the facts,” aniya at seryosong
sumandal sa couch, madilim ang tingin at halatang galit.

“And there is no CCTV footage for all these?” I asked.

He nodded.

There’s no way my father did that. He’s safe now, right? Sabi ni Cole? Then…
sinabi ba niyang ang Sandejas ang may gawa?

“There is a scheduled maintenance in the prison last night kaya sarado ang
CCTVs. Ang sa labas naman ay walang nahagip na pagtakas niya. It’s possible he knew
every blind spot in the area.” He was saying that while staring intently at me.

I became conscious of my expression. I masked it by agreeing.

“So… premeditated?” I asked.

“Yup, planned,” aniya. “Alam na may maintenance ng gabing iyon kaya

imposibleng makakuha ng kopya sa CCTV. Even the blind spots and the getaway car.
Planado lahat pwera sa mga jail guard sa biglaang ronda, they got killed because of
it.”

I was uncomfortable. Scenes started playing in my head, sequencing what

happened to them with the culprit on my father’s face.

“What do you think, Zahrah?” he asked, watching me closely.

“Paano kung… hindi siya ang may gawa?” I asked.

I didn’t even see the change in his dark expression. He tilted his head and
crossed his legs again.

It felt like he expected my reaction. Why? Hindi ko alam. Baka nag-a-assume

lang ako.

“Hmm? How so?” he asked, scrutinizing my every move.

I did my best not to show my determination to prove the accusations about him
wrong.

“Was Mr. Sebastian’s case proved in court?”

He nodded.
 “Reclusion Perpetua in the highest degree for double murder, possession of
illegal drugs and firearms. Trafficking, kidnapping, and marital rape,” malamig
niyang sinabi.

Mas umalon ang sikmura ko sa galit at takot na ‘di ko maintindihan.

‘Di ako sigurado kung dahil ito sa naniniwala akong inosente ang ama ko o
naiisip kong baka ginawa niya iyong lahat at nagkakamali lang ako.

“I was just curious.” I moistened my lower lip. “But… was the evidence
against him strong?”

Tumango siya.

“Yes,” he answered formally, still not taking his gaze off me. Para tuloy
akong kriminal sa harapan ng judge, tila naghihintay ng hatol.

“The truth wins in court, right?” I asked.

Tumango siya.

“Mostly, but what wins in court becomes the truth,” seryoso niyang turan.
“Why, you think he was falsely accused?”

My jaw clenched. I was suddenly defensive pero mabuti na lang ay napigilan ko

ang sarili.

“Hindi naman, I was just wondering.” I shrugged. “‘Di ko naman kilala ito
nang personal pero paano kung mali nga?”

Hindi siya umimik. Nakatitig lang.

His eyes held a lot of words he couldn’t say. Nang tinitingan ko siya pabalik
ay nag-iwas siya ng tingin at umigting ang kanyang panga.

“I could bet my life he did all of these, Miss Ortega,” aniya.

Lumunok ako.

“He became eligible for parole a few years ago but was denied,” he explained.
“The next thing we knew, he kidnapped his daughter.”

Parang binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig.

“H-huh?” Nanginig ang kamay ko. “What do you mean…”

Sinulyapan niya ako at nakita ko ang paglalaro ng lamig, galit, o kung ano pa
mang ‘di ko maipaliwanag sa kanyang mga mata.

I didn’t even read reports about it from his files! Wala!

“Ipinagkatiwala ng asawa niya, Ritchel Sebastian, ang anak nila sa kaibigan

nitong si Zidney Valderama,” he started, and my head started throbbing. “For years,
they were keeping her safe. Palipat-lipat siya sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa.”

“W-why?” I asked.

“Because her father wanted her back,” aniya. “They had a lot of attempts,
simula pa no’ng bata siya pero nitong mga nakaraang taon… they finally got her.”

That daughter… was it me? But how? They said I was a secret to keep me safe
pero bakit iba ang sinasabi niya?

Pinagmasdan ko ang prosecutor na abala na pinapanood lang ako. I tried

finding for lies written on his face, but I couldn’t.

It’s either he wasn’t lying or… maybe he was just too good at it?

I pursed my lips.

“Can I know how’d you know about this?” I asked.

Binasa niya ang labi.

“I came across the case just recently while reviewing the file for an appeal
regarding his case,” aniya. “Patong-patong na kaso. Though, it wasn’t proved he was
the mastermind of the kidnapping of his own daughter not under his care anymore
because of lack of evidence.”

“Then…” Napalunok ako. “Hindi naman siguro, ano? Sa tingin mo?”

Lumamlam ang ekspresyon niya at inabot ang kape niyang malamig na rin para
sumimsim.

“I can’t say, Miss Ortega.” He shrugged. “The woman is still missing. She
couldn’t be located for years. It was as if she just vanished in thin air.” Habang
sinasabi niya ‘yon ay mas nagdidilim ang tono niya.

‘Di ako nakapagsalita.

Was it me? Was I kidnapped?

“But if he was accused of it aside from the cases against him that have been
proved in court, isa lang ang masasabi ko, people like him should never be
trusted.”

He said that with an underlying warning tone. It sent chills all over me.

Natahimik ako at tumango, gulong-gulo na.

‘Di ko na alam kung sino ang paniniwalaan.

“Fix yourself, I’m taking you home,” aniya at tumayo.

Nagulat ako pero hinanap ko na ang mga gamit ko at sumunod sa kanya.

It was already five—almost six in the morning. Pagod na pagod na rin ako
pero ‘di mawala ang sinabi niya sa utak ko na habang inaantay ko siyang matapos sa
pagliligpit ng papeles at katawagan ay nag-send ako ng message kay Cole.

To: Cole

I heard a weird rumor today, Cole. They said my father kidnapped his
daughter. Was it me?

Hindi siya nag-reply kaya sa huli ay bumuntonghininga ako at nag-unsend ng

message, gulong-gulo na talaga.
 Pumarada siya sa parking lot ng condominium unit na sinasabi ni Cole.

“You’re staying here?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Lumipat ka?” seryoso niyang sinabi, napansin ko ang diin sa tono.

Nagulat ako at sumulyap sa kanya.

“This wasn’t the address written in your resume,” pormal niyang sabi kaya
napatango-tango ako at maliit na ngumiti.

“Ah, oo, bumukod kasi,” I answered. “Masyadong malaki ang bahay sa akin kaya
rito na lang…”

He nodded but then his eyes roamed in the parking lot, his expression
alarmed. I didn’t know why but I was alarmed, too. Baka nahawa lang ako sa
ekspresyon niya pero parang may iba? Parang may mali?

Tila ayaw kong lumabas sa kotse niya. Tila ayaw ko na lang tumuloy sa kwarto
ko sa sobrang kaba.

Why did I feel uneasy?

Baka dahil sa sinasabi niya lang.

“Uh, thank you,” marahang sinabi ko. “Salamat sa paghatid. Una na ako.”

I noticed how serious his face was.

“How’s the security here?” he asked.

“Uh? Ayos naman, sige baba na ako.”

Before he could say something, mabilis ko nang kinuha ang bag ko at

nagmamadaling lumabas. ‘Di na siya nilingon kahit pa tinawag niya ako.

The hair on my nape pricked when I felt as if I was being watched. Lumingon
ako sa likod at ‘di ko na nakita ang prosecutor na nakasunod kaya mas binilisan ko
na ang lakad.

What if it was the Sandejas and they’re just manipulating the story? But what
if… Israel Sebastian really wasn’t really the man I thought he was?

What if he really kidnapped me? Kaya ba itinatago ako?

My hand shook as I was riding the elevator. My phone was vibrating, and I saw
Veròn’s name on it pero bago ko pa masagot ay nakarating na ako sa floor kung
nasaan ang condo.

I was hesitating as I walked through the hallway, ignoring the vibrating

phone. Gusto ko lang talagang makapasok sa loob.

Tumapat ako sa pintuan at inangat ang lock para sana ipasok ang code nang
makarinig ng yapak ng mga paa.

I whipped my head and panicked when I saw two masked men walking towards me.
 Nanginginig ang kamay na pinindot ko ang passcode at saktong pagbukas ko ay
ang pagbilis ng lakad nila. A loud scream left my lips as terror filled me.

Bago ko pa maisara ang pinto ay tinulak na nila iyon kaya mas bumilis ang
paghinga ko at tumakbo.

Dahil kakalipat ko pa lang ay nagkalat ang box sa buong condo.

“Kunin mo!” sigaw ng isa at sinubukan akong abutin pero nasipa ko sa kanya
ang box, dahilan kaya ‘di ako nakuha at nawalan siya ng balanse.

I was catching my breath. My shoulders rose as I ran towards the stairs when
another one caught my leg.

I screamed as I fell down. Iilang hakbang akong nahulog habang mas hinahatak
pa nila ako.

“Putang ina! Hoy! Tumayo ka r’yan! Tulungan mo ako rito!” sigaw ng humihila
sa ‘kin at nang makita kong tumayo ang natumba kanina sa box na sinipa ko ay
inangat ko ang isang paa sabay sipa sa lalaking may hawak sa akin.

He cursed and lost his focus. Kinuha ko ang pagkakataong iyon para gumapang
at tumakbo sa ikalawang palapag, pilit na binubuksan ang kwarto at isinara bago pa
nila ako maabutan.

I was shaking, trembling as I pressed my back on the door while they’re

slamming on it.

“Putang ina! Buksan mo!” sigaw nila.

“Sipain mo na! Tangina, tayo ang mapupurnada kapag ‘di natin nakuha ‘yan!”

Sa nanginginig na kamay ay inangat ko ang phone at hinanap ang numero niya.

I knew I should call Cole but there was someone else in my mind and I found
myself clicking his name.

“Hello?” His alarmed voice filled my air. “Where are you?!”

“H-help…” I whispered. “P-please… help me.”

Nahulog ang phone ko at napatili na ako nang maramdaman ko ang malakas na

pwersa ng pagsipa sa pintuan at ang pagmumura nila.

Hindi na ako makapag-isip. Ang alaala ng mga lalaking kumuha sa ‘kin noon ay
nagbalik. Mas lumalakas ang sipa na pakiramdam ko’y nasisira na ang pintuan kaya
mas napatakip ako sa tainga at sumiksik sa gilid ng kama.

I was terrified.

I was crying, shaking, praying for someone to help…

I was scared…

Nawala ang ingay. Mas yumupyop ako, nanginginig.

This is just a dream… This is just a dream…

 Kumalat ang ilaw sa madilim na kwarto nang masira ang pintuan. Mas umiyak ako
at itinago ang mukha.

Ayaw ko… please, h’wag ako.

Narinig ko ang pagkilos sa loob, narinig ang pag-switch ng ilaw pero ‘di ako
gumalaw.

Kukunin na ako ulit! Kukunin ako! Mamamatay na ako!

I could feel a presence looming closer to me as it knelt beside me. May

umabot sa braso ko.

I flinched and shook my head, wanting so badly to crawl away but my back was
already on the wall.

“H-h’wag po, please,” I cried.

“Zahrah…” Isang tawag lang ay umangat na ang tingin ko at pagkakita sa

pamilyar na asul na mga mata na ‘yon ay humahagulgol na ako at lumuluhod para
yakapin siya.

I cried and he held me close, his grip tight and protective.

“M-may… may m-mga lalaki…” I gripped his clothes.

“They’re gone,” marahang sinabi niya at mas yumakap. “The security got them.”

“K-kukunin nila ‘ko, k-kukunin…” I chanted repeatedly.

“Shhh… no.” I felt his lips on my hair. “They won’t, I won’t let them.”

I could hear the desperation, pain, worry, and regret in his tone.

But I continued shaking my head, trembling, crying. Hanggang sa nakita ko na

lang ang sarili na nakaupo sa hita niya habang nasa gilid ng kama, ang braso ay
nasa kanyang batok habang ang palad niya’y nakapirmi sa baywang ko.

“S-sorry,” I whispered. “Nadamay ka p-pa…”

I heard his sigh as his hold tightened.

“I’ll help you pack your things,” he whispered. Napalayo ako at nagtatakang
sinalubong ang tingin niya.

“W-what?”

“You can’t stay here,” seryoso niyang sabi. “You’re staying with me.”

Kabanata 11

Kabanata 11

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Ayaw kong umalis pero saan na ako pupunta nito?

 I couldn’t trust the people in my old house anymore at itong sa bago ko, kung
kailan p’wede na akong magbuklod at saka naman may ganitong mangyayari unang araw
pa lang ng paglipat ko.

We were in the police station with the two men in custody. Nakaupo ako sa
gilid, ang jacket ni Veròn ay nakapatong sa balikat ko habang siya ay nakikipag-
usap sa mga pulis.

He was obviously enraged. Mestizo siya kaya kitang-kita ang pamumula ng mukha
niya sa galit. I even saw him adjusting the collar of his shirt a few times now
dahil siguro wala siyang mahilang necktie kaya kwelyo ang pinagkakainteresan.

It seemed like he was mad about whatever the police were saying.

“‘Te, inom ka muna.” May inabot sa akin si Meia na maliit na cup.

Dinungaw ko iyon.

“Chocolate drink?” I asked.

She smiled. “Kape sana kaso ayaw ni Prosecutor. Nagkape ka na raw kanina kaya
chocolate na lang. At saka ito nga pala.” May inilahad siya sa ‘king mga gum.

I smiled a little and accepted it. “Thank you, Meia. Nag-abala ka pa.”

“Oh! Hindi,” she grinned. “Si Prosecutor ang nag-abot, bigay ko raw sa ‘yo at
baka kailangan mo.”

My eyes widened at her statement. My heart made a quick jump as I accepted

the gum.

“Thank you…”

“Kahit kaunting panahon pa lang, mukhang kilalang-kilala ka na ni Prosecutor,

a?” she teased. “Kayo, a? Baka mamaya iba na ‘yan!”

My cheeks heated. Umiling-iling ako sa kanya.

“Hindi! Trabaho lang,” pagtanggi ko. “At saka malay ba natin if may
girlfriend ‘yan?”

Sumulyap din siya kay Prosecutor na katabi na si Bryce ngayon na nakikipag-

usap pa rin sa pulis.

“Never heard a thing ‘bout it,” sagot niya sa ‘kin. “Malay mo, inaantay ka?”

Agresibo ko siyang nilingon. Humalakhak siya at siniko ako.

Napasulyap sa amin sina Veròn na nagtataka. Nag-init ang mukha ko at

binigyan siya ng maliit na ngiti sabay iwas at kurot kay Meia na ‘di matigil sa
hagikhik niya.

“Yieee! Gusto rin niya!” she teased in a small voice.

“I don’t,” I snapped. “Shut up.”

“Ohh…” she whistled. “Okay, kunwari ‘di ko napapansin palagi ang pasimpleng
sulyapan n’yo!”
 Nagtataka ko lang siyang tinignan.

“Sus! H’wag mong sabihing ako lang ang nakaka-feel ng chemistry sa ‘tin dito?
Akala mo ba ‘di ko napapansin na madalas pa sa madalas, kung ‘di mo dala ‘yong
necktie niya, nakasuot naman sa ‘yo ang coat at jacket niya?”

My eyes widened briefly.

I didn’t even notice it!

“Talaga?”

“Oo! Alam mo bang usapan na kayo sa office? Na baka raw kayo?”

Napatawa ako at mas nag-init ang mukha.

“No… way,” I breathed out.

“Oh! Oh, bakit namumula?!” Tinusok niya ang pisngi ko kaya paulit-ulit ko
siyang hinampas.

“Meia! You’re overthinking this—”

“Sige nga, ano ‘yang suot mo? Jacket niya ‘yan, a? At saka ‘yong damit mo,
h’wag mo sabihin sa ‘king sa ‘yo ‘yan kasi malaki! At saka…” She moved closer and
sniffed me. “Bakit amoy Prosecutor ka?”

I almost squealed but decided just to cover my ears when she started laughing
and teasing me again.

Bubusalan ko na itong babaeng ‘to, sinasabi ko talaga!

I was glad because somehow, no matter how annoying her teasing was, it made
me forget about the incident even just for a short period of time.

Dahil nang tinawag na ako sa interrogation room ay bumalik lahat-lahat ng

takot sa akin.

I could still remember the way they chased after me, the way they kicked the
door open to get me. It reminded me so much of the kidnapping I experienced before
that led me to lose all of my memories from the past.

I may not remember everything, but I knew how it felt. I knew how terrified I
was. How they locked me in the room.

Those men… reminded me so much of these men here.

Veròn was tense beside me as I walked with them to the room. Ayaw pa nga
niya akong pumasok pero hindi ako pumayag.

These men tried to… I don’t know? Maybe kidnap me again? Tapos ‘di ko alam
ang nangyayari? Hindi p’wede!

I wanted to know who paid them! I wanted to know who sent them after me!

Pagod na akong walang alam!

“Zahrah,” Veròn called me again. “You don’t have to—”

 “I have to,” I answered. “They tried taking me, Veròn. I have to do this. I
have to know.”

Nagtitigan kaming dalawa. In his blue eyes, I could see every emotion.

Pain, worry, sadness… regret.

Hindi ko alam kung dahil sa madali lang basahin ang reaksyon niya sa
pagkakataong iyon o dahil kilalang-kilala ko na siya.

Did I, really?

He lifted his hand, brushing my bangs before taking stray strands of my hair
that were fanning my cheek to tuck it behind my ear. His finger then traced my jaw
until he caught my chin and tilted it up gently.

“Will you be okay?” he asked lowly.

My heart was still racing as I gave him a small smile.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

He was hesitant but gave me a small smile.

“Alright, good girl,” he mumbled as he caressed my chin gently.

We saw the police going inside the interrogation room to talk to the two men.
Medyo payat ang isa habang ang isa naman ay may kalakihan ang katawan. Kung ibabase
sa pula ng mata nilang dalawa ay halatang mga lulong ito sa droga.

Sumulyap ako kay Veròn na nakatayo sa tabi ko. His shoulders were squared,
and I even noticed the way his jaw clenched.

Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa salamin at pinakinggan ang detective na kwestiyunin

ang dalawa na no’ng una ay ayaw pang magsalita.

“Aantayin ko ang abogado!” sigaw ng isa. “Nasaan na ba?! Natawagan mo?!”

“Yes,” sagot ng pulis. “Pero walang sumasagot sa tawag. Would you prefer
waiting for him or should we call a public defender—”

“Tanginang ‘yan, may abogado kami!” sigaw niya. “Tawagan mo ulit!”

“Tinawagan na,” ani ng pulis. “Pero walang sumasagot. Sinusubukan pa rin pero
kung wala talaga’y kailangan na ng abogado—”

“Tawagan mo si Alchiel Sandejas!” sigaw nito pabalik.

My eyes widened briefly at the mention of the surname.

I noticed how Veròn shoulders tensed. Lumalim ang gatla sa kanyang noo at
mas dumilim ang tingin.

“Sino?”

“Alchiel Sandejas!” tawag nito. “Siya ang abogado namin! Tawagan n’yo!”

Mukhang natigilan din ang pulis sa sinabi ng huli. Kumunot ang noo nito pero
tumango at may isinulat sa kanyang papel.
 “Patuloy na sinusubukang tawagan ang numerong ibinigay n’yo,” ani nito. “Pero
sa ngayon, habang inaantay ay kailangan naming malaman ang nangyari. Bakit nando’n
kayo at pinasok ang bahay ni Zahrah Ortega?”

“Utos!” sagot n’ong isa.

Napalunok ako.

“Utos nino?” tanong ng huli.

Hindi umimik ang dalawa at nag-iwas. Narinig ko ang malalim na buntonghininga

ni Veròn sa tabi ko kaya nilingon ko siya at nakitang mahigpit na nakahawak na ang
palad niya sa gilid ng lamesa habang mariing nakatitig sa one-way glass.

“Hindi kami magsasalita habang walang abogado!” sigaw nito. “Tawagan mo ulit
si Alchiel Sandejas!”

The police sighed and was about to go out when the door opened. May isang
pulis na sumilip doon sa kanya sa pintuan at umiling.

He nodded and then glanced at the two men.

“We’re very sorry but the number you gave was out of reach,” sagot nito.
“Walang sumasagot sa mga tawag.”

“Tangina!” Miski ako ay napaatras sa biglang pagtayo ng isa at hampas sa

lamesa. “Gago! Ano’ng sinasabi mong walang sumasagot?! Ayon ang ibinigay sa ‘king
number!”

“The number was out of reach,” ulit ng detective kaya mas nagalit sila.

“Tanginang ‘yan! Kung kailan sumabit at saka iiwan! Tangina, kung ganyan lang
din, e di ilaglag na!” sigaw niya na mas nagpabilis ng kalabog sa dibdib ko.

The detective took the chance.

“Sino ang nag-utos?” ulit ng detective.

Tumahip ang dibdib ko sa kaba at napatitig lalo sa salamin.

“Mga Sandejas!” he exclaimed. “Mga Sandejas ang nag-utos na kunin ang babae!”

Tila nabuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig sa narinig mula sa kanya. Napaatras

ako at napasulyap kay Veròn pero wala na siya sa tabi ko at mabilis nang
naglalakad palabas ng kwarto.

“Prosecutor!” sigaw ni Bryce at harang sa kanya.

“Let me through,” malamig niyang utos pero tinulak lang siya pabalik ni
Bryce.

“Now is not the time—”

“Let me the fuck go!” mariing sinabi niya. “Ako ang kakausap!”

“No!” Umiling si Bryce, mukhang galit na. “Nadadala ka lang ng emosyon!”

“The fuck I care.” Halos itulak na niya si Bryce. “Get out of my way! Ako ang
kakausap sa gagong mga ‘yon!”

“You will only worsen things!” sigaw ni Bryce sa kanya at tulak. “Kung
gagawin mo ‘yan, masisira lahat—”

“No,” mariin niyang sinabi. “No, they can’t use my fam—”

“Veròn,” tawag ko.

They both tensed up as if remembering I was there, listening.

Napaayos ng tayo si Bryce samantalang ang prosecutor ay nanatiling nakatayo

pa rin, nakatalikod sa akin.

He was so stiff. He’s tense. I could see the strain on his back, akala mo’y
handa nang manuntok sa galit niya.

“What’s happening?” I asked calmly, hindi na pinapansin ang sigawan ng

dalawang kriminal sa kabila.

“Nothing, Zahrah.” Umiling si Bryce. “He just can’t control his anger after
what happened to you.”

I was terrified, but I was also worried of him. Ni hindi niya ako nilingon.
Nagpupuyos pa rin sa galit at inisang tulak si Bryce bago nagmartsa palabas.

My mouth parted. Bryce gave me a pleading look.

“Can you talk to him, Zahrah?” mahinang sinabi niya. “Ako na bahala makinig
dito, babalitaan ko kayo.”

I nodded. “I will. Thank you.”

Pagkalabas ko ay ang abalang hallway lang ang nakita ko. Alam kong ‘di
pumasok si Veròn sa interrogation room kaya inikot ko ang tingin at nasalubong si
Meia.

“Zahrah?” tawag niya. “Tapos na ba?”

I shook my head.

“Hindi pa. Nakita mo si Prosecutor?” I asked.

“Ah! Oo!” aniya. “Nasalubong ko tapos tinanong ko kung tapos na kaso ‘di ako
pinansin, mukhang galit? Ano’ng nangyari?”

“He’s just stressed,” I answered. “Nasaan siya?”

“Hmm…” Inikot niya ang tingin. “Parang papunta sa may emergency exit kanina,
e. ‘Di ko lang sigurado.”

I thanked her before going to the emergency exit and pushing the door open.
Pawang katahimikan lang ang namutawi sa mga hagdan.

Nasaan siya? Parang wala naman yata rito?

I was about to leave when I heard a loud crash somewhere and I immediately
walked up the stairs. Nilingon ko ang paligid at natantong under renovation pa ang
parteng ito ng palapag paakyat sa station dahil mga semento at bakal pa lang halos
ang nagagawa.

I frowned when I saw fresh blood stains on one of the steels used in
construction.

I frowned when I noticed it was already rusty.

Deretso ang lakad ko sa palapag, sa tiles na ‘di pa natatapos at mga buhangin

pa nang mahagip ko siyang nakaupo sa isang palapag ng hagdan.

Ang isang palad niya’y nakahawak sa buhok at ang isang kamay ay nasa may
tuhod niya, may hawak na sigarilyo at mas nagsalubong lang ang kilay ko nang makita
ko ang dugo sa kamao niyang nanginginig pa.

I took a step closer.

He tensed and lifted his head up. Nabakas ko ang gulat sa mata niya pagkakita
sa ‘kin at walang salitang tumayo at tinapon sa lapag ang sigarilyo para tapakan.

“Zahrah,” kalmado niyang sabi nang naglakad ako sa harapan niya.

“What’s the matter?” I asked calmly.

Umiling siya at nag-iwas ng tingin.

“Let’s go,” he said and strode away but I pulled him by the elbows.

Natigil siya ay iritado akong sinulyapan.

“What are you doing?” I demanded.

“Nothing,” sagot niya at muling aalis sana pero tumikhim ako at tinitigan ang
likod niya.

He stiffened. I was sure he was willing himself not to look but I kept on
staring.

Makuha ka sa tingin!

“I am still talking to you, Castuares,” pormal na sinabi ko kaya unti-unti’y

nilingon niya ako.

“What is it?” he asked, mukhang iritado pa sa sarili sa pagsunod sa akin.

Lumapit ako sa harapan niya at hinuli ang tingin niya.

“Ano’ng problema?” I asked. “You suddenly left and then I’ll see you here,
smoking? And what did you do? Did you punch the wall? Alam mo bang may kalawang
‘yong bakal do’n?” I grimaced.

Umigting ang panga niya at supladong nag-iwas ng tingin.

“Don’t mind me—”

“I am talking to you, Prosecutor,” I reminded. “Look at me.”

Umigting ang panga niya bago sumulyap sa akin, ang mga mata’y pagod na at
namumungay.
 “Hmm?” he hummed like a puppy.

Nawala tuloy ang inis ko sa kanya. Mukha kasi siyang maamo at pagod na pagod.

I reached for his cheek.

“Ano’ng problema?” I asked. “Bigla ka na lang nagwo-walk out. H’wag mong

sabihing wala lang at ‘di mo susuntukin ang pader at maninigarilyo r’yan nang
walang dahilan?”

He gave me a stubborn look.

Seryoso ko ngang tinitigan. Dumaing siya at napakamot ng kilay.

“I was stressed,” he confessed.

Tumango ako.

“I know,” I answered. “About what happened? Ako rin stressed, Veròn. Galit
din ako sa nangyari pero tama si Bryce. Hindi tamang susugurin mo ang mga lalaking
‘yon. Una sa lahat, walang mabuting mangyayari, pangalawa ay baka makasuhan ka rin.
Isipin mo, paano na natin malalaman ang nangyari talaga sa ‘kin kung occupied ka
rin sa ikakaso sa ‘yo?”

Umawang ang labi niya at mukhang magdadahilan pa kaya inangat ko ang kamay
ko.

“Ayan! Bagay ka ngang abogado at ang dami mong rason!” I fired back.

Umawang ang labi niya sa akin. He scoffed before looking away to hide his
smile.

“Smart ass,” he mumbled. I grinned.

“Natakot ako pero hindi na ngayon kasi alam ko namang nandito ka,” I said
gently.

Napasulyap siya sa ‘kin.

“Alam mo may kaibigan akong p’wedeng tawagan para makahingi ng tulong pero sa
halip na siya, ikaw kaagad ang naisip kong tawagan,” I confessed.

He looked surprised.

“Then, why me?” he asked, almost in a whisper.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s just this sudden feeling of assurance that
I’ll be safe. That… I’ll be safe as long as you’re here.”

That familiar pain in his eyes was back again. Hindi na siya muling nagsalita
kaya inabot ko ang palad niya at hinila siya pabalik sa hagdanan na kanina lang ay
inuupuan niya.

“Sandali, I’m sure my first aid dito,” sabat ko at iniwan siya habang nag-
iikot ako sa floor para makita ang lagayan.

I knew because a construction site should have these at all times in case of
emergencies and I was right. May nakita ako at kinuha ko nga iyon bago siya
balikan.
 Nahuli ko siyang nakatitig sa kamay niya, sa natutuyong dugo na roon.

I sat beside him and caught his hand. He glanced at me.

“Linisin natin,” I said and opened the kit.

Pinanood niya akong nililinisan ang sugat niya. I was also amazed of myself
kasi sa totoo lang, ‘di ko pa nasubukan maglinis ng sugat ng iba but I seemed to
know everything, the next steps, the proper technique.

Baka siguro doktor o nurse ako sa ibang lifetime ko.

I was worried of his wounds. Medyo may lalim kasi ang sugat niya kaya madugo
iyon. Naalala ko na naman ang kalawang sa bakal. Baka magka-tetano siya.

“I doubt that,” aniya sa mababang boses pagkaraan. “I have failed to protect

the people I loved for a lot of times now, Zahrah.” Narinig ko ang pait doon.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya.

“What?”

“What you said,” he mumbled. “That you’ll be safe as long as I’m here.”

Pinanood ko lang ang reaksyon niya.

“I mean, yes, I’d die trying. I’ll do everything but sometimes, I just doubt
myself.” Hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang kislap sa mga mata niya. “I doubt because I
failed the people I promised to protect. Puro lang kasi ako salita, tapos kapag
nand’yan na… palaging palpak.”

“Veròn,” bulong ko pagkahuli ng paghulog ng luha sa pisngi niya.

He was crying. Oh, God.

Para akong dinudurog habang tumutungo siya at hinahawi ang luha niya.

“I’m sorry,” bulong niya.

“You don’t have to be sorry,” I whispered and reached for his trembling hand.
“It’s fine, you can cry. I won’t judge you.”

When he heard it from me, tila kumawala ang mga itinatago niyang emosyon
dahil sa sunod-sunod na pag-agos ng mga luha. He was trembling, his eyes bloodshot
and exhausted.

“I kept on failing, palagi na lang. Ang pamilya ko, m-miski kapatid ko nga
‘di ko naprotektahan. Miski ang kakambal ko, w-wala akong nagawa…”

My eyes teared up. The agony was written all over his sobs. I could feel it
piercing me inside, breaking me too.

Hindi na ako nakatiis at gamit ang isang kamay ay hinawakan ko na ang batok
niya at hinila siya palapit sa akin. When our bodies touched, he just… broke down.

His painful cries filled my ear. He was trembling and when he reached for my
back to give me a warm embrace, nahulog na rin ang luha ko.
 It was tight, warm, and comfortable. I have never felt this kind even when I
was in my own house pero bakit sa simpleng yakap lang niya? Kahit ‘di ko siya
lubusang kilala, pakiramdam ko’y ang init-init? Pakiramdam ko… nakauwi ako.

These feelings came in without warning and now, I was overwhelmed. I fisted
his shirt and buried my face on his shoulders too and we just cried in silence.

Wala akong ideya sa kung ano’ng nangyari sa kakambal niya pero ramdam na
ramdam ko ang bigat, na para akong dinudurog. Na parang pinipiga ang puso ko sa ‘di
maintindihang dahilan.

“Your sister,” I mumbled after a while. “Mahal na mahal mo talaga, ‘no?”

He nodded. “Sobra. Alam mo ba, wala akong masabihan… ‘Di ko masabi sa kanya
kasi ayaw kong dagdagan mga iniisip niya pero masaya ako sa para sa kanya. She had
her own family now, her husband loves her so much. He takes care of her and my
nieces, I’m happy…”

Lumayo ako nang bahagya. I could feel his protest but decided against it. He
let me go.

Kunot ang noo niya at nanatiling nakatulala sa palad niya kaya hinuli ko iyon
at hinawakan. His eyes widened but he moistened his lower lip and sighed.

I could hear the unsaid but from his words, so I asked.

“But?” Pinisil ko ang palad niya.

Mukhang nagulat siya sa tanong ko, kung bakit ko naisip na may dugtong pa ang
sinabi niya.

“But I still have this…” He removed his tears with his arms. “I still have
this fear and regret because I could’ve been there when she needed me, but I
wasn’t. I can’t help but think what could’ve happened if I knew. If I was there for
her, nakakapangsisi lang kasi alam mo ‘yon? Kambal kami, k-kambal ‘yong puso namin
pero bakit wala akong alam sa nangyari sa kanya?”

I nodded and listened. Parang ngayon lang niya nailabas ang lahat-lahat.

“I promised myself, you know? T-that I’d…whatever it fucking takes, I’d

protect the people I love. I’d protect them. Kahit h’wag na ako, basta mahalaga
sila pero tangina lang kasi, kagaya pa rin ako dati. Palpak pa rin.” He shook his
head.

“They… took her, too,” bulong niya at inantay ko ang dugtong pero ‘di na niya
itinuloy pero humigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko.

“Veròn,” bulong ko. “Alam mo, may mga bagay talagang ‘di natin nakokontrol.
May mga bagay na… alam mo ‘yon? Kahit anong iwas natin, kahit anong paghahandang
gawin natin ay iba ang plano ng tadhana? Sometimes, it was in our favor. Sometimes,
it just doesn’t.”

“If it’s the damn destiny doing these shits and hurting the people I love
instead of me, fuck it, then,” galit niyang sabi.

“That’s the sad truth,” I sighed. “May mga gusto tayong hindi nangyayari. May
mga taliwas sa gusto natin. Fate and destiny are unpredictable, Veròn. But your
sister…” I asked curiously. “She’s fine now, right?”
 He smiled a little.

“Oo,” bulong niya. “Siya ‘yong kinukwento ko sa ‘yo na may anak na kambal na
babae. She’s already married and very happy. Nag-text nga sa ‘kin ‘yon kagabi,
parang mag-pa-family lunch sila sa Malaysia.”

My eyes widened. He chuckled and sniffed.

“It’s normal for her. She deserves it,” he whispered. “She deserves every
good thing in the world. In fact, she owns a fashion line now.”

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Remember the coordinates you’ve been wearing?” he asked. Tumango ako.

“What about it?”

“It was her brand,” he said proudly. Namilog na ang mata ko.

“Really?!” I gasped. “Maganda ‘yon! Paborito kong suotin kasi komportable!

Some pieces are pricey, but most are affordable! Ang ganda ng telang ginamit tapos
hindi mainit…”

I shifted in my seat, still in awe.

“Wow… she really did that?” I asked, proud.

Tumango siya at hinaplos ang palad kong hawak niya. Pinatihaya niya ang kamay
ko bago inilagay sa ilalim ang malapad na kamay niya. He even tried inserting his
fingers in between mine from the back, I let him.

“She expanded her business internationally, too. She dresses celebrities in

galas and on red carpets. She started working on a men’s clothing line early this
year. What you’re wearing now, her company did it.”

Umawang ang labi ko at sumulyap sa dress shirt na galing sa kanya.

“Just… wow. Your sister’s great!” I beamed. “I’m sure you’re proud of her!”

“I am,” bulong niya.

Isinara niya ang palad ko habang naroon pa rin ang kanya.

“‘Di ko siya kilala personally pero alam mo ‘yon, ang saya-saya ko para sa
kanya?” I said. I felt him tense a little, but he was quick to loosen up. “Proud
ako sa kanya.”

He chuckled lowly. “I’m sure you are. She will be thrilled to hear that.”

My eyes widened.

“Would she?” I asked hopefully.

He nodded.

“Oo. Sigurado ako.”

Napuno kami ng katahimikan pagkatapos n’on. It was the comfortable type.

Akala mo’y sanay na sanay na kami sa katahimikan. Na ganito lang, tahimik at
magkahawak ang kamay.

I loved the feeling of his large and calloused palm on mine. Malaki iyon
samantalang sakto lang ang akin kaya mukhang kinakain ng palad niya ang akin pero
‘di na nakakapagtaka.

Sa haba ba naman ng legs ng lalaking ‘to, mas magulat ka kapag maliit ang
kamay!

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled after the silence.

“For?” I asked.

“Because I was late,” bulong niya.

“You weren’t.” Umiling ako. “You were there just in time to save me. That
means a lot, Veròn. Thank you, ‘di ko alam kung ano’ng gagawin kung wala ka.”

He sighed.

“Sorry for losing my patience. I was just mad at everything that’s happening.
Pakiramdam ko, pinaglalaruan ako.”

Nagtaka ako at nilingon siya. “Why?”

But he only shook his head and caressed my palm.

“I’ll find the truth about this, I promise,” he said like an oath. “I’ll
protect you. I won’t be late this time. I’ll be there. I won’t fail you again.”

I didn’t ask him more about his words because I could feel like what happened
earlier was something that might’ve triggered his reaction. Kung bakit siya
nagalit, bakit umiyak.

Tumango ako sabay dukot ng gum sa maliit na bag ko at lahad sa kanya. He gave
me a confused look.

I shot my brow up. “I don’t like smoking men, Boss, right?”

Umawang ang labi niya sabay tango.

“Yes, of course,” he sighed. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I was…”

“Stressed,” I finished him off. “I know but it’s bad for your health. Sa
ngayon, ‘di mo pa ‘yan mararamdaman pero kapag nagtagal? Napakadaming sakit ang
dala ng paninigarilyo. Isipin mo rin ang mga tao sa paligid mo. Do you know that a
lot of people have been dying due to secondhand smoke?”

His lips twitched.

“Alright, nurse,” he mused.

Umawang ang labi ko.

“You think I’m a nurse in my past life?” I asked curiously.

Tumaas ang kilay niya sabay tawa nang mahina. Inabot niya sa kamay ko ang gum
bago kinain at hinuli ulit ang kamay ko para makipag-holding hands.
 “I bet my life you’re a nurse,” he mumbled, amused.

Napaisip tuloy ako.

“Siguro nga kasi maalam ako sa kit!” Turo ko sa medicine kit. “Tapos alam mo
ba pangarap ko ring mag-event planner? Like… ang ganda mag-imagine ng bonggang
place for celebrations or even intimate ones! Tapos, see, I have a green thumb! I
can grow plants, flowers–but roses were my expertise! Tapos ako rin ang magsu-
supply! How ‘bout it?” I asked excitedly.

Ang multo ng ngiti ay nasa labi niya habang tumatango.

“Still the same,” he whispered.

“Huh?” I asked.

Sinulyapan niya ako bago inangat ang kamay para suklayin ang bangs ko ng
daliri niya.

“I said, you could do everything,” aniya. “You could be a nurse, or an event

planner, or a gardener… you can be all that. I’m sure.”

His assurance made me happy.

Sa ilang taon kong nakakulong lang sa mansyong iyon at tanging ang mga rosas
lang ang kasama, masaya akong posibleng may kaya pa akong gawing iba.

I wish I could be all that someday.

“Salamat.” I smiled gently at him. “I knew you’re a good person.”

He chuckled lowly.

“I am not, sweet rose,” he said.

Sinulyapan ko siya na nakaigting na ang panga at mahigpit na ang hawak sa

kamay ko.

“I am no good. If they try hurting the people I love?” He brought my hand

closer to his lips to plant a small kiss as he whispered, “They’ll see the devil I
was.”

Kabanata 12

Kabanata 12

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I insisted that Veròn should go to the hospital for an anti-tetanus shot. He

refused, saying he’d be fine but when lunch came and we saw his knuckles turning in
a different color, wala na siyang kawala.

Alam kong may balita si Bryce tungkol sa mga lalaki kanina pero ‘di siya
nagsabi na ipinagpasalamat ko dahil ang focus to talaga ngayon ang kamay nitong
boss ko.

He was making faces on our way to the hospital when we didn’t allow him to
drive.

“Bryce—”

“Oh, come on, Castuares!” I gasped. “For Pete’s sake, calm down! Ikaw itong
namamaga na ang kamay. Kung ‘di ka ba naman parang tangang susuntukin ang bakal!”

He glared at me like a spoiled kid. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at nilabanan

siya ng titig pabalik. He sighed and shook his head.

“Fine,” he gave up.

Narinig namin ang halakhak ni Bryce mula sa driver’s seat. Sumilip din si
Meia na may nang-aasar na ngisi bago sabay pang nagsalita.

“Kayo, a—”

“Shut up!” Veròn and I both hissed at them, looking away.

Damn it! Ang init na tuloy ng mukha ko!

Pinanlakihan ko ng mata si Meia na kumikindat-kindat pa.

Wala nga. Friends lang kami!

I noticed that Veròn’s uncomfortable when we got to the hospital. Nakatayo

siya sa tabi ko at masama ang tingin sa hallway.

Siniko ko na.

“You okay?” I asked.

Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin, lumambot ang tingin bago tumango.

“Yeah,” he answered but I noticed how stiff his tone was.

He was looking around the hospital’s hallway, his eyes observant and wary.

I was about to ask him about his reaction when a nurse appeared and smiled.

“Good afternoon, Ma’am, Sir…” Sumulyap siya sa suplado sa likod ko na

nanliliit ang mata sa nakikita sa paligid niya.

I shook my head and smiled.

“Hi, magpapa-tetanus shot sana,” I said and explained what happened to her.

“Anong klase pong sugat?” she asked kaya sinulyapan ko si Veròn na kanina pa
nangungunot ang noo.

I took his palm. He jumped.

Gulat niya akong nilingon at marahang hinila ko ang kamay niya mas palapit sa
‘kin bago tinanggal ang balot at ipinakita sa nurse.

She nodded after a while and gave me a form.

“Tawagin ko na lang po kayo, Ma’am, kapag okay na po kay Doc. Pasagot na lang
po nitong form, Ma’am, para sa boyfriend mo.”
 I stiffened. His hand that I was holding tensed up, too.

Umawang ang labi ko.

“Miss, hindi—” But she was already walking away.

Tumikhim ang nasa likod ko kaya mabilis na binitawan ko ang kamay niya at
inabot ang ballpen para sagutan ang form, kunwari ay walang narinig.

I could feel his presence looming behind me like a beast, his silhouette
overtaking my shadow in our reflection.

Ipinatong niya ang palad sa kabilang gilid ko bago ko naramdaman ang dibdib
niyang tumatama sa likod ko. He took a peek on my shoulder.

“You know my details, girlfriend?” he whispered.

Sumabog ang init sa mukha ko. Mabilis ko siyang siniko. Tumawa siya nang
mahina bago napadaing.

Hindi ako nagsalita, pinapakalma ang sarili para ‘di niya mahalatang
naapektuhan ako sa sinabi ng nurse.

Anong girlfriend?! Hindi ko siya boyfriend, ano!

Mas binilisan ko ang pagsusulat ng pangalan niya sa form na ‘di ko na

napansin ang panginginig ng kamay ko.

“Slowly…” he hummed and placed his chin on my shoulder, his other hand
reaching for my trembling hand to steady it.

My breath hitched.

“August 31,” bulong niya habang nakatitig sa papel.

“H-huh?” My voice trembled.

Shit! Calm down, Zahrah! Calm down!

“My birthdate,” he mumbled, a smile evident in his tone.

“Saan?” I asked.

He chuckled and guided my hand again back to the form.

“There, sweet rose,” he whispered. “Baka kailangan mo rin ng bakuna?”

Bigla akong natauhan.

“Fuck you,” I blurted out.

He cackled and kissed my cheek.

Muli akong natulala at mukhang natanto niya rin ang ginawa dahil paglingon ko
sa kanya ay mabilis na siyang naglalakad papunta sa may mga upuan para kausapin ang
pusa sa lapag.

Awkward silence filled us as I went back to the chairs with him. Wala sina
Meia at Bryce at nagpunta yata sa may canteen para bumili ng pagkain.

Hindi ako nagsasalita at sumusulyap lang sa phone, nakikita ang paglitaw ng

pangalan ni Cole pero ‘di ko sinasagot.

Sinulyapan ko si Veròn. Katsismisan na niya iyong pusa na nasa hita na niya

ngayon at hinahaplos but I knew him. He was obviously nervous at nililibang niya
lang ang sarili sa pakikipag-usap sa pusa.

He’s pale and twitchy, lalo na nang lumabas ang nurse at tinawag na kami.

Inilapag niya ang pusa. Habang naglalakad kami ay nagpapahuli siya kaya
nilingon ko na.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’m fine, really,” sabi niya sabay pakita ng kamay niya. “See? Maayos na ang
kamay ko. Nadaplisan lang naman ng bakal kanina. I’m sure this will not have any
infection—”

“What?” I asked. “Ayaw mo sa bakuna?”

Umawang ang labi niya.

“Of course not!” He shook his head. “I’m fine with it!” he said almost
defensively.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“I mean…” he sighed. “Let’s not waste our time here, marami pa akong gagawin.
Hindi importante—”

“Sasabihin mo ‘yan ngayong tayo na nga ang susunod?” I asked, annoyed.

Bumuntonghininga siya, nag-iinarte. Naputol na ang pasensya ko.

“Let’s just go—”

“Fine! You go!” I exclaimed, irritated. “Concerned lang ako sa ‘yo at baka
mapahamak ka! If you think this is nothing, then fine! H’wag mo isipin ang
kalusugan mo! Magtrabaho ka ro’n buong araw tapos h’wag kumain! Magmukmok ka sa
papeles mo! Pakasalan mo na! Kapag ‘yang kamay mo namaga tapos putulin? Bahala ka!
Pakialam ko sa ‘yo?!”

It was late until I realized I was blabbering. Hiningal pa ako pagkatapos

n’on at nakatitig lang siya sa ‘kin. His eyes were wide, his red lips slightly
parting.

I could easily apologize for my mouth, thinking he was obviously my boss, but
I just couldn’t. Naiinis ako na mas priority niya ang trabaho kaysa sa kalusugan
niya!

I sighed.

“Mauuna na ako, Prosecutor,” pormal kong sabi bago tumalikod at nagmartsa

paalis.

I was only a few steps away when I felt a gentle grip on my elbow. Nilingon
ko siya at nasalubong ang mapungay niyang mga mata.
 “Fine…” he breathed out. “Sorry, we’ll go now.”

I narrowed my eyes at him seriously.

Binasa niya ang labi at mas humaplos sa siko ko.

“Let’s go?” nagtatantya niyang anyaya sa ‘kin. “Sorry, Zahrah.”

My eyes fell down on his large palm on my skin. Medyo nag-purple na ang kulay
n’on kaya sa huli’y napatango ako at ginagap ang palad niya.

“Tigas kasi ng ulo,” bulong ko.

“Sorry, Boss.” He grinned at me like a pale kid.

I shook my head and pulled his hand towards the doctor’s clinic.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa ‘kin pagkapasok. The doctor, who’s probably just
our age came into view, smiling.

“Good afternoon, Miss…”

“Zahrah, Doc,” pakilala ko.

“Dr. Valenciano,” he introduced. “And this is your boyfriend—”

“Ay, hindi po. Hindi.” I shook my head, smiling awkwardly.

I heard a scoff beside me at nagsalubong ang kilay ko nang kunin niya ang
kamay sa hawak ko at nakabusangot na naglakad papunta roon sa may examination bed.

My forehead creased when he grumpily sat and glanced at the doctor. Tinaasan
ko siya ng kilay at bumalik sa doctor.

“My apologies for him,” I told him. “He’s just grumpy, nalipasan ng gutom.”

He chuckled. I smiled.

He asked me about what happened, and I told him that again. Lumapit siya kay
Veròn na inabot ang kamay niya para tingnan.

Nakasimangot lang ang supladong fiscal.

“Who cleaned this?” the doctor asked.

“I did,” I answered.

“Oh, nice,” he smiled. “You did it well. Did you have a medical background?”

I shook my head.

“She has,” ani Veròn kaya kumunot din ang noo ko.

“Oh, you did?” tanong ng doctor.

“I did?” Gulat ko ring tanong sa sarili pero natantong nag-iinarte lang ang
isa.
 Desisyon ‘to! Mas may alam pa sa ‘kin!

“Ay wala, Doc!” sagot ko sabay iling, pasimpleng kinukurot ang prosecutor na
akala mo’y inaagawan na ng laruan sa sama ng itsura.

He scoffed. Napatingin din sa kanya ang doctor.

“You okay, Sir?” He asked.

He opened his mouth to speak but I was too quick to jump on his and cover his
mouth.

“A-ah! Mukhang may epekto lang ng kalawang, Doc! I-inject na natin!” I

beamed.

Naguguluhang tumango ang doktor pero kinuha na rin ang gamit niya at habang
nag-aasikaso siya’y inalis ko ang palad sa bibig ng prosecutor na nakabusangot din
sa akin.

Pinitik ko ang labi.

“Oh, ano na namang problema mo?” I scoffed.

Nakaupo siya habang nakatayo ako sa gilid niya sa examination bed pero ang
laki niya pa rin.

“I know a doctor,” sagot niya. “Doon na lang tayo—”

“Isang reklamo pa, ako na magtuturok ng injection sa ‘yo,” I threatened.

He didn’t seem to mind. He shrugged.

“It’s fine,” aniya. “Tinadtad mo na naman noon, ano pa bang bago—” Before
he could continue his comments, inangat na ng doktor ang injection kaya natameme
siya.

Mas nawalan ng kulay ang mukha niya. I noticed the way his shoulders squared
and his long legs moved while staring at the long needle as the doctor refilled the
dose.

“Limang dose ito lahat,” sinabi ng doktor. I heard his breath stopping.

Mas nanliit ang mata ko.

Tumikhim si Veròn. “Sabay-sabay ba?”

“Of course not,” I answered for the doctor. “Iba-ibang time so, babalik tayo
rito. Right, Doc?”

“Yup, you’re right,” sagot ng doctor sabay lapit sa kanya.

Mas namutla siya. Miski ang labi niya ay wala nang kulay.

The doctor smirked.

“You’re scared of injection, Sir?” he asked.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Veròn.

 “What?! Of course not!” he answered defensively.

Mas nanliit ang mata ko at sumulyap sa doctor na nangingiti pa.

“It’s fine, parang kagat lang ng langgam,” aniya nang nakangiti.

“I know,” he answered and swallowed. “You don’t have to tell me. Sanay na ako
r’yan.”

“I see…” the doctor answered. Inangat niya muli ang injection, ang mahabang
karayom ay parang kumislap pa.

He tensed up. Inabot ko ang kamay niyang isa kaya napatingin siya sa ‘kin.

“It’s fine,” I told him.

Kumunot nag noo niya na parang nairita sa komento ko.

“I know, Zahrah,” prente niyang sagot. “I was vaccinated since I was a kid.
Fully vaccinated kaya sino nagsabing takot ako?”

“Okay, sige. Kwento mo ‘yan, e,” I teased to lift the mood pero mukhang
sineryoso niya.

“What? I’m telling the truth! Gusto mo pakita ko pa sa ‘yo vaccine card ko,
o?” he answered with an insisting tone kaya tumango na lang ako sabay kibit-
balikat.

He scoffed. Sabay kaming napatingin nang pitikin ng doktor ang injection para
mawala ang air bubbles.

He uncomfortably shifted in his seat. I held his hand and placed his head on
my shoulder.

He grimaced.

“Ayaw mo?” I whispered. “E di h’wag—”

“Sino nagsabing ayaw ko?” bagnot niyang sagot sabay sandal ng ulo sa balikat
ko na parang batang namumutla.

Kung ‘di ko lang alam na hindi naman talaga siya maputla sa normal day,
iisipin kong anemic ‘to ngayon.

“It’ll be quick,” narahang sabi ng doktor. “Hindi mo lang napapansin pero

tapos na.”

“I know,” the grumpy prosecutor answered. “Just get it done.”

Natawa ang doktor, akala mo’y nakikipagtalo sa bata kaya natawa na rin ako. I
murmured the word ‘sorry’ to the doctor who just grinned and shrugged. Tila ‘di na
bago sa kanya ang nakikitang kababalaghan.

Hinayaan ko si Veròn na nakasandal sa akin habang pinapanood si Doc na

nililinisan ang injection site ng alcohol swab bago siya i-nin-ject.

It was quick. Ilang segundo lang ay tapos na kaya nangiti ako.

“There, done! Bilis lang ‘di ba?” I told Veròn pero walang sumagot. Parang
mas bumigat ang ulo na nasa balikat ko.

Nangunot ang noo ko at sumulyap sa kanya.

“Prosecutor?” I called. No answer.

Binalingan ko ang doktor na nakatulala lang din sa huli kaya mas nagtaka na.

“Veròn?” tawag ko sabay layo at ‘yon na lang ang paghulog ng panga ko nang
mahulog ang mukha niya sa dibdib ko, walang malay.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Kung nakakamatay lang ang titig, baka dead on the spot na kaming tatlo nina
Bryce at Meia sa tingin ng prosecutor.

Sunod-sunod ang subo niya ng pagkain habang nakaupo sa hospital bed niya at
nagsusuplado.

I was in shock when he fainted and that proved my assumption that he’s scared
of injections! Nagpatulong kami ng doktor para ihiga siya sa hospital bed dahil ang
bigat-bigat ng taong ‘to kaya nalaman din nina Meia at Bryce ang nangyari.

And now, they won’t stop teasing him. And I can’t help but laugh every time
I’d see how red his face was.

“Shut it,” reklamo nito pero ‘di matigil ang dalawang nag-e-enjoy talaga sa
kakatawa sa kanya.

Napahaba ang pagkakahimatay niya na nauwi na rin sa pagtulog. It was fine

because he deserved that rest. Buong gabi siyang nag-asikaso sa nangyari sa
presinto, tapos sa akin pa no’ng may mga lalaking pinasok ang unit ko.

The doctor said stress might also be a factor in his fainting.

“Pagkatapos kong kumain, aalis na tayo,” bagnot niyang sabi. “Hindi n’yo man
lang ako ginising, anong oras na?”

We all nodded, grinning. He grimaced.

“I was just stressed,” paliwanag niya. “And exhausted. I didn’t faint because
of the damn injection—”

“Okay,” sagot naming tatlo na may ngisi. Napakamot na siya sa kilay. Mas
napatawa kami.

“Fuck.” He brushed his hair and continued eating his meal until our gazes
clashed.

He licked his lower lip.

“Kumain ka na?” he asked.

“Ah, tapos na ‘ko, Prosecutor—” He cut Bryce off.

“Not you, asshole.” Sumimangot ang huli sa kanya bago muli akong binalingan.

“Kumain ka na, Zahrah?” maamo niyang tanong.

 “Ayon, o!” Bryce blurted and shrieked with their teasing.

I was stunned. Mas sumabog sa init sa mukha ko sa tanong niya kaya tumango
ako at napahawak sa jacket niyang nasa hita ko.

“Kanina pa…” I answered.

“Kanina pa raw, o!” Meia mimicked and giggled. Napatakip na lang ako ng mukha
nang mas magsinghapan at asaran ang dalawa.

“Stop it.” I heard his amused tone. “I have to finish eating. We’re going
home.”

“Naks! Going home!” Bryce blurted and when they continued teasing, hinablot
ko na lang ang jacket sabay suklob sa mukha ko.

Bryce opened the topic while we’re on our way to Veròn’s house. Dahil nga sa
hindi ko pa nailalabas ang mga gamit ko at kakalipat lang, hindi na nahirapan na
maghakot ang mga inutusan nilang kunin ang mga gamit ko.

“Those two insisted it was the Sandejas’ doing, Prosecutor,” ani Bryce.

I could feel the tension reverberating inside the car. Sinulyapan ko si

Veròn na malamig na nakatingin sa daan.

“And?”

“They said their lawyer was Alchiel Sandejas,” Bryce informed.

Hearing that name made me flinch for something I couldn’t explain.

Maybe, in fear?

Sumilip siya sa may salamin sa likod kung nasaan kami at nang nakita akong
nakatingin ay maliit na ngumiti.

“I’m sure it was a lie, Zahrah,” ani Bryce.

My heart pounded painfully.

“How could you say that?” I asked.

“Sandejas’ are just not like that. They are honorable and just people,”
aniya. “Ilang beses ko na silang nakasama sa korte o sa kaso no’ng nasa Maynila pa
ako.”

My jaw clenched.

“Was that enough reason to say they’re just?” I asked. “Paano kung panlabas
lang pala nila iyon? Paano kung itinatago lang nila ang totoong pakay nila? Normal
na iyon, ‘di ba? I’m sure that family was influential and powerful. Who knows,
right? Baka pinaglalaruan nila ang hustisya at batas dahil kaya nila. Walang mag-
iisip ng masama kasi mabuti sila sa mata ng lahat.”

I realized I said it with conviction because everyone was silent. Lumunok ako
at pinigil ang sarili.

“Sorry, I was just saying,” mahinang sinabi ko. “I just can’t help but be mad
because of what happened. Sila ang tinuturo n’ong dalawang kriminal.”
 “It’s fine,” ani Veròn kaya sinulyapan ko siya. Deretso lang ang tingin niya
at panaka-nakang sumusulyap sa phone. “Have you personally encountered anyone from
that family?” he asked formally.

Nanlamig ako sa tono niya pero umiling.

“I’m not sure. I don’t know them,” sagot ko. “At least not personally…”

Hindi ko naman malalaman ang pamilyang ‘yon kung hindi lang sinabi sa ‘kin
nina Cole ang lahat. I mentally noted to have my research after resting.

Bukas, magsisimula ulit ako. I’ll find out what’s happening. If who was
telling the truth.

Or maybe… the truth about me.

“We opened an investigation regarding your case,” sabi niya. “The two
criminals are drug addicts and will remain in custody. Sasampahan sila ng kaso and
you, you will be given guards.”

Umawang ang labi ko at napaayos ng upo.

“N-no way…”

Not again!

“Habang wala pang resulta kung totoo ang sinasabi ng dalawa, we will take
extra precautions. Until we confirmed their contact was indeed—” his jaw ticked
“—Alchiel Sandejas, then everyone is a suspect.”

But guards… all these years, I had guards. Nakakasakal na.

“Tama si Prosecutor, Zahrah,” ani Meia na sumilip. “Hindi natin alam kung
paano pala if malapit lang sa ‘yo ang may gustong gumawa n’on? Tapos isinisisi lang
sa mga Sandejas, ‘di ba?”

She has a point. I still have a lot of truths to uncover.

Tumango ako at sumulyap kay Veròn na pinapanood ang reaksyon ko.

“About the guards,” I started, hesitant. His observing gaze pierced through
me as if he could read every emotion I had.

Sometimes, I was scared he’ll be able to read my plans.

“They will only stay outside the house. They will not be as close unless
needed and…” He moistened his lower lip. “You’ll only have them if I’m not with
you.”

Medyo nabuhayan ako roon.

“Pero kapag nand’yan ka…”

“No bodyguards.” He shook his head. “But you will have to stay close to me.
Understood?” seryoso niyang tanong.

“Yes, of course!” I beamed, smiling.

 I was expecting we’d stay in a penthouse or a condo unit kaya gulat na gulat
ako nang lumiko ang sasakyan at nakita ko ang hindi kalakihang mansyon sa isang
subdivision.

“You have a house here?” I asked while watching some men entering the house
with some of my boxes. Sina Meia at Bryce ay nauna na sa pagpasok.

Nilingon niya ako bago tumango.

“This is family owned,” sagot niya. “And I’m usually staying in the office.”

Kinagat ko ang labi habang pinapaikot ang tingin. Kaagad na naagaw ng pansin
ko ang walang halaman na garden doon.

“Will it be okay to stay here?” I asked. “I can find another unit. Nakakahiya
naman sa family mo? I mean… I’m basically a stranger.”

“Are you?” he asked. Natigilan ako at kinunutan siya ng noo.

He shook his head and took a step forward.

“You’re not a stranger.” He lifted his uninjured hand to remove the strands
of stray hairs off my cheek again before tucking it behind my ear. “At least, not
to me. I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Tumango ako bago nangiti, tumitingla nang kaunti para masalubong ang kanyang
tingin.

“Maayos na ba ang pakiramdam mo?” I asked.

Tumango siya.

“Hmm,” he hummed. “I had enough sleep. ‘Di mo ako ginising, e.”

I chuckled. A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

“Sorry, ang sarap kasi ng tulog mo kaya ‘di ko na ginawa. At saka nakatulog
din naman ako kanina.

“I know,” he answered. Tumaas ang kilay ko. “I woke up for a bit and saw you
beside the hospital bed. Humihilik ka kaya ‘di na kita ginising.”

I smacked his arm harshly. He groaned before chuckling.

“You brute,” he smirked.

“I don’t snore!” I exclaimed. “Bakit ‘di mo ‘ko ginising?”

“Bakit ‘di mo rin ako ginising?” laban niya at naglaban kami ng tingin
pagkatapos ay nag-irapan.

“Suplada naman ni Ma’am,” tawa niya sabay gulo ng buhok ko kaya napasimangot
ako.

“Kakasuklay ko lang niyan!” I punched his other arm, but his face lost its
color. Nahulog ang panga ko nang matanto ang nahampas.

“O-oh… Was that…”

 “A-aww…” parang naiiyak na niyang bulong kaya napatili ako sabay hawak sa
braso niyang ginawang injection site kanina.

“Sorry! Sorry!” I gasped loudly. “Oh, God! Sorry!”

“A-ang bigat na nga…” dumaing siya. “Fuck, woman. Do you want to kill me?
Namamanhid na nga!” he whined.

Lumabi ako.

“Sorry na!” Hinaplos ko nang marahan ang braso niya. “Nalimutan ko, sorry
na…”

Masama pa rin ang tingin niya kaya natawa ako at mukha siyang batang inagawan
ng candy. Pinisil ko ang matangos na ilong niya. Mas tumalim ang tingin niya.

Akala niya nakakatakot, e, nagmukha lang siyang spoiled brat!

“Sorry na, Castuares,” lambing ko, nakapisil pa rin sa ilong niya. Nang ‘di
siya sumagot ay inilipat ko ang kamay sa pisngi niya para muling pumisil. “Ang cute
mo.”

His lips protruded.

“Sinong cute, Ortega?” he asked, tunog naiipit.

Malakas akong natawa pero nabitin iyon nang umisang hakbang siya palapit at
tumama ang likod ko sa kotse. When his palm crawled on my waist, nabitawan ko ang
ilong niya.

I stared at him wide-eyed while he was lifting his palm above my head, moving
his face closer to mine until our breaths mingled.

I could see how blue his dark eyes are, his raven black hair, and those thin,
red lips. I swallowed.

“What are you doing?” bulong ko nang magtama ang ilong namin at magdikit ang
dibdib.

His palm went inside the jacket I was wearing to touch my back covered with
his clothes.

“Nothing, I just think you look good in my clothes,” he whispered sensually.

Mas nagwala ang puso ko nang ibinaba niya ang tingin sa damit ko at inayos
ang butones ng damit niyang suot ko hanggang sa may itaas ng dibdib.

“But next time, I’d really appreciate it if you’d fix the buttons correctly,
Miss Ortega,” bulong niya habang binubutones nang maayos ang nagkamali ng lusot. “I
see men staring openly at your breast. I hate to make a scene.”

He tipped my chin up, a playful smile on his lips.

“Ayaw mo n’on, ‘di ba?” bulong niya. “Ayaw ko namang nagagalit ka.”

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13
 Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I think I like him.

Maybe it was just mere infatuation because I hadn’t interacted with a man for
years, but I was attracted to him.

Alam kong mali. He was my mission. I was supposed to look after the evidence
and the case the prosecution was trying to file against my father, but he was just
too good.

Minsan, may ugali talagang suplado pero tuwing kailangan ko siya ay palaging
nand’yan. He was the first one to come into my aid when I was chased by those two
men.

He was the first one to offer me a place to stay.

And I really do like him.

Let’s just say… what? Crush ko siya?

Tumawag si Cole no’ng gabing ‘yon at ayaw ko mang sagutin ay kinausap ko rin.
He told me it was the Sandejas who had sent the men after me.

I was angry. Pilit ko ngang paunti-unting ino-overcome ang trauma ko sa mga

lalaking kumuha sa ‘kin noon pero paano ko gagawin iyon ngayong may mga lalaki na
namang gusto akong kunin?

And they were sent by the same damned family!

Or were they?

“You should not go there,” aniya. “We still don’t have any information about
that prosecutor, Zahrah. Paano kung galing iyan sa mga Sandejas?”

I sighed.

“I thought you were sure he came from States?” I asked.

“Yes,” aniya. “But still… I’m worried about you. You barely know the man.
Ilang linggo ka pa lang nagtatrabaho r’yan sa kanya. Paano kapag…”

“Cole, it’s fine,” sagot ko at sumandal sa headboard ng kama. “I’ll be fine.”

“My house is open for you,” aniya. “It’s better if you stay with me than a
stranger. At least dito, siguradong ligtas ka. I’ll protect you.”

Was I safe? Really?

Then, how about those men who got past security and knew my unit? Na
lilipatan ko pa lang! Paano nila nalaman? Paano nila napasok?

I ate all my questions and decided not to ask. Hindi niya rin naman sinagot
ang tanong ko kanina before I unsent it. Baka ‘di nabasa.

“It’ll be better if I stay here,” sagot ko sa kanya. “At least I got an eye
on the prosecutor. I will know what his plans are.”
 He sighed, mukhang gusto pang umayaw pero wala na ring magawa pagkaraan.

“What about my father?” I asked.

“Dad has contact with him,” aniya. “He was safe, fortunately.”

I chewed on my lips.

“How did he get out, then?” I asked, the sight of those two dead jail guards
still haunting me.

“Dad said he was taken and the Sandejas were planning to kidnap him,” aniya.
“But he escaped.”

Lumalim ang paghinga ko at tumango, kumukuyom ang kamao.

“Where is he?” I asked and I heard him sigh.

“Sorry, Zahrah. I don’t know either,” sagot niya. “Dad said it would be
better if it was only him who knew but don’t worry. He’s safe.”

Lumunok ako bago tumango pero ‘di pa rin maiwasang magkomento.

“What if he surrenders back to the jail?” I asked. “Kasi Cole, kapag

nagtatago lang ang Dad, hindi ba mas lalo silang maghihinala na siya ang may gawa?
If he was innocent—”

“He is innocent,” he insisted. “My dad was sure he had nothing to do with the
crime. Nagpapalamig lang ang dad mo at baka makatunog ang Sandejas. We’re scared
they might try and hurt him. H’wag kang mag-alala. Just focus on the mission, hmm?”

“Okay,” bulong ko at humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone. “Don’t worry about me,
too. I’ll be fine here.”

“Please,” he sighed. “I’m sure what you’ll hear or see about your father’s
case might ruin his reputation for you but don’t listen to it. Mahal ka ng dad mo.”

When the call ended, I was not in the mood. It was late, probably eleven in
the evening. Pagkapasok ko sa bahay ay si Meia na ang sumama sa aking kumuha ng
iilang gamit na kailangan ko para sa guest room at busy sina Prosecutor at Bryce.

I was exhausted I didn’t even try inserting myself into the conversation pero
ngayon naman ay ‘di ako makatulog.

Ang dami-daming nangyari.

I found out about the Sandejas, may krimen na naganap sa kulungan. Nakaalis
ang dad ko at nakatakas. Tapos ay may humabol sa ‘kin at ngayon ay nandito ako sa
bahay ni Veròn.

I sighed audibly.

Out of my boredom and because I still found it hard to sleep, I checked my

phone and went to a web search to type a surname.

Sandejas

Multiple articles came to light. Una na roon ang movie ng isang magandang
aktres.

Oh, so they’re famous?

I tapped on the article and read an interview featuring Alyx Sandejas about
her upcoming movie and its premise. She described what it was like working with the
other actors etcetera at bukod sa picture ay wala na akong nakita.

My lips protruded.

Pinindot ko pa ang iilang articles pero pulos interview lang ang nakikita ko
ng sikat na aktres. She even had a daughter who was a ballerina, actress, and
photographer that when I came across one of her performance videos, I was so
amazed.

Siguro ay umabot ako ng halos thirty minutes kakapanood ng recital

performances niya ng ballet kaya suminghap ako at nasapo ang mukha dahil sobrang
naaliw na.

Gaga ka, Zahrah! Magre-research ka about sa kanila, hindi ba?

So, not wholeheartedly, I had to exit and resume my research. Nalaman kong
sikat pala ang pamilya nitong si Alyx Sandejas. Her husband was a DJ and he owned
restaurants.

May mga picture nilang dalawa na palagi kong nakikita t’wing movie premiere.

Zeijan Sandejas…

Nanliit ang mata ko at tinitigan nang maigi pero wala akong mahalukay na kung
ano sa utak.

They have three kids, but I didn’t see a photo of them aside from Sibyl
Sandejas. I only saw an article about an island they called Lost Island from their
journalist daughter until I came across another article about the car racer son.

I clicked on it, reading more information pero wala akong makitang litrato ng
lalaki bukod sa nasa sasakyan siya at may helmet pa.

There were countless articles here that I changed the search to Sandejas
Family Members.

What I saw was the patriarch of the whole clan—Ejercito Sandejas. He was a
retired lawyer and was staying in their province Sta. Monica before he passed. He
died years ago.

And then his wife, a former beauty queen, Leona Sandejas followed a year
after his death…

May kumurot sa dibdib ko sa nabasa. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal
nakatitig sa litrato ng mag-asawa na nagulat ako nang maramdaman ang basa sa
pisngi.

Stunned, I touched my cheek and saw a drop of tears. Napalunok ako at nagulat
sa nangyari kaya dagli kong hinawi ang mga ‘yon paalis at iritadong ibinaba ang
phone sa kama.

I decided to stand and go out of the door for a glass of water.

 I was weird. Why was I even crying for the people I didn’t even know? Worst?
They were the people responsible for my kidnapping!

Nawawala ako sa sariling iniisip na huli ko nang napansing may tao sa loob ng
kusina pagkapasok ko.

My eyes widened upon seeing Veròn on his laptop, wearing his dark-framed
reading glasses and without a shirt on!

My breath hitched but before I could even take a step back to run away, he
saw me.

“Zahrah,” tawag niya kaya wala na akong choice kung hindi ang awkward na
tumawa.

Nilagay ko ang tikwas ng buhok sa likod ng tainga bago alangang ngumiti.

“Sorry, naistorbo ba kita?” tanong ko, biglang nahiya sa terno kong pantulog
na suot. Spaghetti strap pa iyon at shorts tapos strawberry ang design!

Shit!

He removed his eyeglasses and watched me closely. Nahuli ko ang pagtaas ng

labi niya pagkakita sa damit ko.

“Cute,” he mumbled.

I made a face, nawala ang kahihiyan ko at nairita sa reaksyon niya. Lalo na

nang matawa siya sa tingin ko.

“What’s with the glare, Bella?” he teased.

I was flustered again.

It was probably just some of his pet names or maybe he got it from my second
name, Bellarose but I knew what Bella meant. I have read it multiple times from the
heroes in books and what it meant.

Beautiful…

“Ano na namang nickname ‘yan, Castuares?” tanong kong kunwari’y ‘di

naaapektuhan bago dumeretso sa ref para kumuha ng tubig. Sinulyapan ko siya. “Ang
dami, a?”

He shrugged, crossing his arms to watch me. Hindi ko tuloy naiwasan ang
sariling mapatitig sa biceps niya na na-highlight sa ginawa. I swallowed and drank
my water instead, still can’t stop ogling.

He’s obviously working out…

“You can have a touch,” he said out of nowhere. Nabuga ko nang kaunti ang
tubig.

I glared at him while covering my mouth when his hearty chuckle filled my
ear. Nanliliit pa ang mga asul niyang mga mata habang nakatingin sa aking kung kaya
lang mandurog ng tingin, abo na siya!

“Para kang tanga!” singhal ko na nang maka-recover. “‘Di nakakatuwa ang

joke!”
 “I’m not kidding though,” sagot pa niyang pilyo kaya mas sumabog ang init sa
mukha ko.

“Veròn Castuares!” I called out.

Pinaraanan niya ng dila ang pang-ibabang labi bago tumaas muli ang sulok.

“Yes, Bella?” he asked. Mas sumama ang tingin ko at nag-init ang mukha ko.

He bit his lower lip and brushed his hair with his fingers.

“Hmm, I see you like the Bella, sweet rose?” he asked kaya umiling na ako.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Pakiramdam ko ay sasabog na ang puso ko sa

naririnig mula sa mga labi niya at para isalba ang sarili’y tinalikuran ko siya
para sana umalis pero nahawakan niya ang palapulsuhan ko at inihila palapit sa
kanya.

A loud gasp left my lips when he pulled me back, making my back slam against
his warm chest. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at nilingon siya.

Our faces were only inches away from each other. Nahulog ang tingin ko sa
mapupulang labi niya pabalik sa mga mata niya’y nakakalunod kung makatingin sa
akin.

My stomach fluttered in anticipation. Licking my lower lip, I found myself

leaning closer to give him a soft kiss.

He stiffened. I did, too.

Tulala kaming dalawa sa isa’t isa pagkatapos n’on,. Hindi ko nga alam kung
ilang segundo kaming natulala hanggang sa natauhan ako sa nagawa.

Damn it, Zahrah?! You kissed him, you stupid girl!

“S-sorry…” I stuttered, embarrassment attacking my senses after realizing I

kissed him.

I panicked, fidgeted, and was about to turn away from him when he caught my
cheeks with his palm and crashed his lips against mine.

Suminghap ako sa halik niya pero parang automatic nang umawang ang labi ko at
inatake siya ng halik pabalik.

I couldn’t remember if I was good with kisses or if maybe I had kissed a lot
of men in the past, but the movement of my lips was familiar against his.

He tasted coffee—bitter and sweet. My tongue sought for his and as we

exchanged deep, wet kisses, it felt like a dream come true.

He pulled me by my waist. Our chests clashed and I felt how he stood from the
stool to tower me, his palms still cupping my face for the nonstop kisses.

Para akong sinisiliban. Parang may sasabog sa puso ko sa bilis ng kalabog

nito sa bawat haplos ng halik na nakita ko na lang ang sariling yakap ang kanyang
batok at binubuhat na niya ako paupo sa counter.

Our breaths mingled. My breath labored when his wet kisses went down on my
jaw, down my neck and I let out a soft purr.

“Veròn…” ungol ko na nang maramamdam ang kagat niya sa leeg ko. My fingers
brushed on his hair before I fisted it up so he could kiss me again.

Pinagbigyan niya ako.

Para kaming mga taong pinagkaitan ng kalayaan sa bawat mapupusok na halik na

iyon. Parang mali pero pakiramdam ko ay tama.

Parang matamis pero mapait din…

Bigla akong natigilan. I stopped returning his hungry kisses when I realized
I was making a fucking mistake.

He’s my mission, for Pete’s sake! Bakit ako nakikipaghalikan sa kanya?!

He might’ve noticed I stopped kissing him back because he pulled away from
me, his sleepy and lazy blue eyes staring at me with confusion. Ang labi niya’y
namumula na rin mula sa halikan.

“Bella?” he called.

Lumunok ako at umiling sa kanya.

“Sorry…” I mumbled.

He stiffened. Nakita ko kung paano bumalot ang mapait na emosyon sa kanyang

mga tingin sa narinig sa akin.

“What?” he asked lowly.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated and gently pushed him away. “We shouldn’t…”

His mouth parted. Pain reflected on those blue orbs as he cautiously stepped
back to give me space.

Naramdaman ko ang hapdi sa dibdib ko habang tumatalon pababa sa stool at

sinuklay ang buhok ko. I glanced at him staring at me with such loss and pain in
his eyes. Mas nadurog ako pero hindi p’wede…

I was… no, he wass my mission. Sa kanya nakasalalay ang kalayaan ng dad ko.
Sa kanya nakasasalay ang katotohanan sa nakaraan ko.

I wasn’t even sure if he was a friend, or a foe and I couldn’t risk it.

“Sorry… let’s forget about that,” I said. “Nadala lang ako. I-I don’t like
you like that.”

I lied.

Hindi siya nakaimik pero hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang pait sa ngiti niya bago
tumango.

“It was wrong of me, too, Zahrah,” sagot niya. “My apologies.”

I nodded and without saying something back, tumalikod na ako para iwan siya
sa kusina.
 Mabigat ang pakiramdam ko pagkabalik sa kwarto. Hindi ko alam pero sa halip
na makatulog ay mas ‘di ako dinalaw ng antok.

Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit… umiiyak ako.

I curled to my bed, crying. Yakap-yakap ko ang unan habang pilit na

pinipigilan ang malalakas na hikbi, natatakot na marinig iyon sa labas.

Hawak-hawak ko ang cutter na kinasanayan ko nang itago sa ilalim ng unan ko.

Ang tanging bagay na pakiramdam ko’y magagamit ko para mailigtas ang sarili kung
babalik ang mga lalaking kumuha sa ‘kin.

I was pained for unknown reasons for what happened with Veròn and paranoid
to sleep so I held onto the cutter with my dear poor life.

May sira nga siguro ang ulo ko kagaya ng naririnig kong sinasabi ng ilang
maids sa mansyon noon. May sira na sumisigaw sa pagtulog sa gabi para sa mga
bangungot ng nakaraan. May sira dahil gumagawa na ako ng mga illusyon para masabing
may masaya akong pamilya noon.

May sira siguro dahil… pakiramdam ko, gustong-gusto ko talaga si Veròn kahit
hindi p’wede.

Nakatulugan ko na ang pag-iyak kaya ang bigat-bigat ng pakiramdam ko

pagkagising. It was still six in the morning at alas otso pa ang pasok sa office
kaya naligo ako para man lang maging presentable kapag nakita ko si Veròn ngayong
umaga.

Nahihiya ako s’yempre. Boss ko pero hinalikan ko. Ako pa ang nauna! Partida!
Pagkatapos ang lakas pa ng loob ko talagang sabihin na kalimutan?

My heart was racing as I made my way downstairs. Walang litrato o kahit ano
sa bahay na ito bukod sa mga art display. It was almost empty. Well-kept but empty
for a family-owned home.

However, I noticed the nails on the walls. Alam kong pinagsabitan iyon ng mga
picture pero walang mga portrait akong nakikita ng pamilya niya.

Ang mga painting lang ang nakita kong nasa display at nang titigan ko ang
pirma sa ibabang iyon ng portrait ay nakita ko ang initials ng artist.

C. Salcedo

Bumaba ako pagkaraan, inaapuhap pa rin ng kaba ang dibdib sa magiging usapan
namin kapag nagkita kami ni Veròn pero ‘yon na lang ang dismaya ko nang ang house
help lang ang makita.

“Good morning po, Manang,” I greeted.

“Good morning, hija,” ngumiti siya. “Kain ka na.”

“Ah, salamat po. Si Prosecutor kumain na?”

“Ay, maagang umalis, hija,” sagot niya. “Sinabi niyang magpahinga ka raw muna
ngayong araw at h’wag muna pumasok. Kapag may kailangan ka, sabihin mo lang sa
‘min.”

I was shocked. Gusto kong pumasok pero sa totoo lang ay ‘di ko rin talaga
alam kung paano patutunguhan si Prosecutor pagkatapos ng nangyari kagabi.
 So, I decided to stay in the house and went to the empty garden. If I stayed
here, makakaisip pa ako kung paano ko siya ia-approach mamaya nang hindi awkward…
right?

Nang dumating ang rose seeds ko ay nakakita ako ng mga paso na p’wedeng
simulan. The garden was still so empty. Tanging mga ligaw na halaman lang ang
tumutubo at damo kaya nagsimula akong alisin ang mga ‘yon.

I thought of my roses back in the mansion. Nagbilin ako kay Yaya Mildred na
alagaan ang roses ko ro’n at sana nga ay lumago sila at wala na ako para magbantay.

I felt sad because I had to start all over again but happy because I was
anticipating the look if they started blooming.

I started germinating the seeds to prepare them by putting the seeds in a

large tissue paper before spraying them with water and putting them in a Ziplock. I
repeated the process for the remaining ones.

Tiningnan ko pa ang iilang balot ng rose seeds at nangiti nang makita ang
pack na may label na Double Bloom Moss Rose. This one was easier to plant so I
decided to just use the healthy soil in the large pile to plant right away.

I scattered it on the soil evenly and watered it, making sure I placed it in
the sunny part.

“Hija, kanina ka pa r’yan, a?” Muling lumabas si Manang at nginitian ako.

“Kain ka muna.”

“Ay, salamat po!” I chirped and stood to clean my hands first.

Lumapit ako sa maliit na lamesa sa gilid pagkatapos at inaya siyang kumain

pero kumain na raw siya at pinagmasdan ang mga lupang binungkal ko.

“Nag-ga-garden ka, hija?” she asked, her eyes gentle while staring at me.

“Ah, hobby lang po, Manang.” Ngumiti ako.

“Rose?” Lumambot ang tingin niya.

“Opo.” Tumango ako. “Salamat po pala ro’n sa seeds, a? Mabuti po may nabibili
around dito?”

“Ah, hindi binili.” Umiling siya. “Galing pa ‘yang Maynila.”

“Po?” Kumunot ang noo ko.

“Humingi yata si Ch—Veròn sa tita niya,” aniya. “May garden kasi. ‘Yong
tita niya kasi ay florist at may flower shop sina Zid.”

Zid…

I felt a sudden jump inside my chest. A painful throb assaulted my head kaya
napasapo ako ro’n.

“Hija? Ayos ka lang?”

“O-opo,” I smiled and shook my head. “Medyo nahilo lang siguro sa init. Pero
Zid po ang pangalan ng tita niya?”
 I saw how she stiffened. Mukhang nagulat pa sa lumabas sa bibig pero tumango
rin pagkaraan.

“Ah, oo. Humingi yata last week si Prosecutor, kahapon lang iyan dumating.
Sakto pala at ano… nag-ga-garden ka.”

“Manang—”

“Sige, hija! Pasok muna ako sa loob. Tawag ka lang kapag may kailangan ka,
a?” aniya bago tumalilis paalis.

I watched her walking away curiously.

What’s that?

Sa huli ay ipinagsawalang-bahala ko na lang iyon at nagpatuloy sa garden ko.

Wow! Maka ‘ko’ ka naman Zahrah parang sa ‘yo, a?

Hapon na nang matapos ako kaya pagod na pagod ako. Madungis na ako sa
kakabungkal ko ng lupa kaya naligo ako at nagbasa sa kama.

I was lost with the words and happy ever afters as I read the romance book
that I forgot it was dinner time. Kumatok si Manang para sabihing kakain na kaya
bumaba ako at ‘di inaasahang nakitang naroon na sa ibaba si Veròn.

But he wasn’t alone. He’s with Lloyd.

“Uy, hi, Zahrah!” bati sa akin ni Lloyd na malaki ang ngiti at tumayo pa.

He’s wearing a black shirt, pants, and sneakers. His hair was in a man bun.

I smiled back and waved.

“Hello, good evening.”

“Good evening!” bati niya na may malaking ngiti.

Sumulyap ako sa katabi niya, kay Veròn na abala sa tinitipa sa phone.

“Good evening, Veròn,” I greeted.

Hindi siya umimik at patuloy pa rin sa pagtitipa. May kumurot sa dibdib ko at

nagkatinginan kami ni Lloyd na nagpapalipat-lipat ang tingin sa aming dalawa na
medyo nakaawang pa ang labi.

“Pst… taba…” Siniko niya ang prosecutor. “Hi raw sabi ni bebe m—”

“Sorry,” biglang agap ni Veròn at sulyap na malamig sa ‘kin. “What is it?”

“Oh, good evening,” ulit kong kinakabahan.

He nodded. “I didn’t hear. Good evening, too.”

Nanikip ang lalamunan ko at binasa ko ang labi, kinakabahang tinuro ang

kusina.

“A-ah, dinner?” I offered him—them. “Tawag na ni Manang…”

 “Ano’ng ulam?” Lloyd grinned excitedly. “Tamang-tama, gutom na ‘ko! Ito
kasing kuripot na ‘to kung saan ako hinihila wala namang pakain—”

“Later,” putol ni Veròn. “You eat first. We still have something important
to discuss.”

“Oh?” Umawang ang labi ni Lloyd na akala mo’y nalugi pa. “Maawa ka naman,
mamamatay na ‘ko sa gutom—”

“P’wede pakisabi kay Manang na pahatiran na lang kami ng pagkain sa opisina

sa itaas?” Veròn asked.

Tumango ako nang paulit-ulit.

“Sure! Sure!” I answered.

He nodded.

“Thanks, Miss Ortega.” Then he turned his back without a second glance to the
stairs.

My heart constricted watching him turn his back on me. Pakiramdam ko’y may
dinudurog sa dibdib ko.

“Tsk-tsk!” I heard a tsk so I shifted my gaze to Lloyd who was staring at

Veròn’s back with his arms crossed, a tattoo peeking on his sleeves.

“Hmm?” I asked.

“Hindi pa rin kayo nagbabagong dalawa, ano?” he mumbled. Mas naguluhan ako.

“I’m sorry…?”

The side of his lips rose.

“Tagu-taguan ng feelings. Ang unang umamin, taya,” he said mysteriously then

smiled at me. “It’s great to have you back, Clyte-Clyte.”

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Why was everyone around me weird?

Clyte? Sino si Clyte?

Ayan din ang unang tinawag sa ‘kin ng Veròn nang una niya ‘kong makita!
Pagkatapos ngayon ay si Lloyd din?

Who was that?

I tried researching the name Clyte but aside from its literal meaning in
mythologies or anything related to it, ang nakita ko lang ay mga random.
 The only interesting search I found that caught my attention was that the
word Clytemnestra was a hybrid musk rose.

Rose…

It’s interesting but why did they refer to me as someone I wasn’t? Did they
remember me as someone? Kasama ba roon si Veròn?

Pumait ang pakiramdam ko habang iniisip na maaaring naaalala nga nila ako
bilang ibang tao. Paano pala kung nilalapitan lang ako ni Veròn dahil may naalala
siya sa ‘kin?

The bitter taste spread in my mouth that I lost my appetite while eating
dinner alone.

Natapos akong mag-dinner na hindi sila natatapos mag-meeting kaya nagkulong

ako sa kwarto para bumalik sa pagre-research tungkol sa mga Sandejas pagkaraan para
mawala iyon sa utak ko.

I could ask Cole about more information about that family but right now, wala
pa akong tiwala. Wala akong pinagkakatiwalaan.

What if my father wasn’t really the person I thought he was? What if the
documents they would show me about the Sandejas family were manipulated?

So, for now, I had to do it myself. I trusted no one by myself. That’s how I
could keep my sanity intact or I’ll be crazy.

Kagaya ng nakita ko no’ng mga nakaraang gabi ang lumabas sa search. I skipped
those I finished browsing last night and focused on the other ones, but I think I
was unlucky.

Sa mga article na nakikita kong kasunod ay ang nakalagay lang ay: Content Not
Available or ‘di kaya’y Content has been removed.

Sinadya ba nilang tanggalin o…?

Malinis din kahit ang socials ng artistang pamilya nil. Walang pina-follow
kung hindi ang sponsors at brands kaya wala akong mahanap na lead.

So far, I only gathered a few names. Mostly, sa public figure ng pamilya

nila.

May pumasok na pangalan sa utak ko nang maalala iyon kaya mabilis kong tinipa
sa search box.

Alchiel Sandejas

He was a Bar exam topnotcher and was currently working at the Sandejas Law
Firm.

Other than that… nothing.

No picture or anything I could see on the web. As if it was wiped out. Nang
sumubok naman ako sa mga naka-private account na pamilya nilang nakita ko ay
gumamit ako ng dummy. Sana lang ay ma-accept.

But I doubted it. I sighed.

 That man was those two criminals’ lawyer. ‘Di niya sinipot kaya binigyan ng
public defendant.

Was it because he was trying to get rid of his promises to them or because he
wasn’t involved? Hindi ko na rin alam.

Lumabas ako papunta sa terrace para makalanghap ng sariwang hangin nang

makita kong paalis na si Lloyd. Nakasandal siya sa sports car at seryosong may
sinasabi. Magkausap pa rin sila ni Veròn.

While looking at them, aakalain mong mag kamag-anak sila kung hindi
magkapatid dahil sa mga asul na mga mata pero ang sabi nila’y friends sila so… I
guess they’re friends back in States?

Magkabaligtad kasi ang vibe nitong dalawa. Kung si Lloyd ay palaging

nakangiti at naglalaro ang tingin na akala mo’y may alam siya na ‘di mo alam, si
Veròn ay misteryoso.

He was charming, yup. Very very charming but he’s also serious. He’s honestly
a snob, he rarely smiled in the office. Akala mo’y ilag madalas sa mga tao.

But since I somehow knew him or dahil nakakasama ko siya, alam kong sa kabila
ng kaseryosohan na ‘yon ay ang kabaitan niya. He’s a very caring man, a softie, and
a gentleman. Hindi ko alam kung sadya niya pero pansin ko ang palaging pagpapauna
niya sa ‘kin.

If we’re walking—of course aside from the first time I came to work for
him—but I’ve noticed not everytime because he has urgent work but most of the
time, he was always making me walk first before him.

Pinagbubuksan niya ako ng pinto, he always has this close yet safe distance
from me, and whenever I’d look at his face whenever he does that, seryoso lang siya
na tila normal na ang lahat ng ginagawa.

I knew it was the bare minimum but still… my heart’s fluttering every damn
time. Hindi ko rin mapigilan ang pagwawala ng puso sa t’wing ibinibigay niya sa
aking ang coat o ‘di kaya’y parang instinct na inaabot niya ang bangs ko.

I was busy daydreaming I only came back to my reverie when I heard a car
engine roaring to life. Napunta ang tingin ko muli sa sports car kung nasaan
nakasakay si Lloyd na ngayon ay umaandar na papalabas ng gate.

When he left, my eyes roamed around the area and got caught with his. Lumunok
ako. He was just standing where he was left, watching me from my place. Him at the
parking space and me up above the terrace.

Walang nagsalita. Hindi ko rin alam kung paano kami nagtitigan doon habang
nasa dilim siya at nakapamulsa. My throat bobbed as I licked my lip, conscious and
suddenly fidgety with his intense look.

It was like he was magnetizing me with just a simple stare, like the devil in
disguise luring me into the darkness with him to do something sinful… something
forbidden.

Nangangatog na ang tuhod ko at para iligtas pa ang sarili sa kabang

nararamdaman ay tumalikod na ako at iniwan siya roon na walang paalam.

Was it normal? To feel like this?

 Humiga ako sa kama pagkatapos kong masiguradong ang cutter ay nasa ilalim ng
unan ko at pinilit ang sariling makatulog, umaasang maaalala ko na ang mga bagay na
nakalimutan ko noon.

“I bought a terno for you, too,” a feminine voice said.

“Na naman?” I could her my voice chuckling. “Saan mo na naman ‘tong lupalop
binili?”

“Grabe sa lupalop!” she exclaimed. “Sa France lang.”

Now, it was my turn to grimace. She laughed so hard it made me smile, too.
Nawala na ang stress sa nalaman na binilhan niya ako ng terno pantulog sa France!

Sa France lang! Akala mo ay isang sakay pa-Divisoria!

Niyakap niya ako kaya nangingiting niyakap ko rin siya pabalik.

“Thank you,” I mumbled. “Pero seriously, buti pinapayagan ka pa ni Tito na

lumabas ng bansa? E ‘di ba naka one million ka last week? Nanlibre ka raw sa
Japan?”

She sighed.

“Well…” she giggled. “Okay lang ‘yon. Love naman daw ako ni Daddy.”

Natawa na lang ako at hindi na nagreklamo. Ang dami-dami niyang pasalubong sa

akin sa gala niya mag-isa sa ibang bansa. I was informed last time she’s out
shopping kaya ang utak ko’y baka nasa boutique lang o mall pero nakalimutan ko na
naman na ibang klase pala itong best friend ko.

SM lang sa kanya ang ibang bansa. Yeah, she’s like that.

But I didn’t care. I still love her nonetheless.

My forehead creased. I tried staring at her face, but it was blurry. Tanging
ang pulang labi niya lang ang nakikita ko at ang matamis niyang ngiti.

“Ano na namang tilian n’yo r’yan, girls?” A teasing tone from a man made us
stop and when I looked to where it originated from, I immediately noticed the man’s
long legs.

My heart thumped, the familiar voice echoing in my head.

“Kambal!” the woman beside me chirped. “May pasalubong din ako sa ‘yo!
Binilhan kita ng terno! Color blue!”

“What?” The man chuckled and walked closer to us. The sun rays were only
illuminating his face. “Saan ka na naman galing?”

“France nga lang, kulit,” the lady answered, and I watched in fascination
when I saw the man kiss her forehead before shifting my way.

“Anong kulay kay BFF?” the man asked.

My lips pursed.

“Anong BFF? Uy! Ako lang ang BFF niyan!” The lady wrapped her arms around me
protectively. “Sampid ka rito, kambal! Mang-aagaw ng BFF!”
 I chuckled when the man made a grunting sound.

“Ang sama n’yo sa ‘kin? Tagal-tagal ko nang nag-a-apply sa BFF club, bawal pa
rin?” he asked but a hint of amusement can be heard.

“Friend lang muna kasi,” I told him, chuckling. “Ayaw mo ba?”

I tilted my head to watch his face I couldn’t see clearly intently. Ngumuso
siya.

“S’yempre… gusto.” Tumikhim siya at nag-iwas ng tingin. “Okay, fine. Pero ano
munang kulay ng sa ‘yo?”

I laughed so hard when he inserted himself between us to take my terno. I

have the violet one, meanwhile, his twin got the pink, and he got the blue.

“Dito ka ba matutulog mamaya?” aniya ng pamilyar na baritonong boses na

iyon.

I shrugged and nodded.

“Maybe? Kayo bahala, wala naman akong shift sa ospital bukas at day off,” I
answered. “Sina Tita?”

“Mom and Dad are in Olongapo for a client,” aniya. “Si bunso nasa dorm.”

“Oh?” Natawa ako. “Pumayag na si Tito na nasa dorm siya?”

“Oo pero alam mo na, palaging nakabantay. Bago nga ‘yon sila umalis, nagbilin
sa ‘kin na bisitahin t’wing gabi para dalhan ng pagkain. Ayaw kasi nila na puro
take out.”

I chuckled.

“He’s personally delivering the foods?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.

“Yup.” He nodded. “Kapag maaga ang out niya sa firm, nando’n nakabantay sa
law school parking para antayin. Nadamay na nga si Abo sa dinner nila palagi kapag
walang baon.”

“Hmm…” I nodded, placing my palm on the bench while staring at the blooming
roses in front of me, still waiting for his twin to come back after she answered a
call. “Sa tingin mo may gusto sa kanya ‘yong si Abo?”

Natahimik siya.

“Ewan,” aniya. “Subukan niyang magparamdam, ako makakaharap niya. Suntukan

kami, baby pa ang bunso—” He groaned when I slapped his leg.

“What?” he whined.

“She’s already grown up,” I explained. “Cut her some slack. She could choose
to have a boyfriend if she wants, too.”

He grunted. “Baby pa ‘yon.”

“Baby?” Natawa ako sa kanya. “Bakit ikaw? Ilang taon ka no’ng nagka-
girlfriend?”
 “Ewan, depende kung kailan mo ‘ko sasagutin,” he answered nonchalantly.

My heart raced. I swallowed the lump in my throat, and I tensed more when I
felt his pinky finger touching mine. Para akong kinuryente kaya binawi ko ang palad
ko at ipinatong sa hita ko.

He tensed beside me. Humawak siya sa batok at bumuntonghininga.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

Kinagat ko ang labi ko.

“H-how about Lizzie?” I asked, referring to my co-worker. “Your date… last

night? How was it?”

Hindi siya kaagad sumagot kaya mas nagwala ang dibdib ko. ‘Di ko alam kung
dahil sa kaba or dahil sa ayaw ko marinig ang sagot niya.

If he said he likes her… I didn’t know why but I will hate it. But it’s not
like I could interfere. If he likes her and wants to do a second date—o kahit
maging sila, I would be happy.

He deserved it.

“It’s fine,” he answered.

Mas kumalat ang pait sa bibig ko. Tumitig akong lalo sa mga rosas at sa
talulot na nahulog mula sa isang piraso kasabay ng paghulog ng puso ko.

“G-good—”

“But I won’t be having another one with your other acquaintances, woman,” he
cut me off.

Umawang ang labi ko at gulat siyang sinulyapan, pilit pa ring inaaninag ang
kabuoan ng kanyang mukha.

“Ano?”

“I asked you to dine with me and what? You’ll tell your friends to come on
your behalf?” he asked bitterly. Napalunok ako.

“Busy ako—”

“Busy?” he scoffed. “And yet when I would look for you, you’re out dining
with your boys?”

I sighed and shook my head.

“Hindi mo kasi naiintindihan—”

“It was you who didn’t understand it’s you I like! Not anyone else! You,
Clytemnestra! You!” he exclaimed.

My stubborn heart rebelled against my rib cage and just as I was about to
answer him, para akong hinila kung saan at ang liwanag mula sa garden ay nabalot ng
kadiliman.

I was screaming. In my head, I was struggling.

 Mas humigpit ang hawak nila sa akin at nanginginig ang katawan ko habang
binubusalan nila ako para mawala ang sigaw na kumakawala sa labi ko.

Help! Oh, God, please… help me. Please.

I glanced at the men pleadingly, trying to get on my knees to beg for them to
let me go.

I shouldn’t be here! Hindi pa ako p’wedeng mamatay! Kailangan ako ng best

friend ko! Kailangan niya ako ngayon! Nangako akong ‘di ko siya iiwan!

I cried and pleaded but all that got out of my mouth were desperate sounds
and grunts.

They laughed. I flinched when one man reached for my hair and tugged it up,
his finger gracing down my chin.

“Ang ganda. ‘Di mo talaga masisisi kung bakit gustong-gusto ng mga Sandejas,”
aniyang may ngising demonyo.

“Zahrah!” I heard the voice. “Zahrah, wake up!”

“N-no, let me go, please!” I cried. “Let me go!”

I gripped the cutter and tried hurting those men.

“Zahrah!”

My hand gripped the cutter and raised it in the air in an attempt to protect
myself.

They’d take me! They would kill me! They would…

“Zahrah! Wake up!” Sa pagmulat ko ng mata ay ang pagtalon ko sa madilim na

kwarto.

I screamed.

“Zahrah! Zahrah… come on, baby, look at me,” a soothing, gentle voice called.

When my eyes found familiar blue ones, I realized I was here. Not there, but
here… with him.

“V-Veròn?” I whispered.

“Yes.” He cupped my cheek, his eyes alert and soft. “I’m here… I’m here, it’s
just a nightmare.”

Tears streaked down my cheeks as I felt them warm against my cheek.

“‘Yong mga lalaki.” My voice broke. “K-kukunin nila ako… kukunin…”

“Of course not.” He shook his head, his face cupping my cheek. “They won’t
take you. I won’t let them.”

“B-but…”

“Look at me,” he mumbled, urging me to lock my gaze with his. I did.

 Mas lumamlam ang tingin niya. “Do you trust me?” he asked. I nodded, still
trembling.

“Y-yes.”

“Then, I’ll protect you,” he soothed me. “Trust me, hmm?”

“O-okay,” bulong ko, pilit ikinakalma ang sarili.

Matagal pa siyang tumitig sa ‘kin hanggang sa tumango at bumaba ang palad sa

balikat hanggang sa marating niya ang palapulsuhan ko.

“Now…” marahang sabi niya. “Let go of the cutter.”

Nangunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya at napatitig sa balikat niya. My chest

tightened when I saw a red spot forming on his arm, staining his white shirt and
then my gaze fell on my palm.

The cutter, with streaks of blood.

I horribly let it go.

“O-oh, God…”

“It’s fine—”

“I’m sorry!” I exclaimed and touched his arm. “Oh, God! I’m sorry, I… ‘Di ko
alam! ‘Di ko…”

“It’s fine,” marahang sabi niya at inabot ang balikat ko. “Daplis lang.”

But I kept on shaking my head as I frantically move.

“No…” I whispered. “I’ve hurt you.”

Muli niyang inabot ang pisngi ko paharap sa kanya.

“I’m fine, hmm?” he assured me. “Probably just a scratch or something. Hindi
nga masakit, e.”

I frowned despite my tear-streaked face.

“I just cut you with a cutter tapos ‘di masakit?” I hissed.

His lip twitched. “Oo, hindi. Parang kagat lang ng langgam—” I slapped his
arm a little, and he groaned and cursed.

“Fuck!”

Mas nairita ako. “S-see?! Masakit!” Suminghot ako at lumuhod sa kama, naiiyak
na inangat ang sleeves ng shirt niya para silipin ang sugat.

Mas naiyak lang ako nang makitang may pahabang sugat doon.

“Zahrah—”

“M-may sugat nga!” Suminghot ako at iritado siyang tiningnan. “At anong ‘di
masakit? Injection na nga lang, nahimatay ka pa! Paano pa ang ganito?”
 His lips protruded at sumilay ang maliit na ngiti sa labi niya.

“Are you worried about me, Bella?” he asked playfully.

I grimaced and shook my head.

“What happened to Miss Ortega now, Prosecutor?” matabang kong sabi,

sumisinghot at tumayo.

“Zahrah—”

“Open the lights. I’d clean your wound,” sabi ko bago dumeretso sa banyo.

I washed my face to remove the remnants of my tears and those nightmares but
the bloodshot color around my brown eyes remained.

Kinuha ko ang medicine kit at pagkalabas ko ay nakasandal na siya sa kama at

nakapikit. When I took a step closer, he jumped a little and opened his eyes.

“Hey,” he called.

Tahimik akong naupo sa gilid niya at binuksan ang kit.

“Here, drink first.” He extended the glass of water. I took it and finished
it before putting it back on the side table.

“Thank you,” bulong ko at nilinis ang sugat niya. “Sorry about this. Hindi ko
sinasadya.”

“I told you, it’s fine,” aniya. “I understand.”

Kinagat ko ang labi ko bago tumango sa kanya.

“Sorry, ‘di ka sanay sa gano’n pero nakita mo pa. Nanaginip lang ako ng
masama kaya…”

“It’s not my first time,” aniya kaya nagtataka akong sumulyap sa kanyang
mukha. He must’ve read the question written all over my face that he spoke again.
“Remember when I told you about my twin?”

‘Yong sinabi niya no’ng nasa presinto at umiyak siya?

I nodded.

“I have undergone therapy,” he confessed. Nagulat ako. “I had nightmares

after everything that happened to her and my family. I couldn’t function well. I’m
paranoid and well, messing with my job as a lawyer. That’s why I took a vacation.”

Habang sinasabi niya iyon ay mas lumalalalim lang ang pakiramdan ng sugat sa
dibdib ko. I kept on imagining him like how I was. It was heartbreaking.

“In my sleep, I still remember things vividly,” mahinang sinabi niya. Hindi
ako umimik at nagpatuloy sa paglilinis ng sugat niya. “I could remember my twin’s
cries, my dad’s attempt to…” His voice broke.

I squeezed his arm softly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to force yourself if
you’re not ready.”
 “No.” Umiling siya. “I already said all these before to my doctor. I don’t
know if I recovered already or if I was just making myself believe I did.”

Tumango ako.

I felt him… because I did, too.

Making myself believe I was healing.

“My dad? He blamed himself for what happened to my sister. I did, too. I
blamed myself for what happened to her kasi ako ang nakakasama niya palagi pero
bakit ‘di ko alam? Bakit wala ako? Bakit ‘di ko napansin?” The bitterness spread in
his tone. “It sucks because our family was all over the law but when we needed the
protection for her, we failed. We are fighting about justice but all this time—my
twin was a victim of the abuse of it and yet… ano’ng nagawa ko?”

Namasang muli ang pisngi ko nang marinig iyon, dinudurog na naman. Hindi ko
naman siya kilala nang matagal o ang pamilya niya pero ang bigat-bigat sa loob.

Na parang kagaya niya’y sinisisi ko rin ang sarili ko sa nangyari.

I lowered my face so he couldn’t see I was getting emotional with his

stories.

“And then until now, I’m still paranoid about seeing vans on the road,”
aniya.

Suddenly, the image of him tensing up at the sight of the van from the bar
before came back.

“Why?” I asked. Sumulyap siya sa akin kaya sinalubong ko ang tingin niya.

“Our enemies,” he started. “They took someone important from us… from me.”

He said those words while staring intently at me. I swallowed the lump in my
throat and tended to his wound after cleaning it. Mabuti na lang at hindi naman
kalakihan at daplis lang.

I was having doubts and was nervous about telling him my side, but I think he
deserved it after I just cut his skin off.

“I was kidnapped,” I started.

He stiffened. Hindi ko siya nilingon at nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita.

“I was kidnapped years ago by…”

The Sandejas. I almost blurted but chose not to.

“By someone I didn’t know,” I lied to that part after my dreams just
confirmed it was the truth. “I was trapped in their turf for a long time,
kinukulong sa kwarto, hinahatiran lang ng pagkain. Most of the time, they’re drunk
or high. They would scare me off a-and…”

“Zahrah.” Inabot niya ang kamay ko.

“It’s okay,” I mumbled and stared at our hands. “Hindi ko rin naman
naikukwento ito sa maraming tao bukod sa therapist ko k-kaya siguro makakatulong
din ito sa ‘kin.”
 Tumango siya at nakinig.

“Then somehow, I got to have a knife. Nakuha ko yata roon sa naghahatid sa

‘kin ng pagkain and then one night, when he got to my room, high and wasted. H-he
tried to touch me.”

His grip on my hand tightened. I felt the shift turning heavier and when I
glanced his way, nakatitig lang siya sa kamay ko, ang panga ay nakaigting.

Gently, I lifted my other hand to touch his palm gripping mine and caressed
it.

“But before he could, I used the knife and stabbed him. It h-has a lot of
blood. I think it was his throat I got but I could feel a lot of blood on me.
Nakuha ko sa kanya ang susi tapos nakalabas ako. Madilim pero nakalabas ako.”

My breath hitched when he moved his body closer and pulled me close by the
waist with his other free arm and I let him. He rested his forehead on my shoulder,
his presence calming me down.

“And…?” marahang bulong niya nang mawala na ang sinasabi ko.

“I managed to get a car and I drove away from the place. Akala ko makakawala
na ako,” bulong ko. Mas inilapit niya ako sa kanya hanggang sa nasa leeg na niya
ako.

“But then I felt a hit. Umikot ‘yong sasakyan ko tapos ‘di ko na alam,”
bulong ko. “T-tapos pagkagising ko, wala na… wala na akong matandaan.”

I cried as I finished, and he held me so tight. I clutched his shirt, trying

so hard to get strength from him.

“Until now, I couldn’t sleep without that cutter,” I painfully said. “Until
now, those men… they haunt me in my sleep. They want to take me away a-again.”

He embraced me. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal umiyak sa bisig niya.
Nanghihina ako at natatakot pero dahil nandito siya, parang nakalimutan iyon ng
katawan ko at nagpaubaya ako.

He carried me gently to lay on the bed before fixing the comforter on my

body. Nagpaalam siyang aalis saglit at pagbalik ay may iniabot.

“Here.” Ipinakita niya sa ‘kin ang maliit na kutsilyo na nasa itim na leather
sheath. “Take this instead.”

“Mine?”

“Hmm, this is safer.” Siya na mismo ang naglagay na n’on sa likod ng unan ko.
“If you need anything, I’m just a room away.”

I nodded. “Alright Thank you.”

Tumitig siya. He brushed my hair a few more times before he kissed my

forehead.

Nahulog ang talukap ng mga mata ko, dinarama ang mainit at pamilyar na halik
na iyon.
 “Good night,” bulong niya.

When he stood, I panicked. I grabbed his hand without thinking. Sinulyapan

niya ako.

“Hmm?”

“Can you stay?” I asked shamelessly.

Namilog ang mata niya at napaharap na nang tuluyan sa ‘kin.

“Me?” He blinked a few more, still stunned.

Tumango ako.

Natahimik siyang saglit at tumikhim kaya bigla naman akong nahiya sa sinabi.

“B-but if you’re not comfortable, it’s fine—”

“I’ll stay on the couch,” he offered, his face flushing.

I swallowed, hope blooming inside my chest but still…

Gusto ko sa tabi ko!

Pero kinagat ko ang labi.

Damn it, Zahrah!

“O-okay, thank you.” Naupo pa ako sa kama para iabot sa kanya ang extra
pillow na kinuha niya.

He took it before turning the lights off, leaving us with the lampshade.
Nagtungo siya sa couch para mahiga. Tumagilid ako at pinagmasdan siya.

“Prosecutor,” I called.

Our eyes met in the dark.

“Hmm?”

I smiled sweetly. “Thank you for tonight. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.”

His gentle eyes softened more. Tumagilid siya ng higa at pinagmasdan ako.

“Thank you, too,” he mumbled. “For bringing me back to life.”

I was confused but I was so fascinated with everything I didn’t think of it

further.

“Good night.” Nahihiya akong tumango at tumalikod na sa kanya para ‘di niya
makita ang pamumula ng mukha ko.

Silence filled the room. Tanging ang mahinang ugong lang ng aircon ang
naririnig at ‘di ako makatulog.

I was in my seventy-fifth sheep when I shifted on my bed to look at him.

Nakabaluktot siya sa couch, ang mahabang legs ay nakatupi.
 Ngumuso ako at tinawag siya.

“Veròn,” I called in a small voice.

He tensed but he didn’t look my way. Sa likod ng sofa ang mukha niya.

I stood from the bed, binalot ko ang comforter sa balikat ko at naglakad

palapit sa kanya.

“Pst…” He didn’t move. Sinilip ko siya.

“Prosecutor—” He suddenly turned and saw me looming over him on the couch.

“Multo!” he screamed. I screamed, too.

“Fuck!” Bumalikwas siya at napaupo habang ako’y umaatras, nagugulat pa rin.

“Why did you scream?”

“Because you screamed!” I exclaimed back.

“Because you’re…” Inihilamos niya ang kamay sa mukha. “Peeking on me like a

ghost!”

“Ghost?!” I pointed myself. “How so?”

Tinuro niya ang comforter na puting nasa balikat ko pababa sa sahig kaya
napasinghap na.

I looked like a white lady!

“O-oh…” I bit my lower lip. “Sorry, I was just… nakita kasi kitang
nakabaluktot d’yan sa couch tapos may kama naman… tapos…”

He tilted his head, resting his back on the couch to look at me.

“Tapos?”

“T-tapos malaki ang kama.” Napalunok ako. “Baka lang… ano, gusto mo?”

I saw the playful glint in his eyes before he sighed.

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea to invite me to your bed, baby,” he drawled.
It was an innocent thought but the way he said that sounded so dirty.

Nag-init ang pisngi ko.

Baby…

“Concerned lang!” I defended. “At saka malaki nga ang kama. Kasya tayo rito!
Ako ang nag-aya sa ‘yong dito matulog kaya nakakahiya naman na r’yan ka nakasiksik
sa couch. Kawawa naman ‘yang Daddy Long Legs mo.”

He made a face. I grinned.

“At saka…” Tumakbo ako sa kama pabalik at inilagay ang extra unan sa gitna.
“May harang! ‘Di tayo magkakabanggaan sa kama! Hindi rin ako magulo matulog, behave
ako.”

Tumaas ang kilay niya.

 “True…” I defended before walking to my side of the bed. Humiga ako roon at
tinapik ang kabila. “Tara na.”

He shifted in his seat.

He shook his head. “I’m fine, Zahrah. I’d stay here.” I heard the strain in
his voice.

My heart fell. Ayaw ba niya akong katabi? Was this because of someone else?
That woman he’s referring to?

Nahulog ang ngiti ko kaya kinagat-kagat ko ang labi bago mahinang tumango,
nagpapaubaya hanggang sa bumuntonghininga siya.

“Damn it. Hindi talaga kita matiis,” he grunted.

My mouth parted when he stood and then marched closer to me and lay on the
bed. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa.

“Happy?” he asked.

I nodded happily.

“Yup!”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya at nakiagaw sa akin ng comforter.

“Sleep, Ortega,” he demanded. Tumango ako. Nanliit ang mata niya. “Close your
eyes.”

I followed but after just five seconds ay nakatunganga na naman ako sa mukha
niyang makisig. He opened his eyes and glared at me.

“What?”

I just smiled, my heart racing with the thought of him beside me on the bed.
Tanging ang isang pirasong unan lang ang harang.

I wondered what it would feel like to sleep in his arms.

“Gusto mong kayakap?” I asked. He stopped.

Pinitik niya ang noo ko.

“Sleep,” he hissed pero kalat ang pula sa kanyang mukha.

“Why not?” I asked. “Free ako.”

“Sleep…” he repeated. My lips pursed but I was not done yet.

“Verón—” I gasped in shock when he suddenly yanked the pillow in between

us and threw it away somewhere.

“Hoy!” I exclaimed and before I could even add to it, he put his arm on my
back and pulled me close to him. My chest slammed against his.

Bumilis ang paghinga ko at inangat ang tingin sa kanya, natantong ang ulo
ko’y nakahiga na pala sa isang braso niya.
 “There,” he mumbled. “Yakap na kita… happy?”

I couldn’t calm down. I was hyperventilating!

“Hmm…” sa halip ay sagot ko na lang, sasabog na yata ang pisngi sa init.

I bit my lower lip, my stomach churning in anticipation.

I lifted my head to kiss his chin before burying my face on his warm chest.
Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa ‘kin at humugot siya ng hininga.

“Damn woman.” He kissed my hair. “You’ll be the death of me.”

Kabanata 15

Kabanata 15

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I was doubting if I liked him or if I was just infatuated but I proved it to

myself after the pain I felt when I heard him call somebody’s name in his sleep.

I woke up great. Hindi na ako inatake ng mga bangungot na iyon kagabi sa

pagtulog ko kaya ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko pagkagising sa umaga.

Plus the fact that I woke up in his arms. Literally.

Nakaunan ako sa kanyang braso. Ang isang braso niya ay nakapaikot sa baywang
ko habang nakamasid ako sa kanya.

He looked peaceful while sleeping, handsome, and breathtaking.

His thick brows, his lustrous eyelashes which were obviously longer than
mine, his pointed nose, and sharp jawline. The slight crease in his chin—a cleft
chin just beneath those pouty red lips I kissed just a night ago.

I sighed.

Ang gwapo niya, Lord. Okay lang naman sigurong magpanggap muna akong tulog
para ‘di pa ako aalis sa braso niya, ‘no?

I lifted my palm to touch his smooth skin.

Anak mayaman, panigurado. I smiled.

He was giving me the spoiled kid vibe but not really. Maybe it was just his
branded and expensive clothes. Seryoso kasi itong tao at grumpy minsan pero ‘di
naman din kakakitaan ng arte sa katawan.

Can I really do my mission? Can I really… not fall for you even more now that
I think I’m on the edge of the cliff, ready to jump in?

His forehead creased. Natigilan ako nang humigpit ang yakap niya sa baywang
ko hanggang sa umawang na ang labi niya at may ibinulong.

For a moment, I didn’t understand what he was murmuring so I moved closer to

hear him.

“Clyte…” he whispered in his sleep. “D-don’t please.”

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. My whole body tensed up.

Tumitig ako muli sa kanya at nakita kung paano nalukot ang mukha niya habang
natutulog, kung paano lumabas ang pagiging agresibo at galit sa kung ano mang
napapanaginipan niya.

“Don’t go,” he mumbled. “Please… Clyte…”

Nahulog ang puso ko. Nangilid ang luha ko at miski ako’y ‘di na rin
maintindihan ang emosyon. I tried taking his arm off my waist and he stirred.

Sa paglingon kong muli ay nasalubong ko ang asul niyang mga mata. His
forehead creased but then his eyes were screaming shock and panic.

“Clyte?” bulong niya pagkakita sa ‘kin.

Mas bumigat ang puso ko pero tinatagan ko ang sarili at nagsalita na.

“Who’s Clyte?” I asked bluntly.

He froze. His eyes widened briefly until he pulled away. Umupo rin ako kagaya
niya, nagkatinginan.

“Who’s Clyte?” I repeated.

Pumikit ang mata niya bago umiling, sinusuklay ang buhok ng daliri.

“No one,” he answered.

“No one?” I asked bitterly. “Pero tinatawag mo sa pagtulog mo? Who was she?”

But he evaded my question. Tila may dumagan sa dibdib ko nang tumayo siya at
inayos ang shirt na suot.

I swallowed.

“Are you remembering her with me?” I asked while his back was on me. “You
called me that the first time we met, tapos no’ng tinanong kita sabi mo nagkamali
ka lang.”

Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin, ang mata’y malamig.

“Let’s not talk about it, Zahrah—”

“And then last night… last night, Lloyd called me that, too.”

Natigilan siya at mas kumunot ang noo. I sensed danger in his gaze, but he
didn’t speak. Malalim lang ang tila iniisip.

“So, tell me,” I breathed. “Who was she? Your girlfriend?”

His jaw clenched. The bitterness spread further in my mouth. The thought of
him seeing someone—or worse, having someone when we kissed was punching me in the
gut.
 “No,” he answered. “Not now.”

Not now?

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Let’s not talk about it,” sagot niya pagkaraan at ‘di na ako nakapagsalita
pa nang tumalikod na siya at iniwan ako sa kwarto.

I took a bath, confused and pained. Doon ko rin natantong hindi na ako nasa
dulo ng bangin, nahuhulog na pala ako pero wala siya sa ibaba para saluin ako.

When I went down, Manang informed me he already left. Sinabi pang magpahinga
raw muna ako sabi ng prosecutor pero ‘di na ako pumayag.

After quickly tending and watering my garden, I changed into my office attire
and asked the driver to drive me to the prosecutor’s office.

Pagkarating ko ro’n ay kaagad akong sinalubong ni Meia, malaki ang ngiti at

kumakaway. Kinumusta niya ako tungkol sa pag-stay ko sa bahay ni Veròn.

If it was a normal day, I’ll be ecstatic and in cloud nine. Baka nga nakwento
ko pa sa kanya ang nangyari pero dahil sa kanina?

“It’s fine,” sagot ko na lang.

“Hindi ka kasama ni Prosecutor?” she asked.

My forehead creased. “Umalis siya?”

“May trial siya ngayon,” aniya. “Akala ko kasama ka kaya nagulat ako na
nandito ka.”

Wasn’t shocking at all. Hindi naman talaga ako palaging isinasama niyan sa
trials niya. Papaayos lang ng kurbata tapos maglalaho.

“Let’s go,” I told her.

“Hmm?” she asked.

“Sa court,” I smiled. “Let’s watch the trial.”

I was nervous and excited at the same time while we were in the hallway
walking towards the courtroom. It’s my first time watching Veròn in an actual
trial at ‘di ko pa siya nakikita talagang nagsasalita roon maliban sa mga naririnig
ko lang.

The room was solemn when we got there. Nagsasalita na ang defense counsel
pagkapasok namin para sa kanyang argument.

“Dito tayo, Zahrah,” tawag ni Meia kaya naupo kami sa may bandang likod
katabi ang isang lalaki.

I saw her scoff upon seeing the man who smirked at her. Akala ko’y tatabi
siya pero ako ang nilagay niya sa gitna. I heard a soft manly chuckle beside me
with her gesture.

My eyes looked around and saw Veròn on the other side of the room, nakaupo
siya at seryosong nakikinig. His blue eyes were dark and empty as he listened to
the argument.

His hair was brushed up cleanly on his head, and he was wearing a black and
violet robe as the case’s prosecutor. Pinaglalaruan niya ang ballpen at pinapaikot
sa daliri, ang tingin ay blangko.

“My client loved her wife. She was his world. They were married for a long
time now and the people around them witnessed it. May we call on our witness, Your
Honor?” he asked the judge.

Tumango ang judge at may lalaking tinawag sa stand para manumpa.

“What’s the case?” I asked Meia, but she was busy signing to Bryce who was on
the other side of the long benches.

“Domestic abuse,” may nagsabi sa tabi ko.

My eyes landed beside me, seeing a man in a suit and tie.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Uh, sorry,” he smiled. “I overheard your question, at mukhang ‘di ka narinig

kaya ako na ang nagsabi. Hope you don’t mind?”

“Oh, no. Not really.” I shook my head. “What is it about? The case?”

“Domestic abuse,” sagot niya sa ‘kin. “The husband allegedly abused the wife.
Just last week, the woman was found unconscious after falling down the stairs. The
defense was claiming she had just accidentally slipped and that she was undergoing
psychiatric sessions because she has mental health problems to explain the other
bruises. That it was her hurting herself.”

Umawang ang labi ko at umigting ang panga sa narinig.

That was fucking sick. People were fucking sick!

“How ‘bout the victim?” I asked. “Ano’ng sinabi?”

“That’s the thing,” umiling siya. “She’s comatose. Head injury.”

My mouth parted.

“O-oh…”

“This case has been creating a buzz for a few days now. The family was
influential so they’re obviously powerful. Just last year, may kaso rin ang
pamilyang ‘yan and as usual, they won. The lawyer from the other side was found
dead in a ditch.”

Damn…

Napahilot ako sa sentido ko.

If they were influential, then why did he take this case?

Iritado akong sumulyap sa harapan at nasalubong ang malamig na tingin ni

Castuares. My heart jumped when his thick brows creased while staring at the man
beside me and then back on me. He frowned.
 “I’m sure a lot of prosecutors are hesitating to take the case.” Nabaling ang
tingin ko pabalik sa katabi.

“What?”

“They’re influential,” tukoy niya sa pamilyang ‘yon. “And you know who took
the stand?” Ngumuso siya sa nakasimangot na fiscal sa harapan.

Ano ba’ng problema nito? Ang kalaban mo nasa harapan mo, wala sa likod!

“Him?” I asked.

“Yup,” he smirked then playfully glanced my way. “He said to the office just
this morning? ‘Give me the case. I don’t care who that family is.’” Sa pag-awang ng
labi ko ay ngumisi siya.

“Scary, right? He isn’t known in this city yet because he was new, but if
they found out who that man is? They’ll just wish they didn’t fuck up this time.”
He smiled mysteriously and chuckled.

Mas kumunot ang noo ko sa kanya.

“You know him?” I asked.

Tumango siya at ngumiti.

“We’re old classmates back in law school,” he shrugged. “Came here because he
asked for help.”

“About…?” I then realized what I was demanding kaya tumikhim ako. “Sorry, I’m
nosy.”

He chuckled. “It’s fine—”

“Prosecutor?” I stiffened when I heard the judge speak. Mabilis akong

bumaling sa gitna at nakita ang judge na nakatingin kay Veròn.

Veròn remained glaring at the man beside me. Tumawa ang katabi ko ng mahina.

“Damn, still whipped,” he mumbled. “Akala mo naman aagawin.”

Mas nagtaka ako.

“Prosecutor,” muling tawag ng judge at doon na bahagyang napapiksi si Veròn

at lumingon.

“Your Honor,” he acknowledged, quite startled.

“Are you okay?” the judge asked.

“Yes, Your Honor,” ani Veròn. “My apologies.”

Tumango ang judge at bumaling muli sa harapan. “Would you like to cross-
examine the witness?”

“Yes,” ani Veròn na dagling tumayo sa harapan ng witness.

It was the defendant and the victim’s housemaid. She stated how loved the
victim was in the household and that it was real she was often hurting herself.
 “Can you elaborate again, Miss Roces?” he asked the witness. “How was Mrs.
Sebastian in the household?”

Mrs.? Mrs. Sebastian?!

What?

Sinulyapan ko kaagad si Meia. “Mrs. Sebastian?” I asked, trying to mask my

shock.

“Hmm…” She nodded at me. “The defendant was Israel Sebastian’s cousin.”

What the hell?

Mas dumagundong ang dibdib ko at napatitig sa harapan, sa defendant na hindi

pamilyar ang mukha sa akin pero ngayong nalaman ay may aura siyang kalapit kapag
nakikita ko ang litrato ng dad ko.

They were influential here in Cebu… that’s why nalipat dito ang dad? Dahil
ba
ro’n?

“Si Ma’am Lina po ay maayos naman noon. Masaya po sila ni Sir noon pero no’ng
nakunan po si Ma’am ay nag-iba na ang ugali. Sinasaktan niya po ang sarili niya.”

Veròn moistened his lower lip.

“I see. Have you seen Mrs. Sebastian hurting herself?”

The witness nodded but then I felt off by the way she moved, parang takot na
kinakabahan. Though, I really couldn’t blame her. Kakabahan ka naman talaga kapag
nasa witness stand ka.

“Opo.”

“Can you please elaborate on how she was hurting herself? We’ve seen the
injuries she had other than the ones she’s obtained in the incident. Did you see
her head getting slammed on the wall?” he asked in a tricky way.

“O-opo…”

“Objection!” the defense said.

Oh, you sneaky prosecutor. I know what you did there.

“On what grounds?” ani ng judge at nang ‘di kaagad nakasagot ang defense ay
nagsalita ang huli. “Overruled.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ng fiscal na mabilis niyang ikinubli sa pamamagitan

ng pagbasa ng pang-iibabang labi.

“Hmm, so you’ve seen the victim getting her head slammed on the wall instead
of slamming her own head? Yes or no?” pagtutuloy ni Veròn.

“Objections! Leading!” ani ng defense kaya mas nangunot ang noo ni Veròn. He
raised his hand and tried reaching for his necktie, but his robe got in the way.

He became grumpier. Napailing ako.

 “Overruled,” sagot ng judge. “Prosecution, continue.”

“Witness, please answer my question,” he said.

“U-uh…” The lady trembled a bit. “Nakita ko po na sinasaktan niya ang sarili
niya.”

“Hmm, but you agreed when I asked you’ve seen her getting slammed on the
wall. Is there any particular reason why you said that?” he asked.

“P-po, uh…” Nilingon niya ang defendant na malamig ang tingin sabay iling-
iling. “Pasensya na po at nagkamali, hindi ko po nakitang iba ang may gawa. Siya
po.”

Seryosong tumitig si Veròn sa witness bago sumulyap sa defendant. His jaw

clenched but then he nodded and glanced at the judge.

“No further questions, Your Honor,” he said but I knew he just created doubt.
They would take into account the witness’ hesitation.

Nang umalis na ang natatakot na witness ay dere-deretso itong lumabas. I

sighed.

May tinawag na witness muli ang defense, ang psychiatrist ni Mrs. Sebastian.
The doctor stated it was true the victim was undergoing mental health crisis,
depression. Minsan daw ay wala ito sa sarili at kung ano-ano pang ipinaliwanag niya
tungkol sa sitwasyon ng biktima.

When the prosecution stood to cross-examine, the tension doubled.

“Doctor, is the victim capable of hurting herself?” he asked. “Did she hurt
herself before?”

“Yes, Prosecutor,” sagot ng doctor.

“During her sessions with you, have you seen the marks? Her bruises?”

Natahimik saglit ang doctor bago umiling. “No, Prosecutor, I haven’t.”

“Then, how can you say she was hurting herself?”

“I heard,” prenteng sagot ng lalaki.

“Heard?” His brow shot up. “You are the victim’s psychiatrist, and you didn’t fact-
check? Didn’t you talk about the patient’s condition? On what urged her to self-
harm?”

“It was because of her loss,” he answered.

“We knew it already, Doc, but I am asking you why didn’t you see her bruises?
Why did you not see her marks?” He made a dramatic pause, and I literally felt the
courtroom getting heavier in tension. “How long was she your patient?”

“A year now,” he answered.

 “Then if it’s a year, how come you didn’t see the bruises if the medical
reports say some are old bruises? Dated up to a year now?”

Natahimik ang doktor.

“The patient was wearing long sleeves every session, Prosecutor,” ani ng
doktor na mukhang iritado na.

“Is that so? Then how could you not see the bruises on her neck and face?
Don’t tell me you couldn’t see what’s in front of you?” Tumaas ang kilay niya at
mas malamig ang tingin, intimidating ang malamig at buong boses.

“She was wearing makeup—”

May pinindot na remote si Veròn kaya may lumitaw sa screen. My heart fell
when I saw the victim’s face—she was unrecognizable.

These demons…

“It was visible even with the makeup on, Doc. She had black eyes, a broken
nose, and swollen lips. She had met you a couple of times even with those and you
didn’t even see?” malamig niyang tanong. “That will be very… impossible.”

Hindi na nakaimik ang doktor kaya nagtanong muli ang huli.

“As an expert, can you say that these fractures you’ve seen on screen—or
you might’ve in person—are self-inflicted?”

Tumitig ang doktor sa screen, nag-isip pa saglit bago umiling.

“No,” sagot nito.

I heard the groans from the defense. Ngumisi si Meia at pinalo ako. I heard
the soft and almost soundless clap from the man beside me.

“I see.” Tumaas ang kilay ni Veròn. “Thank you, Doc. That’s it for now.”

Nang umalis ang doctor ay nagtawag ng panibagong witness at doon na dumating

ang isa pang doctor na kinausap niya. He’s a medical examiner and he had explained
her injuries and how it was possible the victim was pushed in the stairs and that
she didn’t accidentally fell.

“The victim was a loving wife to the defendant. She has lost a child, but if
we were basing on the evidence we gathered, it may have seemed like she had lost a
husband, too.” Sumulyap siya sa defendant na matalim ang tingin sa kanya. “The
abuse had started a year ago. Despite the defense claiming it was self-inflicted,
we have heard a professional’s view about her bruises and her incident. That it was
impossible to obtain alone—unless someone did that to her.”

His jaw clenched.

“We also found out Mr. Sebastian was having multiple affairs with different
women for a long time now, even before Mrs. Sebastian suffered from a miscarriage,
and that the abuse started not just because of the child but also because she found
out about his infidelity.”

Binasa niya ang labi at napahawak sa may leeg pero ang robe lang ang
nahawakan. He fisted his palm and simply lowered it down para sana ‘di halata pero
alam ko. Nakita ko ang gusto niyang gawin sana.
 I shook my head. He’s adorable.

“As of speaking, while we are in court, the victim is in the hospital.

Comatose and she couldn’t even defend herself—she couldn’t even speak about what
happened, so I am standing here in front of you, our Honorable Judge and jury on
her behalf. Thousands of wives, women, and even men are a victim of domestic abuse
and not everyone has the courage to speak. Not everyone could get out of abusive
relationships—mistaking abuse as love. We need to get out of that belief now, we
have to help save these people who only wanted to love or to be loved but only get
abused not just mentally and emotionally but also physically.”

When the session ended, my heart was heavy and glad at the same time. I was
afraid for him after prosecuting this case despite how influential the family
was—my family.

Oh, God. I refused to believe their blood was running on mine. The thought of
them hurting people was sickening.

I didn’t wanna be like that. I didn’t wanna be like them.

I was afraid for Veròn pero sino ba ang tatayo? Kung lahat ay natatakot sa
pamilyang ‘yon, sino ang lalaban para sa biktima? The prosecutors were there to
protect the victims and without them, without just people remaining, who would save
and protect the oppressed?

The session ended with the judge scheduling the date with the ruling of the
court. Nang dumaan ang defendant kasama ang mga pulis sa harapan namin ay natigilan
ako.

Our eyes met and I think I saw my father’s face on his briefly until his
smile twitched.

“Zahrah,” he mouthed, amused and shocked seeing me.

Nagulat ako at kumuyom ang kamay at habang inilalayo na siya ay sa akin pa

rin ang tingin niya, natatawa na nang-uuyam.

“Ano raw?” ani Meia. Umiling ako at humigpit ang kuyom ng kamay.

“‘Di ko narinig,” sagot ko na lang at naupo.

We waited and watched Veròn talking to the victim’s family after everyone
left. Nakatulala lang ako at nakaupo, pinoproseso pa rin ang nangyari.

My father’s family was aware of me. Did they know about where my father was,
too?

Nalibang na lang ako habang kausap si Rome, ‘yong katabi ko na isa rin palang
prosecutor na nandito sa Cebu. He was Veròn’s classmate back in law school.

“Ano na namang kinukwento mo kay Zahrah, Rome?” ani Meia na nakabusangot na.

He smirked at her. “Ikaw naman, selosa masyado.”

My eyes widened when my friend blushed, but she scoffed and walked away to
talk to the busy Bryce kaya sinulyapan ko si Rome.

“You know each other?” I asked.

 Nakangising sumulyap siya sa ‘kin, ang palad ay nasa bulsa.

“Hmm, unang salta ko rito, siya kaagad ang nakilala ko. Nagtatanong lang
naman ako kung saan ang daan papunta sa office, bigla akong sinimangutan?”

I chuckled.

“Why?”

“‘Di ko alam siya pala ‘yong muntik ko nang mabangga no’ng umaga. Paano ba
naman kasi biglang tumawid?”

“Broken kasi ako!” ani Meia na mukhang narinig pa ang sinabi ni Rome kaya
nagkatawanan kami.

Naaliw ako sa kwento niya, sa kung paano siya nagkandaligaw-ligaw sa office

dahil niligaw siya ni Meia.

There was still an amused smile on my lips until I caught on a sight. Wala na
ang pamilya ng victim kaya naiwan doon si Veròn na may kausap na magandang babae.

My forehead creased when the pretty lady smiled and said something, tinuro pa
nito ang necktie niya na sumisilip sa robe na suot.

Veròn smirked and shook his head. She grinned.

Was this… Lindsay? ‘Yong nag-aayos ng necktie niya?

Nilamon ng pait ang sikmura ko kaya umayos ako ng tayo. He shifted his gaze
at me, maybe feeling my eyes on him. Malamig iyon at iritado.

Aba’t siya pa ang inis?!

Iniwas ko ang tingin sa kanya at ngumiti kay Rome na nag-aayang mag-lunch.

“Lunch?” I asked but then stiffened when I felt a massive frame just behind
me looming like a beast.

My shoulders squared, trying so hard to remain composed and unaffected.

“Yup! Let’s go with the team,” ngumisi siya. “Tutal naman ayaw ng isa rito!”

“No thanks, we’re busy,” ani ng baritonong boses mula sa likod ko.

“Oh?” Bumusangot si Rome. “Why not? It’s lunch time. Ano sa office na lang ba
kayo palagi kakain?”

Sumulyap ako sa relo ko. Mahaba pa ang time before one.

“No, thanks—”

“Sure,” I told Rome with a smile. “I don’t think my schedule si Prosecutor in

between.”

He tensed behind me.

Lumawak ang ngiti ni Rome.

 “Great! Tayo-tayo na lang at mukhang busy si Prosecutor—”

“Let’s go,” the annoyed, baritone voice echoed behind me and before I could
even look at him, he was marching out of the courtroom. He was probably throwing
his tantrums.

Problema n’on?

Ako naman ang nawala lalo sa mood nang makitang nakasunod sa kanya ang
magandang babae at kumapit pa sa braso niya pero ang nanlalaking mga mata ay nasa
akin.

Tinaasan ko ng kilay. Mas namilog ang mata niya at namumulang nag-iwas bago
bahagyang tumalon para may ibulong kay Veròn.

What the hell…

Tumawa si Rome sa harapan ko.

“Uh-oh,” he mumbled and whistled. “This will be good.”

Wala ako sa mood lalo na nang nag-antay kami sa kanilang dalawa sa parking.
Lalo pa nang makarating sila sa amin.

Veròn was now with his coat and tie, minus the robe, and in his arms was the
beautiful lady with black eyes. Naka-ponytail at coordinates na pink habang ang bag
niya’y hawak ng prosecutor.

“Ganda talaga ni Prosecutor,” ani Meia sa tabi ko.

“Prosecutor din siya?” I asked her.

She grinned, nodding.

“Yup! Mukhang mahinhin, ano? Naku, kapag nakita mo ‘yan sa korte, akala mo
ibang tao! Halimaw!” She even shivered and my lips trembled.

They were so… alike.

I watched them walking closer, trying to ignore the hammering inside my

chest.

“Sabay kayo sa ‘kin, Meia, Zahrah?” Pumagitna sa ‘min si Rome na umakbay pa

sa aming dalawa.

Meia grimaced and removed his arm from her shoulder but I remained watching
the two approaching. Nag-angat si Veròn ng tingin at kaagad na nawala ang ngiti sa
labi niya pagkakita sa ‘kin.

And so what now? You couldn’t smile because of me?

He pulled his necktie loose before walking closer. Binati siya nina Bryce at
Meia pero ang tingin niya ay nasa akin.

“We’ll ride in my car,” aniya, malamig pa rin ang boses.

“Ay, no worries, Prosecutor!” Rome’s playful voice said. “Dala ko rin ang
sasakyan ko. Doon ko na isasakay itong sina Zahrah at Meia—”
 “No thanks,” Meia blurted. Rome made a pained sound.

“Damot! E di si Zahrah na lang,” aniya sa ‘kin na may ngisi at bago pa ako

makapagsalita ay tinangay na niya ako sa sasakyan.

I really didn’t mind. Pagkasakay ko ro’n ay nagulat ako nang mamaya-maya’y

sumunod si Meia na mahaba ang nguso.

“Oh?” tawag ko. “Sumunod ka?”

“Sungit!” reklamo niya. “Ang gwapo-gwapo ni Prosecutor pero ang sungit!”

May namuong question mark sa ulo ko. “Why?”

“Dito na lang daw ako,” aniya. “Samahan ko kayo kasi may confidential yata
silang usapang tatlo. Ewan, nagreklamo pa nga ako na ayaw ko rito dahil sa isang
‘to!” Tinuktukan pa niya si Rome na tatawa-tawa at naaaliw na pinapakinggan kami.

“Anong sabi?” ngisi ng huli.

“Wala! Tiningnan lang ako kaya kinabahan ako! Takbo ako kaagad dito!” himutok
niya at humalukipkip. “Ikaw kasi! Bwiset ka! Kasalanan mo ata ‘to, ‘no? Ngisi ka pa
r’yan!”

But the latter was just laughing so hard. He shook his head and watched the
other car where they were.

“Still the same, still the same…” he mumbled, amused.

Nakarating kami sa restaurant pagkatapos ng nakakabinging awayan nina Meia at

Rome. It was amusing pero ang laki kasi talaga ng bibig ni Meia kaya parang sasabog
ang eardrums ko sa mga sagutan niya kay Rome na hobby yatang inisin siya.

When we got there, Bryce and Veròn were reserving a seat. Nagbabangayan
naman sina Meia at Rome habang ang magandang babae ay nakatayo lang sa gilid at
nakatingin sa akin.

I reluctantly offered her a smile. Her eyes brightened and widened. Sumulyap
siya kay Veròn na abala pabalik sa akin bago humakbang palapit.

“Hi!” she said in a high-pitched tone, nervous.

“Uh… hi?” nakangiting bati ko sa kanya.

“Ang ganda mo,” she started with a smile. “Uh… do you know me?”

Tumitig ako sa kanya. She was very pretty, innocent, and soft looking, kaya
nga lang ay mas may tapang ang kanyang mata na contradicting sa pagiging mahinhin
niya.

“Prosecutor?” I answered.

Her mouth parted. “You know me?” Halos bulong iyon.

Nailing ako sabay lahad ng kamay.

“Sorry, no. I heard from Meia na you’re a prosecutor. Hi, sorry I haven’t
introduced myself. I’m Zahrah Ortega, Prosecutor Castuares’ secretary. You are
Prosecutor…?”
 “O-oh…” she smiled. “Just Adi—I mean, just call me Venice. We’re out of
work, it’s fine.”

So… not Lindsay? Sino ‘yon?

When she accepted my hand, I felt her slight tremble and when I looked at her
eyes again, it was glistening.

“Hi, nice to meet you, Ate,” she beamed. “I’m sure she will be very elated to
see you…”

My forehead creased.

“Who—”

“Princess.” That baritone voice made her stiffen. Mabilis niyang nabitawan
ang kamay ko at walang salitang tumalikod para lumapit kay Veròn na seryoso ang
tingin.

When he saw her face, his face softened at tila may pumiga sa puso ko—hindi
sa selos pero sa kung anong dahilan nang walang salitang kinabig niya ang babae
para yakapin.

Lumapit sa akin sina Meia at Rome para isali ako sa awayan nila pero ang mata
ko’y nanatili sa dalawa. May sinabi si Veròn kay Bryce at nang tumango ang huli ay
walang salitang umalis siya habang akay ang babae.

“Ano’ng nangyari?!” gulantang na sabi ni Meia. “Ikaw kasi, Rome! Napakaingay,

‘di ko na tuloy alam!”

We ended up eating with just us. Madaming kwento ang mga kasama pero
lumalabas lang iyon sa kabilang tainga ko. Mas lalo lang akong nagtaka at na-bother
nang ‘di sumipot si Veròn after lunch sa office.

“Si Prosecutor?” I asked Meia.

“Uh, ayon, kakatawag lang, ‘te.” Ngumuso siya. “Pina-reschedule ang meetings
niya today.”

Inihatid nila ako pauwi at bilin daw ni Veròn kaya sa bahay ko siya inantay
but he didn’t come home, and my weird dreams visited me. This time, the man with
blue eyes was the center of it again.

My lips protruded and typed a message.

To: Feeling BFF

I’m bored! I’m glad wala masyadong pasyente pero ‘di ako sanay na walang
ginagaw. Inaantok ako.

From: Feeling BFF

Kawawa ka naman :<<<

I chuckled and typed something.

To: Feeling BFF

 Saan ka? Work?

From: Feeling BFF

Why, miss me? :D

Nag-init ang mukha ko.

To: Feeling BFF

In your dreams!

From: Feeling BFF

ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

To: Feeling BFF

Ang arte! Kakakita lang natin kaninang umaga! Sige na, bye! Magtrabaho ka na
r’yan pero h’wag masyado! Buong araw ka na yatang nasa firm, a? Kumain ka nang
maayos at kapag nalaman kong nagpapalipas ka, isusungalngal ko ang kutsara sa bibig
mo!

From: Feeling BFF

😱😱😱

Natawa na lang ako at ‘di na nag-reply. Inasikaso ko na lang ang mga restock
na kailangan namin sa satellite pharmacy sa floor mula sa main.

I was conversing with the pharmacist on duty tonight, chuckling with him when
I felt a gaze on me pero nang lumingon ako ay wala kaya ‘di ko na pinansin.

Naging abala ako ng ilang oras hanggang sa makabalik at break ko na at

nagsisikuhan na ang mga intern na kasama ko sa duty ngayong gabi.

“Ma’am, may bisita ka ulit!” hagikhikan ng mga bata.

“Sino?” I asked, confused.

Wala namang bibisita sa akin! Busy silang lahat!

“Nasa may staff room!” aniya. “Lalaki! Gwapo! Blue eyes ta’s mahaba legs!
Model ba ‘yon?!”

My heart pounded loudly inside my chest as they said that and without a word,
I left the chart and walked.

Ang pasaway na ‘yon! Ang sabi ko, uuwi na after work at maaga yata ang trial
bukas pero ano?! Nandito!

Porket close na niya ang staff! Siya kasi ang nag-handle ng isang kaso ng
malpractice noon dito ng isang doktor.

There was no one in the staff room because it’s graveyard kaya dere-deretso
akong naglakad, halos nakapamaywang na at pagbukas ko ay nagsalita na.

“Ikaw—hmp!” My voice faded when I was immediately attacked with kisses.

 Namilog ang mata ko nang tumama ang likod ko sa pader, nakatunghay sa kanyang
may seryosong tingin sa akin nang inilayo na ang kanyang labi.

“You…”

“Who was that?” he asked darkly.

“H-huh?” Nanlalaki pa rin ang mata ko. “S-sino? Ano?”

Shit! Ano raw? Wala na rin akong maintindihan?!

“That man,” he drawled. “‘Yong kausap mo, sino?”

“A friend?” sagot ko pero pinanliitan niya ako ng mata. “Come on,

seriously?”

He tilted his head, cornering me with his palm above my head, his other hand
tightly holding my waist. I tried staring further but the room was so dim I could
barely see his whole face.

“Oh, come on, he’s a friend! Katrabaho!” I explained. Nang panliitan na niya
ako ng mata ay seryoso ko nang tinitigan ito. I pushed him slightly. His lips
protruded.

“Talaga?” Biglang umamo ang tinig nito. “‘Di mo manliligaw?” Lumiit ang
boses
niya.

I chuckled, amused.

“Hindi lahat ng nakakasalamuha ko, manliligaw,” I explained.

He sighed and then rested his forehead on mine.

“Sorry,” he breathed out and slowly embraced me. “Ang dami mo kasing
manliligaw. Seselos lang ako.”

Ibinaba niya ang palad na nasa itaas ng ulo ko para hulihin ang chin ko at
nagnakaw ng mabilis na halik.

My cheeks heated. My heart raced but then I didn’t want it to get ahead of my
emotions, so I shook my head. Tumama ang halik niya sa panga ko. He groaned.

“And one thing, you just can’t attack me with kisses like that,” pangaral
ko.

He whined. “Whyyy?”

“Because they might see us!” I hissed, my cheeks heating.

Mas nagsalubong ang kilay niya.

“So what?”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“We’ll get caught!” I hissed under my breath but when he stepped closer to
cage me again with his large frame, nawala na ako sa wisyo. Lalo na nang hinaplos-
haplos niya ang panga ko at tumungo.
 “Let them see, then,” he whispered sensually and attacked my lips with hungry
kisses I couldn’t resist.
 Kabanata 16

Kabanata 16

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

He didn’t come home the whole night. Kinabukasan ay nagtanong pa ako kay
Manang pero hindi raw umuwi kaya wala ako sa mood nang pumasok. Maaga pa at walang
tao pa no’ng nakarating ako. Wala naman akong gagawin sa bahay bukod sa magdilig ng
flowers ko kaya gagawa na lang ako ng trabaho nang maaga.

I greeted some people greeting me back while on my way to the office but the
moment they were gone, napapawi ang ngiti ko.

Where did he stay? With the girl? Magkasama sila?

I tried erasing it inside my head, smacking the thoughts away from my sanity.

Hindi ako nagseselos! Pakialam ko ba kung magkasama sila? Pakialam ko kung

niyakap niya ang babae kahapon? Pakialam ko kung princess ang tawag niya!

I was inside my bubble while smacking my forehead when a grip stopped me from
doing so. Gulat akong napaangat ng tingin at umawang ang labi pagkakita sa lalaking
nasa harapan.

His forehead creased while his rough and large palm was enclosed on my wrist.

“Prosecutor!” I called, startled and with my high-pitched voice.

“Why are you hurting yourself?” seryosong tanong niya kaya nakuyom ko ang
kamay ko at dagling umiling.

“N-nothing!” I shook my head. “I was just thinking about…” Kinagat ko ang

dila. “Nothing!”

Mas nanliit ang asul niyang mga mata.

“About what, Ortega?” he asked. Lumunok ako at umiling.

“I said nothing, wala, nope!” I desperately shook my head, nervous and

hyperventilating.

Paanong hindi e, ang bango-bango niya! Bagong ligo!

He was already wearing his usual white dress shirt with three unbuttoned
buttons from the top, the only difference was that his hair was wet with the
strands on his forehead falling.

He pursed his red lips slightly. “What is it, Zahrah?”

“W-wala nga, Castuares,” singhal ko na pabalik at pilit na inagaw ang kamay

ko pero nagpapanggap lang na gustong lumayo.

Sa totoo ay natatakot lang talagang makita niya ang epekto niya sa ‘kin,
natatakot na makita niya na gustong-gusto ko siya.
 He took a step forward, and I took a step back. Hawak-hawak pa rin niya ang
wrist ko nang tumama na ang likod ko sa likod ng pintuan at ang wrist kong hawak
niya ay nasa gilid na ng ulo ko.

“The woman I’m with yesterday, that’s my sister,” he informed.

Nanlaki ang mata ko pero ‘di umimik. ‘Di ko naman tinatanong!

But hell, Zahrah! You can’t deny the relief you felt!

He towered me and something familiar flashed inside my head. Napatitig ako sa

kanyang asul na asul na mga matang nanghahalina na malunod ako sa lalim nila.

It was dark, fierce, and intense. Like a fiery fire starting to burn it will
hurt if I touch but happily will.

I found myself tiptoeing and pressing a kiss on his red lips. He stiffened.

Nahihiya akong bumalik sa pagkakasandal, nagwawala ang puso.

Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin, seryoso ang mga mata. He was stunned but I
noticed the way his blazing blue eyes flared with something resembling anger and
irritation.

I swallowed.

“S-sorry.” Tumikhim ako, nag-iinit ang mukha.

Ayaw niya ba ng halik ko? Mas nilamon ako ng kahihiyan at hapdi.

I shook my head. “I shouldn’t have—”

“You don’t just fucking kiss someone you don’t like, Zahrah,” he said
darkly.

I bobbed my head, nodding.

“I-I know, that’s why I’m s-sorry…” I tried saving myself. “Nadala lang
ako—”

“Nadala?” Mas inilapit niya ang mukha na naramdaman ko na ang pagtama ng

hininga niya sa balat. “Nadala nang dalawang beses?”

Hindi na ako nakaimik at mas nagwala ang puso sa muling paglapit ng mukha
niya.

“Why, Bella, do you kiss someone you don’t like?” he asked. “Do you kiss just
anyone?”

The danger in his voice was making me squirm in something else. Nang magdikit
ang dibdib namin ay umiling-iling ako.

“N-no,” I answered.

His eyes glistened, and his finger went on my chin to tilt it up so he could
look me in the eye.

“Is that so, Miss Ortega? Hmm?” His hum reverberated, making my core pulse.
Damn it!
 “Yes…” I breathed out.

Pinaraanan niya ng ilong niya ang ilong ko, nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko
nang maramdaman ang multo ng kanyang halik sa akin. Magaan, ‘di ramdam, at tila
multo lang.

“Do you want me to kiss you?” he asked lowly.

I nodded continuously.

“Yes…”

“Hmm…” I heard the smile in his voice. “If I kiss you, you won’t push me
away?”

“No,” sagot ko at nagmulat para habulin ang labi niya pero inilayo iya ang
mukha sa akin. Sumimangot ako.

“Not so fast, baby,” he breathed out. “Promise me first.”

“P-promise?” Inaantok na pinagmasdan ko siya. “Promise you what?”

“If…” His eyes burned, as if he was having hesitations at first but ended up
jumping through it. Taking a risk even if he would lose.

I’d do it in a heartbeat, too. Jump, despite losing but I realized I couldn’t

because I was already falling.

“If I kiss you now, you won’t push me away,” he negotiated.

“Hmm,” hibang kong sagot, ang mata’y nasa kanya.

“If I kiss you…and you push me away again.” I felt that ghost of a kiss
again. “I would not chase after you again. I won’t… be your damn dog. I won’t be
your slave.”

“Hmm…” Tumango ako, ang isang palad ay hawak na ang dress shirt niya. When he
didn’t speak again, muli akong lumapit para humalik. He pushed me slightly again.

“Promise me,” he demanded.

“Hmm—”

“Word, Bella. I want your word.”

“I promise,” bulong ko. “If you like, w-we could even draft a contract?”

Nanliit ang mata niya at napuno ng aliw ang mapaglarong mata.

“You’re thinking like me now, hmm? Don’t you, kid?” Tumaas ang sulok niya at
hinaplos ang pang-ibabang labi ko.

“Kid?” Natawa ako sa kanya. “I am not a kid… Kuya.”

His eyes sharpened and an evil smirk was just beginning to form on my mouth
when he pulled me by the nape and crashed his lips on mine.

Inapuhap ko ang hininga. Naramdaman ko ang pagbubukas ng pinto sa likod ko at

akala’y mawawalan ng balanse sa pagkakatumba pero nasalo niya ang baywang ko gamit
ang brasong hawak ang palapulsuhan ko kanina.

I heard the harsh closing of the door when he kicked it, ‘di pa rin naaalis
ang pagkakadikit ng mga labi. Nabitawan ko ang bag na hawak kung saan, wala nang
pakialam sa kahit ano.

I opened my mouth and let him in, tasting the caffeine in his mouth. Niyakap
ko ang batok niya at napatalon nang hawakan niya ang pang-upo ko at iniangat ako.

My skirt hitched up as I encircled it on his waist. My eyes were tightly

closed while kissing him daringly, wetly.

Narinig ko ang paghulog ng kung ano nang hinawi niya ang mga gamit paalis sa
lamesa at iniupo niya ako roon.

I stopped and pulled away, realizing he just messed with Bryce’s desk!

“Hey,” tawag ko. “You just didn’t—”

But he was kissing me again senselessly at ako naman ay gusto rin iyon. I
hugged his nape again, kissing him back with such intense need.

I was wet.

Muntik na akong umungol sa inis nang hiwalayan niya ang labi ko at bumaba ang
halik sa panga ko. I tilted my head, giving him access to my neck which he happily
bit and sucked.

I moaned, and my fingers were buried in his lustrous, untamed hair. I was
tugging it close to me.

He kissed me on my neck, down near my cleavage and then I watched as his

fingers unbuttoned my work clothes. Mabilis ang paghinga ko nang maramdaman ang
mainit na labi niya sa pagitan ng dibdib ko. He was just there, kissing and
nibbling.

He didn’t even move further, avoiding my breasts and moving from my neck and
my cleavage, only that it frustrated me.

Hinuli ko ang palad niyang nakahawak sa gilid ng lamesa at ipinatong sa

dibdib ko.

He was quick to raise his burning gaze to give me a questioning look.

“Touch me,” I breathed.

His eyes widened briefly, “Zahrah, I don’t think—”

“If you don’t touch me, I swear you won’t be able to kiss me again,” I
threatened.

His jaw clenched. “Are you sure? If I touch you… there’s no turning back.”

“Hmm…”

He tilted his head.

“Tell me in words, Bella. Tell me you want me to touch you,” seryoso niyang
sinabi. “I want your consent.”

I swallowed.

That’s fucking sexy. Mas nag-init lang ako at tumango sa kanya.

“Touch me, Prosecutor,” bulong ko at inangat na mismo ang brassiere para

dalhin ang palad niya sa dibdib ko. “I want you to touch me.”

He snapped.

If I thought it was enough earlier, there was no pleasure that would equal
the moment his mouth caught my hardened nipples to suck it.

I moaned. Mas kumuyom ang kamay ko sa kanyang buhok at mas idiniin siya sa
dibdib ko. I even grinded myself against his crotch, feeling how he hardened on his
slacks.

My naughty hands crawled and rubbed his erection. He stiffened.

“Fuck,” bulong niya at hinuli ang kamay kong humawak doon.

Sumimangot ako at ang inaantok niyang mga mata ang nasalubong ko.

“Not now, baby,” he breathed and pinned my hand on the table. “Not now…”

“Why—” Pero nauwi lang sa ungol ang susunod na mga salita nang inatake na
naman ako ng mapusok niyang mga halik.

We made out like we were the only people in the world. We kissed and he
licked and made out with my breast. Ilang beses ko siyang nakalmot nang maramdaman
ang pamumuo ng kung ano sa sikmura ko, gustong kumawala.

“Veròn,” tawag ko.

“Yeah, baby?” he hummed in between my neck while he was kissing it.

“I think I’m—”

“Hello? May tao ba? Prosecutor? Zahrah?” Meia’s voice echoed.

We both stiffened.

“D-did you lock…”

“Y-yeah,” he answered, and just as we saw the doorknob twisting, I pushed

him
away.

“Mga gamit!” Mahinang singhal ko sabay talon paalis sa lamesa at dukwang para
ayusin ang butones ng damit ko at si Veròn ay mabilis na kinuha ang bag kong
kumalat sa lapag para itambak sa table ko.

This man! Really!

“Bryce, saan ang susi? Akala ko ba rito natulog si Prosecutor?” she asked.

We heard the keys jiggling, mas nanginig ang kamay ko at sinulyap si Veròn
na nauntog pa kakapulot ng sumabog na folder hanggang sa makarinig kami ng click sa
pintuan.
 Dagli akong tumayo mula sa pagkakadukwang.

“G-good morning!” I chirped.

Impit na napatili si Meia sa gulat sa biglaang paglitaw ko.

“Ano!” She clasped her chest. “Oh my God! Nakakaloka! Nagulat ako! Akala ko
multo! Nandito ka na pala, Zahrah… Prosecutor!”

Sa sinabi niyang iyon ay napunta ang tingin ko kay Veròn at umawang ang labi
sa nakitang ayos niya.

He was casually leaning on my desk, a folder on his crotch and another one in
his face as if he was reading.

Ibinaba niya ang folder.

“Good morning,” kaswal niyang bati pero ‘di maitatago ang magulo niyang buhok
at ang pamumula ng mukha.

“Good morning, Prosecutor!” she greeted back. “O-okay ka lang po?”

“Yeah, why not?” aniya, “I was just reading…” Pasimple niyang inayos ang
nakabaligtad na folder na hawak niya. “...some cases.”

“Ahh…” Tumango ang inosenteng Meia sabay sulyap sa ‘kin. “Ikaw, ‘te, okay ka
lang?”

“Oo! Bakit hindi?” agresibo kong tanong na huli na nang matanto ang tono
dahil nanlalaki na ang mata ng kaibigan.

“H-huh?” she asked. “Sorry, nagtatanong lang—”

“S-sorry, ayos lang ako!” Lumaki ang ngiti ko sa kanya. “Nauntog lang kasi
lamesa habang nag-aayos kaya—”

“Nauntog ka?” Sabay kaming napalingon kay Veròn na seryoso na ang nanliliit
na mga mata.

“Huh? Ah, oo—” But Bryce’s voice echoed, stopping me.

“Ano’ng nangyari sa desk ko?!” he exclaimed loudly that it made me jump.

He took a step forward. “Bakit magulo? Ang folders ko kaka-organize ko lang

niyan—”

“Earthquake,” Veròn said. “May lindol, ‘di n’yo ramdam?”

“May lindol?!” ani Meia.

Napaisip din ako.

May lindol ba?

But Bryce was just frowning at him. “Lindol ta’s desk ko lang ang nagulo,
p’wede ba ‘yon—”

Veròn shrugged then licked his lip. “I want you in my office in an hour,
Miss Ortega.” His sensual eyes narrowed.

I cleared my throat.

“Yes, Prosecutor,” sagot ko.

Kaswal siyang tumango, sinuklay ang buhok ng daliri at naglakad papunta sa

office niya, ang folder ay nakatakip pa rin sa hita.

“Anak ng… may lindol ba?” ani Bryce na abala na kakasilip sa phone niya para
makibalita sa Magnitude Castuares na lindol na nagpagulo ng desk niya.

“O-okay lang, Bryce! Tulungan na lang kita mag-reorganize!” I chirped and

began collecting the folders on the floor despite the malicious look Meia was
giving me.

I wore my coat and sat on my chair after, trying to ignore Meia’s teasing
smiles.

“Nag-kiss kayo?” she asked casually, muntik ko nang mabuga ang kape ko.

“A-ano?!”

“Oww… asus!” Humalakhak siya. “Nag-kiss kayo! Ano? MOMOL?”

Mabilis akong lumapit at tinakpan ang bibig niya. ‘Di siya matigil
kakahalakhak kaya pinalo ko na.

“Meia!”

“Chill!” she cackled. “Kahit naman ‘di ka umamin, halata naman! Namamaga labi
mo ta’s sa kanya rin!”

Nanliit ang mata ko sa kanya nang lumapit siya para bumulong.

“Nga lang, ‘te, may tanong ako. Curious lang,” aniya.

I nodded and moved my head.

“What?”

“Sarap, ‘te?” she asked and my eyes widened.

“U-uh… ano ba namang tanong ‘yan! S’yempre… oo,” sagot ko at nang

nagkatinginan kami ay sabay na nagtilian na walang tunog, naghahampasan na.

I was on cloud nine. I didn’t tell Meia a thing aside from confessing we had
kissed but it felt like she knew every juicy thing.

Nanlalaki ang ngiti niya tuwing lumalabas si Veròn na working mode na ulit
at kumpleto sa suit niya pwera lang sa necktie na nakikipag-usap sa nakasimangot na
si Bryce, ‘di pa rin maka-move on na lumindol pero desk niya lang ang apektado.

Nang lumabas si Bryce dahil sa inutos ni Veròn ay nagkatinginan kami. He

shot his brow up at me handsomely. Impit na napahampas ng lamesa si Meia at
tumikhim.

Umiwas ako at nagkunwaring nagsusulat at nag-drawing na lang ng mga bulaklak

sa scratch.
 Ang tagal namang umalis! Nanginginig na nga ako!

And then I heard his footsteps, and his scent invaded my system.

“What are you drawing, Miss Ortega?” aniya sabay patong ng kamay sa desk ko
at dukwang sa tabi ko.

“A-ah, f-flowers,” sabat ko sabay sulyap sa kanya.

His blue eyes glistened playfully. The side of his lips tugged for a smirk.

“Uh-hmm?” he hummed, teasing.

Kumunot ang noo ko at sumimangot. Kinagat niya ang labi at ngumuso.

“Alright, what’s my schedule for today?” aniya sabay hila ng isang spare
swivel sa gilid at tabi sa akin para makisilip.

Tumikhim si Meia mula sa kabilang table. Sinipa ko si Veròn.

“Ano ba,” mahinang sita ko. “Professional, nasa work tayo.”

“Hmm… okay, Ma’am,” he answered casually but he was still too close. Tinulak
ko palayo ang swivel chair niya. Humawak siya sa gilid ng desk ko para paandarin
ang swivel chair ko para bumalik siya ng lapit sa akin at parang wala lang na
sumilip.

Hinayaan ko na at pinakita ang schedule niya ng meeting. Wala siyang trial

today.

“Hmm… kumain ka na?” he suddenly asked.

I cleared my throat when Meia coughed louder. Sabay namin siyang sinulyapan
ni Veròn.

Her eyes widened.

“W-wala ‘ko rito!” aniya. “Imagination lang!” Sabay type niya ng kung ano sa
computer at suot ng earphone. ‘Di ko lang alam kung may tugtog pero gumalaw ang ulo
niya na sumasabay sa indak yata ng kanta kaya baka meron naman.

Ito talagang babaeng ‘to…

May humuli sa chin ko kaya napabaling ako sa mukha ng prosecutor. He tapped

my chin and glanced at the tablet.

“Reschedule the lunch meeting,” he said.

Nahulog ang tingin ko pabalik sa schedule. “Reschedule ang meeting with

Lloyd?” I confirmed.

“Yup.” He nodded. “I’m gonna take you out for a lunch date instead.”

Doon na napatili si Meia sabay agresibong sulyap sa amin.

“Zahrah, ikaw na! Ikaw na talaga, girl!” she exclaimed while I was blushing
so hard.
 Veròn chuckled heartily and pinched my cheek. “Laters, Bella.” Sabay iwan sa
‘kin doon.

He didn’t get out of his office, so I worked with Meia and Bryce, nga lang ay
naaliw lang ako nang dumating si Rome na sa halip na dumeretso kay Veròn ay
nakipagtsismisan sa amin doon sa labas.

“Wala ka bang trabaho?” ani Meia.

“Meron, chill ka lang, Meia,” he answered with a grin. “Secured naman ang
future natin kahit ‘di ako nagpapakakuba sa trabaho.”

When Meia blushed, I kept on laughing.

“Tsismisin ko sana si Prosecutor kaso busy?”

“Matatapos na rin ‘yon mamaya-maya,” I informed. “May online meeting lang

from a client.”

“Ah…” Tumango siya. “Balik na lang siguro ako mamaya.”

He stopped and glanced at his necktie. I noticed it was quite in disarray, so

I offered to fix it.

“Thank you,” ngiti niya at tumayo sa harapan ko. I reached for his necktie,
and we were in that position when the door opened and the smiling Veròn came into
view with a necktie in his hand.

His smile vanished. His jaw clenched. Napaayos ako ng tayo at nabitawan ang
katatapos lang ayusin kurbata ni Rome.

“Oh? Nand’yan ka na pala!” Rome exclaimed. “Tamang-tama—”

“Let’s go,” he said coldly, his grip on the necktie tightening as he turned
his back to leave.

Nagtatakang napasunod si Rome sa kanya at nang mawala ay bumagsak ng upo

pabalik sa upuan. I sighed, sumulyap ako kay Meia na nakanguso sa akin.

“Selos,” she mumbled.

Umiling ako. “Hindi ‘yan, baka abala lang.”

But it bothered me to the core and so, after fifteen minutes of contemplating
what to do, I decided to stand and follow him to explain.

Para saan? Ewan ko, baka marahil gusto ko lang magpaliwanag talaga sa kanya
kung bakit gano’n at sinabi niya rin sa ‘kin na kapatid niya ‘yong prosecutor na
maganda kahapon kahit ‘di ko naman tinatanong.

I looked for him when I saw him in the lobby with a group of
people—probably lawyers and so.

He was with Rome, may babaeng may edad na rin silang kasama at kausap. Sa
tabi ni Veròn ay may isang magandang babae rin na halos dikit na sa kanya.

My forehead creased but then my face crumpled when I realized he was now
wearing his necktie.
 Oh… was that woman beside him Lindsay?

Pumait ang panlasa ko, ang mga mata’y tumalim habang nakatingin sa kanila na
nag-uusap.

Fucking jealousy. I hated it. I was not like this!

And so before I could be more pissed off and annoyed, tumalikod ako at para
lumayo pero may mga babaeng humatak sa akin.

My forehead creased with the sight of two girls, probably early 20s if not
teenagers. Mukhang anak siguro ng kliyente or ‘di kaya’y sa nagtatrabaho rito.

“Excuse me?”

“Miss! Hi! Ikaw si Miss Ortega, ‘di ba?” one of the two girls asked.

Nagtatakang tumango ako at impit silang nagtilian.

“So… ikaw ang secretary ni Prosecutor Castuares?” the other asked. I

nodded.

“Ayon!” Mas kinilig sila. “Well… my friend here, has a crush on him!”

Oh…

Mas sumama ang timpla ko.

Ikalma mo, Zahrah! Ikalma mo! ‘Di niya kasalanan na ang gwapo niya kaya
maraming may gusto!

“Is that so…” nagtitimpi kong sagot na may ngiti pa.

“Yup, kasi last time, he helped me when I asked for direction and… I wonder
if it’s possible for you to give us his number?”

“No, sorry,” I said with a tight-lipped smile. “I can’t give you without his
permission unless it’s for work.”

“It is!” Namilog ang mga mata niya, “I mean I was wondering if we could
consult some cases?”

“Hmm, he’s a prosecutor, Ma’am. So, for consultation… we have legal aids and
lawyers to look for it. Perhaps, do you want me to recommend you some?”

“Lawyer? Ah, kasama ba ‘yong si Rome? Rome pangalan n’on, ‘di ba, ‘yong
kasama niya?” tanong niya.

“He’s a prosecutor, too, Ma’am,” I answered.

“Oh… hala, sayang—”

“Bakit ka nanghihinayang, ‘te. Akin ‘yong si Rome, a? Sabi ko crush ko ‘yon!”

laban n’ong isa.

“Oo, ‘di naman inaagaw! Gwapo lang kasi rin at wala akong paki kung sa ‘yo
‘yong si Rome!” she insisted like a brat and my lips pursed.

Calm down, Zahrah. They’re just kids, come on. You’re not petty fighting
with
kids!
 “E, aagawan mo ‘ko, e! Crush ko nga ‘yong isa!”

“E di sa ‘yo na! Nagugwapuhan lang ako kay Rome! Basta sa ‘kin si

Prosecutor—”

“Akin si Castuares!” I blurted defensively when my damn tongue slipped.

An eerie silence filled the place before I could even process what I just
said.

“Prosecutor!” ani ng babaeng nasa harapan ko kaya pumihit ang ulo ko at

nanlaki ang mata nang makita ang pumpon ng mga propesyunal sa may likuran naming
natitigilan sa narinig. Rome covered his mouth.

If it was embarrassing enough, gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa nang sa

likuran nila ay nahuli ko ang kislap ng pamilyar na asul niyang mga mata, ang kamay
ay nakahawak sa kurbata habang may pilyong ngiti sa labi.

Kabanata 17

Kabanata 17

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I couldn’t believe what was happening. I couldn’t believe I didn’t have any
damn powers to turn into a worm and crawl to the depths of the earth… and vanish.

“G-good morning!” I greeted, trying to sound cheerful pero naipit yata ang
boses ko dahil nagtunog dagang naipit.

Nanatili silang nakatitig sa akin lahat kaya mas sumabog ang init ng mukha
ko.

Ano’ng gagawin ko? What if tumakbo na lang ako?! ‘Di naman nila ako siguro
kilalang lahat?!

Sumulyap ako sa mga kasama ni Veròn, kay Rome na nakangisi, sa magandang

babaeng katabi niya kanina na mukhang kuryoso at sa medyo may kaedaran na babaeng
may nang-aasar na tingin.

I cleared my throat and slowly evaded their gaze. Hinarap ko ang mga bata.

“Busy siya,” I explained to save myself, but they were just gawking at the
prosecutor.

Bahala kayo! Aalis na lang ako!

Hinanap ko ang pinakamalapit na elevator.

I was just starting to think of my escape plan and crawl my way out nang
maramdaman ko ang malaking palad na gumapang at sumakop sa sikmura ko mula sa
likod.

My breath hitched. Mas nanlaki ang mga mata ng dalawang bata.

“Attorney Marasigan, you can proceed without me,” his baritone voice said.
 “Sure!” ani n’ong abogado na medyo may edad na, may itim na mga mata, at
medyo maputing buhok bago ngumisi pa sa amin. “We’ll talk later, Prosecutor.”

“Thank you, Attorney,” aniya sabay ngiti at tango habang nagpapaalam sa kanya
ang mga kasabayang maglakad.

Rome even winked at me. Naramdaman ko ang mas paghigpit ng hawak sa baywang
ko at nang mag-angat ang tingin ni Rome sa likod ko’y napawi ang ngisi niya at
umiling-iling sabay taas ng kamay at salisi ng takbo pasunod sa mga naunang
kasamahan.

When they left, the tension was palpable I was afraid my legs would turn into
jelly.

“So, what do we have here, Miss Ortega?” tanong niya at kung hindi lang
naghagikhikan ang dalawang babae ay ‘di ko pa maaalala na nandito pala sila.

“W-well…” I cleared my throat, trying not to get affected by his closeness.

“These girls wanted to talk to you.”

“Hmm…” Sumulyap siya sa dalawa at ngumiti, muli silang napaimpit na tili at

nagsikuhan, namumula ang mukha.

“Hello, Prosecutor!” the two greeted.

“Hello,” he greeted back at habang nagsasalita siya’y pilit kong inaalis ang
palad niya sa baywang pero may super glue yata at ayaw alisin!

I tried glaring at him sideways. He didn’t even look at me and continued

smiling at the poor kids crushing on him.

Masungit ‘yan, mga bagets! Suplado! Plastik ‘yan kaya nakangiti!

The two introduced themselves to him, and he gladly shook their hands.

“Prosecutor Castuares,” he introduced. “And this is my…”

“Secretary,” agap ko sabay ngiting hilaw, hinahampas pa rin ang kamay niya
paalis pero tarsier ata ito kung hindi linta sa pagkakapit, eh!

“Like what she said,” aniya na parang kahit anong sabihin ko’y ayon din ang
kanya.

“Nice meeting you po! Kanina nagtanong po kami if p’wede mag-ano, mag-consult
ng case sa inyo?” the one crushing on him said.

“Ah, oo, Prosecutor,” agap ko. “And I said I could recommend them to our
legal aids and lawyers for consultation.”

The two pouted.

“Bawal ba sa ‘yo, Prosecutor?” The kid asked. “Gusto sana namin ikaw.”

Ngumuso rin ako. I can’t blame them. If I were young enough and had a crush
on him and saw an opportunity to talk to him, I’d grab it, too.

If you were young, Zahrah? Hindi ba mas malala ka na ang tanda-tanda mo na

crush na crush mo ‘yan?! May pa sa ‘yo pa si Castuares!
 Sumabog ang init sa mukha at nahuli ko ang pag-oobserba ni Veròn kaya
pinirmi ko ang labi at baling sa mga bata.

“Sorry, kids. Busy kasi si Prosecutor and hindi rin kasi p’wedeng deretso
kaagad sa kanya. We have to consult first with—” A gentle squeeze on my waist
stopped me.

“My apologies for her, girls. My secretary’s quite possessive these days,”
aniyang mapaglaro.

Nahulog ang panga ko.

“Excuse me—”

“Let’s hear it,” aniya sa dalawang babae na nagliwanag ang mukha. “Have you
two eaten yet?”

Umiling ang dalawa.

“Good, would you like to join us for lunch? My treat,” aniya at napailing na
lang ako nang magsinghapan ang dalawa at mas lalong namula bago tumalon-talon sa
tuwa.

“Sabi ko sa ‘yo mabait!” ani n’ong may crush sa kanya, naghahagikhikan habang
nakasunod sa paglalakad namin.

I narrowed my eyes at the moody prosecutor. He cocked his brow up.

“H’wag ka ngang magpanggap na ‘di suplado,” I said. “Plastik nito.”

“I am not.” Nagkibit-balikat siya sabay haplos sa baywang ko. “Where do you

wanna date, Bella?”

“Date?” Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. “It’s not a date. We have two

companions—”

“It still is.” He moved away to open the door for me and the girls.

Hinuli niyang muli ang baywang ko pagkatapos at inilapit ako sa kanya.

“But you’re working?” Nangunot ang noo ko.

“I’m not.” Umiling siyang muli at inabot ang key fob para patunugin ang
sasakyan. “We’ll hear the kids and tell them what we could do to help. Also, it’s
lunch. Loosen up, Miss Ortega, you’re a workaholic.”

Muling umawang ang labi ko.

“Ang kapal ng lalaking ‘to. Ako pa ang workaholic? Sino sa ‘ting dalawa ang
nagmumukmok sa opisina at halos gawin nang mukha ang screen niya?”

Napawi ang ngiti niya kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

“Sino sa ‘tin ang ayaw kumain ng lunch at nakatira na halos sa opisina kahit
may bahay naman?” I asked again.

“Fine…” he breathed out. “Fine, it’s me. But it’s alright. At least I’m not
the one staking her claim in front of a crowd—”
 I pushed him harshly off me. He laughed.

“Zahrah—” tawag niya pa habang tumatawa.

“I hate you!” singhal ko, namumula na ang mukha at nagmartsa palayo, iniiwan
siya malakas ang tawa sa likod ko.

Inunahan ko pa siya sa pgbubukas ng pintuan ng sasakyan at pumasok sa loob

para ayusin ang seatbelt ko. I watched him opening the door for the girls at the
back of his car and then he glanced at my direction.

The car was tinted so I wasn’t sure if he was seeing me from that distance,
but his lip twitched playfully, looking like a shadow with a devious plan.

Tumikhim ako at umirap nang makapasok siya sa sasakyan at nilingon ang dalawa
sa likod.

“You good to go, girls?” he asked.

“Yes po!” energetic na sagot ng dalawa at ‘di ko siya nilingon nang nasa akin
na ang atensyon niya.

“How about you, Ma’am?” he asked.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko bago simpleng tumango lang at akala ko’y tatahimik na
siya kaya nagitla ako nang pumatong ang palad niya sa hita ko at lumapit.

I was so startled when he leaned in and cupped my jaw. My eyes widened when I
met his blazing ones.

“I was just teasing,” aniya sa magaang tono, mahina kaya kami lang ang
nakakarinig.

“H-hmm?”

“I won’t tease you anymore.” Ngumuso siya at nahulog ang tingin sa labi ko.
“Can I have a kiss?”

“Ano?!” singhap ko at mas nagwala ang puso. “M-may mga bata sa likod,
Castuares?!”

“They’re old enough to know what a kiss is,” aniya sabay baling sa likod.
“How old are you, girls?”

Nagulantang din ang dalawa.

“Ah, twenty na po!”

“Hmm, do you mind if I kiss my girl here?” he asked. “Alam n’yo na, selosa…”

What the fuck?!

Mas dumiin ang tingin ko kay Castuares na nagpipigil ng ngisi niya.

“Ay, hindi po!” Naghagikhikan sila sa likod. “Masakit kasi crush kita,
Prosecutor, pero gora! Mas nakakatakot si Miss Zahrah kanina no’ng nalamang crush
kita, parang dragon!”
 Dragon?! Excuse me?!

“Dragon, hmm?” He chuckled, his palm still owning a part of my thigh. “That’s
just her tamed side, girls. Kapag galit kasi ‘tong mahal ko, bumubuga ng apoy.”

My cheeks flushed like I was burning alive. The two girls screeched loudly
behind me, and I was just motionless, stunned, and surprised.

Mahal? Agad?!

I swallowed the lump in my throat when he moved his gaze back to me and
touched my jaw.

“They don’t mind,” pilyo niyang sabi at marahang pinatakan ako ng mabilis na
halik at satisfied na bumalik sa upuan niya para ayusin ang seatbelt.

He was obviously so alive and beaming with light while me… I think I’m dead.

RIP me. May my soul rest in peace. I am dead dead.

Nakarating kami sa restaurant at habang kausap niya ang nasa reception ay ang
mga bata naman ang kausap ko.

“So, kayo po ni Prosecutor, Miss Zahrah?” ani n’ong isa.

I shook my head. “Hindi, a.”

“Oh, bakit po nag-kiss?” ani n’ong isa pa. “At saka may paangkin ka pa nga,
Miss!”

“Ate na lang,” I answered with a smile. “And what we have…” Sumulyap ako kay
Veròn. “It’s complicated.

I have a mission and he was my way through it but at the same time, I like
him so much. The intensity of my feelings was overwhelming, I felt like it
physically hurt sometimes.

“Gano’n na ngayon kasi,” sabat n’ong may crush kay Veròn. “Sa panahon
ngayon, mas may thrill kapag walang label.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“Well… we also work together. It’s not like it wasn’t allowed in the office
but still. Ewan, ‘di pa namin napag-uusapan.” Pero natanto kong ang dami ko palang
nakwento kaya nanliit ang mata ko sa kanila at nagpamaywang.

“Aba’t, paano mo nalaman ‘yan? May boyfriend ka na?” I asked.

She grinned and shook her head. “Fling-fling lang, Ate. O kaya no label
situationship. Kaya I feel you. Mas masarap talaga kapag bawal!”

Situationship?

Ano ‘yon? Was I that old to not understand it?

But I didn’t press, baka matawag pa akong tita ng mga bagets na ‘to!

Inaya ko sila nang tawagin na kami ni Veròn. Tumabi ako sa kanya sa

paglalakad at parang automatic nang dumantay ang palad niya sa baywang ko.
 I glanced at him as he was gently caressing my waist, banayad at magaan
hanggang sa nahulog iyon sa balakang ko.

Kinagat ko na lang ang labi at tumungo.

Was I too deprived of boys that just his simple gestures would make my heart
go haywire?

“Prosecutor!” Napaangat ako ng tingin at nagulat nang sa kabilang parte ng

resto ay naroon ang kanina lang kausap ni Veròn.

He looked startled too at the sight of them but smiled and nodded,
acknowledging.

Their gaze went to me at his side. As if by instinct, I tried removing his

grip on my waist but to no avail. He wouldn’t budge.

Akala ko nga ay pupunta siya sa kanila para makihalo kaya nagtaka ako nang
pagkatapos tumango ay ipinag-angat niya ako ng upuan sa lamesang nakuha niya sa
open area.

We ordered after we sat and then he glanced at the two girls.

“While waiting, we can talk about it,” aniya.

I took out my phone because I hadn’t had the chance to grab my iPad to list
the necessary things that might help. Umayos ng upo si Noemi, ang may crush kay
Veròn at ang may gustong ikonsulta.

“Uhm… ‘di naman po siya sobrang importante.” I heard the hint of hesitation
in her voice.

“Still, we should hear it,” ani Veròn. “Sometimes, the things we thought are
small and nonsense will be a big problem in an unforeseeable future.”

She nodded and as she took a deep breath. I noticed the change in her
demeanor.

“Uh, meron po kasi akong stalker,” aniya.

I stiffened and glanced at her. Nabakas ko kaagad ang kaba niya sa kabila ng
kanyang ngiti. Sinulyapan ko naman si Veròn na mas dumilim ang tingin at naging
tensyonado.

“W-wala lang naman po iyon—”

“Tell me,” ani Veròn. “Stalking is not nonsense, Noemi. Those little
obsessive instances might turn into something serious. Do you know who that was?”

She nodded.

“Classmate po noon sa college. Nanligaw po sa ‘kin tapos no’ng ‘di ko sinagot

nangungulit pa rin. Hindi naman po ako matatakot kung kaswal kaso po nananakot na.
Parang alam niya po ang mga kilos ko, o kung nasaan ako…”

The hair at the back of my nape pricked. I uncomfortably looked around the
restaurant and caught a man in black clothes quickly walking away.
 Who was it?

“Have you noticed him anywhere these days?”

“Hindi po masyado pero alam ko po na sumusunod siya minsan. Noong una nga po
mabilis malaman kapag nand’yan siya at ‘di magaling magtago pero ngayon po? ‘Di ko
na nakikita pero ramdam ko… alam kong nand’yan siya.”

“What did he do? Did he threaten you or anything that could help us prove the
case?”

“Nagte-text lang po na sa kanya lang daw po ako tapos… a-ayon, kapag po may
kasama akong manliligaw o ‘di kaya’y kahit kaibigan na lalaki, nagagalit po siya.
Sinasabing papatayin o aabangan. Tapos ilang araw lang po lalayo na sa ‘kin ang
kaibigan ko o ‘di kaya’y mga manliligaw.”

Veròn rubbed his jaw.

I did my best to follow through and typed everything she was saying.

“Nagpapadala rin po ng mga bulaklak. ‘Di ko po alam paano niya nalaman ang
address ng bahay ko. Ako lang po k-kasi mag-isa sa bahay kaya nakakatakot.”

“Your parents?” ani Veròn.

“Out of town po palagi,” she answered. “Kaya mas madalas na ako lang po.”

He asked her if she already filed a restraining order against him, but it
turned out she hadn’t done anything yet. She didn’t even tell her parents, scared
she would be called overreacting.

“That’s not overreacting,” umiling si Veròn. “You did the right thing in
telling us.”

“May p’wede po bang gawin? I understand po kung wala, alam ko pong mahirap
ang ganitong mga kaso at wala pa naman pong nagagawang siyang masama.”

“Making you uncomfortable and sending you threatening messages are enough
grounds for this,” ani Veròn. “Do you still have his text messages? Or any proof
for the claim?”

She nodded. I suddenly felt bad about my attitude this morning.

Akala ko kasi’y gusto lang talaga nilang makita at makulit si Veròn, tapos
ganito pala.

“Then we will do action,” ani Veròn. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t handle this

case directly and I’m only here for consultation and to give you my legal opinion,
but I know good lawyers that could help you. In any case, would you be willing to
repeat everything you told us to them?”

She nodded.

“Opo… pasensya na po talaga, alam ko pong abala ka. Naisip ko lang po kasing
ikaw ang sabihan po a-at mabait ka sa akin.” She smiled gently.

Napangiti rin ako nang tumango si Veròn.

“It’s alright. Don’t be scared in asking for help. I know there is a lot of
evil in this world but there are still people who are willing to extend help. For
now, this is what we can only offer you, but rest assured I’d be checking for the
progress. We won’t let this go.”

“S-salamat po, Prosecutor,” Her eyes twinkled in gratitude and admiration. I

did, too.

I think I fell for him… even more.

“You’re welcome,” he smiled, turning him more handsome than ever. “You can
call me Kuya if you want. You remind me of my little sister.”

“O-okay po, Kuya,” aniya na mas namula habang humahalakhak ang kaibigan niya.

“Aray! Kuya-zone kay crush!” she teased and I didn’t know why but it made me
laugh, too.

Nakangisi ako at nanliliit ang mata sa aliw sa magkaibigan sa harapan ko kung

hindi ko lang naramdaman ang malaking palad na humawak sa kamay ko sa ilalim ng
lamesa.

With still a ghost of my smile on my lips, I watched how his fingers reached
for mine. Hesitating but deciding against it afterward, slipping his digits in
between mine.

“But you… you can’t call me Kuya,” he whispered huskily.

Sumulyap ako sa kanya at ngumuso.

“Okay, Kuya…” I said slowly, teasing. Pinutol niya lang ang ngisi ko ng
mariing halik hanggang sa nakaawang na ang labi ko sa gulat.

“You and those naughty lips,” he whispered. “I’d punish it if I had the
chance.”

We ate when our food came. Naging magaan ang kwentuhan sa table at dinaldal
ko ang mga bata. Veròn was just listening, and I tried ignoring the fact he’s
attentive of me.

Kapag nawawalan ng laman ang baso ko, automatic na nag-re-refill siya. Kapag
may pagkaing kumakalat sa labi ko, handa na ang tissue bago pa ako makahingi.

He was so aware of everything I did, and I didn’t think he noticed it. But I
was sure the kids noticed it, too, dahil nang magpaalam si Veròn para saglit na
kausapin ang mga kasama niya kanina ay kinulit ako ng dalawa.

“‘Yong totoo, Ate, nililigawan ka pa lang?!” Muntik ko nang mabusalan ang

bibig nila sa ingay.

“H-hindi.” Umiling ako. “A-ano… ewan, tatanong ko pa lang?”

They laughed. I simply fixed my bangs.

Wala kaming label, okay?! Fine…

“Anyway,” I changed the topic so they won’t tease me anymore because my heart
can’t take it. “Can I ask paano n’yo nakilala si Prosecutor?”

“Last week lang po,” sagot ni Noemi. “Kasi naiilang po akong dumaan doon sa
may eskinita na shortcut papuntang store na gusto ko kasi may mga nagka-cat call
kasi na tambay tapos nakita ko po siya namimili ng chewing gum sa may sari-sari
store.”

I laughed. “He’s wearing his suit?”

“Opo! Tangkad-tangkad pa tapos ang haba ng legs! Model ba ‘yang si

prosecutor, Ate?”

“Hindi.” I shook my head. “Mahaba lang talaga ang biyas. Gusto n’yo makaalam
ng secret?”

“Opo!” they chirped and moved closer while I told them the secret.

“There’s this rumor going around in our office, and they said he was once a
law professor.”

They gasped loudly. I feel you, kids!

“And he’s grumpy and strict with his students so, gumawa sila ng nickname for
him. Tawag nila is DLL.”

“DLL?”

“Daddy Long Legs.” I grinned and laughed when their eyes widened in shock
before laughing.

She continued telling me the story afterward, saying she asked him if he knew
another way para sa gusto niyang puntahang lugar na ‘di dadaan sa mga tambay but
that would take some time at medyo mas malayo.

Do you know what he did? He offered to walk with her to her location.
Nadaanan pa raw nila ang mga tambay na ‘yon na tumiklop mula sa pag-cat call nang
makita ang malamig na tingin ng prosecutor.

“Tumingin lang siya, Ate! Walang salita! Tapos natahimik sila! Simula no’ng
araw na ‘yon, tahimik na ‘yong mga tambay kapag dumadaan ako.”

I was in awe, amazed. It was the bare minimum but sa dami ng krimen,
kabastusan, at kawalanghiyaan ng mga tao sa paligid? ‘Di mo na maiiwasan ang
mamangha sa mga taong mabuti pa rin ang loob.

“Tapos, Ate, alam ko na gwapo siya talaga pero ‘di lang po ‘yon ang dahilan
bakit ko siya crush.”

I smiled and listened. “What is it?”

“Sabi niya po kasi habang naglalakad at nakalagpas kami sa mga tabay na: Why
can’t these men be men enough? They kept on cat calling women, hindi ba nila naisip
na meron silang kapatid at nanay na p’wedeng maranasan ‘yon?”

My heart melted. Her eyes turned hearts, I was sure ganyan na rin ang mata
ko.

“Tapos inantay niya pa ‘ko, Ate, na makapasok doon sa store na pupuntahan ko

at binigyan ng chewing gum bago umalis! Sinong ‘di magkaka-crush?”

I nodded.
 I agreed. I was no different from these kids having a crush on him when I,
myself was already drowning.

Nagpaalam ang dalawa na kailangan nilang umalis at gagala siguro kaya lumapit
sila kay Veròn na ayaw nang pakawalan ng mga kasama niya. He wanted to call me,
but I shook my head, shy and pointed the restroom instead to retouch my make up at
pagkalabas ko’y wala na ang dalawang bata.

When I glanced at their table, he was there, standing while conversing.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko pagkakita ng magandang babae na naman sa kanyang tabi.

My forehead creased and something inside my chest broke when she whispered
something to him. He smiled, nodding.

Then they spoke again in hushed voices until I heard one of them teasing.

“Bagay kayo ni Attorney, Prosecutor,” they teased.

He stiffened and shook his head, laughing a little before stepping sidewards
to distance himself but one of his workmates pushed him playfully to the lady who
was chuckling.

“Come on, Veròn! Why don’t you date me?” she asked playfully, even reaching
for his necktie. “I can fix neckties—”

I turned my back and walked towards the exit. I couldn’t look at them
anymore. I couldn’t…

So it was Lindsay. That lady who fixed his necktie.

Nagmamartsa ako palabas, dere-deretso at wala sa sarili. Nangingilid na ang

luha ko, hindi maipaliwanag kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman.

But he kissed me! He said he loves me! Bakit…

“Zahrah!” When I heard that voice, I almost turned my back and ran towards
him, but I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.

This was work! This was just a mission! Maybe… maybe seducing him was a
better way to get to his decisions and plans! Nothing else!

“Zahrah!” I frowned when I felt a grip on my elbow. Iritado akong nilingon

siya, mas nagalit dahil sa pagtataka sa mata niya.

“What is it?” he asked.

“What is it?” I grimaced. “Ewan! Wala! Let me go, I’m going back to the
office!”

“We’ll ride in my car,” aniya nang mahinahon.

Umirap ako sa hangin, pinipigilan ang luhang papaamba.

“No thanks, kaya kong bumalik mag-isa.”

He shook his head.

“No, I told you, you will have your guards when I’m not here but if you’re
with me, I’ll check on you. We’ll ride my car.”
 Iritado ko lang siyang tinitigan. He tilted his head and stared at me
seriously.

“You will ride in my car, Ortega,” he ordered in a dangerous tone. “Now.”

Mas sumimangot ako at tumalikod para magmartsa papunta sa sasakyan niya,

iritado sa kanya at sa ugali ko kung bakit ako ganito umakto.

I was not a whiny teenager for Pete’s sake! I was an adult and I hated that I
was being this way! I hated that I liked him so much that even the teasing from his
workmates was affecting me!

Saglit ko pa lang naman siya kasama! Ni hindi ko nga personal na kakilala

kung hindi lang sa kailangan kong gawin pero itong pesteng puso na ‘to! Itong
pesteng nararamdaman ko, makaakto ay akala mo kilala na siya buong buhay ko!

The thought of him with other girls was maddening and frustrating! Na wala
naman akong karapatan at bago ko pa lang siya kilala pero pakiramdam ko—sa ulo ko
para akong pinagkaitan ng isang bagay, isang tao na matagal ko nang gusto at ‘di
makuha-kuha!

A tear streaked down my cheek. I sniffed and harshly removed it off my cheek,
but it was endless. Mas nagalit lang ako at bago ko pa mahawi ang iba ay may
pumihit na sa ‘kin paharap at nasalubong ko ang tingin ni Veròn pagtama ng likod
ko sa sasakyan niya.

“Are you crying?” he asked, quite shocked seeing my tear-stricken face.

Obvious ba?!

“No.” Suminghot ako.

“No?” Mariing tinitigan niya ang mukha ko. “What about these tears, then?”
Umiwas ako nang abutin niya ang pisngi ko.

“Tubig!” I exclaimed. “Nabasa lang—”

“It’s you I only like, Zahrah, okay?” he cut me off, leaving me speechless.
“That inside? They’re my workmates and they just like teasing me with whomever they
want to.”

“E di okay.” Pinilit kong lumayo, “I don’t care, Veròn, I just want to go

back—”

“You are jealous,” he pointed out. My mouth parted.

“I am not—”

“I can admit to you that I’m jealous of Rome, Zahrah!” Dumiin ang boses niya.
“I hate that I am like this when you were merely just helping him out! I hate that
I’m jealous when you smile and talk to him. I am jealous!”

Natahimik ako.

“I am not like this.” He pulled his necktie loose and brushed his hair while
he was still so close to me. “Hindi ako selosong tao. I am not unreasonable and
petty but when it comes to you—palagi na lang. Palagi na lang akong wala sa
sarili ko.”
 I moistened my lip, startled and fascinated with the words that got out of
his mouth.

“I don’t talk about my feelings often, but I will tell you now, Zahrah.” He
heaved a deep breath. “That woman inside? Just a coworker. I had to stay casual
and
be friendly because they accepted me in the office on just short notice. I asked
for a favor just to be…” Hindi na niya maituloy ang sasabihin at napatungo na
lang,
pagod na pagod.

May humaplos sa puso ko nang makita ko ang mariing pagpikit niya, tila hirap
na hirap na rin. Hindi ko alam kung para saan o kung bakit pero nakita ko ang
sariling inaabot ang batok niya para ilapit siya sa ‘kin.

He rested his forehead on my shoulder, sighing.

“Fuck, baby, I’m sorry,” he breathed out. “I didn’t mean to burst out like
that.”

“S-sorry, too.” I moved to bury my face in his neck too. “I-I was just
jealous.”

His breathing relaxed. I sniffed and teared up more when he caught my waist
and embraced me this time.

“‘Di ko rin a-alam bakit, selos na selos ako,” I whispered. “It was
unreasonable. ‘Yong kay Rome na-bother lang ako sa kurbata niya kaya nag-offer
akong ayusin. That’s it.”

“I know, I’m sorry for throwing a tantrum,” bulong niya at hinalikan ang ulo
ko. “I was just annoyed seeing you fixing other men’s neckties. I was just
possessive thinking you should only do that for me—which is wrong.”

“I’m wrong, too.” Ipinikit ko ang mata at sinamyo ang pabango niya. “I was
possessive thinking I should be the only one doing your necktie f-for you.”

When I heard him chuckle, I smacked his back. Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa
‘kin, akala mo’y mawawala ako kaya kumuyom na lang ang kamay ko sa suit niya.

“I give you the right, Bella,” he whispered. “I just have to ask for help
sometimes because you weren’t there.”

Kaya nga ako nagagalit, kasi wala ako ro’n.

I nodded.

“I was just jealous… that they were teasing you with the one doing it for
you,” I started. He stiffened. “N-na sabi nila bagay kayo ni Lindsay na t-totoo
naman kasi maganda naman ‘yon—”

“Who exactly are you referring to, baby?” he asked, his brows furrowed.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Lindsay,” I repeated, trying not to be grumpy. “That pretty girl with red
lipstick! ‘Yong date raw kayo at magaling siya mag-ayos ng kurbata!”

He blinked at me then suddenly laughed. Mas nanliit ang mata ko.

 “What the hell are you laughing at, Castuares?” But he was just chuckling,
cupping both my cheeks with his palm.

“Damn it, Zahrah, that’s Lorraine,” he said with an amused grin.

“H-huh?” I asked, confused. Ngumisi siya at marahang hinawi ang mga luhang
kumawala sa mata ko.

“She doesn’t fix my neckties. Atty. Marasigan does,” aniya.

Umawang ang labi ko.

“Atty. Marasigan, you mean…” I raised my hand. “The lady with white h-
hair?”

He nodded, still amused.

“Hmm… that’s Atty. Lindsay Marasigan. She’s the judge’s wife,” he explained.
“I refer to her as my auntie.”

Kung nahulog na ang panga ko kanina ay ngayo’y nasa lupa na. I pulled away
from him and covered my face.

“Shit!” I cursed in embarrassment.

He laughed heartily, sinubukan kong umiwas sa kanya pero nahuli niya akong
muli at ibinaon sa kanyang bisig para sa yakap.

“I’m sorry!” I exclaimed in embarrassment. I just felt him nod and kiss my
head.

“Sure, Miss Ortega,” he chuckled. “It’s fine. At least I found out you were
jealous.”

“Jerk!” I smacked his back. “Nakakahiya ako! I-I even cried like a fool!”

“Uh-hmm, you’re not a fool.” Inalis niya ang palad kong nakatakip sa mukha.
“I was like that for you. Am I a fool, too?”

Ngumuso ako.

“I was unreasonable, Veròn. I cried! I acted like a whiny teenager! We don’t

even have a relationship! We don’t even have a label! Ano bang karapatan ko?”

But his lips only twitched wickedly.

“Oh, you do have a right, Bella.” Hinaplos ng daliri niya ang pang-ibabang
labi ko. “You are my girlfriend and I’m your… boyfriend,” he proclaimed and sealed
it with a kiss.

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

My priorities were changing. I knew it wasn’t right. Kaya nang kausapin ako
ni Atty. Kiko Fernandez, my father’s lawyer, at wala akong maibalita ay hiyang-hiya
ako.

It was raining. I watched how the moisture from the rain stained the glass
window from the fire exit.

Idinantay ko ang daliri doon at gumuhit ng bulaklak hanggang sa sumagot ang

Uncle sa telepono.

“You think this is a joke?” he asked on the phone.

“Sorry—”

“Work! Hindi ka namin pinadala r’yan para magsaya! While your dad’s
suffering, what are you doing? Party? Wala kang malasakit sa ama mo! Prinotektahan
ka pero ito ang igaganti mo?”

Shame and guilt evaded my system, and I was so embarrassed.

“Sa ngayon, Attorney, wala pa pong update sa kaso ni Dad,” I explained.

“Hindi pa po kasi kompleto ang naibibigay sa aming autopsy at incident report ng
police department—”

“Then work for it!” he exclaimed. “Hindi buong taon ay magtatago ang dad mo!
Have some empathy and work harder!”

“Yes po,” I whispered. “I’m sorry…”

“And who was this man you’re with?” aniya. “I received a report you’ve eaten
outside with a man and two girls.”

My throat dried up. It must be that man in black watching me to report my

every move.

Goddamn it! Kahit wala akong guards ay may mga mata pa ring nakaabang sa
bawat kilos ko!

“Just some clients, Atty.,” I answered. “And the prosecutor I’m working
with.”

“Hmm, the Veròn Castuares, correct?” he asked.

“Yes, Attorney.”

“That man is a ghost. We saw nothing about his information other than the
basic facts. Was he good?”

Great.

“Opo,” sagot ko.

“Do you have a picture of him?” he asked suddenly kaya nangunot ang noo ko.

“Nothing, Attorney. We’re… not that close,” I lied, suddenly afraid of what
he’d do if he found out we were together.

“Send me a photo of him. We’ll run a facial recognition.”

Lumunok ako. “Wala po ba kayong picture niya? Kahit sa investigation?”

 “That man is a ghost, I told you,” he sighed. “He has government records in
his name, but I haven’t seen one photo of the asshole. It’s probably just because
he’s new to the country but I can’t say for sure. We have to make sure we know a
lot about that man when he’s the one responsible for convicting your father. Who
knows? Baka nababayaran din siya?”

My jaw clenched. Gusto kong sagutin siya para sabihing hindi gano’ng tao si
Veròn. Na sigurado akong he’d only convict based on the facts the evidence had
given him. That he wasn’t the one you can just pay off for justice.

“Attorney.” Humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone. “Si Dad, how is he?”

“He’s not doing good, Zahrah.” Kumalma ang boses niya. “He has a health
problem and I’ve been only taking some private doctors for him right now.”

“He’s innocent, right?” I asked. “T-then, perhaps he could surrender—”

“What are you saying?!” His voice rose again. “Are you insane?!”

“No, Attorney.” Umiling ako. “I was just saying na if he’s innocent, then why
are we so afraid to take him back to jail? To surrender? Kasi habang mas nagtatagal
ang pagtatago niya, mas nagumukha siyang guilty.”

“You’re ridiculous!” He laughed nonchalantly. “Are you stupid or did you just
forget the fact that your father was falsely accused? For damn decades! Dahil
binayaran ang judge! Ang hustisya! What made you think hiding would prove his
guilt? He did not kill those jail guards!”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Your father’s health was declining! Hindi pinapayagan ang mga doktor niya sa
kulungan! They were torturing him! If only you could see, Zahrah!”

My hand trembled as I nodded my head.

“Sorry, Attorney,” I whispered. “I just thought—”

“Wala kang alam, Zahrah,” aniya. “Kahit nasa kulungan ang dad mo’y
pinoprotektahan ka niya. Sana naman ay kahit papaano ipakita mo—kahit magpanggap
ka man lang na may malasakit sa kanya.

“I care for him,” I explained. “Why do you think I’d accept this mission if I
don’t care?”

He scoffed. “Then do it right. Quit stalling. The Sandejas are after you,
too.”

I fisted my palms.

“What?”

“Those men who’d attack you in your new unit,” aniya. “Those were from them.
Cole told me about it, and we investigated. Gusto ka nilang kunin para gamitin
laban sa ama mo.”

“What do you mean? Use me? How?” I asked. “Wala sa kulungan ang Dad kaya
bakit ako gagamitin? Wala naman akong alam?”

“They didn’t know it yet,” he warned. “They didn’t know you were oblivious
about your father’s whereabouts, so I am sure they’d try targeting you again. They
were the reason you lost your memories, remember?”

Natahimik ako at ipinikit ang mata, sinusuklay ang buhok ng daliri.

“They kidnapped you, Zahrah,” aniya. “Cole told me you still have nightmares
from it.”

Hindi ako umimik at mas napapapikit nang manakit muli ang ulo. Suddenly, the
fire exit was too tight… and dark.

“Attorney—”

“They let you go because they thought you were already dead,” he continued.
“But we managed to save and protect you. Your father almost died for it. Then they
found out about your new unit—you even heard it yourself. They were sent by that
fucked up family.”

Sumikip ang dibdib ko kaya napahawak ako ro’n at sumandal ako sa pader.

I think… I think I’m having a panic attack.

“They were after you. What they did wasn’t the first time and probably not
the last.” His voice echoed like a chant. “Careful, Zahrah. One day, they might
catch you off guard. Maybe this time, you won’t be able to escape.”

I didn’t even have the chance to say my goodbyes when the call ended because
I was hyperventilating.

Kidnap, they’re going to take me again. They’re going to…

I squealed when the lights went out as the thunder roared.

Mas sumikip ang paghinga ko. Ang tahimik na fire exit ay napuno ng ingay mula
sa nagtatawanang lalaki.

The smell of smoke, sweat, and liquor filled my senses as they dragged me
inside.

It was dark. Dark. Dark.

Dumausdos ako ng upo sa pader at inaangat ang kamay para kapain ang kutsilyo
ko. But then even my shaking hands couldn’t find the knife I was keeping with me.

Wala akong bag! Wala akong gamit! Wala akong p’wedeng gamitin para
protektahan ang sarili ko! Mahuhuli ako! Papatayin nila ako!

I realized I still had my phone with me so with my trembling hands, I tried

calling for help. I kept on scrolling, panicking but the sound of roaring thunder
made me jump, and the phone fell out of my grip.

“M-my phone,” I whispered and crawled on the dark floor to look for it, but
the thunder startled me again I fell on my butt.

The whispers intensified, and the laughter almost deafened me.

“Hawakan n’yo lang, ‘di naman magsusubong ‘yan!” they said.

“Tan ina mo, mamaya niyan mapatay pa tayo! Ang bilin, ikulong at itago! H’wag
daw pakialaman!”

“Bakit, malalaman ba?” someone asked and then the demons laughed harder that
my grip on my knife tightened.

If you get here, I’d escape. I’d kill you all. My family would kill you
all!

Mas dumilim ang tingin ko at sumiksik sa gilid, inaantay ang pagpasok ng

lalaki na maghahatid sa akin ng pagkain.

In the darkness, I saw the dim light forming from a flashlight when the doors
creaked and opened.

Mas ikinuyom ko ang kamay.

He’s coming… He’s coming…

I’m gonna kill him!

Nang tumama ang flashlight sa mukha ko ay sumigaw ako at umatake.

“Zahrah!”

I screamed and scratched the man in the dark, trying to hurt him, trying to
damage him!

I have to escape! I have to go! My family would be worried of me! Ang Mommy
ko! Ang Mommy ko iiyak ‘yon kapag wala ako!

“Zahrah!”

“Let me go!” I screamed and scratched him with my nails. “Let me go! Fuck
you!”

“It’s me!” I stiffened and stopped scratching when I heard that voice.

Why was his voice…

“Zahrah, wake up,” I heard his voice again. “Baby, come on, snap out of
it!”

They will kill me… I’m gonna die…

“Zahrah!” I felt a caress on my cheek as his other large arm restrained me.
“Look at me. Snap out of it. Come back!”

Oh, God… They’re gonna kill me.

Ang pamilya ko, ang mommy ko… ang mahal ko…

They’re gonna be worried about me. I have to go home…

“Bella.” That soothing voice caressed my senses back, trying to push the
nightmares away back to the closet but they were trying to take me with them.

I wanna go… I wanna come back to my family…

“Zahrah,” he called again but the darkness was still luring me with them.
I can’t escape. I can’t go out. They will kill me!
 I heard a deep sigh and a feathery kiss on my head.

“Clyte,” he whispered. “Clyte-Clyte, come back… it’s me.”

I snapped back.

The moment I shifted my gaze on him was the same time the lights lit up,
showing me his familiar face and blue eyes.

I opened my mouth to speak but before I could even say a word, everything
went black.

I had a dream, something I couldn’t quite place. Something I wasn’t sure if

it was a dream or a fragment of my imagination.

But in it, I was with a man and another girl. We’re a trio and then I saw
myself laughing at the bickering happening around then it shifted to the woman
showing us what she had bought for a trip from another country.

And there was a lady, a pretty one in her red dress and sweet smile. I
couldn’t quite place where I had seen her, but she was very familiar to me. Sa
lahat ng nasa panaginip ko, ngayon lang nagkaroon ng mukha ang mga tao roon. It was
only her.

“Darling,” she smiled widely and offered her arms. “I heard you accepted an
event coordinator offer?”

“Yes, My,” I said gently, smiling. “And I showed them my plans for the event
but I’m not sure if… they’d like it?”

“What?” Her red lips protruded. “Why won’t they love my daughter’s designs?
Patingin nga si Mommy, ‘nak?”

Nervous and excited, I showed her my iPad and opened the tab for my design.
She took it from me. Habang abala siya sa pagtingin ng disenyo ko at plano sa event
ay kinagat ko ang labi, kinakabahan pa.

Would she like it?

My mom was great at this, and I was worried if she would like it. I hoped I
didn’t disappoint her. I hoped never to disappoint her.

“Wow.” When her face lit up and her black eyes twinkled, my heart jumped.

“So…?”

“It’s great! Fabulous!” she chirped. “Who would not love these designs?
Kakausapin ko lang!”

I bit my lip, hopeful and worried. “You loved it?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” She cupped my cheek. “Everything you do is magic.

You weren’t my baby if you aren’t.”

Napangiti ako nang halikan niya ang noo ko at hinaplos-haplos ang pisngi ko.

“Are you open for suggestion, darling?” she asked kaya mabilis akong tumango
at mas dumagundong ang puso ko.
 Of course! I wanted to learn!

“Great,” ngumiti siya nang malambing at inaya akong paupo sa sofa at itinuro
sa akin ang disenyo. “It’s up to you, okay? You are the coordinator, and the final
decision will be coming from you. I am only here to suggest.”

“Okay po,” I answered softly, still beaming with excitement.

She smiled sweetly again then pointed a part in my messy sketch. I was good
with designing in actuality, but really, I was not that great at drawing. ‘Di ako
nagmana sa kanya.

“I suggest you lift this one up,” aniya at habang pinapaliwanag niya sa ‘kin
kung bakit mas maganda iyon ay mas nagiging payapa lang ang puso ko.

If I was asked what was the greatest blessing ever given to me? It will be
her.

The sound of television news woke me up from my slumber, but I didn’t open my
eyes just yet when I heard some hush voices talking inside the room.

“Do you think it’s a good thing to do?”

“Yes,” I heard Veròn’s voice. “She was having a blackout, she was
terrified,
Zy.”

I heard another man sighing.

“I know that feeling, it was hard. She was probably relieving her memories
from the past—if not from her trauma in the kidnapping.”

I tried so hard not to flinch. I kept my eyes closed and focused, remembering
the things happening before I fainted.

I had a panic attack. I thought I was back in that dark place where I was
kidnapped.

“Would you tell her?” the other voice asked.

“I have to,” he answered. “Sebastian was out of jail. He’s gonna take her
away. I couldn’t risk it.”

“I know,” he sighed. “I doubled her security as per your instruction, but

won’t you tell Tita about this first?”

“Her security’s at risk, too, Zy. She was almost ambushed last week on her
way to the office. If she found out this early, baka magkagulo lang. You know how
anxious she was when it came to her. We have to take everything slow. We did not
make it this far, only to fail. I can’t lose this. I can’t lose her.”

“Alright,” he sighed. “I’ll be at your disposal whenever you need help.

Macky’s private jet is staying at the airport. One call and a pilot will come to
your aid. Just… be careful, okay?”

“Yes, thanks, man,” Veròn answered. “Is Bullet with you?”

“Hmm, she’s in the hotel with our children. We’ll fly back to Manila tonight
but don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”
 “Alright, let’s go before she wakes up. Hatid na kita palabas.”

“Aww, so sweet,” he giggled, and I heard a couple of curses until I heard

footsteps leaving the room.

Sumulyap ako sa pintuan bago pa sila makalabas at natigilan pagkakita ng

likod ng lalaking kasama niya.

He was tall, sporting a man bun with the inks of his tattoos escaping his
nape and sleeves. Natulos ako.

It was Lloyd.

But why did he call him Zy?

I pretended to sleep as I processed everything and as my memories from

earlier rushed back, I remembered the name they had called me.

Clyte…

Was I Clyte?

When I heard the door creaking open, I stirred from my bed, trying to fake
waking up, and moments later, he was there beside me.

“Zahrah? Are you okay?”

I opened my eyes and tried sitting up. He helped me rest my back on the
headboard of the clinic’s bed.

“What happened?” I asked, trying to fake my confusion.

“You blacked out,” he explained and sat beside me, taking my palm with him.

I almost flinched but masked it by snatching my hand from his grip and
brushing my hair.

Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko at napatitig saglit sa kamay niya bago sumulyap

sa
akin.

“You had a panic attack,” he explained while watching me closely. “The

electricity got cut off in the whole area earlier because of the storm but it was
already restored. Mabuti na lang at may generator kanina.”

Tumango ako.

“I’m sorry,” I sighed. “Did I worry you? Nagulat lang talaga ako at nag-panic
and yes, I-I remembered back when I was kidnapped. Did I hurt you?”

Like an instinct, my eyes looked on his arm and then his face, he shook his
head at me.

“I’m fine.” Muli niyang inabot ang palad ko nang makita niyang hindi na
muling okupado. I let him this time.

He might get suspicious.

His grip on my palm tightened after a while and I watched his fingers graze
on my palm, hesitating for something.

“Do you…” His blue eyes met mine. “Remember everything earlier?”

Yes…

I shook my head.

“I blacked out,” I lied while staring into his eyes. “Basta narinig kitang
tinatawag ako.”

His shoulders squared.

“Pero ‘di na masyado basta nawalan ako ng malay,” dagdag ko at nakita ko ang
halong ginhawa at bigo sa mga mata niya sa sinabi ko.

“Sorry… if I hurt you.” Tumitig ako sa maliit na kalmot sa litaw na parte ng

braso niya. “I just…”

“I know. You don’t have to explain.” He squeezed my hand and after a moment
of silence asked, “Would you like to see your therapist?”

I immediately shook my head.

“N-no,” I answered. “No, I’m fine…”

His gaze stayed on me, and I thought he’d force me to see one, but he reached
for my cheek and removed the strands of hair on my face.

“I’m gonna get you food,” aniya. “We’ll go home after the rain stops.”

Hindi na ako nagreklamo nang umalis siya at sinulyapan ang paligid. The clock
said it was already eight in the evening. I think I fell asleep for two hours.

When he came back with the tray of food, I remained silent.

“Come on, eat,” aniya at inilapit sa bibig ko ang kutsara pero dagli akong
nag-iwas at umayos ng upo.

I saw the confusion in his eyes, but I quickly smiled.

“Ako na,” marahang sinabi ko. “I’m fine, Veròn. Really.”

He nodded, hesitating for a while but he let me take the utensils to eat
alone. Pero ‘di siya lumayo, he remained on my side, waiting for me to ask him for
help. If not, nire-refill niya ang inumin ko ‘di kaya’y hinuhuli ang buhok ko kung
mahuhulog iyon pabalik sa likod ng tainga ko.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” he asked.

I nodded and thanked him when he gave me a fruit shake.

“Thank you,” I whispered, pinapalamig ang kamay kong nakahawak sa plastic na

lagayan.

“No worries, hoping that would lift your mood.” Tumitig siya. “I understand
you don’t want to talk about it but anytime you find yourself wanting to talk
about… things, anything, let me know.”
 Tumango ako.

I still have a lot of questions inside my head.

About whom he really was? What’s the truth? Who was I?

But my suspicion for him only rose whenever I remembered his talk with Lloyd,
or was it really his friend’s name? Were they really friends?

They were talking about me and my father. If they had an idea I was fooling
them and I was Israel Sebastian’s daughter, then…

But no… Veròn was a good man. He cared for me. He even said he loves me!

Pero paano pala kung alagad siya ng mga Sandejas? Nasabi na noon nina Bryce
na nakilala nila ang pamilyang ‘yon noon at kahit sabihin nilang huwaran iyon at
mabubuting tao, walang huwaran sa tao kapag iniharap mo sa pera.

Was he one of them?

No, I refused to believe it. He took me to his house to protect me! It was me
who wanted to fool him by pretending to be his secretary!

I will prove to Attorney Fernandez he wasn’t like that.

Magkasama kaming dalawa papunta sa opisina niya para kunin ang mga gamit at
uuwi na kami. Tumila na ang ulan at hawak-hawak ko ang kamay niya habang tahimik
kaming naglalakad.

I stiffened when my finger touched the gold ring in his pinky. Natigilan din
siya at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa.

I opened my mouth to ask when Atty. Lindsay Marasigan appeared and called his
attention.

“Prosecutor, hello, can I have a word?” the lady asked. She smiled when she
saw me. “Hi, Zahrah!”

Nag-init ang mukha ko at kinuha kaagad ang kamay ko na hawak ni Veròn at

kumaway.

“H-hello, Attorney.”

She gave me a teasing smile and smirked.

“Oh, come on, hija. Don’t be shy, it’s fine! It’s not like this prosecutor of
yours is not talking about you all the time!”

“Attorney…” Veròn called at the lady gasped.

“Oops? Am I not supposed to…” She smiled awkwardly.

Natawa si Veròn at nailing na lang.

“You go first to the office, baby,” aniya. “I’ll follow in a while.”

Tumango ako at nagpaalam bago sila iwan doon para mag-usap.

While walking, my eyes caught the employee’s chart in one of the glass cases.
Suddenly, Attorney Fernandez’s request came to mind.

Lumapit ako kaagad doon, hawak ang phone para kunan ng litrato ang picture
niya pero nadismaya na wala ang picture niya roon.

In the prosecution section was his name, Attorney Veròn Castuares, but other
than that… nothing. Blangko ang parte ng picture niya.

I found myself walking to the office. Pagkapasok ko pa lang ay inikot ko ang

tingin para sa litrato niya kahit saan pero wala! There were old photographs in the
display section, but he was nowhere to be found. Sina Bryce at Meia lang ang
nakikita ko.

Then my eyes caught his office and without even thinking twice, despite my
nervousness, I got inside. Walang diplomas o certificate man lang na naka-display.
Bukod sa coat niya na nasa may sabitan at mga papeles ay wala akong nakitang kahit
anong litrato.

Hinalughog ko ang desk niya.

I needed his ID. I knew for sure it has his photo! I saw it before!

I looked around, carefully lifting the papers to see if it’s underneath.

Hindi niya iyon suot kanina no’ng magkasama kami at siguro ay nandito.

I have to… my eyes caught a familiar blue lace, and I gasped loudly as I
opened the drawer and took it out.

Here it was!

Dali-dali kong hinawakan ang ID at iniangat sa nanginginig pang kamay para

kuhaan ng litrato. I clicked at the same time the door creaked open and I shoved it
quickly back in his drawer.

Nasalubong ko ang tingin niya.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his brows furrowing, his intense blue eyes
confused.

I leaned in on the table and smiled.

“I-I was looking for a pen,” I said. “Parang ‘yong ginagamit ko yata naiwan
ko rito?”

“Hmm?” He nodded. “Alright, have you seen it? Let me—”

“A-ayos lang!” Umayos ako ng tayo at tinulak ang drawer pasara bago lumapit
habang ipinapasok ang phone sa pouch. “I’ll just find a replacement.”

“But you like using it,” aniya. “Let me check the pens—”

I grabbed him by the necktie and pulled him close to kiss his mouth shut.

He stiffened. Nagkatinginan kami sa dilim, ang asul niyang mga mata’y mas
nagdidilim lang.

“Zahrah… why…” When I kissed him again, lumalim ang paghinga niya at mas
lumapit sa akin hanggang sa nagdikit na ang dibdib naming dalawa.
 My breathing labored, too.

When our lips met briefly and separated again, we were already out of our
sanity. Ipinatong ko ang pouch sa table niya at hinila nang marahan ang kurbata
niya para lumuwang.

His breath fanned my face.

“Baby…”

“Let’s make out,” I whispered and started removing his necktie.

I saw his Adam’s apple moving. He licked his lower lip.

“Are you sure?” he asked. I nodded and kissed him again.

“Yes, please,” I almost pleaded.

That was his trigger point. If he was controlling himself at first, he was
out of it now. He lifted me up by my ass as I encircled my arms around his nape
while kissing.

I didn’t even realize he was walking while carrying me until I felt my back
on the couch, and he was on top of me and kissing me senseless.

I was hot and turned on. I used to giggle reading smuts in books and curious
why the characters kept on explaining it in such words I wasn’t even sure if true
=and now that I was doing it with him the second time around, I realized they
weren’t overreacting. It was really that… overwhelming.

I always felt hot for him.

My mouth was probably salivating at the sight of him unbuttoning his dress
shirt with the strands of his hair falling on his forehead. Nakaawang ang
mapupulang labi niya habang iritado ang mata nang ‘di niya mailusot ang isang
butones paalis kaya natawa na ako at bahagyang naupo.

I helped him out and as I removed his shirt off, I planted a kiss on his bare
chest. Lumalim ang paghinga niya at bahagyang nanlaki ang mata pero itinutulak ko
na siya sa sofa.

“Zahrah,” he called sweetly.

“Hmm?” I hummed, kissing his chest until I reached for his nipple. I looked
at him in the eyes and licked.

“Fuck,” he cursed, his body tensing.

Inabot ng palad niya ako para subukang ilayo pero tinapik ko iyon paalis bago
naupo sa hita niya at kinalas ang blouse ko.

I loved how his face shifted, in shock, in lust as I did it. I reveled with
it, fascinated he’s turned on for me. I could even feel him hardening against my
core.

I unclasped my brassiere and with the sight of my breasts, he snapped. Impit

akong napatili nang naupo siya, hinuli ako, at muling pinagpalit ang pwesto naming
dalawa.
 He took one of my nipples in his mouth with his other palm was massaging the
other. Napaigtad ako at sinabunutan ang buhok niya habang inaangat ang balakang
para magmakaawa.

“Veròn…” I pleaded.

“We’ll only make out, Bella,” he whispered as he took the other one in his
mouth, too. “I won’t fuck you now.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“W-why?” I asked.

May kumislap na kung anong emosyon sa mga mata niya.

“We won’t unless you give me permission,” he said and kissed me.

Nagpalitan kami ng malalalim na halik hanggang sa tinulak ko siya.

“I’m giving you permission now,” I said with my shaky breath. “Fuck me.”

His eyes flared but he shook it off and smiled, “I don’t mean it like that.
You’ll understand soon.”

Gulong-gulo ako at magagalit na sana kung ‘di niya lang ako hinila nang
marahan paupo at pasampa pabalik sa kanya habang humihiga siya sa sofa.

“But we could dry hump,” pilyo siyang ngumisi at hindi ako nagpapatalo kaya
sinugod ko siya kaagad ng halik habang ipinupwesto ang sarili.

While we were kissing, I was humping against his crotch, feeling his
hardening dick against my core.

“Fuck,” bulong niya at hinawakan ang baywang ko. “You’re such a fucking
tease, Ortega, you know that?”

“You are such a fucking tease, too, Castuares,” sabat ko at ipinatong ang
palad sa dibdib niya at iginagalaw ang balakang.

I humped on him, and our moans and groans filled his office as we both came.

Nahulog ako sa dibdib niya pahiga pagkatapos at humawak siya sa likod ko

habang humahalik sa ulo ko.

“That was…” he breathed out. “Amazing.”

Nag-init ang mukha ko at sumubsob sa kanyang leeg.

“D-did I do good?” I asked.

He chuckled in my ear.

“Damn, baby. If only you knew. You’re fucking great.”

I scoffed and buried my face more.

Bolero lang yata ‘to!

“What?” he chuckled. “You don’t believe me? Should we do it again—”

 I smacked his chest. He laughed and embraced me more and then his words shook
my world.

“I love you, Zahrah,” he whispered.

I froze. The pace of my heart quickened, and I almost opened my mouth to tell
him I do too but my doubts…

“Thank you,” I whispered back.

“You’re welcome,” he answered me back, startling me. “Everything for you.”

We came home that night and despite my doubts, I was happy. I believed in
Veròn. He won’t just tell me he loved me if he didn’t mean it. I knew.

I was just paranoid. Maybe they were talking about two different things and
one of them happened to be me and my father. Maybe Lloyd’s second name was Zy…

I sent the photo of his ID to Cole, informing him of his father’s request. I
told him to tell me what he’d find out.

Papatunayan ko kay Attorney Kiko na hindi gano’n si Veròn.

The next morning, I found out Veròn left early for an emergency meeting.
Sinabi ni Manang na ‘di na raw ako inistorbo at sobrang aga pa no’n kaya hinayaan
ko na.

After watering my flowers and planting the seeds I germinated last time, I
changed into work clothes to go to the office. Hinatid ako ng driver at kasama ko
ang ilang guards na ibinigay sa akin ni Veròn nang maka-receive ako ng text mula
kay Cole.

From: Cole

Nasaan ka? Sino’ng kasama mo?

To: Cole

I’m in a car, why? I’m alone with some guards.

From: Cole

I have to meet you. Alone.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

To: Cole

What? I can’t! I have guards!

From: Cole

This is urgent, Zahrah! We have to meet now! Gumawa ka ng paraan! I have to

talk to you. Please. This is an emergency.

My heart quickened. Mabilis akong nag-isip, nag-send ng location kay Cole at

dahil maaga pa naman ay nakiusap ako sa guards ko kung p’wedeng bumaba muna ako sa
café at bibili akong kape para kay Veròn.
 “Sama pa po ba kami sa loob, Ma’am?” tanong nito.

I shook my head.

“Ayos lang, Kuya. Dito na lang po kayo sa sasakyan, sa loob lang naman po
ako. Ayos lang po ba kahit hanggang twenty minutes?”

I was thankful when they allowed me and when I got inside and saw Cole on the
far and hidden side of the shop, mas kinabahan lang ako.

He’s wearing a cap and in his casual clothes.

He tensed up when he saw me kaya naupo ako sa harapan niya at sumulyap sa

pintuan.

“The guards are outside. I have to leave before it becomes suspicious.”

He sighed and took my palm.

“You have to leave that company now,” he started.

“What? How about the mission—”

“Fuck the mission, Zahrah! You have to leave. You have to stay away from that
prosecutor now.”

“What?” My forehead creased. “What’s with him? Was he a threat? I don’t think
so. Did you check the ID—”

“He came to fool you, Zahrah,” he cut me off.

Umawang ang labi ko at lumunok. “No, he didn’t. Hindi siya gano’ng tao, Cole.
Alam ko.”

“No, you don’t.” His jaw clenched. “That man wasn’t just Veròn Castuares. He
was fooling you.”

Kumunot ang noo ko, iritado na.

“Do you have proof?” I challenged.

He cursed and my lip twitched when he shoved a news article in the table.

“Read this and see for yourself,” he mumbled darkly. I lowered my eyes and
gasped when I saw a very familiar face in the article.

Emotions and adrenaline ran high as hopeful lawyers and their loved ones
received the announcement from the Supreme Court of the result of this year’s Bar
Exam. 4,906 out of 8,243 aspirants passed and hotshot Atty. Iñigo Sandejas’
firstborn, Alchiel Veròn Sandejas tops this year’s Bar Examination with a
staggering 93.764% ratings! Would he follow his father’s steps or would he create a
legacy of his own?

Kabanata 19

Kabanata 19

Zahrah
 ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

He fooled me. He fucking fooled me.

It was his family who broke mine. It was his family who sent my father to
jail and the reason why my mother died. They were the reason why… I was like this.

Why I was still in the dark, scared of sleeping in the fear of going back to
my nightmares. He was the criminal’s lawyer.

He sent out those men to kill me, to kidnap me again so he could watch me
under his roof.

I was scared but my anger was undermining it.

“Zahrah.”

“I have to go,” mariing sabi ko bago tumayo.

“What? You’ll still go?” Nangunot ang noo niya. “He was fooling you! He’s a
monster!”

“I’ve met with monsters before, Cole. ‘Di na bago sa ‘kin ‘to.” Umiling ako
at naglakad patungong counter para bumili ng kape at hindi maging kahina-hinala.

“What?” he asked, standing beside me. “What are you planning to do?”

“Do my job,” prente kong sagot. “It’s not like anything would change. I was
tasked to help my father and we could use what I know to our advantage. He still
doesn’t know I know his real identity.”

“Zahrah…”

“Cole, alam ko ang ginagawa ko.” Pinipigilan ko ang sariling manginig nang
sabihin ko iyon. “Hindi na ako bata na ‘di kayang magdesisyon sa sarili ko.”

“It’s dangerous,” he sighed. “They will take you again. Let’s just go home to
the mansion—”

“Wasn’t what I’m doing dangerous enough?” I glanced his way with a timid
smile. “If I hide again, where will I go? Prisoned again in that mansion? No, Cole.
I’d rather do this than stay inside that prison you call home.”

Bumuntonghininga siya ulit at hinintay akong magsabi ng order ko sa counter

at nagsalita.

“And your father wants to see you.”

I stiffened. Mabilis ko siyang nilingon at pumilantik ang puso ko sa kaba.

“H-he does?”

I wasn’t sure if I’d be scared or thrilled. I hadn’t seen my father ever

since I came here! Tanging sa pictures ko lang siya nakikita!

Tumango siya. “He just found out about Alchiel Sandejas pretending to fool
you. He said you deserved to know the truth. He wants to see you and talk to you.”
 I swallowed then glanced outside where the guards were.

“I don’t know how to escape,” sagot ko. “I have guards.”

“Fucking Sandejas,” he cursed under his breath. “You are really under his
surveillance. I should’ve known earlier.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” I answered him. “But I won’t back down just for this.
Gagawa ako ng paraan. I’ll text you to fetch me. I will meet my father.”

He nodded. Halatang ayaw pa niya ako pakawalan pabalik sa mga guard pero ‘di
na siya nagsalita.

I was trembling in anger on our way to the office, but I tried to mask it
with a smile.

“Coffee?” ngiti ko kina Meia at Bryce sabay abot ng mga kape.

“Salamat, Zahrah!” Meia beamed happily.

Did she know who he was, too? Or was she fooling me, too?

“Salamat, tamang-tama!” Bryce grinned. “Nga pala, inaantay ka na ni

Prosecutor!”

Did you know, too, Bryce? Were you fooling me, too?

Pirmi akong ngumiti at tumango.

“Let me guess, hindi makaalis sa kurbata niya?” I asked. They chuckled.

“Ayaw niya raw magpaayos kay Atty. Marasigan at baka may magalit…” pahaging
na sabi ni Bryce sabay ngisi sa akin.

I gave him a confused look.

“Asus!” Tinulak ako ni Meia. “Arte nitong si Zahrah! Halatang-halata ka na!

Pasok do’n, dali! May trial ‘yan in two hours!”

Tumawa na lang ako at kaagad na napawi ang ngisi pagkatapat sa pintuan ng

kanyang opisina.

You can do it, Zahrah!

I knocked on the door.

“Come in,” when I heard his voice, I flashed a smile and got inside.

Nagsalubong ang tingin namin. His wonderful blue eyes twinkled at the sight
of me. Napaayos siya ng upo sa gilid ng lamesa niya at pilyong ngumiti.

“Good morning, Bella,” he greeted.

My fucking heart raced that I wanted to rip it out of my chest and throw it
away.

He fooled me. This fucking asshole.

I smiled back.
 “Good morning. Necktie?”

Tumango siya at pinakita sa ‘kin ang hawak.

“How ‘bout this?” he asked kaya lumapit ako sa kanya pagkatapos ilapag sa
lamesa ang kape.

I checked his navy-blue suit and the necktie he’s showing me. Hindi ko kaagad
siya sinagot at naglakad doon sa lagayan niya para tumingin kung may mas babagay
pang iba.

He followed me like a kid. Nakikisilip pa siya sa ginagawa ko at tinuro ang

kulay blue na isa.

“Ito na lang—” I smacked his palm.

“Pangit,” I hissed and took the one with stripes. Iniangat ko iyon bago
itinabi sa suit niya at tumango. “There.”

His lips protruded. Basta na lang niyang nilusot ang pinili niyang kurbata
pabalik sa drawer kaya nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

I didn’t have to say anything because he caught my expression right away and
fished the tie out before folding it neatly while watching my reaction.

“Sorry.” He gave me that handsome grin again. “‘Di na mauulit.”

Liar. Liar. Liar.

Inginuso ko ang lamesa niya kaya lumapit siya roon at sumandal habang
tumatayo naman ako sa harapan niya para iangat ang collar ng dress shirt.

He watched me intensely. I narrowed my eyes at him.

“What is it, Castuares?” Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Inantay kitang mag-ayos ng necktie ko,” pagbibida niya.

“And…?”

“Ayaw kong magalit ka.” Ngumuso siya. “Kahit ang ganda mo kapag nagseselos.”

My eyes widened. I hated that the blood rushed on my cheek, turning my face
probably crimson red and he laughed at my reaction.

“I’m not jealous!” I blurted out loudly.

Tumitig siya at inabot ang panga ko para sa marahang haplos.

“Hmm, I bet not,” he whispered with a playful grin.

“I am not!” singhal ko at umiling. “Feelingero ka r’yan, o, sige! Ikaw na ang

mag-ayos!” Hinagis ko sa kanya ang kurbata. “I’ll be going!”

But he caught me by the waist and pulled me back to him. My face slammed into
his neck. Humahalakhak siyang humalik sa buhok ko.

“Ang ganda-ganda mo talaga,” he whispered solemnly.

 Natahimik kami saglit. Galit ako na ganito kami. Galit ako na niloloko niya
ako.

Pero mas nagagalit ako dahil gustong-gusto kong ganito kami kalapit.

He embraced me without a word. I let him.

The way he held me against his body told me he missed me so badly. That what
he was showing was real I almost forgot he was a lawyer—a prosecutor.

His job was not only to find the truth. He was also a great liar. He mastered
manipulation, twisting his words into action for the jury and the judge to believe
him.

And he’s doing it with me now.

Lumayo ako sa kanya.

I noticed the shock in his eyes when I did that, but it vanished when he saw
me raising the necktie on his collar.

“Sabi ko sa ‘yo matuto ka nang mag-ayos nito,” mahinang turan ko habang

inaayos ang buhol.

He sighed. “I told you I can’t. Wala akong time.”

I rolled my eyes. He chuckled.

“How would you live without me?” I asked out of nowhere.

He chuckled lowly. Inayos ko ang huling buhol.

“I didn’t,” he whispered in a lone tone I almost didn’t hear.

My hand trembled. Sa pag-angat ko ng tingin ay muling nagsalubong ang mata

namin.

His blue eyes, maybe dark at times, but right now, it was almost transparent
stared at me back. I could read the emotions right through them.

Love, pain, longing…

He moved closer. Our breaths mingled.

My heart raced, throbbing painfully against my ribcage.

His eyes fell on my parted lips. My grip tightened on his necktie.

He fooled you, Zahrah!

He moved closer until our noses touched. My breath labored.

He was Alchiel Sandejas! He sent you the kidnappers!

He moved more and just as his lips reached mine, I looked away. His kiss fell
on my jaw.

He gasped.
 “I-I brought you coffee!” agap ko sabay layo at abot no’n sa kanya. “Drink it
before it gets cold.”

Nanatili siyang nakatitig na muntik pang mangatog ang tuhod ko pero sa huli
ay ngumiti, tila naiintindihan at inabot ang kapeng hawak ko.

“Thank you, Miss Ortega.” It shocked me, but his smile told me he wasn’t mad
at all.

Mas sumikip ang pakiramdam ko bago siya tanguan.

“No worries, Prosecutor,” I answered back with a smile before leaving.

Inasikaso ko ang mga mga dokumentong nakalagay sa envelope para sa trial niya
ngayon katulong si Meia. Siya ang may hawak ng final documents na manggagaling kay
Veròn—or should I call him Alchiel?

At first, I didn’t really mind it but because of this revelation, I can’t

help but take a peek. Habang abala sa pag-uusap sina Meia at Bryce ay pasimple kong
inihulog ang envelope sa lapag kaya kumalat doon ang mga dokumento.

Sinakop ko iyon, umaasa pa sa loob-loob na baka nagkakamali lang ako sa lahat

pero tila binuhusan ng malamig na tubig pagkakita ng pangalan at pirma sa isang
case sa ilalim.

Approved and filed by: Prosecutor Alchiel Verón C. Sandejas

Veròn… did he at least introduce me to a part of his name? Even if it’s the
second? It wasn’t a lie?

Stop it, Zahrah! He fooled you!

It punched me in the gut, and I realized how well-played I was. How I

believed in their lies.

They all knew… and they fooled me.

“Zahrah?”

Pinigilan ko ang luha at mas binilisan ang pagsakop sa mga envelope at

tumayo.

“Sorry, nahulog kasi,” I explained.

Her eyes fell on the papers and envelopes I was holding. My heart raced, but
then she smiled widely and nodded.

“Tara na! Para ‘di tayo ma-traffic!” she chirped and helped me.

Wala akong imik sa biyahe. Bryce drove the car to the court, and I was with
Veròn—Alchiel in the backseat. Abala siya sa kausap, kunot ang noo at seryoso
pero nararamdaman ko ang tingin niya sa ‘kin.

He was watching me closely. I could feel his eyes observing, but I chose to
ignore it, merely looking at the vanishing buildings in the city.

He fooled me. He fooled me.

 I kept chanting that inside my head as I thought of ways to meet my father.
Today was my chance. It was his trial and because he’s with me, wala ang guards.
This was my chance to escape.

Habang abala ay pasimple akong nagtipa ng mensahe kay Cole na sunduin ako sa
korte at lalabas ako habang abala sa trial ang fiscal.

I hid my phone when I noticed him watching. I smiled.

“Good luck sa case.”

He nodded and smiled. Umawang ang labi niya para may sabihin sana pero
tumunog ang phone muli kaya naroon na naman ang atensyon niya.

When we reached the court, I realized there was a crowd forming outside
reason why we parked outside the court instead of the parking lot. My forehead
creased.

Lumabas si Verón sa kotse pero nakatitig pa rin ako sa bintana.

“Anong case…” I mumbled, remembering I just took the documents from my table
without reading them.

“Jackson Sebastian,” ani Bryce. “Today was his ruling.”

Oh…

My throat dried up.

“That family.” Umiling si Meia at mas sumikip ang pakiramdam ko sa naisip na

kasama ako roon. “Look at the media!”

May nagbukas ng pintuan sa akin kaya lumabas ako at nasalubong ang seryosong
tingin ni Veròn. It seemed like whatever’s happening was pissing him off.

“Prosecutor,” ani Bryce. “I don’t think we should get inside through the
front entrance. Siguradong pagkakaguluhan ka ng reporters.”

Meia nodded, agreeing.

Veròn’s jaw clenched as he nodded timidly.

“Let’s—” May humarurot na van na papunta sa amin. Bago pa ako makatabi para
‘di mahagip ay tinabunan na ako kaagad ni Verón kaya napasandal ako sa kotse.

My eyes were wide as the van drove past us, but Verón remained looking at me
with the visible fear in his eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked, panicking.

“Prosecutor? Okay lang kayo?” tawag ni Bryce, but the latter remained to
stare at me, protecting me. Balisang-balisa.

Then I remembered he was still traumatized with vans. He told me before.

Maybe… it wasn’t a lie?

I touched his tensed arm.

“It’s fine,” I mumbled, trying to soothe him even if I knew I shouldn’t.

 Mas lumalim ang paghinga niya, ayaw pa rin akong pakawalan.

I gave him a reassuring look.

“It’s fine, promise,” I whispered and reached for his jaw. “It’s gone…”

Fortunately, he relaxed. Well, at least he tried to be. Halata pa rin ang

galit niya at iritasyon dahil sa pirmi ang mga labi niya at nakaigting ang kanyang
panga. His thick brows were furrowed.

Sobrang tahimik niya habang naglalakad kami patungo sa ibang entrance para
hindi ma-ambush ng media.

Hindi ko na napansing kanina pa ako sulyap nang sulyap kay Verón kung hindi
lang pinisil ni Meia ang balikat ko habang iniikot ang braso sa akin.

“Magiging ayos din siya,” aniya sa ‘kin.

I wasn’t scared of that side of him, but I knew for sure other people would.
He looked intimidating, untouchable, and powerful. Like he could destroy anything
whenever he liked. Like he could ruin someone without that person even realizing he
would.

Like you, Zahrah.

I touched my jaw and stayed quiet, observing the people around me to find the
right time to escape.

Verón wore his robe while we were waiting and just as before they called us
inside the courtroom, he walked closer to me.

“I’ll be quick,” aniya at inabot ang buhok ko para ilagay ang iilang tikwas
sa likod ng tainga bago pinagdiskitahan ang bangs ko. “Let eat after.”

I nodded. He looked around. I even sensed his alarm and hesitation before he
squeezed my palm and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

“I hope the verdict will be in our favor,” he mumbled.

I smiled, nodding.

“I’m sure it will,” I answered genuinely.

They may have the same surname as mine, but it did not mean I was like
Jackson Sebastian. I am a woman. It was disheartening to see a fellow woman getting
hurt and abused because powerful men like him think they could and get away with
it.

I didn’t want to see another suffering from traumas, from the abuse that they
mistook it as a sign of love when it wasn’t. It never should have.

I sincerely hope we would win this case.

When he got inside, I realized na bukod sa labas ay mga iilan at piling press
din na narito sa loob. Verón kept on looking at me, na-distract lang siya nang
pumasok ang judge.

And I used it as a chance. Sinulyapan ko sina Meia at si Bryce, lahat sila ay

abala kaya unti-unti akong umatras para makihalubilo sa media sa likod.

I glanced at the crowd one last time, to the defendant, my uncle who caught
my eye and smirked. My jaw clenched.

I gave him a cold look, praying he’d root in jail if his guilt were proven
before turning my back and leaving.

Tumipa ako sa phone, nakita ang mensahe ni Cole na nasa parking na siya at
dagling lumabas doon.

Nakita ko siya kaagad at walang salitang pumasok ako. He started the car and
spoke.

“Turn your phone off.”

Nagitla ako at tinitigan siya.

“Your location,” aniya. “What if Sandejas was monitoring you and saw your
location? Malalaman niyang alam mo na ang totoo. Baka mapahamak ang dad mo kapag
nahuli siya.”

I sighed and nodded.

I just can’t vanish like that, so I typed a quick message to Meia, saying
I’ll be out for a while. May bibilhin lang sa mall.

I texted Veròn, too, knowing he’d read this later after the session at nasa
office ang phone niya bago pinatay ang akin.

“Jackson Sebastian,” I started. “Did he really hurt his wife?”

I felt him tensing but he shrugged.

“I don’t know, Zahrah,” aniya. “I didn’t have the facts for the case, but I
heard our firm was taking care of it.”

My jaw ticked. I knew it was their job to defend their clients, but I can’t
help but feel off that they’re taking clients like him.

“Do you think he’ll win the case?” I asked.

Natahimik siya saglit. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel before
shaking his head.

“I heard the defense was strong but since the last trial, I don’t know. Dad
was stressed. It was your uncle. Naapektuhan din ang kalusugan ng dad mo nang
malaman iyon. It was the fucking asshole’s fault.”

“Who?” I asked.

“Sandejas,” sagot niya at mas nagwala ang puso ko. “That fucking bastard, he
probably paid the judge.”

No, he didn’t!

I bit my tongue.

Zahrah, shut up! You don’t know! Isa ka rin sa nabiktima niya, ‘di ba?
 “He managed to turn that hopeless case in his favor,” aniya. “Dad was glad
because the other prosecutors turned the case down, but that asshole just won’t
back down. He really wanted to drag your family down. He wanted to drag you down.”

I clenched my fist.

“Did you know he went here in Cebu when he found out you’re here?”

Umiling ako, mas nagwawala ang puso sa galit at ‘di maintindihang

pakiramdam.

“That fucktard,” he hissed. “Your father will tell you everything, but I want
to give you a heads up, he’s not in the mood today.”

“W-why?”

“Your uncle,” sagot niya. “If the presiding judge’s verdict was guilty, he’ll
be in jail. They will prison him there like what they did to your dad.”

Hindi na ako muling umimik at tahimik na nagmasid buong biyahe. It took us an

hour and half to reach our destination.

“Dito na?” I asked Cole.

He nodded and got out of the car, so I followed. Sa unang tingin ay mukhang
secluded ang area at walang ibang tao.

I felt him reaching for my waist but before he could, I silently took a
step
away.

He stiffened but then moistened his lower lip and nodded. “There is a safe
house here. Nandito ang dad mo.”

Tumango ako at tahimik na sumunod sa kanya, nagwawala ang dibdib sa kaba na

makikita ko na ang ama.

The safe house has full-on security. Sumaludo pa ang guards kay Cole
pagkakita. They narrowed their eyes at me after and I looked away, nervous.

Nakapasok kami sa malaking mansyon. I knew for sure my family has connections
here in Cebu at narito ang Tito at ibang kamag-anakan ng Dad. Maybe they helped him
escape when the Sandejas kidnapped him?

May mga armadong lalaking sumalubong sa amin sa mismong pintuan.

“Protocol lang po,” ani nito at kinapkapan si Cole.

I took a step back when they were about to touch me.

“He’s Sir Israel’s daughter,” ani Cole. “She’s fine.”

“Sorry, Attorney, pero kailangan po. Protocol.”

My heart raced. While looking at their large bodies and guns strapped on
their chest, I remembered some people who were there when I was kidnapped. They
looked like this.

“I-I don’t have anything,” sinabi ko at binuksan ang bag.

 “Pasensya na, Ma’am, pero kailangan.”

I bit my lip and nodded.

Ayaw ko…

“S-sure,” I whispered.

I trembled. My heart raced as they moved closer to me, and I was waiting for
their hands on me when I heard a deep, manly voice.

“Don’t touch my daughter!”

My breath caught up in my lungs. Dagli akong nag-angat ng tingin at namilog

ang mata pagkakita sa may edad na lalaki sa may pintuan.

He was a tall man. He was obviously good-looking when he was young based on
his sharp bone structure. His eyes were deep black, scary, and strict. His head was
almost filled with white strands of hair neatly combed.

Nakasuot pa siya ng suit, and he was leaping a little, the reason why he had
his black cane.

“Sir? Protocol—”

“She is my daughter. Didn’t you hear it?” Acid dripped in his voice. Mas
umikot ang sikmura ko sa kaba.

Hindi gumalaw ang lalaki, mukhang nagtataka pa rin.

“Move!” my father exclaimed. I almost jumped at his tone, and my grip on my

bag tightened.

“Sorry, Sir.” Umatras ito palayo.

Nanatili akong nakatitig sa lalaki.

It’s my father…

My eyes stung when, from his strict expression, it softened. Umangat ang labi
niya sa ngiti at iniangat ang kamay.

“My daughter,” he said gently.

My lips quivered.

He opened his arms and nodded. “Come here, hija.”

And I ran. Muntik nang mabuwal ang Dad sa biglaang pagyakap ko sa kanya. He
chuckled but then he embraced me back.

“My Zahrah,” he whispered. “Ang laki-laki na ng dalaga ko.”

“D-dad?” Nangatal ako, umiiyak. “A-are you my dad?”

“Yes…” Mas humigpit ang hawak niya. “Ang laki-laki mo na. Parang dati, umaasa
lang ako sa mga litrato mo para masubaybayan ka paglaki.”

I couldn’t help but sob, gripping his coat as he hugged me tightly.

 “I-I’m sorry, Dad,” I cried. “I’m sorry I haven’t saved you from jail. I’m
sorry I was a failure—”

“No, you weren’t!” he sighed and gently pushed me away, my eyes meeting his
black ones. “You did your best, and you are still doing everything you could,
right?”

Did I?

I hesitantly nodded.

Mas lumambing ang mga mata niya.

“That is enough for me, hija,” he mumbled and touched my cheek. “You…” His
eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Y-you look like your mother, Zahrah,” bulong niya kaya mas kumawala ang luha
sa mga mata ko at ‘di na napigilan ang paghagulhol ng iyak.

“A-am I?”

“Hmm.” His eyes softened more. “You got her eyes…”

“Really…” bulong ko, hindi makapaniwalang kasama ko ang ama!

“Yes,” he answered lovingly. “O-oh, I missed Ritchelle so bad.”

My heart broke when he brushed his tears off his cheek and reached for my
trembling hand.

“B-but I’m sure she is happy and smiling at us from above because, finally,
we’re together now.”

He embraced me again and assisted me to the living room to sit on the couch.
My father sat in front of me, accepting the handkerchief the maid was offering to
dry his tears. I did the same and thanked the girl.

“Please,” ani Dad. “Please prepare some food for my unica hija.”

I was given water and I hadn’t fully recovered when Cole sat beside me,
offering me a hug. I accepted it and sighed.

“I told you he loves you,” he whispered. I nodded.

I glanced at my father again who was talking to Atty. Kiko Fernandez. Unlike
me, he recovered right away but his face remained cold and serious.

Jail took a toll on him. He still kinda looked the same but different at the
same time. Siguro ay dahil sa edad na rin at sa kulungan dahil namayat siya. Though
he still has the scary, commanding aura surrounding him, ‘di maikakailang nanghina
siya sa pagkakakulong.

He has wrinkles and lines showing his age. He somehow looked frail if you
stare at him briefly. He was sick.

They did this to my father.

Biglang tumayo ang Dad. Ni hindi niya ako nilingon habang humahakbang paalis,
mukhang galit habang nakasunod sa kanya si Atty. Kiko na may kausap sa telepono.

“What happened?” I asked Cole.

He shook his head.

“I don’t know. Let me check.”

He stood and left to follow them while I looked around the house, observing
the place, and realized there were a lot of CCTV cameras in there.

It was taking them so long and it was lunch kaya nang tinawag ako ng maid
para magtanghalian sabi raw ni Dad ay sumunod na lang ako.

Tungkol kaya iyon sa hatol ng kaso ni Jackson?

I confirmed it when the pissed-off Cole sat beside me in the dining area.

“What happened?”

“Guilty,” he sighed loudly. “The verdict was guilty.”

Nangunot ang noo ko pero pinigilan ko ang pag-iiba ng reaksyon sa sinabi

niya, pilit na itinatago na masaya ako sa naging verdict.

He was guilty. He hurt his wife and almost got her killed. He fucking
deserved jail time!

Tahimik akong kumain, napatalon pa nang marinig ang pagkakabasag ng kung ano
at ang malakas na sigaw ng Dad.

“That fucking family!” he screamed. “I’m gonna kill them all!”

I tilted my head, fisting my palm to control the fear that was starting to
creep in. I shouldn’t be scared. He’s my father. He protected me.

He rescued me from the Sandejas.

Hindi lumabas ang Dad ng isang oras at akala ko’y ‘di na niya ako lalabasin
kung ‘di lang ako pinatawag sa opisina. Kakausapin daw ako.

I got inside and watched him, his brows furrowing and his jaw clenching. When
he saw me, his face softened. Umayos siya ng upo.

“Zahrah, anak,” marahang tawag niya. “I’m sorry…”

“It’s fine po.” Tumango ako. “I understand.”

He sighed, exhausted. Sumandal siya sa swivel chair habang si Atty. Kiko ay

naupo rin sa couch sa harapan ko habang si Cole ay inihahatid ako sa upuan sa
kabila.

“Your uncle was found guilty,” he started.

I tried hard not to flinch as I nodded.

If he hurt his wife, he deserved it. I didn’t voice it out.

“We had the first half of the case but that fucking asshole.” He shook his
head, his eyes dark in anger. “Manang-mana sa gagong ama niya! Gustong-gustong
sirain ang pamilya natin! He bribed the judge!”

I chewed on my lip and couldn’t stop from voicing myself out anymore.

“What if he really hurt his wife?” I asked. They all froze.

Nakita ko ang gulat sa mga mata ng dad sa biglaang sinabi ko.

“I-I mean, hindi po ako kumakampi pero kung sakaling totoong sinaktan niya
ang asawa niya, wasn’t it the right thing for him to be jailed?” I asked curiously,
waiting for their reaction but I got none until Atty. Kiko spoke.

“Israel, we should tell her the truth,” ani Atty. Kiko.

Hindi umimik ang Dad at tumitig sa kanya. It seemed like they were having a
silent communication, maybe an argument.

“That’s exactly what happened to your father, Zahrah,” ani Atty. na

binalingan ako. “He was accused of hurting your mother after Zidney Sandejas tried
to befriend her to ruin your family.”

My forehead creased.

“What do you mean?”

Nagkatinginan ulit ang Dad at si Atty. Kiko. He nodded.

“You should tell her, Israel,” ani ng abogado at si Dad ay tumango at

humigpit ang hawak sa cane niya bago nagsimula.

“Matagal nang may galit sa pamilya natin ang mga Sandejas. Their youngest
daughter, Zidney Sandejas, disguised herself as Scira Lopez who befriended your
mother to tear our family apart.”

Zidney…

Was that the reason why it sounded so familiar to me? Why my head’s reacting
everytime I heard a mention or dream of her name?

“We thought he was a good woman, but she was a bitch in sheep’s clothing.”
His jaw clenched. “She had killed the family she used to hide her real identity
from us and pointed me as the killer. The fucking wench even went to a psychiatric
facility to bribe her now fucking husband to make an excuse for her! They
manipulated the documents to prove she was having PTSD from seeing me kill her fake
family when the truth was, she was just fucked in the head! She’s crazy!”

My mouth parted.

His voice rose, and his hand trembled more that his nurse had to check on
him, but he swatted her away with his palm while shaking his head.

“I’m fine…”

“Calm down, Israel,” ani Attorney. “We can’t afford to have you sick. Ikaw
ang inaasahan ng anak mo.”

“She…” he sighed. “She manipulated your mother into thinking they were
friends. That I tried to harass her.”
 I closed my eyes and gripped my shaking palm tighter.

“My poor wife, Ritchelle, believed in her, and together, they went to her
family in Manila.” His voice shook. “Hindi ako makasunod. Hindi ko makuha ang mommy
mo dahil ipinagpilitan nila akong maiwan dito! They said they’d hurt you and your
mother if I fight! Mahal ko k-kayo, mahal na mahal ko kayo, wala akong magawa!”

Kumawala ang luha sa mga mata ko habang pinagmamasdan ang ama na nahihirapan
na.

“T-they found out your mother had lung cancer and while she was vulnerable,
she also had you. Hindi namin alam. They pretended to help your mom, but they only
want to take you. T-they kidnapped you from your mother.”

I covered my mouth in shock, the scenarios playing in my head.

“Nagmakaawa ang mommy mo, si R-Ritch. Nagmakaawang ibalik ka b-but they

refused. Ibinalik nila sa akin si Ritchelle pero kinuha ka nila. W-wala akong
magawa. Makapangyarihan sila, anak. Papatayin nila ang mommy mo—ikaw, kung may
gagawin ako pero pinilit ko pa rin. They tortured me and almost got me killed. Your
mom? She was not herself anymore. S-she refused to get treated because you’re gone.
She d-died of cancer.”

And that was my breaking point. My whole body shook in fear, in anger, and in
pain. For my father they framed and for my mother who died without seeing me grow.
I trembled in anger for the things they did. For taking my family away from me.

I covered my face as my cries echoed. I felt large arms wrapping around me

and when I heard his voice, I knew it was my father.

“Shhh…”

Inilayo ako ni Dad sa kanya para tuyuin ang pisngi ko. His eyes were
bloodshot, too. His exhausted face was telling me he looked way older than he
should be.

It was all their fault!

“Nang mawala ang mommy mo, sinubukan kong lumaban. Magagaling na abogado ang
kinuha ko p-pero ano ba’ng magagawa ng tapat na kagaya natin sa mga tusong kagaya
nila? Tuso si Iñigo Sandejas. T-they had the law in their hands, Zahrah. They knew
how to turn it in their f-favor. We were victims.”

“D-didn’t you try to take me b-back?”

“I did.” Nanginginig ang kamay niya nang hagilapin ang palad kong
nanginginig. “But I had no other choice when they offered me a bargain. They
promised not to hurt you in exchange for me pleading guilty to their accusations.”

“T-then how…” Gulong-gulo pa rin ako. “I g-grew up in their family? I thought

I was here the whole time. I-I thought I was homeschooled. H-how…”

“We lied,” he whispered. “In order to protect you from your painful memories,
we had to lie. I’m sorry, anak. The truth was Zidney and Thorn Valderama adopted
you as their daughter. You grew up in their family. I checked up on you with
everything I could pero dinadala ka nila sa ibang bansa para ‘di kita makita but
whenever I got the chance, I was looking after you.”
 He sighed, as if exhausted.

“Nakita kong ayaw mo sa pamilya nila. Alam kong pinaghihigpitan ka nila sa

lahat ng bagay sa takot na makalapit sa ‘yo ang mga tauhan ko but then you somehow
found out the truth about us.”

My heart raced. “About you as my father?”

He nodded, reaching for my cheek again to dry my tears.

“Y-you visited me in jail.” His bloodshot eyes reddened more. “N-nagulat ako
no’n, anak. Hindi ko akalaing malalaman m-mo. You were crying, and it b-broke my
heart. You said you wanted out of that family and I p-promised to save you.”

I was still sobbing, my head spinning with my heart racing against my

ribcage.

“I told you about your mother and you changed your name. I promised I’d
rescue you, but I was too late. They found out you visited me in jail, found out
you changed your surname. Y-you confronted them and… they tried locking you in the
house.” His grip tightened. “You escaped the house, but just as you were on our way
to the place I told you—where Atty. Fernandez was waiting for you, they kidnapped
you. Again.”

And like a broken record, the memories I tried so hard to forget played
inside my head.

Bumilis ang paghinga ko.

“They confined you in a dark place, in a room.” Nang sinabi niya ‘yon ay
nanginig akong lalo sa galit. “I was trying to find you but there were only limited
things I could do inside the cell. Inasahan ko si Attorney na maghanap sa ‘yo nang
malaman naming nakatakas ka.”

I nodded, trying to block those memories out of my head but it was a plague
trying to consume me.

“The car you’re driving crashed. The Sandejas thought you were dead and left
you but luckily,” he smiled despite the pain in his eyes, reaching for my cheek.
“L-luckily, you were alive. We were able to save you, my sweet daughter.”

More tears fell from his eyes.

“I-I’m sorry if we had to confine you
had to protect you from that family, but we
back. They found you and I don’t want to be
obliterating. I had to protect my daughter,
kita.”
in the mansion for so long, hija. We
couldn’t stay quiet anymore. They are
in jail anymore. My health is
p-para sa mommy mo. Dahil mahal k-

I fisted my palm more, anger and resentment filling my chest.

“I-I had to clean my name and you are my only key for it, hija. Alchiel
Sandejas was the key to my freedom and you…” He caressed my cheek gently.

“You had Alchiel in the palm of your hands. You two were friends and I know
somehow, he won’t easily hurt you, at least not when he thinks you still have no
memory of him,” he said in finality. “Use him, Zahrah. Use your cousin to your
advantage.”
 Kabanata 20

Kabanata 20

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Clytemnestra Alyona Sandejas Valderama

Nakatitig ako sa papel na ibinigay sa akin ng ama. It was the legal

guardianship and adoption documents I had with the Sandejas.

My adoptive parents were Zidney Sandejas and Thorn Valderama. I had three
non-biological siblings: Deion Rheus, Scira Rosalie, and Queen Scira Valderama.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I lowered my gaze to the bottom of the

paper and saw the documents were approved and signed by my mother.

Ritchelle Fabroa-Sebastian

My eyes stung. Did they force my mother to sign these? Was she crying in pain
as they took me away from her? I knew she died lonely. I was taken from her.

So, I was Clyte. That was why they called me Clyte.

Kung bakit sa unang pagkikita namin ay gano’n ang tinawag ni Alchiel. Kung
bakit siya nagulat, kung bakit bigla na lang niya akong ‘di nakilala sa pangalawang
pagkikita namin, saying he mistook me for someone else.

Why he was suddenly the prosecutor in the case for my father. Kung bakit
madali lang sa kanyang ma-frame ang ama sa krimen na nangyari sa presinto.

I am Clyte.

I breathed heavily, trying to ease the heaviness on my chest.

But I wasn’t. Not anymore.

I’m Zahrah Bellarose Fabroa Sebastian.

Clyte? She’s dead.

“Did you know all these, Cole?” I asked while he was driving me back to town.

Madilim na at gabi. Gusto ko mang mag-stay sa bahay kasama ang Dad ay hindi
maaari at baka makatunog ang mga Sandejas.

“No.” He shook his head. “Ang mga alam ko lang ang sinabi ko sa ‘yo noon but
everything? I just found out last night while investigating and talking to Dad.”

I sighed, my grip on the documents tightening.

“Are you sure you still wanna pursue this?” aniya at nilingon ako. “This is
dangerous, Zahrah. Just tell me and I’ll turn back to the house—”

“I said I’m doing this,” mariin kong sagot. “I’m not changing my mind, Cole.
I’m doing this.”
 Hindi siya umimik at nailing sa akin. Nakailang hugot pa siya ng malalim na
hininga.

“What are you planning to do, then? This is dangerous. You’re basically in
the dragon’s den,” he retorted. “I am worried, as a friend, Zahrah.”

“It’s better, actually,” malamig kong sagot. “I’m in the dragon’s den, meaning I
could move freely around without them knowing. Hindi pa nila alam na alam ko na ang
plano nila.”

“Zahrah…”

“You know the saying keep your friends close…and enemies closer?” A wicked
smirk escaped my mouth. “That’s what I’m doing, Cole. For the family they denied me
of having. For the lies they fed me, for the pain.”

For this trauma…

Nagpababa ako kay Cole sa mall. He even insisted he’d take me directly to the
house, but I refused.

Nandito na ako. Hindi ko sisirain ang mga plano dahil lang doon!

I was fuming in anger, the loud thoughts screaming coherently in my head.

Gaganti ako. Papatunayan kong walang sala ang ama ko. Paghihigantihan ko ang
ginawa nila sa Mommy!

They took me away from them! They killed my mother!

I called a cab to take me to the house pero kakababa ko pa lang sa sasakyan

ay napansin ko nang maliwanag at maingay sa bahay ni Alchiel Sandejas.

My brows furrowed when I saw groups of men—mostly in black with earpieces

and guns strapped on their chests going in and out of the gate.

I fisted my hand as I walked, trying not to remember the men who took me when
I was kidnapped. Was it one of them?

I looked around cautiously.

I froze on the spot when I met a pair of familiar blue eyes.

“Zahrah!” Lloyd called loudly. Dagli niyang ibinaba ang baril at lumapit sa
akin. “Are you alright?”

“H-huh?” I took a step back and he caught it. Napaayos siya ng tayo at
humakbang ng isa palayo nang mapansin ang ginawa ko.

“Sorry,” aniya. “Are you alright?” Nag-aalala siyang tumitig sa ‘kin.

“Oo.” Tumango-tango ako sa kanya at nagtatakang inikot ang tingin sa paligid.

“Why are there people…”

Nanuyo ang lalamunan kong lalo.

 “They’re security,” aniya at sinuklay ang mahabang buhok na naka-bun ngayon.
“Saan ka galing? We were looking for you.”

“Mall,” I answered. “Bakit?”

His mouth parted.

“You… just went to a mall?”

“Oo,” sagot ko.

“But we looked for you in the nearby malls, you weren’t there,” nagsalubong
ang kilay niya at medyo nanibago akong seryoso siya at madalas siyang nakangiti
kapag nagkikita kami.

“No, hindi ako r’yan sa mall,” I lied, even mentioning the name of a mall a
bit far from our location. “I texted Meia and Verón, ‘di ba nila na-receive?”

“Well… they did.” His eyes still won’t leave mine. “But they didn’t believe
it. We thought you were kidnapped.”

Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat at inikot muli ang tingin.

“Kaya ba maraming security?”

He sighed, nodding.

“Yes, C—I mean Verón panicked. We panicked. We have been looking for you
for hours now. We thought…” Umiling siya at tumitig sa akin. “Are you sure you’re
fine? No scratches or…” Lumambot ang tingin niya.

Galit ako pero ‘di ko maiwasang maniwalang sinsero ang pag-aalala niya.

I shook my head. “I’m fine.”

“Alright,” he breathed out. “You can go inside. I’ll call Verón and Bryce.”

My forehead creased. “Bakit? Nasaan sila?”

“They were still looking for you,” aniya. “Verón was worried. Muntik nang
magwala iyon kanina sa korte.”

He’s worried… of me?

Lies. Lies. Lies.

“Sorry.” Binasa ko ang labi at sumulyap sa bahay. “Pasensya na sa abala sa

ganito… ah, I’ll just…”

Tumango siya bago ako hinayaang pumasok sa loob. Mabilis ang kalabog ng puso
ko habang humahakbang at doon ay sinalubong ako ni Meia.

“Zahrah!” she blurted out, her eyes wide in shock but in relief. “You’re
here! Ayos ka lang?!”

I nodded.

“I just went to a mall, I texted you—”

 “You did but your phone was off!” aniya at pinakatitigan ako. “We couldn’t
track you. We thought you were kidnapped!”

How would I be when I was in the kidnappers’ den?

“Sorry…” Pinalambot ko ang tingin. “I was just looking for a dress I saw
online tapos wala sa kalapit na mall kaya sa iba ako tumingin.”

Her eyes fell on my empty hand.

“But unfortunately, wala rin,” I continued lying.

Tumitig siya sa akin bago bumuntonghininga at hinawakan ang braso ko.

“Pero sure ka, ayos ka lang?” she asked gently.

I nodded. She breathed heavily.

“Good,” ngumiti siya. “Nag-alala kami sa ‘yo, lalo na si Prosecutor. Muntik

nang magkagulo sa korte kanina at hinahanap ka niya. He didn’t believe in your
texts lalo na at mapanganib kanina, naroon ‘yong mga Sebastian.”

Something sharp pierced my heart. I tried not to flinch as I spoke.

“What about the Sebastians?” I asked.

She stiffened but then sighed. “The verdict was guilty. Jackson Sebastian
will be jailed. Nagising si Mrs. Sebastian kaninang umaga rin at mula sa tawag sa
ospital ay sinabi niya ang katotohanan.”

My jaw ticked.

Was it real? I didn’t know now.

God, I didn’t know anymore.

“Kaya natakot at nagalit si Prosecutor. Muntik pa nga siyang mapatapon paalis

sa korte at galit siya pero napigilan namin ni Bryce. He was fuming, Zahrah. Dagdag
pang tuso ang mga Sebastian dito kaya natatakot siya baka kinuha ka para saktan.”

Like what he did with his family? The Sandejas?

Pinisil niya ang kamay ko.

“Kung ‘di ko lang alam na mas madalas parang bato si Prosecutor, iisipin kong
naiiyak na siya,” aniya na may ngiti. “Namumula na ‘yong mata, e. Lalo na habang
kausap si Sir Lloyd.”

He does cry… I remembered way back in the prison when we talked, and he hurt
his hand.

Was it fake? Was any of it real?

Kahit ‘yong tungkol sa nangyari sa kapatid niya?

I didn’t know what to believe anymore.

Hindi pa man ako nakakapagpaalam kay Meia na aakyat saglit para magbihis ay
nakarinig ako ng mabibigat na yapak. I shifted my position to see where it was
coming from and locked gazes with a familiar, dark, and intense blue eyes.

Sa malalaking hakbang ay naglakad siya patungo sa ‘kin. Bago ko pa siya

matawag o kung ano man ay mabilis niya akong naabot at niyakap.

“V-Verón?”

But he remained embracing me so tight I think he’d shatter me. I could hear
his heavy breathing, ragged and quick.

“Verón?” muling tawag ko sa kanya pero sa paglayo niya ay inabot niya ang
braso ko na parang tinitingnan kung may sugat doon o kung ano.

“Are you hurt? May masakit ba sa ‘yo?” he asked, the fear etched in his tone
I almost believed it.

Umiling ako at mas namilog ang mata nang sapuin niya ang pisngi ko para
titigan ang mukha ko, tila may hinahanap doon.

My heart flinched when I noticed his tired and bloodshot eyes. He’s
panicking.

Was it real?

“I’m fine,” marahang sabi ko na. “‘Di ako nasaktan.”

Ilang segundo pa siyang tumitig bago pakawalan ang mukha ko at

bumuntonghininga.

“Where were you?” he asked, his voice sharp.

“Mall,” I told him. “I texted you, right? Kayo ni Meia—”

“I told you not to leave without me or the guards!” His voice rose. My heart
flinched.

Narinig ko ang kumosyon sa paligid hanggang sa kaming dalawa na lang ang

naiwan.

“Ano ngayon?” I asked. “I’m fine, Verón! I just want to be out without the
guards! Nagsabi naman ako, a?”

“You turned your phone off!” aniya. “What do you want me to think? Na ayos ka
lang pero ‘di ka sumasagot sa tawag?” matalim niyang sabi pero matalim din akong
sumagot.

“Lowbatt ako!” I lied. “And I texted you! Kayo ni Meia! Don’t you think it
wasn’t suffocating for me? Na kung hindi guards, ikaw ang kasama ko palagi! Ni
hindi ako p’wedeng lumabas mag-isa! Lahat nakabantay! Nakakasakal ka na!”

He froze. Huli na nang matanto ko ang lumabas sa bibig pero pinigilan ko ang
sariling bawiin iyon. Nilabanan ko siya ng tingin, matalas at naghahamon.

Tumitig siya at nagbaba ng tingin.

“I was just worried,” bulong niya. “I thought—”

“I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself,” I lied again because I knew I

couldn’t.

Not when I knew he was behind it but the next time, I’d be fighting back.
I’ll start now.

His bloodshot eyes met mine again.

“Zahrah—”

“I’m fine, Prosecutor,” matiim kong sabi. “I’m sorry, my phone was dead. You
don’t have to call for the massive security to search for me but thank you. Thank
you for looking and I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Pakisabi rin kina Lloyd na
salamat at saka sa inyo.”

Pinakatitigan niya lang ako, ang asul na mga mata’y halos maging itim na sa
paningin ko dahil sa halo-halong emosyon na nakapaloob doon.

“I went to the mall and tried looking for the clothes I saw online but
unfortunately, I came back empty-handed.” Ipinakita ko pa ang kamay. “I tried to
look for it in another store but found none.”

Nahulog ang tingin niya roon, mas lumalalim ang paghinga.

“W-what clothes?” aniya.

“There…” Lumunok ako. “I think there was a new collection from your sister’s
clothing line?”

This time, I wasn’t lying. I really saw it and I wanted to check—maybe not
today but I was planning one of these days.

“Sinubukan ko lang kung meron na rito,” I added. His eyes softened. “Kaya
sorry if pinag-alala ko kayo, ikaw. Gusto ko lang tingnan at… para makapag-isip.”

He remained looking at me. Nanghina ang tuhod ko habang nakatitig sa kanya

kaya halos sigawan ko ang sarili.

H’wag kang magpapadala, Zahrah! He was playing with you! He’s fooling you
with that pretty face!

My expression hardened.

“I just want some time alone without the guards… or you,” dagdag ko. Hindi
nakaligtas ang pagdaan ng sakit sa mga mata niya lalo na nang talikuran ko siya at
umakyat na sa kwarto.

I told myself I wouldn’t cry again but I proved it wrong when just when I
stepped inside my room and locked the door, tears came rushing.

I went to the shower to clean myself and to try and fool myself the pricks of
liquid I’d been feeling streaming down my face were from it and not tears but who
was I kidding?

Nasasaktan ako. Nagagalit.

Everyone fooled me.

They kidnapped me from my real family, making me believe theirs was a

fairytale. I now know that my dreams were my memories from them—Zidney and Thorn.
It was obvious they were somehow good to me, but I still hadn’t got my memories
back.

Paano kung mga magagandang alaala lang ang gusto ng utak ko dahil doon ako
masaya? My therapist said there were instances wherein our minds would protect us
from pain by making us believe in false realities and if not, it’ll make you
forget.

To save you.

Ang sabi ng Dad ay pinaghihigpitan ako ng pamilya na ikinulong pa nila ako sa

bahay. Everything turned upside down when they found out I already knew about my
father. They kidnapped and left me for dead.

And Verón… oh, God. He’s my fucking cousin!

Ginulo ko ang buhok sa frustration habang naglalakad palabas ng banyo at

inabot ang phone ko sa gilid ng kama at sumalampak ng upo roon.

I know it was only in the papers and I’m not directly related to him but
fucking hell, Zahrah?

And we kissed! And made out! And…

Mas sumabog ang init sa mukha ko, inaapuhap ang bilis ng puso.

What was happening? When we kissed, it felt like it was the first time, but
he was very familiar. When we touched, it felt like oils and embers ready to ignite
brighter to start a fire whenever we were pressed together.

Everything felt like new and old at the same time.

Were we intimate? Even before? Kaya ba hindi mahirap sa kanyang akitin ako ng
halik niya? Ng mga mata niya?

Did he even know we’re not cousins?!

I snapped back and slapped my face.

Of course, he knew you two weren’t. Kaya nga gusto kang kunin sa ama mo!

A lot of questions ran inside my head, but it wasn’t important, at least not
right now.

I needed a plan. I needed to move. I needed to save my family!

My father might be sent to jail again if I didn’t get my act straight this
time.

Determined to make my time valuable, I thought of his sister’s clothing

line.

Crescent Shines

Nagsisi akong ngayon lang ako mas naging determinado at kuryoso sa sinabi
niya. Maybe because if I did, baka nalaman ko kaagad ang katauhan niya dahil sa
kapatid pero ‘di ko nagawa.

Did I forget? Maybe, pero mas nangibabaw sa ‘kin na pinagkatiwalaan ko siya

nang husto kaya ako itong talo ngayon.
 I clicked on the articles and realized like before, that the contents were
unavailable pwera na lang sa catalog ng clothing line at newest collection. It
looked like they took the personal information and photographs out of the site.
Doon na nabuo ang hinala ko.

Sinadya nila dahil alam nilang malalaman ko.

Pero ‘di ako sumuko at sa tuwa’y nakakakita ng impormasyon na naging panimula

ko. It was a video uploaded just yesterday. Kaya siguro ‘di natanggal o napansin.
It was from YouTube, the Crescent Shine CEO’s speech.

“Crest Veronica Sandejas,” I murmured her name.

My breath hitched as I was looking at her pretty face in the camera.

Mukha siyang suplada. Matapang ang features at habang nakatitig ay doon ko

napansing may angle na hawig sila ni Alchiel Sandejas.

She was a fashionista, may kulay ang buhok at kumikinang ang magandang damit.
Sa kanyang braso ay isang chihuahua na naka-shades pa na parang sanay na sanay na
sa set-up.

It was an inspiring speech. She was the guest speaker for a charity
protecting abused women and children. I didn’t know why I found myself tearing up
as she lamented some of the struggles, how she lost the will to live, how she
sought help, and everything up to her recovery.

She shared how she was able to pick up her pen and start designing again. I
was very happy for her.

“Of course, it wasn’t possible without the help of my loving and very
supportive family, the Sandejas.” She smiled sweetly and her sharp features
softened.

“To my dad and mom,” she smiled. “To my siblings, my baby Adi and
Chiel—hoy, Chiel, uwi ka na. Miss ka na raw ng mga pamangkin mo!”

When the crowd laughed, I found myself smiling pero ramdam ko rin ang tila
suntok sa sikmura ko.

He did… fool me.

“To my very handsome and loving Pingu!” she chirped and waved at the crowd.
“And of course, to my babies! Reese and Avery! I love you!”

Mas nagliwanag ang mukha niya na nararamdaman ko ang saya siya kahit nasa
screen lang.

But then, the dog she was carrying glanced her way and I literally heard it
growl.

Natawa si Crest.

“Of course, you too,” she giggled and kissed her growling dog. “Matampuhin
naman, s’yempre special mention ka! Thank you sa may attitude kong anak, Chichay!
Palakpakan n’yo, guys! Baka lapain ako nito mamaya!”

They laughed more, clapping their hands and her voice sounded so sweet and
pleasing when she giggled.

“These people became my inspiration. I strive to be better not just for them.
The most important thing in healing is striving more—for yourself.” Her lips
quivered. “I was happy almost everyone I love was here but I’m still missing
someone.”

Tumitig siya sa camera na pakiramdam ko ay sa akin siya nakatingin.

“At makakalimutan ko ba ang best friend ko?” I felt like her eyes were seeing
through me as I stared at it. “Ikaw na lang ang kulang, kompleto na ako, BFF. Miss
ko na ‘yong kulitan natin at saka ‘yong pagpipilit ni kambal na makisali kahit girl
bonding.”

When her eyes watered, I felt more tears falling down my cheek.

“I know you’ll be back pero p’wede ba… pakibilisan?” She laughed and dried
her tears. “Miss na miss na kasi kita. Uwi ka n-na. Marami akong ginawang damit na
babagay sa ‘yo p-para twinny tayo, Clyte-Clyte.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I exited the site and harshly removed my tears.
Ibinaon ko ang mukha sa unan at humikbi.

Gulong-gulo na ako.

Ayaw ko nang mapaglaruan nang ganito. Ayoko na naaawa ako at nakikisimpatya

sa pamilyang sumira ng buhay ko. Ayoko.

Hindi ako makatulog kaya kahit labag sa kalooban ay pinagpatuloy ko ang

paghahanap ng impormasyon. I couldn’t take to watch the video again, so I went to
another social media account and searched his sister’s name until I found it.

Crest Dmitrov was her name. Nang ikinlick ko ang pangalan ay naka-lock ang
profile, tanging ang picture niya lang na background ang pyramids? Was she in
Egypt?

In her cover photo was her dog in a sparkling violet outfit and when I
scrolled, nothing. Private lahat kaya mas nagsumikap ako hanggang sa nakita ko ang
post ng isang lalaki na may pangalang Earn. When I visited his profile, I got the
jackpot.

He posted some snaps and pictures from her wedding some years ago. Iilan lang
iyon pero sapat na para makiusyoso.

I saw her husband, a handsome police officer with gray eyes. Habang nakatitig
sa litrato ay nangiti ako; the happiness was reverberating. I scrolled more until I
saw a very familiar face.

It was Alchiel with him, smiling with the caption: Pogi ni Fafa Chiel kaso
off-limits na, girls! Bye! #DaddyLongLegs

My brows furrowed and my heart raced when I saw Crest and Alchiel together
smiling widely in the camera. Hindi sila eksaktong magkamukha pero kapag tinitigan
mo ay may anggulong hawig na hawig.

But that wasn’t what caught my attention because, beside Alchiel, there was
an empty space. Maaaring sa kuha lang ng camera at angle pero… I shook my head.

It seemed like I was friends with her. Best friends, perhaps. Wala akong
pakialam kung totoo pero siguro ito na ang tiyansa ko para makapasok sa pamilya.

I needed to obtain copies of documents for my father’s case from the

prosecution. After that, I have to go back to their family by hook or by crook.
This was the only way to do it so I could destroy them from within.

I clenched my fists tighter.

Go back to the Valderama Household. Befriend Crest Sandejas and use her
twin’s attraction to me to get back.

I have to use Alchiel Sandejas.

Tumayo ako para sana bumaba sa kusina at kumuha ng tubig nang makita kong
bukas ang kwarto ni Alchiel.

My heart raced, contemplating if I should get inside or start tomorrow but

when I saw his back as he was leaning on the barricade outside his balcony, I had
decided.

Hubad ang pang-itaas niya. Tanging pantalon lang ang suot at nakapaa. Sa
gilid ng barricade ay nakita ko ang isang baso ng alak, nangangalahati na iyon at
sa kanyang daliri ay nakaipit ang sigarilyo.

My forehead creased. I found myself sneaking inside. Mukhang malalim ang

iniisip niya dahil ‘di niya ako naramdamang pumasok.

I cleared my throat when I got behind him, watching how he tensed up and
glanced at me with his wild blue eyes.

“Zahrah…” tawag niya at nang mapansing ang tingin ko ay nasa sigarilyo ay

dagli niya iyong inilagay sa ash tray para patayin. “I’m sorry…”

I nodded stiffly.

“Stressed?” mahinang tanong ko at lumapit sa barrier para tingnan ang

kalangitan.

It was dark tonight, with no stars illuminating the skies.

Hindi siya umimik at nagitla ako nang may malaking braso na sumakop sa
sikmura ko mula sa likuran. I stiffened when he hugged me from the back and rested
his forehead on my shoulder.

“Verón…”

“Just a minute, please,” he breathed out. “Saglit lang.”

My eyes stung. Mas kumuyom ang kamay ko at hinayaan siyang yakapin ako. His
massive frame loomed on me, sakop na sakop ng katawan niya ang akin.

I sighed as I closed my eyes, trying to relax my tensed muscles for him not
to notice.

“I’m sorry if I raised my voice at you,” bulong niya pagkaraan, ang hininga’y
tumatama sa balikat ko. “I was just worried. I thought…”

“Are you scared?” I asked, opening my eyes to stare at his hands.

 His palm was large and calloused, his fingers thick. Humaplos ang palad niya
sa sikmura ko kaya kita ko ang mga ugat na lumilitaw roon.

“Hmm…” he hummed. “Nalingat lang ako, wala ka na kaya…”

The way his voice trembled made my knees turn into jelly. Mas lumalim ang
paghinga ko.

“I-I’m sorry if was overprotective,” aniya. “I was just scared I’ll lose
you.”

Lies. Lies. Lies.

I chanted to myself.

H’wag kang magpapadala, Zahrah!

“Babawasan ko ang guards mo,” bulong niya. “I’m sure you want them gone and
they will be but not right now, will it be okay?”

Did I have a choice?

I nodded.

“Okay.”

“Like usual, you won’t even feel their presence, but they will be there. I’ll
reduce it to two.”

Tumango akong muli.

“For me…” His voice was weak. “You will have no guards, but could you promise
to inform me if you want to leave? Sasamahan kita pero pangako, ‘di kita guguluhin.
You will have your time alone you won’t even feel I’m there.”

I couldn’t explain how but my chest hurt upon hearing it. Para akong
dinudurog.

Lumayo siya sa pagkakasubsob sa balikat ko pero nanatili pa ring yakap ako.

He rested his cheek on my head.

“If we caught the mastermind for kidnapping you, kung sigurado na akong hindi
ka mapapahamak dahil sa ‘kin ay tatanggalin ko ang guards mo. Please, just…” Muli
siyang humugot ng hininga. “After I make sure you’re safe, I’ll let you go.”

My jaw clenched.

“Tiisin mo muna ako, Zahrah, hmm?” he whispered weakly. “Kaunti na lang.

Promise, after this, I’ll leave you alone.”

When his arms on my stomach loosened, I panicked. Sa paglayo niya ay dagli

akong humarap at nakita siyang tumalikod kaya hinablot ko ang braso niya.

His sleepy blue eyes gazed at me.

“What do you mean you’d leave me alone?” wala sa saring asik ko.

His eyes widened briefly, confusion playing in his eyes.

 “The guards,” sagot niya. “They’ll be gone after, and I will leave you
alone—”

“You can’t leave me alone!” I exclaimed.

I froze. It caught me off guard and it did the same thing to him.

Nag-init ang mukha ko. Mas namula ang mukha niyang namumula na dahil sa alak
na ininom.

I mean… I have to use him! He’s attracted to me! I will use him!

Malakas na singhap ang kumawala sa labi ko nang inisang hakbang niya ako at
hinawakan ang barrier sa magkabilang gilid ko, ikinulong ako sa pagitan ng braso
niya.

He towered me. Inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya at umawang ang labi.

“I can’t leave you alone?” marahan pero may diing tanong niya, namumungay ang
antok na mga mata.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Sumimangot ako.

“Lasing ka na, Prosecutor,” sikmat ko.

His face reddened more.

“I’m not,” he denied. Nanliit ang mata ko at tinusok ang pisngi niya.

“Hindi? E, bakit namumula ka na?”

He frowned and answered. “Mestizo.”

Natawa ako. Mas nagsalubong ang kilay niya at dumilim ang magagandang mata
niya.

“You drank half of your glass,” I retorted, remembering the glass of

liquor.

“I don’t get drunk easily,” sabat niya at ‘yon na yata ang pinakanakakatawang
sinabi niya kaya napatawa ako.

His lips protruded, glaring more. Pissed.

Parang bata!

“Oh, sure.” Ngumuso ako, nagpipigil ng ngiti.

“I meant it!” giit niya.

“Okay,” I answered. “Hindi ako nalalashing…” I mumbled and stopped myself

from laughing so badly when his nose flared.

Pikunin!

“O, sige nga, ubusin mo,” hamon ko sabay abot ng baso niyang nangalahati at
iniangat sa pagitan namin.

He glared at the glass like it was his mortal enemy. I smirked.

 “No thanks. I don’t like the taste,” aniyang suplado. “I’m fine.”

“O, fine. Akin na lang!” I shrugged and while locking gazes with him, I drank
the liquor in one go.

Gumuhit ang pait at tapang sa lalamunan ko at ngumiti ako sa kanya

pagkatapos.

“Masarap naman—” But he caught my chin and tilted it up to crash his lips
on mine.

I was stunned. Wala sa sariling umawang ang labi ko at kinuha niya iyong
tiyansa para galugarin ng halik ang bibig ko.

His tongue sucked on mine until my grip on the glass loosened and it fell.
The loud crashing sound filled the room, but we didn’t care. Umikot ang braso ko sa
kanyang batok at gumanti ng halik, nalalasing hindi sa ininom kung hindi sa
pakiramdam na hatid ng magkahugapong mga labi.

He carried me. I didn’t even know how we got there until I felt my back on
the soft bed, seeing him above me with his seducing eyes watching.

Nakaawang ang labi ko nang itinukod niya ang palad sa itaas ng ulo at humugot
ng malalim na hininga.

“Masarap nga,” bulong niya na nahulog ang tingin sa labi ko.

“‘Y-yong?” My voice trembled. Tumitig lang siya. “‘Yong a-alak?” I repeated.

He moistened his red lips and nodded.

“Oo, kapag nasa labi mo,” he whispered sensually.

Our eyes locked again; it burned me on the inside. My heart raced when he
leaned in again for a kiss.

“W-what are you doing?!” hinahapo kong tanong.

“We’ll make out,” bulong niya, ang bigat ng katawan ay damang-dama ko.

Muling umawang ang labi ko nang humalik siyang muli sa akin, muntik pang
madarang muli sa apoy nang magising sa katotohanan.

I pushed him a little and frowned.

“W-what?” he asked.

“I don’t want to kiss you,” I mumbled, obviously lying to save myself.

Mas naguluhan siya.

“I don’t kiss men who smoke,” sumimangot ako. “Ayoko.”

His eyes widened. Nagkukumahog siyang tumayo at nasuklay ang buhok ng daliri.

“Yeah, right, of course,” he breathed out. “Sorry, I’ll just brush my teeth
and change—”

I pointed to the bathroom. Walang salitang tumakbo siya kaya natawa ako
nailing pero napawi rin kaagad nang magsara ang pintuan, unti-unting natanto ang
mga maling nagawa.

Damn, Zahrah. Nadala ka na naman.

Nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko habang nakahiga sa kama at nag-aantay sa kanya

na ‘di ko na napansing nakatulog na ako.

The next I knew was the series of memories coming back to me disguising
themselves as dreams but this time, I didn’t only see the familiar blue eyes—I
saw all of him, his face. It was him.

In my dreams, we were fighting. We were screaming at each other. I was

crying—he was, too, and the next thing, we were kissing senselessly.

Mabilis ang kalabog ng puso ko, hindi pa rin makuha ang nangyari at gulong-
gulo pero ramdam kong may higit pa sa alaalang ngayon.

But then I saw myself staring at him as those men took me away. I was
screaming for help until it turned black.

“Zahrah!” May naramdaman akong umaalog sa akin. “Zahrah, wake up!”

Those men dragged me. I was panicking, sobbing. Mabilis ang kalabog ng puso
ko habang pinapaharurot ang sasakyan para makatakas hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang
malakas na pagtama ng kung ano sa likod ng sasakyan na minamaneho ko.

I lost control and crashed. Naramdaman ko ang pagtama nang malakas ng ulo ko
kung saan na nahulog na lang ito sa manibela.

My hand was shaking. My eyes were blurry.

I knew I’d lose consciousness soon. I needed to escape.

Help… help, please…

I reached for the door.

I needed to call someone. I needed to call him.

“Putang ina, bakit n’yo binangga?!” sigaw ng isang boses.

Nahulog ang kamay ko at nahuhulog na ang talukap ng mata ko.

“Matatakasan tayo, e! Gago, ano’ng gusto mong gawin ko?!” sabat pa ng isang
boses.

Help… please… someone…

“Yari tayo nito,” ani ng boses.

“Gago, mas yari tayo kapag nalaman ng mga Sandejas ‘to!” he hissed.

Sandejas… did they do this?

“Zahrah!” A familiar voice echoed, pulling me out of the darkness.

Bumukas ang mga mata ko at sa dilim ay nasalubong ko ang asul na kanya,

mabilis ang paghinga at takot ang mga mata.
 “A-are you okay?” he asked. “You’re having a nightmare—” Nabitin ang boses
niya nang abutin ko ang pisngi niya at hinaplos iyon, nakatitig sa mukha ng
lalaking laman palagi ng mga panaginip ko.

“Zahrah?” he called, his eyes wide in panic. “Baby, are you okay?”

“Chiel?” I whispered while staring at him. He froze.

Kabanata 21

Kabanata 21

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Here.” Sumulyap ako at nakitang iniaabot niya sa ‘kin ang tasa ng gatas.

My forehead creased.

“Bakit gatas?” I asked, taking the mug from his hand.

“Pampakalma,” aniya. “You wouldn’t be able to sleep again if you drink

coffee. Madaling araw na. Nilagyan ko ‘yan ng marshmallow, kagaya n’ong paborito
n’yo ni kambal kapag nag-i-sleep over kayo sa bahay?”

My heart flinched. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa mug at sinulyapan siyang nag-

aabang ng reaksyon ko.

“I don’t,” I started. Napaayos siya ng upo, attentive na nag-aabang ng

kasunod.

“You don’t?”

“I remember parts of it,” I said, which was partly true. “But not
everything.”

Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa ‘kin, malalim ang tingin.

“How… what parts?” he asked again.

Hindi ako umimik kaagad at pinagmasdan ang kanyang reaksyon, sinusubukang

humanap ng kasinungalingan sa mga mata niya pero wala akong mahagilap.

It didn’t mean he was innocent, it only meant he was a great liar. Probably
honed it from his job in law.

Sa batas, mas lamang ang mas magaling lumusot at magsinungaling. Mas lamang
ang mas magaling magpaikot at magmanipula.

“Some parts in college,” I said. “And at work. I was a nurse?”

Tumango siya, mukhang nasasabik.

“And an event coordinator,” agap niya. “You liked planning for surprises a
lot, that’s why during your off or even in your free time, you’re accepting
clients.”
 My mouth parted.

That’s why…

So, he did know me like that. We’re pretty close with his twin.

“Crest?” I suddenly asked.

Mas namilog ang mata niya at lumambot ang tingin.

“She’s great! I mean…” he was fidgety, almost excited to tell me more. “She’s
married for some years now, with Padlock.”

Nangunot ang noo ko. He nodded in understanding.

“Ah, okay, ‘di mo pa naaalala siguro ang part na ‘yon but she got married to
the police officer na pinagtsitsismisan natin noon.” He waited for my reaction. I
remained staring.

I bit my lip and shook my head. “Sorry, wala pa ako sa part na ‘yan.”

He chuckled lowly, his eyes softening even more. Hindi ako makapaniwala na
nakikita ko siyang ganito madalas. He was aloof and strict-looking to everyone
else, but when we’re together, it seemed like I was looking at a different person.

Alive, soft, happy, and attentive.

“It’s fine.” Tumango siya at natatawang humawak sa batok. “Pasensya na,

Clyte, medyo na-excite lang ako.”

Clyte…

It sounded so good to hear, but I knew I shouldn’t feel like this.

I’m not Clyte. She died when she got kidnapped.

“It’s fine,” I answered. “Was she okay? With her life or…”

“Hmm, she’s already married with two kids—twin girls, sina Reese at Avery,”
sagot niya, tumatango.

It’s a good name. And oh, twins. Girls? Ito ‘yong sinasabi niya noon?! He was
referring to Crest!

Napatawa ako at bahagyang sumulyap sa mug para ipatong iyon sa table.

“Mabuti at nakakaya pa ng asawa niya at tatlo na ang kailangan ng shopping

maintenance?”

Nakangising sumulyap ako muli sa kanya pero gulat lang siya. Doon ko natanto
ang lumabas sa labi.

Oh…

“You remembered?”

I nodded, quite amazed I did too.

“Not entirely, but sometimes in my dreams, I could see her buying clothes
from the countries she’s visiting for us?” Sinulyapan ko siya. He nodded
enthusiastically. “It’s random colors, I guess, but the same designs. Minsan pink
sa kanya at violet sa akin—tapos ikaw minsan ‘di niya binibilhan kasi sinusumbong
mo kay Tito?”

He laughed. My eyes glinted when it sounded so beautiful. Hearty and

genuine.

“I don’t do that anymore,” agap niya at binasa ang labi. “I mean, nasanay na
ako kaya ‘di ko na sinusumbong. Nagagalit sa ‘kin, e, ‘di ako binibilhan ng kagaya
ng inyo? Paano na tayo magiging matchy-matchy?”

My eyes widened, and I laughed loudly.

“Is… red your favorite color?” I asked suddenly, like I knew what I was
saying.

Ngumisi siya at tumango. Nanliit ang mata ko.

“No, it wasn’t!” I retorted. Nilabanan niya ako ng tingin.

“It is! Red—”

“Red lang ang paborito mo kasi ginagaya mo ‘ko!” I accused.

Natulala siya saglit at unti-unting sinapo ang dibdib niya, nakaawang ang
labi sa akin.

“Excuse me, Clytemnestra?” he asked, extra and dramatic. Like what I was
saying was offending. “Me? I’m not! Paborito ko ang pula—”

“Oh, Chiel, fuck off,” I smirked. “Gusto mo ng neutral! Black and white!
Tapos nakita mo ‘yong sagot ko sa slambook no’ng elementary na red ang gusto ko
tapos in-erase mo ang sagot mo!”

Kung gulat siya’y mas lalo lang ako.

Saan galing ‘yon?! It came out naturally!

“So, you do remember.” Pagak siyang natawa, namamangha pa rin at nagulat ako
nang marahang hilahin niya ako palapit para sa mahigpit na yakap.

“S-so, ginaya mo nga ako?” I whispered.

He chuckled again.

“Hmm… it’s a secret,” aniya. “I’ll only tell you.”

“What? Deretsuhin mo nga ‘ko.” Natawa ako. “Ginaya mo nga?”

He sighed. I pinched his back. He groaned and nodded, burying his face on
my
neck.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “Para matchy-matchy.”

My heart made a quick and familiar jump. I squinted my eyes close when he
embraced me more.
 I felt so tiny in his arms. Isinubsob niya ang mukha ko sa may leeg niya at
humugot ng malalim na hininga habang hinahaplos ang buhok ko.
 “Damn it, you’re back.” He laughed more until I noticed the slight tremble in
his voice.

“Chiel…” When I said his name again, he tensed up.

“You’re back,” he whispered again, caging me in his arms. “You’re back,

you’re back…” he chanted like a prayer.

I closed my eyes as bitterness crept into my mouth.

Don’t, Zahrah. Don’t.

He made it sound so sweet when he lied to me, and I almost believed him but
lesson learned. Never again.

Lumayo ako sa kanya. Hindi ko pinansin ang paghapdi at bigat sa dibdib ko

pagkakita sa asul niyang mga mata. Mapungay iyon at namumula pero pakiramdam ko’y
nadurog ako nang makita ang paghulog ng mga luha sa kanya.

“I looked for you,” he whispered, reaching for my cheek. “I looked for you,
Clyte. I never stopped.”

I reached for his cheek too and removed the tears with my fingers.

“You did?” mahinang tanong ko.

He nodded like a child, his hands trembling against my skin.

“I swear,” bulong niya. “I swear I didn’t stop. I knew I’d find you. I knew
you’d be back. I felt it.” Nanginginig ang kamay niyang inabot ang palad ko at
dinala sa dibdib niya. “Here.”

I felt the thump of his heart against my palm. It was beating the same way as
mine. Quick and flattering but, at the same time, very, very familiar.

I enclosed my palm against his to try and stop him from trembling. While
staring into his eyes, I brought it closer to my lips and kissed his palm.

“Thank you,” I whispered, but his eyes only avoided mine. “Why?” I asked.

“I was too late,” nahihiya niyang ibinulong sa hangin. “I shouldn’t have let
them take you in the first place.”

Huh, you mean you should’ve gotten rid of me before?

Damn, Zahrah. Ayan na naman. Pinigilan ko ang ekspresyon na lumitaw.

Natahimik ako nang inilapit niya ang mukha at idinantay ang noo sa akin.

“I should’ve…” he sighed. “I should’ve protected you better. I’m so sorry,

Bella.”

You really should’ve. If it was real that you loved me. Hindi mo ako
hahayaang muntik nang mamatay sa mga kumuha sa ‘kin noon—ang pamilya mo. I bet
you are so into it, too. I bet you want me dead after I found out the truth about
my father.

Liar. Liar. Liar.

 “It’s not your fault.” Hinawi ko ang luha niya. “You did well, Chiel. Sorry,
too. For leaving.”

“You didn’t leave.” Mas dumilim ang tingin niya. “You were taken from us. It
was their fault, okay? His fault.”

My father?

Tumiim ang panga ko at nagsalita, “My father?”

He stared at me intently, mas madilim na ang ekspresyon.

“He wasn’t your father, Clyte,” aniya. “Walang ama ang gustong ipahamak ang
anak niya.”

Binibilog niya lang ako.

H’wag kang maniwala, Zahrah.

Cole’s voice echoed in my head.

“He will do everything to fool you, Zahrah. Bibilugin ka, papaniwalain sa mga
kwento para kami ang maging masama sa ‘yo. Para maging masama ang dad mo! He will
lure you back to the damned family!”

“It’s my plan, Cole.” I sighed. “I’ll go back so I could hurt them better.”

“Be careful,” aniya. “You are under Alchiel Sandejas’ roof. Kung tuso tayo,
mas tuso ang demonyong ‘yon. He will do everything he could to make you despise
your father.”

“He asked me to look after my dad’s appeal,” I confessed, planning everything

in my head.

Mas tumalim ang tingin niya pero tumango.

“I know, baby. That’s why I accepted you.” Binalingan niya ang bangs ko at
bahagyang sinuklay.

Ngumuso ako.

“Alam mo? So, all this time you’re having fun watching me struggle?” reklamo
ko. “Alam mong pumasok ako sa opisina bilang sekretarya mo para do’n? Paano nga
kung may nakuha ako sa opisina mo at nabigay sa kanila?”

Bumaba ang daliri niya mula sa noo ko sa pisngi hanggang sa baba. He tilted
my chin up while locking gazes with me.

“I have nothing to hide, Clyte,” aniya. “What you have seen in the papers?
They were all real. Kahit ibigay mo sa kanila ‘yon ay wala silang lusot. Israel
Sebastian is guilty. He killed not just Anselmo and Thelma Lopez. Marami pa sila.
He was a demon.”

Hindi ba ikaw?

Tumitig ako sa kanya at naramdaman ang pait, diin, at galit sa kanyang tono.

“There was a reason why your mom entrusted you in Tita Zid’s care,” aniya at
bumuntonghininga. “But we failed to protect you. He took you. I…” Mas dumiin ang
boses niya. “I’m sorry, Clyte, kasalanan ko.”

Umiling ako.

“‘Di mo kasalanan,” bulong ko. “At ayos lang ako. I-I was in the mansion for
years simula no’ng magising ako. I guess, they t-treated me fine?”

“They didn’t,” mariing sinabi niya. “It was never fine when they imprisoned
you in that hell hole. Itinatago ka nila sa ‘kin.”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw you in Biliran a few years ago,” he confessed. Natigilan ako.

“What?”

Nawala ang daliri niya sa baba ko at nahulog ang tingin sa mga kamay ko.
Pinanood ko siyang abutin ang palad ko at paglaruan saglit.

He was fidgety again. This was very familiar to me. I was like this when I
was anxious.

Was he anxious?

“I saw you in the bus station.” His breathing quickened. “I called you, ran
after you, but you vanished.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“I searched the whole province but didn’t find you,” aniya. “N-naisip ko baka
nababaliw lang ako. Maybe I was on the verge of having hallucinations—maybe I
was. Maybe not, but I felt I didn’t. I don’t believe it.”

Kaya ba kami biglang umalis sa Biliran at lumipad dito sa Cebu?

My chest thundered.

“Sinabi ko kina Zy, tinulungan nila ako.” Mas bumilis ang daliri niyang
gumuguhit sa palad ko. “Gusto kitang mahanap, gusto ko patunayang ‘di ako
nababaliw. Alam ko, e. Nakita kita. Alam kong ikaw ‘yon. Ramdam k-ko.”

“Chiel…” marahang tawag ko.

He’s trembling.

“Ramdam ko,” he whispered. “Alam ko na ikaw ‘yong nakita ko. K-kabisado ko

ang likod mo. Alam ko. I seeked for help, gusto kong patunayang ‘di ako nababaliw.
I even met with a new therapist kasi ayaw kong paasahin pa si Dei na nakita kita.
Kasi paano kung hindi pala? Paano kong nababaliw talaga ako o…”

“Chiel…” Hinablot ko ang palad niya. “You weren’t hallucinating. I was in

Biliran, but we suddenly flew here in Cebu.”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin. His bloodshot eyes were still exhausted, but now,
he was in relief.

“Did you?”
 “Y-yeah.” Tumango ako. “Hindi ko alam bakit, naisip ko baka marahil inilipat
galing Maynila ang Dad—I mean si Israel dito. I didn’t question it tapos ilang
buwan at taon din akong naroon lang sa mansyon hanggang sa sumama ako na
mamalengke. T-tapos nakita kita.”

“I knew it,” he chuckled, another batch of tears falling down his bloodshot
eyes. “Kahit l-likod mo, alam ko. Kahit hibla ng b-buhok mo, alam ko. My eyes might
fool me but…”

His gaze fell down my lips until he was leaning on me to place his forehead
against mine. Nagtama ang ilong namin at sabay na humugot ng malalim na
buntonghininga.

“My heart does not lie,” he breathed. “Alam ko. S-sabi ko, si Clyte-Clyte ko
‘yon. S-sigurado ako.”

Nahulog ang luha ko. He panicked and moved a bit away to dry my tears.

“Shh…” he hushed. “Don’t cry, baby.”

“Bakit mo ako inantay?” I asked lowly.

“Bakit hindi?” Lumambing ang mata niya. “Hindi ba, kapag mahal mo,
hihintayin
mo?”

I may have faked everything, but my feelings couldn’t. Galit ako pero kumirot
ang puso ko pagkarinig sa kanya ng mga salitang ‘yon. He was lying but this foolish
heart wanted to believe it so bad.

Wanted to believe he was real. What he was saying was real, but we both knew
we were fooling ourselves. We would end up getting played and hurt.

Pero umiiyak ako kasi ang puso ko—umaasa.

Wala na akong masabi kaya hinatak ko na lang siya at mahigpit na niyakap.

Kahit ngayong gabi lang, pagbibigyan ko ang sariling mahumaling sa bawal na

pagmamahal na ‘to dahil bukas? Magsisimula na ang tunay na laro.

That night, he joined me to sleep. I insisted we sleep together in bed pero

umiling lang siya at dinala ang mga unan sa couch.

“Why?” I asked.

“I’ll be a gentleman today, Bella.” Natawa siya at inangat ang comforter sa

katawan ko. “You are tired. Bukas na tayo mag-usap. I know you still have a lot of
questions, I do too.”

“B-but…” My throat dried up. “You can sleep in bed. Malaki naman? Alam naman
nating pareho na ‘di ka kakasya sa couch sa haba niyang binti mo, Daddy Long Legs.”

His sexy lips pursed. I chuckled.

He looked so tempted as he watched me in bed, but he tilted his head

afterward and stood.

“No.” Umiling siya. “You are tired. Bukas na kita haharutin.”

That night, I slept soundly. I even forgot it was a holiday today kaya wala
kaming pasok sa opisina.

It was almost December. All these years, I spent it with Yaya Mildred and
sometimes, Cole, kapag naroon siya sa mansyon. Magluluto lang, kwentuhan, at
kakain. It was like a regular, usual day for me. How I wish this year would be
different.

I took a bath and fixed myself first.

Sa pagbaba ko ay nasalubong ako ng mabangong niluluto. Sumilip ako at nakagat

ang labi nang makita ang nasa may stove.

It was Alchiel. Bago rin siyang ligo at nakasuot ng kulay itim na shirt at
khaki pants. He’s in his slippers, may twalya pa sa ulong nakapatong at busy sa
iniikot niya roon sa pan, bukas ang laptop sa lamesa.

I tiptoed inside the kitchen and sneaked in like a thief.

Ano kayang nasa laptop niya? Was he checking my father’s case again?

Dahil abala siya sa niluluto ay pumunta ako sa laptop niya para sumilip.

It was my father’s case!

He has a copy of his wanted posters pasted all over the city and…

I scrolled.

“What is it, baby?”

I screamed and slammed the laptop shut. Nanlalaki ang matang nilingon ko
siyang nakahalukipkip sa counter habang pinapanuod ako, ang sandok ay nasa kamay at
nakaangat ang sulok ng labi.

Ang gwapo. Tangina.

“M-morning!” I greeted in a high-pitched voice and brushed my hair. “I-I was

just looking—”

My breath hitched when he walked closer to me and leaned in.

“Looking?” Nahulog ang tingin niya sa labi ko.

“Tinitingnan ko lang kung anong ginagawa mo—” He gave me a soft, feathery

kiss I almost didn’t feel it.

My mouth parted. Mas nagwala ang mga halimaw sa sikmura ko.

Gutom lang ‘yan, Zahrah!

“Morning, Bella,” he smiled and kissed my forehead.

I swallowed. “M-morning?”

He chuckled and kissed the tip of my nose.

“It was Israel’s case,” aniya at idinantay ang palad sa baywang ko. “Open
it.”
 My eyes widened.

“Open? Your laptop?” He nodded kaya nagtataka man ay binuksan ko iyon at

bumungad sa ‘kin ang password niya.

“February 16,” he whispered. “Typed it in. 0216, then your name.”

“My name?” Sinulyapan ko siya, umiikot ang tiyan.

“Clyte,” he mumbled. “Type the number and your name.”

Mabilis ang kalabog ng dibdib ko habang nagtitipa roon, muntik pang manginig
ang kamay nang magbukas nga iyon pagkatapos.

Sinulyapan ko siya.

“What’s with February 16?” I asked. He tilted his head, the mystery and
intrigue playing in his gaze.

“You’ll remember it soon,” he answered, smiling and kissing my cheek. “You

can read it first, I’ll finish the tocino. It’s masarap.”

Natawa ako at kinurot ko siya.

“Okay, Mr. Conyo,” I teased. He gave me a confused look before sighing and
shaking his head.

“I’m not conyo,” reklamo niya at dumeretso sa niluluto niya, uma-attitude na

naman kaya binalingan ko na ang laptop.

Cute…

I read the information in there, memorizing it inside my head in case I

didn’t have a chance to obtain a copy. Nakalagay rito ang mga kaso na isasampa niya
sa prosecution at ang final autopsy reports ng mga biktima.

He’s showing this to me. It’s a good sign, right? Maybe he trusted me?

“It’s final, then? He has fingerprints all over the bodies?” I confirmed.
“No, foul play or anything.”

Natigilan siya sa pag-aayos ng plato namin at nilingon ako. He shook his

head.

“Yes, the forensics finalized the reports sent to us. No further analysis
needed. Israel’s prints are all over their necks and uniforms. No signs of foul
play. Sapat nang ebidensya ‘yon para makasuhan siya.”

Napatango ako at muling binasa ang mga nakasulat.

“The APB was already requested, tinutugis na siya ngayon,” he answered,

watching my reaction.

Hindi n’yo siya mahuhuli…

“In any case,” he started. Kumunot ang noo ko at tumalon ang puso. “Did he
contact you? Or even meet with you?”

He watched me with hawk-like eyes I could almost feel my insides shaking.

Pinirmi ko ang labi at lumaban ng tingin.

“No,” I lied while staring at his eyes. “Ang nakausap ko lang sa kaso at sa
gusto nilang ipagawa sa ‘kin ay si Atty. Fernandez, Dad—Israel’s lawyer. He asked
me to prove or find evidence to help him prove his innocence but with everything
pointing at him? Impossible.”

Tila may binabasa siya sa mukha ko at para hindi mahalata’y ‘di ako nag-iwas
ng tingin.

Slowly, a smile left his lips.

He believed me.

“Alright.” Tumango siya. “You didn’t see or meet him? Baka may nasabi sa ‘yo
si Fernandez kung nasaan siya nagtatago?”

“No.” I shook my head. “It seems like he didn’t know, too. Nakakausap ko siya
minsan at humihingi lang siya ng update sa misyon ko, noon. Now, of course, I knew
what was happening. You said before Israel kidnapped his daughter. It was me,
right?”

He nodded.

Lies. Lies. Lies.

“Then, in that case, I trust you, Chiel,” I sighed. “However, I don’t think
Atty. Fernandez should know I remember some parts of my memories before.”

Tumango siya.

“I agree,” he sighed. “Let me wrap this up for a while, and we’ll go

home—”

“Not now,” sagot ko kaya natigil siya.

“What?” he asked, his forehead creasing. “Why not? They were waiting for you
back home. I’ll keep you safe—”

“Nasa labas pa si Israel,” I said. “It’s better if they were thinking I’m
still pursuing the mission. We can use it to our advantage, paano kung biglang
magpakita si Israel? You can use me to lure him—”

“No, I won’t,” he said hard, looking at me like I was twisted to even offer
that.

My brows furrowed.

“Why not? You should—”

“I said no, Clytemnestra.” Umiling siya at sumulyap sa pagkain, galit na. “I

won’t fucking risk you.”

“But—”

“Eat,” tukoy niya sa pagkain. “I will just talk to Bryce about the APB.”

I didn’t have the chance to voice out my thoughts when he was inside his
bubble again. Him being distant and ruthlessness reverberated as he quietly put
rice on my plate, refilling the juice with not even a glance at me.
 He’s cold again. Did it piss him off knowing I’d communicate with my father
again? Why not? Dahil kukunin ako ni Dad? Dahil gusto niyang siya ang kukuha sa
‘kin at hindi ang ama?

Naiwan akong mag-isa sa kusina. Nakita ko si Manang at nagtanong pero

nagkukulong sa opisina ang isa kaya mag-isa na lang akong kumain at masarap ang
luto niya.

He prepared food for the both of us. Marami iyon at may dalawang plato pang
nakahain pero iniwan akong mag-isa! I sighed and brushed my hair.

You can do it, Zahrah. For your only family!

I was annoyed, too, but I admit I found it hard to lie in his face. Hard to
try and mask my anger for him and his family.

Ang kwento niya’y kabaligtaran ng katotohanan mula sa ama. In his story, my

father was the villain when I knew it was his family who kidnapped me after I found
out the truth. After I changed my name.

They kidnapped me, scared me to death and when I escaped, hinabol ako ng
kamatayan at iniwang nag-aagaw buhay. Nawala man ang alaala ko pero ang ginawa
nila’y nakamarka miski sa pagpikit ko ng mga mata.

“Gago, mas yari tayo kapag nalaman ng mga Sandejas ‘to!” The men’s voice
still echoed in my head.

They said it before I lost consciousness after the car wreck.

And those men? ‘Yong pumunta sa unit ko? I was sure if I asked him, he’d deny
it, but I knew he did that to make me stay under his roof.

After eating and washing the dishes, binalikan ko ang laptop niya at inikot
ang paningin sa kusina kung may camera ba.

There was none in the area where I was sitting, so I took out the spare phone
Cole gave me and took photos of everything I could find useful. Sinabi niya’y baka
mino-monitor ang messages ko ngayon.

I somehow doubted it. Alchiel trusted me, he won’t monitor it, right? But I
still used the spare, ayokong magtiwala masyado sa pakiramdam ko.

Then I sent a text to Cole, warning him about the APB.

To: Cole

I’m sure there will be detectives after you or Atty. Fernandez. Please be
careful. I have sent you the locations for the possible checkpoints. Avoid those
areas.

From: Cole

Thanks, Zahrah. Got it! I will check the files you sent, and your dad says
thank you.

Tila may humaplos sa puso ko roon.

From: Cole
 He said after he got his name cleared, you’ll be happy together again. He
wanted to see you, but my dad says it’s risky.

Did he want to see me?

From: Cole

He was saying if you have time, he’d like to have lunch with you sometime. He
wanted to tell you stories about Tita Ritch. He said you looked a lot like her,
mostly your eyes.

Did it?

The images of my mom flashed inside my head. Her sweet face, her gentle eyes,
and her genuine smile. On how it slowly vanished in the following portraits.

Dahil ba iyon kinuha ako ng mga Sandejas?

Kinalikot ko ang laptop hanggang sa mapunta ako sa photos.

It was mostly from his cases. I didn’t pry to open it and took only the ones
involving my father. I was about to exit it when I found a few folders with a
password.

I clicked on it, trying his laptop’s password and it opened! I was excited,
akala ko’y makakatulong sa kaso ni Dad pero family pictures lang ang naroon.

My forehead creased as I was scrolling, seeing me with him and Crest. It was
his law school graduation. Naka-toga siya at nakaakbay sa amin ni Crest, malaki ang
ngiti naming tatlo.

He graduated with Latin Honors, explaining the medals he was wearing.

Magna Cum Laude

Sa sumunod na mga litrato ay sila ng kambal niya, nilang tatlong

magkakapatid.

Oh, it was Adira. That lady before, the prosecutor! That’s why she acted
that
way!

Sumunod naman ay ang kasama nila ang mom at dad nila.

Iñigo Sandejas at Thallia Castuares-Sandejas.

He looked a lot like his father. Strict-looking and intimidating. Like him,
he has this domineering aura. He’s a scary man. It felt like everyone who got in
his way would be doomed.

The kind of man who would do anything to bend the law in his will. A man who
knew it well enough to be in his favor.

This was the man who put my father in jail. The man who framed him. Kasama si
Zidney Valderama. Pinagkaisahan nila ang pamilya ko at kinuha ako para gamitin sa
sariling pamilya.

I clicked the next picture and saw a video, so I clicked on it.

 “Seryoso ka ba?” Natatawa ang pamilyar na boses ni Crest Sandejas sa
background.

“Oo nga, kambal.” Sumimangot ang naka-toga pa ring si Alchiel sa camera.

“Sinasabi ko sa ‘yo, yari ka. Dapat ang binigay mo ‘yong nasa paso at hindi
‘yang binunot!”

“I had no choice,” aniyang nakasimangot. “I tried raising the roses pero ‘di
tumutubo!”

“Kaya bumili ka na lang?” Crest mocked. “Mas ‘di niya ‘yan maa-appreciate.
Lagot ka—Oh, BFF! Hi! May gift daw sa ‘yo si kambal!”

Bumaba ang camera at nakita ko ang pagsipa ni Crest sa pwet ng kambal kaya
napaabante ang isa, nakasimangot na umangil sa kapatid pero ngumiti pagkatapos
akong lingunin.

My heart raced when I saw myself in front of him. May humagikhik sa camera.

“Nahihiya si kambal,” bulong nito at focus ulit hanggang sa nag-zoom sa mukha

ni Alchiel. “Uy, namumula!”

“U-uh, for you.” Sabay lahad ni Alchiel ng isang pirasong rosas na parang
nakaayos na tila bouquet sa akin na biglang sumimangot.

“Ano ‘to?” I asked.

“Rosas?” he answered.

“Pinutol mo?” I spat, annoyed.

“Huh? Ah…” Binasa niya ang labi sabay baling kay Crest.

“Ayan, sinabi na nga!” Crest sighed.

“Sorry,” ani Chiel na napahawak sa batok. “I tried planting pero ‘di ako
tinutubuan kaya bumili na lang ako and it’s only one! I know you’ll get mad so…”

I sighed, and then I glanced at the camera where Crest was.

“You know about this, don’t you?”

“Uy, hindi, BFF!” she exclaimed. “Sinabihan ko nga pagkakita kong may hawak,
sabi ko dapat ‘yong sa paso ang binigay!”

I glanced at Chiel again. He looked away and scratched his eyebrow.

“Hey,” I called.

He tensed up.

“H-hmm?” Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin. “I’m sorry, I just—isa lang naman naman.
Promise, ‘di na ako uulit. I just tried planting but…” Umiling siya.

The camera moved with Crest cackling in the background.

“Yari, pinapagalitan ni Clyte-Clyte,” she teased. “Iiyak na ‘yan! Iiyak na

‘yan!”
 Alchiel glanced at her and scoffed.

Nagpamaywang ako at pinagmasdan ang lalaking matangkad sa harapan ko pero

namumula at bahagyang nakatungo.

“Sorry na,” he mumbled. “Hindi ko na uulitin. Susubok ako ulit na magtanim.

‘Yon na ang bibigay ko sa sunod!” He even raised his hand like he was saying an
oath.

I tsk-ed, shaking my head. Crest giggled more.

“Naku, Alchiel Verón,” I sighed.

“Sorry na,” lambing niya. “H’wag ka nang magalit. Graduation na graduation

ko, papagalitan mo ‘ko?”

Nanliit ang mata ko. He blinked his eyes adorably, trying to tease that in
the end, I ended up laughing.

“S’werte mo at graduation mo!” I exclaimed. His smile widened.

“Kaya love kita, e!” he exclaimed, and my squeals filled the place when he
embraced me before pulling his laughing twin with us.

The video ended, and when I swiped for the next, I saw Crest’s grin.

“Hello! Gamit na naman natin ang phone ni kambal para hanapin siya at
nawawala siya sa sariling graduation party!” She chuckled.

Lumabas siya sa bahay nila at naglakad patungo sa garden.

“My God,” Crest mumbled. “Nagtatanim silang dalawa!”

She changed the camera’s angle, and then I saw me and Alchiel, still in our
formal attires. Chiel in his white long sleeves and slacks, me in a red dress
squatting in front of the soil and a flowerpot with our dirty hands.

“Ano ‘yang ginagawa n’yong dalawa?”

“I’m teaching him how to plant a rose,” I answered and lifted the stem of the
rose he gave me. “We’ll start with the stem he killed.” The emphasis in the last
words made Crest laugh.

“I didn’t!” Chiel retorted. “Binili ko ‘yan doon—” Pero napawi ang boses
niya isang tingin ko lang.

“I-record natin para may tutorial si Chiel,” Crest laughed. “Magaling ‘to sa
mga batas niya pero tanga-tanga magtanim.”

Alchiel glared at her.

Crest recorded the process of me teaching Alchiel how to do it, and he

listened intently, not minding—if not noticing some soil dirt on his cheek.
Tumatango siya at nakikinig na akala mo’y may lecture.

“That’s it,” I finished. “Gets?”

He nodded. “Yup.”
 “Weh?” ani Crest. “Baka mamaya niyan labas sa kabilang tainga, a?”

“No, I get it,” sabat niya sa kakambal at baling sa ‘kin. “I get it, Clyte.
I’ll do better. Promise.”

I smiled.

“Alright. Show me your first bloom, okay?”

“Nah, the first rose I’d grow will be for you.” He stood and offered his hand
to me. “I promise.”

The video ended but my heart won’t stop racing. Lalo na nang pindutin ko ang
next at nakita ang litrato ng isang pirasong rosas sa pamilyar na paso, sa harapan
no’n ay may sticky note.

I successfully grew a rose! After years! Hope you’re proud of me! I hope you
can have this before it withers. This is for you, Clyte-Clyte! I miss you. Please,
come home.

Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

The last thing I should be doing was pissing Alchiel off.

Nakanguso ako habang dala ang paper bag ng lunch niya ngayon. We didn’t talk
a lot yesterday after he stormed out of the kitchen.

He only cooked for me that night, and when I woke up after falling asleep
while reading a book, he was inside his office again.

Kakatukin ko sana kagabi kaso mas ayos yatang palamigin ko muna ang ulo at
kinabukasan na lang sana pero pagkagising ko no’ng umaga ay maaga raw umalis sabi
ni Manang kaya ang guards ang kasama ko para ihatid ako.

When I got into the office, they were busy. Si Bryce ay nasa labas para mag-
asikaso at tulungan ang pulis sa checkpoint at si Meia ay nasa courthouse para
magpasa ng mga dokumento.

I sighed.

I felt worthless. Tinanggap lang yata talaga ako rito ni Alchiel para
obserbahan at lokohin. I bet he was having fun watching me being like this.

Ano kayang reaksyon niya no’ng malamang nagpapalit ako ng apelyido? Na…
binisita ko ang ama sa kulungan?

Maybe we really did have an understanding before, but it didn’t mean he

wouldn’t hurt me. His family sent those goons in my place to try and take me again,
with him as their lawyer and abandoned them in the end.

All of it so he could lure me back into his family’s hell hole and make me
suffer. He was using the attraction we had—or at least I had to earn my trust
like what he was thinking I was falling into right now.

But no. I knew this was a trap. Blood is always thicker than water.

He may have liked me before, but he still chose his family over me. Which
wasn’t shocking because I knew I’d be choosing my father, too. Over anything else.

Over these stupid, wrong feelings.

He’s evil, but I was sure I could also be one when needed—maybe even
worse.

Kumain akong mag-isa sa cafeteria dahil wala naman akong kasabay at bumalik
sa office na dala ang lunch niya. Hindi siya lumabas simula nang dumating ako.
Nahiya akong yayain kumain at baka abala pero nagdala pa rin ako.

Ang hilig-hilig magpalipas ng pagkain!

I checked my wristwatch again before sighing and decided to knock.

“Come in.”

I twisted the knob when I heard him. Even smiling widely while lifting the
paper bag.

“Chi—” I stiffened when I realized he wasn’t alone in the room.

He’s with Atty. Lorraine, Rome, and Atty. Marasigan! Kahit si Judge ay
nandito!

Shit, bakit dito sila nag-uusap?! ‘Di ba may meeting room naman?

Nasalubong ko ang seryosong mata ni Alchiel at nag-init ang mukha ko sabay

sulyap sa apat na taong nakatingin din sa akin.

“O-oh…” I gasped and smiled awkwardly. Nasalubong ko ang nagtatakang tingin

ni Atty. Lorraine na siyang nakaupo sa tabi ni Chiel sa sofa kaya bigla akong na-
conscious.

“Sorry, may meeting po pala kayo. I’d go back later—”

“What is it, Miss Ortega?” ani Alchiel kaya napatalon ako.

“Ah, gusto ko lang sanang…” My eyes landed on his table and noticed the same
paper bag I had in it. Galing iyon sa may cafeteria na nagse-serve ng lutong bahay.

Mukhang may nagbigay na sa kanya ng lunch?

Muli akong sumulyap sa magandang babae na tinaasan pa ako ng kilay, mukhang

naiiritang naistorbo ko ang meeting nila.

“N-nothing,” bawi ko kaagad. I chuckled, pasimpleng tinatago ang paperbag sa

likod ko at aatras sana nang makarinig ng tikhim.

“What is it? It’s fine.” Umahon si Chiel sa pagkakaupo at naglakad patungo

sa
‘kin.

Mas nagwala ang puso ko habang pinapanood ang bawat hakbang niya hanggang sa
‘di ko na namalayang nakatayo na siya sa harapan ko. Napatulala ako sa dibdib niya.
 Wala siyang necktie. Hindi ba niya pinaayos?

“Zahrah.” He tipped my chin up to catch my gaze.

“Huh?” I asked like a fool.

“What did you have there?” His eyes glanced at the paper bag I was hiding on
my back.

Umiling ako.

“Wala naman—”

“You brought me lunch?” Biglang nagliwanag ang mukha niya at umamo ang
tingin. Mas hindi lang ako mapakali kaya kinurot ko ang daliri.

“Uh, may lunch ka na rin naman yata—”

“Akin ‘yan?” putol niya sabay bitaw sa chin ko at dungaw sa likod ko.

Dahil nga matangkad na tao at mahaba ang legs ay mabilis niyang nasilip ang
hawak ko.

“Give it to me,” aniya.

“Huh? You have lunch already—” Pero nahablot na niya ‘yon sa likod ko at
mabilis na sinilip.

“Wow, menudo?” he asked with a grin.

Ang gwapo. Shit.

Napaiwas ako ng tingin at tumango, hiyang-hiya na sa mga taong nakanganga sa

amin doon. Si Rome lang at Atty. Marasigan ang malaki ang ngiti.

“S-sige na, una na muna ‘ko, Prosecutor. May meeting ka pa—” But he grabbed
my hand and glanced back at his guests.

“Would you mind if my secretary joins the meeting?” he asked. Mas namilog ang
mata ko.

No! Bakit pa?!

“Sure!” The judge smirked at me. “Miss Ortega, please. Join us.”

Gusto ko sanang umatras para tumalilis ng alis pero si Judge ‘to! Nakakahiya
naman!

“Sige po, salamat,” mahinang sabi ko sabay ngiti. “I’ll just take the minutes
for the meeting.”

“Sure!” ngisi niya kaya pasimple kong hinampas ang palad ni Alchiel na
mahinang humalakhak at tumakbo palabas para kunin ang iPad ko.

When I got inside, sinaluduhan ako ni Rome kaya ngumiti ako at inilingan
siya.

“Come ‘er.” Isang tikhim at hawak sa baywang ko’y inakay ako ni Alchiel
papunta sa sofa, sa tabi ni Atty. Lorraine na walang imik.
 My lips pursed as I glanced at Alchiel to ask why he’s leading me there pero
naupo siya sa hand rest ng sofa sa tabi ko at pinatong ang braso sa likuran ng
sandalan ko.

“Kumain ka na?” he suddenly asked, trying hard to whisper, but because of the
quiet room, dinig na dinig iyon.

Napaubo ako bigla, sasabog na yata ang init sa mukha nang ang mga kasama
namin ay nakatitig lang sa aming dalawa.

“Huh?” parang tanga kong tanong sabay sulyap kay Alchiel na pinapanood ako
gamit ang asul niyang mga mata.

He leaned in until I felt a part of his chest on my shoulder to whisper.

“I said, kumain ka na?” he asked in his quiet, hoarse voice.

“Y-yeah.” Muntik ko mahampas ang sarili nang pumiyok ako.

Ngumisi si Rome at kumindat. Tumikhim si Alchiel at naramdaman ko ang mas

paglapit niya sa ‘kin.

“I’m sorry for the interruption. Where are we, Prosecutor Valdez?” baling
niya kay Rome na biglang pumikit-pikit ang mata at umubo.

“A-ah, ano…ah, saan na ba?” lutang niyang sagot kaya napatawa ako.

Biglang lumawak ang ngiti niya pagkarinig sa akin, umawang ang labi at
mukhang may sasabihin pero isang tikhim lang sa tabi ko’y bumalikwas siya at
mabilis na may tinuro sa laptop.

“As I was saying…” bawi niya at itinuloy ang sasabihin.

I followed what they were talking about, realizing it was involving my

father. They discussed the APB and how dangerous he was while he was still out. I
was uncomfortable hearing the lies from them pointing out the crimes he did along
with Jackson Sebastian, who was planning for an appeal.

The way they discussed it was almost believable I almost puked with the
things my father did, but he’s a good man. He won’t do it… right?

“I hope we’ll get the right judge if he’s already caught,” ani ni Judge. “The
families of our victims were demanding us to catch this criminal.”

Lumunok ako at tahimik na nag-note, ramdam ang tingin sa akin ni Chiel.

Nang matapos ay nagpaalam na sa amin sina Attorney Marasigan at si Judge.

Rome even saluted, asking where Meia was at naiwan kami sa loob ng opisina ni
Alchiel.

I kept on noticing her watching him while his eyes remained on me. Nahagip ko
ang tingin ni Atty. Lorraine. She glanced at me impatiently as if waiting for me to
leave.

Nakuha ko naman kaagad.

“Labas muna ako saglit at may pinapasuyo si Meia,” paalam ko kay Chiel at
mukhang may gusto silang pag-usapan pero ‘di magawa dahil narito ako.
 Tumayo ako para asikasuhin ang mga naiwang cup na pinag-inuman ng kape at
tahimik na lumabas para hugasan iyon. Lalabas ako sa opisina dahil sa text ni Meia
na may pinapaabot sa may entrance.

“What are you doing, Verón?” My forehead creased and stopped when I heard
their faint voices in the office before I could even go back.

Bahagyang nakaawang iyon kaya dinig ko ang usapan.

“I know what I’m doing, Lorraine,” he answered formally.

“Really?” She scoffed. “Niloloko ka niya, can’t you see? How could you let
her inside the meeting about her father?!”

I stiffened.

Wait, she knew? Lahat sila ba rito ay alam ang balak niya? Lahat ba sila ay
kilala ako?

“She couldn’t be trusted! Who knows? Baka ginagamit ka lang niya at

nagpapanggap na naaalala ka?” she asked.

“She remembers me—”

“And what? Was that enough reason to let her in the meeting? ‘Di natin alam
ang nasa utak niya. He was with her damned father for years! What if he instructed
her to—”

“Shut up, Lorraine! I know what I’m doing!” His voice roared I almost
flinched. “I’m watching her. I know she won’t.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She laughed bitterly. “Ipapaalala ko lang sa ‘yo na

nakatakas ang ama niya. She was a pawn—”

“Then I’m taking the bait,” he retorted. “I will take her back no matter what
it takes.”

“You’re insane,”

“Sebastian needs to rot in jail.” His voice sharpened. Mas pumait ang
pakiramdam ko. “I have to throw him back to jail. He sent Clyte to spy on me, and
I’m sure if I urge her back to Manila, he’d be alarmed.”

My jaw ticked.

That’s what you think, huh? What if I go back with you with him knowing? What
if I go back with you because of his instructions? Because I wanted to save him
from your damned family?

“You mean you will use her to lure him to us?” aniya. Hindi ko narinig ang
sagot ni Alchiel sa hina n’on.

“Verón,” she sighed. “I understand you were doing this for the family, but
the Sebastians are dangerous people. You will have to get rid of Sebastian first to
try and get his daughter!”

“That’s what I’m doing. I planned this all. I know what I’m doing.”
 “Pero–”

“She was staying under my roof, Lorraine. She has guards. I have eyes on
her,” he retorted. “She wouldn’t—couldn’t do anything without me knowing. I am
monitoring her phone.”

What the fuck?

I gritted my teeth.

Fuck! Mabuti na lang ay ginagamit ko ang phone na ibinigay ni Cole!

Hindi ko na tinapos ang usapan nila nang mag-vibrate ang phone ko dahil sa
texts ni Meia. I went and gave her the documents, enraged.

That’s why he didn’t want me to meet my father again. Dahil kapag bumalik
ako’y mas mahihirapan siyang kunin akong muli pabalik sa pamilya niya!

My jaw clenched. Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa barricade sa rooftop ng

building, nakatitig sa kawalan.

If he still monitored my phone, it meant he still didn’t trust me that much.

Nabasa kaya niya ang mensahe namin ni Cole nitong mga nakaraan bago niya ako bigyan
ng bagong phone? But Cole said he made sure our messages and calls from that phone
were safe.

Maybe he worked on it, right?

I closed my eyes tightly, combing my hair frustratedly.

Damn, Alchiel Sandejas. You’ll be the death of me!

He may still be doubting my intentions even if I told him I started

remembering our past.

I only had a glimpse, of parts of our teenage years, and parts of our college
life but it wasn’t everything. I still missed the part where I found out Israel
Sebastian was my father, when I changed my surname and visited him in prison. Wala
pa sa alaala ko kung paano nila ako ikinulong sa mansyon, tanging ang bangungot
lang nang dukutin ako ang naiiwan.

I had to get his trust more. Make him believe I was not on my father’s side
anymore. In that way, he won’t doubt me. Mas mabilis akong makakabalik sa pamilya
niya.

“There you are.” I almost flinched when I felt a kiss on my cheek.

Sumugat ang ngiti sa labi ko at hinarap si Alchiel na bahagyang nakadukwang

at nakatitig sa akin, malambing ang mata.

“Hey,” I called. “Bakit ka nandito?”

“I was looking for you,” he breathed out. “Nandito ka lang pala.”

“Ah, oo. Pagkaalis kasi ni Meia, naisipan kong magpahangin,” sagot ko. “Ikaw
ba? ‘Di ka pa nagla-lunch, ‘di ba? You should—”

“I brought the food here.” Inangat niya ang paper bag na dala ko kanina.
 My forehead creased.

“Bakit mo dinala rito? Sa baba na tayo—” I frowned when some strands of my

hair flew when the wind blew.

Napapikit ako nang tumama ang dulo ng bangs sa mata at parang napuwing. I
gasped.

“Are you okay?”

Tumango ako sa kanya, nanatiling nakapikit pa rin ang isang mata. I felt him
moving until he was cupping my cheek.

“Hipan ko,” aniya.

“Huh? Why?”

“Napuwing ka,” aniya at pinirmi ako.

Napasandal ako sa barricade sa ginawa niya, ikinakalma ang sarili bago pa ako
manghina sa lapit naming dalawa.

I hate this damn attraction! I hate it!

He opened one of my eyes gently and blew. I blinked, paunti-unti hanggang sa

pakiramdam ko’y wala na ang dumi sa mga mata.

It was a bit blurry when I opened my eyes and met his blue gaze, and then
suddenly, a flash of memory appeared.

Ang langit sa kanyang likuran ay napalitan ng mga libro.

Were we in the library?

He was towering me, wearing his casual dress shirt, natatabunan ng salamin
ang asul na mga mata.

“Alchiel,” I hissed. “Seriously? Akala ko ba mag-aaral ka? Bakit ka nandito?

Library ‘to ng med!”

“Why?” He frowned. “Can’t I study here? Wala namang nakalagay na exclusive

lang sa med? At saka may mga libro dito na hinahanap ko.”

“Oh?” Nanliit ang mata ko. “Kung meron dito, sure akong meron din sa inyo.”

Natigilan siya kaya nanliliit ang mata ko.

“Hmm… gusto mo lang akong guluhin, ano?” I teased with a foolish grin.

“Hindi, a. Puno nga kasi sa amin kaya naki-library ako rito,” palusot pa niya
at pasimpleng umiwas.

I folded my arms on my chest, watching him closely. I was still in my white

uniform, in the library to study for my final examination. I just texted him,
asking where he was, and I was bored.

Hindi ko kasi mahagilap si Crest at nasa Iloilo yata kasama ang mga kaibigan
kaya si Chiel na lang ang ginulo ko. I just told him I was bored, nothing else. Ni
hindi ko sinabing puntahan ako.
 Alam ko namang busy siya kaya nagulat ako na habang naghahanap ako ng libro
dito ay biglang may umihip sa tainga ko!

I almost screamed, but he covered my mouth to stop me, the reason why we’re
in this position now.

“Hmm…” My lip twitched.

“It’s real!” he mumbled and brushed his hair with his fingers. “Maraming tao
ngayon sa library namin at may exams din kami bukas. Dad was the substitute
professor for Criminal Law.”

Namilog ang mata ko.

“Really?”

“Oo.” Ngumuso siya at nakakatuwa kung paano niya kayang magmukhang gwapo at
cute nang sabay. “Kaya kailangan kong mas mag-aral ngayon. Mahirap kasi ‘yon siya
magpa-recit. Isang tingin lang, parang gusto mo nang maiyak.”

I chuckled. Napailing siya at inabot ang bangs ko.

“Tawang-tawa, Clytemnestra?” he asked while brushing my bangs with his

fingers. “Naggupit ka ulit ng bangs?”

I nodded.

“Medyo humaba na kasi kaya iniklian ko lang nang kaunti.”

He sighed. “‘Di mo sinabi sa ‘kin, ‘di ko tuloy napanood.”

Kinaltukan ko na. Tumawa siya at hinagip ang palad ko sabay angat ng kamay
para abutin ang anatomy book na kinukuha ko kanina.

“This one, Bella?” he asked, then pointed it.

I nodded.

“Yup.” He gave it to me kaya niyakap ko na. “And quit with the Bella,
Alchiel. Sasapukin na talaga kita.”

“Nah, ‘di ko na kasalanan kung kinikilig ka,” nguso niya at nang maramdaman
ko nang nagsisimula na naman ang pagwawala ng mga halimaw sa sikmura ay umirap na
ako sa hangin at nilagpasan siya.

He chuckled lowly and followed me.

“Uy, hi, Attorney!” bati ng mga magagandang medicine students pagkakita sa

kanya.

Paanong hindi makikilala e, suki ‘yan dito sa library para lang manggulo?

“Hello, girls,” he greeted back. “And not attorney, I’m still a student, so…”

“Sus! Sigurado namang attorney na ‘yan soon!” they chirped.

“Alright, I hope that works like a charm.” He smiled handsomely again. They
swooned. I rolled my eyes and marched away.
 Papansin! Papansin na Alchiel! Bakit ‘di na lang siya sa sariling library
nila at dito pa talaga nakikiepal?!

“Clyte,” he called when he realized I was marching away.

Hmp!

“Clyte,” he called again. “Clyte-Clyte?”

Pero ‘di ko siya pinansin at binuksan lang ang anatomy book at hinanap ang
kakabisaduhin kong parts. I took out my tracing paper to make my own reviewer, not
minding him calling.

“Suplada naman ni nurse,” aniya na naupo sa tabi ko.

‘Di ko pa rin pinansin. He sighed.

“Ano’ng gawa mo?”

Hinarap ko na siya.

“Mag-aaral ka ba o magdadaldal, Sandejas?” I asked. His eyes widened.

“Uh… aral,” sagot niya at kuha ng mga makakapal niyang codals.

I shook my head and continued doing my reviewer, almost groaning in annoyance

because I couldn’t even trace properly!

Kailangan ko kasing i-drawing itong muscle parts para makabisado at may

practical exams pa. If I redraw and label this as a reviewer ay mas madali sa ‘kin.

Inabot ko ang tumbler ko sa tabi pero nang inalog ko’y wala nang laman.

I bit my lip and then glanced outside. Parang gusto ko ng fruit shake.

“Water?” Nilingon ko si Chiel na inaabot sa akin ang tumbler niya.

Umirap ako sa hangin at ‘di siya pinansin.

“Sungit naman ni BFF,” bulong-bulong niyang nang-aasar. Buti ay napigilan

kong tusukin siya ng lapis ko.

Pero natutuyo na talaga ang lalamunan ko kaya muli akong sumulyap sa kanya at
naabutan siyang nakatingin.

I rolled my eyes, realizing my pride was greater than my thirst!

He chuckled.

“Just drink it, Bella. I won’t finish it.”

“No thanks,” I scoffed, then looked away.

Nag-focus na lang ako sa binabakat ko, napasulyap lang saglit nang tumayo
siya at lumabas nang walang paalam. I used it as my chance to take his tumbler and
drink from it before placing it back to his side like a thief who wouldn’t want to
get caught.
 Hindi naman niya alam na babawasan ko. Hindi ‘yan nagmo-monitor ng tubig
niya, e. Kaya minsan dehydrated na at mas mahal niya ang makakapal niyang law books
kaysa sa buhay niya.

I frowned and glanced at the ugly drawing I started. Bakat na nga lang, ang
pangit pa rin! Wala talaga akong future sa ganito!

I saw him entering the library, so I looked away.

Act like you can’t see him, Clyte!

“Here.”

My eyes brightened when I saw him placing a fruit shake in front of me.
Umawang ang labi ko at nilingon siya na kumindat at pumahalumbaba para titigan ako.

“Welcome, Clyte-Clyte. P’wede ang thank you kiss,” he mumbled, then protruded
his reddish lips.

I frowned at him, wasn’t sure if my cheeks were flushing red or not. Tumawa
siya.

“Kidding, Bella,” he said playfully, taking the book from me along with the
tracing paper.

“Ano’ng binabakat mo? Ako na gagawa, paiyak ka na, e,” aniya at bago ko pa
maagaw ang libro ay nagsimula na siyang ituloy ang sinimulan ko.

“Clyte?”

I snapped back from my reverie and blinked.

“W-what?” I asked.

“You okay?” Humaplos ang daliri niya sa pisngi ko. “You’re spacing out.”

“Y-yeah.” Tumikhim ako at nahulog ang talukap ng mata para damhin ang haplos
niya. “You were saying…?”

“Nothing,” he breathed out and reached for my waist, pulling me closer until
my face was near his.

“What is it?” ulit ko, iminulat ang mata para salubungin ang kanya. “You were
saying?”

“I’m sorry.” Idinantay niya ang noo sa akin. “I think I made you
uncomfortable during the meeting—”

“No, you didn’t.” Umiling ako. “It’s fine. I still haven’t remembered
everything so hearing what he did was still shocking for me. Pero ayos lang, gusto
kong malaman kung ano’ng nangyayari para malaman ko kung ano’ng kasinungalingan sa
hindi.”

He stared at me. Tumitig din ako pabalik at ngumiti, hinahaplos ang panga
niya ng daliri para sabihing ayos lang.

“‘Di ka pa nag-lunch, Prosecutor. Kain ka na?”

“Kain tayo,” aniya at unti-unting inabot ang batok ko ng palad para patakan
ng halik ang noo ko. “I bought shake for you, baby.”

We ate in the rooftop. ‘Yong food ko raw na ibinigay ang kakainin niya! I
insisted na masasayang ‘yong bigay ni Atty. Lorraine kaya dahil ayaw niyang kainin
ay ako na lang! Ito talaga!

Nailing ako nang inilatag niya ang coat niya sa sahig bago ako pinilit maupo
roon bago inangat ang sleeves ng dress shirt hanggang siko kaya napalunok ako
pagkakita sa ugat niyang lumilitaw.

“Madumihan ka,” tawag ko nang mapansing sa mismong sahig siya naupo. “We can
share here!”

“I’m fine.” He glanced at me playfully. “Basta ‘di ka madumihan, ayos na

‘ko.”

Binato ko siya ng walang lamang paper bag. He cackled. His laugh was so
genuine I almost believed it.

“Seryoso, Alchiel.” I tapped the coat. “Tara na rito…”

“But if you insist…” he smirked, and my squeals filled the rooftop when he
sat on the coat and pulled me to sit on his lap.

Our days were like that. I was trying to gain more of his trust so he
wouldn’t doubt me, and slowly, I felt like he was losing up.

I secretly planned everything with Cole. My father was contacting me using

the other phone they gave, and at night, he’d tell me stories about my mother and
how we’re so alike. That he missed her, and even if I was not able to get to know
her, I missed her.

Hindi nila mahanap si Dad. Ni hindi nila mahagilap si Atty. Kiko na kasama
ang Dad dahil maingat siya at nasabihan kong may stake out na nangyayari sa
properties niya.

Luckily, the safe house where my father was staying was not named after the
Sebastians kaya mahirap i-trace.

“Zahrah, ano? Wala ka talagang bibilhing regalo para kay prosecutor?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Meron naman na siya ng halos lahat siguro kaya…” I
shrugged.

It was a lie. It would be Christmas Eve tonight, and we would be having an

intimate celebration in Chiel’s house with Bryce, Meia, and Rome. Pati sina Manang
s’yempre, at ang mga guard na narito.

She bought a shirt for Rome na nabunot niya sa exchange gift namin at ako
naman ay si Bryce ang nabunot. I bought a cologne for him, and of course, I also
have a gift for Alchiel.

Wala akong mahanap na bagay na p’wedeng ibigay kaya nag-crochet na lang ako.
I have learned how to do it because I was in our house for years. Tinuruan ako ni
Yaya Mildred.

It was a keychain. Gumawa ako ng hugis injection na naka-smile para sa kanya.

I also made a small boy character in a suit and blue eyes. Medyo may blush iyon
para kunwari ay lasing with fluffy cheeks because of his nickname: Chiel-taba.
 He told me the story about it. No’ng baby raw kasi siya ay matambok ang
pisngi niya at bilugin hanggang sa toddler siya kaya ‘yon ang inaasar sa kanya ng
tito niya na nadala hanggang paglaki. He said he didn’t mind them calling that like
that kahit naman napaka-fit na niya ngayon at hindi na chubby ang pisngi.

“It’s lambing for me,” aniyang natatawa.

I smirked.

Conyo.

He even showed me the pictures, laughing at how adorable he looked when he

was still a child. They were with me in some of the pictures, pareho kami ng damit
ni Crest at minsan ay kasama siya roon.

Sampid daw.

There were pictures of us in our doll house, magkakapit kami ni Crest na may
mga Barbie at sa likod si Alchiel ay biglang sumingit dala ang robot niyang laruan
pero ‘di raw namin pinayagan sumali at masisira ang dream house namin sa robot
niya.

In the end, siya ang naging taga-narrate ng story line namin.

I can’t help but miss it even though I have no recollection of it happening.

I looked happy in the photos, genuinely happy pero alam ko namang mag-iiba iyon sa
paglaki ko’t mas marami nang alam.

I somehow wish I could remember memories back when we were children and
innocent. I wanted to see him and Crest, aniya’y palagi rin daw kaming magkakalaro
noon ng luto-lutuan.

“Sumasali ka rin kapag naglalaro ng luto-lutuan?” Nanliit ang mata ko.

He smirked. “Yup, why not? S’werte n’yo nga at ang bait ko kahit ginagawa
n’yo lang akong katulong sa luto-lutuan!”

It’s not like I made all this effort because I wanted to—I wanted to
believe that this was my way for him to trust me.

Yes, that’s it. That’s my reason.

This Christmas was different from all those celebrations I had the past few
years. Ang ingay-ingay nina Meia at Rome. Si Bryce ay kasama pa ang girlfriend
niya. Maraming handa at mga regalo.

I already gave my gift to Bryce pero wala pang nagbibigay sa ‘kin. ‘Di pa
tapos ang exchange gift kaya nagtaka ako nang hilahin ako ni Chiel palabas sa
mansyon papunta sa garden kung saan namumunga na ang ibang mga bulaklak kong
itinanim.

The roses weren’t blooming yet since it’ll take time to grow, but I was sure
it will be. At the right time.

“Why?” natatawang tanong ko kay Chiel na naka-santa hat pa at pinilit nina

Rome para sa picture kanina.

“Where’s my gift?” aniya at ngumuso.

 “Gift?” Tumaas ang kilay ko pero nang mukha na siyang manlulumo ay inabot ko
sa kanya ang box na hawak ko. “Ito na po, Chiel-taba. Paiyak ka na, e.”

His smile widened. Like an excited kid, he opened the box and laughed when he
saw what it was.

“You’re making fun of me,” nguso niya sabay turo doon. “Seriously,
injection?”

“Oo,” I grinned. “Buksan mo pa sa ilalim at may isa pa.”

When he pulled the other one beneath, his eyes widened when he saw his doll
counterpart. Namumula ang pisngi n’on at mukhang antok ang asul na mga mata.

“Hawig na ba, Bella?” He placed it beside his face and mimicked the
expression. I giggled.

“Hmm! Hawig na hawig!”

Tumitig siyang muli sa ginawa ko at sumulyap sa ‘kin.

“You made this?”

Bigla akong ginapang ng hiya habang tumatango.

“Yeah, wala kasi akong maisip bilhin at parang meron ka na ng lahat so… I
made that. Sorry kung medyo kirat ‘yong mata kasi ‘di ako super marunong.” I smiled
awkwardly.

He chuckled before pulling me for a hug. Namimilog ang mata ko habang

ibinabaon niya ang mukha sa leeg ko at mahinang tumatawa.

“This… is beautiful,” he whispered. “I loved it. Thank you.”

Nag-init ang mukha ko at unti-unting niyakap siya pabalik.

“And it’s true,” he whispered. “Material things don’t matter because I got
everything now… that I’ve got you.”

My heart throbbed. Umawang ang labi ko para sana may sabihin pero lumayo na
siya sa akin, maingat na ibinalik sa box ang regalo ko at ngumiti.

“Cover your eyes, love,” aniya.

“Huh?”

He moistened his lower lip.

“Nabunot kita sa exchange gift.” He pursed his lips. “And I’ll give you your
gift now.”

“Ohh…” Tumango ako at tinakpan ang mata, pinigil ang tawa at narinig ko ang
reklamo niya nang tumama ang paa kung saan at nagpa-panic siya.

“Ikalma mo, Alchiel,” I mused. He cursed again.

“Fuck, sorry!” Narinig ko ang kalampag bago siya tumikhim. “Tanginang tumama
ang hinliliit ko!”
 “What?” My forehead creased. “Are you okay?” Akmang aalisin ko ang harang sa
mga mata nang pinigilan niya ako’t sinabing ayos lang siya.

“Well, it’s not much but,” he sighed after a bit. “Don’t expect so much,
baby. I suck at giving gifts.”

“Can I see it now?” I asked.

“Hmm…”

Unti-unti’y iminulat ko ang mata at namilog ang mata nang makita ang pasong
hawak niya. It has one, single blooming rose.

My mouth parted.

“W-was that…”

“This is my second bloom,” aniya. “The first one died, and I spent years
growing another so I could show you I can plant now. Well… at least I’m trying
hard. I promised I’d show you I’ve learned from your lessons how to grow, but I
still suck.” He fidgeted.

Lumunok ako.

“However, I kept on trying. I even asked for help from your mom, Tita Zid.
Napagalitan pa nga ako at napatay ko ‘yong ilang bulaklak niya.” Namula siya pero
‘di ko rin alam kung paano o bakit pero nangingilid lang ang luha ko habang
nakatitig sa paso.

I remembered the video. The first bloom he had and how it died and withered.
And now… he was showing me the next.

“And this one… this one started blooming when I found you,” he mumbled and
stared at me, his eyes glistening.

“Chiel…”

“I know this isn’t much, but…” He swallowed. “This is my gift for you. Merry
Christmas, Clyte-Clyte.”

Nahulog ang luha ko. ‘Di ko na napigilan ang sariling takbuhin siya at
niyakap nang mahigpit.

He gasped and did his best to secure the pot while hugging me tight and
kissing my head.

“Thank y-you,” bulong ko. “Merry Christmas, C-Chiel.”

“Merry Christmas, Bella,” he whispered solemnly. “This year was my happiest.

Thank you… for bringing me back to life.”

My heart pounded harshly, knocking on my ribcage.

Ayaw ko ng ganito. Ayaw kong paulit-ulit na ipaalala sa sarili na hindi dapat

ako nagpapaapekto. Na ‘di ko dapat nararamdaman ‘to.

He was my mission! I shouldn’t be doing this! I shouldn’t be falling in love

with him!
 I shouldn’t!

Think of your mission, Clyte! Ang dad mo! Ang mom mo! That family kidnapped
you and robbed you of the family you should have had! Wake up from that daydream!

My heart and my mind fought, and though my heart was the one winning, I
shouldn’t let it have the upper hand.

Watering this blooming attraction would hurt me. This love will only make my
heart wither or worse… die.

“I-I wanna go home now.”

He stiffened. Bahagyang lumayo siya sa ‘kin para hawakan ang braso ko at

hanapin ang mga mata ko.

“W-what… what do you mean?”

“Let’s go home,” I whispered while staring at his eyes. “Let’s go back.

Please?”

Mas nagtubig ang mata niya.

“Are you sure? Do you know what you’re saying…”

“Yes,” I breathed. “I-I wanna go back. Ayaw ko na rito.”

“Sure…” He nodded continuously, his eyes panicking and excited. Surprised.

“We’ll go home. Let’s go home.”

And it happened in a blink of an eye. Just a few days later, during the last
day of the year, we were in the chopper on the way to what he called home.

Kabado ako, hindi sigurado at takot sa mga desisyong pinasok ko pero nandito
na kami. Ito na ‘yon.

It was night when we reached their turf. Maingay ang buong mansyon sa
ancestral house nila. Mahigpit ang hawak ko kay Chiel na kanina pa ako
pinapaalalahanan na magiging maayos ang lahat, na matutuwa sila sa surpresa.

Walang iba kung hindi ako.

I was scared but deep within, I hated to acknowledge but I could feel a bit
of excitement and longing.

“Fifteen seconds,” ani Chiel na sinapo ang mukha ko. “Are you sure about
this?”

Natawa ako.

“Nandito na tayo, aatras pa ba?”

His eyes softened. He leaned in to kiss my head and squeezed my palm.

“They will love this,” he murmured. “Matagal na naming hiling ‘to.”

“Three… two… one! Happy New Year, everyone!” I heard the cheers, the sound of
the roaring fireworks, and the sound system. At the same time, he gently pulled me
out of our hiding spot to show me to his family.

Natahimik ang lahat. Sa kabila ng tuloy-tuloy na tugtog at mga paputok ay ang

mga mata nila’y nasa akin. Gulat at akala mo’y nakakita ng multo.

“Happy New Year, Ma’am! Surprise!” ani ng isang lalaki roon pero ang pansin
ko ay natuon sa isang pamilyar na babae na pinakamalapit sa amin, umaawang ang labi
habang nakatitig.

“A-anak? C-Clyte?” Zidney Valderama called.

Kabanata 23

Kabanata 23

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Hindi ko alam kung paano mag-re-react lalo na nang umiiyak akong takbuhin ni
Zidney at yakapin.

“My daughter,” she whispered. “O-oh, God. Am I dreaming? Am I…”

She was trembling lalo na nang abutin niya ang pisngi ko at pakatitigan ang
mga mata ko. I met with her gaze, my heart roaring against my rib cage.

I was nervous. I’ve only seen her face in photos and in my dreams and now,
seeing her in person still felt like she was a figment of my imagination. I saw her
in my head. I heard her gentle voice reading me to sleep.

My heart felt so dull and empty before but now, seeing her made me feel
something? Why? Who was this woman?

“C-Clyte, is that you?” she asked again. When I heard the motherly tone I
thought was the delusion I was creating inside my head, I couldn’t stop myself from
crying anymore.

“M-mom?” I called and that’s when she cried louder.

Muntik na akong mabuwal nang may panibagong braso ang pumalibot sa amin at
nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nasalubong ang itim na mga mata ni Thorn Valderama.

My dad…

Mas nanlabo ang mga mata ko at ‘di na napigilan ang paghagulgol sa paghapit
nila sa akin ng mga mahihigpit na yakap. I was shaking. Naisip ko’y marahil ay
nadadala lang ako sa pag-iyak nila kaya ako ganito pero sino bang niloloko ko?

I knew deep inside that I was somehow happy they were like this—even if
it’s a mere act. I was happy kasi naranasan ko na ganito pala ang pakiramdam na may
pamilya?

The arms of the parents I grew up with were warm, and it made me feel at
home. They were crying and despite the happy music booming in the background, ang
gaan-gaan ng pakiramdam ko.

This is wrong, Clyte. Bakit ang lambot-lambot ng puso mo?

 Clyte? I’m not Clyte. I am Zahrah Sebastian!

I cried harder and lifted my hand, hesitating at first but found myself
wrapping my arms back at them. I closed my eyes and selfishly embraced the warmth
and peace they were giving.

Minsan lang naman ako makaramdam ng pagmamahal ng mga magulang. Hindi naman
iyon masama, hindi ba?

“T-Thorn,” I heard her trembling voice calling her husband. “T-tell me I’m
not hallucinating. Tell me I’m not f-fucked in the head, I think I…”

“You weren’t, Reyna,” he breathed. “Our Clyte is here. She’s home.”

She cried louder, even burying her head on my shoulder to make sure I was
real. That I wasn’t a ghost.

Dahil doon ay nakita ko ang sarili sa kanya. Kung paano ako naniwalang nasa
utak ko lang sila, na gawa-gawa ng imahinasyon kong umaasam ng init ng pagmamahal
mula sa mga magulang at napatunayang totoo iyon.

Kahit alam kong sa umpisa lang.

I felt Zidney’s head getting heavy on shoulder. Naaalarma akong sumulyap kay
Thorn.

“D-dad, I think Mom’s…” Nang mabuwal ang katawan ni Zidney ay nagmura siya at
mabilis na nasalo ang huli.

“Damn… Zidney!” he exclaimed in shock and caught her.

Dinaga rin ang puso ko ng kaba. Will she be alright? Was she…

Thorn must’ve sensed the panic I had because he glanced my way again after
carrying Zidney in his arms.

“Your mother will be fine, anak,” he assured me gently, his eyes bloodshot.

Anak…

“I’ll get back to you. Let me just check her, hmm?” he hummed.

“O-opo.” I nodded, still worried as I followed them. He gently put her on a

soft couch and I was taking a step forward to join but got caught up with pairs of
eyes watching me.

Walang umiimik. Para din silang nakakakita ng multo habang nakatulala sa ‘kin
at mas nahiya ako at kinabahan.

Nakita ko si Lloyd—I mean Zion na may buhat na batang lalaki at kasama ang
kanyang asawa. They both smiled at me. I nodded hesitantly.

I looked around again.

I knew their faces. Oh, God. I was familiar with their names because some of
them were part of my dreams and memories but most of them were from the profile
Cole gave me.

I swallowed. My heart raced as I looked around to find Chiel, afraid and

nervous until I met his blue eyes.

He gave me a small, reassuring smile. His eyes were bloodshot, too.

“It’s fine,” he mouthed and before I could even answer him back ay may
brasong dumamba sa may paanan ko.

Nahulog ang tingin ko roon at nakita ang isang bata.

“A-Ate ko.” Her voice shook. “Ate Clyte, i-ikaw po ‘yan?”

A tear fell down my cheek.

“H-hello, Queen. Ang t-tagal bang nawala ni ate at big girl ka n-na?” I
greeted and cried as I knelt and embraced her.

May mga yumakap pa sa akin at mas napahagulgol lang ako nang makita sina
Scira at Deion.

“Ate…” tawag nila at nag-iyakan kaming apat.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Hindi ko alam kung paanong miss na miss ko sila
kahit alam kong ‘di ko naman sila kadugo. It’s not like they’re involved in the
family’s schemes, right?

Totoong minahal nila ako bilang ate?

I can’t stop my heart from the blooming hope filling the gaps in my heart.

New Year naman. Wala namang masama maging masaya din kahit saglit lang?

Everyone was emotional. My siblings introduced me to their families and I

couldn’t believe my eyes seeing it.

“G-gano’n ba ako katagal na n-nawala at may pamilya na kayo at anak?” tanong

ko, nagwawala ang puso sa tuwa na may sarili na silang pamilya at masaya na sa
buhay.

“T-this is my husband, Warren, Ate,” Scira sniffed as she introduced her

husband. Nagngitian kami at nagkamay.

“Hello, nice to finally meet you again,” he said smoothly. Tinitigan ko ang
lalaki at may kung anong alaala ang sumugat sa isip sa ngiti niya.

I have met this man!

“Nice to see you. Again,” sagot ko pabalik.

“And this is my son, Timothy. We call him Tonton,” Scira said happily.

My gaze softened as I glanced at the handsome kid she was carrying.

“Hi, Tonton,” I mumbled and reached for his tiny fingers gripping mine.

I talked to Deion, too. Tahimik lang kasi siya at hindi masyadong umiimik,
nakatulala lang sa ‘kin at kagaya yata ni Zidney kanina ay iniisip na baka multo
lang ako.

“Hi, Dei,” I smiled gently. “W-won’t you introduce me to the little boy?”
Sumulyap ako sa batang nasa braso niya.

“O-oh!” Napaahon siya ng tayo, nanginginig pa ang kamay nang ayusin ang bata
sa braso at may tinawag kung saan. “Ate…”

“H-hmm?” Tumitig ako sa bata na nahihiyang nagtago sa leeg niya.

He introduced me to him and to the girl with a handsome baby boy walking
closer to us. Mas namilog ang mata ko at namamanghang sinulyapan si Deion.

“Oh my God. Don’t tell me…”

He shyly licked his lip and nodded, chuckling.

“Tagal mo kasing umuwi,” nahihiyang bulong pa niya at natawa ako nang

humakbang siya palapit at niyakap ako.

Everyone was waiting to talk to me. My cousins embraced me, saying they were
happy I was back and didn’t ask for more. I was overwhelmed and at the same time,
pleased with the warm welcome.

Pero parang may kulang pa. I was still looking for someone…

Inikot ko ang paningin at medyo kinabahan nang makita ang mga tito at tita
kaya sumulyap ako kay Chiel.

Hindi ko na kailangang kunin ang pansin niya dahil nakatingin siya sa akin at
pinapanood ang bawat kilos ko kahit kausap niya ang Dad at si Zeijan Sandejas.

As if sensing my ongoing panic, he gave me another reassuring smile. Unti-

unting gumaan ang loob ko.

“Want me to come?” he mouthed.

Nag-init ang mukha ko at umiling na lang sabay sulyap sa harapan. Medyo

natigilan pa ako nang masalubong ang tingin ni Judge Iñigo Sandejas.

He was the one who framed my father in jail. I should feel threatened, right?

“Clyte,” he called, his voice warm and welcoming.

He had this intimidating aura but his voice was soothing and calm. Peaceful.

Sa bagay, he’s a judge now but he was a former lawyer and prosecutor. He must
have flowery words and a soothing voice to get the juror’s sympathies.

“Tito,” tawag ko at nang ilahad niya ang braso ay yumakap ako sa kanya.

He was warm, like my cousins and other uncles and aunties. I was waiting for
the fear to creep in but I was only nervous.

Lumayo ako sa kanya at maliit na ngumiti. His eyes softened.

“Welcome home, anak,” masuyong sabi niya, dahilan para muling mangilid ang
mga luha kong kanina ko pa pilit na pinapakalma.

“S-salamat, Tito,” bulong ko at niyakap si Tita Thallia na umiiyak pa habang

nakakapit sa akin.
 “O-oh, you’re here,” she sniffed. “Ayos ka lang, anak? A-are you hurt? Do you
want the doctor to check on you?”

“I-I’m fine po, Tita,” marahang sagot ko, nag-iinit ang mukha nang biglang
maisip na ito ang mommy ni Chiel.

“Where’s my daughter?” I jumped and looked around when I heard my mother’s

voice again.

Was she already awake?

Nang masalubong ko ang tingin niya’y tinakbo niya ako at niyakap.

“Clyte ko,” bulong niya bago inangat ang palad para sapuin ang mukha ko. “A-
are you okay, my baby? H-how are you? Are you hurt or…”

She reached for my face to see if I had bruises then proceeded into my arms.
I shook my head.

“I’m fine po, My,” sagot ko at ngumiti pero ‘di pa rin maiwasang mag-alala.
“You? Are you okay? You just fainted, are you fine now—”

“D-don’t mind me! I’m perfectly fine!” she exclaimed happily. “May edad na
ang mommy mo pero malakas pa rin naman! ‘Di kagaya ng daddy mo may rayuma na
yata—”

“Zidney Agnieszka,” Thorn called with a smile. “Tumayo ka kaagad, kakagising

mo lang—”

“Oh, come on, Thornik! I’m fine! I’m taking my vitamins everyday and I’m as
healthy as a carabao!” She glanced my way again. “H-have you met your siblings
again, darling?”

Tumango ako.

“Yes,” I smiled a little. “Laki-laki na ni Queen. Parang huling kita ko sa

kanya ganito pa siya,” I motioned her height with my hand.

Her eyes softened, nodding. Nangingilid na naman at kumikislap ang luha sa

magagandang mga mata.

She was beautiful in pictures and in my head but she was even prettier in
person. Mukhang suplada pero sopistikada. She may look like a snob but her presence
was so warm.

“Oh, she’s a big girl now. Nakikipagsabunutan na nga sa school! Napatawag

tuloy ako sa office pero okay lang kasi nanguna ‘yong kaaway niya. Good job sa
kapatid mo kasi ‘di ko kayo pinalaking nagpapaapi!” She pouted, and it made me
chuckle.

Muli siyang tumitig sa ‘kin, lumalambing ang mata bago bumuntonghininga at

hinawakan ang kamay ko.

“I won’t stress you, anak. I-it was sudden, I didn’t know how but that’s for
another time. Ang mahalaga’y nandito ka na.” She looked away when a tear escaped
her eye.

May hapdi sa pusong inabot ko iyon para alisin.

 “Mom…”

“A-ayos lang si Mommy, anak,” she sniffed. “M-masaya lang ako na nakauwi ka
n-na. Maayos pa rin ang kwarto mo, malinis iyon. Wala kaming ginalaw na gamit!”

I softened.

“Let’s… eat?” Nag-aalangan pa siya, ang mga mata’y tila nag-aantay ng permiso
ko. It was as if she was afraid I’d vanish or push her away.

“Sure po,” maliit kong sagot at tumango. My father watched me gently. I

smiled at him.

Napatungo siya at nagbaba ng tingin, hinahawi ang luha at para akong

nadurog
doon.

“D-dad?” I called.

It sounded so good. So… right.

“H-hmm?” Nag-angat siya ng tingin at inayos ang salamin niya.

“Y-you can also join us, you know,” nakangiti kong sabi at nang lumapit siya
para yumakap ay nahulog ang talukap ng mga mata ko.

Minsan lang naman, Clyte. Minsan lang.

It took us a couple of minutes. Kung ‘di lang kami tinawag na kumain muna ay
‘di sila hihiwalay sa akin.

My dad fixed my bangs after, smiling gently.

“Ang anak ko ang ganda-ganda pa rin,” malambing niyang sabi at pinisil ang
pisngi ko. “Kain muna tayo, anak.”

Anak… anak…

I nodded, watching the two of them.

Bakit kasi gano’n ang nangyari noon? Kung sakaling hindi mukhang… masaya
siguro na magulang ko rin sila?

Humalik sa pisngi ko ang Mommy at hinawakan ang kamay ko papunta sa mahabang

lamesa kung saan may mga nakahandang pagkain.

Meron pa silang Lechon!

Natakam ako at nagutom. Kanina kasi’y ‘di kami kumain ni Chiel dahil sa
kinakabahan ako at walang gana kahit ano’ng pilit niya.

“Ate! Tsaran!” Queen appeared and motioned to the empty seat where Mom
brought me. “We always prepare spare seats and plates for you! Finally, mauupuan
na!”

Oh… did they?

Gulat kong sinulyapan ang Mommy na malambing na ngumiti.

 “Welcome home, anak,” malambing niyang sabi at tinuro ang table. “Look at
the
pretty placemat! Binili para lang sa event ni Crest—”

I stiffened.

“Where’s Crest?” Bigla akong natauhan.

It was her I was looking for unconsciously! Kanina pa! But I got distracted
again and…

“Oh, right!” she gasped. “She was here earlier! Sumasayaw pa nga…” Sumulyap
siya kay Thorn na kinausap si Tito Iñigo.

“She was here,” ani Tito. “Kasama niya lang ang kambal then her husband…”

May humawak sa kamay ko. Napatalon ako at nasalubong ang tingin ni Chiel.

“Come with me,” aniya, seryoso ang mga mata.

“Why, Chiel? Where’s your twin?” Zidney’s voice echoed and I unconsciously
pulled my hand away from Chiel’s.

Natigilan siya roon. I saw a twitch in his lip but he didn’t show much,
hinayaan niya ako at sumulyap sa Mommy.

“She—”

“Chiel,” another man appeared, a very handsome one! Halos magkasintangkad

lang sila ni Chiel!

He has gray eyes.

Pamilyar siya. Nakita ko na siya.

“Locket,” ani Chiel. “Where is she?”

Oh, Locket! Crest’s husband!

A faint memory flashed again. Of us watching this man walking, her animatedly
talking about him tapos ang tsismisan namin bigla ni Chiel tungkol sa lalaki.

“Bathroom,” aniya at bumaling sa ‘kin. “Nice to see you, Miss Clyte.”

Napatango ako.

“Clyte na lang,” sagot ko at nangunot ang noo. “Saan si Crest-Crest?”

He moistened his lip and sighed.

“She’ll be fine. I’ll talk to her,” aniya. “You should eat first—”

“She wasn’t fine,” I answered as if I knew deep inside. “Nasaan siya?

Pupuntahan ko.”

Locket’s gray eyes softened then he glanced at my mother.

“It’s fine. Mauuna na muna kami,” Zidney answered.

“Do you need help, anak?” tanong ni Tito Iñigo sa kanya.

 “We’ll be fine, Dad. P’wedeng pasuyo po muna sa kambal?” aniya. “They’re
with
Adi.”

“Alright.” Tumango si Tito Iñigo at sumulyap sa ‘kin. “Pasensya na, Clyte,

a?”

“Ayos lang po.” I smiled a little. “Puntahan po muna namin si Crest.”

They let us go. Kasama ko sina Locket at Chiel na pumasok sa ancestral

house
nila.

“What happened?” I asked worriedly.

“She thought she was hallucinating,” bumuntonghininga si Locket. “We were

shocked seeing you.”

Sinulyapan ko si Chiel at siniko nang malakas habang nakasimangot. He

groaned.

“What?” he whined.

“Hindi mo sinabi sa kanila?” I asked. “Kahit kay Crest man lang?”

“It was a surprise.” Ngumuso siya at napakamot ang kilay. “Paanong surprise
kung sasabihin?”

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. Napakamot muli siya ng kilay.

“I thought she would attack you with hugs. Alam mo ‘yon, iiyak sa tuwa?” he
sighed. “But… well, fuck me.”

Napailing ako at sinulyapan muli si Locket na nakatingin din sa akin, mukhang

gulat.

“What? You thought you were hallucinating, too?” I asked.

He snapped and shook his head.

“No, I just can’t believe my eyes,” he laughed softly. “Ilang taon ko rin
kasing tinutulungan ang asawa ko at ‘yang boyfriend mo sa paghahanap sa ‘yo. Medyo
nagugulat lang na nandito ka na talaga.”

Boyfriend?

Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na nag-iwas ng tingin.

Locket knew?! Si Crest kaya…?

“She excused herself when she saw you and walked away. Iniwan ko muna ang
kambal kay Adi at sumunod tapos hinanap ko siya sa buong bahay. Ayon, nagkukulong
sa banyo sa guest room. I asked why she went there, and she won’t tell me at first.
Nag-aayos lang daw siya then I asked why she didn’t run to you.”

He brushed his disheveled hair with his fingers.

“She asked me: ‘You saw her, too?’” aniya. “Turns out, she thought she was
hallucinating you. When I told her she wasn’t, she cried. Nasa banyo pa rin. I
asked if I could go in and see her but she won’t let me. Natatakot ako at baka
madulas.”
 Mas nagwala ang puso ko sa sinabi niya. Binalot ito ng pag-aalala at takot.

Crest was crying. Crest thought she was hallucinating me.

Kumuyom ang kamay ko nang makarating kami sa guest room. Locket pointed the
closed bathroom.

I fidgeted, biting my lower lip. Mas kumuyom ang kamay ko at naramdaman ko

ang panginginig n’on kung ‘di lang inabot ni Alchiel.

I didn’t know what magic he had but he could always make me feel at peace at
times like this. He makes me feel safe like it’ll be fine and he’ll always be
there.

“Breathe in,” he instructed. I followed.

“Now, breathe out,” I followed and closed my eyes to calm my nerves.

I couldn’t talk to Crest while I was like this. Kung gusto ko siyang
kalmahin, dapat ay kalmado rin ako.

I felt him cupping my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and met his.

“You’re good to go?” he confirmed.

Tumitig ako sa mga mata niya, kumukuha ng lakas bago tumango.

“I’m good,” I confirmed.

He smiled a little, leaning in to kiss my forehead.

“Good girl. Dito lang kami ni Padlock sa may labas. Call us if you need us.
I’ll leave the keys with you in case you need it.”

I nodded, sighing loudly and when they left and closed the door, naglakad ako
patungo sa banyo at kumatok.

“Crest-Crest?”

No answer.

Ipinatong ko ang noo sa pintuan at sinubukang makinig sa ingay sa loob. I

heard faint cries and I became more worried of her.

“Crest, si Clyte ‘to,” I called. “Papasok ako, a?”

I waited for a response and when I heard nothing, kinuha ko na ang susi para
buksan ang banyo.

Dinaga ng kaba ang dibdib ko nang masalubong ng dilim pagbukas ko. I opened
the lights and looked around.

Wala roon si Crest. My eyes went to the closed curtains towards the bathtub
and a flash of memory appeared.

Of her face under the water…

Oh, God!
 I panicked. My heart raced, terrified. Mabilis kong tinakbo ang bath tub at
hinawi ang kurtina.

“Crest!” I exclaimed, scared I might witness her that way again but the tub
has no water. Nakaupo lang siya roon, nakayupyop at itinatago ang mukha sa may
tuhod.

Nangilid ang luha ko habang pinapanood ang pag-angat ng balikat niya habang
mahinang humihikbi.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Naupo ako sa gilid ng tub.

“Crest-Crest?” I called, hesitating as I reached for her shoulder.

She flinched but then slowly, she lifted her face and those bloodshot black
eyes stared back at me.

Her eyes widened briefly, processing. Akala mo’y nakakita siya ng multo,
hindi alam kung totoo o dahil lang sa mapaglarong imahinasyon.

“Clyte-Clyte?” she whispered, confirming.

“Hi, BFF,” I breathed out with a gentle smile.

Nahulog ang panibagong butil ng luha sa kanyang pisngi.

“I-I’m not hallucinating, am I?” she mumbled.

I sniffed and shook my head.

“N-no, you’re not.”

Hinila niya ako at dinamba ng yakap.

It hurt when I fell on the tub with her but it didn’t matter because I was
happy. I cried with her when she wailed, her embrace tight I almost couldn’t
breathe.

Nakaluhod ako sa tub kagaya niya, humahagulgol habang yakap-yakap siya.

“Clyte-Clyte…” she called and cupped my cheek. “I-ikaw ‘yan talaga? Baka
mamaya p-panaginip ‘to, a?”

I pinched her cheek.

“Aww!” she groaned.

“See? It wasn’t a dream.” I giggled. Nagkatitigan kami at nagkatawanan, hilam

pa rin ng luha ang mga mata.

Inalalalayan ko siya paalis sa tub. I was scared to see her there for some
reason. In my head, I remembered seeing her inside trying to drown herself in it
kaya nang maalis ko siya roon ay guminhawa ang pakiramdam ko kahit papaano.

She embraced me again when we got out of the bathroom. Pagkatapos ay kagaya
ng ginawa nina Mommy kanina ay tumitig siya sa mukha ko at sa braso para tingnan
kung may sugat ako o kung ano man.
 “Are you okay? May masakit ba sa ‘yo?”

“I’m fine,” I smiled at her. “And how are you? Narinig ko may kambal ka na,
a? Aba, ninang ba ako ng dalawa agad?”

Her eyes brightened despite the redness.

“Yup!” Her eyes twinkled. “Bongga nga at isang irehan! You’ll meet them
later! They are so kikay like their momma!” She even wiggled her body.

I giggled. She was still like my memories of her.

I stared at her. She’s tall and very very pretty. Siya ‘yong tipo ng ganda na
pansinin at lingunin. May anggulong hawig niya sa Alchiel pero babaeng version. May
kulay ang buhok niya. I think it was pinkish-red complementing her dress.

“Oh… you designed it?” Turo ko sa suot niyang dress.

“Yup! I have a lot of great news for you—” She stiffened when she realized
what I was wearing. “W-was that…”

“From Crescent Shines,” I said proudly and moved a step away to show her the
dress I was wearing. It was from her latest collection, ‘yong hinahanap ko dapat sa
mall noon.

Alchiel gifted it to me last Christmas, too. Advance raw for New Year
celebration kaya sinuot ko.

“O-oh…” Her eyes swelled again.

“I’m so proud of you, Crest-Crest.” Pinisil ko ang braso niya, may ngiti sa
labi.

She couldn’t stop hugging and squeezing me. Magaan ang loob ko habang yakap
siya.

She was my best friend. Ganitong-ganito siya sa alaala ko. May oras na
madalang kaming magkita dahil nag-iikot siya sa ibang bansa pero kapag uuwi siya ay
palagi akong kasama sa mga pasalubong at kwento niya.

While I was gone, did she miss me? It will be hard to pretend, right?

I convinced myself.

Feel na feel ko pa ang yakapan naming dalawa kung ‘di niya lang ako hinampas
sa likuran.

“Aray!” I groaned. “Crest?!”

“Ikaw!” she hissed. “Bakit ‘di ka nagsasabing nandito ka na?! You didn’t
call! What happened?”

“I…” Napalunok ako at ‘di alam ang isasagot. Wala pa yata siyang ideya. “The
truth is I still couldn’t remember everything.”

Her forehead creased.

“W-what?”
 “I lost my memories,” I confessed. “But I remember some now. Hindi pa lahat
pero ikaw, sina Mommy ay naalala ko. Then, Chiel found me.”

Her mouth parted.

“W-what do you mean Chiel found you?” she asked. “He was in Cebu for work! He
couldn’t concentrate here so he flew… Don’t tell me you were just in Cebu all this
time?”

I nodded. Mas nahulog ang panga niya.

“N-no way…” She shook her head. “P-palagi akong nasa Cebu! Bakit ‘di ko alam?
Bakit ‘di ko nakita…”

“Sebastian hid me,” I started. “And I was in Biliran some time before tapos
bigla na lang lumipat sa Cebu.”

“He went to Biliran to unwind, too!” she exclaimed, her eyes turning slits.
“Ah-huh! Kaya pala wala sa sarili no’ng pag-uwi tapos biglang nasa Cebu na naman!”

She huffed.

“You mean to say he kept you a secret to us?”

I nodded, hesitating. “Yeah? But I think he means well—”

“That idiot! Akala ba niya ‘di ako marunong mag-secret?!” Her voice roared
that the door opened with the two men panicking.

“What’s the matter, baby?” ani Locket na kaagad hinanap ang mata ng asawa
pero matalim lang ang tingin nito sa kakambal na nangunot ang noo.

“Bakit ang sama mong makatingin, Crest Veronica?” ani Chiel na nanliliit ang
mata, nakahalukipkip pa.

“You…” She pointed him. He tensed up.

Ngumisi si Locket at umiling sabay tapik sa balikat ng huli.

“Good luck, taba,” he teased.

Alchiel scoffed at him before clearing his throat when he saw her sharp,
deadly eyes. Napansin ko ang unti-unti niyang paghubad ng heels niya.

Chiel’s back straightened when she got it off and took one in her hand.

“Crest, listen—”

“Nag-se-secret ka na sa ‘kin, Alchiel Verón?!” she exclaimed and a loud

laugh escaped my lips when Alchiel suddenly sprinted away with his twin chasing him
with her heels.

Kabanata 24

Kabanata 24

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 Crest and I were inseparable.

I was laughing while watching her and Chiel interacting, bickering like
little kids in an adult’s body. May pamilya na si Crest pero para silang teenagers
kung mag-away.

Piningot niya ang kambal at pinaghahampas. Alchiel, on the other hand, was
groaning but he didn’t fight back and let her, chuckling, even.

“I’m glad that you’re back,” ani Locket sa tabi ko kaya napasulyap ako sa
kanya.

“I am, too,” I answered. I wasn’t sure if it was real or maybe it was a part
of my act.

‘Di ko na rin alam…

Ngumiti ako pagkatapos nang dambahin ni Crest si Alchiel sa likuran at

biglang sumakay sa likod nito habang hinihila ang buhok.

“You asshole! Madamot! Marunong naman akong magtago ng secret! Bakit ‘di mo
sinasabi?!”

“Ikalma mo, Book Joo!” he hissed, teasing her again. “Masyado ka—aray! Anit
ko na ‘yan!”

“Were they always like that?” naaaliw kong tanong kay Locket na tahimik na
pinapanood ang asawa, may ngiti at may kislap ang mga mata.

“Hmm…” Tumango siya. “Kapag magkasama ang dalawang ‘yan, mas maraming time na
nag-aaway sila.”

Napangiti lang ako at tumango-tango, sumulyap sa kambal nilang anak na

nakikipaglaro kina Adi at Tito Iñigo.

Sumulyap muli ako kay Locket.

“Inaalagaan mo naman ba ang BFF ko?” I asked.

He was caught off guard. Ibinaling niya ang tingin sa akin at namula.

“Well…” he sighed. “I’m not saying I’m the best husband to her and a father
to our kids but I’m trying my best to.”

I watched Crest again bickering with her twin. Kung kanina ay nakasampa siya,
ngayon naman ay nagsusuntukan sila.

She was glowing. Even more beautiful and alive than the last memories I
remembered of her. Noong sa bathtub…

“I’m sure you are,” ngumiti ako kay Locket. “She’s glowing.”

His eyes went to his wife again then smiled a little.

“I’ve never seen her smile like that since you were gone,” aniya. “The two of
them like that ever since you were gone,” he corrected.

Natahimik ako.
 Really?

“But now that you’re back, I’m sure she’ll always glow like that. She never
forgot about you. Palagi kang kasama sa bawat kwento niya.”

Napatango ako, ramdam ang pagkirot ng puso habang pinapakinggan siya.

Was this part of their scheme? To make me believe I was really welcome? Na
totoong na-miss ako ni Crest?

Paano kung oo, Zahrah? Pero paano kung hindi rin?

Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko at ‘di na umimik, tahimik lang na

ibinaling sa kambal nila na naglalaro ng mga Barbie kasama ang mga pinsan ang
tingin.

I caught one of the twin’s black eyes. She was staring at me silently now.
Mahirap malaman sino ang sino dahil hawig na hawig sila ng kakambal niya. They had
the same hairstyle, miski ang disenyo ng damit ay parehas at magkaiba lang ang
kulay. Kung hindi lang sa magkaibang kulay ng mga mata ay malilito ka.

The beautiful kid with gray eyes was the talkative one. Ang dami niyang
kwento habang ang isang may itim na mata ay pinapanood lang ako.

I smiled at her. Nagulat siya at ngumuso bago bumaling sa kambal niya at

bumulong kaya sumulyap sa akin ang isa at dalawa na silang nakatingin sa akin
pagkaraan.

I smiled and waved my hand. The one with gray eyes beamed and waved happily
back habang ang isa ay pinapanood lang ako.

“Would you like to meet your nieces?” Locket suddenly asked. “They like you.”

They do?

Nagulat ako at kinabahan pero tumango rin sa kanya. Tumayo si Locket papunta
sa mga bata at lumuhod sa harapan ng mga ‘to.

The twins stood to welcome him. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko habang pinagmamasdan
siyang humalik sa kambal na yumakap kaagad sa kanya.

He is a good man. That, I am sure of.

He may not be perfect but the real question will be, is there one? May
perpekto bang tao? Wala. Lahat naman tayo ay may pagkukulang, lahat ay may
problema. Each and every one of us has mistakes and flaws.

We all have red flags we or may not know yet. May mga ugaling ‘di napapansin
pero pansin ng iba.

But life isn’t a competition for who’s better and best. It’s about change and
development. It matters if we choose to progress and outgrow our past mistakes to
learn to be better or not.

Because for some, they choose to remain the same.

Hindi lahat ng tao ay nagbabago. That’s life. Kaya ang huling desisyon ay
nasa sa ‘yo. Ang desisyon para sa ikabubuti mo ay nasa sa iyo sa huli.
 It doesn’t matter if you’re better or best—what matters are the choices you
made along the way. That’s what will make you who you are.

Am I choosing the right path? Sana.

I hate to fool people but they fooled me first. They… kidnapped me from my
parents.

They stole the life I should’ve had.

Nawala lang ang iniisip ko nang makita ang pagtayo ni Locket buhat ang kambal
sa magkabilang braso. I was suddenly giddy and nervous. Napatayo pa ako habang
pinagmamasdan ang kambal.

“It’s okay,” Locket smiled. “You can sit.”

Naguguluhan pa ako no’ng una pero naupo rin pabalik at pinanood si Locket na
ibinababa ang dalawa sa lapag.

Pinagmasdan ko sila. They were both wearing blue dresses like their mom, pero
iba lang ang shade ng pagkaka-asul. They even had the same shoes!

Adorable! Parang mga manika!

“Twins, this is your Ninang Clyte,” he introduced.

Namilog ang mata ng dalawa. Nagtinginan sila.

“Tita?” the bubbly one asked.

“Yup,” Locket smiled. “Siya ‘yong kinukwento ni Mommy palagi sa inyo. Come
on, introduce yourself and say hi to Tita.”

The bubbly one was the first one to introduce herself.

“Hi, Ninang!” she chirped happily. “I’m… I’m Reese Ver… Veronica!” Nabulol pa
siya kaya naaliw ako. “I’m twooo!”

Locket chuckled.

“What a beautiful name!” I chirped. “Hello, Reese! I’m Ninang Clyte. Nice to
meet you!”

“Bless po!” Natawa ako at ibinigay sa kanya ang kamay ko para makapagmano.
After that, I offered her my arm for a hug and asked.

“Can I give you a kiss, Reese?”

“Opow!” She nodded.

Sumulyap ako kay Locket para humingi ng permiso kung pwede kong i-kiss sa
pisngi ng anak niya since I knew how sensitive it was for babies and toddlers. I
knew it firsthand because I had this experience in the hospital as a nurse.

Nurse…

Wow. I was really a nurse.

 “Sure,” he agreed.

Nagliwanag ang mukha ko at humalik sa pisngi ni Reese na humagikhik at

sumulyap sa likod niya pagkahiwalay sa ‘kin kung nasaan ang kambal niyang tahimik
at mukhang nahihiya.

“Avery!” she called. “Hi ikaw! Kay Ninang!”

Nahihiya pa rin siya. Sumulyap siya sa dad niya na tumango.

“It’s okay, princess. Say hi to Tita-Ninang,” masuyo niyang sabi.

The quiet one, Avery, took a step closer to me.

“Hi pow…” tahimik niyang bati.

What a shy princess.

I smiled.

“Hello, Avery. I’m Ninang Clyte! Nice to meet you, darling.”

Tumango siya, mukhang kinikilatis ako no’ng una hanggang sa unti-unting

lumapit at iniangat ang kamay niya.

“I’m two po,” she mumbled. “I’m… name is… Clytem…” Her tongue twisted.

Nangunot ang noo ko at medyo nagtaka sa pamilyar na simula ng pangalan.

“Kaya mo ‘yan!” Reese chirped. “Akin nga, bulol ‘ko pow sa Ver—Verownica!”

Locket laughed.

“Sorry, princess. Mommy wanted to name you two with difficult names to
pronounce,” he muttered and carried Reese to his lap.

“It’s okay, Avery. You can do it,” he encouraged.

Avery was hesitating. Nahihiya pa siyang sumulyap muli sa akin bago muling
nagsalita.

“I’m… Clytemnestra… Avery!” Nagliwanag ang mukha niya nang masabi iyon nang
buo pero ako naman ang natigilan.

What? Clytemnestra?

“Good girl!” Locket praised. “She was what Mommy and Daddy are telling you
were named after.”

“What?” Lumabas iyon sa labi ko bago ko pa mapigilan.

“Avery,” ngumiti si Locket na sumulyap sa akin. “Was named after you.”

It felt like something pricked my eyes and I was getting teary-eyed.

Pinagmasdan ko si Avery na pinapanood ako.

I didn’t know I was crying until I felt her tiny fingers wiping it off my
cheek.
 “Don’t cwry po, Ninang,” she mumbled gently.

I couldn’t help it anymore. Marahang inabot ko si Avery at niyakap.

Her tiny body felt so soft and warm against mine. When her tiny arms wrapped
around my nape as she hugged me back, all my defenses melted.

She was named after me.

Clytemnestra…

Nanlalabo pa ang mga mata ko nang marahang lumayo ako sa kanya at sinapo ang
kanyang mukha. They looked a lot like their mother, beautiful but the intensity of
their eyes reminded me of their father.

“Nice to meet you, Avery,” I said gently and kissed her forehead.

Pagkatapos n’on ay inilahad ko ang kamay kay Reese na humahagikhik na bumaba

mula sa hita ng ama para yakapin ako.

I embraced them both.

“Sorry, babies. Ninang took a while to be here for the both of you,” I
whispered sincerely.

Both kids kissed my cheek, saying they loved me, and that sweetness of their
voices and smiles—that for sure, you could never fake.

As adults, you could easily manipulate other people by faking your smile and
your expressions but kids weren’t like that—they show what they feel and those
smiles? Those eyes? They never lie.

Nagtatatakbo ang mga bata pabalik sa mga kalaro nang bitawan ko na sila at
doon ko lang natantong narito na sina Crest at Chiel, pinapanood ako.

Crest’s smile was sweet. Kuminang ang kanyang mga mata sa luha at ‘di ko na
pinigilan ang sariling lumapit para mahigpit na yakapin siya.

“You named your daughter after me?” paos kong bulong, ‘di maintindihan ang
saya at sakit na naghahalo sa pakiramdam.

She nodded.

“C-Clyte-Clyte,” she sniffed. “A-ang hirap kapag wala ka.”

I nodded against her shoulder, crying.

“S-sorry, Crest-Crest,” I sniffed. “S-sorry, it took me a while.”

We cried like kids. No’ng naghiwalay lang kami at saka namin nakitang
nakikiiyak din si Chiel na nasa gilid lang namin at nanonood.

My heart swelled, seeing his bloodshot eyes and puffy nose.

“P-p’wede…” He swallowed hard. “P’wedeng sumali sa yakapan?” he asked.

“S’yempre!” Both Crest and I exclaimed as we pulled him close for an embrace.

Ang saya-saya ko. That day, I forgot about all the things I was supposed to
do.

Pulang-pula ang mukha naming tatlo. Si Chiel ay umakbay sa amin at dinala

kami papunta sa mahabang table para makakain na rin kami at nakalimutan namin ang
gutom kanina sa nangyari.

“Oh, Chiel-taba, nakikisali ka na naman sa bonding ng mag-BFF!” Lloyd—I

mean Zion teased while carrying Twila Klein.

I remember this kid… anak ni Tito Zeij? Right?

“Ayon nga,” Crest answered. “Girl bonding dapat, may epal!”

“What? I’m one of the girls!” Chiel blurted and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Malaki pa ang ngiti ko nang masalubong ang tingin nina Zidney at Thorn na
tahimik akong pinapanood.

I made myself believe they loved me genuinely. I let myself get lost in the
fantasy even just for tonight.

Humiwalay ako saglit sa kambal at tinakbo ang mga magulang na umahon para
yakapin ako.

“Mom, Dad,” I greeted.

“Hmm…” Mom mumbled. “T-Thorn, I’m not dreaming, right?”

“You aren’t, Zid,” he answered. “Our Clyte’s really home.”

Dinama ko ang init nila at ipinikit ang mga mata.

Bakit ang sarap sa pakiramdam? Bakit masyado akong komportable? Bakit ang
saya-saya ko?

“Best New Year,” my mother mumbled. “This is the best year of my l-life,
Thorn.”

“It is,” my father mumbled and kissed my head. “We love you, Clyte.”

I hope so…

Tumango ako at ‘di na umimik.

They didn’t ask me a lot of questions that night. Mukhang nasabi na ni Chiel
sa kanila na hindi ko pa naaalala ang lahat kay ‘di nila ako tinanong ng kung ano-
ano.

We ate happily at the long table while listening to Tito Zeijan telling us a
story about how he got the lechon on our table at kung paano rin siya muntikan nang
maging lechon nang habulin siya ni Sibyl dahil ayaw ipakatay ang baboy.

They were fun to be with. I admit.

Katabi ko si Crest at si Mommy ang sa kabila ko. Chiel was in front of us,
fully attentive to me that Crest even noticed.

She scoffed at him in the middle of refilling my drink.

 “What?” he asked her.

Crest didn’t say a thing but only narrowed her eyes. Napasulyap si Chiel sa
tabi ko kaya gano’n na rin ako at nag-init ang mukha nang makitang nakatingin sa
kanya si Zidney.

I tensed up. My heart started racing so quickly that I lifted my hand to try
and take the pitcher from him but our fingers touched.

I felt the sudden electricity coming from the tip of his fingers into mine. I
stiffened. Nagkatinginan kami at ‘di nakagalaw kaagad.

We heard Zidney clearing her throat.

“I’m sure my daughter can handle her needs just fine, Chiel,” pormal niyang
sabi.

Chiel nodded then slowly moved away to let go of the pitcher, making me do it
myself.

Tahimik ko na lang na ni-refill ang inumin ko at tahimik na sumulyap kay

Mommy. She was eyeing Alchiel. I couldn’t recognize her expression.

May pait na kumalat sa bibig ko at sumulyap ako pabalik sa pagkain.

Was she against what Alchiel and I had? Or… did she even know?

When she caught me watching her, a soft smile appeared on her lips. Gumaan
ang ekspresyon niya.

“Do you want anything else, darling?” masuyong tanong niya.

Tumango ako at tinuro ang lasagna.

“Can I have a slice, My?”

“Oh, sure!” She beamed happily and was about to reach for it but Thorn was
watching us and reached for it first.

“Hmm, lasagna, princess?” He smiled adorably at me kaya nakangising tumango

ako sabay angat ng plato, nagtatawanan pa nang magreklamo ang Mommy na siya raw
dapat ang kukuha.

While watching the two bicker and interact, there’s this strange feeling
inside me not wanting them to be disappointed in me.

Very strange to please them when I shouldn’t.

Sa pagbaling ko sa harap ay nasalubong ko ang tingin ni Chiel. He smiled at

me. I found myself not smiling back, lowering my gaze back on my plate.

Fuck.

Ano ba ‘tong pinasok ko?

Crest brought me inside the ancestral house towards the indoor large white
Christmas tree. May mga regalo iyon sa ilalim at marami roon ang hindi pa bukas.

“What are we doing here?” I asked.

 “Gifts!” She beamed happily.

“For?” Kumunot ang noo ko. “O-oh, sorry, Crest. ‘Di ako nakabili ng regalo
kasi biglaan din ang pagbalik namin dito—”

“Silly ka, Clyte-Clyte,” she pouted. “I don’t mean from you. I mean, for you.
We have gifts for you!”

“What?” My eyes widened.

“Palagi kang kasama sa exchange gift namin these last few Christmas since you
were gone.” Magaan ang tono niya pero ramdam ko ang bigat doon.

“What?” bulong ko. “Why? Wala ako…”

“You weren’t physically here but in here?” She pointed her chest where her
heart was. “Forever ka sa puso namin, Clyte. ‘Di man tayo magkapatid… o magkadugo
pero kambal ang puso natin.”

I was so done in crying for tonight but I really can’t help it. Kumawala iyon
sa mata ko nang ‘di ko napapansin.

Crest hugged me from the side and kissed my cheek.

“H’wag ka na iyak, n-naiiyak din tuloy ako,” she sniffed. “Kaka-retouch ko

lang ng makeup, ‘te! Masisira ang awra sa photoshoot!”

That made me laugh. Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit bago ako na ang humila sa
kanya palapit sa ilalim ng dambuhalang Christmas tree.

I saw the name of my recent Christmas present. Si Tita Reah ang nakabunot sa
‘kin at nang buksan ko ‘yon ay napahagikhik nang makita ang romance book sa loob.

This was the latest one from the author I’ve been reading these past few
days! Kaka-release lang nito no’ng nakaraang linggo!

Excited kong pinakita ko iyon kay Crest at sabay kaming kinilig sa blurb sa
likuran ng libro.

“Of course, ‘yong ibang regalo mo nitong nakaraang mga taon, nasa bahay n’yo
na at sina Tita Zid ang nagtago para daw mabuksan mo pagbalik mo! Tapos! From me!”
Lumuhod siya para humalukay sa Christmas tree at inabot sa ‘kin ang regalo niya.

“What? You had one for me?” Napangiti ako.

She gave me a ridiculous look.

“Duh! Clyte, me pa ba?” Her lips protruded. “Nasa bahay n’yo na ang ibang
gifts ko for you pero complete ako every occasion! Birthday mo, Valentine’s,
Christmas, at New Year! Oh huh! Well, si kambal din pero ‘di siya ang topic natin
dito—”

“Even Chiel?” I asked curiously.

 She nodded.

“Ayon pa ba?” She rolled her eyes. “Pabida ‘yon, e. Gaya-gaya! Hindi talaga
magpapatalo at dapat nakikipagsabayan sa ‘tin! Nakita ako gumagawa ng gift ko sa
‘yo no’ng first Christmas na wala ka tapos nakisali gumawa ng memory book!”

“Memory book?”

“Hmm! Mga picture nating dalawa for memories. With designs pa! Tapos
nakisali! Aba, nakikidikit lang ng design no’ng una tapos umalis ako for work.
Pagbalik ko sa bahay at itutuloy ko na ang ginagawa, gulat ako may picture na rin
siya!”

Napabughalit ako ng tawa kaya ang ingay-ingay naming dalawa.

“I wanna see.” Humaba ang nguso ko habang nag-i-imagine.

“Ay! Nasa bahay n’yo! Makikita mo ‘yon kapag nagbukas ka na! Content warning
lang, a? May jump scare kapag nakita mo ‘yong cut out pictures ni kambal na
siningit niya para makisali sa picture nating dalawa!”

We couldn’t stop laughing. I have never laughed this much that my stomach was
hurting.

“Simula no’n, ayon! Nagpapaligsahan na kami ni Chiel, pagandahan ng regalo sa

‘yo! Though, well, parang wala akong nakitang gift niya sa ‘yo rito this
Christmas?” Napaisip siya.

“He… has,” I confessed. Gulat siyang napatingin sa ‘kin.

“Meron?! Bakit wala…”

“Rose,” I said. “He gave it to me last Christmas.”

“W-what? Nakapagpatubo siya ulit?” gulantang niyang sagot.

Tumango ako.

“He said it was his second bloom?”

“It is!” She gasped. “Wow… oh my God! Hindi ‘yan makapagpabuhay ng bulaklak!
The first time he did that was in February last, last year! Nawindang talaga kami
at namukadkad! I am proud of him because you remember your tutorial video for him
way back to his graduation? He watches it like a ritual! Pati nga ang lines mo,
kabisado na niya!”

Natahimik ako.

Did he…

“O-oh,” ani Crest. “Sorry, Clyte. Am I oversharing? I forgot you still don’t
remember much—”

“I remembered it,” I squeezed her hand, remembering the video I saw on his
laptop. “We brought the rose with us. I’ll show it to you tomorrow.”

Tumango siya at natahimik din bago unti-unting idinantay ang ulo sa balikat
ko at pumalibot ang braso sa braso ko.
 She sighed loudly. Alam kong may gusto siyang itanong pero ‘di niya
maisatinig kaya kinagat ko ang labi at sumulyap sa mga regalo.

“If I was included in the exchange gift even if I wasn’t here,” I started.
“Then how about ‘yong mga nabunot ko? How can I give them their gifts?”

“Don’t stress about it. Alchiel got you.”

I stiffened.

“Huh?”

“Ako ang bumubunot for you and si Chiel ang bumibili ng regalo para sa
nabunot mo,” she chuckled. “Hindi lang halata pero galante ‘yan. Ninong of the
year!”

I blinked rapidly.

“You’re kidding…”

“I’m not!” Umiling siya at natawa. “I insisted pa nga na salitan kami pero
ayaw pumayag. Nag-tantrums kaya hinayaan ko na lang siyang mag-isa bumili para sa
ireregalo sa nabunot mo. He’ll just consult me kapag ‘di siya sigurado kung ano’ng
pipiliin mo para sa nabunot.”

“You’re kidding.” Umiling ako. “Don’t tell me you’re even thinking like
me—”

“Oh, bet you do, Clytemnestra.” She smirked at me when our eyes met. “We were
best friends since we were little. Simula no’ng pinapalayas pa lang natin si Chiel
sa doll house kapag nakikisali, no’ng siya ‘yong yaya natin sa luto-lutuan, no’ng
ang Barbie niya ‘yong hinulog natin kunwari sa bangin sa laro…”

I puffed a laugh.

“Seryoso ba?!”

“Oo nga!” Ngumisi siya. “Until we grew up after obsessing with K-pop groups,
kahit you left the country to study briefly abroad because of… some danger in your
life until you came back. Until we finished college and worked. We knew you, we
knew each other deeply.”

Natahimik ako at tumitig sa mga regalong nakabalot.

“Thank you, Crest,” I whispered.

“You don’t have to thank me,” she whispered back. “I should be the one
thanking you for coming home to us.”

Hindi ako nagsalita, tinitimbang ang sasabihin kahit gulong-gulo na sa dapat

paniwalaan.

“He found me,” I told her.

“Hmm, I was annoyed with him for not telling me he already found you but
thankful mostly, because he brought you back safe,” she said in a low voice. “My
twin is a tough one. Really, really tough one. He never lost hope.”

I listened quietly.
 “I broke down and I’m sure he wanted to join me so we could weep together
pero sabi niya, sa aming dalawa, dapat may isang magiging sandalan. He wanted the
role kasi raw panganay siya sa ‘ming dalawa.”

Napangiti ako.

“He’s older?”

“No, I am.” Ngumuso siya. “Ako ang unang pinanganak sa ‘min kaya! Three
minutes lang pagitan namin pero sabi niya siya raw panganay kasi siya raw huling
lumabas. Ibig sabihin, siya unang nabuo?!”

I laughed.

“I think the first one to be born will be the older one,” I told her.

She gasped happily and clapped her hands.

“Damn it! I knew it! Panganay ako!” She beamed happily. “Nasaan na si
Alchiel! Huh, ate niya ako—”

“Ano na namang pinag-uusapan n’yo na wala ako?” Sabay kaming napalingon sa

likod at napairap pa sa hangin pagkakita kay Chiel na may hawak na dalawang cone ng
ice cream.

His slightly crumpled dress shirt was now folded up to his elbow, and his
hair was disheveled. Kaagad kong napansin ang kaunting pamumula ng mukha.

“Uminom ka na naman?” I scolded.

Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin at umiling.

“‘Di ako lasing!” he said defensively.

“‘Di ako lashing!” I mimicked the same time as Crest did kaya nagkatinginan
kami at naghagikhikan.

“Mean Girls,” Chiel hissed before forcing himself in between us! Nakikisingit
pa sa amin!

Papagalitan ko sana pero inilahad niya sa ‘kin at sa kambal ang tig-isang

cone ng ice cream na kaagad din naming kinuha at ‘di na siya sinita.

Nakita niya pa ang librong regalo ni Tita kaya inabot niya ‘yon at tahimik na
binasa ang likod sabay baling sa ‘kin.

“Kanino galing?” he asked.

“Tita Reah,” sagot ko.

Tumango siya at tinitigan ang cover.

“Hulaan ko, smut ‘to ‘no?” he asked. My cheeks flushed.

Inagaw ko sa kanya ang libro at tinago sa tabi ko, nakasimangot.

“Paano mo nasabi? It’s not—”

 “Nah, the cover’s just discreet but I’m sure it’s spicy,” he smirked. “You
like reading it. ‘Yong may—” Tinampal ko ang bibig niya kaya muntik nang mabuwal.

“Shh!” I hushed when he gave me a silly look.

Itinaas niya ang kamay sabay ngisi at kindat, umaayos ng upo at bumaling sa
kambal na nanonood.

“So, anong tsismis?” he asked.

Natawa ako at umiling.

“I found out something,” ngumisi si Crest. “Sabi ni Clyte, ako raw ang
panganay!”

Chiel glanced at me with a frown.

“What? No, she’s wrong,” lumabi siya sa ‘kin. “Ako ang panganay, Clyte-Clyte.
Kasi ako ang huling lumabas! Ibig sabihin ako unang nabuo—”

“But for science, the first one to be born will be the eldest,” I told him.

Umawang ang labi niya at sinimangutan ako na parang pinagtaksilan ko siya.

Crest cackled.

“Huh! You should start calling me Ate,” she blurted out.

“In your dreams,” he scoffed. “Mas panganay ako!”

“Ako kaya—”

“Ako!” They fought. Nailing na ako nang magkurutan na silang dalawa kaya
hinila ko na ang tainga ni Alchiel.

“Aww!” he whined.

“Behave, Alchiel Verón. H’wag mong patulan ang kakambal mo,” I scolded.

Ngumisi si Crest sa kanya. His mouth parted at me before frowning, feeling

betrayed again.

“Narinig mo ‘yon sa best friend ko?” Crest boasted that they started
bickering again.

It felt like I was used to hearing them like this. Natawa na lang ako at
tinikman ang ice cream na dinala niya sa ‘min.

“Anong lasa?” Napabaling ako nang magsalita si Chiel na nakatingin na pala sa

‘king kumakain doon.

“Hmm? Masarap,” I answered.

His blue eyes glistened, looking sleepy but not drunk.

“Tikim,” aniya.

Tumango ako.

“Sure, kuhaan ba kita—” But he lowered his face and tasted it himself from
my cone.

I froze. Tumili si Crest at hinampas-hampas si Chiel.

“Ang haharot n’yo! Mga sheyt!” she squealed.

Chiel frowned at her. “What? Tinikman ko lang—”

“Tse! Nasaan na ba ang Pingu ko at maghaharutan na rin kami! D’yan na nga

kayo!” Ngumuso siya, tinulak ang ulo ni Chiel sa pagtayo kaya nagbanggaan ang ulo
naming dalawa.

Napangiwi ako.

“Crest Veronica!” he scolded. “Natamaan tuloy si Clyte!”

“Aww! Sorryyy!” she exclaimed in a teasing sing-song and before I could call
her to wait for me, tumakbo na siya nang mabilis hanggang sa naiwan kaming dalawa
ng kapatid niyang nakaupo sa tiles sa ilalim ng Christmas tree.

He was still making adorable faces when our eyes met. Lumambing ang mata niya
at inabot ang ulo ko para masuyong haplusin.

“Natamaan ka, masakit?”

“Tigas ng ulo mo, literal,” I said with a smile. Mas nag-alala lang ang mukha
niya kaya tumawa ako. “I’m fine, Verón.”

I shrugged and tasted the ice cream again.

“Sorry,” aniya. “Titikman ko lang sana ang ice cream mo.”

“P’wede naman kasing kumuha sa labas ito pa talaga ang tinikman mo.” Nailing
ako. “So, ano, masarap naman ba?”

It shocked me when lowered his head again and gave me a quick kiss, his
tongue swiping my lower lip clean to have a taste.

“Masarap naman,” bulong niya pagkaraan at pilyong ngumiti, binabasa ng dila

ang pang-ibabang labi.

I couldn’t even smile back because my eyes were on his reddish, smiling lips.
Wala sa sariling inilapit ko ang mukha para humalik din. Dampi lang sana iyon pero
humawak siya sa batok ko at hinabol ako ng halik pabalik.

I kissed him back with no hesitations. I swiped my lips on his, my tongue

tasting the bitterness of the liquor he drank with a minty aftertaste. Inilapit ko
ang sarili sa kanya at mas binuka ang bibig para hayaan siyang makapasok.

He coaxed my mouth, his tongue fighting with mine for a primitive, sensual
dance. It felt delicious, and addictive, putting me in a state of drunkenness.

My fingers reached for his hair and gripped each strand so I could taste him
more. Nananabik at naghahangad pa ng sobra at mas malalim.

Kung ‘di lang kami naubusan ng hininga ay ‘di pa kami maghihiwalay na dalawa.
Nagtama ang noo namin at pikit ang mga mata ko habang hinahabol ang hininga kagaya
niya.
 “Happy New Year, Prosecutor,” bulong ko at iminulat ang mata.

Sumugat ang ngiti sa labi niya, pinaraan ang ilong sa akin, at nagnakaw pa ng
isang halik.

“Happy New Year, Bella. Welcome home,” he breathed out. “Mahal na mahal
kita.”

Nawala ang atensyon ko ro’n nang maramdaman ang malagkit sa kamay ko.
Nilingon ko ang palad at nagmura nang matantong natunaw na ang ice cream sa kamay
ko at nadurog ko ang cone.

“Fuck!”

He laughed at my reaction.

“Na-uh, Bella,” he teased. “Gano’n ba kasarap ang halik ko at natunaw mo ang

ice cream?”

“Jerk!” singhal ko at kumalat ang init sa buong mukha. “T-tingnan mo,

nalagyan ng ice cream ang dress ko! Ikaw kasi!”

“E di sorry,” he mused with a grin. “‘Di ko kasalanan na sarap na sarap ka sa

halik…”

I glared at him. He raised both of his hands as if he’s surrendering. Tawang-

tawa pa siya habang inaalalayan ako patayo mula tiles at kinuha sa kamay ko ang
kalat ko bago umalis para itapon iyon sa malapit na trash can.

I was glaring at him like a brat, annoyed by his playful smile.

“Punasan mo ‘to, kasalanan mo!” I spat. Ngumisi siya.

“Suplada mo naman, Miss.” Muli siyang nagnakaw ng halik.

Umawang ang labi ko pero kumindat lang siya at kumuha ng wipes sa lamesa para
punasan ang malagkit kong palad.

I got a glance of that gold ring in his pinky again. Inabot iyon ng hinliliit
ko habang pinupunasan niya ang kamay ko.

He saw what I was doing and caught my pinky with his, intertwining it
together. It felt so good.

“Sa ‘yo?” I asked.

“Sa ‘yo,” sagot niya at mas natigilan ako, nagtatakang pinagmasdan siyang
magaan lang ang tingin.

“Huh?”

“The ring was yours,” he said.

When I felt his hand moving, my gaze fell back on it. Namilog ang mata ko
nang tanggalin niya ang singsing sa hinliliit at hinuli ang daliri ko, unti-unting
isinuot iyon sa akin nang makarinig kami ng yapak.

“What are you two doing here?” When I heard Mommy’s voice, I panicked.
 Like an instinct, hinatak ko ang kamay ko paalis sa hawak ni Chiel. I dropped
his hand, dahilan kaya nahulog ang singsing at gumulong sa tiles.

‘Di ko na nahabol ng tingin ang pinaggulungan no’n dahil hinarap ko na si

mommy na kunot ang noo at nagtataka.

“Mom!” I called. Her eyes went to mine and she smiled.

“What are you two doing here?” She asked. “Your cousins are looking for you,
Chiel. And Clyte?”

My heart jumped.

“Y-yes, My?”

“Scira wanted to see you,” she informed kaya tumango-tango ako.

“A-alright, let’s go?”

Tumango si Mommy pero ang tingin ay nanatili kay Chiel na tahimik lang na
nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya mula sa pagkakatulala nito sa kamay niyang binitawan
ko.

“What are you two doing here, Alchiel?” I shivered when I heard the faint
demand in her tone focusing on him.

Umiling si Chiel at maliit na ngumiti.

“I’m sorry, Tita. It’s my fault. Natapunan siya ng natunaw na ice cream. I
was just helping her clean her palms. My apologies, if you’ll excuse me,” aniya at
bahagyang tumungo, nagpamulsa at tahimik na umalis.

Kabanata 25

Kabanata 25

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I should be sleeping with one eye open at night, so I don’t get why I slept
soundly in bed that night. I had no nightmares, no anxiousness, just plain
exhaustion and overwhelming feeling. Kaya siguro bagsak ako pagkahiga sa kama.

However, I shouldn’t do it again, right? I should keep my guard up. I was on

the enemy’s turf.

Sa pagmulat ko ng mata ay umalon ang tiyan ko kasabay ng pilantik ng dibdib

pagkasalubong ko sa pamilyar na mga mata.

I almost fell on the bed in shock! She gasped loudly and reached for me.

“Clyte! Oh, God! Are you okay?!” she gasped in shock.

Napatango-tango ako, kumakapit sa kamay niya nang alalayan niya ko para ‘di
mahulog.

“Yes, ‘My,” tumango ako. “Sorry, nagulat lang ako,” natawa ako.
 “Oh, God,” she sighed and assisted me to sit on the bed. “I’m so sorry,
darling! Natakot ka yata sa ‘kin na nakatitig sa ‘yo. You must’ve thought I was a
ghost or something?”

Umiling ako agad at natawa.

“No.” I squeezed her hand. “It’s fine, Mom. ‘Di ko lang po in-expect na
nandito ka at pinapanood ako. Not that I don’t want it. I was just surprised po.”

Her eyes softened as she sat beside me, facing me. Tumalon ang puso ko at
kumalma pagkaraan nang abutin niya ang pisngi ko at hinaplos ito.

Tila may sumaksak sa puso ko sa pagkislap ng mga mata niya—ang sakit at

saya ay naghahalo.

“Mom…” I called.

It was a lie, Zahrah. A lie. A lie.

“I-I’m sorry, darling.” She laughed a little, then stroked my cheek with her
thumb. “I don’t want to disturb you because I know for sure you’re exhausted but… I
woke up earlier and thought I was just having a dream, so I raced here to see you.
Now…”

Her voice trembled. Ang nanginginig na kamay ko’y inabot ang pisngi niya para
hawiin ang mga naglalandas na luha rito.

“‘My…”

“N-now, I can’t even look away.” She laughed a little, closing her eyes to
feel my palm against her cheek. “I’m just afraid when I do, you’ll vanish.”

I hated that I was feeling this way. I hated that I was touched; deep inside,
I wanted to believe it. That I was believing it.

“I won’t,” I mumbled. “Not anymore.”

She embraced me. Mainit ito at komportable. I could hear her cries, a mixture
of happiness and pain, and as much as I hated it, I was emotional too.

I knew for sure I was breaking every principle I had since coming back to
this family, but I couldn’t help it. I could control how I think but never how I
should feel.

Was this because I was missing my real mom? The mother and family they took
away from me?

While she was crying while we were embracing, the door opened. Napatalon ako
sa gulat nang may marinig na pagsabog ng party popper kasabay ng confetti.

I blinked when I saw people entering led by my dad, Thorn Valderama, hawak
ang isang cake at sa kanyang likuran ay ang mga kapatid, best friend, at kamag-anak
ko.

“Welcome home, Clyte!” they all exclaimed. I couldn’t help my tears any
longer.

“W-what…” I mumbled and sobbed.

 Nanginginig ako. Sapo-sapo ko ang bibig habang lumalayo sa akin si Mommy
matapos niyang hagkan ang pisngi ko at bumulong.

“Welcome home, anak.”

Her familiar voice rang. It sent nothing but calmness and familial love.

Unti-unting inilapit sa akin ni Dad ang cake at natawa ako pagkakitang may
pilit na rose pang naka-drawing doon.

“Who did that?” naiiyak kong tanong sa kanila.

“I did!” Nagtaas ng kamay si Crest kaya mas napatawa ako. “Hirap palang mag-
drawing kapag sa cake na!”

It felt like I was having a birthday, and they even sang one for me. Ang
kandila na gamit kasi ay pang-birthday at biglaan daw ang mga nangyari at ‘yon lang
ang available sa kusina namin.

Seems like they woke up early to bake me a cake and surprise me.

I closed my eyes and wished. Wished if it was possible to have a happy

family, one without revenge and pain. One with nothing but genuine love and
support.

I wanted that family… maybe in another life.

I blew the candle. They all cheered.

Inantay ako ni Crest habang naliligo ako para makisalo sa kanila sa ibaba at
hindi pa raw tapos ang party! Buhay na buhay ang mansyon kaya nakakapanibago at
ilang taon akong tahimik ang paligid kahit anong okasyon.

Nakakapanibago na ganito. Nakakapanibagong nasasabik akong matapos sa pagligo

para um-attend ng kasiyahan!

My hair was still wet from the bath when I got out and saw Crest sitting on
the bed with the twins. Inaayos niya ang buhok ng dalawa para lagyan ng ribbon at
terno ulit sila, sa damit at hairstyle.

My heart softened. It made me smile.

“Good morning, girls,” I greeted.

“Ninang!” masiyahing tawag nila at nakangiting dumukwang ako para hagkan ang
pisngi nilang dalawa sabay baling kay Crest na malambing ang ngiti.

“Mabuti at nakakaya pa ni Locket ang maintenance?” I teased.

Humalakhak siya at kumindat sa ‘kin.

“Doble-kara na nga ang asawa ko! Pero don’t worry, Clyte-Clyte! Bukod naman
sa salary ko from Crescent Shines, expert na mambudol ang kambal ko kay Lolo Papa
Iñigo, ‘di ba?”

“Opo!” Reese blurted happily.

Avery just smiled a little and touched her curly hair at nauna na siyang
matapos ayusan ng mommy niya.
 Lumapit ako sa kanya at ngumiti.

“Hello, Avery! Do you mind if Ninang would sit beside you?” I asked.

Her eyes widened. She shook her head shyly and moved a little kaya tumabi ako
sa kanya.

“Okay lang ba if ipaupo ka ni Ninang sa lap?” I asked again. She nodded,

nauna pa siyang lumapit kaya binuhat ko na at pinaupo.

“Wow, ang ganda naman ng damit ng mga inaanak ko!” puri ko, naaaaliw sa polka
dots violet na dress ni Avery at sa pink na kay Reese.

“Twinning po, Ninang!” masayang sabi ni Reese na inaayusan pa ng ribbon sa

ulo.

“Yes, twinning,” I giggled. “Ang ganda-ganda, o! Parang mga doll! Mana kay
Mommy, a? Mahilig din kayo sa kikay things, babies?”

“Opow!” Reese exclaimed happily. Nang balingan ko si Avery ay tahimik lang

niyang pinaglalaruan ang ruffles ng dress niya kaya hinaplos ko ang buhok niya.

“How about you, Avery? You like kikay things, too?”

Nagulat pa siya sa tanong ko pero tumango at nahihiyang tumingin sa akin.

“Opo… kikay,” she mumbled then reached for my hand to play with my watch this
time. Hinayaan ko siya.

Nahuli ni Crest ang tingin ko. Mas lumambing ang ngiti niya, puno ng saya at
pagmamahal. Tila may humaplos sa puso ko pagkakita sa kanyang gano’n.

It was genuine. She was really happy. She deserved that happiness.

“Avery is a bit like her father,” Crest said. “It’s not like she was shy,
she’s just more observant. Mas mapili kasi ‘yan sa tao. Itong si Reese ang nakakuha
yata sa ugali ko.”

Reese grinned proudly, elated to hear she got it from her mom. Natawa ako.

What an adorable baby.

“Avery is well, hindi madaling magtiwala sa tao. Hindi siya lalapit kapag ‘di
niya pa nakakapagpalagayan ng loob,” she added.

Mas nangiti ako.

“So…” Kinagat ko ang labi. “Do you think she likes me?”

“Of course,” she smiled. “She won’t stop talking about you since last
night.”

Namilog ang mata ko at binalingan si Avery na abala pa rin kakapindot sa

relo
ko.

“Really?”

“Yup,” she grinned. “She always wanted to see the ninang we named her after.
When she met you, she instantly liked you. Pagkagising kaninang umaga, sinabi niya
kaagad na gusto ka niyang makita at hinila ako rito.”

Clytemnestra Avery…

Ipinikit ko ang mata at marahang niyakap si Avery, inaabot ang kamay ni Reese
na isinasayaw ang paa niya paabante at pabalik habang nanonood ng fashion show sa
TV.

When she felt my hand, she gripped it and pointed to the television.

“Ninang, look! Kapag… ‘pag big na po ako po mowdel!”

“Of course, you would be great models,” I assured the two of them before
glancing at Crest.

“Thank you,” I mouthed.

For introducing me to your kids, for… not tainting my image to them. Dahil
kilala nila ako kahit wala ako.

“I love you,” she mouthed back and reached for me to kiss my cheek.

Kumatok at pumasok si Locket pagkaraan para tawagin kami. The twins jumped
out of the bed to race towards their father.

May narinig akong tumahol. Naghagikhikan ang kambal at nakita kong may
ibinaba si Locket sa lapag kasabay ng pagtunog ng mahinang bell kaya nahulog ang
tingin ko roon.

My eyes widened when I saw a chihuahua with a pink bell on her neck while
wearing a pink dress with a ribbon on its back! May headband na garter pa itong may
heart design at nang tumawa si Crest at sinalubong ang aso para buhatin ay napatayo
ako.

The dog barked at her. She giggled at nang humarap sila sa ‘king dalawa ay
nahulog ang panga ko sabay turo sa aso.

“I-is that Chichay?!” I exclaimed as if it was a natural thing to know.

Her eyes brightened.

“Yes! Oh my gosh! Chay, narinig mo ‘yon? Kilala ka ni Tita mo!” she

exclaimed, and laughter filled the room when the dog jumped on me.

Nauna ang mag-aama niya paalis dahil aayusan pa raw ako ng best friend ko.
Naiwan si Chichay na nakaupo sa paa ko habang bino-blower ni Crest ang buhok ko at
ikukulot niya raw.

“I have a lot of things to say and ask you but it’s New Year,” aniyang may
ngiti. “Sobrang regalo na ang makita kita, and we can talk about a lot of things
next time if you’re ready—we have a lifetime ahead of us.”

I squeezed her palm.

“I’m so sorry for vanishing, Crest-Crest,” bulong ko. “Hindi ko pa maalala

ang lahat. It was still hazy, but I’m sorry if I wasn’t there for you when you
needed me the most.”

“Don’t say that,” she breathed out. “You didn’t leave. You were taken from
us.”

Hindi ako nakaimik kaagad at tinitigan siya sa salamin, kuryoso. There’s this
nagging feeling inside that’s been wanting to ask so I did.

“I’m sorry, Crest. I hate to ruin the mood, and you can choose not to answer
if you’re not comfortable, but h-have you seen how I was kidnapped? I mean, malabo
pa kasi kaya…”

She froze.

Her face darkened, and her expression changed. Akala ko’y ‘di na niya ako
sasagutin dahil tumigil siya sa pagkulot sa akin pero muli niyang itinuloy
pagkatapos kalmahin ang sarili.

“Is it fine with you?” Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin. “I don’t want to trigger your
memories. H’wag mong piliting makaalala, ang mahalaga sa akin ay nandito ka na at
naaalala mo kami. This might—”

“I want to hear it, Crest. I’ll be fine, I promise.” I assured.

Natahimik siya saglit. Hinayaan ko siyang kulutin ang isang parte ng buhok ko
bago siya nagsimula.

“It was just almost after Mama Lena died,” aniya, may pait at lungkot ang
tinig.

Leona Sandejas. The grandmother.

A flash of memory appeared in my head. I was with Crest, and we were hugging
her inside a room, we were all crying.

Why?

“We were on our way home when we stopped, our driver was poisoned. Then a van
came, they forcefully opened the door and took you,” mahinang sabi niya at
bumuntonghininga. “I was screaming, I was so afraid for you, but they still took
you. Wala akong nagawa.”

Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad, pinagmamasdan ang mukha niya. Bakas na bakas
ang pagkabigo at galit doon.

“I-I heard them saying na yari sila sa kung kanino man kapag ‘di ka nila
nakuha. I tried fighting but they are large and plenty. I couldn’t f-fight, I…”

Her voice trembled. Nilingon ko na siya, marahang inilayo ang pangkulot ng

buhok para hawakan siya at ipaupo sa tabi ko sa tapat ng vanity.

She followed. Unti-unti ko siyang niyakap, bumibigat ang pakiramdam nang

marinig ko ang mahinang hikbi niya sa balikat ko.

I was suddenly feeling bad and sorry. She was very alive earlier, and I asked
her that. Nasira ko yata ang mood niya.

“Crest… sorry…”

“I-it’s not your fault, silly!” Suminghot siya at mas niyakap pa ako. “‘Di mo
‘yon ginusto! Wala rin akong nagawa para tulungan ka! C-Chiel even ran and tried
chasing you, but they shot him.”
 My back stiffened.

“W-what?” Marahang inilayo ko siya para tignan sa mata.

She stopped as if realizing what she had said.

“It’s nothing—”

“Crest,” I called calmly despite the alarm and fear. “Who was shot?”

Mukha siyang nagdadalawang-isip kung sasabihin ba sa akin. Ni hindi ko mabasa

ang reaksyon niya. Kung talaga bang may nabaril o kasinungalingan lang.

“I shouldn’t—”

“Crest…” I repeated.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin pero sa huli’y bumuntonghininga ito.

“Si kambal,” bulong niya at kahit narinig ko na kanina’y naramdaman ko pa rin

ang hapdi na sumagi sa dibdib.

“How?” I asked.

“Please, don’t tell him I told you, okay?” she asked. Tumango ako. “He was
just almost behind us when it happened. Ang sasakyan kasi natin ang nauuna tapos
ang kanya at ang kina Scira.”

I nodded, the faint memories in my head suddenly appearing like a fog. They
were there, but I couldn’t seem to grasp it entirely. It felt like it was locked
out at the back of my head, impossible to open just yet.

“Then they took you, they forcefully pushed you inside the van.”

Van…

I suddenly remembered Chiel’s trauma with it. I’ve seen him flinch and panic.

“Chiel got to us almost immediately and tried to fight them to take you back
pero… ang bilis ng pangyayari. He ran after you, but they shot him, here.” Tinuro
niya ang baywang. “I could still remember him chasing, even after his blood painted
the road red. He didn’t stop until he tripped and fell.

Natulala ako sa kanya. Her eyes softened. She was sorry, too.

Pinisil niya ang kamay ko nang mahagilap niya.

“Sorry, Clyte. I didn’t tell you this for you to feel guilty. You never
should be kasi una sa lahat ‘di mo kasalanan na gano’n. It was our fault for
letting them take you after letting our guard down. It was our fault for not
finding you sooner.”

Umiling ako, mas lalo lang naguluhan.

“In the mansion where I stayed for years, they never hurt me. At least not
that way,” I confessed.

Her eyes sharpened, the anger reverberating I could also feel the chills.
 “You lost your memories, right?” she asked. I nodded.

“I got into a car crash while they…” your family. “Chased me down.”

“They used it to their advantage, Clyte,” aniya. “You’d suspect them if they
did anything that would scare you, but the kidnapping? Hiding you for years and
trapping you in that mansion like a prison? They deserved to rot in jail for that.”

Hindi na ako nagkomento at tahimik lang na nakinig sa mga susunod niyang

sasabihin.

“I was still surprised how Chiel managed to take you here safely and without
any outside pressure from Sebastian, but I trust our security,” aniya. “Maybe they
tried but couldn’t. Ang mahalaga ay narito ka na.”

She squeezed my palm, smiling.

“Alam kong paulit-ulit pero welcome home, Clyte,” masuyong sinabi niya.
“Masaya ako—masaya kami na nandito ka na. We were empty and incomplete without
you. We missed you terribly and now that you’re h-here? Kompleto na ako.”

We embraced. I closed my eyes as I rested my head on her shoulder and reveled

in the fantasy that we were happy. That I belonged here. Kahit saglit na panahon
lang.

Sumama ako sa kanya pagkatapos naming magkulot na dalawa at ipinasuot niya sa

‘kin ang damit na balak niyang ilabas sa susunod na collection niya. I felt like a
pioneer while staring at my dress, chuckling while she was snapping photos of me.

Nahiya ako bigla.

“Crest! H’wag mong i-post!”

“I won’t post your face!” She giggled. “Just a part, please? Bagay na bagay
kasi sa ‘yo and oh! Can I also post this on my Instagram story? Sneak peek for the
next collection?”

My lips protruded. She showed me her beautiful eyes.

“Please? Pretty, pretty please? For Crest-Crest?”

Tumitig ako sa kanya. Kumurap-kurap siya para magpalambing. Narinig ko ang

tawa ng asawa niya na nadaanan kami at pinisil ang pisngi niya.

“Pagbigyan mo na, Clyte. Naiiyak na, o,” biro pa niya.

“Right?!” Crest asked him while pouting. Locket kissed her cheek before
slapping her butt.

Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat doon at gano’n din si Crest na namula ang mukha
at gulat na hinabol ng tingin si Locket na parang walang ginawang lumabas, pormal
na pormal.

Nagkatinginan kami.

“I-iyon ‘yong malanding version niya?” I asked, suddenly remembering how we

talked about him before. Para daw kasing bato at walang reaksyon madalas.
 “L-level two pa lang ‘yon, BFF,” sagot niya kaya nagtilian kaming dalawa,
kinikilig na nagyakap.

Ang saya-saya ko.

Pinagbigyan ko si Crest na i-post ang picture ko, of course without my face

para na rin daw sa sneak peek ng collection niya sa mga susunod na buwan.

Habang nag-i-scroll at nag-e-edit siya ay naghanap ang mata ko sa paligid.

May videoke na roon at nangunguna na si Tito Zeijan sa pagkanta at duet yata sila
ng anak niya, sa mga magpipinsan at mga batang sama-samang naglalaro kung hindi
naghahabulan sa labas ng ancestral.

My eyes went to where Tito Iñigo and Tita Thallia were, kasama nila si Adi
na katawanan si Sibyl.

“Saan si Chiel?” I asked.

“Hmm?” Nilingon ako ni Crest. “Oh! Si kambal?”

Tumango ako.

“Maagang umalis at may kaso yata sa prosecution,” aniya.

Bakit ‘di ko alam? I am his secretary!

“Pero New Year?” I asked. “Wala bang vacation or…”

“Alam mo naman ang workaholic na ‘yon.” Umiling siya. “Tahimik nga kagabi
no’ng binati ko ng good night tapos kaninang umaga, nagising ako nang maaga, aba
nauna pa palang nagising—kung nakatulog man! Tapos nagpaayos ng necktie niya,
pumasok. ‘Di na napigilan.”

“Was he usually like that?” I asked. “Nagtatrabaho kahit holiday?”

Tumitig siya sa ‘kin at malungkot na ngumiti.

“Let’s go inside the house? Upo muna tayo?”

“But the party…” Bumaling ako sa maingay na pamilya. “Hindi ka ba

makikisali?”

“Oh, Clyte, I had plenty of parties in my life. A couple of hours without it

will be fine. Sa loob tayo para tahimik.”

Sumama ako sa kanya. Nakisuyo siyang dalhan kami ng pagkain sa may living
room pagkatapos niyang punasan ang likod ng mga anak na namawis na kakatakbo at
bumalik sa akin na may malawak na ngiti.

She’s really beautiful. Maganda na siya sa litrato at sa mga alaala ko noon

pero mas pa pala sa aktwal. She was shining, blooming like a healthy and beautiful
rose.

She bloomed so brightly, obviously well taken care of. Well-loved, watered,
and nourished to be such a beautiful rose.

“Motherhood suits you,” I praised. “I’m sure you’re a great mom.”

She bit her lip. “Y-you think so?”

 Tumango ako.

“You’re blooming, Crest.”

“Gano’n talaga, ‘te, kapag may everyday dilig,” sagot niya sabay ngisi.

My mouth parted. Natulak ko siya nang malakas siyang humalakhak at hinampas-

hampas ako.

“Itong si Ate mo, akala mo walang dilig!” she accused.

Namilog ang mata ko sabay yakap sa sarili. Napawi ang tawa niya.

“Gaga ka! Don’t tell me—” She gasped dramatically as she pointed to me.
“Wala pa?!”

Shit.

I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. “L-let’s not talk about it—”

“Oh my God, ‘di mo pa pala nalasap ang sarap na sa ti—!” I screamed before
she could finish her words.

This woman and her unfiltered mouth!

Nang makita kong pumasok sina Dei ay dali-daling kinuha ko ang throw pillow
at tinakip sa mukha ni Crest. Humahalakhak siya. Dei gave me a concerned look,
hilaw akong ngumisi sabay iling-iling, kinukurot ang kamay ng best friend ko.

Kumalma lang kaming dalawa nang dumating ang pagkain na request niya.
Tumatawa pa rin si Crest at ipinakita sa akin ang post niyang picture ko sa
Instagram at ang maraming reacts doon.

“Pretty,” I praised. “Ang dami namang reaction!”

“Hindi! ‘Di ‘yan ang point! Tingnan mo sino unang nag-react wala pang ilang
segundo kong na-post!” she said kaya napatitig ako sa phone niya, nagulat nang
makita si Alchiel na naka-heart.

‘Di pa nakontento at nag-reply pa ng maraming puso na ‘di na nagkasya sa

preview.

He’s online. Why can’t he text me back?

“S-si Chiel?” I confirmed. “May Instagram pala siya?”

She chuckled.

“Yup! Hindi naman niya ginagamit, pang-like lang sa mga post natin kaya may
ganito siya.” She showed me his profile with no pictures at all aside from a single
pot of a blooming rose.

His first bloom.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa phone. Mula sa pwesto ay kitang-kita ko ang

Christmas tree kung nasaan kami kagabi.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay, iniisip ang singsing. Muli na namang binalot
ng pagkabigo ang puso ko. It fell around there. I have to find it. Kung bakit ko ba
naman kasi hinatak ang kamay ko!

Chiel… did he go to work because he didn’t want to see me? Dahil kaya sa
nahulog ko ang singsing?

He sounded pained last night.

Pero totoo kaya ‘yon, Zahrah? O pinapaniwala mo lang ang sarili mo?

“He has been workaholic before but lumala lang no’ng kinuha ka sa ‘min,” she
opened up. “In the first few months, he skipped work to look for you full-time. He
even interrogated Israel, but…” She shook her head.

“A-ano’ng sabi ni Israel?”

“Na wala siyang alam.” Her voice strained. “We even tracked and monitored the
CCTVs and the people around him, but we got a dead end. We couldn’t find you. Ayaw
magpaawat ni Chiel. I hate seeing him that stressed and unfocused, dagdag pa ang
nangyari din sa akin noon na halos kasabay lang ng iyo. I don’t like seeing him
faking his smiles and pretending he’s alright but at the same time, thankful
because he wouldn’t stop looking.”

Pinalamig ko ang palad sa juice, pinapakinggan siya.

“Luckily, the next few times, napigilan na nina Dad. He wanted to also have
an investigation and search for you alone aside from our family’s help pero
kalaunan ay mabuti na lang pumayag siyang mag-joint search at naasikaso na niya ang
mga kaso at kliyente niyang napabayaan. Nga lang, he’s too unfocused. He would bury
himself in work if he’s not searching for you, he won’t eat. He’s a mess, Clyte.”

My hand trembled, but I didn’t let it show.

“Dinadalhan ko na ng pagkain sa opisina at hindi gagalaw kung ‘di mo pa

pilitin. Luckily, the boys were here to cheer him up and forced him back again to
have a life outside work kaya kahit papaano’y may social life pa naman iyan pero
kapag mag-isa?” Umiling siya. “There’s this one time where he went to a lead we
received but ‘di pala totoo. Walang tulog siyang pumunta sa trial niya
kinabukasan.”

“What? He didn’t even rest?”

Umiling siya.

“Matigas ang ulo niyan ni Alchiel! Sa ‘yo lang naman sumusunod ‘yan.” Nangiti
siya nang malungkot. “Ayon nga, he went on a trial and in the middle of the
session, he fainted.”

Tumalon ang puso ko, nag-aalala.

“What happened?”

“Dinala sa ospital. The doctor said he was suffering from fatigue, lack of
sleep, and dehydration.”

“That bastard!” Ngumiwi ako. “Pati ba naman tubig?! Binilhan ko ‘yong

tumbler, a?!”

Her eyes twinkled. Tumango siya.

 “He still uses the red tumbler you bought for him, but old habits die hard,
BFF. Display ang tumbler, dala niya pero walang laman o ‘di kaya’y ‘di naaalalang
uminom.”

Napailing ako, iritado na.

“We convinced him to have a break, pumayag naman kay pumuntang Biliran. I
thought he did have a good rest dahil pagbalik niya’y medyo may buhay na ang mukha
then I found out just last night, Zy informed me it wasn’t because he had a good
time, it was because his hope bloomed. He said he saw you there.”

Napatango-tango ako.

“Yes, I was there. I think it was around the bus station, sumama ako kina
Yaya Mildred nang may ihatid sila. Then, suddenly, just a few days later, I was
sent immediately to Cebu using the family’s private jet.”

Tumango siya.

“We believed it was Jackson Sebastian who sent that. May nakabantay raw na
security sa airport, miski sa barko at mga bus pero wala raw silang nakita. It was
Jackson who successfully pulled you out of our radar, sabi ni Zy,” paliwanag niya.
“It went on, the search continued with Chiel leaving and coming back here and
finding you in Cebu.”

I bit my lip.

“Medyo nagtatampo ako kasi hindi niya sinabi sa ‘king ang dahilan bakit
biglang gusto niyang kunin ang position ng prosecutor sa Cebu. Nalulungkot ako na
malayo siya pero nang malaman kong dahil iyon sa nando’n ka ay naintindihan ko.”
She reached for me. “Ang mahalaga, nandito ka na.”

We joined the fun after. I was fascinated with their family. Mukhang ibang-
iba sila sa mga kwentong nalaman ko mula kina Cole na sumasagi na sa utak ko kung
paano pala kung hindi totoo?

I played with the kids who were obviously fond of me. Hindi rin mahiwalay sa
akin ang Mommy, pati na rin ang Daddy na nakabantay.

Siguro ay natatakot silang may gawin akong mali? O, na baka alam ko ang
totoong ginawa nila sa ‘kin noon? Tapos tumakas ako’t ‘di na nila magamit para
takutin ang tunay na ama?

Even the thought of it was heavy. Ayong isiping gano’n. Kahit ngayon lang.

Halos sumapit na ang hapon na wala si Alchiel. I texted Meia who was with her
family to celebrate. Si Bryce naman ay hindi rin kasama si Chiel at kasama ang
pamilya niya.

Si Rome kaya? Magkasama kaya sila?

I tried texting and calling Alchiel. Still, no response. Pero nakaya namang
mag-Instagram! Reply man lang wala? ‘Di ba niya naisip na may nag-aalala sa kanya?!

Mas bumigat lang ang pakiramdam ko sa naisip na dahilan bakit marahil gano’n.

He was mad at me.

 Pumasok ako sa mansyon. Nasalubong ko si Zy.

“Hi, BFF!” He grinned.

“Hello, Lloyd.” I shot my brow up. “I mean Zy! Ang dami naman kasing pangalan
na ginagamit! Ngayon, ano na namang sideline mo?” Minata ko ang costume niyang
dinosaur. Tumawa siya at napahawak sa batok.

“Mascot ako ngayon at nahihilig si Colt sa dinosaur,” he said, referring to

his son.

Nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanya at namilog ang mata nang makita naman si
Bullet sa kanyang likuran na gano’n din ang suot. Napalingon si Zy at lumaki ang
ngisi.

“Don’t laugh,” banta ni Bullet sa kanya na matalim ang tingin pero tumatawa
na ang asawa niya at pinugpog siya ng halik habang bumubulong ng pang-aasar.

This household was full of love. I can’t help but feel envious.

Nang mawala na sila ay nagtungo ako sa may Christmas tree kagabi bago
lumuhod. Dito banda nahulog siguro ang singsing. I needed to find it.

I would return it to Chiel and maybe… we’d talk? Gusto ko siyang makausap.

I carefully moved the remaining gifts from there to check but there was none
kaya iritadong bumuntonghininga ako at sumalapak ng upo.

“Ano hanap mo, ‘nak?” I jumped in shock when I saw my dad peeking from where
I was.

“Dad!” tawag ko.

“Hello,” he smiled gently. “Ano’ng hanap mo?”

“U-uh, gamit ko lang po. I think I dropped it around here.”

His forehead creased. “Oh, alright. Do you want me to help? Alisin ko itong
sofa—”

“No po, ayos lang,” I assured him. “Baka po na-misplace ko lang.”

He looked doubtful, as if he wanted so badly to insist and help me but Tito

Zeijan appeared and put his arms on his shoulders.

“Ano’ng meron, tinik?” he asked.

“Clyte was looking for something, nahulog yata ang gamit niya.” Tito Zeij’s
brow shot up when he heard him. “Tutulungan ko lang sana—”

“Ako na!” he presented and gently pushed him away. “Dalhin mo na ‘yong
pulutan doon sa labas at lalasingin na natin si Kuya Raf!”

“Later,” ani Dad. “Tutulungan ko pa ang anak ko.”

“Tsk! Ako na bahala rito sa pamangks!” aniya sabay ngiti sa akin. “Okay lang
ba na ako ang tumulong sa ‘yo, Clyte-ganda?”

My heart jumped. He’s calling me like how I heard him refer to his family. I
nodded.

“See?” ngisi niya sa Dad na nakasimangot na.

“Anak ko ‘yan—”

“Oo! Anak mo, akala mo naman aagawan ng anak!” Humalakhak siya. “Bilis na,
mamaya mag-walk out na ‘yon si Kuya Raf at ‘di na natin malasing!”

We watched my dad leave then we looked at each other. He smiled.

“Okay lang po, Tito. Ako na ang hahanap.”

“Ayan ba ‘yong singsing?” he suddenly asked. I froze, my eyes widening.

“P-po? Ah, yes.” Tumango-tango ako. “Paano n’yo po nalaman?”

“Hmm… kasi kanina, maaga ako nagising kanina nakita ko Chiel-taba inuusog
‘yong sofa at may hinahanap kagaya mo. I asked. May hinahanap daw siyang nahulog. I
offered for help, kaya naman na raw niya kaya ‘di ko na pinilit but I don’t think
he found it. Mukhang bagnot, e.” Napaisip siya. “Though, palagi namang bagnot si
Taba, nakasimangot pero gwapo pa rin naman kasi nasa lahi na ng family natin ‘yan.”

I blinked at him. Napapikit siya.

“Ay, sorry, nadadala na ako.” Umayos siya ng tayo. “Tapos ayon, pagkaalis
niya—hindi naman sa pagiging tsismoso pero na-curious ako kaya sinubukan ko ring
hanapin tapos nakita ko ‘to! Tsaran!” masayang sinabi niya. May kinuha siya sa
bulsa at nagningning ang mata ko sa nakita.

It’s the ring!

“Thank you, Tito!” singhap ko at inalalayan niya ako patayo, inilalagay sa

palad ko ang singsing.

“Kanino pala ‘yan?”

“Akin po,” sagot ko at inikot ang singsing, natitigilan nang mapansin ang
engravings sa loob.

Bella

“Oh, sa ‘yo pala? Sabi kasi ni Chiel kanina sa kanya…” He paused

dramatically. “Kanino ba talaga?”

Dagli akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanyang misteryosong mga mata. I swallowed

the lump in my throat, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it beating against my
throat this time.

“I mean—”

“Abangan sa susunod na kabanata,” dagdag niya sabay ngisi, kurot sa pisngi ko

at talikod para tulungan ang Dad sa mga pulutan, sumisipol pa na parang walang
nangyari.

He didn’t know, right?

Kami lang nina Crest yata ang nakakaalam. Pati sina Zion. Other than that…
they didn’t know, right?
 Dinner na nang mabalitaan kong nakauwi na si Chiel. My heart bounced in
familiarity as I saw him walking inside with his creased dress shirt and slacks.
Magulo ang buhok niya at may ngiti sa sinasabi sa kanya nina Zion.

I wasn’t able to look away when he felt me staring and locked gazes with me.
Bahagyang napawi ang ngiti niya. I reached for my fingers, ipinaikot ko ang
singsing at tumitig pa sa kanya lalo.

I tried smiling, but I probably looked constipated kaya kinagat ko na lang

ang labi.

“Alchiel,” tawag ng dad niya kaya nawala ang tingin niya sa ‘kin at ‘di na
muling nahuli pa.

I was bothered. I was mad at him because of what he did before to me, but I
would not lie. I have feelings for him and seeing him ignoring me was—I hated it
even more.

Nasa malayo siya nakaupo no’ng dinner, kausap sina Macky at nagtatawanan sa
mga kwento ni Zy.

Ayaw niya akong tingnan?

“Ate, are you okay?” Scira asked. Doon ko lang napansing pinapanood niya ako.

“Yes.” Tumango ako at ngumiti. May humawak naman sa braso sa tabi ko kaya
nilingon ko si Mommy at sinabing ayos lang ako bago nagpatuloy ng pagkain kahit
wala akong gana.

Crest gave me a look from the other side of the table. I just smiled.

Ayos lang ako.

Ayos lang dapat ako.

We finished our dinner with the girls inviting us to swim. Nasa loob naman
sina Mom kasama ang mga tito at tita dahil malamig, ang iilan ay pagod na at may
mga bata kaya aasikasuhin na sa pagtulog.

The boys were drinking. The girls were swimming.

Kaunti lang kaming naiwan na pagkaraan pero mas nabawasan pagkatapos ng isang
oras at pagod na dahil medyo malalim na ang gabi.

I was still wearing my maong shorts and bikini top with my feet on the water.
Katabi ko si Crest na nagkukwento tungkol sa collection niya. I was having fun with
her but I couldn’t help but glance to where the boys were.

Ang tatlo na lang ang naroon. Dei and Zy were the only ones left drinking but
I knew Chiel was taking a few shots dahil medyo namumula na siya.

Siya na lang ang pumapapak ng pulutan nila ngayon, nakasandal at tanging

board shorts lang ang suot.

“May problema ba kayo? ‘Di kayo nagpapansinan, a?” Sumulyap ako kay Crest at
umiling.

“We’re fine—”
 “Enough pretending, Clyte.” Ngumuso siya. “Alam ko kung may problema kayo o
wala. Kabisado ko na kayo. Ganyan din kayo madalas noon.”

I looked at her curiously.

“O-oh, you probably don’t remember that part.” Kinagat niya ang labi,
humihingi ng permiso kung gusto kong ipagpatuloy niya. Tumango ako.

“If you two are fighting or you’re rejecting him, ganyan kayong dalawa,”
aniya. “Hindi n’yo lang matiis ang isa’t isa kaya nagbabati kayo. Tapos takot din
si kambal masipa ko sa pwet kapag ‘di ka pinapansin tapos sad ka kaya…”

Natahimik siya saglit, tila iniisip ang mga salitang isusunod niya.

“I know what you two had was complicated. We were not blood-related but
you’re my best friend and my sister in my heart. Sabi nga nila, kambal ang balun-
balunan natin. You and Chiel weren’t too, obviously. We knew since we were young na
ipinagkatiwala ka ni Tita Ritch kay Tita Zid dahil sa sakit niya’t hindi ka
p’wedeng mapunta sa kamay ni Israel. You changed your name as per Tita Ritch’s
request if you’d want to and you did it for her and not for anyone else but in
other people’s eyes—we were cousins. Chiel was your cousin.”

It was a reality slap for me. Bawal kami dahil siya ang misyon ko. Bawal kami
dahil mali sa paningin ng iba.

“I was not able to vocally and fully support you two before because like you,
I don’t want to disappoint our families, too. Alam ko kasi ang pakiramdam na maging
disappointment kaya natatakot ako kay Chiel at baka magalit sa kanya ang Dad.
Natatakot akong baka may masabi sa kanya ang mga katrabaho tapos ikaw? Ikaw ang
bestest friend ko. I know how you want to make your parents proud. Para sa ‘yo,
gusto mong hindi magsisi ang magulang mo na kinupkop ka nila at minahal. You don’t
want to be a disappointment, you don’t want trouble and your love for him will
start it all.”

Mahina siyang natawa at inabot ang palad ko.

“Kaya noon, as much as I am rooting for you and the genuine love you two had
but tried so badly to stop not to disappoint everyone—I did not push through it.
Ako pa nga ang nasa pagitan n’yo. Kapag nagseselosan na kayo, ako ang may alam.”

Umawang ang labi ko. Ngumiti siya.

“Pero s’yempre, ‘di ko sinasabi sa isa’t isa sa inyo kasi duh, secret keeper
ako! ‘Di lang halata pero alam ko ang chismis sa paligid! Alam ko pa both sides!”
she chirped.

Napailing na lang ako at natawa.

“Sometimes, kapag nag-aaway kayo, I badly want to push you two together to
kiss and make up pero s’yempre, pinipigilan ko rin kahit ako ang number one AlClyte
fan.” Ngumuso siya.

“Crest…” Natawa ako sa tawag niya.

AlClyte…

“Kasi bawal, kasi iniisip ko kung pagkatapos ng pagmamahal, paano na kayo

kapag nasira ang pamilya. Paano pala kung hindi rin mapanindigan ang pagmamahal
hanggang dulo? Pero alam mo? Ngayon? Fuck it,” she said with determination. “I have
seen how time passed by and never, as in never in my waking moment I had seen Chiel
lost hope just to see you again.”

Her tear fell and before I could even dry it for her, hinawi na niya iyon at
ngumiti.

“I know love will stay no matter how long it passed—no matter what
challenges you encountered, gano’n ang tunay na pagmamahal, and if your feelings
for each other will not be proof of that? Ewan ko na lang.” Suminghot siya.

I squeezed her palm when I reached it.

“Basta ako? Ngayon, I will support you with my whole heart. I will be your
number one cheerleader. You deserve the happiness, Clyte. Kayo ni kambal. If I
would choose a woman for him, it would only be you. If I’d choose the right man for
you… hindi naman sa biased kasi kakambal ko pero I love you and I will choose the
best one for you. ‘Di naman sa sipsip pero si kambal na ‘yong boto ko.”

Napangiti na lang ako at sinulyapan ang mga lalaking unti-unti nang

nagpapaalam na papasok at naiwan na lang si Chiel at binabalatan ang mani isa-isa
gamit ang kutsara.

Sometimes, this man was weird.

“Ate, una na ‘ko, inaantok na raw ang mga bata,” paalam ni Dei na humalik pa
sa pisngi ko bago umalis.

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang kapatid.

“Did they know?” I asked Crest. “I mean… about us?”

Ngumuso siya.

“Not vocally at least aside from me, my husband, and the boys but it’s not
like Chiel kept it a secret.” Umiling siya. “Everyone knew—if not felt that he
fancied you. Sino bang hindi, e, nagmakaawa kay Mommy na sasama sa ‘yo sa saglit
mong stay to study abroad before?”

Did he? I wanted to remember it.

“Pinga.” Sabay kaming napalingon sa likod at nakita ang asawa niyang may
dalang t’walya.

We both stood.

“Hello, baby, tulog na ang kambal?” she asked.

Locket shook his head before placing the towel on his wife’s shoulder before
offering me one. Tinanggap ko iyon at ipinalibot sa balikat ko.

“Nope, kaya nga kita sinundo at ayaw matulog ng mini kambal mo kapag ‘di mo
raw sila lalagyan ng mask na gold.”

My eyes widened. Tumawa si Locket sa reaksyon ko. ‘Di na nga dapat ako
magulat dahil si Crest itong usapan pero ‘di ko maiwasan.

She giggled.
 “I ordered it from Korea, Clyte-Clyte! Maganda raw sa skin and they have one
na kid-friendly kaya I tried sa kambal. Oh, and I also bought you one!” masayang
sabi niya kaya nagkatinginan na lang kami ni Locket na nagkibit-balikat lang at
tahimik na inayos ang t’walya sa katawan ng asawa.

Akala ko nga’y aalis na rin silang dalawa at sasama na rin ako at ayaw ko
maiwan dahil sa galit nga si Chiel pero pinilit pa akong isama na magpapaalam sila!

I was pinching Crest who was trying to look formal but couldn’t stop
giggling.

“Chiel, una na kami tulog. ‘Di ka pa sasama papasok?” she asked.

“Later, I’m not sleepy yet,” he answered formally.

Nasa likod ako ng dalawa nang maglakad sila palapit kay Chiel na nag-angat ng
tingin sa amin. Nagtago ako sa likod ni Crest.

Tatakas ako!

“Uy, sakto!” Crest mumbled happily.

Humakbang ako paalis sana.

“—sakto at ‘di rin inaantok pa si Clyte-Clyte!” A gentle hand stopped my

arm and it was too quick. Naramdaman ko ang pagkawala ko ng balanse sa marahang
hilang iyon pabalik at namilog ang mata nang matanto kung ano’ng mangyayari sa
pagkawala ko ng balanse.

“Careful!” May brasong sumalo sa ‘kin bago pa ako tuluyang mabuwal, sa hita
niya bumagsak.

Nagkatitigan kami, ang asul niyang mata’y gulat habang ako’y parang natuklaw
pa ng ahas!

“Opps! Sorry! Nadulas ang hand ko!” Crest apologized, her tone completely
opposite to what she was saying.

“Dahil both kayong ‘di pa inaantok, kwentuhan daw muna kayo! Chiel, may gusto
raw sabihin sa ‘yo si Clyte-Clyte!” she exclaimed happily and didn’t even let me
speak before dragging her husband away, leaving us both in the empty pool area. Our
hearts were racing in sync.

Kabanata 26

Kabanata 26

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Kruu-kruu. Sabi ng mga kuliglig.

Hindi mawala ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya habang nakasalampak ako sa hita
niya, wala kaming imik na dalawa.

He seemed shocked, too, while looking at me. Hindi naman ako nagkape pero
parang pakiramdam ko’y nagpa-palpitate ako!
 I could smell his faint perfume and the liquor on him. Ang buhok niya’y
magulo, bahagyang nakaawang ang labi at hawak ako sa baywang sa biglaang pagsalo
niya dahil sa kagagawan ng kakambal at pagtulak sa ‘kin.

I was tall but whenever I was in his arms, I can’t help but feel little.
Nakaangat na nga sa ere ang paa ko habang nasa hita niya dahil sa awkward na
pagkakabagsak!

His intense eyes roamed on my face.

“Are you okay?” Tila naging kiliti ang buong boses niya na humagod sa katawan
ko.

“Y-yes…” I answered in a whisper.

We both gasped for air. Mabilis akong napaahon mula sa kanyang hita at
napaayos siya ng upo, sinusuklay ng isang palad ang buhok.

Lumunok ako.

“I should go—”

“Sit.” Inilahad niya ang upuan sa harapan niyang iniwan ng mga lalaki. Hindi
ako nakagalaw kaagad. “Crest said you can’t sleep yet,” aniya.

I could easily say it wasn’t true and left but I wanted to be here with him
so I followed. Masaya rito pero nakakapanibago. I felt like there were watchful
eyes everywhere unlike back in Cebu where we could do anything, everything without
it.

“Want a drink?” he offered.

Kinagat ko ang labi at sumulyap sa kanya.

“Kasama ka ba?” I asked. “Baka mamaya ay ako lang ang iinom?”

The way his forehead creased made me smile. There you go.

“I’ll drink—”

“Namumula ka na, o,” pansin ko sa kanya. “Nakailan ka na? Isa?”

Hindi siya umimik at nilagyan ang isang baso roon kaya nangisi na ako.

“So, I am right,” I said happily, mas naaliw sa paggalaw ng nguso niya’t

pagkutkot ulit ng mani ng kutsara niya na akala mo’y may attachment siya dahil
naroon ang focus sa halip na sa ‘kin.

“Verón,” I called.

Natigil siya sa pagpapak ng pulutan niya para sulyapan ako. I brought the
glass on my lips while staring at him.

“Saan ka galing kanina?”

He looked quite mesmerized by the glass I held against my lips before his jaw
clenched and returned to his food.

“Office,” sagot niyang seryoso.

 Ang suplado naman!

“Ah…” Tumango ako. “Bakit ‘di mo ako sinama?”

Napasulyap siyang muli sa akin.

“It wasn’t important, Clyte,” aniya. “Just work. I’m trying to finish the
cases we had in Cebu so I could transfer back here in Manila officially.”

“But it’s New Year,” I insisted. “Sabi nila kung anong ginagawa mo sa simula
ng taon, ‘yon na ang gagawin mo sa buong taon. Ano ‘yon, magtatrabaho ka lang buong
taon?”

Hindi siya nakaimik kaagad.

“It’s fine,” he answered after a while. “I was doing it all these years so it
wasn’t new—”

“Then at least inform me.” I couldn’t stop the bitterness dripping in my

tone. “I was your secretary, right? Lumipat lang tayo rito at umuwi pero
makakatulong pa rin ako sa kaso.”

“You just came here,” sagot niya. “And it’s New Year, you should be
celebrating. H’wag mo munang isipin ang trabaho—”

“Coming from you?” I scoffed. “E, buong araw ka ngang nasa opisina at uuwi ng
gabi?”

Hindi niya ako pinansin at binalatan ang ibang mani ng kutsara.

“Alchiel,” prenteng tawag ko.

His lips pursed but didn’t even look, nag-iinarte na naman yata, sinasadyang
mang-inis at ‘di mamansin! Nairita ako kaya inagaw ko ang mangkok sa kanya.

He made a face and glanced at me, annoyed.

“Sinong bang girlfriend mo, ako o ang mani?” I hissed.

He looked taken aback but didn’t let it show much. Sumandal siya sa upuan at
humalukipkip at ayaw ko man ay nahulog ang tingin ko sa dibdib at abs niya.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Sa mukha ang tingin, Zahrah! Sa mukha!

I stared at him pointedly.

“You’re my girlfriend?” he asked pointedly.

Mas nangunot ang noo ko.

“Bakit, hindi ba?” My tone sounded so violent that his brow shot up,
moistening his lower lip sexily.

“I don’t know. I thought you broke up with me,” he said coolly then shrugged.

“What?!” My jaw dropped. “Kailan? I don’t remember—”

 “You dropped my hand,” mahina at pormal niyang sinabi pero ‘di nakaligtas sa
‘kin ang pait sa boses.

My stomach churned. Pakiramdam ko ay may kamaong sumuntok sa puso ko habang

nakatitig sa kanyang pinapanood ako at ang reaksyon ko.

I did drop his hand…

Umawang ang labi ko at wala sa sariling inabot ang daliri. Nahulog ang tingin
niya roon kaya natanto ko ang ginagawa.

Different kinds of emotion filled his gaze and seeing the pain in it was
breaking me.

“Chiel—”

“It’s late, Clytemnestra.” Tumayo siya. “You should sleep.”

Napatayo ako roon at may sasabihin sana pero natulala ako nang makita ang
parte ng likod niya, sa may baywang. You wouldn’t notice it at first dahil sa hindi
na iyon halata pero dahil alam ko ay kitang-kita ko ang pabilog na peklat doon.

A gunshot.

Was Crest telling the truth?

Humakbang ako para lumapit sana at tawagin siya nang dagling naglakad siya sa
pool at nag-dive.

My mouth parted as I watched the dancing waves of water moving along with him
when he started swimming.

Kita ko ang bawat galaw ng kanyang likod at muscles, sinasabayan ng kanyang

anino at ilaw na nagkukulay asul sa ilalim ng pool. The area was dim aside from the
lights in the pool kaya mukha siyang anino na pino ang galaw sa ilalim.

His legs were kicking with his arms rolling, cutting through the waves like a
pro. I couldn’t even see or hear a splash. When he reached the other end of the
pool, the water washed out of his way, gliding straight back as a pencil.

My phone vibrated in the jeans of my shorts. Nang kunin ko ‘yon at nakita ang
pangalan ni Cole ay kaagad na nag-iba ang timpla ko.

Hindi ko ito sinagot at tinitigan lang.

I can’t text him back or answer, this phone was monitored.

He called again. Narinig ko na ang hampas ng tubig at nang nag-angat ng

tingin ay nakitang pinapanood na ako ni Alchiel mula sa kabilang dulo.

I couldn’t see his face entirely because of the darkness, just his shadows
lurking with the light from below the pool mirroring it. His blue eyes sent me
chills.

“Si Cole,” I explained even if he didn’t ask.

“Why don’t you answer it?” malamig niyang tanong.

 I rejected it.

“For what?” I asked then lowered the phone on the table, removing the towel
before walking towards the edge of the pool.

His face turned even darker when he caught me unbuttoning my maong shorts
while locking gazes with him in the shadows.

He didn’t speak nor shift while watching me strip off it, leaving me in my
two-piece swimsuit.

His shoulders tensed. Umakyat at baba ang kanyang kumikinang na dibdib dahil
sa mga butil ng tubig sa ginawa niyang paghinga nang malalim, ang buhok ay basa at
tila sinuklay ng daliri sa ayos.

I pulled my ponytail off. Sumabog ang itim na buhok ko at sumabay sa hangin.

His jaw clenched, pissed but he couldn’t take his eyes off. He hated and
liked the view he’d been watching.

Naglakad at umikot ako papunta sa pwesto niya pero nagsalubong lang ang kilay
at nairita nang saktong pagdating ko’y lumangoy siya papunta sa kabila.

I glared at him when he rose from his stunt.

Sumandal lang siya at tinagilid ang ulo, naghahamon.

Naupo ako sa gilid ng pool at nagpatihulog na. Dahil nga ang paa ko lang ang
basa kanina at ‘di ako lumangoy ay nanibago ako sa pag-atake ng malamig na tubig sa
katawan.

Nangatal ako at muntik nang mapasinghap sa lamig na pinigilan at baka ‘di

niya seryosohin ang irita ko.

“Let’s talk,” I told him out loud.

“About?” Tumaas ang kilay niya.

“I’ll swim there, don’t go,” I informed before lowering my head and swimming
towards his direction.

Umahon ako, inaasahang naroon siya pero nang inikot ang tingin ay nakitang
lumipat na siya sa kabila. Mas nainis lang ako.

“I said stay,” bagnot kong paalala.

He licked his lower lip and tilted his head, playful and teasing. He’s having
fun with this, huh?

“Come ‘er.” He motioned his head, asking me to swim again towards him but I
didn’t move.

If I did and what? He’ll swim to the other side again and make fun of me?

Tinitigan ko lang siya. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya, naghahamon pang muli
kaya sa halip na sumunod ay sumandal ako sa gilid ng pool, itinukod ang siko sa
gilid n’on at bahagyang nagpalutang, pinapanood din siya.

“Clytemnestra,” he called.
 “Hmm?” I hummed, not even moving.

“Come here,” utos niya at do’n na tumaas ang kilay ko.

“I did come but you left,” iritado kong sinabi. “And now you’re asking me to
go there while you swim away? No.”

He moistened his lower lip, cocking his head.

“Was it annoying?” he asked.

“Of course!” Mas nangunot ang noo ko.

“Frustrating?”

“S’yempre!”

“Does it make you mad?” he asked again. I almost rolled my eyes in annoyance.

“Of course! Ano bang klaseng tanong ‘yan—”

“That’s what I feel if you pull me closer and then push me away when I’m
already at your mercy,” he blurted out. I stiffened.

Ang hamon sa kanyang mata ay nahaluan ng pagkabigo. Ang sakit na nakita ko

kagabi’y tila multo na bumalik pero pilit niyang itinatago at paalisin.

“Chiel…”

“I’m getting exhausted with the push and pull, Bella.” He smiled a little but
it wasn’t real. “I try to understand and give you time but you’re confusing me,
too.”

I didn’t answer, sa halip ay ibinaba ko ang braso sa gilid ng pool at

lumangoy patungo sa kanya pero sa pag-ahon ko ay nasa iba na siyang parte.

I groaned, brushing my wet hair in a frustrated way.

“Alchiel Verón!” I hissed. Pinanood niya lang ako nang taimtim.

“Don’t move,” I warned then swam but he did the same thing.

“Alchiel!” I exclaimed.

“Galit ka?” marahang tanong niya.

Obvious ba?!

“I’ll swim to you,” I said again, my voice hard and warning him. “Don’t move
and I swear to God!”

I swam towards him, frustrated and annoyed pero sa disappointment ay hindi

siya nanatili no’ng mapuntahan ko na siya.

I glared at him, my eyes aching now with the tears threatening. I hated it. I
hated that when I came closer, he slipped away. When I was here, he’d leave!

When I pulled myself close, he’d push me away!

 Pero mas galit akong ganito ang naipaparamdam ko sa kanya. I can’t look at
him in the eye, the nagging feeling of pain I was making him feel—if not worse
was knocking my chest.

“You know what?” mariin kong sabi, ‘di na kinakaya ng pasensya sa kanya at sa
sarili. “I’m done. Good night, Prosecutor.”

Naglakad ako papunta sa hagdanan ng pool. I gripped the edge to raise myself
up when I heard a sudden gush of water accompanied by complete silence.

Lumingon ako, nagtaka nang ‘di na makita si Alchiel sa pwesto niya kanina
kaya nahulog ang tingin ko sa pool.

A tall silhouette swam in silence and in a straight line and before I could
process a thing, I heard myself yelp in surprise as it appeared in front of me and
pulled me back on the water.

Lumubog ako sa gulat. Napaubo ako at mabilis na nilingon si Alchiel na

nakapalibot na ang braso sa baywang ko mula sa likod.

“Ano ba—” My next words vanished when I felt his massive chest pressing on
my back, his arms tightening when he buried his face on my shoulders.

“Ang hirap mo namang pakawalan, Clyte-Clyte,” bulong niyang puno ng

panibugho.

I couldn’t help it anymore when my tears fell. Mas humigpit ang yakap niya.

“I told myself I’d give you space. That I just have to make sure you’re back
home safe and I’ll be fine. I’ll leave you alone. Ang mahalaga’y nakauwi ka, masaya
na ako but this fucking heart doesn’t know when it should be done and enough.” His
breath shook. “This stubborn heart wants you. It was selfish not to just make sure
you’re safe—it wants to own yours, too.”

Ni hindi ko maigalaw ang palad ko para pawiin ang mga luha sa naririnig mula
sa kanya.

My mind said not to believe it, that he was fooling me to gain my trust but
my heart—believed every single word he said.

“Chiel—”

“Do you love me?” he asked. Mas nagrigudon ang puso ko.

I couldn’t acknowledge it. I didn’t want to…

Napalunok ako at tumango.

I love him. Oh, God. I love him.

Paano na kami nito?

“W-what?” he asked, his voice trembling, too. “Do you love me?”

Muli akong tumango.

“I want words, baby,” paos niyang sabi at unti-unti akong pinakawalan,

pinihit paharap sa kanya.
 Tumama ang likod ko sa malamig na edge ng pool habang ang braso niya’y sa
magkabilang gilid ko, ikinukulong ako sa pagitan nito.

“Look at me,” he whispered, his fingers gripping my chin gently to tug it up

so I’d be looking at him.

Calm down, Zahrah. Calm down.

“Do you love me?” marahang tanong niya, ang tono’y takot at sabik.

I nodded, biting my lower lip.

I love him… I love him…

I hated that I was in love with him.

“Clyte, please.” He pressed our foreheads together. “Tell me in words, baby.

I’m tired of guessing if you are into me o kung pinapansin mo lang ako kasi naaawa
ka sa ‘kin. I want to know if you feel the same way because if you don’t…”

I got alarmed.

“I-if I don’t?” Inabot ko ang pisngi niya ng palad ko. “What are you gonna
do?”

Nabakas ko ang lungkot sa mga mata niya nang nagbaba siya ng tingin at hinuli
ang daliri kong nasa pisngi niya.

“It will be hard but I will not force you if you don’t feel the same. It’ll
be hard but I’ll let you go. Masaya na akong nakabalik ka nang ligtas, hindi na ako
magiging makasarili para maghangad pa ng sobra doon. While you were gone, I prayed
just to take you back—kahit ‘di na tayo, basta nakauwi ka.”

“C-Chiel…”

“Masaya naman na ako noon na minamahal kita sa malayo,” he whispered as he

kissed my tears away. “Naging gahaman lang no’ng pinagbigyan mo ‘ko pero nawala ka
naman. I thought maybe it was a punishment for me b-because I wanted something
forbidden. I wanted someone I shouldn’t have.”

Tumagal ang paghalik niya sa pisngi ko na naririnig ko na ang bawat

panginginig ng paghinga niya.

“I-I thought maybe fate took y-you away from us because of me, because of
this love. A-alam ko namang bawal pero gustong-gusto ko, kaya siguro ako
pinarusahan tapos nadamay ka pa.”

If I wanted him before like how I desired him now then maybe… we felt the
same.

“How sure are you that it was only a punishment for you?” I asked. “I want
you before—until now, paano kung para sa ‘ting dalawa pala ‘yon?”

“I could accept any punishment for me, sweetheart, but not when you suffer it
too.” Humalik siya sa panga ko papunta sa tainga ko at marahang kinagat iyon. “I
could suffer in all eternity for loving someone I shouldn’t but I won’t accept if
it involves you, too.”
 “Chiel…” Napapikit na ako at nahulog ang kamay sa balikat niya nang
maramdaman ko ang muling kagat niya sa tainga ko.

“They could punish me all they want but not you. I could burn in hell but not
you. Ayos lang akong masaktan, h’wag lang ‘yong mahal ko.”

I sobbed. Pumaikot ang braso ko sa kanyang batok at hinatak siya palapit sa

akin, hindi na napigilan ang sarili at ang pagragasa ng nararamdaman.

“Just… tell me you love me,” he begged. “Tell me one time and I’ll be willing
to risk everything again. Sabihin mo lang na mahal mo ‘ko, Clyte, isusugal ko.”

“M-mahal kita, Chiel,” I confessed as I cried loudly on his shoulder. “M-

mahal kita…”

Paano na? Tama ba ‘tong desisyon ko?

Hindi siya nakasagot kaagad. I could feel how he stiffened on my arms and
then a moment later, I felt a warm liquid falling down my shoulders.

He was crying. I did, too.

I had never thought crying would be good until I met him and this family.
Kahit isang araw pa lang akong narito, pakiramdam ko’y kilala ko na sila buong
buhay ko.

Natatakot pa rin ako at hindi pa malinaw sa akin ang mga nangyari sa nakaraan
pero kaya ko namang sigurong maayos ito sa tamang paraan?

Maybe I could save and clear my father’s name in the right way? Maybe… I
would be able to put whoever it was that framed him in jail, right?

Hindi naman siguro kailangan ng dahas? I had enough trauma and violence. I
was tired.

Pero ang totoong mommy mo, Zahrah. Si Mommy Ritch. These people kidnapped
you–it was Chiel who sent those goons to kidnap you.

Pero paano kung hindi? Paano kung ang alam mo’y iba sa katotohanan? Pero
paano rin kung totoo?

I closed my eyes tightly.

I wanted to remember. God, please, let me remember.

I was tired of violence. I was tired of deaths and trauma.

His kisses made me calm. Nang lumayo siya’t humalik sa dulo ng ilong ko at
haplusin ang pisngi ko’y tila kumakanta sa akin ang mga anghel sa langit.

Ang gaan-gaan ng loob ko kapag kasama ko siya. Ang saya ko sa araw na ‘to
kahit puno pa rin ako ng pagkalito, nakompleto pang lalo dahil nakausap ko na siya.

“You’re in love with me?” he asked again. I smiled and gave him a soft kiss.

“I do.” Sumabog ang init sa pisngi ko sa sinabi. “I love you.”

He blushed so hard and I know for sure it wasn’t because of his liquor
intolerance anymore. Hindi ko na pinuna at baka mahiya.
 Inabot ko ang pisngi niya at hinaplos. “S-sorry kung binitawan ko ang kamay
mo. S-sorry if I was panicking, I don’t know. Maybe I was afraid—”

“We’re together in this fight, okay?” he reassured me. “Knowing you felt the
same way was enough for me. We started this fight a long time ago at ngayong
nandito ka na ulit, ilalaban ko ‘to, Clyte-Clyte. Ilalaban ko tayo.”

Nakagat ko ang labi at tumango.

“Thank you, Chiel ko,” bulong ko. Natawa siya at muli akong idiniin sa gilid
ng pool at nagnakaw ng halik.

“Welcome, mahal ko.” Umalon ang puso ko kasabay ng tubig, nagpipigil ng ngiti
sa narinig mula sa kanya.

He caught the way my lips twitched. Binasa niya ang labi at marahang inabot
ang bangs ko para haplusin at ayusin.

“Just hold me tight and don’t push me away, Bella,” bulong niya. “Ayos na ako
ro’n.”

“Okay…” Tumango ako at ngumiti.

His eyes softened.

“Don’t push me away, hmm? Please?” he pleaded. His tone was gentle but behind
it was his fear. “Kasi kapag tinulak mo pa ako palayo ulit, ‘di ko na alam k-kung
kaya ko pang bumalik.”

It was simple words but it did not fail to make my heart ache. I didn’t
realize I was doing it to him again and again.

“I won’t,” I said with conviction.

“Promise?’ He raised his hand and showed me his pinky finger.

I cackled.

“Seriously, Prosecutor? Bata ka ba?”

But he gave me a bratty look kaya natatawang inangat ko rin ang pinky ko at
nag-promise.

“I promise,” I mumbled and shook my head. “Ikaw talaga, mukha kang suplado at
intimidating pero para kang toddler kumilos!”

“Sa ‘yo lang naman, Clyte-Clyte.”

Nagliwanag ang mukha niya at nauwi ako sa hagikhik nang hulihin niya ang
mukha ko para paulanan ng halik ang mukha ko.

I found myself hugging him and exchanging kisses with him. It was a dark
night, dim ang ilaw at dahil na rin sa oras ay tulog na ang lahat kaya ang lakas ng
loob kong gawin sa kanya iyon.

His taste was addicting. Bitter because of the liquor and sweet at the same
time probably from eating sweets. Pamilyar ang mga labi namin sa isa’t isa, ang
palad niyang humahaplos sa likuran ko pababa sa pang-upo ay mas lalo lang nagpainit
sa akin.

I felt him rubbing himself on me. My eyes dilated and stared at him. Ang basa
at bagsak na buhok ay mas lalong nagpagwapo sa kanya, dagdag pa ang antok niyang
mga tingin. Mukhang nagmamakaawa at sabik.

“Prosecutor,” I called.

“Yes, Ma’am?” bulong niya at pinaglaruan ang strap ng bikini ko.

“If you’re going to work, tell me,” bulong ko.

He hummed and nibbled my neck.

“Hmm…”

“A-and rest, don’t work too much, okay?”

He hummed again. Napalunok na ako.

“It’s still a holiday tomorrow a-and you should stay. Kung inuuna mo ang
trabaho, ayan na ang gagawin mo buong taon–Alchiel, h’wag mong kagatin!” iritang
sita ko at tinulak ang ulo niya.

“‘Di naman kakagatin,” ungot niya sabay halik na naman sa leeg ko.

I sighed and let him.

“Nakikinig ka ba?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Nahulog naman ang halik niya sa dibdib ko kaya nagpaubaya na
ako at humugot ng hininga para tuluyang mag-relax.

I moistened my lips as I watched him cupping my breast with his other palm
and giving it teasing kisses.

“What time is it now, Bella?” he asked after a while kaya inangat ko ang
tingin sa orasan sa may pool.

“Eleven forty-five.”

“Fifteen more minutes ‘til the day is over,” aniya. “Do you think the saying
will still be effective?”

“Huh?” wala sa sarili kong tanong at focused na ako masyado sa ginagawa niya.
He even lowered my bikini top to put one of my peaks in his mouth, licking it
sensually.

Damn it…

Napahalinghing ako.

“Ma’am,” he called.

Antok akong tumitig sa kanya.

“A-ano?”

“You said what I’ll be doing for the first day of the year will determine
what I’ll do the whole year, right?”

Tumango ako.

“Hmm…” He took my nipple in his fingers to tweak it playfully and sensually.

Kumuyom ang kamay ko’t mas sumandal para makakuha ng balanse.

“It’s still January first,” he smirked. “If I do you now, do you think I
could be doing it for the whole year?”

“Just do it!” I exclaimed impatiently and grabbed his nape for a kiss.

I could feel him smiling against it but when I tugged his hair and forced his
mouth open, napawi iyon at pinagbigyan ako.

I moaned a little when his fingers tickled me, his other palm was busy
kneading me from behind, and I found myself rubbing against him, too.

“C-can you…” bulong ko nang bahagyang makadistansya sa halikan.

Mukha siyang natauhan sa ginagawa. I yelped when he suddenly fixed my bikini

top and pulled me up to make me sit at the edge of the pool.

Nawala ako sa sarili at parang may hangover pa.

“What—”

“Saan mo nakita?” Biglang pag-iibang topic niya habang nakatitig sa kamay ko.

Nahulog ang tingin ko kung nasaan ang singsing. I snapped back.

“H-hinahanap mo ‘to kanina?” I asked.

“Hmm…” His finger grazed on mine. “But I couldn’t find it. Hinanap mo rin?”

Nahihiyang tumango ako.

“I did pero ‘di ako ang nakakita,” I answered him. “Tito Zeij said he became
curious about what you’re looking for so he looked after you left.”

“Tito Zeij?” he asked.

Tumango ako.

“A-and well… uh, I didn’t know you told him it was yours? Kaya no’ng tinanong
ako sabi ko sa ‘kin.”

Tumaas ang kilay niya at ngumuso.

“Uh-huh?” Lumapit siya’t inilagay na naman ang palad sa pagitan ng

magkabilang hita ko bago isiningit ang sarili sa pagitan nito.

“H-hmm, tapos sabi niya pa na… sabi mo sa ‘yo tapos sabi ko sa ‘kin, kanino
ba talaga?”

Mas ngumuso siya roon.

“I-I mean, well, I think he will not make it a big deal. I’m sure he’ll keep
it a secret and he wasn’t a snitch—”
 “Sa tingin mo kanino namana ni Zion ang pagiging chismoso niya, Clyte?” he
asked amusingly with a handsome side grin.

Napalunok na ako at napapikit.

Shit?!

“I’m sure he won’t say.” Iminulat ko na ang mata at nilingon siya. “I’m sure
he isn’t like that!”

Tumawa lang siya, sa halip na kabahan na ipagkalat ni Tito Zeij ang nalaman
ay mukhang aliw lang.

“Mukhang ‘di mo pa nga naaalala nang buo si Tito.” Tumaas ang sulok ng labi
niya’t ipinatong ang chin sa hita ko. “He knows more than we know, sweet rose.”

“Huh?”

“He was the first one to know I fancy you since we were well… back when I
thought it was just some stupid puppy love.”

Nahulog ang panga ko.

“W-weh?”

Ngumuso siya’t natawa.

“Yup, but don’t worry. I still don’t tell him directly we’re together. I
think he knew but he can keep his mouth shut, h’wag ka lang munang pahalata.”

Muli kong naisip ang mapagbirong ngiti ni Tito, ang malisyoso niyang tanong
kung kanino ba talaga ang singsing.

Nahulog ang tingin kong muli sa singsing at ipinaikot iyon sa daliri bago
balingan si Chiel.

“You gave this to me?”

He nodded and while he’s staring at my fingers, kinuha ko iyon at tinanggal.

Nakita ko ang pagkalito sa mukha niya nang iabot ko ‘yon sa kanya.

“Why?”

“Isuot mo sa ‘kin,” I smiled at him. “Kagaya sa gusto mong gawin kagabi. I

promise I won’t drop your hand again.”

Nakagat niya ang labi sa pagpipigil ng ngiti. Napangiti rin ako at nagwala
ang puso nang kunin niya ‘yon at unti-unting isinuot sa daliri ko.

Something inside of me clicked as he successfully slipped it on my finger.

“Beautiful,” I breathed out as I admired the gold band.

Inangat niya ang tingin sa akin habang nakatayo siya sa pagitan ng hita ko
bago tumango.

“Indeed it is,” he mumbled.

 We both smiled at each other, ni hindi ko maramdaman ang lamig ng gabi dahil
sa init na hatid niya.

Inabot ko ang buhok niya at sinuklay ng daliri ko.

Ang gwapo talaga ng Alchiel ko…

Napatitig ako sa labi niya.

“Gusto mo kiss ulit, Clyte-Clyte?” he asked adorably.

I smirked and nodded.

“P’wede ba, Prosecutor?” lambing ko.

“Oh, you sure do,” natatawang sagot niya at walang pasabing umangat patabi sa
akin sa pool, inabot ang panga ko at ipinaharap ako sa kanya para sa halik.

We kissed till our lips went numb. Nasa punto na nga yatang papakandong ako
sa kanya sa halikan na ‘yon, ang palad pa niya’y naglulumikot at umaambang
kakalasin ang strap ng bikini ko.

Meanwhile, my palm was on his leg, caressing and gripping it to support

myself to refrain from swooning too much and losing it but sure, yeah. Hindi
effective.

I didn’t know I was already caressing his massive bulge while he feasted in
between my cleavage with his finger rubbing me until I heard footsteps.

“Ano ba kasing nawawala mo, Zeijan?” Dad’s voice filled my ear and before I
could process they’re coming ay tumalon na ako sa pool kasama si Chiel na nagulat
pa at muntik nang malunod!

“The fuck?” gulantang na sabi ng boyfriend ko.

“Shh!” I placed my finger on my lips to silence him. Mukhang nakuha naman

niya iyon dahil lumapit siya at nakisilip sa gilid ng pool.

“Sino’ng sinisilip natin, Bella?” tsismoso niyang tanong.

“Tito,” I answered in a hushed voice. “Kasama niya si Dad!”

Tumango-tango siya at nang magbukas ang pintuan palabas sa pool ay hinatak ko

si Chiel. Nagkabungguan kami kaya muntik na kaming malunod na dalawa at naglikha ng
ingay.

“May tao pa sa pool?” I heard Dad’s voice.

“Ah? Meron pa ba? Umakyat na yata lahat? Anong oras na?”

“Baka meron—”

“Kung meron e di sana ‘di ako papasama sa ‘yo hanapin ang baril-barilan ni
Twinkle, Tinik!”

“Arte, takot ka lang sabi nang walang multo rito!” reklamo ng Dad.

“‘Di ka sure! ‘Di naman nakikita ang multo!”

 “Nagpapakita ang multo, ano—”

“Oo, pero h’wag sa ‘kin! No, thanks! Sa ‘yo na lang—kaso ‘di natin sure
kung makikita mo, e, road to bulag na ‘di ba kapag gurang?” Tito bluntly asked.

“Tangina ka ba?” Dad exclaimed. Nagkatawanan kami ni Chiel.

Natahimik sila.

Shit!

Hinila ko si Chiel palubog habang binabantayan ang ingay. Nagmulat kami ng

mata’t nagkatinginan sa ilalim ng pool.

Pinakiramdaman namin ang katahimikan. I noticed Chiel staring at my chest

kaya nahulog ang tingin ko roon at nagitla nang makitang nahuhulog na ang bikini
top ko.

Lumapit siya pero naunahan ko na siya sa pagtatali. I gave him a smug look,
and he lifted his hand and touched my boob. Nagulat ako at sinipa siya.

Kumislap na naman ang pilyo niyang ngiti. Inilingan ko na at pinakitaan ng

kamao.

I instructed him to wait while I took a peek above the water.

“Alis na tayo, Tinik! Minumulto na tayo ni Daddeh dito!” Tito Zeij blurted.

“Ingay mo,” reklamo ni Dad. Humalakhak ang Tito.

“Ganyan talaga kapag senior na, Tinik, ayaw na sa ingay.” Narinig ko ang
alitan nila’t halakhakan at nang magsara ang glass door ay napahugot ako ng
hininga.

Lumubog ulit ako para tawagin na sana si Chiel pero sinapo niya ang pisngi ko
sa ilalim at hinalikan.

Of course, tao lang naman ako. Marupok din kaya humalik din ako pabalik, feel
na feel pa sa anticipation at init na hatid niya hanggang sa makaahon kaming
dalawa, ‘di pa rin matigil sa halikan.

He bit my lower lip. I chuckled and bit his back. We exchanged deep kisses
while teasing each other until I realized something was off.

Dim ang ilaw pero bakit parang mas dumilim?

Unti-unti kaming napalingon ni Chiel sa gilid ng pool at nakita si Tito Zeij

na nakadukwang at nakatulala sa amin, nakanganga.

He then covered his mouth when we saw him, mukhang nagulat din na nakita
namin siya.

“OMG,” he mumbled.

Shit!

“T-Tito—”

“Alam ba ‘yan ng mga mama n’yo?” tanong niya at pinanliitan kami ng mata.
 Mas nagwala ang puso ko.

“Tito—”

“I knew it!” Biglang lumawak ang ngiti niya at ngumiti sa ‘kin sabay baling
kay Chiel. “Ikaw, Chiel-taba, a! Sabi na nga, e. Ayaw mo pa i-chismis sa ‘kin akala
mo naman ikakalat!” Bago niya iniangat ng daliri niya at iginalaw iyon na parang
sinasabing lagot.

“Tito,” kalmadong tawag ni Chiel. “Don’t—”

“‘Di naman ako tsismoso, ‘no!” he said nosily then grinned. “Pero mukhang…
tsk-tsk! Mukhang may may matse-check si Thorn sa checklist niya, ah?”

Kabanata 27

Kabanata 27

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

We were in the family’s mausoleum, but everyone was happy and was
celebrating. Nakaupo ako sa may plastic chair habang pinapanood sina Tito Zeij na
akala mo’y may birthday party kung makapag-host.

“Tangina talaga nito ni Zeijan, nabingi na siguro sina Dad sa bunganga

niyan,” natatawang sabi ni Dad habang tumutulong sa pag-asikaso roon ng mga pagkain
sa si-net-up nila.

In all honesty, this mausoleum didn’t look like one. Mukha siyang vacation
house sa ganda! Naka-aircon pa at may videoke! Nang matapos i-set-up ‘yon nina Tito
ay nanguna na siya sa pagsasalita roon na akala mo’y game show host.

I chuckled when he almost tripped on the wires when he took a step back. The
expression he made was very funny I can’t help but giggle.

“Aba-aba, bakit mo ‘ko tinatawanan, Clyte-ganda?” Turo niya sa ‘kin nang

mahuli kaya natikom ko ang bibig.

“‘Di ko nakita!” I blurted out. Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata at doon ay ‘di
ko na napigilan ang tuluyan na pagtawa.

They’re funny.

Ngumuso siya. Mas napatawa lang ako, akala nga’y papakawalan na niya ako at
babalik na siya sa pag-iingay sa microphone pero unti-unting ngumisi siya.

Nagtaka ako nang bumaling siya kung saan kaya sinundan ko iyon ng tingin at
doon ko nakita si Alchiel na kakapasok lang sa mausoleum.

He was wearing a plain black shirt and maong jeans, buhat-buhat niya ang
iilang patong ng plastic chairs papasok kaya na-emphasize ang batak niyang muscles
na nakita dahil sa pag-angat ng sleeves ng damit.

I swallowed, then realized Tito Zeij was watching.

Dagli kong inalis ang tingin kay Alchiel at ngumuso kay Tito na ngumisi,
sumulyap kay Chiel pabalik sa akin na may ngiting malisyoso. He wiggled his brows.

“Yieee…” he mouthed.

I shook my head at him, my face blushing. He promised to keep it a secret…

for now! Pero bakit siya ganyan makatingin, ang obvious kaya!

“Oh, natahimik ata ‘yang bibig mo, Kuya?” Mom asked when she noticed it.

Napapiksi ako ng upo at nagdekwatro. Tito Zeij coolly grinned at her, then
shrugged.

“Wala lang, Zidney-tot, natuwa lang ako at nandito na si Clyte natin,” aniya
sabay ngiti muli at tawag sa mga apo.

“Oh, mga grandkids ni Papa Zeij, tara games tayo!”

“Hmm, what prize po, Papa Pogi?” Twinkle asked, suddenly appearing from
hiding under the table na miski ako’y nagulat sa biglaang paglitaw niya, may lumpia
pa sa bibig.

“Ay, bongga ang prize natin this year, princess! Gusto n’yo ba ng house and
lot?!” he blurted out happily. The kids cheered.

“Tsk, scam.” I stiffened when I realized Chiel was now in front of me.
Inilagay niya ang patong na plastic chairs sa may gilid ko.

“H-hmm?” I hummed.

“Scam,” ulit niya sabay ngiwi. “Noong panahon natin, ang pamasko niyan nasa
ampao, ‘yong isa may laman, ‘yong isa may note na better luck next year.”

Napabughalit ako ng tawa. Mas ngumuso siya at namulsa sa harapan ko,

pinapanood ako.

“Seriously?!”

Tumango siya.

“Paano mo nalaman?”

“Paanong hindi, eh, ako ang nakabunot?” Bumagsak ang balikat niya.

Mas napabughalit na ako. He smirked.

“Tawang-tawa, Clytemnestra?” he asked.

“S-sorry, I…” I laughed louder. “I-I’m just… you did?!”

“Uh-hmm…” Tumango siya. “Si Crest naka-receive n’ong may laman, ako ang
better luck next year kaya umiyak ako. Pinatahan n’yo ako ni kambal.”

Oh God! Nag-iinit ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya and I was pretty sure it was
the truth because I somehow got a mental image of it. The kids—us, pinupunasan ko
ang luha niya at umiiyak siya kasi walang laman ang ampao niya.

Hindi pa ako nakaka-recover sa pagtawa nang maramdaman ko ang pagdukwang

niya’t pag-abot sa noo ko. My heart started racing again as I met with his gaze.
 May multo pa ng ngiti sa labi ko nang titigan ko siya.

He fixed my bangs and asked, “Kumain ka na, Clyte-Clyte?”

“Kaunti, busog pa ‘ko, e.” Tumango ako. “Ikaw?”

“Kapag busog ka, busog na rin ako,” sagot niya bago inabot ang pisngi ko at
pinisil. Muling sumabog ang init doon.

“Ang corny mo, Prosecutor.” I playfully punched his stomach. Tumawa siya kaya
muli akong napangiti.

“Hijo.” Napaayos ako ng upo sa boses ni Mommy.

Nilingon siya ni Chiel at nanlalaki lang ang mata kong hinanap siya ng tingin
at nakitang pinapanood niya kami habang naroon sa may table ng mga pagkain.

I couldn’t read her expression. I wasn’t sure if she was mad or if she was
just not showing emotions much. O kung neutral ba iyon.

Umalon ang sikmura ko.

“Tita, good morning,” he greeted and walked closer.

Pinagmasdan ko si Chiel na lumapit para magmano, natakot pa akong hindi

ibibigay ni Mommy ang kamay niya pero inabot niya naman kaya nabunutan ako ng
tinik.

“Good morning. Kumain ka na?” she asked.

Chiel shook his head.

“Later, Tita, I’ll help the boys with the chicken barbeque first,” magalang
niyang sinabi.

Ngumuso ako at sumandal.

Respectful boys were a big turn-on.

“I see, nasaan ang kakambal mo?”

“She’s here, nahuli lang po at umuwi muna sila ni Locket at ‘di raw
nagustuhan ng kambal ang outfit nila today kaya kukuha sila ng bago.”

I chuckled. Sabay silang napasulyap sa akin.

“S-sorry.” Kinagat ko ang labi at muling natawa nang makita naming pumasok si
Locket na buhat ang kambal na literal na mukhang muse ng bagong taon at si Crest na
nakasunod pero ‘di pa kami nababati ay tumalon na sina Chichay at Chico, mga aso
nila, mula sa braso niya at lumabas.

“Oh my God! Not again!” she squealed in shock, and my laughter roared even
louder when she chased them outside with her heels on.

“Careful, Mommy!” ani Locket na sinundan ng tingin ang asawa.

“Careful, Mommy!” the twins repeated in unison. When Locket glanced at them,
they both giggled.
 Mas lumawak ang ngiti ko.

May humawak sa ulo ko. Napabaling ako roon at mas napangiti pagkakita kay
Daddy na inilahad sa bibig ko ang stick ng barbeque.

“Here, ‘nak.” Kumagat ako roon at tinanggap iyon nang may ngiti.

“Salamat, Dad.”

“You’re happy?” magaang tanong niya, ang mga mata’y malambing sa ilalim ng
eyeglasses.

I nodded, not faking it. Mas ngumiti siya.

“Great, I’m happy that you are.” Humalik siya sa ulo ko bago tumabi.

Nagkaroon ng misa, saglit lang iyon at solemn para salubungin ang bagong taon
nang masaya at abundant. We took pictures with our grandparent’s graves at ‘di ko
alam pero naluha ako habang pinagmamasdan ang mga pangalan nila.

I couldn’t remember them just yet, but it felt like I was attached. May mga
picture pa roon no’ng habang buhay pa silang dalawa kasama ang buong pamilya. I was
there.

I was smiling widely in the pictures.

Tapos ay may litrato rin sila nitong mga nakaraang bagong taon at ibang
events dito sa mausoleum tapos ay may space palagi kung hindi sa may parte ng
family ko ay sa tabi nina Chiel at Crest.

Tapos ngayon sa litrato namin kasama ako ay walang space.

Bakit?

“What’s it for?” I asked my best friend, pointing to the space from their
past portraits.

“Oh, for you!” She smiled widely. “We always spare a space for you kasi
magtatampo ka kapag wala ka sa pictures kaya kapag bumalik ka na, i-edit namin ang
picture mo there para kasama ka palagi!”

Umawang ang labi ko. Malambing niya akong niyakap at pinakita ang phone.

“Now that you’re back, there will be no empty spaces,” she whispered.

It was fun. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses akong napabughalit ng tawa sa pa-
games nina Tito at Zion sa mga bagets, sumunod doon ang videoke nilang itinuloy at
kainan sa buffet.

They celebrate in Mama Lena and Papa Jer’s mausoleum every New Year, and I
remember watching a movie before. A movie wherein souls will vanish if no one from
the living world remembers them anymore.

In this case? Sobrang saya siguro nina Mama at Papa sa itaas? Kung ganito ang
pamilyang iniwan nila rito at ‘di sila nakakalimutan?

“Ate, inom tayo!” Napangiti ako lalo nang tumabi sa ‘kin si Scira na may
hawak na juice at buhat si Tonton.
 “Thank you, Scira.” I accepted and greeted Tonton, who crawled to me. I
kissed his cheeks.

He giggled, and my heart felt calmer.

“He likes you.” Nagliwanag ang mukha niya at yumakap sa akin.

I glanced at Alchiel with Adi and Dei on the other side of the room. They
were talking and I got more interested and curious when Dei gave the guitar to
Alchiel.

He took it and placed it on his lap, adjusting the strings and trying the
sounds out.

Kuryoso kong nilingon si Crest sa tabi ko.

“Chiel plays guitar?” I asked.

“Yup! Adi plays and sings, too! Si Chiel more on guitar kasi nahihiya siyang
kumanta.” Ngumisi siya at siniko ako. “OMG! Mukhang tutugtog sila!”

“Of course, matatapos ba ang celebration na wala tayong special number sa

aking perfect pamangks?!” ani Tito Zeij at nakagat ko ang labi nang pumunta sa may
harapan sina Adi at Chiel bitbit ang gitara.

Napalunok ako at ngumuso sa hagikhik ni Crest sa tabi, pinagmamasdan si Chiel

na may sinasabi sa kapatid bago naupo sa inihandang upuan.

Adira smiled shyly when everyone cheered. Napapalakpak din ako, nasasabik na
marinig ang kanta.

“Uh, Happy New Year po!” Adi said happily. “This song is called Ako’y Sa ‘yo,
Ika’y Akin Lamang.”

With the first strum of the guitar, I felt shivers down my spine.

“Ikaw na ang may sabi, na ako’y mahal mo rin. At sinabi mong ang pag-ibig
mo’y di magbabago…”

Umawang ang labi ko sa ganda at lamig ng boses ni Adira sa pagkanta.

“Ngunit bakit sa tuwing ako’y lumalapit ika’y lumalayo? Puso’y laging

nasasaktan pag may kasama kang iba…”

“Adi-babes ko ‘yan!” Crest chirped, then clapped her hands. Adira chuckled
and continued singing.

“‘Di ba nila alam, tayo’y nagsumpaan? Na ako’y sa ‘yo at ika’y akin lamang…”
she sang.

Chiel and my gaze met. Mas nagwala ang puso ko nang hindi na niya inalis ang
tingin sa akin sa bawat kalabit niya ng strings ng gitara.

“At kung ‘di ka makita, makikiusap ka’y bathala. Na ika’y hanapin at sabihin
ipaalala sa iyo, ang nakalimutang sumpaan…” Adira sang the same time Chiel mouthed
the words while locking gazes with mine.

His eyes were solemn, dark, and yet peaceful. My heart, meanwhile, was the
complete opposite.
 It was in chaos, wild and beating wildly against my chest.

“Na ako’y sa ‘yo… at ika’y akin lamang…”

Natapos ang kanta na wala ako sa sarili at tila lumulutang na lang sa ere,
ang puso’y walang mapaglagyan.

Alchiel moistened his lips when he saw me flabbergasted. He let out a boyish
grin before strumming the last chord that took my breath and sanity away.

I fell damn hard. I didn’t think any savings would be possible.

Nakikipagkwentuhan ako sa mga kapatid habang nilalaro ang mga bata nang
tumabi sa akin ang Mommy. I glanced her way and greeted.

“Happy New Year, Mommy.”

“Happy New Year, sweetheart.” She smiled sweetly. “Are you busy, anak? Your
dad and I wanted to borrow you for a minute if it’s okay?”

“Po? Sure!” Nagpaalam ako sa mga kapatid at sumama sa kanya.

Hinawakan ako ni Mommy at dinala kay Dad na nag-aantay sa ‘min. He smiled

when he saw me, offering his arms kaya yumakap ako.

He felt so warm. Like Mommy.

“Did you tell her where we’re going, Zid?” Dad asked kaya nagtatakang
nilingon ko ang Mom na umiling pa.

“She’ll know soon, if she still hasn’t remembered it yet.” Ngumiti siya at
hinawakan ako palabas pero ‘di pa kami tuluyang nakakaalis ay may narinig kaming
tumawag.

We stopped and looked back, only to see my siblings, Dei, Scira, and Queen
calling us.

Natigil kami sa paglalakad.

“Wait n’yo kami! Bakit iiwan?!” The three of us laughed when they ran closer
together to get to us.

“Sorry,” Dad laughed. “You three were having fun, so we didn’t ask.”

“Sasama kami!” Scira mumbled with a grin. “S’yempre naman at si Tita Ritch
ang bibisitahin natin!”

I was stunned. Gulantang akong napasulyap kina Mommy na ngumiti lang.

“Si Mom?” I asked.

“Hmm…” Tumango siya. “I’m not sure if you remember it yet, but she was
resting in here, too. Let’s go?”

Gulat na gulat ako.

I have already heard from Cole and Atty. Kiko about the fake grave they even
set up of my mom to fool me pero ‘di ko naisip na rito rin iyon.
 Humawak sa palad ko si Queen habang nakakapit sa braso ko si Scira. Dei was
just beside Queen, checking if may nakaharang sa daanan at baka madapa ang bunso.

Meanwhile, Mom and Dad were hand-in-hand as they walked ahead of us towards a
mausoleum not too far from Mama and Papa Jer’s. Mas maliit iyon kumpara sa
pinanggalingan namin kanina pero malinis iyon at maliwanag.

Sinalubong ako ng halimuyak ng mga bulaklak at rosas pagkapasok namin.

Nakapaligid doon ang mga basket ng bulaklak na magandang naka-arrange pa.

I heard Zidney was a florist, too. She liked roses, too.

Kaya ba gusto ko rin?

Binalingan ko si Mommy na nagsisindi na ng kandila sa tapat ng isang lapida,

lumuluhod pa para ayusin ang mga bulaklak kasama ang Daddy.

“Hello, Ritch,” masuyong sabi ni Mommy. “Happy New Year!”

“Tita Ritch!” Queen said happily, letting go of my hand to run towards the
tomb.

Scira did the same and walked closer to greet her, leaving me with Deion.

“Ate?” tawag niya.

“I-I’m fine.” I smiled at him. “Una ka na.”

When he walked closer and I was left alone, napatulala ako sa lapida.

I read her name, Ritchelle Fabroa, and I will never not recognize her face.
It was in the picture in her tomb.

My hand trembled.

“Darling…” Ni hindi ko na napansing nasa tabi ko na si Mommy kung ‘di niya

lang ako hinawakan.

“P-po?” I glanced her way.

“Was this too much?” marahang tanong niya. “If you’re still confused, we can
go back again next time—”

“N-no, I’m fine.” Tumitig akong muli sa lapida. “It’s fine…”

She squeezed my hand gently.

“Alright, would you like to say hi to Mommy Ritch?”

Tumango-tango ako at humugot ng malalim na hininga.

I was shaking, my knees were wobbling that I found it hard to take a step.
Tumayo rin si Dad para alalayan ako hanggang sa makalapit na ako sa tapat ng puntod
at sa nakangiting litrato ng Mommy sa lapida.

My tears fell as my knees gave up. Inalalayan ako nina Mommy pero ang luha
ko’y ‘di na matigil habang nakatitig sa lapida.
 My hands started trembling. I reached for it to touch her face, and I didn’t
want to think if this was fake or not. To me, it felt so real.

“H-hi, Mommy,” bulong ko at muling humaplos. “Happy New Year! I’m b-back.”

When I felt a warm embrace from my sides and smelled my mom and dad’s scent,
I broke down and cried even louder.

“Sali n’yo naman kami!” Dei exclaimed, and my smile widened.

I offered my arm.

“C-come here.” My blurry and teary eyes burned when my three siblings joined
the hug.

“I love you, Clyte. Welcome home,” my parents muttered while squeezing me

tight.

“We love you, Ate!” my siblings exclaimed.

Ni hindi ko na maapuhap ang sasabihin. I didn’t know how long I cried but it
felt so good.

Hinayaan ako nina Mommy na maupo at tahimik na pagmasdan ang puntod ng ina
pagkatapos n’on. My mom continued fixing the flowers around her burial with Scira
and Dei helping her.

Si Queen ay nakaupo sa hita ni Dad habang nag-uusap silang dalawa at nakaupo

sa couch na naroon sa loob.

The mausoleum was equipped with sound system and television. May chairs and
tables din sa kabilang side at kahit ‘di masyadong kalakihan ay komportable.

I traced my mother’s name on the tombstone, wondering if her remains were

really here or if Cole and Atty. Kiko was telling the truth.

Na peke lang at palabas ang lahat ng ‘to.

Mom, if you are here, gulong-gulo na po ako. My mind says I should do my

mission and trust my father, but my heart says otherwise.

I caressed it gently.

I don’t know what to do anymore. If this family was the reason you died, the
reason why my father was jailed, and I was traumatized… please, guide me away from
them.

“Oh, you’re still tiny here.” Napaahon ang tingin ko mula sa lapida kay Mommy
na nakatayo sa gilid.

“Po?”

“Your picture here,” aniya kaya napatayo ako at nagtaka, tinanggap nang
ilahad niya sa akin ang picture frame na hawak.

Natigilan ako nang matanto kung ano iyon. It was me! While I was still a
toddler! Nakakalong ako kay Zidney at nakangiti kami sa camera, ang lapida ay nasa
tabi lang namin.
 Umawang ang labi ko.

“W-was this…”

“You,” she chuckled. “Baby ka pa r’yan, anak! Liit-liit mo pa, tapos ngayon
ang tangkad mo na’t naungusan mo na ang height ng Mommy!”

“Tingin!” Bumaling ako kay Queen at inilahad ang frame, napapangiti sa kabila
ng gulat sa kuryoso niyang mga mata.

“Hay naku, Queen Scira, ilang beses mo na iyang nakita. Ibigay mo muna sa ate
mo,” ani Mommy na may ngiti.

“It’s fine, ‘My.” Sumulyap ako sa mga hilera ng frames “M-marami pa naman
dito.”

I took another one, realizing this one included me, Zidney, and Thorn. Medyo
mas malaki na ako rito.

If this was a set-up and they did this to fool me, how was it possible to
include the little me? Photoshop? But it didn’t look like one!

Binalikan ko ng tingin ang pictures at ang mausoleum.

“Why was this…” Inikot ang tingin sa lugar. “Wala pa ito sa picture?”

“Oh, we decided to rebuild,” ani Mommy na may ngiti. “Katulong ko ang kapatid
mo, ‘nak.” Baling niya kay Scira na nahihiyang ngumiti sa akin.

I smiled back at her.

“Recently?” I asked.

“Just a few years ago,” aniya. “Dahil narito tayo palagi, lalo na ikaw ay
naisip naming mas komportable kung mas aayusin at may silungan at upuan. Mahirap na
rin kasi at mainit! At saka minsan may loko-lokong mga pumapasok at napagtitripan
ang mga lapida kaya pinaayos namin ang parte rito.”

“Even the other graves?” I asked because I noticed this part of the cemetery
was cleaner and better kaysa sa ibang parte na nadaanan namin kanina no’ng nasa
biyahe na mukhang napabayaan na.

She smiled, nodding.

“Of course, darling. Your Mommy Ritch would love it if we fixed her resting
place, s’yempre ang iba rin na malapit dito sa kanya. I’m sure you’ve noticed the
neglected parts kanina?”

Tumango ako.

“Hindi po ba ipapaayos iyon?” I asked curiously.

“That part was for the public. We already talked to the management a long
time ago and we’ve donated, however, nothing happened. Wala naman na tayong
magagawa at trabaho ng gobyernong ayusin at i-maintain ang sementeryo dahil pera ng
tao ang nagbabayad sa pag-asikaso rito. We helped and they should do their jobs
this time. We can’t keep on extending charity tapos puro donation pero ang mga nasa
gobyerno binubulsa lang ang pera natin?”
 Tumaas ang tono niya at tunog naiirita.

“Mommy, kalma,” Deion said with a smile. Nagkatawanan kami nang mas lumabi si
Mommy pagkatantong nadala siya at ngumuso.

“Right, we can’t keep on doing their jobs for them,” ani Dad sabay thumbs-up
kay Mommy na napapanguso na sa litanya niya.

Napangiti akong lalo sa tawanan nila at nakinig kay Mommy na itinuturo at

ikinukwento ang mga nangyari sa likod ng mga alaala sa litrato.

I still have doubts, but every photo has a story, and you just can’t make it
up. Right?

“And here…” I heard her sigh happily before extending another frame to me.

Kinuha ko iyon at walang mapaglagyan ang mga luha sa larawang nakikita.

It was a newborn child, and she was crying in the picture, nasa dibdib ang
sanggol ng isang babaeng maputla, halos papikit na ang mata pero may ngiti sa labi.

“She held you until you stopped crying,” she murmured.

Nasapo ko ang bibig nang mas matitigan ang babae at nakita kung sino iyon.

“S-si Mommy?” bulong ko.

Tumango siya, ang mata’y kumikislap na sa mga luha.

“S-she hang on to her life just t-to hear you, to hold you. She held you
tight until you stopped crying. She died with the sweetest smile I’d ever seen on
her lips.”

Gripping the frame tight in my chest, I embraced Zidney Valderama.

They could fake everything but not… not this. I was sure. I could feel it
deep in my heart.

They were telling me the truth about my mom. She was here. In this mausoleum.

Ang sabi nina Atty. Kiko, kinuha ako kay Mommy at namatay siya dahil ayaw
niyang magpagamot nang mawala ako. They said she was so sad that she tortured
herself and wished to die instead.

Pero… bakit ang mukha ni Mommy ay masaya sa litrato?

Was I really taken away from her?

Iniikot ko ang tingin sa pamilyang kinalakhan. Dei and Dad were helping Mom
to carry the flowerpots, si Scira ay kalong-kalong si Queen sa tabi ko at
nagkukwentuhan.

Scira smiled when she caught my gaze.

“Are you okay, Ate?”

“Hmm…” Tumango ako sabay baling kay Queen na kuryosong nakatingin. “I was
just… happy. To see all of you again.”
 Nag-request ako kung p’wede ko bang iuwi ang frame na iyon at masaya akong
pinagbigyan ni Mommy. Akbay-akbay kami ni Deion na pangalawa pero mas matangkad pa
sa ‘kin habang naglalakad.

Queen was holding both of our parents’ hands, telling them stories about her
new learnings in school at base sa tinig at mga ngiti niya, alam kong masaya siya.

A child’s reaction, you could not fake it. Alam kong totoo iyon.

I met Chiel’s eyes when we got back to the mausoleum. His shoulders squared.
Napaahon siya ng upo, nawala ang ngiti sa labi nang makita ang mga mata ko, bakas
ang pagtataka sa kanyang tingin.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled. That’s when he relaxed, but still, the glint of worry
still lingered there.

Tumango siya pero pasimpleng lumapit nang maiwan ako ng pamilya, kunwari’y
may kukunin pa sa may lamesa na pagkain pero sa may tabi ko.

I smiled.

“Ano’ng kukunin mong pagkain dito sa part na ‘to, Prosecutor? Wala nang laman
dito, a? Doon ka sa kabila.”

“May pagkain akong gusto rito,” aniya at nagpamulsa, patingin-tingin sa mga

walang lamang lagayan ng pagkain.

Nangunot ang noo ko at pasimpleng tumabi sa kanya para makisilip.

“Saan?”

“Ayon, o,” aniya kaya nangunot ang noo ko at nilingon siya.

“Saan—” Bigla siyang nagnakaw ng halik. Natulala ako.

Pakiramdam ko’y umakyat lahat ng dugo sa mukha ko. I panicked, looked around,
and slapped his arm when I realized no one saw it!

Ngumuso siya.

“Ayon ang pagkain,” aniya, ang malambing na mata ay nakatitig. “Ang sarap.”

He laughed when I pinched his waist. Napatalon pa siya at pilit na hinuli ang
kamay ko kung ‘di ko lang nasalubong ang tingin ng nakangising si Crest habang
kalong-kalong si Avery.

Sa tabi niya ay si Locket na kalong si Reese at nagbulungan sila habang

nakatingin sa amin. Nakagat ko ang labi.

Mga malisyoso!

Chiel chuckled near my ear.

“Ganyan tayo dati sa kanila. Ngayon, tayo na ang pinagtsitsismisan,” bulong

niya.

I showed the picture to Crest and Chiel. Hindi na bago sa kanila ang litrato,
sinabi nilang may kopya rin daw ako no’n sa bahay namin at paborito ko ang picture
na iyon na tanging litrato ko kasama ang tunay na ina.
 I listened to their stories and had this hope they were really telling the
truth.

“And we have some good news!” my mom happily said. “Mommy, Daddy, I’m sure
you know, and guided her back to us but again, our Clyte’s home.”

They cheered, and my eyes were tears-stricken as I walked closer to their

tombstone to say hi.

Ang ipinaramdam nila sa ‘kin sa ikalawang araw ko rito’y sobra pa sa

naramdaman ko sa taong naroon ako sa malaking mansyon.

Ang init ng pakiramdam. Parang sa hinaba-haba ng pag-iikot sa malamig at

malungkot na labas, nakauwi na ako.

I was not able to say goodbye to my boyfriend alone because he was occupied
talking to his father. Sumakay kami sa van at sa halip na sa ancestral ay sa
mismong bahay na kami uuwi.

“Scira and Dei with their families will come with us,” ani Mommy na dumungaw
mula sa shotgun seat. “Nga lang, baka uuwi sila bukas ng umaga at may pasok na sa
work at school naman ang mga pamangkin mo.”

Tumango ako at sumulyap sa likuran, sa sasakyan nina Dei at nina Scira na

nakasunod sa amin.

I have also noticed a few vehicles aside from the family.

Guards?

Nakumpirma ko iyon nang marinig ang Daddy na kausap si Mommy.

“It’s fine, Reyna,” aniya. “I informed the guards at home. They’ll clear the
way for us.”

The security was tight. Then I remembered when Chiel said Zidney was almost
ambushed before.

Nag-aalala akong sumulyap kay Mommy na nakangiting nakapatong ang kamay sa

hita ng Daddy habang nag-uusap sila.

“Love.” Gulat akong napabaling kay Queen nang sinabi niya iyon sa tabi ko.

When she caught my gaze, she smiled sweetly.

“Love si Mommy at Daddy,” she said. “Love rin ni Queen si Ate Clyte. I’m
happy that you’re back, Ate.”

My heart swelled. Niyakap ko nang mahigpit ang bunso at humalik sa kanyang

buhok.

I was nervous, but I was sure it was going to be fine.

Malaki nga ang mansyong iyon kagaya ng inaasahan. Marami rin ang mga guard na
nagitla pa ang ilan pagkakita sa akin, bumabati.

“Ma’am Clyte, welcome back po.”

 Gulat man ay tumango ako at ngumiti.

“Salamat po.”

When I got inside, I immediately noticed the beautiful and unique layouts of
the house. No surprise since Zidney and Scira were some of the most sought
architects nowadays ayon sa alam ko.

The construction firm was one of the leading companies, too, along with the
Mirandas.

Sa itaas ay kitang-kita at bungad ang family portrait. I was there.

Medyo bata pa ako roon dahil toddler pa lang si Queen na nakaupo sa gitna
nina Mommy at Daddy sa sofa. Habang kaming tatlo nina Dei at Scira ay nakatayo sa
likuran, may mga ngiti.

“You’re probably exhausted, anak,” tawag ni Mommy sa ‘kin. “Should I take you
to your room, darling?”

Tumango ako, nagpaalam sa mga kapatid at pamangkin at kasabay umakyat sa

hagdanan ang mga magulang.

I felt comfortable and loved. I don’t know.

If this was all a farce—a scheme to fool me, then they’re doing a great job
because it felt so good.

“Your clothes are still in there, and your room’s clean,” ani Mommy.
“Pinapalitan ko ang sheets kanina so it’s good to go.”

“Thank you po.”

“Our room is right there.” Tinuro ni Dad ang ‘di kalayuang master’s bedroom.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us and ask, okay?”

I nodded.

“Opo, thank you.”

“Good night, anak. We love you.”

I closed my eyes as they planted a kiss on my hair and embraced me, even
hesitating to let go of me but decided to let me go.

Bumuntonghininga si Daddy at natawa.

“You better go inside, darling, bago pa kami sasama ng Mommy mo sa loob at

makitulog.”

It made me laugh, and then I nodded, entered the room, and closed the door
after saying good night.

Nag-ikot ako, tila kabisado ng katawan kung nasaan ang mga gamit kahit ‘di
maalala ng utak. I found my clothes, a sleepwear, and the bathroom. Naligo muna ako
at pagkalabas ay saka lang pinakialaman ang mga gamit sa paligid.

Like what Crest and Chiel said, I have gifts inside the room, all of it dated
if not recent, a few years and months ago. Pagod ako at ‘di ko mabubuksan ang lahat
pero muling naalala ang sinasabing memory book ni Crest.

I was smiling as I sat on my comfy princess bed, dimmed the lights, and
opened the gift.

Literal na may nakasulat doong “Memory Book” at sa baba nito ay ang pangalan
niya. Mas napatawa ako nang makita ang pilit na isiniksik na sulat kamay sa gilid
para ipagkasya.

Made by: Crest-ganda feat. Chiel-gwapo

It was obvious Chiel wrote the last part at kung nakakatawa na ‘yon, mas
nakakatawa ang nasa loob mismo.

It was me and Crest in the photo pero may iilan na biglang nakasingit na ang
picture ni Chiel, ginupit at in-insert doon gamit ang glue. I was laughing my ass
off, snapping photos of it and sending it to Chiel on Messenger na kaka-add ko lang
kanina.

Bagong gawa iyon at nag-deactivate raw siya noon ng account, nakalimutang i-

reactivate kaya naglaho.

Hindi ako sigurado kung makikita niya kaagad. ‘Di alam kung nakauwi na siya
or tulog dahil nga medyo nakainom kaya nagulat ako nang wala pang ilang segundo ay
naka-seen na.

Alchiel Sandejas: Haha

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

Zahrah Ortega: Ang lamig mo naman.

Alchiel Sandejas: ???

Natawa na ako at napailing.

Zahrah Ortega: Haha lang? Walang emoji or reaction?

Alchiel Sandejas: Haha 🙂

Zahrah Ortega: Lasing ka, ‘no???

Alchiel Sandejas: Hondw

Alchiel Sandejas: Hindu

Alchiel Sandejas: HINDI

I cackled.

Zahrah Ortega: Okay 😀

Alchiel Sandejas: Hindu nga

Zahrah Ortega: ���

I was laughing so hard, nahiga na ako sa kama at nilagay ang regalo sa dibdib
habang nag-aantay ng chat at mukhang iritado na ang prosecutor na hindi raw
“lashing”.
 Alchiel Sandejas: Hindi*

Alchiel Sandejas: Fucking keyboard!

I typed to answer but then my phone suddenly lit because he’s requesting a
video call! I panicked. Nabitawan ko ang phone sabay angat at natulala roon
hanggang sa namatay.

Alchiel Sandejas: Answer the call

Napatulala lang ako, umaapuhap ang dibdib.

Ayoko! Ah, tulog ako! Tulog!

Alchiel Sandejas: I know you’re awake, baby.

I bit my lower lip as I watched my screen light and die again.

Alchiel Sandejas: Clyte?

Alchiel Sandejas: Babuy?????

Lumabi ako.

Alchiel Sandejas: Fuck! I mean baby

Alchiel Sandejas: Mahal?

I squealed silently and decided to click his name and answer.

Zahrah Ortega: Give me a minute.

Umahon ako sa kama, tinakbo ang pouch para halukayin ang lip tint ko at
magkakulay man lang ang labi! I even put a bit on my cheek to give it color before
jumping back to bed, medyo ginulo pa ang buhok para ‘di halatang nag-ayos para sa
kanya at nagsabing tumawag na.

When he called, I answered it. Bumungad sa ‘kin ang antok na asul niyang mga
mata at mabuti’y napigil ko ang singhap na kumawala sa labi.

I smiled.

“H-hi,” I greeted. “Sorry ‘di ko nasagot kaagad, nawalan ng internet–”

“‘Di mo naman kailangang magpaganda pa lalo sa ‘kin,” bungad niya.

My jaw dropped. Alam niya?! Light lang iyon, a?!

“W-what are you saying?” I asked. “I did not! Paano mo naman nasabing nag-
lipstick ako?!”

I could only see a part of his face, but I knew for sure he was smiling.

“Hmm, I just know,” aniya.

“No, you don’t,” sikmat ko at binasa ang labi para mabawasan man lang ang
tint.
 Damn it, makapal ba ang nalagay ko?! ‘Di naman halata iyon, a?!

“I’ve kissed those lips countless times now, sweetheart.” His camera moved,
and I saw his smile. “I know for sure if it’s reddish because of your lipstick o
kung namumula sa halik ko.”

“Fuck you, Sandejas.” I closed my eyes in embarrassment. He laughed.

Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pang itago ang reaksyon at pamumula ng pisngi.
Basta na lang akong napahiga sa kama, binitawan ang phone at nagtalukbong ng kumot.
Tumatawa pa rin siya.

“Baby,” he called.

“Shut up!”

“Okay, okay…” his hoarse voice whispered happily. “I’ll be a good boy. I
won’t tease you anymore. Come on, look at the camera. I wanna see you.”

Shyly, I reached for it to look at him in the camera. Napansin kong iba na
ang pwesto niya at bahagyang nakasandal na sa headboard ng kama, magulo ang buhok
at antok.

Mas lalo lang akong hindi mapakali sa kilig nang matantong wala siyang pang-
itaas kaya kita ko ang dibdib niya.

“Magdamit ka nga!” sita ko. “May aircon d’yan sa kwarto mo! Paano kung magka-
pulmonya ka?” sita ko habang pasimpleng pasilip-silip sa dibdib niya.

Baka naman p’wedeng pasilip ng abs?!

“P’wedeng pa-lower ng camera?” I asked quietly in my head.

“Sana sinabi mo agad,” aniyang natatawa kaya napasinghap ako at natantong

malakas kong nasabi.

“I m-mean…” Pero kinain ko lang ang sinabi nang ibaba nga niya at nakita ko
ang abs.

I groaned when he lifted the camera back to his face. He laughed.

“Verón?!” I whined.

“Look at my face, sweet rose,” natawa siya. “Ayokong isiping minahal mo lang
ako dahil sa katawan ko.”

Mas lalong sumabog ang init sa mukha ko at hinablot ang unan para takpan ang
mukha. Mas tumawa siya. I mentally smacked his arm in my head.

Tuwang-tuwa ang gago!

“Kidding,” he chuckled. “I won’t tease anymore, Bella. Come on.”

“Maniwala!” sikmat ko.

“I’m serious,” magaan niyang sinabi. “Look at the camera, please? I wanna
see
you.”
 Ikinalma ko ang sarili bago muli siyang tignan sa camera. Nakahiga na siya
sa
unan at pinagmamasdan ako.

“Nakauwi ka na?” I asked.

“Hmm, I’m in my condo,” aniya. “You should visit yours beside mine next
time.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“I have?!”

“Yeah.” He smiled lazily. “Sinundan mo ‘ko, e.”

“What?! Maniwala, kapal ng mukha nito. For sure, ikaw ang sumunod! Gaya-gaya
ka, e. ‘Di ba? Pustahan?!”

His lips curved into a foolish grin.

“Dam it. You know me well now.” He moistened his lower lip. “Fine, I followed
you. Ang kulit mo kasi noon at gustong-gustong independent at gusto nang mag-isa
kaya kinapit-bahay na lang kita.”

I laughed.

“I’ll visit it,” I told him. He nodded.

“I have your spare keys, and it’s clean. Don’t worry.” Before I could ask why
or how, he spoke again. “How was home so far?”

Inikot ko ang tingin sa kwarto at sumagot.

“Happy, it felt warm here. And homey. I like it.” Ngumiti ako. “Salamat sa
pagdala sa akin dito, Chiel. Thank you for… not giving up on me.”

“Give up? No,” he breathed out. “Not on you. Never.”

Kinagat ko ang labi ko.

“Never?” I asked hesitantly. “Paano kung… ako ang gustong lumayo ka?”

I saw pain fill his soulful gaze.

“Rhetorically,” I added. “Not that I’d ask you. Kung sakali lang… ano’ng
gagawin mo?”

He did not answer right away, I thought he wouldn’t, but he did.

“I’ll do as you wish,” aniya. “I bargained to God in the hopes of finding

you. I begged him to let me see you, let me take you back home safely, and that’s
it. Kahit ‘di na tayo.”

“Chiel…”

I asked but why was I hurting so bad?

“I asked to bring you home, that’s it. Bonus na lang iyong mahal mo rin ako
pero kung ayaw mo na? Masakit s’yempre kasi mahal kita pero ‘di naman pinipilit ang
pagmamahal, Clyte. If you asked me to leave and let you go, it’ll hurt as hell but
that’s only a consequence because I took more than what I was offered.”
 My eyes stung.

Ginusto mo ‘yan, Zahrah, ‘di ba?! Bakit ka naiiyak?!

“I-inaantok na ako,” biglang sabi ko at kunwari’y humikab para ‘di niya

makita ang pagtutubig ng mata ko.

“You should sleep,” aniya.

“Y-yeah…” Kinusot ko ang mata at tinignan siya pabalik. “Ikaw rin, tulog na.
Namumula ka na sa lasing.”

“Hindi ako lasing,” agap niya sabay nguso, mapungay ang tingin.

I smirked.

“Sige, kwento mo ‘yan, e,” biro ko at tumawa sa reaksyon niya.

Hindi ako iiyak. Hindi. Hindi.

“I’ll watch you sleep,” aniya.

“H-huh?”

“Hayaan mo lang ang call na bukas. Place it beside a pillow where I can see
you.”

“Seriously?” Napakurap ako.

“Yup,” he smirked. “Let’s sleep together. I’ll watch you ‘til you fall
asleep.”

It was a good idea. I liked it kaya pinagbigyan ko siya at ginawa ang sinabi.
I placed the phone on a pillow facing my way while fixing my comforter and pillow,
watching him.

He did the same, and then I smiled.

Mahal na mahal ko talaga.

Tumagilid siya ng higa, bagsak ang buhok sa noo at antok akong pinapanood.

“You sing and play the guitar?” I asked, nagpapaantok na.

“Hmm, I sing, but I prefer the guitar more,” aniya. “Adi and Dei could
manage. I’ll just be the guitarist.

“But you sing,” I mumbled. “Why don’t you?”

“Just don’t feel like it,” aniya. “I’m shy.”

Napatawa ako. Mas lumambing ang mata niya kaya niyakap ko ang unan lalo at
inilapit ang mukha sa screen.

“Chiel, love mo ‘ko, ‘di ba?” I asked.

“Tinatanong pa ba ‘yan, Clytemnestra?” Pumirmi ang labi kaya mas ngumisi

ako.
 “Then, I have a request,” I mumbled. “Can you do it?”

“What?” he asked, curious. “Anything for you.”

“Sing for me,” I mumbled. “Sing me to sleep, please?”

He was baffled. Akala ko ay aayaw pero tumikhim at umayos ng higa.

“I’m not that good—”

“I don’t care. I want you to sing for me.” I gave him puppy eyes. “Please?
Chiel? Please, baby? Pleaseee!”

Tumitig siya, sa huli ay bumuntonghininga at tumango.

“Fine, but don’t blame me if in the end, ‘di ka lang lalo makatulog, a?”

Ngumisi ako sabay tango, nagtaka pa nang tumayo siya mula sa kama pero maya-
maya’y bumalik at mas napangiti ako nang hawak na niya ang gitara.

He fixed the camera and then smirked handsomely, still naked from the top
with only his black pajamas on.

Ano ba ‘to, Clyte! Live show or acoustic session?!

Pero bakit pa kailangan alamin kung p’wede naman ang both?

Sumulyap siya sa camera at kinalabit ang strings, ang tono’y pamilyar dahil
kakakanta niya pa lang kanila.

“Ikaw na ang may sabi, na ako’y mahal mo rin. At sinabi mong ang pag-ibig
mo’y di magbabago…” His sensual and cold voice made me shiver.

Nakagat ko ang labi at naipikit ang mata para damhin ang boses niya.

“At kung di ka makita, makikiusap ka’y bathala. Na ika’y hanapin at sabihin

ipaalala sa iyo, ang nakalimutang sumpaan…” he sang. “Na ako’y sa ‘yo at ika’y akin
lamang…”

His last lyrics echoed in my head as my eyelids dropped close with the
sleepiness luring me in.

It was a good night’s sleep. I hope it stays the same. To have this wonderful
dream every night and never stop, but it was only a wish… because in reality? When
I woke up the next day, the nightmares I tried so hard to escape chased me again.

Kabanata 28

Kabanata 28

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

The Valderama firm was bigger, just as I expected. Mas lalo na dahil sa
extended building na pinagawa nila dahil sa merging sa mga Miranda.

Siguro ay dahil sa asawa ng kapatid ko si Warren Miranda pero business-wise,

they did a great job because these two were the largest construction firms in the
country. A partnership? They were now literally the biggest in the industry.

My family toured me in the company, and then we went to the hospital to tour
and have me checked by their doctors.

“Will her memories return?” Mom asked while she’s standing beside me. Nasa
office kami ni Dad, nakaupo ako at katatapos lang ma-CT scan, hinahaplos ng ina ang
buhok ko.

“Possibly,” ani ng doktor. “Do you have glimpses, hija?”

“Opo.” Tumango ako. “Mostly, they’re via dreams. Or sometimes, biglaan na

lang po kapag may pamilyar akong bagay na nakikita o nangyayari.”

He nodded.

“Does your head hurt?”

Umiling ako.

“Not really, except when I was having panic attacks or remember bad things…”
Napawi ang boses ko at napasulyap kay Mommy na seryoso na ang tingin, ang sakit at
galit ay naghahalo sa mga mata.

My father was quietly listening. Nakasandal siya sa may pader at nakapamulsa,

matiim din ang tingin at seryoso. I even caught the way his jaw clenched.

“It is highly possible she’ll gain her memories sooner or later. Just let it
be, don’t force yourself to remember, hija. It might trigger you or it might be
painful.” Bumaling siya sa mga magulang ko. “Sa ngayon, aantayin muna natin ang
resulta ng CT scan ni Clyte para makompirma na ayos lang ang lagay niya.”

Tumango ako.

“Okay, doc, salamat.”

“For your panic attacks, I’m sure Dr. Valderama will know what to do,” aniya
sabay baling kay Dad at tango.

My father flashed a small smile at him.

“Thanks, doc,” aniya bago sila nag-man hug.

The doctor left us after. Sinulyapan ko ang mga magulang, tahimik lang sila
kaya ngumiti na ako.

“I’m fine, Mom, Dad,” I assured them with a lively smile, gripping my
fingers.

Mommy sighed and embraced me from the side as she sat down beside me.
Lumambot ang puso ko nang humila si Dad ng upuan at naupo sa harapan ko bago abutin
ang palad ko at marahang minasahe ito.

It made me feel relaxed.

“May stress ball sa bahay,” ani Dad na masuyong ginagawa iyon. “We can get it
later para iyon ang gamitin mo kapag kailangan.”

I nodded at him, smiling.

 “Okay po, sorry kung…” I swallowed. “I still haven’t remembered everything,
but I’m sorry because I was gone.”

“It’s not your fault, darling,” bulong ni Mommy at idinantay ang noo niya sa
balikat ko. “We weren’t there to protect you when you needed it the most. W-we… let
our guard down. We should’ve—”

“It’s not your fault,” I insisted even when I know for sure na ‘di ako
sigurado sa sinasabi.

Right now, I was just acting to what my guts were telling me to.

“I’m fine now,” pag-alo ko. “I’m back. Chiel found me. I’m safe.”

“Yes, but that asshole still kidnapped you, Clyte.” Napasulyap ako kay Dad.
“If we didn’t let our guard down, he wouldn’t be able to take you. You won’t be
kidnapped, won’t be traumatized, won’t be in an accident, and lose your memories. I
don’t know what they did to you, but I swear in my grave I won’t die without
dragging him to jail.”

The way he said it was hard and angry, but then it felt so protective to me.
Like how a father shields his home so the monsters won’t get inside and hurt his
family.

I squeezed my father’s hand back.

“Thank you, Dad.”

His eyes softened.

“We will protect you, okay?” he ensured. “Chiel told us everything. I’m still
annoyed at that little shit for not telling us he found you but… I’m glad because
he protected you.”

Oh… nainis pala sa kanya ang Dad?!

But did they know? About us?

Wala akong maapuhap na salita, kinakabahan na kaya hinagilap ko ang mga

sasabihin.

Don’t think much about your love life, Clyte—or Zahrah—whatever! Just…
just try and find the truth. You have your chance now.

“In that house, they didn’t hurt me,” I confessed.

My father’s expression hardened. Mom stiffened beside me.

“What did they do to you, then?” Dad asked.

Kinagat ko ang labi at humugot ng malalim na buntonghininga.

“We were in Biliran before,” I started.

Nagulat sila’t nagkatinginan ni Mommy.

“You were just in Biliran?” I heard the strain in her voice kaya nagtataka ko
siyang nilingon at tumango.
 “Opo.”

“Damn it,” she cursed. Napalayo siya sa ‘kin at nasapo ang mukha, ang isang
palad ay hawak na ang buhok.

Mas naguluhan ako at mukhang napansin ‘yon ni Dad.

“Your mother was in Biliran before,” aniya. “I’m not sure if Alchiel told you
about your mom’s connection to Israel Sebastian?”

I nodded. “Nasabi po sa ‘kin.”

“Israel killed the people who took care of Zidney when she had lost her
memories,” aniya. “Nawala ang Mommy mo ng halos tatlong taon noon sa pamilya niya.
She fell on the cliff because of an accident. Nanay Thelma and Selmo found her and
took her in.”

Naikwento ‘to ni Chiel noon. Ang tungkol sa pagpatay ng tunay na ama sa mga
tumayong magulang kay Zidney. Iñigo Sandejas was the one who threw him in jail.
But they said it was a false accusation?

Tumango ako.

“However, Selmo was gambling. Turns out, he lost against Israel, Biliran’s
mayor during that time.”

My breath hitched the same time Zidney did. Napansin iyon ni Dad kaya
napaayos siya ng upo at sinuklay ang buhok.

“I’m sorry, I won’t—”

“I’m fine, Thorn,” bulong ni Mommy. “It’s a long time ago. Don’t mind me.”

Dad was hesitating, watching his wife. Nang bumaling siya sa ‘kin para
humingi ng permiso kung p’wede ba niyang ikwento ay tumango ako.

“If it’s too much—”

“I want to know the truth, Dad,” from your version. “I’m tired of thinking
what it was. Tell me, please?”

It took him a moment to continue.

“He lost a gamble against Israel, but he couldn’t pay for it. Israel took it
as a chance and asked for Zidney as a payment,” aniya.

Umawang ang labi ko.

“What?”

Nahihirapan at dinig ang pait at galit sa boses ng ama nang ipagpatuloy niya
ang kwento.

“He asked for your mother as a payment, and Zid heard it, the reason why she
left the house to clear her head. That’s when I met her, but when she came back
into the house, there were men inside with Israel Sebastian, and they were looking
for her. Nakita ni Nanay Thelma si Zidney at inutusang magtago. She followed, but
unfortunately, she saw how Sebastian’s men shot them dead when they couldn’t take
you.”

Kumuyom ang kamay ko at sinulyapan si Mommy na tahimik lang, hindi gumagalaw

sa pwesto niya mula kanina.

Dad was watching her, too, hesitating even more if he’d continue.

“I’m fine, Thorn.” Marahang nag-angat ng tingin si mommy.

“But—”

“I’m fine, your daughter deserves the truth.” Bumaling siya sa ‘kin at nakita
ko ang sariling lumalapit para yakapin siya.

She sighed and embraced me back. Nagpatuloy ang Daddy.

“When the police came, they saw your mother with their corpses, and she
became the primary suspect. However, your mom was traumatized during that time, so
they sent her to a mental facility where I was working.”

Tumango ako at nakinig pa sa mga sumunod na nangyari.

I found out that something happened, and they had separated. Dad said he
fucked up. Mom just shook her head at him saying it wasn’t his fault. Hindi ko iyon
nakuha masyado pero ‘di na ako nagtanong at mukhang mas personal iyon sa kanila.

When they separated, Mom rode a bus to Manila where she accidentally met my
mom, Ritchelle Fabroa-Sebastian. They became friends immediately. They found out
their connection.

“Your mom left Israel,” ani Mommy na nanginig na ang boses. “Her family wed
her off to him for the same reason he was chasing me—to pay off a debt.”

“H-how…” My voice trembled. “How could you pay a debt with a person? Is that
possible? H-how…”

“That’s how shitty life happens, darling,” ani Mommy sa mababang boses.
“Nagpakasal si Ritch para doon. Then, she got fed up with his attitude. He has
women, drugs, everything—name it but her last resort was her assaulting
her—sexually and physically.”

I was shaking in fear and anger. Mom had to stop telling me to calm me down,
but I begged her to tell me everything.

“Baby, can you please fetch us a glass of water? For Clyte,” ani Mommy at
walang salitang tumayo si Dad para kumuha at pinainom nila ako para kumalma.

“She escaped that prison house, and we met on the bus and became friends. We
wandered in the streets for some time until my family found me. Masaya ako no’ng
oras na ‘yon at nakita ko na ang pamilya pero nalaman naming buntis si Ritch.
Then…” Her voice quivered. “We a-also found out she had lung cancer—stage four.”

Kumislap lalo ang mga mata niya sa luha.

“W-we couldn’t save her because it was t-too late. We can’t take her to chemo
because she wanted to have you. Mahal na mahal ka ng mommy mo, Clyte.”

My sobs were uncontrollable.

 “S-she asked me to take care of you so that demon won’t get to you,” she
whispered. “We were able to p-protect you but not for a long time. I’m s-sorry for
failing, darling. We failed you and Ritch. I’m sorry.”

Alchiel’s words came back. Everything clicked into its right place now.

Did I need more evidence? Yes.

Did I need to prove my real mother gave me to them for my safety? I think I
knew the answer to it.

Yes, she protected me. Even in her last moments, she saved me. She sacrificed her
life to have me.

I cried with the parents who raised me, the parents I still haven’t remember
fully yet, but I could feel the love rooted deeply in me. The love I have for them.

Mommy Ritch, I am praying it was you leading me to them. I hope I was doing
the right thing.

We ate in my father’s office. Malakas ang tawa ko sa kwento nila, lalo na

nang dumating si Deion na katatapos lang ng meeting at dinaluhan kami.

“Sayang at wala rito ang ibang kapatid mo,” Mom chuckled as she reached for
the side of my lips to clean it with the napkin.

Alam kong nasa school pa ang bunso.

“Where’s Scira?” I asked.

“Work,” ani Mommy. “Alam mo naman ang kapatid mo ay workhalic.”

“Namana sa ‘yo.” Dad shook his head. “Actually, lahat kayo.” Muli kaming
nagkatawanan.

“I forgot but what happened in Biliran?” ani Mommy pagkatapos naming kumain
at nakaupo na kami sa sofa, bundat ang mga tiyan sa kinain. “We were looking there
for a long time, but we could not get anything from you.”

“I was in a house in a secluded part of the province,” I said. “I was there

alone with some house help and guards. I woke up with no memories.”

Tumango ang Dad.

“And what did they do?”

“Nothing.” Umiling ako. “Aside from staying there and I couldn’t get out,
nothing. T-they didn’t hurt me or…” Kinagat ko ang labi.

“It was a scheme to keep you in. They used your amnesia to their advantage.
If they did something to you, you’d have doubts and might question why they’re
keeping you in. I bet they said they were trying to protect you?”

I nodded. My father’s jaw clenched.

 “Against us?”

I could say yes but decided to shake my head instead to play safe.

“They didn’t say who. It’s just that they were trying to protect me from
Israel’s enemies.”

“Keeping her inside the mansion with
throw them in jail,” ani Dei na seryoso at
ginawa
niyang iyon ay naging hawig sila ni Daddy.
amnesia to illegally detain her inside the
no outside connection was enough to
inayos ang salamin niya. Dahil sa
“They kidnapped her then used her
mansion.”

That’s what Chiel told me before, too.

Natahimik ako.

“We looked for you there and…” Mommy sighed then reached for my palm. “We
should’ve tried harder baka sakaling nakita natin siya kaagad.”

“That asshole…” Dad brushed his hair. “The security was still on high alert
in Cebu because of him. Hindi pa rin makita.”

My heart raced.

I knew where he was. Should I tell them? Pero kasi…

Oh, God. I was so confused. I didn’t know what to do.

“If you were in Biliran before, how did you end up in Cebu?” Mom asked, still
caressing my palm.

“May pinuntahan lang po noon doon sa may bus station sa Biliran,” I said.

My parents exchanged glances, the look unreadable but an understanding

reverberated between the two of them.

“When we came back in the mansion, mas dumami ang security then suddenly, I
was instructed to go with them to Cebu. Hindi ko po alam ang dahilan sa biglaang
pag-alis pero nalaman kong nakita pala ako roon ni Alchiel.”

My father stiffened.

“What? Alchiel even found you in Biliran?!”

Nagulat ako sa talim ng boses niya kaya tumango ako.

“Opo, sinabi niya lang…”

“That little shit!” His voice roared. Namilog ang mata ko nang tumayo siya at
sinuklay ang buhok, palakad-lakad. “Did you know about this, Zidney?”

“No.” Umiling si Mom. “But he said he wanted to talk to me, hindi ko pa lang
napagbibigyan. Baka sasabihin niya?” Ngumuso siya.

“Deion Rheus?” baling niya naman sa kapatid na medyo napapangiti at

nakasandal sa sofa, nakahalukipkip.

“Just recently,” sagot niya.

 Mas umawang ang bibig ni Dad. It was as if he was betrayed.

“That…” he cursed. “That bastard! Alam n’yo and I didn’t even know?”

Shit! Mukhang maling sinabi ko pa!

“H-he was just trying to protect you all, kaya ‘di niya sinabi kaagad. He
still wasn’t sure if it was me he saw or not—”

“No.” Ngumiwi siya. “I understand he was trying to keep everyone safe, but he
should’ve told me! You are my daughter! Nasaan na ba ang lalaking ‘yan?!”

Hindi na ako nakapag-react nang kunin niya ang phone at galit na nagtipa
roon.

“Hello?” I almost shivered at his cold voice, even more, when he called his
name. “Alchiel.”

Fuck, he called him!

Nakagat kong lalo ang labi ko at kinabahan.

Damn it! ‘Di ko pa nga nasasabi ang tungkol sa aming dalawa, mukhang nasira
ko pa ang image niya!

I caught Dei’s eyes. He gave me a knowing smile.

“Anong ‘Hello, Tito?! Good afternoon?!’ Walang hello-hello! Ano’ng maganda sa

hapon ditong ulupong ka?!”

My eyes widened even more. Deion laughed. Si Mommy ay narinig ko ring tumawa
pero ang atensyon ko ay na kay Dad na kunot na ang noo at nanggagalaiti.

“Oo! Hindi! Pumunta ka rito at mag-uusap tayo!” He stopped. “Wala akong

pakialam sa meeting mo! Pupunta ka rito nang mabatukan kita o ‘di ka na welcome sa
bahay?!”

‘Di nagsalita si Daddy at tumaas ang kilay sabay ngisi.

“Good. Takot ka pala, e,” he taunted. “Fifteen minutes! Kapag wala ka rito ng
fifteen, banned ka na sa bahay—oo, ngayon na!”

Nang mawala ang nasa kabilang linya ay ibinaba niya ang phone. Kunot ang noo
niya at seryoso pero pagkakita sa ‘ming pinapanood siya ay tumikhim sabay ngisi.

“Natakot ko,” he declared nonchalantly. Mas natawa kami.

Rest in peace, Alchiel. I love you, baby.

Nang bumalik si Dad sa sofa ay bumagsak siya ng upo at hinilot ang batok
niya.

“Damn it, ka-stress,” he breathed out. “Tumaas yata ang altapresyon ko!”

“Tanders problem,” Mommy mumbled. Napaayos si Dad ng upo sabay simangot sa

kanya. I chewed my lip to hide a smile.

“Reyna!” he whined. Mommy just smirked at him.

 When Dad and Dei started talking, bumaling ako kay Mommy na hawak pa rin ang
kamay ko para sana magtanong tungkol sa trabaho but then I realized she was still
holding my hand and her gaze was locked on my finger with the ring on it.

I stiffened and visibly panicked.

“M-mom, that’s—”

“O-oh, I needed to attend the flower shop today.” Umahon siya ng upo at
binitawan ang kamay ko. “Thorn, let Alchiel go. May meeting ang bata at h’wag mo
nang awayin.”

Dad’s mouth parted.

“But Reyna—”

“No, I said let it go,” Mom warned. “Samahan mo na lang ako sa flower shop at
may malaking kliyente!”

Dad wanted to refuse but would not want to say no to her kaya sa huli ay
pumayag na at tumango, tumayo at niyakap si Mommy para sumubok pa ulit na
mangumbinsi.

“Reyna, sige na—”

“No,” she said in finality before glancing at Dei. “Anak, call Chiel. Tell
him not to go here anymore. Nag-iinarte lang itong tatay mong ang tanda na pero
isip bata!”

Dei smirked.

“Alright, ‘My.”

“Reyna…” Dad whined again. “Paisang sapak lang—”

“Clyte,” tawag niya. Napaayos ako ng upo.

“Y-yes po?” I asked, surprised.

“Dei would take you home, is that alright?”

“Yes po…” Tumango ako at maliit na ngumiti.

“Great!” she smiled sweetly and walked closer to me after moving away from
Dad for a kiss. “I’m so sorry, darling. Biglaan ko lang kasing naalala ang kliyente
na darating today.”

I smiled back, still confused and panicking internally.

“It’s fine po,” I answered.

This will be very tough for us, I am sure.

Hinatid namin ang mga magulang sa parking at sabay kami ni Dei na pumasok
pabalik sa ospital. Nakakapit ako sa braso ng kapatid, kausap siya tungkol sa
kanyang pamilya nang bigla siyang matawa at umiling.

“What?” I asked.
 “It was either I was too late to tell him or he just wanna go here,” aniya
kaya sinundan ko ang tingin niyang nakita si Alchiel na papasok sa loob ng ospital.

My heart spiraled with the sight of him. Mukha siyang nagmadali, magulo ang
buhok, nakatanggal na ang suit at mukhang naligaw lang sa ospital.

I was smiling widely when he caught my gaze.

Mabilis siyang naglakad palapit sa amin.

“I’m sorry,” he started. “I know I’m five minutes late. Ang traffic! Inaayos
na naman ‘yong kalsadang maayos naman, tanginang bansa ‘to…”

I was laughing, and so was Deion. Nangunot ang noo ni Alchiel at nagtataka
kaming pinanuod.

“Bakit kayo tumatawa? Nasaan si Tito? He’ll fucking kill me—”

“‘Di mo ba nabasa ang text ko?” ani Dei kaya inabot ni Chiel ang phone sa
bulsa para silipin.

I let go of my brother’s arm to walk closer to him and took a peek. I’ve read
Dei’s message on his phone and saw him saying not to panic, and Dad was just
kidding. H’wag na raw siyang tumuloy at ayos lang.

I could smell his perfume and aftershave, nakangiti pa ako habang nakikisilip
nang i-back niya ang message at nakita ko ang mukha ko sa wallpaper niya.

My eyes widened as my heart raced, but he was already pocketing the phone and
catching my chin.

“Ano’ng tinatawa-tawa mo r’yan, Clytemnestra?” bulong niya sabay angat ng

baba ko. He shifted his position so he could face me. Mas nag-init lang ang mukha
ko sa muling pagtatagpo ng tingin naming dalawa.

I swallowed the lump in my throat when his eyes twinkled playfully. Nahulog
ang tingin niya sa labi ko at inilapit ang mukha sa akin.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the kiss until we both heard a clearing of the
throat.

“Let me remind you it’s my sister you’re kissing, asshole,” Dei retorted.

We both stiffened. Tinulak ko si Chiel ng bahagya at sumulyap kay Dei,

nahiyang nakita kaming dalawang gano’n.

“And so? Girlfriend ko ‘to—” Siniko ko si Chiel, namumula pang bumaling kay
Deion na nanliliit ang mata sa kanya.

“That’s my sister,” ani Dei na nilabanan siya ng tingin.

“That’s my girlfriend,” pagpatol din ni Alchiel sa kanya sabay mayabang na

taas ng kilay. “I can see there’s nothing wrong kissing her—”

“But I could not give you my blessings,” agap ni Dei at pagkakita ng unti-
unting pagpawi ng mayabang na tingin ni Chiel at binasa ang labi niya. Tumaas ang
kilay ni Dei, nagpipigil ng tawa.

“What?” Tumikhim si Chiel. “Ito naman, parang ‘di mo ‘ko mahal, Deion-
labidabs!” Bigla siyang umamo at lumapit kay Dei na tumawa at sinapak siya.

“Gago, ayusin mo nga. Tangina nito para ka nang si Zion!” Natawa lang siya at
umiling nang kumapit pa sa kanya si Chiel, nagpapalambing.

I can’t believe my eyes. They were literally giants with their heights! And
those muscled bodies but they were very affectionate!

Ayan ang napansin ko sa pamilya. They were not afraid of having fun, being
happy and loving. They let it show, explaining the closeness of the bond they have
in the family.

I wanna be a part of it…

“Since you’re here, let’s go inside the office. Meryenda,” he offered Chiel
who just gave him a knowing look, probably asking if he’d change his mind about the
blessings. “Tangina mo, Alchiel. ‘Di nga ‘ko nairita sa ‘yong ‘di mo sinabing
nakita mo na si Ate!”

“For her safety—”

“I know! Shut up before I call you Kuya, too,” aniya at iniwan si Alchiel na
nakasimangot sa kanya habang ako naman ay malakas nang tumatawa.

“K-kuya,” I blurted out and laughed louder when he glared.

“Stop it,” sikmat niya sabay halukipkip.

Ngumisi ako.

“Kuya—” Pero nahablot na niya ako’t tinatakpan ang bibig ko mula sa likod
bago ako inakay palakad.

I couldn’t stop laughing even though his palm was on my mouth. Nasa likuran
ko siya kaya parang may nakayakap sa aking higante sa likuran, wala pang pakialam
kahit pinagtitingan na kaming dalawa.

My six-foot-three boyfriend walked with me that way, and I’ve never felt so
tiny.

Daddy Long Legs!

Pagpasok sa opisina ng kapatid at saka lang ako pinakawalan ng higanteng may

mahabang legs. While he was calling to order, hinarap ko si Alchiel na hinablot ako
at hinalik-halikan habang nakatalikod si Dei at may kausap sa telepono.

“Ano ba—” He kissed me again. “Alchiel—” And again.

Kung hindi ko lang siya kinurot at hinampas ay ‘di pa titigil.

“I just missed you,” bulong niya at inabot ang pisngi ko. “‘Di tayo nagkita
ng tatlong araw.”

“Because you won’t see me,” sikmat ko at hinalukay ang bag para kunin ang
panyo.

“You were bonding with your family,” agap niya. “I don’t want to interrupt.
You just met them.” Hinawakan ko naman ang panga niya’t inangat ang panyo para
punasan ang pawis sa kanyang noo.
 Tumakbo ba ‘to? Ang gulo-gulo ng buhok!

Pero gwapo pa rin… aminin!

I shut the inner voice in my head.

“I’m calling,” aniya nang ‘di ako sumagot. “And texting…”

“Tss,” reklamo ko’t inabot ang kurbata niya para ayusin. “I’m still your
secretary. I should be going to work with you. We have pending cases! Si Meia lang
ang nakakausap ko sa updates! Sino bang nag-ayos nitong kurbata mo at ganito?”

“I did.”

Tumaas ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya.

“Kaya naman pala,” sikmat ko’t napatitig sa kurbatang parang basta na lang
mailusot at buhol-buhol. Dinikit ko sa noo niya ang panyo. “Hawakan mo, punasan mo
pawis mo.”

Kinuha niya kaagad at pinagpatuloy ang ginagawa ko.

“‘Di naman kita. I was wearing a robe for my trial,” pampalubag-loob pa niya
habang tinatanggal ko ang kurbata niya.

“You should be practicing. ‘Di naman lahat ng oras may tutulong sa ‘yo mag-
ayos nito. And you should’ve asked someone to help—”

“I only want you to fix my tie for me,” he cut me off. My heart raced. “So, I
just did it on my own than let anyone do it.”

Sumama na rin ang sikmura ko sa pagsirko. Alam mo ‘yong pakiramdam na parang

may humahalukay at susuka ka na lang sa kilig?

He reached for my waist when he noticed my stillness, moving his mouth closer
to my ear to whisper.

“You’ll be mad if I ask someone. Ayaw ko namang nagagalit ka,” bulong niyang
nang-aakit.

I swallowed. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa necktie niya’t ‘di nakagalaw.

He chuckled in my ear.

“Namumula na siya,” he mused. “Ang ganda mo, pahalik nga ulit.”

Hinatak ko ang necktie niya. Napalayo siya’t napaubo, nasapo ang leeg nang sa
paghila ko’y nasakal siya ng kurbata.

He glared at me when he successfully pulled it loose. I just smirked.

Ang gagong ‘to. Sa harapan pa talaga ni Deion manlalandi?!

Bundat na bundat na ako. I will not be surprised if I gained weight. Sa ilang

araw ko kasi sa pamilya, bukod pa sa kasama ko si Chiel ay puro ako kain!

The calories! My God! I should be exercising again!

 Bumaling ako kay Chiel na kausap si Dei tungkol sa isang kaso na mukhang may
collaboration ang prosecution at ang mental facility. I caught the small mess my
boyfriend left on the side of his lips kaya inabot ko ang tissue at inabot ang
pisngi niya para punasan.

His voice was caught midair. His breath hitched when he met my eyes, parang
tuliro at natulala sa mukha ko.

“What?” I asked, frowning. He just blinked at me. “May dumi sa gilid ng bibig
mo,” I explained then let his face go when he remained looking at me like I was
some God-sent or whatever!

Nag-init ang mukha ko sabay baling kay Dei na nagpipigil ng ngiti, naaaliw na
nanonood.

“Alchiel Verón!” I hissed under my breath when he remained gawking.

Napahawak siya sa dibdib sabay baling sa kapatid ko.

“Dei, you’re a doctor,” aniya kaya tumaas ang kilay ni Dei.

“Hmm? And?”

“Normal ba ‘yong parang sasabog ‘yong dibdib kapag nakikita ko ‘tong kapatid
mo?” he blurted out without thinking twice.

Humagalpak si Dei. Napatili ako sabay hablot ng throw pillow at sapok kay
Alchiel na tumatawa at inatake ako ng yakap niya.

Lumabas ang dalawa dahil may kukunin yatang files sa kaso kaya naiwan akong
paikot-ikot sa opisina ng kapatid. I walked to his desk, smiling upon seeing
picture frames with his family and wife.

This family really loved taking photos.

I noticed that in his family pictures, I was always there. No’ng graduation
niya sa high school, sa elementary kahit no’ng naging ganap na siyang
psychotherapist. I was there.

I was already retreating on the sofa when I noticed a file on his desk. Hindi
ko na sana papansinin, but I saw my name at the top of it.

Clytemnestra

I hesitated at first but realized it was me, siguro naman ay may karapatan
akong mabasa? O… ito naman ang ipinunta ko rito, ‘di ba? Ang malaman ang totoo?

Inalis ko ang nakapatong sa itaas n’on at kinuha bago naupo sa sofa pero
pagkita ko ng kabuoan ay natantong police files iyon at missing person’s report.

My heart raced at the sight of the full name I was using.

Clytemnestra Alyona Fabroa

What? I changed my surname with my mom’s? Hindi Sebastian?

I changed my surname, they said. But I didn’t know it was using my mother’s
maiden one.
 Why?

I chewed on my lip and checked the other files included in it, kasama roon
ang iilang IDs na napabago ko na. Lahat iyon ay Fabroa ang apelyido!

May mga titulo rin doon ng lupa at ari-arian at lahat iyon ay nakapangalan sa
akin. Each one of it was signed by Ritchelle Fabroa, my mother. Sa tabi n’on ay ang
sulat kamay ko gamit ang pangalan at pirma.

Hindi Sebastian ang ginamit kong apelyido.

It felt like my breath was knocked out of my chest. Hindi ako makapaniwala.

They… lied to me. I was played. Again. By my real father this time.

Hinawi ko ang luha at nanginginig na inilipat ang mga papel para basahin isa-
isa ang nilalaman. Even in my nursing license, gamit ko ang apelyido ng tunay kong
ina. Lahat ng ‘to—gamit ko ang kanya and everything was signed and approved by my
guardians, Zidney and Thorn Valderama.

They knew I changed it. They permitted it, unlike what my real father told me
before.

I was trembling. When I saw a small memory card attached to it inside a small
Ziplock, walang pagdadalawang-isip na kinuha ko iyon at inilagay sa phone.

I was nervous. They were probably done talking and on their way here, but I
had to know. Ayaw ko nang paikutin.

Nila man o miski ang tunay kong ama…

Binasa ng phone ko ang memory card at iisang video lang ang naroon. My heart
raced when I saw it was dated years ago and when I watched it, my whole world
crashed.

It was my abduction.

Taken from a car’s dash cam. Kitang-kita roon ang pagparada ng isang van
pagkatapos ng biglaang pagtigil ng sasakyan. I remembered when Crest told me our
driver was poisoned, how those men forcefully dragged me out of the car to their
van—lahat iyon ay nandito.

Habang nanonood, bumalik sa akin ang mga alaala na parang nangyayari lang,
bago at sariwa pa.

I was screaming. I was begging them not to hurt Crest, crying. They smacked
the back of my head with the gun, making me feel disoriented but I was still
conscious. I could hear the loud screams, the attacks, the resistance.

I have seen Alchiel fighting over a man to take me back, how he ran after the
car and got shot. But even then, he still wouldn’t stop running, even with the
blood dripping from his waist to the cold road, staining it red.

Israel Sebastian was lying to me… They were all lying to me.

They kidnapped me, got me into an accident when I escaped, and blamed it on
the family who treated me as their own. They fooled me… and used my mother to
manipulate me.
 Hindi ko alam kung paano pa ako nakakuha ng lakas para ayusin pabalik ang
files matapos kong kunan ng litrato at nagbanyo para maghilamos.

I didn’t know if I could face Dei and my boyfriend kaya nagpasuyo ako sa
guards na ihatid ako pauwi sa mansyon at nag-text na lang sa kanila na masama ang
pakiramdam ko at mauuna na pauwi.

From: Verón

What happened, Bella? You okay?

To: Verón

Yes, sorry need ko lang umuwi. Sumama kasi ang tiyan ko sa kinain natin
siguro.

From: Verón

Oh, alright. Wait, I’ll go to the mansion after you. Lutuan kitang soup.

To: Verón

No, I’m fine! Pahinga lang ako at ayos na ‘to mamaya. Kulang lang din siguro
ako sa tulog.

From: Verón

You sure? Saglit lang naman. Bibisitahin lang kita para masiguradong ayos
tapos iiwan na kita para makapagpahinga.

To: Verón

I’m alright, I promise. Alam kong may work ka pa. Diyan ka muna.

From: Verón

Okay. Rest well. Message me if you need anything, okay? Hindi muna kita
guguluhin para makapagpahinga ka.

To: Verón

Thank you.

From: Verón

I love you, sweet rose! Mwuah! 😘

It made me smile. Itinago ko ang phone at tumulala sa daang naglalaho habang

nasa biyahe.

When I got in our house, I checked the files Cole along with Kiko and Israel
Sebastian gave me and realized they did a great fucking job in fucking with my
head.

Nahanapan nila ng lusot ang mga nangyari para ang mga Sandejas ang maging
masama and the thought of going in to try and hurt this family was sickening.

I almost hurt the people who cared and loved me.

 Naupo ako sa gilid ng kama habang nakayupyop sa hita. Ang tanging tao lang na
may malasakit sa akin sa bahay na iyon ay si Yaya Mildred.

We still text these days, nagkukumustahan. She was giving me updates about
the roses I left in the mansion. She was taking care of it.

This was one of the reasons why I was sad about moving, naiiwan ang mga
pananim ko. Mabuti na lang ay may caretaker sa rest house nina Chiel sa Cebu at si
Yaya ang nangangalaga sa naiwan ko sa mansyon.

Bumaba ako dahil pakiramdam ko’y aatakihin na naman ako ng panic attack. I
watered my mother’s blooming roses in our large garden and greenhouse.

It was my dream to have a greenhouse of my own in the future. Tapos maganda

rin kasi sa mga event kong ino-organize, ‘di ako nahihirapang maghanap ng supplies
for flowers because Mommy had a flower shop, and we have our own plants.

It was very beneficial and also beautiful.

Dumukwang ako sa flowers na bigay ni Chiel. It was still blooming and very,
very pretty. Iisa lang iyon sa paso pero ang ganda-ganda sa paningin ko. Siguro ay
dahil galing ito sa mahal ko.

Kinausap ko ang mga bulaklak. It was one of the secrets to keep them blooming
and beautiful. Kailangang kausapin silang magpayabong pa kasabay ng masusing alaga.

I sat back on the bench to watch the flowers, their presence helping me
elevate the heaviness roaring in my chest.

Cole won’t stop calling my other phone. Miski si Atty. Kiko.

Hindi ko sinasagot at hindi ko alam ang sasabihin sa kanila. ‘Di ako sigurado
kung paano ko kokomprontahin.

Israel Sebastian? He didn’t even bother calling.

It rang again, Cole’s name appearing in the contacts. I watched the phone
call died then it appeared again.

From: Cole

Answer the phone, Zahrah.

I sighed. Iniikot ko ang paningin sa paligid bago sinagot iyon.

“Hello—”

“We’ve been calling you for days now!” His voice roared.

Tumiim ang panga ko at sumagot. “And?”

“We were worried!” he exclaimed. “Akala namin ay may nangyaring masama na sa

‘yo! We couldn’t reach you.”

Hindi ako sumagot, mas humihigpit lang ang hawak sa phone.

Liars.

“Zahrah? Answer me, I was just worried—”

 “What do you need?” malamig kong tanong. Natahimik siya sa kabilang linya.

“What’s the problem?” he asked. “Are you mad?”

Nahilot ko ang sentido.

“Just tell me what you need, Cole, or I’ll drop this call?”

“Zahrah—” Nawala ang boses niya at narinig ko ang mahinang protesta niya na
tila may kumuha sa kanya n’on.

“Hello?” I shivered when I realized who that voice was from.

I chewed my lip.

“Hello.”

“What are you doing, child?” Israel’s voice cold voice roared. “We’ve been
contacting you for fucking days now.”

“I was just busy—”

“Busy?! I almost got fucking caught because you won’t answer our calls! We
didn’t know there was a checkpoint! I was almost—”

“You said you’re innocent, but you sounded so guilty right now, Mayor,” I cut
him off.

His breath hitched. Natahimik siya ng ilang saglit bago nagsalita.

“What…” I could hear him gritting his teeth. “What did you say again, child?”
I could hear the danger in his voice.

“You killed those guards, don’t you? You kidnapped me, imprisoned me in that
mansion, and blamed it on others… right?”

“Fuck, they are manipulating you!” he exclaimed. “I fucking knew it. Wake up,
child! They are using you to turn against me! Your own father!”

Umiling ako.

“Liar…”

“I am not!” he exclaimed. I flinched. Then, as if he realized his voice rose,

it softened. “Zahrah, darling, listen to me…”

Umiling akong ulit.

He was fooling me… I won’t believe it anymore.

“Your mother, your mother entrusted you with me…” he said calmly this time.
“Ang mommy mo, sila ang dahilan, ang pamilyang ‘yan ang dahilan kaya namatay ang
mommy mo! They took you from us! Kidnapped you and now turning you against me! Your
family! Your own bloodline—”

“Hindi kita kadugo, Sebastian.” My voice trembled. “I know what you did now.
My mother’s grave is in here. It was you who killed those guards! You! You killed
my mother!”
 “It’s not true! I will not do it with my wife! Mahal ko ang mommy mo—”

“You almost got me killed! Your daughter! From the woman you claimed to
love!” I exclaimed. “You kidnapped me! Used me! A-and who knows? Baka kapag nagawa
ko na ang gusto mo’y patayin mo rin ako’t wala nang silbi sa ‘yo?”

“Zahrah Bellarose!” His voice trembled in anger.

“I am not Zahrah, Mayor Sebastian.” Bumilis ang paghinga ko nang sabihin

iyon. “I’m Clytemnestra Fabroa. My mother’s bloodline—not yours.”

Pinatayan ko siya bago pa muling nakapagsalita.

Nasapo ko ang dibdib matapos ng usapang iyon, nanginginig na.

I was having a panic attack. Dagli akong tumayo mula sa bench at umakyat sa
kwarto, ‘di na pinansin ang mga maid na nasalubong at nagtanong kung ayos lang ako
sa takot na makita nila akong nawawalan ng hininga.

When I got inside my room, I struggled to find something that could help me
breathe. I dropped my phone on the ground when I somehow lost my balance and stood
again to grasp at something.

Nanlalabo na ang paningin ko, nagdidilim na at nang mahablot ko ang plastic

bag sa may dresser ay nahulog ako ng upo sa lapag habang inilalapit iyon sa mukha
para doon kontrolin ang paghinga.

I did it a couple of times until I felt myself relaxing and my breathing

getting even.

I didn’t know how long I remained slammed on the floor before I had the
strength to stand. Inabot ko ang phone na nahulog ko at nanghihinang bumagsak ng
upo sa kama, pinapanood ang sunod-sunod na tawag at pagkawala n’on.

Cole texted me.

From: Cole

Zahrah, please, you have to answer the call. They are brainwashing you!

From: Cole

Please, answer me. I was just worried. Nag-aalala ang daddy mo.

From: Cole

Answer me, I’ll take you away from the house. I swear. I’ll save you!

From: Cole

That fucking prosecutor was manipulating you, doesn’t he?

I typed a response.

To: Cole

I trusted you, Cole. But you’re like them too. You disappoint me.
 From: Cole

Listen, Zahrah. Answer my call. That asshole was messing with your head to
hate on us! Kami ang kasama mo ng matagal na panahon and now just a few days with
that fucking family, you’re turning your back on us?

From: Cole

Answer my calls, Zahrah. Mag-uusap tayo.

From: Cole

Please, baby. Answer my call. I love you. Do you think I’ll do anything to
harm you?

I cringed. Ipinikit ko ang mata at nakatiim ang pangang tumipa ng sagot.

To: Cole

Please don’t contact me again. Tell Israel Sebastian to root in hell. His
crimes will come to light in time. Tell him I swear I’ll get him in jail.

After sending, I blocked their phone numbers and went to bed. Ibinalot ko ang
sarili ko ng comforter, hinawakan ang ilalim ng unan para siguraduhing naroon ang
ibinigay ni Chiel sa akin na patalim at ipinikit ang mga mata.

Siguro ay dahil sa pagod, hinila ako ng antok. In my sleep, my memories

manifested itself back again, and in between the crevices of the missing ones,
unfortunately, even the nightmares slipped inside to ruin it for me.

Naghahabol ako ng hininga pagkagising, iniikot ang tingin para makita kung
nasaan ako, gumaan lang ang pakiramdam nang natantong nasa bahay ako at ligtas.

I am with my family now. I’m safe. I’m with my family. I’m safe.

I chanted inside my head as I glanced at the clock, gasping when I saw what
time it was.

It was already eight in the evening. Napahaba ang tulog ko.

I sat on the bed and stared at nowhere, trying to process some memories that
had come back along with the nightmares hanggang sa napansin ko ang pag-ilaw ng
phone kaya kinuha ko iyon.

It was a message from an unknown number.

My forehead creased and tapped on it.

From: Unknown Number

This bastard messed with your head? Let’s see if he could do it again after
his head explodes.

My blood ran cold as I tapped the attachment and saw the photo in it.

It was Alchiel, in the parking of the hospital on the way to his car and his
clothes? It was the same one he was wearing earlier.

Kabanata 29
 Kabanata 29

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Ma’am Clyte?” Nabaling ang tingin ko sa pintuan ng kwarto at nakita ang

house help.

“Yes po?” I asked.

“Paalis na po sina Ma’am Zidney, pinapatanong if ‘di raw po kayo talaga

sasama sa flower shop?” she asked.

I shook my head, planting a small smile on my lips for her not to see I was
hesitating.

“No po, pasabi I’m tired. Next time na lang,” sagot ko.

Tumango siya at nang mawala na nang tuluyan ay saka lang nakahinga nang
maluwag. Pagod akong sumandal sa headboard ng kama at muling niyakap ang hita para
ibaon doon ang mukha.

I was anxious. I had spent the entire week trying to cheer up, but it was
hard. My father had been noticing it.

Sumama pa ako sa kanila sa mga sumunod na araw matapos matanggap ang email na
‘yon. I went to the hospital with them, to the flower shop, firm—we even went to
the nursing station sa wing ng ospital where I was working, and I got to meet my
old co-workers who were emotional seeing me back.

I was familiar with their faces. Some of them were sometimes included in my
dreams, and I had fun talking to them, thinking of going back to work if I am
cleared, and getting back to my own life.

I’ve even met with a psychiatrist my father recommended. He said I might find
it hard opening to him, so he’d introduce me to his colleague who he assured was
one of the best, but I was still adjusting.

Naninibago kasi ako. My last psychiatrist was paid by Israel Sebastian, and I
felt like everything she had said before was a lie, tainting my trust in doctors
like her. She said the memories I had were just fantasies I made in my head to cope
pero alaala pala iyon.

I was sure this psychiatrist would be great. My father, Thorn, would not cast
harm on me. That, I was so sure.

He was a very observant one, alam niyang may gumagambala sa ‘kin. Matatahimik
lang ako, ang mga mata niya’y nasa akin agad para mag-obserba. He might not ask but
I was sure he was watching my every move. Kapag napapatingin ako sa kanya habang
pinapanood niya ako’y ngumingiti ako para sana ipakitang ayos lang pero kaya niya
akong basahin.

He’d sit beside me, hold my hand, and say, “I’m always here for you, anak,
okay? Not a doctor but a father. You can tell me if something bothers you or if you
need help. I promise I’ll always be there for you.”

It made me cry and embrace him, pero ‘di ko pa rin masabi sa kanya ang na-
receive na email.

I was terrified. For my family, for my loved ones, for Chiel…

I knew what those people were capable of. They did not even hesitate to fool
me, Sebastian’s daughter. What more if it was the Sandejas?

I brought those demons into this family. I made a way for them to get here.
It’s all my fault!

Crest and I were meeting for a shopping spree to her brand, saying she had a
lot of designs she made thinking of me. It made me feel happy. I was emotional kaya
pinagbigyan ko na at hindi matahimik kapag sinasabi kong marami pa akong damit.

It seemed like her love language was giving and treating people. Gano’n na
siya noon, sa mga alaala ko, hindi pa rin pala nagbabago.

Kaya ayon, marami na naman akong bagong damit sa wardrobe.

Meanwhile… si Chiel, I haven’t met him again since that day. We’re texting
every night and morning—hindi kasi mapalagay at kahit pinagpipilitan na mag-focus
ako sa bonding sa pamilya’y hindi siya matatahimik kapag ‘di ako nakakausap man
lang o nakikita.

Kaya ayon, palagi kaming video call. He sometimes sang me to sleep—well, I

forced him to. Ang ganda-ganda kasi ng boses pero mahiyain!

I scoffed.

Daddy Long Legs talaga…

Nakakausap ko rin sina Meia at Bryce na dumayo sa Maynila para nga kay Chiel
na rito muna pinagpapatuloy ang trabaho sa mga iilang kasong naiwan sa Cebu.

He resolved most of it. My iilang trials na nga rin siya rito sa Maynila. Ang
naiwan na lang niyang kaso ay kay Israel which… anonymously, I’ve sent a tip where
they could find him.

However, the bastards were faster than I expected! Nalaman ko kay Meia na
siyang nagbibigay sa akin ng updates na wala na sila roon nang puntahan ng mga
pulis. They immediately cleared out the house, I found out, the day I flew with
Chiel.

Meaning, they were somehow ready if ever I had a change of heart and moved
against them before I could even talk, and now, we’re back to square one.

Hindi ko alam kung paano matutulungan si Chiel, sa totoo lang. I even talked
to him to hire security or bodyguards for himself, but he refused.

He said he could handle himself just fine.

I know as a prosecutor, even way back when he was still a lawyer, na nakaka-
receive na siya ng death threats but he didn’t even hire a security for himself!

Ang tigas talaga ng ulo!

Para hindi ma-bore ay nagdilig muna ako at itinanim ang seeds ng flowers na
iniwan ni Mommy. I was sure I got my love with flowers and skills to plant one from
her.
 “Uh… tao po?” Inikot ko ang tingin nang marinig ang boses at napatawa nang
makita si Crest na nakadungaw sa pintuan.

“Crest…” My smile softened then my eyes went to the twins who ran closer.

“Ninang!” they chirped.

Sinalubong ko ng yakap ang kambal. Reese was very energetic in the morning
and Avery was silently watching me with a smile. Pinaghahalikan ko sila at dinala
sa mga bulaklak na namumukadkad sabay salubong din ng yakap kay Crest.

“BFF!” she chirped happily and embraced me tight. “I heard you’re alone here
and it’s my off kaya I visited you with the twins!”

“Thank you! Sino’ng naghatid sa inyo? Si Chichay?”

“Oh, Chichay is with Chico, nasa yaya nila.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“May yaya ang mga chihuahua?!”

She grinned, and I shouldn’t be shocked, but I still did.

“Yup! Of course! High maintenance kasi ‘yong si Chichay! Buti na lang love ko
siya kahit ma-attitude. Also, Locket dropped us here and papasok siya sa work
after,” kwento niya. “Tapos ayon nga, I asked Tita about your whereabouts then when
I found out you’re alone here, ayaw ko naman sad ka kaya binisita ka namin ng mga
inaanak mo! ‘Di ba, twins?”

“Opo!” they chirped at nang paglingon ko ay napasinghap na.

“Oh, God! Drop the hose, kids! Mabasa kayo!” paalala ko nang makitang hawak
na ni Reese ang hose. I stepped closer to take it, but we were too late. Nabasa na
niya ng tubig si Avery na nang makitang nabasa ang magandang violet dress na may
feathers niya ay umiyak na.

“My fweather dress!” she exclaimed and wailed.

It was a mess, but I couldn’t help but laugh when I realized Crest always has
spare clothes for the kids. This wasn’t their first rodeo. Makulit daw talaga ang
dalawa at palaging ang ending, madudumi sila bago pa magtanghali.

We ate and watched a few kids’ movies in the house. Nanonood ng fashion show
na Barbie ang dalawa para malibang habang kami ng mommy nila ay nagtatawanan sa mga
kwento.

It was a long catch-up. She told me what she’s been up to since I was gone
and hindi ko man maalala pa ang lahat ay nakukuha ko ang pagkakasunod ng kwento
niya. I was teary-eyed when she told me about her trial years ago, how she and
Locket got back together, and how she struggled and thankfully, succeeded in life.

“It was a tough battle,” I murmured as I reached for her palms to squeeze.
“And I’m so proud of you, Crest-Crest. For… being so brave, kind, and amazing.
Noong ‘di ko pa kayo halos maalala, p-palagi kang nasa panaginip ko.”

Her eyes softened as they twinkled with unshed tears.

 “R-really?”

I nodded. “Y-yes… my mind might’ve forgotten, but I don’t think my heart

would.”

She cried, but it was a happy one. Niyakap ko ang best friend at mas
napangiti nang makitang pinapanood kami ng kambal, ang mga mukha’y nag-aalala na
umiiyak ang mommy nila.

“Mommy…” Avery asked, her words twisting a little. “Why cry?”

“Mommy cry?” Reese asked, too.

“I-I’m fine, my babies.” Sumisinghot na bumaling si Crest sa mga anak. “Mommy

is just happy because Ninang Clyte is here.”

When the kids went down from the sofa to run closer to us to join the hug, my
heart melted.

We spent the whole day raiding my wardrobe and trying the new clothes Crest
bought for me. Tuwang-tuwa ang kambal sa dress up na nangyayari na miski sila’y
nakisali at nagmo-model na sa hallway namin.

Crest was very supportive of the kids that even the reserved Avery could
freely express herself, even if she almost tripped, confident that her mother was
proud of them no matter what.

Hindi sapat ang isang buong araw sa bonding naming dalawa na inantay pa nila
talaga ang parents ko para magpaalam kung p’wede akong sa kanila muna matulog for
our “Girls’ Night”.

Of course, my parents allowed it—not that I have to ask permission because

for Pete’s sake. I’m in my thirties pero s’yempre, ngayon pa lang ako nakauwi at
ayos na pormal na magpaalam kaysa biglaang maglaho.

Crest helped in packing my clothes, pantulog lang naman at ang susuotin ko

bukas ng umaga habang ang kambal ay nasa Lola at Lolo Thorn nila kasama si Queen at
nakikipaglaro.

Dad kissed my forehead goodbye, reminding me to take care and text them when
we got there.

“Take care, darling.” Humalik si Mommy sa pisngi ko bago lumapit kina Crest
at humalik din.

“Bless po! Bless!” the twins chirped. Mommy chuckled.

“Oh, darlings, kiss na lang at para ‘di kaagad tumanda si Lola kagaya ni Lolo
n’yo.” Sabay sulyap niya kay Dad na nakanguso na sa kanya. Natawa kami ni Crest.

My parents didn’t look old to me. They’re glowing, aging like fine wine.
Beautiful with the regal air you could not be mistaken with something else.

Ipinag-drive kami ng driver sa utos nina Mommy papunta sa bahay nina Crest.

“Ayos lang ba kay Locket?” I asked.

“Yup! Why not naman?” She smiled at me. “Also, may foods na raw sa bahay!
Nagpaluto ako before tayo umalis kasi after dinner, I was planning to watch a
movie! May bago akong napirata kanina!”

“Ikaw, pirata ka talaga!” I playfully smacked her. “Mabuti at ‘di ka

kinukulong niyang asawa mo’t pulis ‘yon, a?!”

“Ah, pinagmumulta ako n’on!” she answered. My forehead creased.

“Weh? Seryoso?”

She nodded, serious, before leaning in to whisper.

“Oo, ‘te, madalas may posas pa… sa kama,” bulong niya at humalakhak nang mag-
init na ang mukha ko at kinurot siya.

Wala talagang filter ang bibig nito!

On our way to their house, I was texting Chiel. Ipinaalam ko na baka ‘di kami
makapag-video call mamaya dahil kina Crest ako makiki-sleep over.

Wala pang reply. Nag-seen lang at medyo nalungkot ako kasi mostly ay wala
pang ilang segundo’y nagtitipa na siya ng sagot pero baka abala lang kaya hinayaan
ko na.

I took a shower and changed into my terno sleepwear before helping the house
helps in setting up the table for dinner. Nasa itaas pa kasi si Crest at
nililinisan ang mga anak.

I played with Chichay and Chico for a bit while waiting. Natutuwa talaga ako
sa mga aso nila at may outfit at yaya! Sosyalin! Tinalo pa ako! Kung ako siguro,
baka humiling na lang ako na sana naging aso na lang kung ganyan din ang amo!

Sa sofa pa ay may penguin na stuff toy, Crest told me it was Ping-ping. Ang
mga aso raw at itong stuff toy niya ang isa sa mga support niya no’ng panahong
walang-wala siyang pag-asa.

I lifted the stuffed toy to my lap and caressed the adorable penguin’s head.

“Thank you for taking care of my best friend when I was here, hmm?” I may
look crazy talking to a toy, but I didn’t care. Binalingan ko pa si Chichay nang
biglang tumahol at tumakbo sa akin sabay talon sa sofa at lapit ng ulo niya sa
stuffed toy.

I smiled.

“Thanks to you, too, Chichay.” Hinaplos ko ang ulo ng chihuahua. “Your

attitude saved Crest.”

She growled like I said something wrong. Napatawa na lang ako at nagtatatakbo
na siya sa pintuan pagkatapos.

Muli kong sinilip ang phone. Walang reply mula sa boyfriend.

Ngumuso ako.

A simple okay would’ve sufficed! Parang ang hirap namang mag-reply ng kahit
thumbs up! Parang hindi girlfriend!

Nang bumaba ang tatlo ay siya ring pagpasok ni Locket na may bitbit pang
tatlong bouquet. A smile escaped my lips when he handed his twins a mini bouquet
each before giving the large one to his wife.

Crest’s eyes visibly twinkled.

“Aww, ang sweet naman… Ano’ng sasabihin kay Daddy Pingu, twins?”

“Thank you, Daddy!” the kids chirped before kissing him.

“Good evening,” bati ko kay Locket nang magkatinginan kami.

He smiled. “Good evening, Clyte. I was about to buy you flowers too, but
someone said you don’t like one and I shouldn’t… if I still wanna live.”

Natawa ako at nagtatakang tumango.

“Yeah, how do you know?” I asked. “Crest?” baling ko sa kanya pero umiling
lang ang huli sabay taas ng kamay.

“No, I didn’t!” she answered. “Ewan ko rito sino’ng nagsabi?”

Locket leaned in and whispered to her. Namilog ang mata ni Crest at

nagbulungan silang dalawa roon bago nagtawanan.

“What is it?” I asked curiously as I walked closer, my back facing the door.
Napaayos sila ng tayo at sabay pang umiling, nagtatago ng ngiti. Nanliit ang mata
ko.

“What?”

The twins giggled, hugging their bouquets.

The crease in my forehead deepened even more when Crest smacked her husband’s
arm and squealed, gawking something from my behind.

Napaayos ako ng tayo nang maramdaman ang presensya sa likod ko, lilingunin na
sana kung ‘di lang nauna ang halik niya sa pisngi ko galing sa likuran.

“Hello, sweetheart,” a familiar husky voice whispered.

Tumili na si Crest at muntik pang magpabuhat kay Locket sa kilig niya.

My heart raced. Nilingon ko si Chiel na kaagad hinuli ang chin ko ng daliri

niya para halikan ang noo ko.

“How’s my girl?” he asked, his blue eyes twinkling like a gem.

“Kusina na tayo, kids!” Crest exclaimed in a singsong at ‘di ko na sila

napagtuunan ng pansin dahil ang atensyon ko’y na kay Alchiel na nakadukwang sa
harapan ko.

Lumunok ako, sinusulyapan ang kabuoan niya ngayong gabi.

He’s sporting a simple khaki polo shirt and white pants paired with sneakers.
Magulo ang kanyang buhok na tila ilang beses pinaraanan ng daliri, mapungay na mga
mata’t sabik na nakatitig.

“You’re here…” I found the words to say it. “I thought you were busy! ‘Di ka
sumagot sa text ko…”
 “Because I had to finish my work quicker if I wanna join you,” aniya.

“Join me?” takang tanong ko. “We’re having a girls’ night, Alchiel Verón—”

“Girl na rin ako,” agap niya. Tinaasan ko ng kilay, napasinghap siya sa

protesta. “Sige na, isali n’yo na ‘ko.”

“No—”

“Please?” he pleaded. “I brought clothes!”

Humalukipkip lang ako.

“Bella, please?” ulit niya pa. “I… I even stopped Locket from buying you
flowers! Kasi ayaw mo ‘yong binubunot, ‘di ba? Gusto mo sa paso at subukan niya
lang bigyan ka ng bulaklak, magsasapakan talaga kami.” Bumusangot siya.

“He’s your twin’s husband, asshole.” Napailing ako. “Ano ngayon kung bibigyan
din akong bulaklak?”

“Ayaw mo nga kasi n’ong binubunot,” sikmat niya. “And I don’t want anyone
giving you flowers but me…”

Umalon ang sikmura ko. I unconsciously touched my ring.

“H-huh… ‘di naman p’wede ‘yon? S’yempre, parents ko, ang family ko—”

“Aside from your family, I wanna be the only one giving you that,” putol niya
sa sasabihin ko, muling hinuhuli ng daliri ang chin ko at inilapit ang mukha sa
akin. “I am your boyfriend, Clyte. I should be the one giving you flowers. I should
be the one that’s making you swoon. I should be the one making you blush like
that.”

Mas nag-init ang mukha ko’t iiwas na sana pero hinuli niya ang tingin ko’t
pumatak ng halik.

“I should be the one making you flawlessly in love with me,” he hummed as his
nose touched mine. “I want you crazy… over me.”

“Okay…” I breathed out.

“Good girl.” Muling humalik siya sa labi ko. “Gusto kong ako lang, kasi ikaw
lang parati ang akin.”

“Hmm… okay.” Humalik na rin ako pabalik at ilang segundo kaming nagpalitan ng
maliliit na halik doon hanggang sa may tumikhim na’t napalingon kami sa may kusina.

“Not to sound very KJ, a? Pero may foods sa kusina, mamaya na kayo
magkainan,” ani Crest at ‘yon na lang ang tawa ko nang suminghal na sa kanya si
Alchiel na namumula sa lakas ng halakhak ni Crest, pakembot-kembot pang tumakbo
papasok sa kusina.

Nagkatingin kami ni Chiel.

“So… wala akong flowers?” I asked gently, trying to tease him.

“You don’t like bouquets,” aniyang nalilito.

“Hmmm… wala rin sa paso?” I asked.

 “You have roses in your house, Bella. I’ll only give you the ones I’ll grow,
remember?” he asked. Lumabi ako at tumango.

“So… wala akong pasalubong?”

Actually, ‘di rin ako sigurado kung saan ko nakuha ang pag-iinarteng iyon.
Siguro ay medyo inggitera lang ako?

His sexy lips lifted for a boyish grin.

“You bet, baby,” aniya at doon ko lang napansing may hinahawakan pala siya sa
isang kamay niyang itinatago sa likod.

“Ano ‘yan?” I asked. When he moved his hand and showed me what he had
brought, napatawa na ako.

“Cactus?!” inabot ko ang maliit na pot.

Napakamot siya ng kilay.

“I couldn’t see anything you’d like. Puro meron na kayong tanim sa bahay,”
aniya. “Then I saw that cactus. Isa na lang ‘yan doon and I thought you’d like it
because I know for sure you know how that plant could survive a long time even
without getting watered. It does not wither, Clyte. Like my love for you.”

My lips pursed. Pinanood niya ako, nagtatanya at nag-oobserba kaya nang

makuha sa akin ang reaksyong biglang natitigilan at kinilig ay ngumiti na siya’t
pinaulanan ako ng halik.

“Kinilig ka, Bella?” bulong niya. “Kapag mag-asawa na tayo, mas kikiligin ka
buong buhay mo.”

Sinapak ko na, ‘di na kinakaya ang naghuhurumentadong puso bago tumakbo

papasok ng kusina at yakap ang cactus ko, naririnig ang naaaliw at masuyong tawa
mula sa kanya.

The dinner was great. Sigurado akong bundat talaga ako kaya no’ng nanood kami
ng movie sa may guest room nila ay busog na ako. Kaso, ang sarap kasi ng foods kaya
ang hirap talaga ayawan!

Locket and the twins joined us watching some comedy movie first for the kids
at kasama namin ang kambal. Pero nang mag-nine na ay nag-usap na ang mag-asawang
kailangan nang matulog ang kambal kaya kahit ayaw ay tinangay ni Locket ang mga
bulilit niya’t sinampa sa balikat niya.

Naiwan kaming tatlo nina Crest sa kwarto at dahil wala na nga ang mga bata ay
excited siyang kumendeng pa habang nagtitipa sa laptop.

“Tuwang-tuwa ang pirata,” ani Alchiel na nakikiusyoso. “May napirata ka na

namang movie?”

“Ako pa?” She grinned at him. “Bagong movie lang ‘to, ‘no! Sabi sa reviews,
it’s great, and we’ve already watched the first movie kaya mas exciting!”

“Buti ‘di ka pa sinusuplong ni Locket sa pulisya,” I teased.

“Susuko lang ako sa kama niya,” ani Crest sabay sulyap sa ‘kin kaya namilog
ang mata ko at napahagalpak ng tawa.
 “The fuck?” Pero ang kambal niya’y parang nakakarinig ng karumal-dumal na
krimen at tumayo pa at nagtakip ng tainga.

“Arte!” Crest exclaimed. “Parang akala mo ‘di ako nawiwindang kapag may
kissing scene kayo ng BFF ko?!”

Sumulyap sa ‘kin si Chiel.

“It’s different—”

“Asus!” She rolled her eyes. “Bumaba ka na lang do’n at kunin ang alak! Dala
ka na rin ng dalawang baso—”

“Why two? Tatlo tayo?”

“Duh? Eh, kami lang ni Clyte-Clyte ang iinom?” aniya at mukhang mag-iinarte
na naman si Alchiel kaya inunahan na namin.

“‘Di ako lashing!” Like it was a natural thing to do, Crest and I mimicked
his voice at the same time, laughing so hard when the whiny prosecutor walked out,
sulking.

The horror movie was indeed good. Nasa simula pa lang kami pero nakakagulat
na.

Locket joined us a few moments later after he tucked the kids in bed kaya
apat kaming nagsisiksikan sa kama at nanonood.

“Bakit tatlo lang ang baso?” ani Locket sabay kuha n’ong isa.

“Akin ‘yan,” sikmat ni Chiel sa tabi ko pero huli na ang lahat at nagamit na
ni Locket.

“Oh? Iinom ka?” ani Locket na mukhang ‘di pa makapaniwala. Sumimangot ang
huli sa kanya.

“Ikaw, Padlock, sinasabi ko sa ‘yo wala akong pakialam kung asawa ka na ni

kambal. Aambahan talaga kitang—” Inilapit ko na ang baso ko sa bibig ni Chiel
bago pa matapos ang pagrereklamo niya.

“Oh, salo na tayo sa baso baka maiyak ka pa,” I spat out.

His shocked eyes softened.

“T-talaga? P’wede?” maamo niyang tanong bigla, tila tigreng naging kuting at
kahit inasar na siya ng mag-asawang nagpapalambing ay masaya lang siya sa sinabi
ko, ‘di man lang apektado.

We shared a glass while watching.

“Tama na,” paalala ko nang siya ang umubos ng kinalahati ko at namumula na

ang mukha.

“I’m not drunk, Bella,” bulong niya.

“Kahit na,” I insisted. “May pasok ka pa bukas, ‘di ba?”

“Yeah, but…”
 “Tama na…” I squeezed his palm. “It’s fine, you should just watch.”

Luckily, he let it go. We watched the movie with the three of us—except
Chiel was drinking. Maraming jumpscare at dahil malamig ang kwarto’y napahawak ako
sa braso.

However, I almost forgot how attentive my boyfriend was to me at ‘di ko na

kailangang magsalita at maya-maya’y may comforter na sa balikat ko.

I glanced his way and smiled.

“Thanks, Chiel.” Tumango lang siya sabay lapit at bulong.

“P’wede sumama sa kumot?” paalam niya.

I chuckled, nodding. He got inside too excitedly then placed his arms on my
waist. Marahang hinila niya ako palapit para bahagya akong nakasandig sa dibdib
niya’t siya na ang nagbibigay ng init sa halip ang kumot.

It felt so good. I even lost focus on the movie and my screaming best friend,
Crest, beside me at niyayakap na ako ng kakambal niya.

“I’m scared, Clyte-Clyte,” inarte pa ni Alchiel.

Napailing ako.

“Uh-huh, what are we gonna do now, baby?” Sinakyan ko ang pagpapalambing

niya.

Nagulat siya sa tawag ko sa kanya, namulang lalo ang pisngi at isinandal ang
noo sa balikat ko.

“J-just… uh, hold my hand.” Inabot niya ang kamay.

I obliged. I reached for his hand and slipped my fingers in between his,
lifting it up, and planting a kiss on his knuckles.

“Ay, pak, parang romance na ang palabas, a? Nawala ang mumu?” Crest blurted
out. My face flushed.

“Shh… h’wag ka ngang istorbo sa mga naglalabingan, kambal,” sikmat ni Chiel

sabay hawak sa batok ko at marahan akong ibinaon sa dibdib niya.

“Padlock, pakiposasan na nga ‘yang asawa mong walang preno ang bibig,” dagdag
niya at napangiti akong lalo nang marinig ang pagkalabog ng dibdib niya kasabay ng
halakhak sa pagtawa ng mag-asawa.

We finished the movie by eleven and since it’s a movie marathon, nag-play si
Crest ng romantic movie. However, my best friend might be better when it came to
liquor tolerance among her family, kapag naparami na ‘to talaga ay babagsak pa rin.

“Sino’ng makakatuluyan niya, baby?” ani Locket na nilingon ang asawang

nakahiga sa braso niya pero nauwi lang sa tawa nang makitang tulog na.

I chuckled.

“Bagsak na,” I mumbled.

 Locket chuckled and gently removed his arms under her head.

“Tsk! Mahina,” ani Alchiel na nakidungaw pa sa balikat ko kaya kinaltukan ko

na.

“Gago, kung ‘di kita pinatigil ng inom, nauna ka pa sa kakambal mo,” sikmat
ko, napapailing sa pag-iinarte niya at pagde-deny.

“H’wag kami,” ani Locket at ngumisi kay Chiel. “Mauna na kami. I’ll take my
wife to bed.”

Umayos ako ng upo at hinayaan ang pagprotesta ni Alchiel.

“You need help?” I asked Locket who gently carried his wife, bridal style, in
his arms.

“Yes, please. Pa-open lang sana ako ng pinto.”

Tumango ako’t tatayo na sana pero sa ganito’y talo ka kapag si Alchiel Verón
ang kalaban mo’t nauuna na siya.

Hinayaan ko na. He stood to open the door for the couple, his palms
unconsciously covering his twin’s head para ‘di tumama sa door frame sa paglabas
nila. It made my heart soften.

He loves his sisters so bad.

I fixed the bed while waiting for them at pagkabalik ni Chiel ay namimili na
ako ng bagong palabas. I heard him locking the door and saw him dimming the lights,
his steps heavy and quick as he walked closer. Pagkaupo niya sa tabi ko’y yumakap
na kaagad.

“Bella…” he whispered and kissed my cheek soundly.

“Hmm?”

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Naghahanap ng movie,” I answered. “Why? You’re tired? Okay lang naman na

matulog na—”

“No, I want to watch with you.” Dumungaw siya sa listahan na naroon. “Let’s
watch a movie, sweetheart.”

Hiding a smile, I chose one of my favorite chick-flick movies. I remember

being obsessed with this back when Crest and I were in high school! Kilig na kilig
kami kay Emmett!

“Again?” Chiel asked when he realized what was playing. Natawa ako sa kanya.

“Why? It’s cute!” I beamed. “And I love the story!”

Umayos ako ng upo at hinayaan si Chiel nang sumandal siya sa may headboard at
inakay ako sa may harapan niya. He gently spread his legs apart to settle me in
between, inaangat ang comforter sa hita namin at idinantay ang braso sa tiyan ko.

“You and Crest used to be obsessed about that movie from high school until
well, after college,” aniya. “It’s good. I like that movie better than the second
film.”
 Gulat akong sumulyap sa kanya.

“You watched it, too?”

Hindi ko alam kung namumula siya dahil sa alak kanina o dahil sa nahihiya
siya.

“Alchiel?”

“Well… yeah.” Tumikhim siya at ibinaon ang mukha sa leeg ko. “I watched it
countless times because it’s your favorite.”

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, nag-aantay ng kasunod at alam kong meron pa. He

sighed and decided to tell me.

“If… I’m missing you, I’d watch even the second film—even if I don’t like
it much. Even if it annoys me you had a crush on that Emmett guy because it reminds
me of you. I hoped… maybe wherever you were, you were watching the same time as
me.”

My lips parted. ‘Di ako nakasagot kaagad. Inabot ko ang braso niya sa tiyan
ko at marahang hinaplos ito. I rested my back on his massive chest, cuddling.

“I was watching it,” I soothed him. “I’m sure it was the same time as you.”

His breath deepened.

“I’m glad.” I felt his kiss on my neck. “Thank you, Bella.”

I have watched this movie for I didn’t know how many times but it felt like
the first time again watching it with him. I giggled at the lowkey kilig moments,
saying “Go girl!” everytime they underestimated Elle and felt sad when all her
efforts got wasted because of her professor.

“Sa sobrang adik namin dati,” I found myself saying. “I remembered Crest
being so obsessed with Elle’s wardrobe in this movie. I can’t remember fully yet
but why she didn’t pursue law like you and Adi?”

Binalingan ko si Chiel na nakangiti na ngayon.

“She said she wasn’t really into law. Naalala ko sabi nga ni Dad noon bagay
siyang maging abogado at marami siyang rason kapag tinanong bakit gano’n ang presyo
ng na-add to cart niya.”

We both laughed.

“But well, hindi raw gusto ni kambal ng abogasya kaya hindi siya pumasok.
It’s fine, though. She chose the right path in business because look at her brand
now. It’s striving and successful.” He caught my hand and caressed it.

“We were lucky to have the privilege to choose what we want in life and the
course to take. Kaya no’ng sinabi ni kambal na ayaw niyang mag-abogado’y ‘di namin
pinilit. Mahirap din kasing pumasok ka sa abogasya tapos hindi mo ginusto. Law
school is very hard, you should have the spirit and determination para maka-
survive. Hindi lang din lakas ng loob, kailangan may kapal ka rin ng mukha at
minsan kapag ‘di ka nakakasagot sa recit, mapapahiya ka sa classroom.” He chuckled
as if remembering an embarrassing memory.
 “Oh…” I nodded. “Why are you smiling? May naalala ka, ‘no? Napatayo ka na sa
room dahil ‘di nakasagot sa recit?”

He gave me a knowing look and then shrugged. Nanliit ang mata ko.

“And well… sure akong si kambal hindi mapapagalitan sa recit, mapapagalitan

‘yan at palaging late kakapili ng outfit of the day niya araw-araw,” ngisi niya at
na-imagine ko iyon.

Crest going to law school like Elle Woods but then, sa halip na sa recit siya
mapagalitan, sa late siya maki-kick sa school at nahirapang mamili ng outfit niya.

Nagkatawanan kami ni Chiel. Mas gumaan ang loob ko.

We watched the movie quietly and then suddenly, I felt like the temperature
inside the room had dropped. Mas naramdaman ko ang presensya niya sa likod ko.

“Let’s date, baby,” bulong niya pagkaraan.

“Hmm… wasn’t this a date already?” I asked, lifting my gaze to see his face.

“Nah.” Umiling siya. “Date is me, taking you out to dine outside. A date is
us holding hands while walking, without… thinking of other people but us. Date is
being able to tell the world you’re my woman and not hide it anymore.”

My heart spiked. Tumango ako at kinagat ang labi.

“Then… this movie, what’s this? Tayo lang naman ang nandito, hindi pa ba
considered as date ‘yon?”

“This… will become a hobby, sweetheart.” His lips crawled on my neck. “I want
this to become the norm. After a long day at work, I’ll meet you to date and we’ll
go home together and watch a movie on the couch. That will be our hobby.”

I couldn’t understand the movie anymore because my mind was on him now.

“I still didn’t have the chance to dine with you formally.” He chuckled lowly
but I could sense the pain in it.

“Why?”

“You don’t want people to see. You were scared they’d say anything,” he
breathed out. “And it’s fine with me. I understand you still weren’t ready to tell
the world we’re together so we always eat in your condo or mine. It’s just that…”
His voice trembled a bit.

My heart clenched.

“What?” tanong ko at pinisil ang palad niya.

He didn’t answer right away, possibly weighing the words. I squeezed his palm
gently to let him know it was alright. That he could tell me.

“Just that sometimes, I wish I could take you out for a real date.” He
chuckled. “The one where you only think of us, and not what people will say about
us.”

I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. Hinawi ko iyon at umayos ng upo,

ipinapaling ang ulo para hulihin ang panga niya at salubungin ang kanyang tingin.
 “Let’s date,” I told him while staring at his eyes.

His blue eyes twinkled, and the light from the television made his blue orbs
darker and prettier, reminding me of the ocean—blue and dark at the same time.
Vast, deep… ethereal.

“Could we?” he asked.

I nodded with a smile.

“Yes, we should,” I mumbled as my attention went to his parted sexy lips, and
like moths drawn to fire, ours met and sparked.

We were just kissing at first, tasting each other’s mouth. Bitter and sweet
from the liquor we just drank. Mapaglaro iyon no’ng una, nang-aakit at nagpapasabik
lang pero mas lumalim iyon hanggang sa wala na kami sa wisyo at nagpadarang na sa
apoy.

My back was still against his chest while I tilted my head up in his
direction while kissing. His palm was on my jaw while the other’s cupping my
breast. I let out a moan when he massaged my breast, his finger teasing my peaks
even with the clothes on.

“Unbutton your top,” hinahapo niyang bulong at tila may sariling utak ang
daliring ginawa ko ang utos niya. He kissed my nape, fisting my hair to tilt my
head up to get access on my skin. Unti-unting gumapang iyon sa leeg ko hanggang sa
bahagyang nag-iba na ang pwesto ko nang hagkan niya ang dibdib ko.

I fisted his hair. He didn’t think as he lapped on my breast, his tongue

swirling hotly on my hardened nipples after pushing the brassiere down.

“C-Chiel…” naghahabol kong hiningang tawag, napaigtad nang bumaba ang isang
palad niya sa exposed kong tiyan.

Heat gushed in between my legs.

“Hmm?” His voice vibrated. I gasped even louder.

“Lower,” bulong ko’t mas bumilis ang paghinga. “Lower, please.”

“Lower?” Inangat niya ang mapungay na mga mata. “What should I lower,
sweetheart?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Your hand,” hinahapo kong bulong.

He kissed me again, open-mouthed.

“Hmm… and? What will I do with my hand?”

“Touch me…” I whispered in his lips desperately. “I want you to touch me.”

Even his breath labored. Bumaba ang halik niya sa lalamunan ko bago tumitig
sa palad niyang nasa sikmura ko.

“Are you sure?” he asked hoarsely. “If I touch you there, there’s no turning
back, Clytemnestra.”
 “I-I know.” My voice trembled. “I know, Chiel. Please?”

A loud gasp left my lips when his palm travelled down in between my legs.
Saglit na paraan lang iyon pero napapaso na ako.

“Chiel…”

“Open your legs for me, Bella,” he whispered. I did.

Muling humaplos ang palad niya roon, nagpapasabik at nagpapahabol ng hininga

ko.

“Chiel—” A sultry gasp left my lips when he sneaked his palm inside my
shorts and touched me outside my undergarments.

His finger grazed on my slit. My back arched and I fell back on his chest.

“You like it?” bulong niya. Tumango ako at hinayaan siyang gawin iyon, ang
pamumuo ng kung ano sa sikmura’y muling nararamdaman, tila anong oras ay sasabog
na.

The movie was still on with the aircon in its freezing temperature but the
two of us were burning with lust and desire. We kissed in that position, his one
palm cupping my exposed breast and the other one inside my shorts, rubbing me
there.

I humped against his palm, moaning in between our kisses.

“Baby…” I called desperately. “P-please…”

“So impatient.” He smiled on my lips then slipped his hand out.

“What—”

“Let’s get rid of your shorts,” he whispered and before I could protest, he
gently pulled me up.

My legs were still wobbling when my foot touched the cold floor but Chiel
held my waist to steady me, kissing me on the lips and pressing his forehead
against mine.

“Are you sure ‘bout this, baby?” he asked.

Tumango ako.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Tinitigan ko siya habang sinasabi iyon.

We found ourselves kissing again with our wandering hands all over our skin.
I helped him strip his shirt off. He pushed my sleepwear completely out of my torso
then proceeded into pulling shorts down with my underwear.

When I was completely naked in front of him, my cheeks flushed, mostly

because he remained looking… astonished.

“Alchiel,” tawag ko na at natutulala na siya, nahihiya kaya unti-unting

iniyakap ko ang braso sa dibdib pero pinigilan niya ito.

“No.” He shook his head, placing my hand he caught in his shoulders. “Don’t
cover it.”

“It’s—”

“It’s beautiful,” he breathed out, his gaze feasting on my body. “You are
beautiful.”

I knew that line before, in the smutty books I’ve read and in the audiobooks
I was listening but no one prepared me that it would feel this flattering, amazing.
Mostly because it came from the man I loved.

I had doubts, worried because I still didn’t know if this was the first time
he’d seen me naked or not but his reassuring gaze gave me confidence. Muli kaming
nagpalitan ng halik hanggang sa yakap ko na siya habang binubuhat na niya pabalik
sa kama.

He knelt on the bed, bending his head to catch my nipple in his mouth and
leaving me to want for more when he let me go and rested his back on the headboard
again.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

“Come ‘er, Bella.” He tapped the space in between his parted legs, his cock
noticeably evident in his shorts.

“Why?”

He didn’t answer and just gave me a wicked smile that I found myself crawling
towards his direction. His breath hitched when I came face to face with his crotch
but before I could reach it, he was pulling me to him and spinning me with my back
on his chest.

I gasped.

“Not now, Bella,” he hushed and moved his palm back to my breast to tease my
hardened peaks. “We’ll fuck soon but not now…”

Lips parting, I was thankful to even utter a few words.

“W-why not?”

“I’d want to fuck you with my fingers first,” he whispered in my ear. “Now,
open up for me, sweetheart.”

His other hand assisted me in parting my legs open, firming each on the side,
spreading me open.

“There, good girl,” he hummed then kissed me briefly and a moment later, his
bare fingers were already tracing the slit of my core and rubbing my clit.

I was very worried my moans would make a sound kaya pinillit kong hindi mag-
ingay but it was not possible if it was him teasing and later on fucking me with
his long fingers.

His skillful long fingers rubbed me that I could literally feel myself
dripping whenever he grazed my clit.

“So wet,” he breathed out. I gasped when he slapped my core. “So fucking wet…
You like it when I play with your pussy?”
 I nodded, gasping.

“Y-yeah… Chiel, please. J-just—”

“Alright.” When he inserted a digit inside me, I almost convulsed. “How about
now, sweetheart?”

“Faster,” hinahapo kong bulong. “Please…”

We kissed ‘til we ran out of breath. He was kissing me everytime a moan would
slip out of my mouth, his pace quicker than earlier.

I writhed as my back arched on his chest when he inserted another finger. His
fingers were fucking me, and I was making indecent sounds. I found so hot, it made
me even wetter.

“So tight,” he whispered and thrust his fingers faster. “And so… so
drenched.”

He knew what to do, his pace slow to tease and fast to make me want more. It
made me chase higher, desperate to reach it but every damn time I was on the edge,
he’d withdraw.

“Verón.” Iritadong nilingon ko na siya. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

“Hmm…so, I’m Verón when you’re pissed?” he asked, amused.

“Yes,” I said pointedly. “And you won’t like it when I’m pissed.”

“Uh-hmm.” He teasingly moved his finger, elated with the fact my expressions
changed with every flick of his finger inside. “What are you like when you’re
pissed?”

My jaw clenched. He wanted this game, huh?

He even paused fucking me with his fingers to play along.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Would you like to see, Kuya?” I asked pointedly.

His jaw clenched when I called him that but a challenge ignited in his blue
eyes.

“I could spank you for calling me that again but I’ll let it go… for now
since I’m intrigued, sweetheart. Show me.” He smiled teasingly.

I stifled a moan when I had to push his hand away from my core, hating that I
was damn horny and he won’t let me cum so I had to show him what I am when pissed.

He had this challenging smirk, a naughty glint in his dark eyes but I reveled
when I saw how it all faded when I lowered my body while facing him, unbuckled his
belt, and pulled his boxers off without a warning.

“Fuck…” he cursed when his massive length sprang free, my eyes glinting with
surprise at the sight.

Binasa ko ang labi at inabot iyon ng palad ko.

 “Clytemnestra…” he warned but one look at my face and the way I pumped his
cock and sucked it, he was a lost case.

He was trying to suppress his moan but he was horny and in lust that he gave
up and let me taste him. He was big that my fingers couldn’t even reach each other
whenever I pumped him. I kissed the base of his cock, my eyes watery watching his
sleepy blue ones as I took him in.

I gagged when it hit the back of my throat and it was still not everything. I
gave up, sure I wouldn’t be able to take all that massiveness so I pleasured him
alternating with my warm palms and mouth.

He liked it very much.

I rubbed myself as I sucked him, my toes curling with pleasure seeing his
face like what I was doing. I was already approaching climax by rubbing myself and
lifting my face to see his.

His eyes were tightly closed, flushing. Nahihirapan na siya at halatang

nagpipigil dahil sa nakaigting na panga. His palms fisted on my hair with his
throat bobbing.

He’s gonna cum, too.

I rubbed myself quicker this time and when I exploded, my knees gave up and
my mouth and palms left his cock.

Napamulat siya at nasa aktong magpoprotesta nang makita ang ngiti kong nag-
aasar.

“Bitin?” I taunted. “That’s how I am when pissed.” Ngumisi ako.

His expression hardened.

“You little…”

Before he could catch me, I was already jumping out of bed and cackling as I
ran to the bathroom and closed the door.

“Clytemnestra!” tawag niya at kumatok. “Open the fucking door.”

“Open the fucking door,” I mimicked and laughed harder when I heard his loud
curses outside. “Bitin, Prosecutor?!”

“If I get there I swear…” banta niya pero tumatawa na ako at tumatakbo sa
shower para maglinis ng katawan.

However, I underestimated him because not a few moments later, the Prosecutor
was already barging inside, all in his naked glory, and spinning me to face him
where we made out for I didn’t know how long under the cold shower.

He made me cum again with his fingers and so to extend my gratitude, I

dropped to my knees and finished what I had started by making him cum with my
mouth.

He loved it.

Ala-una na nang makabalik kami sa kwarto at natapos magpalit ng sheets. He

embraced me in my sleep and whispered his sweet love I hope to keep and take care
of as longs as I live.

“Thank you for bringing me back to life, Bella,” bulong niya. “Thank you… for
making my heart whole again.”

That night, I wasn’t sure why but I couldn’t sleep. I cherished the way his
body warmed me, how his love made me feel alive. I reveled knowing I made his heart
whole again—just not expecting I’d end up breaking it again.

Kabanata 30

Kabanata 30

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“How about now?” Ipinakita ko ang damit kay Crest.

Her eyes found mine before they fell on the dress I was wearing. She was
scrutinizing it and my heart pounded nervously on my chest.

We’ve been in and out of my wardrobe for an hour now, walang mapili sa damit
na susuotin para sa first official date namin ni Chiel.

If I’d try one, feeling ko’y ‘di maganda or bagay sa okasyon. Crest would
agree and we both ended up rummaging through my clothes to see what’s better than
the first one.

“Hmm,” aniya at tumango-tango. “Nope, but that will be one of our top
choices. Let’s see another one!”

Kaya ang ending, nandoon na naman kami sa closet ko at nagkakalkal ng

magandang susuotin.

“Enough with the dresses,” ani Crest sa ‘kin. “What if we try trousers? Would
you like that?”

Napaisip ako.

Medyo nagsasawa na ako sa mga dress kaya mas maganda siguro kung subukan. I
nodded at her kaya ang isang closet naman ang binuksan at tumambad sa amin ang mga
trouser ko.

“Na-i-stress ako sa magandang damit at na na-e-excite sa inyo!” she beamed

while helping me try it out. “Akala mo naman ako ang makikipag-date!

I chuckled, nodding.

“Kinakabahan din ako,” I confessed. “This is our first official date, right?”

“Yup! Noon kasi kung ‘di ako third wheel… ‘di naman sa nagrereklamo,” she
smirked. I laughed. “Pero ayon, madalas sa condo lang kayo kumakain at nagluluto.”

“Hmm…” Tumango ako. “Do you think this date will be fine?”

“Why not?” Binalingan niya ako. “I’m pretty sure Chiel would be all-in!
Actually, alam kong all-in naman siya palagi. Kausap nga niya kanina ang asawa
ko—ay, bad! Bawal pala sabihin!” She slapped her mouth.

Pinanliitan ko na ng mata, humahalukipkip.

“What is it?”

“Nothing!” She shook her head.

“Crest—”

“Oh, try this trouser out and this top! ‘Di mo pa ‘to nasusuot, ‘di ba?”
Hindi na niya ako pinatapos at tinatambak na sa braso ko ang mga susubukan kong
damit bago tinulak pabalik.

I stared at myself in the mirror. I was wearing white trousers paired with a
sweetheart red top tied with ribbons on the shoulders. My hair was falling down my
shoulders, still not curled because we decided to choose clothes first, ang bangs
ay natatabunan ang noo ko.

I tilted my head and watched myself. My face was less paler now than I was
months ago no’ng nakakulong pa ako sa mansyon ni Sebastian. Right now, I was still
a bit pale but I can see the slight change in my complexion.

Lumabas ako at ipinakita ang damit kay Crest, kinakabahan sa reaksyon niya.

Her smile widened. Pumalakpak siya at tumango-tango, nasasabik na natutuwa.

“Ayan! Perrrfect!” she beamed. “Gorgeous! Ahh! Ang ganda-ganda mo, Clyte-
Clyte!” tili niya sabay yakap sa akin kaya natatawang niyakap ko siya pabalik at
tumalon-talon kaming dalawa sa kwarto ko.

I helped her haul the discarded clothes back on my closet, itinapon na lang
namin basta at ako na ang bahalang magtupi kapag nakauwi na. Mag-aayos pa kasi
kami—more like, aayusan niya ako.

I was sitting in front of the vanity mirror while we were waiting for the
hair curler to be ready. Nagsimula nang ayusin ni Crest ang mukha ko para sa makeup
nang magtanong ako.

“You think he’d like my dress?” I asked her. “This is our first official
date… ayos lang kayang ‘di ako naka-dress? Mostly kasi kapag dates dapat…”

“Oh, that’s too old for that, BFF,” sagot niya. “You can wear anything now,
as long as it’s appropriate for the occasion and you’re comfortable. And what’s the
matter? It’s great! Ang ganda-ganda mo! Bagay!”

Hearing those words from a fashion designer made me calm. I was sure it is
good.

“Sorry…” Ngumuso ako. “Kinakabahan lang ako. Alam mo na, like baka ‘di niya
magustuhan o…”

“‘Te, si Alchiel pa ba?” She narrowed her playful eyes at me, pausing from
tending to my eyebrows. “Kahit garbage bag lang ang suot mo, luluhuran ka n’on!”

“Actually, ako ang niluhuran ang kambal mo,” I mentally commented.

She let out a loud gasp.

 “What the…”

My eyes widened.

Shit! Don’t fucking tell me I said that out loud!

But fucking hell, I knew I did when her eyes almost bulged out of her socket.

“Crest—”

“Oh my God! Magkwento ka—no! Fuck! H’wag! Kambal ko ‘yon!” she exclaimed
then I watched her gasping in the air. Hawak pa niya ang pang-kilay nang maglakad-
lakad siya sa harapan ko, nagha-hyperventilate.

“Crest—”

“Oh my God, I’m so proud of you!” she squealed. “But I can’t ask! Kahit
curious ako kasi… oh my God! It’s my twin!”

Pinaypayan niya ang sarili, gusto akong tanungin at mag-spill pero awkward
daw kasi at kambal niya ‘yon. Bumubulong siya, nakikipagtalo sa sarili kaya natawa
ako at tumayo na para abutin siya.

“I would not tell you the SPG details, okay?” I told her. “We’ll filter it
out, don’t worry. You can ask.”

Mas naging excited siya na halos sabunutan na niya ako sa kilig niya. I
laughed.

She’s adorable.

Parang si Alchiel kapag maharot mood niya pero times three ang energy ni
Crest. I loved seeing her like this since in my memories of her, she was smiling
and happy but in her eyes, I could see the secrets and problems bothering her.

Kaya ngayong nakikita ko siyang tunay na masaya’y masaya rin ako.

“So kailan?” she asked, breathing deeply to control her hyperventilating.

“We… uh, nag-MOMOL na kami noon pa no’ng sa Cebu,” I confessed. Napatili

siya, tuwang-tuwa sa chismis.

“How was it?” she asked. “Are you comfortable?”

“Yeah…” Uminit ang mukha ko. “I felt familiar, not awkward. You know, parang
sanay na ako?”

Her mouth parted.

“B-baka… uh, ‘di ko kasi maalala pang buti but I think we made out before?” I
asked.

Mas suminghap siya.

“Before ka nawala?”

I nodded. “I guess so?”

Hinampas niya ako. Tumili siya ulit na muntik ko pang dambahin at baka
sabihin ng mga maid kinakatay ko siya rito sa kwarto.

“Crest!”

“Sorry, sorry! ‘Di ka kasi nagkukwento noon! You didn’t even confirm you two
were together! Napapansin ko lang na parang aso si kambal makasunod sa ‘yo! Kasi
‘di ba? What’s new?!” She cackled and stood, inabot niya ang hair curler para may
magawa ang kamay niya sa halip na hampasin lang ako. She reached for my hair and
began tending to it. “Tapos? Tapos ano?”

“We kissed,” I informed her. “Then later on, we began making out tapos… alam
mo ‘yon… ah, ang sarap pala?”

Tumili siya at tumalon-talon.

“Crest!” I squealed, trying my best not to laugh and panic at the same time.
“Mapaso naman ako ng plantsa!”

“Ay sorry!” She giggled. “Okay, kalma na ako! Teka! Wait! Hinga…” She inhaled
and exhaled. I watched her giggling behind me in the mirror.

My best friend was so adorable.

“And… ayon.” My lips pursed. “MOMOL lang naman, ‘te. Kiss tapos…” Nag-init na
ang mukha ko.

“Tapos?!” she asked, impatient. “Ay, naku, Clyte-Clyte! Spill! H’wag ka nang
mahiya sa ‘kin at danas na danas ko na ‘yan!”

“I’m shy,” I mumbled.

“Shy?! Sa ‘kin?! Duh?” She rolled her eyes. “H’wag ako, Clyte! ‘Di na ako
innocent sa ganyan! Naranasan ko nang maposasan—”

“Naposasan ka?!” I exclaimed, my eyes wide in shock.

She grinned.

“Oo!” she said proudly. “Pero ako ang nauna, actually. Nakatulugan ko na nga
ang asawa ko no’ng naposasan ko tapos ayon, gumanti pero happy victim naman ako!”
Humagikhik siya. “Kawawa nga no’ng natulugan ko pero kasi, ‘te, lasing ako! Kaya
nakatulog ako no’ng kiss…”

My mouth parted. Tinuro niya ako sa salamin.

“Kaya ikaw…” she warned. “H’wag kang makikipag-MOMOL kay Alchiel kapag lasing
‘yan!”

“Why?”

“Kung ako, mas mataas tolerance ko sa liquor compared sa kanya, nakatulog pa.
Paano pa kaya siya? If he tied you to bed while drunk, a friendly advice, Clyte,
h’wag kang madadala! Mission abort kaagad kung ayaw mong all night nakatali ang
kamay mo at tinulugan ka!”

Oh… okay?

“I don’t think he’ll do it?” I answered her. “When we MOMOL naman… I could
freely touch him, I don’t think he’s the I’ll-tie-you-to-bed type?”
 She snickered.

“Huh! ‘Di ka sure! Nasa lahi na yata namin ‘yan!” She shook her head and
smirked, as if remembering a memory that was too funny she even bit her lip to stop
her grins.

“Nasa lahi, e, ikaw lang naman—”

“Huh! ‘Di ka sure!” she repeated and laughed. “Akala mo lang hindi at MOMOL
stage pa lang ba kayo?”

Hindi ako sumagot. She whined and playfully tugged my hair.

“Clyte!”

“Secret—”

“We’re adults for Pete’s sake! Mag-mid-thirties ka na nga!” she exclaimed

kaya tumikhim ako at umirap sa hangin.

“Akala mo siya hindi!” I exclaimed. “Mas matanda ka sa ‘kin, ‘no! Dapat nga
ate tawag ko sa ‘yo—” Pero nabitin ang sinasabi ko nang binaba niya ang plantsa
at sinabunutan na ako.

“Gaga ka!” she hissed.

Sinabunutan ko rin hanggang sa napagod na kaming dalawa.

She finished curling my hair and continued with my makeup while we shared
stories—filtered or not. Ang hirap kasing mag-filter ng kwento sa babaeng ‘to
kung ang kwento niya’y walang filter! Napapa-spill tuloy ako!

“MOMOL o kaya dry hump nga lang kasi no’ng sa Cebu,” I insisted. “Tapos
naalala mo ‘yong nag-sleep over ako sa bahay n’yo?”

“Yeah, ‘yong sa movie? Sorry, nakatulog ako no’n. ‘Di ko natapos.”

“It’s fine,” I breathed out.

She paused from blending my eye shadow.

“And…?”

“Walang and—”

“Wehhh?” Her lips protruded. “May kasunod ‘yan, alam ko! Ano’ng nangyari
no’ng iniwan namin kayo?”

I sighed, thinking if I should share it or not but it’s been bottling up

inside me for days now. Gusto kong may pagsabihan kaya…

“We… reached second base,” I confessed.

Her eyes glinted amusingly and naughtily but didn’t say anything until she
noticed my embarrassment and hesitations.

“Hmm… ituloy mo,” she encouraged. “Mukhang ‘di mo na kayang hindi i-spill.
Don’t worry, secret lang natin!”
 “He…” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “He touched me down there tapos… uh,
I gave him a blowjob.”

She squealed. I covered my blushing face with my palms.

“Ma’am Clyte? Ma’am Crest? H’wag po kayong magpatayan!” Kung ‘di pa kumatok
si Yaya sa labas ay baka inatake na sa tili niya ang best friend.

Crest had to leave early to get her twins from her parents’ house. She wanted
to take me to the venue personally but her in-laws wanted to see their
granddaughters kaya roon sila mag-di-dinner ni Locket ngayon.

My mom and dad weren’t at home today at magkasama sila, kasama si Queen na
dumalo sa mental health convention nina Dad at Deion.

Scira was in her house and they were asking me to come with them but I
refused. Natatakot akong lumabas kasama sila.

What if… what if they tried hurting my family because of me? What if I was in
the car with them and they decided to kill me? At dahil nando’n ako’y madamay sila?

I helped in any way I could by sending anonymous tips to the prosecution and
luckily, kahit ‘di pa tuluyang nahuhuli si Israel Sebastian ay unti-unti nang
nahuhuli ang mga tauhan niya. It was also proven that those men who attempted to
take me back before when I went to my unit were from them.

I still can’t process entirely how a father like him did this to his daughter
but then, I thought he wasn’t a father—not even a person. He was a demon.

He’d hurt my Mommy Ritch. He’d hurt my Mommy Zidney, too.

Hindi ako papayag na miski ang mga taong itinuring akong totoong pamilya, ang
taong mahal ko’y gagalawin nila.

The emails from them stopped coming after some of their men were caught. It
was a good thing. Napanatag ako kahit papaano but I shouldn’t let my walls down.

They were still out and hiding. Who knows if they’d come and attack?

The guards did not question why I was going to a hotel that night. Inihatid
lang nila ako.

“Ma’am, sasama po kami sa loob—”

“No, I’m with Chiel,” I informed them. “Kahit umuwi na kayo. Sabay kami
mamaya.”

“Pero Ma’am…”

“Sige na po,” pakiusap ko. “Kakain lang po ng dinner, maybe you can also call
him to confirm para mapanatag kayo.”

He looked around until he saw the head of my security who nodded.

“Tumawag si Sir Alchiel kanina,” he informed. “Siya na raw ang mag-uuwi kay
Ma’am Clyte.”

Oh, thank God!

 They let me go after making sure I was inside the five-star hotel’s premises.
Ang sabi nila’y mag-iiwan sila ng tauhan sa labas ng hotel para kapag kailangan
ko’y madali ko lang hagilapin at bilin din sa kanila ni Chiel.

It’s fine with me, basta hindi ako istorbohin. I just got so tired with
securities suffocating me before, masaya akong kahit papaano’y nabibigyan ako ng
pagkakataong mag-ikot mag-isa ngayon. I was a bit early for our dinner date so I
decided to wander around.

Wala masyadong tao ngayon. May iilang mga pamilya at couples na kumakain sa
restaurants, ang iba’y paalis na. It’s almost empty, quiet. Sa bagay at gabi na
rin.

We’re meeting in the rooftop. I didn’t want to assume but I think he was
being extra he didn’t even bother calling to check on me the whole day. Crest said
he was very busy he took the whole day off for this because it’s the sixteenth.

I smiled.

Sixteenth. What’s with it?

I bet it’s something special for us.

Inilibot ko ang tingin, pinagmamasdan ang mga couple na magkahawak ang kamay
at walang pakialam sa paligid nila.

I wish everything would turn back to normal. I wish I could live like before
I was kidnapped and hostage in that mansion. I wish I could go back to my work and
tell my parents about me and Chiel. Ayoko na rin ng sekreto. Pagod na ako sa
sekreto.

I was nervous about how my parents would react because there’s this nagging
feeling inside me, fearful of their disappointment but I could do this, right? With
Chiel? He won’t leave me. He never did.

We just have to put Israel back in jail with his brother—maybe throw Atty.
Kiko with him.

And Cole…

Nawala ang ngiti ko.

I considered him as a friend. Bukod kay Yaya Mildred ay siya ang kausap ko
noon sa mansyon. He brought me books, joined me in holidays while I was caged in
that hell house but then…

I checked my wristwatch.

It’s almost nine.

I received a message from my boyfriend asking where I was, sinabi kong

malapit na kahit nandito naman na ako at dumeretso sa banyo para mag-ayos. It
seemed like they didn’t inform him I was already here.

Dinadaga ng kaba ang puso ko.

I fixed my curls and brushed my bangs with my fingers, ni-reply-an ko pa ng

text si Crest na nangungulit kung nagkita na ba kami ng kambal niya o hindi.
 Pinaraanan ko ng palad ang damit at trouser at nang makontento na ay lumabas.
However, when I stepped outside, I felt eyes on me.

I felt goosebumps forming and when I looked back at the empty hallway, there
were none.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Good evening, Ma’am!” I was glad I did not let out a scream when the
maintenance appeared out of nowhere.

“Good evening po,” bati ko at kinalma ang sarili. “K-kanina pa po kayo, Sir?”

“Ah, kakarating lang po,” sagot niya at pinakita ang mop. “May tao pa po ba
sa banyo?”

“No one.” I shook my head then glanced back at the hallway where I felt
uneasy. “Wala po bang tao ro’n?”

“Wala naman po,” aniya pagkatapos sundan ang tingin ko. “Nire-renovate pa po,
Ma’am, kaya mga trabahador lang ang may access. Diyan po saka sa ninth floor. Bakit
po, may tao ba?”

I shook my head.

“Nothing, I just thought…”

“Wala ‘yon, Ma’am, baka guni-guni lang.” Ngumiti siya. “Nag-uwian na rin kasi
kanina ‘yong sa mga trabahador ng construction. Mga maintenance na lang at ilang
kainan ang bukas. May kwarto po ba kayo sa taas?”

“Nothing.” Ngumiti ako. “I’m just gonna meet my boyfriend for a date.”

“Oh!” Ngumisi siya. “Enjoy, Ma’am! Una na po ako at maglilinis pa.”

“Thank you.” I smiled back. “Have a great day!”

As I left, I couldn’t shrug that feeling off that every step I took while
walking away, I was conscious.

Ilang beses kong nilingon ang hallway pero wala naman. Baka guni-guni ko
lang. I was just paranoid.

My phone rang, and a smile appeared on my lips when I saw who it was from.

“Hi, girlfriend!”

I chuckled.

“Hello, boyfriend,” I mumbled. “Nandito na ‘ko.”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Baby, sorry for keeping you waiting but can you give me
another five minutes?”

“Oh… why?” Tumaas ang kilay ko. “‘Di pa tapos ang set up mo?”

“I’m done,” aniya. “But the fucking light bulb was acting up. I just need to
change it.”
 “It’s fine,” I told him. “Kahit may pundidong ilaw, okay lang. Ano bang
ginagawa mo riyan at ang extra?” I chuckled.

“Just some… secret, Clytemnestra. It’s a surprise, don’t ask me.”

I laughed.

“Uh-hmm? Baka mamaya niyan, magulat ako pag-akyat ko kasal na pala natin,
oh?”

Natahimik siya. Umawang ang labi ko at nagwala kaagad ang puso.

“Don’t tell me—”

“No, sweetheart.” He chuckled sexily. “But I will be willing to turn it into

one if you please.”

I gasped, my heart pounding loudly in my chest.

“Alchiel Verón,” I warned. “Marriage is not a joke.”

“I know, baby. Who said I wasn’t serious about marrying you?” His voice sent
shivers down my spine. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be on my knees. If you want to
marry now, papakasalan kita ngayon din.”

Naipikit ko ang mata, kinakagat ang labi, sasabog na yata ang pisngi sa init
kasabay pa ng naghuhuramentadong puso.

“Alchiel…”

“I’m serious, Bella.” He chuckled. “Just give me a sign you wanted to marry
me, too. You just have to wear your gown, walk towards me in the aisle, and say
yes. You don’t have to do anything but marry me, ako nang bahala sa lahat.”

“Shut up…”

He chuckled.

It was so fucking tempting. I wanted to challenge him if he was telling the

truth but I knew for sure this one doesn’t back down with his fights. If I
challenged him, I was sure I’d lose this round.

“What do you say, Ma’am? Want to be my Sandejas?” he asked playfully.

I bit the inside of my cheeks to suppress a squeal.

As if being his Mrs. Sandejas was a losing game, Clyte?

Panalong-panalo ka na, girl!

“Sweetheart—”

“Heh! Mag-ayos ka na ng bombilya mo at aakyat na ako mamaya!” singhal ko na

at pinatayan siya ng tawag habang umuugong ang tawa niya.

I was in a good mood that I forgot my paranoia. Pumasok ako sa elevator at

sumulyap sa phone ko, nakangiting sinasagot ang messages ng best friend.
 As the elevator door closed, a hand stopped it from closing. May pumasok na
lalaki pero ‘di ko pinansin at ang tingin ko lang ay nasa phone, abala sa pag-re-
reply sa mga kalokohan ng kaibigan.

A few floors approached when I lowered my phone back to my bag to check what
floor I was on. Seventh.

I brushed my hair again with my fingers, giddy and excited about what
surprises my boyfriend got in his sleeves when I caught a glance of the man with me
wearing a black hoodie and pants.

I stiffened when I caught a glimpse of his face in the elevator’s

reflection.

Cole…

Napaatras ako kaagad, nagwawala ang puso sa kaba bago mabilis na hinalughog
ang phone sa bag pero piksi lang ang kumawala sa akin nang hablutin niya ang kamay
ko at hinatak.

“Cole!”

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” His angry, dark eyes met mine and
before I could wallow a scream for help, the elevator doors are opening and he was
dragging me in the ninth floor.

“Ano ba?!” Nagpumiglas ako. I screamed for help, trying to get his hands on
me but the hallways were as good as empty.

My eyes sought for any CCTVs on sight but found none.

“Stop pushing me away, Zahrah!”

“What the hell are you doing?!” I gasped when he pulled me towards the
emergency exit, slamming me inside until my back was on the wall and he was
towering over me.

Nagtagpo ang tingin namin sa dilim.

“Zahrah,” he breathed out when he saw the look on my face.

“Get away from me!” I equaled his gaze as I pushed him away from me.

“Listen…”

“You’re hurting me! Get away!” Gulat siyang napaatras nang marinig ang talim
sa boses ko.

“Zahrah—”

“I am not Zahrah! Stop calling me that!” iritadong singhal ko at kumuyom ang

kamay ko. “Ano’ng kailangan mo?” malamig na tanong ko, matalim ang tingin sa kanya.

“He was threatening you,” he declared. Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

“Ano?”

“Sandejas,” he pointed out. “They are threatening you!” Tumaas na ang boses
niya.
 Naipikit ko ang mata at umiling.

“No, they weren’t. I am doing this on my own. Alam ko na ang totoo, Cole.”

“They are lying!” he exclaimed. “I told you already, they were using you
against your father! They wanted you to turn against him! They want you to be mad
at him—”

“They were saving me from that devil!” I hissed. “Wake up, Cole! Hindi ko
alam kung nilalason din nila ang utak mo! Maybe they are feeding you lies or maybe
you’re in it, too!”

His jaw ticked.

“Ano? Wake up, Zahrah! Niloloko ng mga ‘yon! Mga demonyo sila! Alam mo ‘yan!”
I sensed the danger in his voice and it made me still for a moment, terrified but
remained standing my ground.

“Hindi na ako bulag, Cole,” I muttered under my breath. “Israel Sebastian got
me kidnapped. He was the reason why I lost my memories and he took advantage of it!
Your father! You! Took advantage of me!”

“No…” Umiling siya at pilit akong inaabot pero pumiksi ako sa hawak niya,
nanginginig na sa galit.

“You all caged me in the fucking house! You fed me lies! You manipulated me!
You even sent those men to take me! Paano nila malalaman ang condo ko kung hindi
galing sa inyo?!”

His face darkened.

“Israel and your father did it! Who knows if you’re also a part of it?! Sino
sa inyo ng mga Sandejas ang demonyo ngayon?!” My trembling voice roared. “The
warmth I felt in my short time here? Sobra-sobra pa iyon sa naramdaman ko sa ilang
taon ko kasama kayo!”

Kumislap ang sakit sa mga mata niya.

“I love you, Zahrah,” he breathed out, his voice straining. “Y-you think I’d
hurt you?”

“Bakit? Hindi pa ba?” I asked bitterly.

His expression hardened.

“Don’t say that, Zahrah,” he said calmly, yet I could sense the fury in his
voice. “Not when I dedicated my life to you—”

“By how? Feeding me lies?” malamig kong turan, nanggagalaiti sa galit. “I

treated you as a friend, Cole. I trusted you!”

“I don’t—”

“Ikaw at si Yaya Mildred lang ang pinagkatiwalaan ko! I thought you were a
friend and what did you do? Fed me lies like they did?” Nanginig ang boses ko. “I
was traumatized, Cole! You didn’t know how I couldn’t sleep at night because of
what Israel Sebastian did! Ama ko, Cole! Tunay kong ama pero ano’ng ginawa niya?!
Muntik na akong mamatay!”
 Umiling siya, hindi pa rin marahil naniniwala sa sinasabi ko.

“What did they tell you—”

“Nothing!” I exclaimed. “Ako ang nakaalam kaagad! Hindi kagaya n’yo na

minanipula ako sa mga bagay na hindi totoo! That man was the reason why my mother
died! Tapos ano? ‘Yong mga taong nagparanas sa ‘kin ng pakiramdam ng pamilya,
papakialaman n’yo rin? No. I won’t fucking let you.”

I know how acid dripped on my tone. I was fuming in anger, almost trembling
but I didn’t look away from him to let him know I wouldn’t be a pawn in their games
again.

He shook his head.

“No! I was protecting you! I love you—”

“If this is your way of showing love then fuck off.” I gritted my teeth. “‘Di
ko kailangan ng pagmamahal na sinasabi mo.”

He breathed, his muscles tensing, and even in the dark place, I could the way
he trembled in anger.

“The prosecutor messed with your head, huh?”

Ano bang problema nito kay Alchiel?

“Leave, Cole,” mariing sinabi ko. “My boyfriend is here. If I was late, I’m
sure as hell he’d come looking for me. If he saw you here? You’re dead.”

Pagak siyang natawa, mukhang nagulat sa sinabi ko.

“Boyfriend?” he spat. “You have a boyfriend now?”

Hindi ko siya sinagot sa tanong na iyon.

“Leave, now.”

“Fuck.” Natawa siyang lalo. “You rejected me for someone else? Who? Who the
hell is he?!”

I guess you knew by now.

When I didn’t answer and he read my expression, his jaw hardened. Pagak
siyang natawa, nasuklay ang buhok niya at umiling-iling.

“No… no fucking way.”

My hand secretly slipped inside my bag to try and find the knife Chiel gave
me. Humigpit ang hawak ko nang maramdaman ko ‘yon.

“Verón Castuares?” he almost whispered those words. I didn’t bat an eye and
watched his expression turn violent. “Fuck… Tell me you’re fucking kidding me right
now, Zahrah.”

“I’m not,” I said, looking at him in the eye.

Bigla siyang umabante palapit na napasinghap ako sa gulat sa nangyari. My

back got slammed on the wall again as he towered me, trembling in anger but before
he could even dare touch me, he realized I was pointing the knife in his throat and
one move. One move, and he’ll end up with his throat slit.

His mouth parted and closed again, still shocked I had the guts to point a
knife at him.

“Touch me and I’ll slit your fucking throat,” I threatened.

I am not violent. I still have nightmares from the past and how blood stained
my palms just to escape those demons but I don’t wanna die yet.

Kakabalik ko pa lang sa pamilya ko! Hindi ko pa nakukuha ang hustisya para sa

sarili! Alchiel… I wanna be with him. Buong buhay ko simula no’ng nagising akong
walang alaala’y puro pasakit at takot lang ang naramdaman ko. This time, I wanna be
happy!

“Is this what your fucking boyfriend taught you, huh, Zahrah?” he spat, still
not moving to a distance. Ang talim ng kutsilyo’y halos dumikit na sa kanyang
balat.

“Get away!” I exclaimed.

His eyes glistened in surprise at my conviction as if the devil emerged and

got out of the sheep’s clothing. I didn’t know he was like this. He was a good man
but then…

“I can’t believe you are that disgusting, Zahrah—or should I say

Clytemnestra Valderama?” The wicked smile was slowly appearing on his lips. “You’re
fucking your cousin?”

“Fuck you!” I screamed. “He’s not—”

“What would your Mommy Zidney say?” he taunted, catching me off guard.
“Kakakita mo pa lang sa ina-inahan mo. Kakabalik mo pa lang sa pamilya mo pero ‘di
mo ba naisip na itatakwil ka rin kasi nakakadiri ka?”

No… no, they won’t do it.

Mas nanginig at humigpit ang hawak ko sa kutsilyo.

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

“Poor Clyte, trying so hard to fit in the family that isn’t hers. Sa bagay,
sampid ka lang, ‘di ba?” Mapang-uyam siyang natawa. “Why would you be scared of
getting caught with fucking Alchiel Sandejas? Your cousin?”

“Shut up!” I screeched that the knife pushed through a bit of his skin.

It surprised him but he didn’t even move away. Mukhang mas natuwa pa siya sa
ginawa ko.

“Go on, kill me,” he urged. “If you believe them for saying your father is
violent, a killer—you’re his bloodline. Perhaps, you’re a killer, too.”

Mas nanginig ang kamay ko.

I am not. I am not a killer!

“Leave!” I screamed in his face. “Leave before I—”

 “Puro ka naman salita, Clyte.” Natawa siya’t mas inilapit ang leeg sa
kutsilyo ko, tila nanghahalinang ibaon ko iyon sa lalamunan niya. “You’re all talk.
Ganyang-ganyan ka rin no’ng gusto mong tulungan ang tunay mong ama. You said you’ll
help him but what did you do? You got seduced by that prick. You didn’t even bat an
eye fucking him after knowing he’s your cousin.”

My breath quickened. I think I was on the verge of having an attack.

No…

I tried controlling it. I have to defend myself! I should not back down! I am
strong!

“But what can we do? You weren’t really meant for that godforsaken family you
claimed to love. If your loving mother found out you’re fucking your cousin? She’d
throw you away because you’re disgusting.” He smirked evilly. “But that’s the
scenario if she didn’t die first.”

My mouth parted and all the defenses I was trying to build came crashing
down. I wielded the knife to his shoulder, scratching him.

“Fuck!” he cursed in shock, gripping his shoulder in surprise.

“What did you do to my mother?!” I screamed, pointing at him with the knife.
“I swear… I swear I’d kill you if you touched my family!”

Hindi siya makapaniwalang ginawa ko ‘yon. Ang dugo’y nakikita kong unti-
unting kumakalat na sa palad niya.

“What the fuck, Zahrah?!”

“Do anything to my family… anything and I would not hesitate to slit your
throat!” I threatened. “Touch my family and I swear—”

“Swear what?” He watched me with devilish eyes. “Swear you’d kill me? Not
when you couldn’t find me, Zahrah.”

Nanatiling nakatutok sa kanya ang kutsilyo ko.

“I gave you your chance to come with me but you are so gullible. So naïve,
all because of that disgusting love you claim to have. I don’t care now if you
choose it but we won’t let you drag us down to hell with you. Akala mo, ‘di namin
alam na ikaw ang nagbibigay ng impormasyon sa mga pulis at prosecution?”

Hindi ako umimik.

“Your father was almost caught! Again! Because of your fucking boyfriend’s
team! Muntik nang mamatay ang ama ko para iligtas ang iyo!”

“He wasn’t my father! He will never be,” mariing sikmat ko.

He gave me a challenging look.

“Sure, Zahrah. You can stay with that damned family for all I care but if you
don’t want me touching your family—”

“Don’t you dare!”

 “Oh, I would.” Gumuhit muli ang nakakaloko niyang ngiti. “In fact as of
speaking, a bomb was ticking in the building where your family was.”

I felt like my heart stopped.

“What?”

“Mental health convention, my ass.” He laughed darkly. “Seems like you would
be needing it instead after they exploded.”

Terror filled my veins.

“Fuck you!” I attempted to swing the knife in his direction but he stepped
away and I had no strength left kaya ‘di ako nagtagumpay.

“Do it again, Zahrah, and I fucking swear you’d end this day without a
family,” galit niyang babala sa ‘kin. I remained glaring at him, my eyes aching for
the unshed tears attempting to escape.

“Drop the knife,” he ordered. I didn’t.

“I said drop the knife! Or should I call—” I dropped the knife and fisted
my palm.

“What do you want?” malamig at nanginginig kong tanong.

“I want you to continue your mission,” he said. “Go back to the prosecution,
give us access inside. I want every police record, the checkpoints, everything.
We’ll be leaving the country.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You know exactly what I’d do, Zahrah.” He smirked. “Your family, that
boyfriend of yours… Oh, I know you’re close with Yaya Mildred—”

“Don’t touch her!” I exclaimed. “Wala siyang kinalaman dito!”

As if torturing me was his pleasure, he shrugged.

“I have a lot of options for you, Zahrah. If I couldn’t, maybe I’ll try
something that will not only hurt you. I’m sure it will hurt your boyfriend so bad,
too.”

Mas bumilis ang paghinga ko.

No… Don’t…

“Crest Dmitrov.” I almost jumped on him to cut her name off his tongue. “I
can imagine both of your reactions if I got her—”

“I’ll do it,” I cut him off, my heart breaking. “I’ll do everything just…
don’t hurt them, please. Not them…” Umiling-iling ako, nasa puntong luluhod na para
magmakaawang h’wag ang mga mahal ko.

He walked closer to me. When he reached my face, I tried so hard not to

flinch.

“Good girl.” His voice sent shivers down my spine, terrified. “This will be
our secret, Zahrah. I will know if you tell anyone and if you did, I will not give
you any warning. The next news you’d receive was the remains of that goddamned
family.”

I couldn’t even move when he leaned in and kissed my mouth. I was just
straight up terrified I think I would die at any moment—I should’ve just died,
perhaps. It was better.

Kung wala ako… ‘di nila ako magagamit laban sa pamilya ko. Kung wala ako,
they won’t even stand a chance to get inside our home. I became their bridge and I
was the reason why they had the chance to drag my family to hell with us.

He left like a ghost after, with a bit of his blood on my cheek. I felt so
dirty I wanted to scratch my face off.

I went to the bathroom, trembling and disgusted. I washed my face, removing

any trace of him and his dirty kiss, weak and exhausted.

I checked my phone, realizing I was gone for twenty minutes and Alchiel’s
been bombarding me with messages.

I’m so sorry Chiel… I just want to keep you safe.

I texted him instead, saying I was in the bathroom, and not a moment later,
he came running towards me with the panic I often see whenever he loses sight of
me. I felt bad. Palagi na lang siyang ganito sa ‘kin.

Palagi ko na lang siyang tinatakot. Palagi na lang ako ang inuuna niya.

Palaging ako…

I tried so hard not to cry when he pulled me closer for an embrace.

“You scared me!” he breathed out, his voice shaking and terrified. “I was
looking for you! I thought…”

“S-sorry,” I breathed out. “Sorry, Chiel, sorry…”

He moved away, his palms cupping my cheek.

“Bella…” His blue eyes sought mine. “What happened? Are you alright? I was
scared! I already called the security! You weren’t answering my calls!”

When I couldn’t answer him right away, inikot niya ang tingin sa buong mukha
ko, sa braso ko para tingnan kung may galos o ano pa man bago muling hinanap ang
tingin ko.

“Clyte…”

“I fainted,” I lied. Horror filled his blue eyes.

“What?!” Panicking, he tried reaching for the back of my head but I stopped
him, taking his fingers with mine.

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not,” he insisted. “We’ll go to the hospital.”

“No…” Umiling na ako. “A-ayos lang ako, akala ko ba kakain tayo—”

 “No,” he said in finality. “That can wait. We have to get you to the doctor.”

“I’m fine, really,” marahang paliwanag ko. “Inayos mo na sa itaas, ‘di ba? We
should go—”

“I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to you, Clytemnestra.” The

conviction in his voice made me tear up. “I’m not gonna sit there and eat with you
after knowing you fainted. I’m not gonna chitchat with you as if you weren’t hurt!
I have to get you to the hospital!”

But I lied. I did not faint.

“But you…” I swallowed. “You prepared it for me, right? It’s our first
official date and it’s the sixteenth.”

But he was firmly shaking his head at me.

“It doesn’t matter. I could do it again, Clyte,” he insisted. “But if I let

this slip? And found out you were in danger because I didn’t make sure you’re
alright? Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko.”

I let it go. I was disheartened and hurt that our first official date was in
shambles but if making sure I was safe would make him feel relaxed then I’ll
follow.

The doctor said I was fine, no concussion or anything. He said it happens

sometimes because of my memories coming back and that we shouldn’t worry.

Chiel had to leave me briefly inside the clinic to talk to security and
inform my family I was safe. It seemed like he alerted everyone.

I glanced at my phone and texted my father not to worry. I was fine, and I
only fainted pero nabalitaan kong pauwi na sila ngayon bago pa ako magmakaawang
umuwi na sila, natatakot sa gagawin ni Cole.

Scira even called and Crest was very worried na salitan pa sila ng tawag ni
Chiel kanina no’ng nawawala ako.

That’s only for twenty minutes. I can’t imagine what they’ve been through
after I was gone for years.

Naiwan ni Chiel ang phone niya sa desk at nang umilaw iyon sa message at
nakita ang pangalan ni Crest ay inabot ko. It has a pin code but then I remembered
the sixteenth. It seemed significant for us, he said, kaya ngayong January ang
first official date namin pero sinira ko lang.

His lock screen was the first rose he managed to bloom and when I
successfully got in after typing the password, I saw my face in his home screen
wallpaper.

That photo wasn’t recent. I looked younger here, probably taken a couple of
years ago, if not a decade.

A decade.

I was wearing makeup in this picture, my hair in curls. Wala pa ang bangs ko
ro’n at mas bata pa ang itsura sa ngayon. I think… maybe I was in my early twenties
this time? Or what? Eighteen?
 Suot ko ang pageant shirt na may nakalagay na Miss Intrams, nakangiti sa
camera na mukhang biglaang picture lang sana kaya candid ang kuha pati na rin ang
ngiti.

I felt my cheek dampening so that I had to push the tears away and went to
his gallery, my heart thundering inside my chest upon seeing the setup he made for
our first date.

It was a candle-lit dinner under the stars. The whole rooftop was illuminated
by lights you’ll mistake as stars at first glance. Punong-puno rin ng mga bulaklak
and note it was all planted in flower pots. He didn’t pluck even a single one.

Sa gilid ay kita ang mga musician, ang may mga dalang violin at nang i-swipe
ko ang picture ay natanto kong video iyon.

“It’s the sixteenth.” He chuckled. “I hope you like my surprise. Isang buwan
na lang. Happy monthsary, Bella.”

It’s the sixteenth of January. Does that mean… February sixteen was our
anniversary?

When I heard the door knob twisting, I lowered the phone back on the desk.
Tumayo ako at pagkapasok ni Chiel ay sinalubong ko siya ng mahigpit na yakap.

He was stunned but then his arms slowly wrapped on my back as he pulled me
closer.

“Sweetheart?”

“Happy monthsary,” I whispered as my eyes dropped closed. “I’m sorry we c-

couldn’t continue our date.”

Nakatulog ako sa pagod sa biyahe namin pauwi ni Chiel. I woke up the next
morning, in my bed. Mukhang binuhat niya ako papasok.

My family was also home and they were very worried about me. I felt the same
way when I saw them the next morning, hindi ako mahiwalay sa kanila.

“You really missed us, darling?” marahang tanong ni Mommy habang hinahaplos
ang buhok ko.

I nodded.

“Yes… can you…” I sighed. “C-can you not go to conventions next time?”

It surprised her, nagkatinginan pa sila ni Dad.

“Why, darling?”

“I…” Naghanap ako ng salita. “Nothing, I just want you h-here with me. I
don’t want you to go to places. I m-mean…”

“We won’t, princess.” My dad smiled at me with understanding, even sitting

beside me to take my hand.

Hope blossomed in my heart.

“We won’t go to conventions,” he reassured. “We’ll stay here with you. We’ll
add more guards if that’s fine with you?”
 “N-not for me, can you add more for you? For Mom? Sa mga kapatid ko.” I
didn’t know I was panicking as I said that. “P-pati sina Crest… sina Chiel…”

“We will.” Dad squeezed my palm. Unti-unti akong niyakap ni Mommy at

hinalikan ang buhok ko, inuulit ang sinasabi ni Dad para kumalma ako.

I attended therapies my father insisted to have. They didn’t even ask me more
about Israel Sebastian to not trigger my often attacks and anxieties. Si Dad ay
palaging nakabantay sa akin, makikita lang akong natatahimik sa usapan ay lalapit
para kausapin ako sa mga kung ano-anong bagay.

I already knew but my new psychiatrist diagnosed I was suffering from PTSD
and panic disorders. It affected me drastically that these days, I found it hard to
go out and even meet with Crest and Chiel. Mostly Chiel.

Mababaliw akong lalo kung wala akong makakausap sa mga kung anong bagay kaya
sa bawat pagpunta ni Crest sa bahay kasama ang kambal at mga aso’y nalilibang ako.
I sometimes felt Chiel’s presence with her, it was enough—for now.

My family didn’t know what the doctor said. I asked my doctor not to tell
them for now. Na ako na ang magsasabi.

Mom was worried, mostly when I suddenly asked them if I could go back to the
prosecution. I asked them if I could because I received an anonymous demanding
message from Cole. Ayaw pa nga ni Mommy no’ng una pero si Dad ay inoobserbahan ako
at kahit ‘di ko sabihin ay alam niyang may dinaramdam ako.

“Zidney,” ani Dad na inabot pa ang Mom na kinakabahan. “I think it’s fine to
let her go back to work. Nakakapagod kasing lalo kapag walang ginagawa. Clyte needs
diversion para hindi siya mabagot.” He glanced my way. “What do you think, anak?”

I was thankful I nodded in agreement.

I came back to work and Meia, Bryce, and even Rome were so happy to see me.

However, I was avoiding Alchiel. He talked to me. I’d answer him back but I
started keeping my distance. Again.

It was tiring but… I had no choice.

Alam kong napapansin iyon ni Chiel pero ‘di siya nagtatanong. He’d see if I
arrived, tapos kapag nasa opisina na ako’y magkukulong siya sa opisina niya kagaya
noon. He’d make sure I have complete meals but he won’t even join us, saying he was
busy.

But I knew better. He would keep his distance whenever he’d notice I was
avoiding him, as if he was afraid he’d suffocate me if he forced himself.

Kapag walang pasok, pupunta siya sa bahay pero ‘di ko lalabasin. I would
pretend I was sleeping and he’d leave before my parents came home.

He texted every night and I texted him back but it was short and cold.
Hinayaan niya ako.

Kagaya noon. Kontento nang may distansya basta makita niya lang akong maayos.

What did I do to deserve this man? What do I have to do to be happy with him
again?
 Hatid-sundo ako ng guards nina Mommy. That was her condition if I wanna go
back to work which worked well, too, because I don’t want Chiel bringing me home.

I didn’t know how to act like I wasn’t doing anything and casual after I
leaked the inside progress with those devils, how I messed up with their operation
of catching Israel Sebastian.

I was afraid he’d see right through me, to find out the hope and goodness
blooming in my chest had started withering—soon, maybe die.

They got Yaya Mildred as leverage. I could watch out for my family and subtly
warn them but my nanny… They took Yaya Mildred.

Para na akong mababaliw. I sleep and wake up trapped inside the nightmare.
Gusto ko na lang matapos ang lahat, pagod na pagod kaya nang isang gabing ‘di na
kinaya ni Alchiel ang pag-iwas ay nagpumilit na siya ang maghahatid sa ‘kin ay ‘di
na ako nakipag-away.

Ito na rin ang pahinga ko kahit saglit, ang regalo sa sarili matakasan man
lang panandalian ang dilim. Chiel was my light. Whenever I was so tempted
succumbing to darkness, one look at him and I was reaching back to the light but
these days… kapag wala siya sa tabi ko, parang nakakapagod nang makipaglaban sa
dilim.

It was haunting me.

Someone save me, please. I’m so scared… I’m exhausted.

Wala kaming usapan sa biyahe, tanging ang radyo lang sa kotse at ang hanging
pumapasok mula sa nakabukas na bintana ang ingay.

I have noticed Alchiel was tense. He was extra quiet today. It was as if
something was bothering him. I could see the way his palms clenched and relaxed in
the steering wheel, how the veins protruded with his tight grip.

Was he pissed because he got enough of our games of hide and seek? Did he
have enough of me avoiding him? Would he confront me now?

Ano’ng sasabihin ko?

I was fooling him. Hindi ko man gusto’y ako ang sumisira sa trabahong
pinaghirapan niya. Being associated with me would only hurt him—everything about
me always hurts him.

Dapat… dapat lumayo na ba ako?

Spare us this heartbreak so he could move on from me…

Nang tumapat kami sa bahay ay kaagad kaming pinapasok ng guards. The house
was empty today because unfortunately, even if I tried stopping them, may project
si Mommy sa Cagayan kaya hindi p’wedeng pabayaan at nagkaroon ng problema.

Alchiel parked the car with no words and I unbuckled my belt without a word,
was about to get out of the car when his voice echoed.

“Are you having fun fooling us, Zahrah?” My hair pricked at the back of my
neck when he called me by that name, his tone lacing with acid and danger.
 Kabanata 31

Kabanata 31

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

High School, Year 20xx.

“‘Te! ‘Yong Kuya mo nasa labas!”

My forehead creased.

Kuya? Ano? Ako nga ang panganay?

“Kuya?” I asked my classmate.

“Oo! ‘Yong gwapong blue eyes! ‘Di mo naman sinabing—” I didn’t hear any of
her next words because I was already standing and taking my things in my arms.

Kunot ang noo kong nilingon ang bintana at nang makita ang pamilyar na mukha
ng bagnot na Alchiel sa labas ay napatawa ako.

“He’s not my kuya.” Natatawang nilingon ko ang kaklase.

“Oh?” Kumunot ang noo niya. “Talaga? Pero ilang beses na kitang naririnig na
tinatawag siyang gano’n?”

“Ah…” Nag-init ang mukha ko. “Just an inside joke. Wala ‘yon.”

“Oh, akala ko!” Tumawa siya. “Nakikita ko kasi kapag hinahatid ka nilang
dalawa n’ong kapatid niya—kambal niya ba ‘yon? Dito sa classroom? Ano mo sila?
Pinsan?”

I shook my head at her.

“No… uh, the girl is my best friend and… si Chiel friend,” sagot ko, ‘di rin
sigurado ang sasabihin.

Nangunot ang noo niya pero bago pa magkaroon muli ng pagkakataong magtanong
ay kumaway na ako at lumabas.

The annoyed and grumpy blue-eyed devil’s back straightened when he saw me
approaching. Lumaki ang ngiti ko.

“Nakasimangot ka, Kuya?”

“Shut it, Clytemnestra,” angil niya at mas natawa ako nang inalis niya ang
palad sa bulsa at naglakad sa akin para kunin ang mga dala kong libro.

“Kaya ko na.”

“Mabigat,” aniya at walang hirap na inilagay sa braso ang mga libro ko,
naglalakad kasabay ko nang ‘di ako nililingon.

Ngumuso na ako at sinilip siya.

“Bakit ka na naman nakasimangot?” I asked. “Ang bata-bata mo pa, ‘yong itsura

mo pang-trenta—”

I smirked when he glared at me sideways, his eyes sharp and annoyed. Magulo
pa ang buhok niya, bagsak sa noo, at suot-suot ang unipormeng nakabukas pa ang
unang mga butones sa dibdib.

Umiling siya at deretsong naglakad papunta sa hagdanan, nauuna na sa akin

kaya nangunot ang noo ko at tumakbo pasunod.

“Chiel—” I gasped when I slipped a step and was getting ready to fall on my
butt when a large arm swept me up to catch me before I could even fall.

Napasinghap ako’t kumapit sa braso niya.

“Oh my God!”

“Careful!” he warned. Ang braso niya’y nakapaikot pa rin sa baywang ko nang

walang hirap niya akong inangat pababa sa mga step. Mas suminghap ako.

“Alchiel!” I almost dug my fingernails into his skin. “Bitawan mo ‘ko—”

He took three large steps down the stairs and then settled me back on the
floor. He smirked upon seeing my surprised face.

“Ikaw!” Sinapok ko ang braso niya pero nakaiwas siya. “Paano kung nahulog
tayo ro’n?!”

“Nauna na ‘ko,” sikmat niya.

“Huh?”

“‘Di ka kasi tumitingin sa daanan,” aniya sabay tikhim at iwas ng tingin, sa

akin pa ang sisi.

Suminghap ako.

“Kapal! Nadulas lang kasi ‘di mo ‘ko pinapansin! Suplado! May buwanang dalaw
ka ba?”

He frowned at me. Mukhang naalala niyang ‘di niya ako bati at walang salita
na naman na nauna sa ‘kin.

Mabilis siyang nakalayo nang ilang hakbang lang. I frustratedly sighed.

Ang haba naman kasi ng legs!

I ran after him in quick steps.

“Uy!” tawag ko. “Kuya!”

He didn’t even look. I stomped my feet.

Ano bang problema nito? Maayos naman kami kanina, a? Hinatid pa nga niya ako
mag-isa rito at si Crest kasi’y wala sa bansa at nag-absent para manood ng fashion
show sa Paris!

“Alchiel nga!” singhal ko, walang pakialam sa lakas ng boses at walang tao
ang hallway ng school ngayon at anong oras na.
 Tuloy-tuloy lang siya sa paglalakad. Nagulo ang utak ko sa mga possibleng
dahilan kung bakit siya ganito at namilog ang mata nang may maalala.

Before we separated, he asked me to eat with him for lunch at wala nga si
Crest. P’wede naman niyang kasabay sina Macky pero hindi sila available dahil sa
club na sinalihan nila sa foundation.

He asked me to eat with him, and that he cooked food for us. ‘Di nga ako
masyadong nakakasama kasi iba-iba ang schedule namin pero nagtagpo ngayon at wala
kaming teacher kaso…

Oh, God. I forgot to go! Nakita ko kasi ang crush kong transferee! Si Rome!

Tapos… tapos nalibang na ako kakapanood sa kanyang sumubok sa try outs ng

basketball!

And then… Chiel was the captain ball of the varsity, tapos wala ba siya roon
kanina kasi inantay niya ako sa lunch?

I gasped audibly in shock and covered my mouth with the realizations.

Napalingon siya sa ‘kin na kunot ang noo at nagtataka.

“OMG! Sorry!” I squealed.

His brow shot up and without a word, frowned again like a spoiled brat before
looking away.

OMG! OMG! Puro kasi ako crush!

“Chiel…” My lips protruded. “Sorry na…”

“Let’s go, it’s almost seven,” malamig niyang sagot kaya nalungkot na ako.

Galit na siya!

Tanga naman kasi, Clyte! Inuna mo pa ang crush-crush mo!

“Chiel…” When he didn’t even look back, I sulked, and like a petty brat, I
sat on the floor.

He stiffened when he realized I wasn’t following him anymore. Nilingon niya

ako at nagsalubong na naman ang makapal na kilay sa itsura ko.

“The fuck are you doing, Clytemnestra?”

“O ngayon, pinapansin mo na ‘ko?!” I whined.

He made a grumpy face.

“Tumayo ka r’yan! Madumi ang sahig!” angil niya.

Umiling ako at nag-Indian sit pa para mang-inis, humahalukipkip.

“Clyte…” he said in a warning tone.

“Ayaw mo ‘ko kausapin, e. Kaya rito lang ako habang galit ka.”

“Isa,” he warned.
 “Dalawa,” I fought back.

“Tatlo…” Tumalim ang tingin ng asul niyang mga mata.

“Apat…” sagot ko rin sabay ngisi nang masaya nang makitang malapit nang
maputol ang pisi niya at humakbang na palapit sa ‘kin.

I looked up at him, smiling because I won! He towered over me, still grumpy.

“Tayo,” utos niya.

“Ayaw!” Umiling ako at nilabanan ang tingin niya.

Nagtagisan kami ng tinging dalawa hanggang sa huli ay iritado siyang naupo

rin kaharap ko.

“What?” iritadong tanong niya.

I bit back my smile and made a face.

“Galit ka pa rin, e,” inarte ko, kinakagat ang labi para hindi niya makita
ang pilit na pagkawala ng mga ngiti sa labi at kaunti na lang ay bibigay na siya.

‘Di nga ako nagkamali dahil wala pang ilang saglit ay nawala ang kunot ng noo
niya. When he started moistening his lower lip and closing his eyes, I knew I got
him.

When he opened his eyes again, my heart thumped in my chest for a reason I
still couldn’t comprehend. His blue gaze was peaceful, calm, and gentle, tila agos
ng dagat na marahan ang haplos sa balat.

“What is it?” kalmado niyang tanong.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Galit ka?” I asked.

Tumitig siya sa akin at hindi umimik. May kumurot sa puso ko.

“Sorry na,” lambing ko. “I totally forgot about our lunch, nawala sa utak ko
kasi sanay akong kapag nagsasabay tayo nina Crest, sinusundo ako. Tapos… sorry…”

“I heard you’re at the gym,” aniya kaya mas kinabahan lang ako, ‘di ko alam
pero hiyang-hiya ako at malungkot.

Tumango ako at kinagat ang labi.

“Yeah, sumama lang ako sa classmates kong manood ng try outs.”

“And you didn’t even notice the captain wasn’t there?” Kumunot ang noo niya,
masama ang loob.

“Sorry na,” ungot ko. “It’s my fault. I completely forgot. Naaliw kasi akong
manood kanina ng mga transferee na gustong sumali kaya ayon…”

“Your crush was there,” he pointed out. My eyes widened, alarmed.

“H-huh?”
 “Rome Valdez,” he pointed out. Mas umawang ang labi ko.

“H-how…”

“Sa daldal n’yong dalawa ni Crest, paanong ‘di ko malalaman? He’s my

classmate,” aniya. “Transferee.”

“Y-yeah,” suminghap ako. “Ang gwapo, ‘no?”

I blinked when I noticed the shift in his expression but before I could even
comprehend in words, it vanished and was replaced by a neutral one.

“Pangit naman n’on,” sa halip ay komento niya.

I glared at him. He smirked.

“Anong pangit?!” I exclaimed. “Didn’t you see his face?! He was so good
looking! Tapos magaling pa mag-basketball—”

“I’m the captain,” agap niya.

I know…

“K-kahit na!” sikmat ko pa. “I mean of course you will be the captain kasi
matagal ka na rito at mahaba ‘yang legs mo!”

Sumulyap siya sa legs niya.

“You made it sound like I’m a fucking slender man or something, Clyte,”
busangot niya. Napahagikhik ako.

“P’wede rin,” I mumbled. He frowned at me. Mas tumawa ako.

“Charot lang! It’s a compliment kasi! Mahaba ang legs mo, ibig sabihin
matangkad ka kaya ikaw ang captain. I mean you’re the tallest in your year, right?”

Pinagmasdan niya lang ako. His gaze made the blood rush in my cheeks so I
tried rubbing it away, thankful the hallway was a bit dim he couldn’t see my face
clearly.

“Naalala mo dati tabachoy ka no’ng maliit tayo? Bilugan?” I asked, referring

to Tito Zeij’s nickname for him: Chiel-taba. “Tapos no’ng nag-teenager ka, biglang
boom! Humaba ang legs! Naging higante!”

He shook his head. Tumawa ako.

“Slender man, ‘no?” I teased.

Nanatili lang siyang pinapanood ako, inaangat ang hita niya na parang
nakayupyop kaya gagaya sana ako pero umiling siya.

“You’re wearing a skirt,” aniya.

Ngumuso ako at ‘di na siya ginaya, lumapit naman siya at may kung anong
kinuha sa buhok ko kaya sinundan ko ng tingin.

“Ano ‘yon?”

“Dumi,” sagot niya at marahang sinuklay ang buhok ko ng daliri niya, tila
minamasahe ang anit ko kaya napahugot ako ng hininga.

“Saan ka na naman ba nagsususuot at ang gulo ng buhok mo?” tanong niya.

“Wala naman. May activity lang kasi kanina na ginawa tapos na-stress ako.”
Inangat kong muli ang tingin ko sa kanya. “Chiel…”

“Hmm?” His blue eyes met mine, hinuli niya ang iilang hibla ng buhok ko at
inilagay sa likod ng tainga.

“I was wondering if mag-bangs ako kaya ulit?” I asked. “Bagay kaya? Tagal ko
na kasi walang bangs, e.”

Tumitig siya bago tumango-tango.

“Yup, it’s bagay,” he commented.

Ngumisi ako.

Conyo!

“I mean sa ngayon? Ilang years na kasi no’ng huli, elementary pa yata tayo
no’n? Ngayong high school, gusto kong subukan.”

“Bagay,” aniya at kinuha ang iilang buhok ko para iangat kunwari sa noo ko at
maging bangs. “Want me to cut it for you?”

Nawala kaagad ang ngiti ko.

“In your dreams!” I smacked his hand away. “No way I’ll let you murder my
hair!”

“What?” he asked, sounding so offended. “What made you think I’ll murder your
hair? I can do it! Magaling ako mag-gupit!”

“Ng ano? Papel?” Sinimangutan ko siya. “Ayoko! Baka mamaya, magmukha akong
tanga kapag ikaw pa ang gumupit! Ako na! Marunong ako!”

“Arte!” he mumbled. “Kailan mo gugupitan? Panood ako.”

“Baliw.” Umiling ako. “Ewan ko. Kailan kaya? Hmm…” Napahawak ako sa baba ko.
“Ngayon sana kaso wala akong gunting.”

Kinuha niya ang bag pack niya at may hinalughog doon. Dumungaw naman ako para
makiusyoso pero tinulak ng daliri niya ang noo ko.

“Close your eyes, kid,” aniya.

“Maka-kid naman ‘to!” singhal ko. “E di okay, Kuya!”

When his face crumpled again, I closed my eyes happily.

Akala niya, a! Gaganti ako!

I heard him rummaging something from his bag.

“Ano ba ‘yang laman ng bag mo? Puro basura?”

“Don’t open your eyes!”

 “Hindi nga,” sagot ko at itinakip pa ang palad sa mga mata. “Ayan na, o.
Nakatakip na!”

“Alright, you can open your eyes now,” aniya kaya unti-unting iminulat ko ang
mata at napasinghap nang makita ang hawak niya.

“Tsaran!” he smirked, showing me the scissors.

“May dala ka?!” I squealed happily.

“Ay, wala, Clyte-Clyte. Guni-guni mo lang,” agap niya pa na sarkastiko pero

ngumisi lang ako at inabot ang gunting.

“Matulis?”

“Yup,” sagot niya at muling inabot ang buhok ko. “Tara na, gupitan mo ‘yong
buhok mo, panoorin kita.”

Excited akong tumango. Tumayo siya, inilagay ang bag pabalik sa likod at
inilahad ang kamay sa ‘kin.

I lifted my hand, taking his as he pulled me up. Our bodies met briefly, and
I got a whiff of his familiar perfume, our breathings mingling for a second before
our eyes met.

My heart jumped again.

Mabilis akong lumayo sa kanya at ngumiti, pilit itinatago ang epekto ng

mabilis na tagpong iyon. He tilted his head then moistened his lip.

“Let’s go to the bathroom,” aniya bago tumikhim at tumalikod sa akin, nauuna

nang umalis.

Natulala pa ako sa likod niya bago siya tinakbo, inabot ang likod niya para
isarado ang bag pack na puro papel na reviewers niya. Nilingon niya ako.

Hinagilap ko ang braso niya para kumapit.

“Bati na tayo, Chiel?” maamong tanong ko at hinanap ang tingin niya.

He stopped briefly, his gaze lingering for a while in my face. Nag-beautiful

eyes ako.

“Sorry na…” lambing ko. “Bati na tayo, please? Promise kapag nag-aya ka ng
lunch, pupunta na ako! ‘Di ko na kakalimutan! Cross my heart!”

Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata.

“Chiel… please? Please? Please?”

When his expression began softening and his eyes glistened, it made me
hopeful.

He sighed and shook his head, whispering, “Matitiis ba kita?”

I felt so happy that I embraced him tight, not minding he was stunned before
running away towards the bathroom to cut my bangs.
 Sumunod siya pagkaraan, sumisilip sa pintuan.

“Done?”

“Nope,” sagot ko at sinulyapan siya sa salamin. “Tara nga rito! Bakit ka

nakasilip d’yan, pumasok ka wala namang tao!”

“It’s a women’s restroom—”

“Walang tao!” I looked around, pointing the restroom. “Tara na, ilapag mo
‘yong libro d’yan. Turuan kita paano mag-bangs.”

He hesitated for a while, resting his back on the door frame but eventually
got inside and went beside me to watch me cut my bangs.

Tumitig ako sa salamin at inangat ang scissors.

“Ganito mag-bangs,” turo ko sa kanya. “Dapat paunti-unti.”

“Hmm…” he hummed, tilting his head and watching me.

“If hahawakan mo para putulin, dapat h’wag sobrang hila, sakto lang kasi
sasagad ‘yong buhok and baka maging bitin.”

“Alright.” He nodded, watching me do it like he was listening to a lecture.

Ni hindi na yata siya kumukurap habang pinapanood ako kaya nang matapos ay ngumiti
ako.

“Tsaran!” I chirped, moving my head for him to see me. “Okay ba?”

He was unmoving, watching me with his stunned, beautiful eyes. My heart made
that familiar pounding again.

“Chiel?” I snapped.

“H-hmm?” Napaayos siya ng tayo.

I smiled sweetly, brushing my bangs a bit.

“Look at me, bagay?” I asked, hoping for a positive response.

He remained looking at me for a few more seconds before nodding and

swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Yeah, beautiful. Bagay tayo—sa ‘yo.” Naubo siya at nag-iwas ng tingin.

“Tanginang ubo ‘yan.”

Ano raw?

I didn’t know if it was just the lights but was he blushing? Nangunot ang noo
ko at lumapit sa kanya.

“Are you alright?” I asked and reached for his forehead.

He jumped and took a step back.

“H-hmm?”

“Sabi ko, ayos ka lang?” I asked. “Masama ang pakiramdam mo? Namumula ka.”
 “I’m fine.” Umiwas siya sa hawak ko bago ko pa madama ang leeg niya at
umatras, bumaling siya sa mga libro namin. “I’ll go first and start the car.”

My eyes widened.

“Nagmamaneho ka na?!”

“I got my student’s license,” sagot niya at muling tumikhim. “I gotta go.”

‘Di ko na siya nasagot nang tumama ang dulo ng bangs ko sa isang mata.
Napapikit ako at nakusot ang mata.

“What happened?” he asked, I felt his presence closer to me again.

“Natusok lang ng bangs ‘yong mata ko,” sagot ko, muling iminulat ang mata
pero natusok lang ulit. Kinusot ko.

“Don’t.” I felt his hand enclosing my wrist. “H’wag mong kusutin, mamumula
‘yan.”

“Masakit, e.” I frowned, trying to open one eye but it stung.

His large palm firmed my shoulders.

“Stop wiggling,” he said and moved closer. “Hihipan ko.”

I stilled and let him. Naramdaman ko ang paghawi niya sa bangs ko bago
inilagay ang palad sa panga ko para iangat ang mukha ko.

I felt his breath touching my nose. I swallowed.

“Itong kaliwa ba?” he asked.

I nodded.

With one palm firming my face, the other one went to my eye to open it with
his fingers and blew.

Napakurap-kurap ako.

“Don’t move, Clyte,” aniya at muling pinirmi ako at inihipan ang mata ko.

He attempted it for a few times bago ko naramdamang umayos ang mata ko. I
blinked it again, lifting my face to meet with his. Nagkatinginan kami, ang palad
niya’y nasa panga ko pa rin.

My heart was very weird.

“A-ayos na,” sagot ko at doon na siya lumayo sa ‘kin ng isang hakbang. Inabot
niya ang panyo niya kaya kinuha ko iyon at idinampi sa talukap ko.

“Tss… akala ko ba magaling ka mag-bangs?” he taunted. “Mahaba pa nga, o.

Matutusok talaga ang mata mo.”

“Kaysa maikli?” I asked. “Ang pangit n’on—”

“You should’ve let me do it, I told you I could.”

 “Oh?” I gave him a suspicious look. “No way I’d let you touch my bangs—”

“Sige, ganyan lang gusto mo? Tusok ‘yang mata mo?” sikmat niya.

“E di bawasan!” singhap ko na at kinuhang muli ang gunting. I attempted to

cut some off pero parang walang nababawas. ‘Di ko na matantya!

And Alchiel was just watching me with his bored and annoyed look kaya nainis
na rin ako.

“Oh!” I extended the scissors to him. “Kaunti lang, a! Ayusin mo!”

He scoffed. “Papatulong din pala, ang daming arte.”

I kicked him. Umiwas siya at natawa.

“Lumapit ka, Ma’am, at baka maging kalahati ang bangs mo,” aniya at inabot
ang braso ko palapit sa kanya.

Hinayaan ko na at muli pang nagsalita.

“Kaunti lang. Ayusin mo, Chiel,” paalala ko. “Kapag ‘yan pumangit, sinasabi
ko sa ‘yo tutusukin ko ‘yang mata mo!”

“Oo na.”

“Ayusin—” I almost bit his fingers when he flicked my lips! “Alchiel!”

“Shh…” he hushed. “Tatabingi talaga ‘to kung magulo ka.”

Kaya kinalma ko na ang sarili ko. Kabado ako pero mukhang maayos naman ang
lalaking ‘to at nakinig naman kanina at nanood. I told him na kaunti lang, sakto
para ‘di matusok ang mata.

I trust him… right?

No, I don’t!

“Sandejas…”

“Oo nga, Clytemnestra. H’wag ka magulo, kinakabahan ako sa ‘yo!” He sounded

lick he was panicking.

My heart spiked.

“Anong—”

“Shhh!” he hushed. “Stop wiggling.”

Tumigil ako at pumikit, malalim ang paghinga lalo nang maramdaman na ang
metal ng gunting sa balat at narinig ang pagputol ng buhok.

And then I felt him moving away.

“Tapos na?” I asked.

Hindi siya sumagot kaagad.

“Alchiel, mumulat na ako—”

 “Wait,” I heard the strain in his voice as he cleared his throat. “Okay, I
gotta go start the car.”

Iminulat ko ang mata at nagtataka siyang pinagmasdan nang matantong hawak na

niya ang mga libro at ang bag naming dalawa’y nakasukbit na sa balikat niya.

Kaagad na dinaga ang dibdib ko sa kaba nang mapansing balisa siya.

I never whipped my face that fast in panic towards the mirror and horror
filled my veins as my blood boiled when I saw my bangs.

Pa-slant siya.

My mouth parted and closed again, my breathing getting quicker and when I
looked at him, my gaze was screaming death.

“What the hell did you do?” I asked calmly yet dangerously.

He swallowed.

“A-ayaw mo n’on? Style?” aniya sabay atras.

“Alchiel Verón! Gago ka!” I screamed but he was already sprinting away from
me.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Slowly, more memories returned. Just a few weeks ago, I was wishing my
memories would return and I could return to my normal life and now—I was wishing
not to remember a thing, para kahit papaano’y mabawasan ang sakit.

“Are you having fun fooling us, Zahrah?” My hair pricked at the back of my
neck when he called me by that name, his tone lacing with acid and danger.

I have expected this already. I knew he’d find out, but I was not expecting
it to be this soon. Not right now, at least. Now when I have a lot of things to
consider and when a lot of people were at stake of getting hurt if I fucked up.

Kinunot ko ang noo at kunwari’y nagtatakang nilingon siya. His expression was
dark and serious, his jaw clenching.

The dim lights inside the car added to the intensity of his blue eyes
watching me like a hawk it didn’t fail to make my stomach churn in nervousness.

“What are you saying?” I asked. When he didn’t answer, I shook my head at
him.

“Hindi kita maintindihan, Alchiel,” sinabi ko na at binuksan ang pintuan para

lumabas.

My gaze met with an unfamiliar man walking out of the garden. His eyes were
on me, and I visibly panicked when I realized how familiar that face was.

It was the man I stabbed before to escape.

He gave me a once over, lifting a finger to his lips in, motioning me to keep
quiet. Parang lalabas na ang puso ko sa kaba.

I heard Chiel’s door closing at sa halip na sa loob ng bahay ay nag-iba ako

ng daan, nilalagpasan ang lalaking iyon. I can’t risk going inside the house, baka
may house help doon at madamay pa.

“Clytemnestra,” Alchiel called me with his strained, dangerous voice,

stopping me in the house’s garden when he followed me.

Hindi ko siya nililingong pumunta sa may maliit na lamesa roon para tingnan
ang bulaklak na pinalago niya para doon ituon ang pansin. It has started withering.

From bright red, it was almost brownish. Nadurog ang puso ko nang makitang
may isang talulot na namang nahulog.

“Clyte—”

“What?” I asked, lifting my gaze in his direction.

He pulled his necktie loose as if trying to breathe, walking closer to me

with a look I couldn’t exactly explain. Nang ‘di siya nagsalita ay humugot ako ng
hininga at sinuklay ang buhok ko ng daliri.

Just go home, Chiel. There was someone inside the house! I didn’t know how he
got in when we had guards with us!

“Kung wala kang sasabihin umuwi ka na, pagod ka lang—”

“How long have you planned this?” he asked, calmly it scared me to the bones.

“Planned what?” I tried lying. “Alam mo, hindi kita maintindihan—”

“You are still communicating with Cole,” he concluded.

It wasn’t a question. He knew.

I tried so hard not to flinch.

Pagak akong natawa.

“What? Are you insane? Bakit ako makikipag-usap pa sa kanila? I left with you
here because I want to be home! Back in here! Why would I communicate with him?” My
forehead creased, trying to show him I was confused.

He watched my face, observing the way I flinch and express my words. I’ve
never seen him this serious, never seen how betrayed his face was because of me.

“Just tell me,” kalmado niyang sabi kahit nahihirapan. “Just tell me the
truth. I won’t get mad.”

Umiling ako at napaatras nang bahagya.

“Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo, Alchiel. Pagod ka lang. Let’s talk when your
head’s clear—”

“Just tell me, Clyte!” Tumaas ang boses niya. His eyes flared. “Tell me you
are communicating with him!”
 Bumilis ang paghinga ko at napapikit.

Just leave, please. Don’t ask me now. Hindi pa ako handa.

Not now, please! Maybe we could still fix it, maybe we could still fix us,
but I have to make sure Yaya’s safe!

I pleaded with him with my gaze, but he was consumed with frustrations he
didn’t notice.

“All my operations were fucked, failing,” he breathed out. “Every damn time
I’ll get a lead, they could leave even before we get there. None in the
checkpoints, none! Anything! As if they knew where we’re stationed!”

“Bakit ako ang sinisisi mo?” Tinitigan ko siya. “How sure are you I was still
communicating with them? Na ako ang dahilan kung bakit ‘di maayos ang mga operasyon
n’yo? Maybe you should consider firing your team!”

“Then why the confidential information only we knew was leaked?” he asked.
“Tell me why the team messed up ever since you came back to the office?”

It was me. It was me. It was me. I’m sorry.

Pinigilan ko ang pagkawala ng mga luha.

“I don’t know!” I exclaimed. “Wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo! Maybe there was
someone—”

“Someone? Who? You?” he asked. “Akala mo ba ‘di ko napapansin ang pag-iiba

mo? One day, we’re fine, the next day you’re fucking cold. I tried asking, Clyte,
but you kept on avoiding me! Akala mo ba, hindi ko napapansin?”

Bumuntonghininga ako at nagbaba ng tingin sa rosas sa tapat ko.

“Chiel, please,” I mumbled. “We’re both exhausted. Let’s talk when you’re
calm—”

“I am calm, Clyte,” he breathed out and took a step closer. Tumitig ako sa
paa niya. “I was calm. For days, I tried to understand why you’re changing. Again.”

“And you’re accusing me?” I pointed out.

Even if I knew I did it, it still hurt knowing he was suspecting me.

Ang gulo-gulo mo, Clyte.

The pain in my gaze must’ve showed. His eyes softened. I saw him swallowing
the lump in his throat, troubled. Nang lumapit na siya’t inabot ang kamay ko’y
bahagya akong napatalon pero hinayaan kong gagapin niya ang akin.

“Look at me, sweetheart,” he urged.

Trying to stop my tears from escaping, I looked up at him and saw the look on
his face upon seeing me hurting, it was hurting him more.

“I’m sorry, hmm?” He closed his eyes and then gently caressed my palm. “I’m
sorry… Damn it, I didn’t mean to accuse you, but can you tell me the reason why
you’re like this? I just… I’m confused. Tell me the truth. I-I won’t get mad.”
 I didn’t know what to say.

“It wasn’t m-me,” I lied.

Mas lumambing ang tingin niya sa pagmulat ng mga mata niya.

“Alright.” Tumango siya at dinala ang palad ko sa labi niya para sa halik.
“Okay, baby. It wasn’t you. I believe you, but why… why are you like that? Why are
you avoiding me? Why… I saw a photo.”

Nahihirapan siya nang sabihin iyon kaya nangunot ang noo ko.

“What photo?”

“I tried ignoring it. I kept on telling myself it was edited and that you
won’t do that but these days… you’ve been like this for a month now,” he whispered.
“You were distant. I saw you had a burner phone.”

I stiffened. I pulled my hand away from his grip. Naiwan ang kamay niya sa
ere, nabakas ko ang sakit sa muling pagbitiw ko sa kaniya pero ibinaba niya lang
iyon at sinuklay ang buhok niya pagkaraan.

“What photo?” I asked.

Umiling siya.

“It’s nothing—”

“What photo, Alchiel?” I gritted my teeth. “Show me.”

He hesitated. Hindi siya kaagad gumalaw para ipakita sa ‘kin ang litrato na
sinasabi niya, as if he was refusing to believe it was real. He was afraid I will
confirm it and all his nightmares would come true.

Hindi ko alam kung tungkol saan ang sinasabi niya kaya muling inatake ng
samu’t saring takot ang utak.

He took his phone, his arms tense and rigid. His breathing was heavy as he
did something in his phone and gripped it with his palm.

“If you tell me this is not real, I’ll believe you,” he said. “I’ll believe
you no matter what, hmm?”

My heart spiked even harder.

“What is it?”

He was still refusing to take it, so I took the matters in my own hands.
Kinuha ko ang phone sa palad niya para tingnan ang screen at tila binuhusan ako ng
malamig na tubig sa nakita.

It was in the emergency exit that night.

Cole… was kissing me.

My hand trembled.

There’s someone with him that day?

 “Are you threatened?” he asked gently. “It was Cole, right? That fucktard
threatened you?”

Yes…

Hindi ako umimik.

“Bella,” marahang tawag niya. “He touched you. Don’t worry, I am currently
looking for that asshole. He’s been hiding along with his damned father but don’t
worry, we’ll file a case, hmm? I promise you I-I’ll give you justice. He shouldn’t
have done that to you–to anyone. I-I won’t let it go.” His voice was trembling.

“I-I know I failed to protect my t-twin before, but I won’t be anymore. Not
to you, too. Trust me, I’m looking for him. I’ll make him pay for touching you.”

When his other palm cupped my cheek and our eyes met, I sensed his anger and
worry.

“I’m sorry… H-hindi na mauulit ‘yong kay Crest. Hindi sa ‘yo, h-hindi kahit
kanino. I’ll do everything, okay? I didn’t know he did that to you that night. Is
that why you’re anxious? Was it before you fainted or…”

Why was this man too good?

Why was he trying to make an excuse for me? He’d believe any word I say. Even
if it hurt him.

“Clyte…” Inabot niya ang kamay kong may hawak ng phone. “I’m sorry if I
accused you. Mali ‘yon. I should’ve trusted you more. Are you mad?”

Nag-iwas na ako at bahagyang inilayo ang mukha sa kanya. Hindi ko siya

matingnan, hiyang-hiya sa kanya at sa sarili.

He caught me red-handed, and he was taking all the blame.

“Look at me, Bella, please?” he begged. “Y-you can be mad at me, it’s my
fault. I should’ve focused more on them than asking you that. It’s stupid. I’m
fucking stupid.”

Oh, good Lord. I can’t take this anymore. I don’t deserve him.

I should… I should just…

“Sorry, I… I was stressed. I just found out Jackson Sebastian escaped during
his transfer this afternoon. The vehicle was ambushed, and some police officers
were hurt. Wala kaming sinabihan sa paglipat niya, tayo lang sa opisina and I
was—there’s no excuses. I was wrong for accusing you. For thinking ill of you
when I still haven’t verified the photo. He touched you… or was it edited to frame
you—”

“You’re willing to go that down and make excuses for some stupid love affair,
Prosecutor?” I whispered sharply.

He visibly stiffened.

“Clyte?” bulong niya.

“I was thinking of making more excuses, but I feel bad fooling you now,” I
mumbled as I looked at him tauntingly. “Not when you look stupid. Hindi na ako
naaaliw, naaawa na ‘ko.”

I saw pain reflecting in his eyes.

“What are you saying, baby?” halos bulong na iyon. “I’m sorry if I accused
you, hmm? I’m stupid, yes. I should’ve trusted you more—”

“Damn it, it’s getting so boring,” I sighed and lifted the phone. “This
photo? I was thinking of more excuses, but you’ll just believe in me no matter what
my lies were so what’s the point? You’re getting boring.”

He moistened his lip, feigning confusion.

He was trying to make himself believe he wasn’t hearing me.

“What are you saying…”

I groaned.

“Damn it, Alchiel. Hindi ko alam kung tanga ka o nagtatanga-tangahan lang. I

am confessing now!” I exclaimed. “This stupid photo is real, okay? I didn’t know he
pulled this stunt and sent it you, but it’s done. The fun’s ruined already but it’s
fine, this is getting boring anyway.”

Umiling siya, ‘di naniniwala sa akin.

I could feel eyes on us. Somewhere.

“Stop it,” he breathed out. “I know, Clyte, okay? You can tell me. I’ll
protect you. You had no choice. He was threatening you—”

“He wasn’t! Why do you think I was able to come with you as smoothly as that,
Sandejas?” I asked. “Sa tingin mo, sa ilang taong pagtatago nila sa ‘kin,
papakawalan lang nila ako nang gano’n lang?”

He froze, his pained eyes staring intently to try and sense any lies. I made
sure he couldn’t see it.

Cole would know if he found out. He has eyes on me. On us.

They’ll hurt my family! They’ll hurt you, Chiel!

“What are you saying?”

“Oh, come on, Verón. You’re so naïve for a prosecutor! Sa tingin mo

papakawalan nila ako nang gano’n lang? No. They’ve sent me here—willingly to spy
on you. Do you think they’d let you take me without a fight when they hid me from
your family all these years?”

I knew he’d started connecting it. On why, he easily got me here. How no
threats came while I was here.

“As of speaking, who knows, maybe my father’s on his way out of the country
and you’re here standing in front of me—probably wishing my feelings for you were
real.”

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even try walking away like what I wanted him to do.
 “You’re lying…” he pointed out.

Shit.

I smiled sweetly at him.

“So you’re making yourself believe I’m lying because you couldn’t accept the
fact I’m really not into you?” I asked. It hit him, I saw the desperation and scar
it left him. “Do you really think I’d love you?”

Hindi siya nakapagsalita at bahagyang umawang ang labi sa sinabi ko.

“Cole was my boyfriend,” I explained. “For years now. This photo?” Inilapag
ko ang phone niya katabi ng paso ng rosas at ipinakita sa kanya.

“This photo is real, Verón. Look at it! Do you think this was edited? That
night for the first official date you’re saying, I’ve met with him. We kissed—who
knows, maybe we fucked, right?”

His breath quickened.

“I didn’t faint. I lied and you were stupid enough to believe in me. I was
with him all that time—figured I couldn’t really stomach going on dates with
you.” I taunted. “I feel bad your efforts were wasted but all of it—maybe the old
Clyte would appreciate, but I don’t. I don’t like you, Sandejas, more so with the
love thing you believed I was feeling. I don’t.”

“Stop…” he whispered painfully.

That’s right. Be mad at me, Chiel. Leave now, please.

I can’t hurt you like this…

I felt a gaze on me coming from somewhere again, intense and taunting. It

gave me goosebumps. I fought the urge to look.

They were watching. One wrong move and they’d kill Yaya Mildred.

“I was your cousin, maybe technically not anymore but aren’t you disgusted?”
I asked, mocking.

His expression sharpened.

“You’re not my cousin, Clytemnestra!” mabagsik niyang sinabi.

“Oh, sure.” I chuckled. “If that’s what you believe in, fine, but I was.
Kahit sabihin mo pang may relasyon tayo—kayo noon because honestly? I don’t
accept it. I can’t even process how possible that was and how blind were the two of
you even to risk it because I won’t.”

He closed his eyes.

“Stop it, Clyte, please,” he whispered painfully.

“I’m not Clyte!” I exclaimed. “Wake up, Alchiel! Clyte’s dead!”

“No!” When he opened his eyes, it was now bloodshot. “Nandito si Clyte! Ikaw
si Clyte!”
 “She won’t come back!” I retorted. “Not for you!”

“I-I know,” he answered, accepting the blow. “It’s fine if she won’t be back
for me, but she is here! Right now! In front of me! She’ll be back for her family!”

“Wala siyang pamilya rito!” I exclaimed. “Don’t you understand? I came back
here to help Israel! I was here only to fool you! To make you believe I was in love
with you, but I never was!”

“Liar!” he exclaimed. “You can never fake it, Clytemnestra! I knew how you
looked at me! I felt it! You love me—”

“I tolerated you, Sandejas!” I exclaimed.

His eyes widened briefly like an injured animal as if it was better if I just
took a knife and struck him in the heart directly instead of hearing it.

Bumilis ang paghinga ko.

“Hindi kita mahal! I tolerated you because I needed you! Yes, I was the one
who leaked that information! Noon pa pero sa halip na pigilan mo ‘ko, naniwala kang
ginagamit lang nila ako! Naniwala ka no’ng sinabi kong gusto kong umuwi kasama ka
kagaya no’ng paniniwalang mahal kita!”

“Shut up!”

“No, I won’t! Wake up, Alchiel! I had the thrill of watching you swoon all
over me but that woman you love was long dead! I was not her! I was here only to
save my family because yours fucked mine! I was only using you!”

Nadurog ako nang may nahulog na luha sa mata niya.

“L-listen…” he said calmly despite his trembling, and I knew how hard it was
to do but he brushed his tears harshly away. “They are fooling you.”

I know…

“They were using you against the family who loved you. Your mother entrusted
you with Tita Zidney and you went missing years ago because Israel Sebastian
kidnapped you. If you need more proof, I’ll be willing to give it to you.”

“And why are you telling me this?” I snapped.

“They’re using you as a pawn, use you to hurt your family,” he explained.
“Don’t be their pawn. Don’t do this to yourself—”

“And this…” I pointed out. “Do you think would make me love you back?” I
asked, watching how the hope and love in his eyes were slowly withering.

“I really don’t get how naïve people could become for the sake of this
stupid love, how they would make excuses to justify their feelings,” I sighed.
“Stop it, Alchiel. Whatever you do won’t make me love you.”

When he didn’t say a thing, I found myself taking a step back.

Go on, Chiel. Leave. They are watching us. If you sensed I was lying, they’d
hurt everyone I care about.

“Leave and do your job instead of wishing I’d reciprocate your feelings. As
of this time, my father, maybe they had already left. Go on, tell your family I did
all this, but I bet you won’t even tell anyone about what I did. To protect me.
Right?” I asked. “I bet you’d tell them it was your fault when it was mine—all
because of this love?”

Hindi siya umimik, nanatiling nakatitig lang gamit ang malungkot at durog na
ekspresyon.

“You still wanted to protect Clyte’s image in their eyes—even if it tainted

you because you loved her,” I mumbled. “But I am sorry to say, Chiel, that… even if
she was in love with you before, I wasn’t that same woman anymore. I don’t.”

Pasimple akong sumulyap sa wristwatch at ipinikit ang mata, dinadalanging

sapat na oras na ang naibigay ko para sa gustong mangyari. Sapat na sana ‘yon para
makuha si Yaya dahil ‘di ko na kaya ang ilang segundo pang durugin siya.

With one last glance at him, I turned around to go inside the house when a
set of arms stopped me from doing so. My breath hitched, realizing who it was
hugging me from behind.

“Bella…” Nabasag ang boses niya kasabay ng pagkakawasak ng puso ko.

“Alchiel—” His embrace tightened as he whispered.

“A word, just t-tell me you what you said wasn’t true and I-I’ll forget
everything,” he pleaded then, I felt something wet on my shoulder, his tears. “I-I
swear, I won’t ask. Just tell me it wasn’t true then—”

“Wake up, Chiel,” mariing sinabi ko, tuluyan nang nahulog ang luha sa mga
mata. “H-have self-worth at least! Sinabi nang ‘di kita mahal—”

“I don’t believe you!” His voice trembled, his embrace on me shaky and
unstable. “They’re probably forcing you to hurt me and what? If not, they’ll kill
me?”

I closed my eyes tightly.

“Alchiel—”

“I don’t care if they kill me, Clytemnestra!” he gasped. “Y-you telling me

you don’t love me was far worse—”

“Then let go!” I exclaimed. “Kung totoong pagmamahal ‘yang sinasabi mo, tama
na at nasasakal na ‘ko!”

Nanigas siya sa pwesto. His embrace on me loosened and I thought he’d let go
but then I felt his body shifting, going down until he was kneeling,

Napatakip ako sa bibig ko sa gulat nang lingunin ko siya at nasa damuhan na

siya’t nakatungo sa ‘kin, nakaluhod na tila sumasamba. Nakaluhod na tila gagawin
niya ang lahat ng sasabihin ko. Lahat…

“The fuck are you doing?! Tumayo ka r’yan!” I said.

“I d-don’t believe you,” he rasped. “I d-don’t believe you don’t. I felt it,
Clyte. You can’t lie l-like that, kilala kita, e. K-kilala ka nito.” He raised his
gaze and pointed his chest desperately, and seeing his tear-stricken face made my
knees wobble.
 Patuloy na nahulog ang luha ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang umiiyak sa paahan
ko.

“P-please, sweetheart.” Ginagap niya ang palad ko at idinikit ang noo roon.
“T-tell me w-what I could do, tell me w-why I was suffocating you. Tell me s-so I
could…I could fix it. I could—”

“Leave me alone,” I blurted out. “T-that’s my only request.” My voice

trembled.

He tensed and shook his head.

“N-no, you love me—”

“Then look at me,” I whispered, and I could see him refusing to do so at

first but gathering enough strength to look at me this time finally.

I looked at him straight in the eye.

I’m so sorry, Chiel. I’m so sorry. I don’t deserve you. You… you deserve
someone better.

“I don’t love you,” I said as I looked at him in the eye. “Never did. Never
would.”

And it broke him. Storm and grief clouded his once peaceful beautiful eyes.
Walang tigil na nahulog ang mga luha sa mga mata niya.

“Y-you’re aware that if I leave n-now, I won’t turn back,” he whispered.

Tumango ako.

“Yes…”

Tumitig pa siya sa ‘kin ng ilang segundo at nang matantong ‘di na magbabago

ang isip ko’t ‘di na babawiin ang sinabi ay mapait na napatango.

And when he stood from the ground, I almost knelt with him to gather him in
his arms to apologize. I almost begged him not to give up as he gazed at our
intertwined hands.

Don’t let go… My young heart pleaded with him, but I knew for sure I would
never hear something in return for it.

I will be a hypocrite. I will end up pushing him away. I will end up hurting
him again.

Our fingers touched one last time and I never expected it’d come to this but
this time—it was him who dropped my hand.

My heart dropped along with it.

Ganito pala kasakit…

He took a step back, his eyes glassy as he sought my gaze one last time, as
if to memorize my face and he nodded in acceptance.

I fisted my palm, trying to hide from shaking.

 “I love you,” he breathed out I could hear a but in his next words he
couldn’t say, smiling a little sadly but even without it, I felt like I was punched
in the gut hearing the next.

“Nakakapagod ka namang mahalin, Clytemnestra,” pagod niyang turan.

He turned his back and walked closer to the table to grab his phone when the
table shook. I flinched when the flowerpot of rose fell and shattered on the
ground, but he only glanced at it without a thought and left.

When he was out of sight, sobs left my lips as I ran closer to my rose,
gathering the soil with my palms to try and save it but it was too late now. The
rose did not only wither… it died along with me.

Kabanata 32

Kabanata 32

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

College, Year 20xx.

“Remember before? No’ng namali ng gupit sa bangs mo?” Nawala kaagad ang ngiti
sa labi ko pagkarinig ng sinabi ni Crest.

My eyes immediately found familiar blue ones watching us like a hawk, the
suspect of all those monstrosities. When he saw me glaring at him, nabilaukan siya
sa pagkain niya.

“Oh, Cap? Ayos ka lang?” tanong ng team sa kanya na miski sina Zion na nagwa-
warm up ay nakisilip.

“Anyare, Chiel?” dungaw ni Zion sa kanya na patuloy pa ring inuubo, kumakalat

na ang pula sa mukha.

“Ang funny n’on kasi palagi kang naka-headband!” patuloy ni Crest pero ‘di pa
rin nawawala ang tingin ko sa kakambal niyang kung kaya ko lang tirisin gamit ang
tingin ko, napisat na siya.

“Tapos—Chiel? May sakit ka?” Napaahon na sa tabi ko si Crest na nag-aalala

para lapitan ang kakambal na nasa may ibabang upuan lang sa bleachers kung nasaan
kami.

She then tapped his back then motioned her hand.

“Macky, paabot akong water, please!”

Mabilis namang inabot ni Macky ang bottled water at pagkatapos buksan ay

inabot pabalik kay Crest na inilapit ang tubig sa bibig ng kapatid.

“Inom!” she exclaimed. “Lamon nang lamon kasi! Nabilaukan ka tuloy, dahan-
dahan lang!”

When she assisted her twin to drink at feel na feel naman ng mokong, I rolled
my eyes.

Pa-baby…
 Kumalma na siya. Habang iniikutan siya roon ng team niya sa basketball ay
hinanap ako ulit ng tingin niya. I rolled my eyes at him when I caught his gaze. He
blinked.

“Uy, ‘te! Teka, sandali! May practice pa pala kami!” Crest chirped then waved
at me. Bumaba ako ng ilang hakbang sa bleachers patungo sa kanila at sinulyapan si
Alchiel.

“Ano, buhay ka pa?” I asked. Muli siyang naubo.

Hinampas ako ni Crest sabay halakhak.

“Hoy! Grabe siya, o!” she exclaimed. “Mabait ako for today’s episode kaya ‘di
ko aawayin si kambal.”

Uh-huh… if only you knew what your twin did to my poor bangs years ago, you’d
even encourage me to shove his bread in his mouth!

“Ako hindi,” sikmat ko at tumaas ang kilay nang tumayo si Chiel at dahil
nagtutumangkad na naman ang long legs ng bayan ay nag-angat pa ako bahagya ng
tingin.

Bumaling siya sa kambal.

“Practice na kayo, kambal?” tanong niya, tinutukoy ang practice namin for
cheerleading.

“Yup!” she beamed. “Kailangan naming galingan, ‘no! See you later!”

Inilahad ni Chiel ang braso niya at parang may humaplos sa puso ko nang
ngumisi si Crest at niyakap ang kambal niya. She kissed his cheek goodbye,
lecturing him not to overexert much at practice games pa lang at ‘di pa mismong
laro.

He nodded like a kid, listening.

“Hmm… ‘yon lang! Don’t forget ha, to drink your water! Magagalit si Mommy
kapag walang bawas na naman ang tumbler mo!”

“Noted.” He nodded.

“Wait, papaalalahanin ko rin ‘yong mga lalaki,” aniya sabay alis at tawag
kina Zy, Macky, at Dei para pagsabihan din.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Dei. I smiled at him and mouthed good luck. Kanina ko
pa siya nakausap tungkol sa game at pinaalalahanan and knowing my brother,
sumusunod naman iyan isang sabi lang.

Masunurin kasi ‘yan, ‘di kagaya n’ong isa rito!

“Clyte-Clyte…”

“Shh…” I raised my finger. Nakagat niya ang labi.

“Sorry na,” aniya. “Galit ka pa rin—”

“Galit pa rin?” I spat. “Kung ikaw kaya ratratin ko ‘yang buhok mo ng gunting
tapos papasok ka sa school bukas?”
 “Gusto mo?” he asked.

“Huh?” Ako naman ang nalito.

“Do you want to cut my hair?” he asked, mentioning his beautiful lustrous
hair.

Hindi naman kahabaan ‘yon pero unlike his teammates na semi-kalbo na ang
buhok, including Macky and Dei. Zy, on the other hand, was very much attached to
his hair, mukhang balak pa nga yatang pahabain at gusto ng girlfriend niyang ‘di ko
pa kilala hanggang ngayon.

Ang buhok naman ni Chiel ay mas maiksi sa kanya pero mahaba in a sense na
pwede pang paraanan ng daliri.

“Why would I?” I asked.

Litong napakamot siya ng kilay.

“Sabi mo kasi gusto mong gupitan ‘yong buhok ko tapos pumasok ako, para
makaganti?” aniya. Napairap ako sa hangin.

“Ewan ko sa ‘yo, para kang tanga.”

“But you’re mad…”

“Ilang taon na ang nakalipas! Late na ‘yang pagganti ko kung sakali!” I

hissed, watching in fascination his confusion and worry.

Parang bata…

The truth was, we lied about that incident years ago, back in high school. I
have claimed it was my fault rather than saying it was his. Why? Because I think it
was way more embarrassing admitting I let this man cut my bangs for me than messing
it up myself.

It was more acceptable kasi sino?! Sinong matinong tao ang magpapa-bangs sa
lalaking ‘to?!

If I knew, Crest would laugh at my face and tell me how dumb it was to let
her twin touch my hair. Wala sa sariling katinuan ang magpapagupit ng bangs kay
Alchiel Verón!

Nag-headband lang ako no’n hanggang sa magpantay ang bangs ko na umabot ng

buwan! I almost beat the shit out of Alchiel pero araw-araw akong may dessert at
shake na bigay niya kaya medyo nabawasan ang inis ko.

However, hearing how everyone remembered my messy bangs way back, bumabalik
ang gigil ko.

“Clyte-Clyte, kapag ba naggupit ako, bati na tayo?” he asked.

“Mababalik ba niyang gupit mo ang bangs kong naging slant?” I asked.

When his face crumpled and he almost laughed with the sudden visual, nasa
akto na akong sisipain siya. Natatawa siyang umatras.

“Chill, Bella,” he smirked and raised his hand.

 “H’wag mo ‘kong ma Bella-Bella r’yan at makakatikim ka talaga ng sapak,
Sandejas,” I hissed under my breath.

He smirked.

“Patikim nga?” pilyo niyang sabi.

My cheeks flushed. He smirked.

Nairita lang ako at ang sarap burahin ng ngisi niya kaya tinapakan ko ang
puti niyang sapatos na bagong bili.

He groaned and took a step back.

“Clytemnestra!” he gasped. “Bago lang ‘to!”

“Opps?” I gasped. “Gano’n ba? Sorry, mukhang mapapagalitan ka ni Tita, a?”

Ilang beses na kasi siyang napagalitan ni Tita Thallia. Kapag aalis kasi
siya, puti ang sapatos niya, kapag uuwi, ang dumi na na akala mo’y nakipagkarera sa
kung saang lupalop pero nakipag-basketball lang sa mga lalaki.

I was there when Tita lectured him about it kaya simula last month, maingat
na siya sa sapatos niya. Nga lang, napansin kong bagong bili ang suot niya ngayon
tapos puti pa at malinis kaya…

“Papagalitan ako ni Mommy! Wala na!” reklamo niya sabay subok punasan ang
sapatos pero bakat na ‘yong paa ko.

“Aww, kawawa ka naman,” I mused.

He glared at me like a spoiled kid. I smirked then brushed my bangs with my

fingers.

Sweet revenge…

“Ininis mo na naman si Clyte-Clyte, Chiel?” Crest asked and gasped. “OMG!

Madumi ang shoes mo, lagot ka kay Mommy!”

“It wasn’t my fault,” aniya sabay tayo. “Tinapakan n’ong isa r’yan!” Sabay
baling sa ‘kin ni Chiel.

Crest glanced my way in shock. I smirked.

“Ohhh… so, what’s the tea?”

Before I could answer, may tumawag na sa amin na sumilip sa gym.

“Crest! Clyte! Practice na raw!” tawag ng kasama namin sa cheering squad.

“Oh, okay! Papunta na!” Crest chirped then glanced at her twin. “Alis na kami
kambal, bye!” She kissed his cheek again before walking away.

Susunod na sana ako pagkatapos kong kumaway kay Deion pero nasalubong ng
tingin ko ang pisngi ni Alchiel.

“Ano ‘yan?” I asked.

 “Ako walang kiss?” aniyang nang-aasar at inilahad ang pisngi niyang muli.

I smoothened my expression then shrugged.

“Of course, meron,” I answered.

He anticipated it. I even saw his slight blush when I moved my head closer to
his face. The brute even closed his eyes and I leaned closer… pero sa halip na
humalik sa pisngi niya’y ninoohan ko siya ng malakas sabay halakhak at atras.

“Clytemnestra!” His voice roared but I was already hopping my way out of the
gym with my bright smile.

Napagod kami ni Crest kaka-practice ng cheerleading sa nalalapit na

foundation ng university.

“Hindi ka ba napapagod, ‘te?” Naupo sa tabi ko si Crest, hinihingal pa.

“Why?” I asked.

“Practice ng cheerleading tapos sasali ka pang Miss Intrams ulit for college
naman?” she asked. “Ako nga mamamatay na sa sayaw ta’s ikaw dalawa pa!”

“Magkaiba namang araw,” I told her. “At saka kaya ‘yan. Model lang naman doon
at kabisado ko na rin naman ang intermission number at sequence ng events.”

“Kahit na!” Napapagod siyang sumandal. “Ini-imagine ko pa lang na ganyan ang

ginagawa mo, napapagod na ‘ko! Paano pa kaya kung ako pa, ‘di ba?”

I smiled.

“Wala namang nakakapagod kung mahal mo ang ginagawa mo,” I told her. “Yes,
physically, it is exhausting but if you get to do what you like, napapawi n’on
‘yong pagod after.”

“Sa bagay,” she sighed. “Ako kasi ‘di naman ako talaga into physical
labors—you know, ‘yong need talaga na i-exert ang super energy mo like dancing? I
love dancing casually lang for parties and such pero I don’t think I’m cut to it.”

“Bakit, physical labor din naman ang shopping, a? ‘Di ba naglalakad ka with
heels and outfit para magpa-picture at mag-travel din kung saan?” I asked. She
laughed.

“Iba kasi ‘yon! It’s a want!”

“It is like that, BFF,” I told her. “It’s exhausting but you want to shop,
travel, and take pictures pero ‘di mo ramdam kasi gusto mo ‘yong ginagawa mo.”

“Ohh…” Tumango siya nang maintindihang lalo ang ibig kong sabihin. “Okay!
Gets! It was tiring for me because I’m not totally into it but you like it so it
wasn’t tiring for you.”

I nodded at her, smiling.

“Yup,” I agreed. “Ano ba talagang gusto mong gawin?”

Napaisip siya, hindi kaagad nakasagot. She slowly reached for her pink bag na
kaparehas ng red sa akin dahil siya ang nagregalo nito last month.
 “I’m actually not sure, e,” aniya. “I joined lang naman sa cheerleading with
you kasi additional na rin sa grades saka wala akong masalihan talaga. It’s not
like my parents are forcing me. They’re actually supportive of what I do pero kasi…
alam mo ‘yon gusto kong may ma-flex man lang sa kanila?”

My forehead creased.

“How so?”

“Chiel kasi was the winner of the debate team last year and now the
basketball team is in the championship. Si Adi, she just won the quiz bee
competition tapos ako… hindi naman sa naiingit ako, a? Kasi love na love ko ang
siblings ko and as an ate, they deserve everything because they worked hard for it.
They deserve all the great things and I’m proud of them pero alam mo ‘yon? Naiisip
ko, sa akin kaya may bagay na maipagmamalaki ang mga magulang ko?”

“Crest…” I reached for her hand for a squeeze.

“Oh, no, don’t cry.” She chuckled. “Ayos lang ako, Clyte-Clyte. Gusto ko lang
talagang may maipagmalaki kina Mommy at Daddy kahit ‘di naman nila ako pini-
pressure. Siguro I was just satisfying myself or giving myself purpose kasi alam mo
‘yon? College na tayo pero parang ‘di ko pa rin alam ang gusto ko? ‘Di ko pa rin
alam saan ako magaling?”

“You’re into sketching,” I said.

Natigilan siya at namilog ang mata.

“How…”

“Hay naku, Crest, buong buhay natin magkasama tayo. Way back when we’re still
playing doll house with Chiel na epal palagi at nakikigulo sa mga Barbie para pag-
awayin sila until now na malaki na tayo, sa tingin mo ‘di kita kilala? ‘Di ko
nakikita ang ginagawa mo?”

She swallowed.

“It was just a passing fancy—”

“But you’ve been doing that passing fancy for a long time now,” I told her.
“Magaling kang mag-drawing, lalo na sa mga damit. No’ng naglalaro pa tayo ng dolls,
naggugupit ka pa ng tela galing sa kurtina n’yo para gawan ng outfit ang mga
Barbie.”

She laughed and bit her lip.

“Oh, I remember Mommy was so mad because she bought it in Spain,” she gasped.
“Pero mabilis siyang naka-move on no’ng nakitang maganda ‘yong damit ng Barbie na
ginawa ko. She even helped me cutting it para straight tapos ang ending, tinanggal
na lang namin ‘yong buong kurtina para sa ibang outfits.”

I nodded.

“Yup, remember it? Your parents are proud, you just have to show them what
you want to do in life kasi though our families might be attentive to us, ‘di naman
lahat ng bahay alam nila. Minsan, we also have to share it to them, to let them
know. Flex your drawings. ‘Di ba nga, binilhan ka namin ni Chiel ng sketchbook and
pens? We only told you it was an extra doon sa binili naming gift no’ng birthday ni
Daru pero binili talaga namin for you.”
 Her eyes widened.

“R-really? Why… bakit sabi n’yo…”

“Kasi nahihiya ka raw ipakita ang drawings mo,” I said. “Chiel said he’d seen
you sketching at the back of your notebook. ‘Di ka raw nagsusulat sa lecture n’yo
kapag napapadaan siya sa room mo at nagdo-drawing lang.”

She blushed.

“It’s equation kasi, ‘te. Alam mo naman kapag numbers, ‘yong utak ko nasa
outer space!” she exclaimed. Nagkatawanan kami.

“Same,” I pointed out. “Kaya nga nag-nursing ako, sabi kasi more like
tuturuan ka for patient care ta’s nagulat ako may computations?!”

We both giggled. I really love Crest. She is my very best friend in the whole
world and I’ll do everything to protect her. She’s a gem.

She was pure and kind. She never once looked at anyone like a competition.
She had a lot of friends that I noticed them taking advantage of her at times.
Sinabihan ko na siya tungkol sa napansin ko but Crest mostly see the good in people
and told me maybe it wasn’t like that.

Kaya hinayaan ko na at ayaw ko namang maisip niyang inilalayo ko siya sa mga

kaibigan niyang iba but I was certain. She may have other friends but I knew for
sure I was her best friend, too.

“Anyway… dahil lang do’n, binilhan n’yo akong sketch pad?”

“You already have some, too. Naubos lang ng pages, ‘di ba?” I answered. “And
my God, Crest, ako nga na best friend naoobserbahan ang ginagawa mo, paano pa kaya
ang kakambal mo, e, magkarugtong ang balun-balunan n’yo?”

Her lips protruded.

“I didn’t know he was observing me like that…”

“Give your twin more credit, Crest-Crest.” I chuckled. “Agila ‘yon

makatingin. Feeling ko nga spy ‘yon sa last life niya! Akala mo ‘di niya alam pero
inoobserbahan niya. Minsan bago ka pa niya tanungin, sigurado na siya.”

“That’s why I really think he would ace law school! He’ll make a good lawyer!
Or a prosecutor!” she pointed out. “After college kasi maglo-law ‘yan like Dad and
I think it suits him. He’s tough and very, very smart. He also has this aura na you
know, intimidating? He isn’t doing anything but his presence felt like he owns the
room?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, agreeing. He really has that presence, and it will be very
useful in the courtroom. His presence was intimidating but not in a bad way, it
made him deem more powerful and respected.

Ganyang-ganyan kasi siya no’ng debate last year na sinalihan niya. His words
were precise, straight to the point, and tricky even if he was the one on the “con”
side.

“Manang-mana kay Daddy, you know? Subsob sa papeles niya and oh God, I
sometimes worry about my Baby Adi! I started seeing signs na susunod din ‘yon sa
yapak n’ong dalawa! Not that it’s a bad thing, a? It’s great actually but I
sometimes worry about their health. Kasi alam mo ba, si kambal one time, sa sobrang
sipag nga mag-aral naaabutan ko sa kwarto niya nakakatulog na sa desk.”

“Sinabihan ko na rin ‘yan.” I sighed. “Remember first sem finals niya? Buong
gabi gising! Nagkape, ayon! Nagulat ako kinabukasan lumapit sa ‘kin, i-check up ko
raw siya feeling niya mamamatay na siya.”

“What? Bakit?”

“Nagpa-palpitate!” I exclaimed then burst out laughing while remembering

Chiel’s face. He was really pale and clutching his chest.

Akala ko may heart attack, ‘yon pala nasobrahan lang sa kape!

“I had no choice. Kinabahan din ako kasi para na siyang mamamatay sa putla,”
paliwanag ko. “Nag-nosebleed pa! We stayed in the clinic at kapag umalis daw ako,
mas lalo siyang kakabahan.”

“Tsk! Bakit ‘di ko alam?” Her lips protruded. “Kayo, a! Dami n’yong secret na
dalawa sa ‘kin! ‘Yong totoo, sinong BFF mo? Ako o si Alchiel?”

I laughed.

“Silly, of course, you! Nakiusap lang si Chiel na h’wag daw sabihin sa ‘yo
kasi magsusumbong ka kay Tita Thallia kasi papagalitan siya.”

“Because he’s nosy, too! Sinusumbong niya ‘ko kay Daddy kapag may orders ako.
Gantihan lang!” she snapped.

“Don’t worry. No’ng umayos na pakiramdam niya, ‘di man siya nasermonan ni
Tita, ako ang nanermon,” I assured her. “If not as much as she did, I’m sure sobra
pa. Sumakit nga yata ang ulo niya sa haba ng litanya ko. I even showed him the cons
of overexertion.”

And then the memories came back as if it was yesterday.

“Clyte! Clyte, may naghahanap sa ‘yo!” The panic in my classmate’s voice made
me freeze.

“Sino?”

“Sa labas!”

Hindi na ako nagtanong pa. Dagli akong tumayo at nagtaka nang naabutan si
Alchiel na nakasandal sa may pader sa tapat ng classroom. The freshmen—even the
senior ones—are obviously gawking and admiring him.

He stood out because of his height, plus that long legs of his. Paniguradong
sa mga susunod na taon ay mas tatangkad pa ‘tong lalo!

My lips protruded because, like a giant, he was standing six-foot-two in the

hallway with his hair messy, his eyes closed, and with a hand clutching in his
chest.

In his chest…

All the admiration and silent praises vanished when I realized how alarming
that was kaya tinawid ko ang pagitan namin at hinuli ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa
dibdib.

He stiffened, his eyes widening when he saw me holding his hand.

“What happened?” I asked, panicking.

“P-papa-check up ako sa ‘yo,” he mumbled, staring at me with his bewildered

blue eyes.

“Huh?! Bakit?! Anong nangyayari—”

“I-I think I’m gonna die,” he mumbled.

Mas nagwala ang puso ko sa kaba.

“A-ano? Paano?! Fuck, ano’ng nangyari?!” Sinapo ng isang palad ko ang pisngi
niya, ang isang kamay ay hawak pa rin ang palad niya. “Alchiel—”

“Nagpa-palpitate ako,” he whispered.

“Anong ginawa mo ba?!”

My eyes fell on his chest and I could almost feel his heart racing. Without a
word, I pressed my palm in his chest to feel his heartbeats, noticing the way his
heart almost doubled in pace, turning quicker as his breath hitched.

“Ano’ng ginawa mo?” tanong ko sabay angat ng tingin sa mukha niya.

He swallowed and tilted his head and his heart was abnormally fast now it
made me feel scared.

“H-h’wag mong hawakan mas lalo akong nagpa-palpitate—”

“Alchiel!”

“I… finished four cups of coffee,” he confessed and my palm on his cheek went
to his nape as I smacked his head.

“Aray!” Napalayo siya sa ‘kin at napahawak sa batok.

“Gago ka ba?!” I almost screamed if it wasn’t for the students cluttering the
hallways.

I smiled at them to let them see we were good before dragging Chiel to a more
private space.

“What? Nagpa-palpitate na nga ‘yong tao—”

“Bakit ka nag-apat na tasa? Okay ka lang?!” Nang ngumuso siya at nag-iwas ng

tingin ay pasimple ko nang kinurot. Dumaing siya at pilit hinanap ang kamay ko.

“Clyte-Clyte—”

“Malalim ‘yang itim sa mata mo. ‘Di ka natulog?!”

“Nag-aral ako—”

“Nag-aral?! Buong gabi?! Tapos ‘di ka natulog at nagkape pa? Ano’ng inaaral
mo para na sa Bar Exam?!”
 When he scratched his nape and was about to escape me, I pulled him back with
his back pack.

“What?” he whined. “Inaaway mo ‘ko, aalis na lang ako.”

Tinuktukan ko na.

“Aray!” He glared at me.

“Ang kulit mo! Ilang beses na kitang sinabihan tungkol d’yan sa aral mo,
tapos dinagdagan mo pa ng kape—shit!” Naturo ko ang mukha niya nang makita kong
may tumutulo sa ilong niya.

“W-what?”

“M-may…”

“What?” He reached for his nose and when he glanced at his finger, he visibly
lost his color more. “B-blood…”

“Y-yes, blood,” I mumbled horribly.

“W-what are we gonna do?!” Sinulyapan niya ‘ko.

“Ewan!” I panicked. “Bakit ako at tinatanong mo?!”

“You’re the nurse, Clytemnestra!” he exclaimed kaya umawang ang labi ko.

“Shit!”

Tumingala siya bigla para pigilan ang dugo.

“Mali!” I smacked him and forcibly pulled his head down. “No! Ibaba mo ang
ulo mo!”

“Why?”

“Listen to me,” I hissed as I firmed his face to lean in. “Now, squeeze your
nose, this part.” Tinuro ko ang parte sa ilong kung saan niya pipisilin.

He followed me, watching.

“Now, do it for ten to fifteen minutes,” I said then reached for his wrist.
“Come on, let’s go to the clinic!”

“What?” he asked. “It’s almost time for the exams—”

“Wala ka nang kulay iniisip mo pa ang exams!” I hissed and dragged his ass
like he wasn’t a giant to the clinic.

Hindi naman siya nag-inarte. Napapatingin pa sa ‘min ang mga estudyante,

nagtataka siguro kong paano ko basta-basta na lang hatakin ang matangkad na ‘to na
akala mo’y ang liit-liit niya.

“Oh, anyareee, Taba? Clyte-Clyte?” Zy screeched when he saw us in the

hallway, carrying books in his arms, and beside him was a lady who immediately
evaded my gaze and lowered her head down.
 Maybe that’s why they call her Sadako?

“Palpitate,” I explained to him. “Nakaapat na kape! Pupunta kaming clinic!”

Zy glanced at his cousin who only looked away, shaking his head.

“Tsk! Aral na aral kasi, ayan! Sinabihan na kita, Chiel—”

“You should join them. I’ll be fine,” mahinang sinabi n’ong babae sa kanya na
kung ‘di lang ako malapit ay ‘di ko makukuha.

“Theia…” Zy called.

“No, we’re fine,” agap ko na bago pa makuha n’ong girlfriend niya ang libro
kay Zy. “We can manage! Sige, pasok na kayo!”

“But the exams? Male-late na kayo?”

“It’s fine.” I shook my head at him before leaning in his ear to whisper.
“Take your girl to her class and don’t mind us… and oh! Can we expect an
introduction soon?”

Zy chuckled, leaning back to whisper.

“Tanong ko muna. Shy type kasi ang bebe ko, Clyte-Clyte.” Tumawa siya pero
nabitin lang iyon nang may umagaw sa kanya ng libro sa braso niya at walang
pasabing umalis.

My eyes widened the same time as Zy in shock. We followed the lady walking
away with our gaze pero nasalubong ko lang ang nakasimangot na mukha ni Alchiel
habang pisil pa rin ang ilong niya.

He frowned at Zy’s stunned face.

“Why don’t you follow your girl instead of pestering mine?” he spat.

My heart raced. Parang nabibilaukang naubo si Zy at bumaling sa ‘kin. Umubo

rin ako para makaiwas ng tingin.

“P-parang may sore throat ako,” I whispered then pulled my hand back from
holding Chiel’s wrist but he grabbed it back. Mas nag-init ang mukha ko.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

Ako yata ang kailangan ng check up!

“Ah… oh… kay?” Zion mused, his tone teasing and playful. “Ikaw, Chiel-taba,
a? Very naughty and palaban ka na—”

“Shut up and leave! Your girlfriend!” singhal ni Chiel pero ngumisi lang si
Zy, tinapik ako bago nginisian si Chiel at nagtatakbo na pasunod sa girlfriend.

The hallways were now empty and in the middle of nothing, there was us. He
was still holding my hand I was about to pull to let go. He wouldn’t.

Mas humigpit ang hawak niya, ang mata namin ay nasa isa’t isa.

No words got out from our lips but hundreds and thousands of unspoken ones
echoed through our gaze.
 My heart was in shambles. The way it was racing made me wish I should’ve just
overdosed with caffeine to explain why it was beating like that but I couldn’t.

I will soon become a nurse and these feelings? There’s no logical explanation
for it—Science couldn’t even say why it beats this way for him.

I knew. Since we were in high school, I knew. I just didn’t acknowledge it.

It was… wrong. Immoral. Forbidden.

I couldn’t love him that way—I shouldn’t.

“Clyte…”

“Let’s get you to the clinic.” Sa halip ay sinabi ko at ngumiti, itinatago

ang pusong nagwawala at nagsusumigaw para sa kanya, alam sa sariling kahit kailan
ay ‘di ko hahayaang makawala at malaman niya.

“Clyte, about…”

“Come on, let’s go!” I called and when he didn’t bulge, I pulled my hand
away. I saw the slight change in his expression when his hand dropped but I was
already turning my back on him.

As I walked away, he started chasing me and grabbed my hand again it

physically pained me not to grip his back.

This love should stay buried under the soil and roots but it should never get
nourished, shouldn’t sprout and bloom even further for I know it will only wither.

Who knows? Maybe it’ll die soon, too.

...or maybe not.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Ma’am Clyte? Ma’am, uulan na po! Ano’ng ginagawa n’yo? Ayos lang kayo?”

“O-opo.” Tumango ako, patuloy pa ring sinasakop ang lupa sa damuhan.

“Ano’ng ginagawa n’yo, Ma’am? Ang dumi ng kamay n’yo! Pauwi na galing
palengke si Manang. Pasok ka na bago ka makita—”

“Ate, p-patulong po,” desperadong pakiusap ko sabay angat ng tingin sa kanya.

“Ma’am?! Bakit…” She gasped when she saw my tear-stricken face. I probably
looked like a fucking mess now, probably looked like I just got into the mud for
how dirty I was.

Naghahalo na ang luha at lupa sa mukha ko dahil sa paghawi ko ng mga ‘yon

habang madumi ang kamay.

“Please…”

“O-opo! Hala, ano’ng gagawin? Ano’ng kailangan? Uulan na po!”

“Hand me a flower pot, please,” I requested and she left, panicking.

 Maya-maya pa’y inabot niya sa ‘kin ang plastic na paso at inabot ko iyon,
maingat na kinuha ang stem ng rosas pero naputol at nahulog lang ang kalahati ng
katawan nito sa ginawa ko.

“N-no…” I whispered. “C-come on, don’t be like this!”

“Ma’am,” tawag ni Ate. “Ma’am, patay na po ‘yang bulaklak—”

“No, it’s not dead!” I didn’t realize my voice rose until I saw the surprised
look in her eyes. “I-I’m sorry… I-I just…” My voice trembled. “It’s not dead, it’s
fine… it’ll bloom again.”

“Ma’am…”

“Y-you just need the stem, you know?” Nanginginig pa ang kamay kong kinuha
ang nalanta at nasirang bulaklak. I almost dropped it when my palms got pierced
with the thorns if only she didn’t catch my hands.

“Ma’am…”

“It will bloom!” I said positively, gently lowering the stem to take the
knife from my bag. “W-we should… uh, you should only cut the stem like this and
then plant it…”

With my trembling hands, even if it hurt me to do, I cut the flower off with
the roots, leaving only the stem.

“Ma’am, may sugat po kayo. Dumudugo ang kamay n’yo…”

“Then, t-the soil,” I mumbled then gently added the ones I scooped from the
ground. “It will—”

“Ma’am, kuha na lang po tayong bagong rosas? Marami pa naman po…”

“N-no, I want this one,” I said. “It will bloom again, it will root, and
then… there will be a new one.”

“Pero Ma’am, nabali po ang katawan niya, hindi po ba mamatay?”

“It will bloom, it will bloom!” I chanted in a low voice. “It won’t die.
It’ll bloom again.”

“Ma’am…”

“It only withered but it won’t die,” I reassured her. “I-I planted roses all
my life so I know. This will bloom again. I-I know.”

She didn’t comment anymore and watched me as I hopelessly replanted the rose.
I got pricked a lot of times that my fingers were already a bloody mess but I
didn’t care. She tried helping me out but I refused, saying I could do it.

This has to grow again. This needed to bloom.

It can’t die just yet… not now, please. Not now.

Siya lang ang house help na naiwan sa bahay ngayon pati na rin si Manang na
hindi pa nakakarating para samahan ako dahil off muna ang iba habang wala sina
Mommy. She even encouraged me to go inside but I wouldn’t.
 “I’m fine,” bulong ko habang nakatitig sa itinanim. Wala na ang mga bulaklak
at lanta na sa palad ko.

I took my handkerchief and with my shaking hand, iniipit ko ang mga talulot
na lanta sa panyo para maitago at maipit sa libro ko.

I have to keep this, need to take of this. I wanted it to stay, even if it’s
already withered. I could… I could preserve it and wait for the new sprouts to
show.

It would either bloom again or not but I was praying it will be back because
it felt like my lifeline. It felt like if it didn’t, I wouldn’t either.

“Ma’am, umuulan na po…”

“I’m okay,” I mumbled. “I’ll go inside in a while. Mauna ka na.”

“Pero Ma’am,” aniya. “Magkakasakit ka po. Bilin ni Ma’am Zidney na—”

“I’m fine, I promise.”

She was hesitating but when she saw my determination, she let me go after
giving me a towel to clean myself off from the messy soil and my bloody hand.

Ni hindi ako makaramdam na ng sakit. Pakiramdam ko’y namamanhid lang ako at

kung ‘di ko lang ramdam ang paghinga ay baka inisip ko nang hindi na.

Naramdaman ko ang unti-unting pagpatak ng ulan. Napatitig ako sa kawalan at

ipinikit ang mata.

Israel’s man left already. I hope he had a good show to report to his boss. I
hope he’d leave us alone now but it was wishful thinking.

They won’t. And I have to know how they got into our home.

Nervously, my hand reached for my bag and took my phone out, whispering
desperate prayers to get some good news.

I hope the time was enough

“Please… please…”

Mas lumalaki na ang patak ng ulan at alam kong ilang saglit lang mababasa na
ako sa pagbuhos nito.

I held my breath and while trembling, I opened my phone and saw the message.

From: Bullet

Your yaya’s safe now, Clyte. Don’t worry.

Napabuntonghininga ako, muling kumawala ang luha sa mga mata at inilapit sa

dibdib ang phone.

“T-thank you, thank you… thank you,” I chanted under my breath, sobbing.

I asked Bullet for help. I knew I couldn’t ask anyone in the family without
Chiel knowing. May tiwala naman ako kay Zy, o ‘di kaya’y kay Tito Zeijan at
p’wedeng sa kanila ko sabihin pero natatakot ako na may makaalam at mapahamak si
Yaya.

It’s not like I asked Bullet directly. She had seen me crying over the phone
call yesterday after those assholes sent me a photo after they kidnapped and
threatened me over Yaya Mildred. ‘Di ko alam ang gagawin ko, takot na takot ako.

“Clyte?”

I stiffened. Nilingon ko ang pinanggagalingan ng boses at nagulat pagkakita

kay Bullet.

“Bullet,” I called and tried drying my tears off. “W-what are you doing
here?” I asked.

She’s in the prosecution building.

“I just dropped a file from DEA,” aniya at tumitig. “Do you have a
problem?”

“N-no, nothing, I’m fine. M-may ano lang—”

“You can tell me,” she said, concerned. “I can help you.”

Could she?

I immediately tried masking the hope forming in my expression.

No, hindi p’wedeng madamay siya. Pamilyado siyang tao. She was Zy’s wife,
they had two kids, and…

“Was it the photo?”

Nagulat ako at nahulog ang tingin sa kamay, dagling pinatay ang ilaw ng phone
nang mapansing ‘di ko nagawa at itinago sa likod ko.

“Nothing—”

“I know there is something suspicious about all this.” She moistened her lip
and sighed. “They asked you to spy and do something for them, right? It will be
very impossible to just let the Sandejas take you back without a fight—unless
they had an agenda, right?”

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

“And when you refuse, they have something and someone important in their
hands, and they’ll use them to control you. If you won’t follow, they’ll get hurt.”

Nag-angat ako ng tingin, nagulat sa mga sinabi niya.

“H-how…”

“If there is someone who understands what you feel, it will be me.” She
smiled a little sadly, as if she recalled a distant memory. “You can trust me.”

“I won’t…” Umiling ako. “I won’t involve you in this. Y-you have a family,
bata pa ang mga anak mo, at si Zy, he will be devastated if something happens to
you.”

“I don’t know if I should say this but… I’m sure you’re aware of what Zion
and Zeijan Sandejas do.”
 Tumango ako.

“What I’m about to tell you is confidential. Can I trust you?” she asked, her
gaze observant.

I nodded.

“I’m currently DEA’s Director,” she told me. Namilog ang mga mata ko sa
gulat.

“But I thought it was Zy…”

“He was the front man, that idiot was lazy as fuck. Ako na simula pa noon ang
namamahala sa agency at puro kain lang ang ginagawa n’on.” She chuckled a little.
“But anyway, everyone thought it was him when all along, it was me.”

Tumango ako, namamangha sa nalaman.

“But before I got involved in DEA, I was… well, how could I say this in other
words?” She reached for her cheek to scratch it, thinking.

“It’s fine, you can tell me,” I told her. Tumitig siya, mukhang tinitimbang
ang sasabihin pero sa huli’y humugot ng hininga.

“Well… I, uh, I kill for a living.” She then smiled mysteriously when she saw
the shock on my face.

“R-really?”

Akala ko’y secretary siya ni Zy sa agency. That’s what’s written in the files
about her and her husband. He was the director but I guess it was only in the
papers.

“Hmm…” She nodded. “And I experienced the same thing as you. I was threatened
and forced to do things that way. I was just lucky because I met my husband and
this family, they helped me and you could do the same but I’m sure you’re afraid to
tell them. You’re afraid they’ll get hurt.”

Tumango ako.

“I understand,” she mumbled. “If you let me help you, I promise I’ll do my
best. Zy doesn’t even have to know. Well, unless he’s digging now, too. He’s always
suspicious of things. Simula no’ng bumalik ka, mas lalo siyang abala. Maybe about
Israel Sebastian’s case in Cebu. He’s been very busy with Chiel. I heard they are
searching for that Cole asshole or something…”

My breath hitched. My hand trembled. She saw it, but she didn’t say a thing.

“He won’t even tell me what he’s doing so I won’t tell him what I do, too.”
She shrugged.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone.

“W-will it be possible?” I asked. “T-to ask for help? I mean…”

She nodded.

“Trust me,” she only said. “But to do that, you must tell me everything. We
must plan ahead of time. We must be two steps away from the enemies.”

“Diyos ko! Clyte! Ano’ng ginagawa mo sa ulanang bata ka?!” Manang got back
and panicked when she saw me drenched in rain, seated on the bench alone while
staring at the flower pot, waiting for it to magically grow back right now like how
it was in fairytales.

But this fucked up day wasn’t part of a fairytale. This one was a tragedy,
one where I’d probably meet a tragic end.

There’s no prince saving me while trapped in the tower, no strength and

bravery even found from the princess to save herself.

She was doomed. She was in the dark.

She had no salvation.

“Clyte!”

Wind blew harshly the pressure knocked the flower pot off the pavement and it
fell. Nagkalat ang lupa pero sa mga oras na ‘yon ay wala na akong lakas para
sakupin pa’t kunin ang mga nawala. Wala nang lakas para maghangad na maayos at
mabalik pa sa dati.

They were calling me but I heard nothing but my own heart breaking.

The stem got washed with the water and I watched it with tears in my eyes.

It won’t bloom anymore… It won’t.

But I still wanted to, even if it failed.

Dagli akong tumayo, nilakihan ang hakbang para maabutan ang tangkay at
maisalba pang muli but just as I was about to grab it, I tripped.

Malakas akong bumagsak sa damuhan. Manang gasped loudly and called again but
I kept reaching for the stem until it vanished from my sight.

“N-no,” I whispered. “M-my rose…” I sobbed.

“Ma’am Zidney!”

“Clyte!” someone exclaimed. May sumakop sa katawan ko.

Wala pa ako sa sarili nang maramdaman kong may umaalalay sa ‘kin paupo pero
ang mata ko’y nasa kung saan naglaho ang sanga.

I have to save it! I’ll try to plant again! It will bloom!

It has to!

“Clyte…” a very familiar voice called. “Clyte! Darling, look at me. Anak…”

It was raining. My eyes were blurry from the tears that it took me a while to
realize what was happening and who was in front of me, kneeling to level my gaze.
She was drenched in the rain, too, her eyes bloodshot.

My mother! My mother’s here… Si Mommy ko…

 “M-mom?” I called.

“Y-yes, yes, darling…” she called, her voice shaking and scared. “What’s the
matter? Why are you outside? It’s r-raining! Magkakasakit ka…”

“My…” My voice trembled as I cried harder.

“Yes, baby?” marahang sabi niya habang patuloy akong humihikbi, ‘di na alam
kung may lakas pa para magsalita. “W-what is it, princess? You can tell Mommy. It’s
fine. Mommy’s here.”

“My…”

“Yes?” she caressed my face. “I-it’s okay, princess. You can tell me, Mommy
will listen. Mommy’s here.”

I cried louder as I opened my mouth to speak.

“‘Yong r-rose ko, Mommy. ‘Y-yong rose ko…” I said, the desperation wounding
my trembling voice.

Her eyes softened as she nodded.

“A-alright, okay, anak ko. We’ll look for your rose. Thorn…?” she called and
then glanced somewhere to look for him but then we both realized my father was
already opening the drain where the stem fell with a flashlight in his hand, ready
to jump in if he had to.

Kabanata 33

Kabanata 33

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

College, Year 20xx.

Moving exams was one of the reasons to blame if I died.

Tangina n’on.

Nakatulala ako sa hallway, hawak ang handouts ko at kasama ang mga kaklase ay
nagtatanong kung bakit ba kami nag-nursing.

It was hell. I studied well but when you’re already in it and it started
moving in five seconds mark per item, mabablangko ka.

“Clyte, mamamatay na ‘ko,” ani Jam kaya wala sa sariling tumango ako.

“Same,” I agreed. “Should we get ready to re-enroll in this subject next

sem?”

She groaned. I sighed.

“Sana ‘di na siya ang prof, ‘te! Parang wala akong natutunan tapos ‘yong
exams ‘di naman niya tinuro!”

Tumango ako.
 She was right. It was very hard. May mga nakuha naman akong sagot pero ‘yong
iba, gut feeling lang. In short, hula.

Sabi lang ng puso ko ‘yon ang sagot pero ‘yong utak ko, ayon, tulala lang
kami. ‘Di pa nagpa-process ang nangyari.

It was our final practical moving examination for my last year in college as
a nursing student. I was already finishing my internship in our hospital and malaki
ang tulong ng actual kaysa sa nababasa lang sa libro at hindi naman lahat ng ‘yon
ay na-a-apply sa real work.

I was getting ready and studying early for my upcoming examination, but I
couldn’t believe I had messed up that practical in the laboratory. Paano na ‘yon?
Sixty-forty pa naman ang percentage.

If I messed with my lab grades, maapektuhan ang lecture ko. Hindi pa naman
maganda ang prelims and midterms ko kasi ang hirap talaga kaya alanganin ako.

Ano ‘yon, paano kapag ‘di ako grumadweyt on time?

Nakakahiya kina Mommy at Daddy. They were so proud of me, flexing I’d finish
school this year and that I’d take my boards next year! My family congratulated me
kahit wala pa nga and if I failed, paano na?

Ang mahal ng tuition ko rito sa university. I insisted way back when I was
just in my freshman year na sa mga college lang ako mura ang tuition, but they
wanted me in a prestigious one, para daw maganda ang facility at makakasama ko ang
ibang pinsan.

Gusto ko rin naman sila kasama. Masaya nga ‘yon pero nahihiya lang talaga ako
kina Mommy at ang mahal ng tuition ko kahit kaya ko namang mag-nursing kahit saang
university na nag-o-offer.

Kaya no’ng nandito ‘ko, pinangako ko sa sarili ko—sa kanila—na pag-

iigihan ko sa pag-aaral para worth it ang pagpapaaral nila sa ‘kin.

I was an orphan. I knew it even when I was a child; pinakilala kasi sa ‘kin
ni Mommy Zidney ang Mommy Ritch ko. She said it was my right to know her—that I
deserved to know how much my Mommy Ritch loved me and that she could die—but she
had saved me.

She had lung cancer. Final stage. That’s when she also found out she was
pregnant with me and refused chemotherapy because she wanted to have me.
Ipinagkatiwala niya ako kina Mommy at Daddy—sa mga Sandejas—at malungkot akong
wala na ang Mommy para iligtas ako pero masaya ako’t may tahanan at pamilya akong
napuntahan.

I never felt I was different. I loved them dearly. They were my family.

Mahal na mahal ko ang mga kapatid, ang mga magulang, ang buong pamilya. The
Sandejas-Valderama family was large. We had an extended family at lahat ‘yon ay
pamilya ang turingan.

I never felt like an outcast. Utang na loob ko ang buhay na magandang ito sa
kanila. I didn’t know the main reason why my real mother had to leave my biological
father, but I assumed there was a terrible reason why.

I was almost kidnapped. Twice.

 Once when I was a little. Mabuti na lang at may guards at naroon ang Daddy.
He made sure I was safe but, in the end, he got wounded and was sent to the
hospital. He said he didn’t mind and that he was fine at ayos lang daw basta ligtas
ako, pero it wasn’t okay with me.

He almost died. Because he was trying to protect me.

The second one was way back in high school. It was prevented because Chiel
was very attentive. He was able to alert the guards and I was evacuated.

However, it was one of the reasons my mother became so paranoid that she sent
me briefly to the States to study for some time to keep me safe while they were
sorting things out. Alchiel kept me company; iniyakan pa nga niya si Tita Thallia
para makasama sa ‘kin.

It was adorable. Crest wanted to join us, too, but she couldn’t. Bumibisita
lang dahil wala raw kasama si Adi sa bahay nila.

My parents also visited me weekly, nasa high alert din ang security kaya
kapag nasa labas ay ‘di ako p’wedeng mag-isa. It’s either I’d go alone, and they
would be there close to me, or I’d be with Chiel and nando’n pa rin sila pero mas
malaya at nakamasid lang sa malayo.

They trusted Chiel to protect me if ever it, unfortunately, came to it.

Hopefully, it won’t.

Matangkad kasi. Sa edad namin, mas matangkad na siya kaysa sa mga pinsan
namin. Siya ‘yong tipong biglang tangkad agad during preteens. Sina Zy, Macky, at
Dei ay matangkad din at halos magkakasing-height lang sila siguro sa future pero
mas nauna ‘tong mag-mature. Panganay rin kasi sa lahat kaya understandable ang
growth spurt.

We had a vacation house there, and Chiel and I stayed for a few months to
study. It was great. I never felt bored because he was there.

We’d go to school together. Magkaiba ang year namin at nauna siya sa ‘kin
pero inaantay niya ‘ko pauwi tapos sabay kaming gagawa ng assignment, mag-iikot,
kakain, at manonood ng movies kasama si Crest kahit sa online lang.

I never felt like an outcast in this family. I felt loved and I felt like I
belonged but that escape in reality also took a toll on me. It only solidified the
feelings I tried so hard to stomp back on the ground and bury.

I knew it was wrong. I didn’t even acknowledge it before because it’s just…
it’s way too sensitive. Way too disturbing. I felt like if anyone found out about
my dirty, dark secret, I’d get condemned because it was wrong.

I had a slight crush on Chiel.

Slight lang… kasi may limang crush pa kaming iba ni Crest.

Akala niya no’ng una, five lang ang crush ko pero six talaga, kasama na ro’n
‘yong kambal niya pero s’yempre, bakit ko sasabihin, ‘di ba?

It’s weird.

And we may not be blood-related but being attracted to him was out of the
question. However, I couldn’t stop it, and I started to hate acknowledging him as
my cousin—the reason why I introduced him to other people as a friend.

It’s probably just a stupid crush because he’s good to me, plus he’s very
handsome. He’s one of my best friends. He has been there with me and Crest since we
were little and I grew accustomed to him, but that vacation made me realize that if
I let these feelings bloom, it would end up complicated.

At ayoko ng complicated.

Mostly now because my gut was telling me he’s into me, too. I have felt it
rooted deep within, kahit ‘di niya sabihin. I just knew.

Umiwas ako. Pagkauwi namin sa Pinas ay dumistansya ako. Hindi ako sigurado
kung nararamdaman din ni Crest na may something, o baka kung sakaling pansin man
niya’y ‘di niya lang sinasabi which was better. I guess.

Hindi ko rin kasi alam kung paano siya sasagutin do’n kung magtanong siya.
I’d just lie, deny, and pretend nothing’s wrong when everything was.

I accepted suitors and had a few flings. Actually, may few ex-boyfriends din.
Crest knew. Chiel knew, and he was not okay with it, but he didn’t stop me or
anything.

However, he didn’t hide the fact he didn’t like the suitors, the flings, and
the exes. He made his displeasure known to me. Saying those men weren’t good to me,
that I was still young and so and he had a point actually. They ended up as a bunch
of assholes, but I won’t tell him.

I won’t give him the satisfaction that whatever I do, nothing beats my
attraction for him.

Damn these feelings.

If anyone found out—if my mother found out—I would be doomed.

Mahal na mahal ko ang pamilya ko. Mahal na mahal ko ang mga kapatid at
magulang na kinalakhan ko. They gave me everything I needed, I was not sad—yes,
there were times I was wondering what it would be like if my real mom was alive.

No’ng bata kasi ko’y hanggang nag-high school na ay may mga oras na may
iilang mga tao na hobby yata ang mam-bully at gawing katatawanan ang mga seryosong
bagay at gamitin laban sa ‘yo.

One time, back in elementary, a classmate saw me with my parents visiting

Mommy Ritch’s grave because it was her birthday and we celebrated with the
family.
Nilapitan ako ng classmate ko at nagtanong. I proudly told her that we visited my
mommy because it was her birthday but instead of being happy for me or even
consoling me, she made fun of it.

Pinagkalat niya sa school na ampon ako.

Wala naman akong problemang ampon ako, at alam naman iyon ng halos sa
pamilya
namin, kasama na sina Crest at Chiel. Iniyakan ko pa nga ‘yon dahil alam pala ng
kambal pero ‘di nila sinabi sa ‘king alam nila. However, I let it go. It didn’t
really matter pero kapag ibang tao pala ang nagsabi, nagiging masama ang tunog.
Pakiramdam ko’y ‘di ako kasali sa pamilya… na wala akong karapatan.
Na nakikisiksik at feeling na belong kahit ‘di naman.
 I was bullied. Ang mga pinsan at ang kambal ang nagtanggol sa ‘kin.

“Ano ngayon kung ampon?!” Crest exclaimed.

“Anong ano ngayon?” the mean girl mocked. “Ampon siya, ibig sabihin, ‘di siya
kasama sa pamilya n’yong feeling sikat porket mayaman!”

“Shut up! H’wag mo silang idamay rito!” I hissed under my breath, trying to
reach for Crest but she was fuming mad.

Magulo ang buhok naming dalawa at katatapos lang magsabunutan sa gym ng

school pagkatapos nila ako paringgang ampon at nakikisali lang sa pamilya.

All of it happened because Lucy didn’t win Miss Intrams. The hell? Ang babaw!

Pinaikutan na kami ng mga kaklase na nakikiusyoso para may pagtsismisan nila

mamaya.

Hindi ko na nga kasi sana papansinin at sanay na ako pero narinig ni Crest at
kinompronta. Kaya ayon, ang ending, nagsabunutan at ‘di naman ako ‘yong tipong
iiwanan sa laban ang kaibigan kaya nang makitang may hihila sa buhok ni Crest,
hinatak ko ang buhok pabalik kaya kami na ang nagsabunutan.

Napaghiwalay lang kami nang may iilang mabubuting loob ang sumubok magpakalma
sa amin.

“Anong shut up?! Alam n’yo bang…” inikot niya ang tingin sa lahat, “kaya
nanalo ‘to ng Miss Intrams kasi binayaran ng magulang niya ang judges?!”

It caused commotion. I almost rolled my eyes.

“You’re funny, do you really think I have to bribe just to win?” I asked.

“Oo!” she spat. “Hindi ka naman magaling! Muntik ka pa ngang madapa sa

stage!”

“Kasi pinatid mo siya. Stupid ka ba?!” Crest screamed.

She gasped.

“No, I didn’t! Why would I trip her—”

“Then, why are whining because you didn’t win?” laban ni Crest. “Sa sagot
n’yo pa lang sa question and answer, lamang na si Clyte! Tapos sasabihin mong
nagbayad!”

“Bakit, hindi ba?!” she exclaimed. “Sasabihin n’yo pang donation sa school
pero mga nagbabayad lang naman kayo sa grades!”

“My God… your argument is so petty.” Umiling si Crest at iritado nang lalo.
“Listen here, girl. No offense, a? Pero kung ma-offend ka, e di dapat lang kasi
your mindset is really pang-tanga.”

“How dare you?! E, ikaw nga bagsak! Bobo ka naman—”

“Oh, akala ko ba argument mo is we’re making bayad for the grades? Tapos
bagsak ako?” she asked. Natahimik si Lucy. “Come on, get your arguments straight
naman!”
 “Shut up—”

“Yes, I’m bagsak!” ani Crest na inikot ang tingin, “I know pinagtsitsimisan
n’yo na because somehow… my test papers are out in the public and I don’t know why.
Anyway, as you can see, I failed the exam because I’m not really that good at the
subject and well, I feel bad, but I know I have to study again and try harder.
There, happy, Lucy?”

“Nagbabayad pa rin kayo! Inggit ka lang kasi mga kapatid mo matatalino tapos
napag-iiwanan ka! Kaya nagbabayad na lang!”

Now, it pissed the hell out of me.

That’s fucking below the belt! Not Crest!

Mabait akong tao pero nakakalimutan ko minsan na anak ako ni Zidney

Valderama. My mother was once called a devil because of her bad reputation, fierce
attitude, and strong will and when I was a kid, isa sa paalala niya sa ‘kin ay
h’wag magpapaapi, lalo na kapag inaagrabyado ka.

“You know why you lost the pageant?” I asked.

Matalim niya akong tinignan.

“Ano?!”

“Remember the judge’s question for the contestants? Us? ‘For you, what’s
sportsmanship?’ Technically, it’s about fairness, and respect for your opponent,
whether you win or lose. About how gracious you’d be in winning and the acceptance
in losing.”

Sinulyapan ko siya mula paa hanggang ulo, ‘di na napigilan ang sariling
tumaas ang sulok ng labi.

“That aspect should be seen in a contestant, most probably possessed by the

winner, but based on the definition of the word itself, parang wala ka naman yata
n’on?”

She gasped loudly like I just stabbed her. I heard the oohs from the people
around and Crest even let out a soft chuckle, surprised too, I fought back.

“Y-you…” Dinuro niya ‘ko, namumula na. “How dare you?! Ampon ka lang naman!”

There she went again. Ang mga panlaban pabalik wala sa topic.

“Nakikisakay ka lang sa pamilyang ‘yan! Magsama-sama kayong mga gahaman!

Narinig n’yo ‘yong sinabi niya, huh?!” She glared at me. “Ampon ka lang naman! Wala
kang mommy—”

I scoffed. Not my mom. Never.

And so, I embraced pettiness. I’d fight back for all I care.

“I have moms. Two in my case, and both cared and loved me. At least, kahit
ampon, mahal ako ng mommy ko. E, ikaw, anak ka ngang tunay, mahal ka ba? E,
mukhang
‘di ka nga naturuan ng GMRC—” I gasped and covered my mouth. “Ohh… Sorry, do
you
even know what GMRC means?”
Napabughalit ng tawa si Crest.
 “Opps… may natamaan!” She chuckled.

Lucy screamed and attacked me by grabbing my hair to yank on it. Gumanti rin
ako kaya nagkagulo ulit sa gym sa sigawan.

“Magtawag kayo ng teacher!” sigawan na nila.

I was scratched and all, ‘di ako nagpatalo. May mga lalaki na ring barkada ni
Lucy ang nakisali at nakiaawat.

“Ang arte, ampon lang din naman!” dagdag n’ong isa sa mga nag-attempt
manligaw sa ‘kin this year na kaibigan ni Lucy na ngayon ay jowa na niya. “Bitawan
mo siya!”

“Fuck off!” I hissed when I felt him touch me.

“Akala mo naman conservative, ‘di pa nagpapaligaw kunwari maarte lang

talaga—”

“Get your hands off the girls or I’ll snap your arms off?”

Nagrigudon ang puso ko sa boses na ‘yon. Natahimik ang buong gym sa pagpasok
niya kaya sabay-sabay kaming napalingon at nakita si Alchiel na magulo pa ang
buhok, suot ang jersey niya, at may tuwalya sa balikat.

Oh… may practice game pala sila ngayong oras!

Behind him were his teammates, some from his year level and some in the lower
years—including Zy, Macky, and my brother who were now watching us seriously,
storm razing in their eyes.

I shrugged the grip off.

Mas tumalim ang tingin ni Deion at kumuyom ang kamao.

“Let my sister go,” matalim niyang sinabi.

Natawa ang gagong lalaki.

“Bakit hindi? Maarte itong kapatid mo—oh, she wasn’t really because
technically, she’s an orphan, right?”

“Dei, no…” I mouthed to my brother.

He’s just a kid! Masasaktan siya sa mga gagong ‘to!

I gasped when my brother strode closer with rage in his eyes but before he
could even wield a fist on the asshole’s face, tumalsik na iyon sa tabi ko sa
naunang sapak ni Alchiel.

Napasigaw ako sa gulat. Sumugod ang kaibigan nito kay Alchiel pabalik na
nakaiwas sa suntok at inisang hablot ang uniform ng lalaki at hagis kung saan ay
nagkagulo na.

“Ano’ng nangyayari dito?!” The Dean’s voice echoed the gym. We’re all doomed.

Pinapunta kami sa guidance.

 Luckily, the boys weren’t called. ‘Di sila nadamay kasama ang kapatid ko.
Alchiel claimed he knocked those idiots na nasapak nina Deion kaya ‘di sila
nakasama rito.

We were seated on the couch, and our hair’s a mess. I was in the middle.
Nagrereklamo si Crest at nasira ang hawakan ng Chanel bag niya dahil sa ipokritang
Lucy sa tabi ko habang si Chiel ay nasa arm rest nakaupo sa kabilang gilid ko,
malamig ang tingin.

Lucy and her friends won’t stop whining, pointing to us like we started it. I
was so annoyed!

Damn it. I was taking care of my reputation here at ayaw kong napapatawag ang
Mommy at Daddy dahil sa ‘kin pero talagang ginagalit ako nina Lucy! Ayan tuloy,
napatawag ang mga magulang namin!

“Mr. and Miss Sandejas, kayo ang nakakatanda pero nakisali kayo?” bungad nila
sa ‘min.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, pero ‘di po kami ang nagsimula—”

“Still, you should’ve known better! Mas matured kayo!” She glanced fiercely
at Alchiel who was only listening with his eyes devoid of emotion. “Mr. Sandejas!”

“Yes, Ma’am?” pormal niyang sinabi.

“You’re the basketball team’s captain! Tama bang papatol ka?! You should’ve
known better! Set an example! Ikaw raw ang nagsimulang manuntok!”

I glared at Lucy’s smirking face.

“Mr. Sandejas!”

“I invoke the fifth,” aniyang seryoso. Muntik na akong mabulunan ng sariling

laway sa narinig habang nanlalaki ang matang binalingan si Chiel na seryoso.
Humagikhik si Crest.

“Ano?! I was asking you, Mr. Sandejas! Bakit mo hinagis ‘yong mas bata sa
‘yo?!”

Ng ano? Isang taon lang o dalawa?!

I fought the urge to speak.

“Nasira ang uniform ko!” reklamo n’ong kaibigan ni Lucy. “My family has a
lawyer! Irereklamo namin kayo ng harassment—”

“May I ask who started the harassment?” Alchiel glanced at him. “Who started
the verbal harassment and intimidation? Who started touching these girls? Your
group, right?”

“Bakit? Totoo namang ampon!” Lucy hissed. “Nanalo lang naman ‘yang si
Valderama dahil binayaran n’yo lang naman ang judge—”

“Do you have proof, Miss?” Alchiel snapped back.

Nang ‘di nakaimik si Lucy ay nagpatuloy si Chiel.

“Be careful of what you say, Miss. Slander can be filed against you.”
 “Oh… kayo rin siguro ang nag-post sa anonymous confession page about Clyte,
‘no?” Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Crest.

She knew? ‘Di ko sinabi sa kanyang nabasa ko ‘yon at usap-usapan na no’ng

nakaraan. Tungkol sa blind item na ampon daw at manggagamit ng pamilya, dahil may
pera ay nagbayad ng judge para manalo sa pageant.

“About?” I heard the tension in Chiel’s voice.

“About a certain someone who was an orphan, and that her family paid the
judge for her to win,” ani Crest. “I’m sure it’s you.”

Namutla si Lucy.

“H-hindi ako!”

“You can track someone’s IP address nowadays, Miss,” ani Chiel sa mas mariing
tono. “Once proven it came from you or your group, consider libel to be added as a
case against you.”

“Mr. Sandejas.” Bumuntonghininga na si Dean. “Stop it. I was asking you why
you punched these boys?”

Bumaling si Chiel sa kanya.

“I invoke my right to remain silent, Dean,” aniya.

“Mr. Sandejas!”

“We were not talking without a lawyer,” he drawled.

I almost smirked at Lucy when she frowned at me. Akala n’yo, a? May pa-
lawyer-lawyer pa kayo, ayan, pinakitaan kayo ng anak ng abogado! Tingnan natin
ngayon!

“Miss Valderama.” Nilingon ako ni Dean. I bit my lip and didn’t answer.

“Miss Sandejas.” Bumaling si Dean kay Crest na ngumiti nang maliit.

“I’ll plead the fifth, Dean,” malambing na sabi ni Crest at nang humugot ng
hininga si Dean, iritado na at bumaling sa kabilang grupo ay humagikhik si Crest at
kinurot ako sabay bulong.

“‘Te, tunog matalino ako!” She giggled.

“You two…” Napaayos kami ng upo sa istriktong boses ni Chiel at nilingon

siyang seryoso na pinapanood kami.

“What?” I asked.

Pinagmasdan niya si Crest, bago ako at tumaas ang kilay.

“You two okay?”

“Yes.” We both nodded.

“Great job,” aniya sabay baling sa kabilang grupo na pinagtuturo kami.

 Napangiti akong lalo. Sina Lucy ay nagsimula na namang mag-inarte at kung
ano-anong kwento na naman ang nabuo.

“Mr. Sandejas, was it true? Just tell me what happened.”

“I won’t talk without my attorney, Dean,” aniya.

“Look! They’re using their privilege—”

“Who used it first, Miss? You, right?” ani Chiel. “And we’re not boastful
about this, I’m saying this because we have the right to an attorney and you do,
too. You can call yours because—”

The doors of the guidance opened, and my smile widened when I saw Tito
Iñigo’s cold blue eyes as he pulled his necktie loose. Sa kanyang tabi ay si Mommy
Zidney na matalim ang tingin, suot ang kulay light red niyang damit.

The siblings looked very alike with that look in their eyes.

“—because my attorney’s here,” pagtatapos ni Chiel.

My gaze and my mom’s met. Lumambing ang tingin niya pero nang mapunta sa
pisngi ko, sa kalmot ni Lucy, ang tingin niya’y dumilim ulit iyon.

“Who hurt my daughter?” Her quiet, intimidating voice echoed in the room.

Mahal na mahal ako ng pamilya ko. Mahal na mahal ako nina Daddy at Mommy at
kung malalaman nilang ganito ang nararamdaman ko—na may gusto ako kay
Chiel—they would be very disappointed. And I hated disappointing them.

Not when they gave me everything I needed, everything I wanted. I can’t ruin
our family.

“Clytemnestra Fabroa,” tawag ni doktora kaya napaahon ako.

My heart was racing, scared of the outcome of my practical examination.

Lumapit ako sa desk niya at may inabot siya sa ‘king papel.

I folded it, didn’t even take a peek for I was really nervous of the outcome.
Mamaya ko na lang sisilipin sa bahay para walang makakita!

“Thank you, Ma’am—”

“Study harder, Miss Fabroa,” ani Dra. Mercado kaya nahulog ang puso ko.

“Opo…”

She sighed.

“I know you do great with your lecture, but your laboratory will be more
useful in the field kapag RN ka na,” aniya.

“S-saan po…” I cleared my throat. “In what aspect pa po need ko ng

improvement, Dra.?”

I saw the change in her expression. She smiled.

“I like your mindset, hija. You’re not the know-it-all type. You want to know
your weakness and work around it—that alone will be very useful in the practice.”
 Nakalma ako kahit paaano.

“But of course, you have to hone your skills. Practice more starting with
drawing blood from your patient. Namaga ang ugat ni Miss Jam last practical,
right?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Y-yes, Ma’am.”

“And then your last volunteer, Mr. Sandejas, correct?” Tumango ako. “Before
drawing blood, assess your patient, if they’re comfortable with it or if they’re
scared of injection para ‘di sila nahihimatay.”

Oh… God.

Kinagat ko ang labi at tumango.

“It will affect your grade negatively, lalo na sa practice. There might be
patients who have less knowledge about what you do na baka makaisip ng masama sa
‘yo kahit ang patient naman ang nahimatay kasi natatakot,” aniya. “Patient-nurse
communication, okay? Be very gentle, too. Namamaga ang ugat ng tao kapag namali ng
galaw.”

E di ko kasi talaga mahanap ‘yong ugat ni Jam! Tapos gano’n din si Chiel kaya
natadtad ko. Sabi niya okay lang daw at ‘di siya takot! Tapos nahimatay sa
practical naming dalawa sa harapan ni Ma’am!

“Sorry po…”

“It’s fine,” aniya. “But practice harder, alright? I will be giving a written
examination for the class next meeting. The score will be added to the practical
exam.”

I thanked her. Bumalik ako sa upuan ko at kinausap si Jam na pasado naman. I

didn’t tell her my score because I still didn’t check and I was terrified to do so
kasi obviously, bagsak kahit ‘di na tingnan.

I was left alone in the room after dahil may tinapos pa akong reviewer. I
went out and then touched my test paper inside my bag.

I looked around.

Wala namang tao kaya naglakas-loob akong silipin.

35/75

It was written in red, bold letters. Nakabilog pa!

Naiyak ako.

Tanginang score ‘yan. Mas mahal pa ang pinambibili ko ng kape kapag nagre-
review!

Literal na nagkaroon ako ng breakdown. Because no one was in the hallway, my

sobs echoed.

Baka ‘di ako grumadweyt! Paano ko sasabihin kina Mommy? Umaasa silang papasa
ako! Akala nila…

Napaupo ako sa sahig. I covered my face, sobbing and crying because I wanted
my family to be proud of me. They did not once force me to get high grades, but I
wanted to! For them! For myself!

Para worth it lahat ng sakripisyo nila sa ‘kin! Para ‘di sila magsising
kinupkop nila ako! Paano na? Malulungkot si Mommy ko kapag ‘di ako ga-graduate!

Tapos… sa internship, kulang pa ang cases ko para maka-graduate!

I almost slammed my head on the damn wall. ‘Di ko na alam paano ang gagawin!
Tapos… tapos may duty pa akong graveyard mamaya! May thesis pa na pina-finalize!

I screamed internally.

“There you are…” I sobbed more when I heard that voice.

‘Di ko na kailangang silipin kung sino ‘yon. Boses pa lang ay kabisado ko

na.

“Why are you crying, hmm?” he hummed.

Humikbi lang akong lalo. Naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya.

“Clyte-Clyte,” tawag niya. “Come on, look at me.”

I shook my head and buried my face on my knees, my hand gripping my test

paper for it actually belonged to the garbage now.

“I was looking for you. I waited for you downstairs because you were
finishing your reviewers. I asked Jam but it’s been an hour and you’re not done
kaya pinuntahan na kita. Tapos maaabutan kitang umiiyak na naman?”

“C-Chiel…” Sinilip ko siya.

His eyes softened, hindi na nabigla na makita akong nagbe-breakdown.

“Hmm?” Sinilip niya ako nang mapantayan niya, naupo pa sa lapag kasama ko,
paharap sa ‘kin. “Your grades?”

I sniffed and nodded.

“B-bagsak ako sa moving exam,” I sniffed. “F-final practical na ‘to this

sem.”

He sighed.

“Sorry,” aniya kaya inalis ko ang pagkakasubsob sa tuhod.

“B-bakit?”

“Your practical,” aniya at binasa ang labi. “Did it fail because I

fainted?”

Bigla akong napatawa sa kabila ng iyak. His lips protruded.

“What?” he asked. “You’re laughing at me?”

 “H-hindi.” Umiling ako at natawa. “Kasalanan ko naman na ikaw ang pinilit
kong maging patient kahit alam kong ayaw mo sa injection—”
 “Hindi ako takot sa injection,” he retorted.

“E di wow.” I sniffed and pulled his hand. Inangat ko ang sweater niya para
makita ang mga bahid pa no’ng huling injection sa kanya. “Tingnan mo nga tinadtad
ko ‘to ng saksak ng karayom!”

He shivered and tried pulling his arm away.

“Now, you made it sound scary.”

“Totoo naman. Feeling magaling ako, bagsak naman!” I sniffed. “S-sabi ni

Doktora, practice pa raw ako kasi ang b-baba ng grade ko. Maaapektuhan daw ang
lecture grades ko kapag gano’n. Tapos ang baba pa…”

“Patingin…”

“Ayaw!” Itinago ko ang papel na hawak sa isang kamay. “Bagsak nga, Chiel!”

“Patingin nga,” aniya. “Let’s see if…”

“Mababa nga.” Namasa na naman ang mata ko. “Nakakahiya ipakita k-kasi bagsak
tapos… ako lang yata ang mababa sa room. P-paano kung ‘di ako papasa sa subject?
Paano kung…”

“Shh, so negative.” Inangat niya ang kamay at marahang sinuklay ang bangs ko.
“It’s fine, don’t show me. It’s alright.”

He was very careful with his words, trying to nitpick ones that wouldn’t hurt
me.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa papel, pinagmamasdan siyang kalmado at malambing ang

tingin. Ang daliri niya sa bangs ko’y napunta sa buhok ko para ilagay iyon sa likod
ng tainga at bumaba sa pisngi ko.

“Don’t show me, but you can tell me what bothers you.” He met with my gaze,
his thumb brushing my tears off. “I’m sorry if I fainted during your last
practical. I guess kulang ako sa tulog—”

“Takot ka lang talaga,” sabat ko at hinayaan siyang tuyuin ang pisngi ko.
“Sorry din kasi ikaw ang sinama ko. I should’ve asked someone else—”

“You have me, Clytemnestra,” he snapped. “Don’t need to look for anyone else
when I’m here.”

My heart was in haywire.

“But you’re scared…” I whispered.

“Then I’ll do it scared.” Inabot niya ang chin ko at hinaplos. “It’s alright
to be scared but don’t let it stop you.”

I stared at him. When I saw how serious he was, I nodded.

“Sorry… and thank you for saying that.” Nakagat ko ang labi. “I-I was just
really worried. About my grades, about you… Namaga ‘yong braso mo last time, n-na
ayaw mo ipahawak kasi masakit.”

His eyes widened.

 “You knew?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Kaya ka puro long sleeves at sweater kasi a-ayaw mong
makita ko na namaga sa may injection site mo. Ikaw na ‘yong nasaktan, a-ako pa
inaalala mo.”

He chuckled and pinched my cheek.

“‘Di mo kasalanan, Bella,” aniya.

“No, it was mine,” I sighed.

“Come on, cheer up,” he encouraged. “It’s not the end yet. You can do it.
Habang wala pang final grade, laban lang. I know it’s scary. Ang hirap kasing
isipin na paano kung uulit ka? But you know, studying is not a race. It’s okay if
you don’t master a subject or two. Iba-iba naman tayo ng galing, ‘di ba? There are
things na magaling ka tapos hindi sila and vice versa. What matters is that you are
working hard to do better in it. Kahit hindi pinakamagaling, basta willing kang
matuto at mag-improve.”

I felt like I was hearing myself in his words. I used to tell these to Crest.
Maybe Crest was telling him, and he’d tell it back to me, to remind me when I
needed it the most.

Nahulog ang luha ko.

“B-baba kasi grades ko, Chiel,” I sniffed, and with my shaky hands, inabot ko
sa kanya ang test paper ko.

He took it.

“Tanginang score ‘yan. Kape na iniinom ko habang nagre-review, two hundred

ta’s ang score ko thirty-five.”

When it made him chuckle, suminghot ako at pinalo ang dibdib niya.

“Bakit ka tumatawa?! Nag-joke ba ‘ko?!” I hissed. He chuckled more.

“Sorry, fuck.” He moved away from my hand and caught it, gripping my fingers
with his for a squeeze. “Nagulat lang ako sa comparison mo.”

“Kasi totoo naman! Nag-iipon ako, e! Pero nag-review ako with m-mahal na
coffee tapos no’ng nakita ko ‘yong grade ko, sana itinubig ko na lang!”

When he laughed louder, nahawa na rin ako. Inalis ko ang hawak niya sa kamay
ko sabay abot sa buhok niya para sabunutan. He just wouldn’t stop laughing.

“Tawang-tawa, Sandejas?!”

“It’s your fault! Pinapatawa mo ‘ko!” He was laughing heartily, his eyes
smiling with it.

Ngumuso ako at hinawi ang luha. Dinaluhan niya ‘yon kaagad, natatawa pa rin.

“Hmm… ano pa?” he encouraged.

“Tapos… ayon nga, sabi ni Doktora, practice more ako. Tapos may duty ako
mamayang graveyard sa hospital. Then kulang pa ako ng cases for assistance sa
delivery.”

“Oh? Nanganganak?” he asked.

I nodded.

“I needed two c-cases more kasi alam mo ba… wala na masyadong nanganganak
ngayon. Alam ko namang hindi minamadali ang pagkakaroon ng anak, dapat kapag ready
ka na pero minamadali na rin ako ng case completion ko!”

Sino ba naman kasing gustong mag-anak ngayon na ‘di pa ready, ‘di ba? We
don’t want to pass generational trauma to the new generation! Pero pakibilisan po
medyo ‘yong ibang ready na r’yan! Kulang pa ako ng dalawang delivery to assist para
makapasa!

He nodded.

“Kailangan pala n’on?”

“Y-yeah, required na mag-assist kami kaso ayon nga, walang nanganganak

masyado sa ospital! Parang lahat na yata may PCOS na! O kaya furparents na lang!
Pets na lang ang gustong anak!”

He laughed.

“Yeah, right. Last time, we went to the mall, there was this couple with a
stroller. I thought baby kaso pagsilip ko may shih tzu sa loob, naka-dress na
pink.”

Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa.

“Crest said she wanted to adopt a dog soon tapos gagawan niya raw ng outfit.”
He shrugged. “Ikaw? Gusto mo ba ng pets?”

“I’m not sure. I like petting at playing sometimes doon sa aso nina Tito Dash
pero aalagaan? Medyo mahirap kasi, lalo na kapag busy ka. Pets need affection and
care, too, like kids. You can’t have pets if you don’t take care of them. They need
love like humans do and maybe sa future? But right now, hindi pa. I just like…
having a garden or a greenhouse?”

The thought made my eyes dreamy.

“Ikaw, Chiel, ano’ng gusto mo?” I asked.

“Kung ano’ng gusto mo,” aniya habang nakatitig sa akin.

My heart raced. Sinuntok ko ang dibdib niya at umayos ng upo, hindi gusto ang
epekto sa puso ko ng mga salita niya.

“Para kang tanga, ‘di ako nakikipagbiruan!” I hissed.

He smirked.

“Sino ba nagsabing nagbibiro ako?” aniya at nang tumitig ako sa kanya’y

tumikhim siya at inayos ulit ang bangs ko. “Bumagsak din ako kanina.”

He changed the topic, and I didn’t know how to react to this illicit feeling,
so I rode with it.
 Baka maiyak lang akong lalo kapag ito na ang usapan.

“Why?”

“Recit,” sagot niya. “I messed up earlier, hindi ko nabasa ‘yong case tapos
ako ang natawag. It was our only recit in Criminal Law. Napagalitan ako tapos
pinatayo buong klase.”

I blinked.

“Seryoso?”

He nodded. I noticed the blush on his face.

“Automatic seventy,” aniya.

I gasped.

“Alchiel Sandejas? Seventy?!” ‘Di ako makapaniwala. “How so?! And… bakit ‘di
mo natapos basahin ang case? Nag-aaral ka kahapon, a?”

Hindi siya umimik at pinagmasdan lang ako.

“Impossible talaga, Chiel. Sinong professor? ‘Yong maldita?” I asked.

His lips pursed.

“Nope. It’s Attorney Sandejas,” sagot niya.

I let out a dramatic gasp. He nodded.

“Yeah… yeah, I know.”

“Si Tito?! Dad mo?!” I exclaimed. Tumango siya.

“You know him. Walang anak-anak sa klase niya. Ilang santo na ang dinasalan
ko kanina na h’wag matawag kasi wala talaga akong naaral pero ayaw sa ‘tin ng
tadhana ngayong araw at ako ang nabunot sa mahiwagang index card niya.”

I heard stories about Tito Iñigo in Law School. Talagang iniiyakan ‘yan
literal ng mga estudyante dahil ang strict at nakakatakot. However, I knew for sure
he was like that because he wanted students to learn.

“Nakakatakot, nai-imagine ko.” I had chills.

He chuckled.

“Nah, he’s not too scary. Alam niya kasi kapag nag-aral ka, kapag ‘di mo
nasagot, maiintindihan niya at ipapaliwanag pero alam niya kapag ni isang salita sa
case wala kang inaral. Doon siya nagiging dragon,” he explained. “And it’s my
fault. I didn’t study so I understand. Aral na lang ako ulit mamaya.”

“Pero don’t strain yourself much.” Inabot ko ang pisngi niya. “H’wag kang
gumaya no’ng nakaraang akala mo mamamatay ka na kung makapag-aral! Nag-nosebeed pa.
Tingnan mo ‘yang eyebags mo!”

“Makapagsalita,” he scoffed. “Don’t strain yourself much, too.” He reached

for my cheek, too, then my bangs. “H’wag ka nang umiyak at nai-stress ang bangs mo.
Humaba na, a? Gusto mo gupitan ko?”
 I smacked him. He chuckled.

“I wonder talaga paanong ‘di mo nabasa, e maaga ka ngang pumasok kaninang

umaga no’ng binigay mo sa ‘kin ‘yong pina-drawing ko sa reviewer.”

He tensed a little. My jaw dropped when I realized it.

“Don’t tell me… don’t tell me you couldn’t review kasi nag-drawing ka para sa
reviewer ko?!” I exclaimed.

Kumunot ang noo niya at umiling.

“No, it’s not,” he answered but I knew him so well I knew he was lying. It
was because of me!

“Chiel…” Nanubig ang mata ko.

Dinamay ko na rin siya sa bagsak ko! Dapat ako lang, e!

“It’s not it, Clytemnestra,” agap niya. “I finished your drawings early and I
could’ve studied but I dozed off—” His eyes softened. “Why are you crying again,
sweetheart?”

I lowered my head, embarrassed.

“Sorry, ako lang—”

“Ang kulit, ‘di mo nga kasalanan.” He reached for me. “Come on, don’t cry.”

“Sorry, Chiel…”

He sighed and gently pulled me close, and I found myself hugging him. I
cried. Hinayaan niya ako, nakaupo kami sa lapag, sa hallway na walang tao at
madilim.

He tapped my back and embraced me back, his breath touching my forehead. I

swear I felt a ghost of a kiss on my skin, but it might just be wishful thinking,
my imagination.

“Let’s do better,” he breathed out. “It’s gonna be fine. I’m always here when
you need me, okay?”

“I-I’m so tired, Chiel,” I sniffed. “A-ang dami-dami kong iniisip, dami-dami

kong gagawin. ‘Di ko na alam ang uunahin ko! ‘Yong g-grade ko alanganin, may
graveyard ako mamaya p-pero namamaga yung mata ko sa iyak. Need kong mag-practice
tapos kulang pa cases ko.”

“It’s okay to be tired, we’re just human beings, Clyte-Clyte,” he hummed.

“Know when to rest then if you’re ready, try again.”

Marahang inilayo niya ako sa kanya para sapuin ang mukha ko. He dried my
tears with his thumb, his eyes and hold gentle. Like I was something fragile and
he’s too afraid to break if he held too much.

“When you need some volunteer for your practice, I’m only a vein away,” he
mumbled. My lips pursed.

Ngumisi siya at umiwas sa kurot ko, tawang-tawa sa joke niya. Ginulo niya ang
buhok ko.

“Namamaga na nga ‘yong veins mo.”

“Meron pang isa.” He showed me the other hand. Ngumuso na ako at

bumuntonghininga.

“W-why are you so good to me?” I asked while staring at his blue eyes.

“Because you make me feel alive,” he whispered I almost didn’t hear, lowering
his face to plant a soft kiss on my forehead.

Nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko sa lambing ng halik na ‘yon, na pakiramdam

ko’y sasabog na ang puso ko sa ‘di maipaliwanag na pakiramdam.

I wasn’t nervous. It was more like an overwhelming feeling. Tila kiliti sa

sikmura, kagaya ng mga nababasa ko, may paruparo daw pero kapag siya? Pakiramdam
ko, halimaw na ‘to.

We stayed that way for a few minutes. We’re sitting across each other,
nakasandal lang ako paharap sa balikat niya habang sinusuklay niya ang buhok ko
ng
daliri niya. It was almost like we’re hugging. No words but contented. Just the
two
of us. Just our hearts beating as one—even if we didn’t acknowledge it.

“Clyte?”

“Hmm?” I sniffed his scent.

Hindi siya kaagad umimik.

“I…” He hesitated and by that tone, I knew what he was about to say.

No, not now…

“I love—”

“May duty pa ‘ko!” I gasped loudly and moved away before he could finish his
words, checking my watch.

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang bag ko sa lapag sabay baling sa kanya.

“I’m late!” I announced. “Sorry, are you saying something?”

He wore his emotions freely like a mask because he hid his pain with his
bright smile like nothing happened.

“Nothing.” Tumayo siya, nilagay ang bag sa isang balikat at inakbayan ako.
“Ano’ng gusto mong kape? Libre ko na, baka maiyak ka pa sa presyong mas mataas pa
sa score mo.”

Kabanata 34

Kabanata 34

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I had a panic attack. I just knew because one moment, I was sobbing then
another was when I felt like I was about to black out. The oxygen got knocked out
of my lungs.

“Clyte!” I heard a voice, my father’s voice mixing with my mom’s—with the

harsh drop of rain falling down the ground.

“Princess, look at me,” he mumbled.

I couldn’t focus. My gaze was distant, and a lot of voices crowded inside my
head. Naghalo-halo iyon, mula sa kanila, mula sa ulan pati na rin ang boses niya.

“Nakakapagod ka namang mahalin, Clytemnestra.”

“Clyte…” I felt a caress on my cheek. “Princess, look at me.”

“Clyte!” I snapped back, my lips quivering in cold mixing with the painful
throbbing inside my chest.

I realized I was still on the ground, with my mother’s arms wrapped around
me, and my father cupping my cheek.

“D-Dad?” I called.

“Y-yes.” Tumango siya. Sa kabila ng ulan at basa sa kanyang mukha ay nakita

ko ang lungkot at takot sa kanyang mukha. His eyes were bloodshot and teary, and it
wasn’t because of the rain. I just knew.

“Breathe…” he instructed. I remained looking at him. Hindi ko maigalaw ang

katawan hanggang sa nahulog ang tingin ko sa damuhan.

I can’t move. My fingers were stiff I couldn’t even stretch them. What’s
happening?

“Princess,” he called again, his voice trembling. “Look at me. Look at Daddy,
okay?”

“Clyte…” Mom’s sobs filled my ear as she squeezed me. “Darling, look at your
father…”

I can’t move. Oh, God. Hindi ako makagalaw. I screamed inside my head and
looked for an escape but then in my head, more terrible memories returned.

I was kidnapped. I saw Chiel get shot. I stabbed someone to escape and then
the crash. Tapos… tapos…

I screamed in my head as two men dragged me out of my new unit.

Kukunin nila ako! Kukunin nila ulit ako! Ayaw ko na ro’n! Papatayin ako!

My dad reached for my face again and while I remained looking at him blankly,
he panicked.

“Fuck,” he cursed then knelt on the ground to reach for my head. He started
massaging my scalp.

“W-what’s happening? T-Thorn…answer me! A-ano’ng nangyayari sa anak natin?!”

she exclaimed.

“We have to get her inside,” ani Dad. “She’s having an episode.”
 “What?!” she breathed out. “O-okay… what do you want me to do?”

“Towel,” ani Dad at mamaya-maya pa’y naramdaman ko ang paghiwalay sa akin ni

Mommy at ang mas paglapit ni Dad. “Bubuhatin kita, anak, okay?”

Hindi ako makasagot, nanatiling nakatulala sa kanya.

“Alright, I’ll carry you now.” Walang hirap niya akong nabuhat sa braso niya.

While it was still pouring, I could hear his requests to the people inside
with me still in his arms.

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa drain.

Was my rose…

I wanted to ask but my voice died down. I flinched with the memory of Cole
kissing me and heaved a breath for Yaya Mildred’s abduction to the almost incident
with my family in the convention.

Was my rose…

Naiwan ang tingin ko sa drain habang binabalot ako ni Mommy ng tuwalya.

Wala na ang rose ko…

Dad gently placed me back on my feet but remained beside me to support my

weight. Mommy was shaking as she dried me with the towel, my gaze still outside.

Wala na. Tinangay na ‘yon.

Wala na ang rose ko…

Dad shifted and then sought for my gaze.

“I got your rose, princess,” ani Dad, malambot ang itim na mga mata. “I got
your rose.”

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa kamay niya nang may kinuha siya sa bulsa at marahang
ipinakita sa ‘kin.

“I got your rose, anak. It’s alright. I got it.”

“M-my rose?” I whispered when I found my voice.

He nodded. And just like that, all the pent-up emotions got out. I sobbed.

I could hear the audible sighs and panic when I wailed and took the stem of
my rose, bringing it to my chest. Nahulog ako ng upo sa lapag at paniguradong
masakit iyon kung ‘di lang ako nasalo ni Dad.

I was sobbing, wailing like a lost kid and my parents were just there,
hugging me. Inabot ni Dad ang kamay ko na kahit no’ng una’y ayaw ko pa ibigay at
hawak-hawak ko ang rose.

My mother was crying while holding me and my father, even with the
unstoppable tears falling down his cheek, didn’t stop from taking my hand and
massaging his fingers.
 “It’s gonna be alright,” Dad repeatedly mumbled while massaging my stiff
fingers, even if his was shaking too. “It’s gonna be alright, anak.”

It took us almost half an hour, but they were so patient to me. Dad massaged
my fingers, telling me things to help me overcome the panic I was having.
Pinapaypayan ako ng mga kasama namin sa bahay habang si Mommy ay hawak-hawak ako sa
bisig niya at hinahaplos ang ulo ko.

“You can do it,” Dad motivated me while staring into my eyes, trying to pull
me out of the darkness consuming me. “Daddy’s here. It’s alright, come on. Come
back, princess.”

It somehow pulled me out of that mental cage I was in and when Dad saw I
flinched and blinked, bumuntonghininga siya at nagtawag para iabot sa akin ang
tubig.

They gave me a glass of water. Mom brushed my hair until I relaxed and calmed
down. Napansin nila iyon at kahit papaano’y nakahinga sila nang maluwag.

Dad dried his tears with his arm quickly when he caught me watching him.

“T-thank you, Dad,” I whispered. “I-I don’t know what happened…”

“You don’t have to thank me, Clyte.” He then reached for my other fingers.
“Okay na ba ang pakiramdam mo? Can you flex your fingers now?”

I tried and it was trembling a little pero kaya ko naman kaya tumango ako.

“O-opo,” I answered then glanced at my mother silently combing my hair.

“Mommy?”

“Y-yes, darling?” she asked, looking at me in the eye with her bloodshot
ones.

Puno iyon ng sakit, pag-aalala, at takot na miski ang dibdib ko’y nanikip.

“S-sorry… I…” I swallowed. “May project ka po, ‘di ba?”

“D-don’t mind it.” She shook her head and smiled. “It’s not important. Ayos
ka na ba? ‘Yon ang importante sa ‘min ng Daddy mo, a-anak.”

Naguguluhan ako. Naninikip pa rin ang dibdib habang pinagmamasdan sila.

It was very impossible for my parents to get back with just a call from the
house. Nasa ibang lugar sila kaya…

“Your mother panicked,” ani Dad nang mabasa ang tanong sa mukha ko.
“Pagkababa pa lang sa eroplano kanina’y ‘di na siya mapakali. She was bothered and
we both don’t know why. She cried, wanting to see you so we had to book an urgent
flight home.”

My heart ached.

Nilingon ko si Mommy na tahimik lang sa tabi ko. Pagkakita sa tingin ko’y

humugot siya ng hininga.

“I don’t know, Clyte. Maybe I just don’t want to be away from you. Hindi ko
maipaliwanag. My heart felt so heavy. I wanted to see you. May instict lang sa ‘kin
na kailangan mo kami at ‘di ko maipaliwanag kaya umuwi kami ng Daddy mo.” Her eyes
softened. “Which is a good thing, r-right? Because we’re here now?”

Kumawala ang luha ko habang tinitignan ang mga magulang. They were both
drenched in rain like me, exhausted with bloodshot eyes. Dad’s shoes were even
dirty after going down the drain for my rose.

“But the project…” Pinagmasdan ko sila, nahihiyang napauwi pa dahil sa ‘kin.

“It’s important.”

“Not as important as you, darling.” Mom reached for my face. “That project?
We could get back to it anytime but not this one—we couldn’t take time back when
you needed us, but we weren’t there. I-ilang taon kang nawala, wala kaming magawa
ng Daddy m-mo at ano pa’t ‘di mapuntahan ang isang proyekto para nandito kami no’ng
kailangan mo?”

I cried. Nanginig na lumuhod ako at inabot ang mga magulang para yakapin ang
kanilang mga batok.

Their two warm arms provided me with shelter, they gave me a home, and our
cries echoed in the house’s living room until I had the strength to stand with
their help.

Inihatid kami ni Dad sa itaas.

“Take a bath and change your clothes first,” paalala ni Dad sa amin. “Baka
magkasakit kayo.”

“How about you?” Mom asked, hawak ang magkabilang dulo ng kanyang tuwalya na
ibinalot din sa kanya ni Dad.

“I’ll be fine,” aniya. “I’ll take a shower then prepare the food for dinner.
Dadalhin ko sa kwarto ni Clyte ang pagkain.”

“Thank you, Dad.” I let out a small smile.

“Thank you, Thornie,” malambing na sinabi ni Mom at nahuli ko ang pagsayaw ng

pagmamahal sa mga mata ng ama.

He moved closer to us and kissed Mom’s forehead first before mine, pagkatapos
ay inabot niya kami at mahigpit na niyakap na dalawa.

“Anything for my girls,” he breathed out. “Go on, I’ll check on Queen then
take a bath.”

Nang pakawalan kami ni Dad at nakapasok na sa kwarto ay nilingon ko si Mommy

na pumunta sa banyo para i-adjust ang temperature ng tubig habang ako’y nauupo sa
gilid ng tub, nakabalot pa rin ng tuwalya at hawak ang tangkay ng rosas.

“Mom, si Queen?”

“We dropped her off at your brother’s house,” aniya. “Nasa biyahe na kami
pauwi nang tumawag si Yaya tungkol sa ‘yo kaya dumaan muna kami kay Dei para iwan
si Queen.”

Nakagat ko ang labi, nahihiya na naman.

“Sorry, Mommy.”
 “Sorry for what?” she asked.

“F-for…” I swallowed. “For bothering you and my siblings, alam kong—”

“You will never be a bother to me, darling,” aniya. “Ikaw, kayong

magkakapatid, kahit kailan ay ‘di kayo naging istorbo sa amin ng Daddy mo.”

When I couldn’t answer, she went closer to me and gently knelt on the floor.

I gasped.

“Mommy!”

Ginagap niya ang palad ko at inangat ang tingin sa akin.

My mother aged like fine wine, and she was always beautiful in my
eyes—regal and classic but right now, this close, I felt like she aged a lot from
the last time I had her in my memories.

From exhaustion, from all the worries and fear.

“Listen, darling,” marahang sabi niya at hinanap ang tingin ko. “I love you,
okay?”

Tears pricked my eyes when I saw her teary eyes again.

“I-I...” Her voice trembled. “I don’t think I was a good mother—”

“Don’t say that!” Umiling ako. “You are a good mother! Don’t say it!”

“Y-you got taken under my care.” her lips quivered. “Taon! Taon na hindi kita
nakita! You were traumatized because I was not able to protect you. A-ano pang
silbi ng pera ko kung may k-kayayahan akong protektahan ka pero kahit ‘yon ay ‘di
ko man lang magawa nang maayos?”

She began sobbing and it broke my heart, forcing her to stop kneeling and sit
with me but she won’t. She knelt as she squeezed my hand.

“W-who knows what that devil did to you? Who knows what you’ve been through?
I don’t! K-kahit sabihin mo, alam kong ‘di ‘yon sapat! Na mahirap ibsan ‘yong sakit
at takot kasi a-alam ko ang pakiramdam. Alam ko ang pakiramdam na m-malayo sa
pamilya, at mawalan ng alaala. Alam ko ang pakiramdam ng may mga bulong, mga
bangungot, alam ko kaya k-kung…” She heaved a breath.

“K-kung mabuti akong i-ina, I shouldn’t have let my children experience what
I had!” She trembled and sobbed. “But n-no… wala akong nagawa. W-wala akong… nagawa
para protektahan ka.”

I knelt on the ground, sobbing as I hugged my mother tight.

“Mommy…”

“I am your mother! I should’ve protected y-you but I couldn’t! Anong klaseng

ina ‘yon? A-anong…”

“Mommy… s-sorry, sorry…” I caressed her back. “It’s not your fault…”

“I p-promised Ritch. I promised her I’d protect you from the devil, but I
failed.” She sniffed. “I let h-him take you from us! It was my fault w-why you were
taken by that devil! It was my fault that you were traumatized! Why you were
hurting!”

“Mom…” bulong ko at umiyak kasama siya, mabigat ang puso at nanginginig sa

halong lamig at sakit na nararamdaman.

“My fault… my fault… my fault…” she chanted.

“No, it’s not,” bulong ko.

“K-kung kaya ko lang pawiin ang sakit, anak,” she whispered as she gently
moved away to cup my cheek and stare at my eyes. “Kung kaya ko, k-kukunin ko lahat
sa ‘yo. K-kung p’wede lang, aakuin ko l-lahat ng sakit… h’wag ka lang.”

Dad got back to us not a moment later and when he saw us both on the bathroom
floor, lumapit siya at lumuhod kasama namin. Walang pakialam kung katatapos lang
maligo at tuyo na ang suot at niyakap kaming dalawa.

He left after we both calmed down. Aniya’y doon muna siya sa loob ng kwarto
habang naliligo ako. Mom took me to the bathtub and massaged my head while
lathering the shampoo in my hair.

“My, you should take a bath,” sabi ko’t inangat ang tingin sa kanya.

Her exhausted, gentle eyes glanced at me.

“Hmm?”

“I can do it from here,” I said. “You should take a bath. Baka magkasakit
ka.”

She refused at first, insisting she’d assist me pero nang bumahing na ay ‘di
na ako nakontra at umalis na para maligo pagkatapos ng napakaraming bilin.

When I was left alone, I found myself staring at the white tiles in front of
me.

From here forward, I don’t know what to do anymore. I was exhausted, anxious,
and terrified.

Ligtas si Yaya Mildred. I successfully distracted that man inside our house
earlier kaya nakuha ni Bullet si Yaya na hindi sila naaalarma pero pagkatapos ng
lahat ng ‘yon, sigurado akong alam na nila kanina pa na wala na si Yaya. Wala na
silang hawak sa ‘kin pero hindi ibig sabihin n’on ay ligtas na ang pamilya.

Israel Sebastian was still out and wandering and what my family does—I
couldn’t control it. There will always be threats and if I couldn’t protect them,
if I would only cause harm to them, ‘di ko na alam ang gagawin.

Napasulyap ako sa may sink kung nasaan ang stem ng rose ko.

Right now, I was having doubts. I began feeling hopeless that it would never
grow again.

Marahan at maingat na inabot ko iyon at pinagmasdan.

If I propagate this, there was less than twenty if not thirty percent chance
it’d grow again dahil iisang piraso lang ito. In my experience of replanting stems
from roses, not all can survive and regrow, paano pa kaya kung isa lang?
 “Nakakapagod ka namang mahalin, Clytemnestra.”

The image of him on his knees, broken and crying broke me. Hinawi ko ang luha
ko at pagod na sumandal sa sink habang nakatulala sa hawak.

All he did was love me and this was what I’d give in return.

What a bitch, Clyte. You did this to yourself. You want this to happen.

While I was resting in the tub, another surge of memories came back like an
echo calling me from under the well of my forgotten ones, wanting so badly to
emerge.

To either make me happy or lonely because I knew it would only just…

memories.

“I heard the BAR Examination results will come out possibly this week,”
chismis sa akin ni Rome.

Really?

Tumango ako at napaisip. If ngayong linggo lalabas then… we have to prepare!

I was not sure if Chiel would choose to go to the Supreme Court for the release day
or sa kahit saan lang siya maabutan.

My lips pursed.

“What are your plans after you pass?” I asked Rome who was my ex-crush way
back when I was in high school.

Yup, he was that Rome. ‘Yong pinanood ko sa basketball tryouts kaya ‘di ko
nasipot si Chiel no’ng lunch namin! He was his classmate until he graduated but we
didn’t see him in college kaya isa sa gulantang moment no’ng malaman kong kaklase
siya ni Chiel sa law school.

“Plans agad?” Tumawa siya. “‘Di pa nga sure kung papasa ako.”

“H’wag ka ngang nega!” I playfully smacked his arm. “Papasa ka! Ikaw pa ba?!”

He smirked. “Nawa’y magdilang anghel ka, Clyte! Oh, ayan na ang top one!”

My head whipped when he said that, and my eyes met with the grumpy handsome
man with long legs.

“Top one my ass. Hindi nga sigurado kung makakapasa, top one pa?” he grunted.
“Damn, Remedial Law.”

I almost rolled my eyes. Here’s another nega! ‘Di ako talaga naniniwalang
hindi ‘to makakapasa kung subsob sa pag-aaral! Literal!

Kulang na lang ay gawin na niyang pangalawang tahanan ang library o ang study
room niya! He often skipped his lunch na Crest and I had this mission of calling
him every twelve noon, so he won’t forget lalo na kapag nasa work ako at walang
nagmo-monitor!

Kapag ‘di sumasagot, nagpapa-deliver kami at baka naka-silent na ang phone

dahil ayaw paistorbo.
 “Ano’ng ginagawa mo na naman dito?” reklamo niya kay Rome na tinawanan siya.

“Bumibisita! Boring kasi sa law firm na pinapasukan ko puro lang ako papeles!
Buti ikaw rito sa legal aid masaya. Balita ko dami mong na-aassist na case?”

He shrugged, his palms still inside his pockets. Nang magsalubong ang tingin
namin ay nagliwanag ang mukha niya, parang kanina’y ‘di nakasimangot. He grinned
like a happy kid.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

Itong lalaking ‘to kapag nasa labas, ang suplado at intimidating. Kaya
nahihiya sa kanya ang lower years noon pati na rin no’n sa law school pa siya kasi
parang alam niya lahat, e. You know the matalino type na ‘di mo ma-reach?

Pero kapag sa personal, papansin.

Nakiki-best friend sa ‘min ng kakambal niya!

Hindi ‘yan lumalabas ng bahay during review niya before BAR Exams pero kapag
nababalitaan niyang aalis kami ni Crest, lalabas ‘yan sa lungga niya para makisali
sa “girl” bonding.

He has this radar na kahit ‘di namin sabihin, alam niya! There’s this one
time we wanted to go to Tagaytay to try some bulalo tapos paglabas namin ng bahay
nila, nakaabang si Chiel sa labas sabay sabing: “Tara!” habang may pilyong ngiti.

‘Di ba? May radar? Kapag galaan, ‘di p’wedeng ‘di siya kasama pwera na lang
kung may importanteng ginagawa.

Pinagbigyan namin. S’yempre, ako ngang pinapanood lang siyang aralin ang
codals niya nababaliw na, paano pa kayang siya mismo nag-aaral?

Gumagala kaming tatlo, minsan sumasama kay Crest kapag gusto niyang
magpalamig sa Korea o mag-sunbathing sa Las Vegas. Yup, she was just like that. It
became our mini vacation pero s’yempre, ‘di naman p’wedeng gala.

When the BAR month became closer and closer, hindi kami lumalabas ni Crest at
sasama itong isa kaysa mag-review kaya nag-lie low kami. He had to study but
sometimes, I regret na ‘di kami umaalis kasi nagkukulong naman sa condo niya itong
isa kaka-review!

Kaya ginagawa ko, dahil magkapitbahay lang naman ang condo namin—sinundan
niya kasi ako, typical Chiel—ay pinipeste ko siya sa unit niyang kumain.

I’d remind him always of his caffeine intake because for Pete’s sake, at this
time I think he’s addicted to it. Normal na sa kanyang mag-palpitate.

Ako na ‘yong nagpa-panic kapag napapahawak siya sa dibdib niya.

Ako talaga ang aatakihin sa lalaking ‘to!

He leaned in to level my gaze while I was seated on the bench with Rome.

“Hello, Clyte-Clyte,” he greeted me as he reached for my bangs and brushed it

like it was his favorite hobby.

Pinalo ko ang kamay niya.

 “You skipped lunch again?” I spat because I had already reminded him, but he
was so hard-headed!

Bigla siyang umiwas sabay baling kay Rome. “Ano’ng gawa n’yo sa firm—aww!
Clyte-Clyte!”

“Nagpapalipas ka na naman!” I hissed when I caught his ear with my finger and
pulled him close.

Dumaing siya pero nawalan ng balanse nang mapatid sa paa ko, dahilan kaya
napaabante at nahulog sa ‘kin.

A loud gasp left my lips when his head moved closer than it supposedly was.
Itinukod niya ang kamay sa pader sa likod ko, nakadukwang habang magkalapit ang
mukha naming dalawa.

My eyes were wide at the same time as him. My throat felt so dry and my heart
racing out of my ribcage stubbornly.

Shit… Shit… Shit!

Kung p’wede ko lang dukutin ang puso ay baka dinakma ko na at hinagis kung
saan! It was pacing so hard I was so afraid he could hear and feel it because we’re
too close!

One wrong move and we’ll touch, one wrong move and we’ll kiss.

“Don’t move,” I warned Chiel.

“I won’t—”

“Itaas ang paa, magma-mop lang.” One move at our feet from the mop lady and
Alchiel went tumbling down as he lost his remaining balance, his lips crashing on
mine in the briefest instance I almost thought it was a figment of my imagination.

Fuck!

Nadapa siya, ang mukha ay nahulog sa hita ko habang nakatulala ako, ang kamay
ay nasa ere habang ang mukha niya’y nasa hita ko.

“Oh! Hala! Nadapa!” the lady exclaimed.

I literally heard the crickets after, walang sumusubok na huminga hanggang sa

si Cole na ang tumikhim at nagsalita.

“Uh-oh… awkward,” he said in an amused tone.

Gusto ko na lang magpakain sa lupa.

I smiled sadly. It was our first kiss, I think. It was accidental and quick,
but I felt like I could still taste it on my lips.

Maybe… in another life, I’ll have a chance in love with him. I carefully put
the stem back on the sink.

Hinawi ko ang luha at niyakap ang hita para ibaon doon ang mukha at tahimik
na humikbi.

If my father didn’t knock to check on me, baka ‘di na ako nakalabas.

Pagkalabas ko ng banyo ay ‘di ko inaasahang makita si Dad na nakatayo sa gilid ng
dresser ko at tinitingnan ang memory book na regalo ni Crest.

He glanced my way with a ghost of a smile on his face.

“Crest gave it?” he asked. “With… Alchiel?”

My heart made that familiar thump with the mere mention of his name, but I
masked it with a smile. Tumango ako.

Inilahad niya ang braso at tila may sariling isip ang paa kong walang
pagdadalawang-isip na lumapit sa kanya at yumakap.

Dad sighed and kissed my head.

Kumalma ang puso, sanay na sanay sa yakap niya at komportable. I didn’t need
my memories to come back entirely to know how loved I was by him. How I love him
and my family.

This… is my home.

“Dad…” I mumbled.

“Hmm?” bulong niya at sinilip ang mukha ko.

I need help…

I shook my head.

“Nothing…”

Tinitigan niya ako, tila binabasa ang ekspresyon at sa takot kong mabasa
niya’y humiwalay ako at bumaling sa kama.

“Si Mommy po?”

“She’s downstairs talking to your sister,” aniya. “Queen will stay for the
night in Deion’s.”

Nakita ko ang food doon na dala ni Dad kaya lumapit ako. Dagli ring naabutan
ako ni Dad at ngumiti.

“Ako na, anak,” marahang sinabi niya. “Uminom ka muna ng gatas habang mainit
pa. Aayusin ko ang lamesa mo para diyan ka maupo sa sofa.”

I smiled in gratitude while watching my father fixing his eyeglasses as he

placed the plate of delicious dinner on the glass table.

“Kumain na po kayo ni Mommy?”

“Yup,” he smiled. “Ginutom kasi ang bunso sa airport kaya kumain muna kami.
We’re still full, don’t worry.”

Tumango ako at nang ilahad ni Daddy ang kutsara ay inabot ko ‘yon at

sinulyapan ang pagkain. I wasn’t really starving, wala pang gana pero nag-effort
silang dalhan ako.

In my life in the mansion, no one cared for me but Yaya Mildred. If I was
silent and was imprisoned by the mental cage I made inside my head, she’d talk to
me and cook for me so I could get out of it.

Kapag wala siya at umaalis, walang may pakialam. Lahat sila ay ilag at takot
kaya ngayong narito ako sa bahay ay nakakapanibagong lahat sila ay attentive sa
‘kin.

I started slicing the meat and Dad lifted his hand as he sat beside me. “Ako
na, ‘nak.”

I was pleased that I gave the knife to him, smiling.

I could still remember when years and months before, I wished and craved for
a father. Ginawa ko ang lahat ng ‘yon para mailigtas si Sebastian. Ginawa ko ‘yon
para mabigyan ako ng pansin at pagmamahal ng ama pero ‘di ko alam na may isa palang
tunay na nagmamahal at nag-aantay sa ‘king pabalik.

Kahit hindi niya ako kadugo, minahal niya akong tunay.

I rested my head on my father’s shoulder. I saw him smile.

“Thank you, Dad,” I breathed out, watching him slice the meat for me. “I love
you po.”

His shoulders relaxed.

“You don’t have to thank me, princess,” bulong niya. “But I just want you to
know that we are here whenever you need us. We are ready to listen. Kakampi mo kami
palagi.”

Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.

“Mahal na mahal ka namin. We are very sorry. I know it wasn’t enough to make
up with the years you were taken from us. Kulang na kulang iyon sa sakit na
naramdaman mo, sa trauma at habambuhay kaming babawi sa ‘yo.”

I closed my eyes and nodded.

“Hindi ka pabigat sa amin ng Mommy mo, sa aming pamilya mo. Kulang na kulang
kami rito sa bahay no’ng wala ka. Walang oras na hindi ka naisip. K-kung may
tulugan ka ba, kung kumusta ka, k-kung nakakakain ka ba nang maayos…”

His voice broke and I couldn’t help but tear up when his hand trembled while
slicing the food. Ibinaba niya ang kutsilyo at inangat ang kamay para hawiin ang
luha niya at nang hinarap ko siya’y wala na siyang salamin at patuloy na
nagpupunas, nanginginig ang balikat.

“D-Dad…”

“I-I usually tell myself not to be emotional despite being a doctor who knows
better—that it was alright crying because I don’t want your mother and your
siblings to see na napanghihinaan na rin ako ng loob,” mahinang sinabi niya. “I
wanted to be the rock our family could lean on but I j-just… Ang hirap din kasing
maging malakas kapag ganito. K-kung walang kasiguraduhan kung makakauwi ka pa sa
‘min.”

His bloodshot eyes resembled mine. Hinang-hina ang Dad, na ang mga emosyong
itinatago niya’y tuluyan nang sumabog.

“That asshole took you from us and I wasn’t there to stop him. If I just d-
drove you home myself…” His voice trembled. “I should have driven you home myself.”

“‘Di mo kasalanan, Dad,” I whispered. “‘Di n’yo kasalanan…”

“No, it was mine.” Malungkot siyang umiling. “Ako ang ama mo, e. Ako dapat
ang malakas, ako ‘yong nagpoprotekta sa pamilya natin pero e-ewan ba. Pagdating sa
mga mahal ko, palagi na lang akong palpak. Palagi na lang akong m-mahina.”

I sobbed and pulled my father for an embrace. He melted and cried on my

shoulder.

“Dad…”

“You were almost within our reach most of the time, pero ‘di ka namin
mahanap-hanap. We had leads all over, but it was mostly false leads if not mistaken
ones,” bulong niya. “It was so hard to a-always identify corpses with the same
description as you. So hard to walk and confirm it w-wasn’t you.”

Tumango ako at mahigpit na niyakap ang ama na binalot ako ng init ng

pagmamahal niya.

“Kaya ang saya-saya namin ng Mommy mo, ng mga kapatid mo, ng buong pamilya
natin na nakauwi ka na. T-there was never a time we didn’t think of you, but I know
you were physically back but…” Lumayo siya at marahang inabot ang pisngi ko para
sumulyap ako sa kanya bago ako pakawalan. “I know some parts of you are scarred and
was left with those devils.”

Nagbaba ako ng tingin dahil totoo iyon. Saglit kaming nanahimik na dalawa,
nagtutuyo ng luha at ikinakalma ang sarili.

“I watched the CCTVs,” he mumbled after a few moments.

Gulat akong nag-angat ng tingin.

“You were with Alchiel. You have a relationship with him,” he said with
certainty, his gaze cold and serious.

Kabanata 35

Kabanata 35

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

BAR Examination, 20xx.

“Kumalma ka, parang ikaw ang nag-exam,” Alchiel mumbled.

I glared at him.

“Wow, akala mo naman siya relaxed na relaxed?” I commented. “E kulang na nga

lang umiyak ka sa kaba!”

His face flushed.

We’re in front of the Supreme Court, waiting for the screen to show the list
of this year’s BAR passers. Nauna kami ritong dalawa dahil malapit lang ang condo
habang sina Crest, Adi, kasama ang parents nila ay nasa biyahe na kanina pa.
 They dropped their work and Crest didn’t attend her most awaited party
earlier just to join us and I was happy about it. Sobra ang supporta ng isa’t isa
para sa pamilya nila.

“I don’t!” aniya sabay iling at harap nang tuluyan sa ‘kin.

Namulsa siya, ang mukhang bahagyang inilalapit.

My heart made that familiar hammering as he leaned in close, his scent

invading my senses.

With only his black shirt, maong pants, and messy lustrous jet-black hair, he
was fucking stunning.

Mas sanay akong nakikita siyang naka-dress shirt o kaya’y mga pormal na coat
dahil sa trabaho niya and it’s been a while since I last saw him in a casual
shirt—lalo na ang maong pants! Kaya natulala ako saglit.

I noticed how good his body had become. He was lean and athletic in stance
and his body proportions were so well balanced with his height.

He might be quite busy with his studies and work, but I knew for sure he
worked out every morning or night before he went to sleep.

Magkatabi lang kasi ang balcony namin kaya minsan, sa gabi kapag nasa labas
ako para magpahangin ay nakikita ko siyang nagpu-push up and please, not to mention
when I caught him doing pull ups early in the morning!

Walang pang-itaas at tanging black shorts lang ang suot, tagaktak ng pawis.

Ang malanding kaluluwa ni Clytemnestra ay tumili at pinagkukurot ako.

Which I completely understood because… who wouldn’t?! Isang buong araw akong
tuliro no’n kahit nakapasok na ako sa ospital at nagkakitaan kami ni Chiel paglabas
ng kwarto niya’t papunta na sa office nila!

“U-uy!” I blurted out when our eyes met.

He had this smirk on his face as he locked his door, a black bag on his
shoulder. Nahulog agad ang tingin ko sa katawan niya at napaungol nang mapansing
naka-suit na siya!

“If you want to see my abs, you could just knock,” aniyang may ngisi.

I gasped and snapped at him.

“Ano’ng sinasabi mo?!”

“You know my passcode, anyway.” he shrugged. “You could freely sneak in and
watch me…”

Mas namilog ang mata ko sabay tikhim.

“A-ano’ng papanoorin ko sa ‘yo? Gago ka ba?” I tried denying but there’s no

fucking point when he had that sneaky little devil grin on his curved lips.

“Good morning to you too, Nurse,” he greeted.

 Umirap ako sabay iwas, nag-iinit ang buong mukha. I heard his footsteps
getting closer and he stopped beside me.

Nakidungaw siya sa ginagawa ko sa pintuan. Siniko ko.

“Ang sungit mo naman, Ma’am,” he whispered, and fucking hell, it sent shivers
down my spine. “What happened to hello? Good morning? Ang gwapo mo sa umaga,
Chiel?”

I locked my door and faced him waiting for me. He smirked like a little demon
again.

“Ano?” I asked, trying not to address the way I hyperventilated when he was
close.

Ngumuso siya nang matantong hindi na ako nakikipagbiruan ay parang batang

inilahad niya sa ‘kin ang necktie niya.

“Tsk…” I shook my head.

His blue eyes softened.

“Pleaseee?” inarte niya.

Umirap ako sa hangin at kinuha ang necktie niya at inilapit sa suit na suot.
In fairness, kahit papaano, natututo nang mamili ng necktie niya.

“Ang tanda-tanda mo na, ‘di ka pa rin marunong?” I breathed out as I lifted

it up.

Walang salitang tumungo siya nang bahagya para mapantayan niya ko’t maabot
ko
siya.

I slightly tiptoed and he lowered his body more, and our breath almost
lingered. Ang haba kasi ng legs!

My leg trembled a little. Medyo pagod kasi ako at ang toxic ng shift ko
ngayong linggo sa ospital. Halos ‘di ako makaupo at makakakain man lang.

I felt his arm snaking on my waist to steady me.

“Hard day at work?” he asked.

“As usual,” I sighed. “Ito ayaw ko sa morning shift, ang daming tao sa mga
ward.”

“Nasa ER ka ulit?” he asked then gently caressed my waist.

“Yeah,” I answered. “Nasa bakasyon pa kasi ang head nurse kaya ako ngayong
linggo at alam mo na ang dagsa ng pasyente kapag maaga.”

He nodded like a kid, watching me tie his necktie. I didn’t dare look up to
him, afraid I’d melt—or he might see right through me, see how I was getting
affected by merely a simple touch of his hand.

“Want me to visit?” he asked. “Sabay tayong mag-lunch?”

“May case ka, ‘di ba?” Sinalubong ko na ang tingin niya.

 He shrugged.

“I’ll finish early. I’ll drive to the hospital later. Let’s eat, my treat.”

Doon na ako napangiti. Nanliit ang mata niya.

“Ayan, o! Kapag libre talaga, nangingiti siya. Biglang mabait!” he whined. I

chuckled, smoothening his tie and his dress shirt.

“S’yempre libre!” I snapped. “Mabait ako kapag libre, mas lalo na siguro
kapag natuto ka nang mag-necktie, ano!”

His lips pursed, from my waist, his palm when on my hair to brush it off
softly away from my cheek, his finger combing my bangs.

“Nah, fixing my neckties would be my lifetime job for you,” he mused.

I snorted.

“In your dreams, Alchiel. In your dreams!”

“Uh-huh.” he smirked knowingly. “I am dedicated to making my dreams come

true, sweet rose. Watch out.”

I was not sure if he knew I liked the view or if he knew I saw him doing it.
Na nakanganga lang akong nagtatago, tinutuyo ‘yong laway na nahulog dahil simula
no’n ay inaraw-araw na ang kakapakita ng katawan niya sa umaga!

He was a pain in the ass but… my pain in the ass.

“Gwapong-gwapo ka na naman, Clyte-Clyte?” he asked. Sinapok ko na.

Dumaing siya at humahalakhak na humawak sa biceps niyang hantad na hantad sa

itim na shirt!

“Ang yabang mo, Sandejas,” simangot ko sa kanya. “Akala mo naman kagwapuhan

ka?”

“I’m not really that boastful when it comes to my face, but your stares make
me confident. Felt like I’m the most handsome in this place.”

You really are.

Umirap ako pero muling napatitig sa mukha niya at sa magkalapit naming mukha.
Suddenly, the memory of our slight kiss made me flush. Mukhang naalala niya rin
iyon dahil sabay kaming nag-iwas at umayos ng tayo.

“I-I think it’s starting,” aniya sabay turo sa malawak na projector.

“Y-yeah,” tikhim ko at ayos ng buhok ko. “Let’s go?”

“Hmm…” hindi tumitingin niyang sagot.

I glanced at my phone, seeing a message from Crest they’re almost here and
our surprise was already set back home.

Sabay kaming naglakad sa projector, kinakabahan. I was sure he’d passed but
unless I saw it, I wouldn’t calm down.
 Chiel was composed, too, but he was as nervous—or even more than I was. His
shoulders were tense. ‘Di man nagsasalita ay alam kong frustrated na siya dahil sa
pag-abot niya sa neckline ng shirt na akala mo’y nasasakal siya.

I caught his hand. Napatingin siya sa ‘kin.

“You’ll pass,” I assured him, squeezing his palm.

He sighed. “I fucked up Remedial. Naubos ‘yong oras ko. I think I messed it

up.”

“You’ll pass, claim it,” I said. “Papasa ka, naniniwala ako. Pinagtirik kita
ng kandila sa Quiapo.”

His lips curved for a smile.

“Really, hmm?” I felt his finger slowly seeking the spaces in between mine. I
let him, my stomach churning in anticipation as he successfully held mine.

“Oo nga,” I answered, mas humihigpit ang hawak sa kamay niya. “Color peach
para for exam.”

His words got caught up when the screen flashed and started playing. I was
shaking, nervous. Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na nakatitig lang sa screen, seryoso at
halatang kabado sa paraan ng kislap ng mga mata niya.

I squeezed his palm again.

Lord, Lord, please… please! Bigay n’yo na ‘to kay Chiel! Grabe ang effort
niya sa review! He was very smart, and I know he’ll make a good lawyer—

The screen changed and was replaced with the words: List of Successful
Examinees and BAR Topnotchers.

“Ayan na!” I squealed.

Chiel chuckled nervously.

“Don’t be too excited, sweetheart. Letter S pa ako, sa dulo pa—” But then
the screen moved and instead of waiting towards the end, I saw his full name. First
in line.

1. Sandejas, Alchiel Verón Castuares – 93.764%

“Shit! Gago ka! Top 1!” Tumili ako nang malakas at dinamba si Chiel na
nakanganga lang sa screen.

“Fuck! I am—”

“Yes, you are!” I shouted.

Napatili akong lalo nang niyakap niya ako, halos buhatin na sa tuwa niya kaya
halong tawa at iyak ako habang kayakap na siya.

I noticed he was already shaking and when I reached for his face, he was
crying.

“Am I…”
 “Yes, Chiel,” sumisinghot kong sabi. “Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!”
Sabay yakap ko ulit sa nanginginig niyang katawan.

We were in that position not a moment later when I heard cries and when I
looked to the side, his whole family was there, hinihingal pa at mukhang tinakbo
ang parking papunta sa ‘min.

“Chiel…” Tita Thallia called, her eyes bloodshot with tears and when he heard
it, umalis siya sa pagkakayakap sa ‘kin at may luha ang mga matang tinakbo ang
buong pamilya na umiiyak na rin sa tuwa.

Adi and Crest was sobbing the same with Tita Thallia habang si Tito Iñigo ay
pinipigilan pero sa huli’y kumawala na rin at mahigpit na niyakap ang anak.

“I’m so proud of you, son!”

I took a video of that moment, crying because I was so proud of him. So proud
that all his efforts were worth it, and he was now a lawyer—a topnotcher on top
of that.

“Clyte-Clyte! Group hug!” ani Crest at hinatak ako kaya napaiyak akong lalo
nang sumama sa group hug ng pamilya.

Nahirapan kaming kunin si Chiel sa umpukan ng mga kakilalang nag-congratulate

sa kanya. He was even interviewed by the media because he was known as the son of
one of the most sought lawyers in the country, Atty. Iñigo Rafael Sandejas.

After we confirmed the surprise was done, bumiyahe kami papunta sa mansyon
nila kung saan nag-aantay ang pamilya at ang biglaang pa-catering para sa
celebration sa pagkakapasa niya.

After we parked and went down the car, hawak-hawak nina Zion ang banner na
may picture niya no’ng graduation picture niya.

It’s okay, Chiel! Better luck next time!

Love,

Sandejas Family

I laughed out loud at the banner. Mga gagong ‘to talaga!

“He passed!” humahagalpak na sabi ni Crest.

“Ay? Weh?!” Zion gasped dramatically, as if he didn’t know. “Teka!”

Narinig ko rin ang halakhak ni Chiel nang binaba nila ang banner na may same
picture pero iba na ang nakalagay.

Congratulations on passing the BAR Examination, Atty. Alchiel Sandejas! We

are so proud of you!

Love,

Sandejas Family

We had fun that night. Booze, party, and a whole reunion for the whole clan!
My grandparents, Mommy Lena and Papa Jer even flew all the way from Sta. Monica to
the city to join us for the celebration of the first lawyer we had in our
generation.

“When I finish and go to law school, mag-aaral akong mabuti para kagaya ako
ni Kuya!” Adi said proudly.

“Oh, I’m sure you would be a great lawyer!” ngisi ni Crest sa kapatid at
yumakap pero natabunan iyon sa halakhakan ng mga lalaki.

“Gagong ‘to, sinasabi niya hirap na hirap siya sa exam!” ani Zion sabay turo
kay Chiel habang nakapaikot kami’t nag-iinuman sa may bonfire kunwari na ginawa
nilang mga lalaki.

“It was hard,” ani Chiel na ngumuso at namula, pa-humble lang talaga. “I
fucked up Remedial. Naabutan ako ng time.”

“Tss! Grabeng 93 ang ratings?! Top one pa! Grabeng ‘yan, akala ko naman
nahirapan nang sobra sa exam! ‘Yon pala nahirapan lang i-perfect!”

We burst out laughing, and my stomach was aching.

Alchiel was literally fully booked that night mingling with everyone but even
in the crowd, his eyes would find mine. He’d smile every time our gazes would meet,
and my heart fluttered like it recognized who it was beating for.

Mas lumalim na tuloy ang gabi at pagod na ang lahat. However, I couldn’t
sleep. I prepared a surprise for Chiel I was planning to show him sana kanina kaso
lang he was very busy and ayaw ko namang istorbohin at kunin.

Katabi ko si Crest sa kama at nakatulog na kaka-online shopping niya kaya

marahang kinuha ko ang phone sa kamay niya at inalis. I lifted the comforter to her
body and smiled.

“Sweet dreams, Crest-Crest,” I whispered and kissed her forehead.

My phone lit. Nagtatakang kinuha ko iyon at nagulat nang makita ang mensahe
ni Chiel.

From: Feeling BFF

Tulog ka na, Clyte-Clyte?

Napaahon ako ng upo.

Gising pa ‘to? Alas-dos na!

I found myself typing back.

To: Feeling BFF

Yes. Bakit gising ka pa?

From: Feeling BFF

Can’t sleep.

I sighed then decided just to do it now when it’s only the two of us.

To: Feeling BFF

 Go downstairs, I’ll show you something.

Hindi ko na inantay ang sagot niya at umayos na. I fixed my terno pajama and
my hair before going down.

Nauna ako kaya sinilip ko muna ang mini cake na pinagawa ko sa kanina. I was
supposed to bake for him but biglaan naman ang announcement for BAR kaya nagpagawa
na lang kaninang umaga bago kami pumuntang Supreme Court. Kinuha ko ang isa ro’n.

I almost squealed in shock when I closed the door and saw him in the dark
looming like a beast. Muntik ko na siyang mabato ng tsinelas.

“Alchiel!”

He chuckled.

“What is it, Bella?” aniya at nakisilip pa sa ‘kin.

“Nakakagulat ka naman!” I hissed.

Ngumisi siya, dinungaw ang hawak ko.

“Ano ‘yan?”

“My gift,” I answered him.

Intrigued and excitement filled his eyes. Tumabi siya sa ‘kin nang binaba ko
ang kahon sa lamesa at ipinakita sa kanya.

“Wow…” he murmured. “Bakit ‘di ko nakita kanina ‘yan?”

“You were so busy,” I answered then glanced his way. “So… uh,
congratulations. Open it.”

With a smile in his lips, binuksan niya ang takip at natigilan sa nabasang
sulat sa loob.

Screw the BAR! Who wants to be a lawyer, anyway?

Natahimik siya pero biglang humagalpak kaya napunta ang tingin ko sa cake at
nahulog ang panga.

“Shit! Mali!” I exclaimed and closed the lid, my eyes widening with the
realization I had taken the wrong one.

Dali-dali akong tumakbo sa ref at binuksan sabay kuha ng isa habang si

Alchiel ay tawang-tawa, na halos ang mata niya’y nawawala.

I was embarrassed but it faded slightly because he looked so adorable. Inabot

niya ako nang makitang unti-unti ko nang tinatago ‘yong isang cake.

“Clyte…”

“Wala na, ayoko na—”

“Come on,” he grinned and gently pulled me by my waist. Kinuha niya sa kamay
ko ang isang box pa ng cake at ipinatong sa lamesa.

He firmed me on his side before opening the other box.

 Congratulations, Atty. Sandejas! Never doubted you for a second! ♡

“Hindi nga,” he commented. His hearty chuckle echoed, and I bit my lip,
smiling. He sounded so good, so… happy.

He glanced my way with humor in his eyes.

“Sorry.” Ngumuso ako. “Sure naman akong papasa ka pero nagpagawa ako ng isa
pa just in case!”

Natatawang hinuli niya ako at hinarap. I was too late to notice he’d cage me
in between his arms, my back against the counter.

The lights were dim, but his eyes shone so brightly. It made my heart
flutter.

“Thank you, Clyte-Clyte,” he breathed out, his smile genuine.

“No worries,” bulong ko. “Congratulations again, Attorney Sandejas.”

Mas lumapit ang katawan niya sa akin. He leaned in until our chests collided.
My toes curled and my legs trembled.

I bit my lip, feeling how his heart raced in sync with mine. Words might not
be said but the rapid pace echoed and reverberated.

It all screamed for his.

Nahulog ang tingin niya sa labi ko bago bumulong.

“Thank you… for being my inspiration,” he whispered again.

I swallowed hard, and my eyes were glued to his lips.

“Hmm…” I hummed.

Our breath hitched when the tip of our noses touched. I visibly trembled in
its wake.

“Can I ask for another gift, Bella?” he asked.

“W-what?”

“A kiss,” bulong niya kasabay ng pagdampi ng labi niya sa akin.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“You were with Alchiel. You have a relationship with him,” he said with
certainty, his gaze cold and serious.

Namilog ang mata ko at napasinghap.

“D-Dad…”
 “I knew,” agap niya kaya mas namilog ang mga mata ko. “Patago-tago pa kayo sa
swimming pool, akala mo ‘di ko nakita ‘yong likod mo?”

“H-how…”

“The bastard couldn’t even keep his eyes off my daughter, won’t I notice it?”
he asked. Nakagat ko ang labi at sumulyap sa dinner ko, halos marinig na ang
pagkawala ng puso sa dibdib.

Parang kakain na lang ako, a.

Suminghot ako at hinawi ang luha nang tuluyan. Inabot ko ang kutsara at
tumitig doon. His stare felt like it was burning a hole at the back of my head.

“Clyte…”

“W-we just talked,” mahinang sagot ko at sumubo ng pagkain. “About work—”

“I knew about you two before you were even gone,” aniya kaya nanigas ako.

May laman pa ang bibig ko nang nilingon ko siya.

“P-po?”

“I guess you still don’t remember it yet,” he sighed and glanced at my food.
Inilapit niya sa ‘kin ang gatas muli. “I’ve been noticing it for a while that time,
but I didn’t think of it much. Maybe you were just close kasi barkada kayong tatlo
ni Crest but… if stares could melt someone, tunaw ka na, anak.”

Napakurap ako.

“Paanong…”

“I told you the bastard can’t keep his eyes off you. I’m sure if he could
pluck his eyes so it won’t leave you, matagal na niyang ginawa. One moment, he was
somewhere tapos nalinga lang ako, nakabuntot na naman sa ‘yo. I sometimes wonder
baka aso na ‘yong gagong ‘yon,” he spat then frowned.

Lumunok ako at binalingan ang pagkain, umaapuhap ang kaba sa dibdib at ‘di
mapakali.

“I remained silent and just observed. Maybe I was just hallucinating but who
the fuck am I kidding?” Natawa siya. “Wala kang ipinapakilala sa ‘ming boyfriend sa
bahay kahit nababalitaan kong may mga boyfriend ka noon tapos ‘tong isa puro nali-
link pero wala akong kompirmasyon. Do you know umabot pa sa puntong tumatambay ako
sa bahay nina Iñigo para makitsismis?”

My eyes widened.

“Why?”

He shrugged and urged me to eat again.

“Wala lang, para makitsismis. Gusto kong mahuli si Alchiel na may babae o
kaya baka may dinadala sa bahay nila but that bastard won’t take home anything or
anyone but his damned papers and cases. Hinuhuli ko nga, e, akala ko discreet pero
ang gago ‘di mapirmi kapag ikaw ang usapan.”

That got my full attention. My heart was still racing but my father talking
about it lightly like some chika somewhere made me calm.

“How?”

“Nag-uusap kami nina Iñigo sa hapag, mga kung ano lang kasi minsan may
collaboration ang prosecution sa ospital. Tahimik lang si Alchiel tapos kumakain
pero sinasadya kong i-mention ka, aba akala niya ‘di ko nakita ‘yong biglang angat
ng mukha niya?!”

His tone made me chuckle. Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata kaya ngumuso ako.

Bakit ako tumatawa?! Yari ako sa Daddy!

“A-ano’ng ginawa niya?” kuryoso kong tanong.

“Pinaringgan ko kunwari may pumuntang manliligaw sa bahay, nahulog niya ‘yong

kutsara niya tapos biglang nagsabing busog na at nag-walk out. Dali-dali akong
umuwi sa bahay para sa ‘yo naman makitsismis, nasalubong kitang nakasimangot. I
asked why, you said ‘yong kasama mo sa bahay katrabaho mo sa ospital.”

A sudden memory flashed.

“We’re a group, right?” I asked. “Hindi lang isa ang kasama ko no’n…”

Namangha siyang naalala ko bago tumango.

“Yeah, then you left. You said for work, but I knew for sure it wasn’t kasi
sinundan kita.”

Nahulog ang panga ko.

“You didn’t…”

“I did!” he said, rather proudly. “Tapos… huh! Confirmed!” Ngumisi siya.

“Umalis na ‘ko after baka sabihin mong tsismoso ako.”

‘Di pa ba siya tsismoso sa lagay na ‘yon?

Nailing ako at muling sumubo ng pagkain at nag-aalangang binalingan siya.

“Were you… fine with it? I mean… us?”

Natahimik siya. Isinuot niya ang salamin at binasa ang labi niya.

“I honestly don’t approve of it before,” he confessed. ‘Di ko alam pero kahit

alam kong wala na rin namang papatunguhang itanong ko pa’y masakit pa rin. “It was
wrong, you two grew up with people knowing you were cousins.”

Tumango ako at tahimik na kumain na lang. I could feel him watching me.

“But going back, I already saw the signs. I just didn’t acknowledge it.
Naisip ko siguro sobrang close n’yo lang talaga at best friends kayo ni
Crest—magkakasama kayong lumaki. It was normal, right? But then there is
something different when it comes to that boy. You don’t beg your mother and cry
para lang masamahan ang isa sa ibang bansa dahil may banta sa buhay niya, but you
know what? He did.”

The tears were back, and I tried my hardest not to cry.

 “He didn’t act upon it until I realized there was something going on between
the two of you and I confirmed it. Before you were gone, your mother found out.”

My back straightened.

Nilingon ko siya.

“She did…?”

He sighed.

“Alchiel had his goals engraved in his head but when it comes to you? He’s
desperate and careless,” he said.

Tumango ako at bumaling sa pagkain.

He’s right… He’s out of focus. He’s careless when it comes to me, and it may
be his downfall. Me.

Muli akong sumubo kahit wala nang gana.

“And if you ask me if I was fine with the two of you? Well, it was hard
accepting it. I was worried about your reputation and what other people would say
but I realized when I was younger, I depended on and let other people affect the
way I make decisions for myself that I forgot what happiness really was. Noon, nasa
isip ko kapag tanggap ako ng nasa paligid ko, kung may approval ako sa pamilya,
iyon ang magpapasaya sa ‘kin but fuck it. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m an adult and I
make my own decisions. Kayo rin. Malaki na kayo. I know for sure you were both
ready for the consequences and aftermaths if you chose to fight for that love.”

Sumaya ako ro’n pero napawi rin sa isiping hindi na maipaglalaban ang
pagmamahal na ‘yon.

Kasi… wala na.

“I’m not sure what exactly happened but one of you or maybe both of you…”
Hindi niya tinapos kaagad ang sinasabi at natahimik pa ng ilang saglit. “We heard
na gusto n’yong magtanan.”

Pumasok sa ilong ko ang kanin at nabulunan ako ng kinakain. I coughed hard as

my father panicked and tapped my back.

“Clyte!” aniya but I was just coughing hard.

Magtatanan?!

“Fuck!” Dad stood to get me a glass of water at parang nag-aagaw buhay na ako
sa pesteng kanin kasabay ng pagkabigla sa nalaman at inabot ang baso.

I drank the glass in one go as if my life depended on it and when I was done,
nanlalaki ang mata ko siyang binalingan.

“T-tanan? Kami?”

His lips pursed.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah… I’m fine. Tanan, Dad? Paano? Huh?”

 “Not confirmed,” aniya nang masiguradong ayos na ako. “We just heard, your
mother did.”

Napainom akong ulit ng tubig.

“A-and… was she okay with it? I mean, the whole relationship thing?”

“I can’t speak on your mother’s behalf but safe to say that if it was hard
for me—paano pa kaya ang Mommy mo? However, it was a long time ago and in the
past few years, even without acceptance from either of us, hindi tumigil si Alchiel
kakahanap sa ‘yo. Your mother and him became pretty close because they had the same
goal, to find you.” He smiled a little. “Iritado ako sa gagong ‘yon at ‘di sinabi
sa ‘kin ang tungkol sa Cebu pero kung ‘di dahil sa kanya, hindi ko alam kung
nandito ka at kausap ko ngayon.”

I sighed and smiled a little.

“He protected me well,” I mumbled. “No’ng pinasok ang condo ko ng dalawang

lalaki, nando’n siya. He was very patient a-and…”

“I know,” he breathed out. “He may be annoying as fuck for keeping secrets to
all of us but if there is something I was sure of him? It was his honor and
dedication. Tinyaga niya. Kahit minsan pinanghihinaan na kami ng loob ng Mommy mo
sa bawat bangkay na nakikita na p-parang sa ‘yo, he was never hopeless. Nakakahiya
nga kasi ako ang tatay mo pero ang hina ng loob ko.”

My eyes softened. Niyakap ko ang Daddy nang marinig ang nginig sa boses
niya.

He sighed and embraced me as I buried my head in his chest.

“He was a good kid. I watched him grow kaya alam ko,” bulong niya. “And there
comes a time I had to give you away for marriage—”

“Dad…”

“M-malay ko ba.” Suminghot siya. “S’yempre, ayaw pa k-kita ipakasal pero

dadating ‘yan d’yan kung gusto mo na. Nire-ready ko na nga sarili ko kasi kayo na
lang ni Queen ang naiwan sa puder namin ng Mommy mo kaya k-kung sakaling ibibigay
kita, sigurado ako kay Chiel. Siya ang pinagkakatiwalaan ko para sa ‘yo kasi alam
ko, nakita ko ‘yong pagmamahal niya kasi gano’n ako sa Mommy mo.” He soothed me.

Kumawala ang luha ko.

“Don’t mind me but whatever you do, I’ll support you. Si Mommy Zid, maybe you
both could talk to her—”

“W-we broke up, Dad,” I whispered.

He stiffened.

“W-what?” Lumayo siya para makita ang mukha ko. “What do you mean you broke
up?”

“I-I ended it,” I whispered. “It’s done. We don’t have to convince or talk to
Mom because there’s nothing to talk about.”

His mouth parted.

 “Why?”

Because I was threatened, and I had to keep the family and him safe.

Umiling ako.

“Nothing—”

“There is something,” he concluded. I stiffened. “I didn’t see what happened

in the garden because the CCTV had a malfunction. Which is very weird, and I know
you won’t have a panic attack if it’s nothing. You didn’t want to end it, but you
still did.”

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

Cole will know if my family found out. Ligtas na si Yaya pero ang pamilya ko…

Inabot ko ang kutsara.

“Someone got inside our home, Clytemnestra?” he asked.

Nabitawan ko ang kutsara at gulat siyang tinignan.

Oh, God. They will know he found out! Baka… baka may gawin sila sa mga mahal
ko! Baka…

“N-nothing—”

“May nakapasok sa bahay.” Napatalon kami nang sabay ni Dad sa paglitaw ng

boses at napalingon sa pintuan, kay Mommy na kakapasok lang.

“What?” Napaahon si Dad.

Mom glanced my way and sighed. “You were threatened, Clyte?”

Hindi ako nakasagot.

Lumapit siya sa sofa at inabot ang pisngi ko.

“Look at me, darling.” She found my eyes. “You were, right?”

Oh, God. No.

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa lapag. She took it as a confirmation and my lips

quivered when she gently hugged me, still standing in front of me kaya ibinaon ko
ang mukha sa tiyan niya at yumakap.

“Fuck,” she cursed. “The security messed up. Clyte’s bodyguards were
redirected somewhere after getting an order from you, Thorn.”

“Me?” Dad asked. “I didn’t. We were together all this time.”

“I know,” Mom sighed. “Someone must’ve been tampering with our phones.
Remember when you lost your phone last convention?”

“Yes, but we found it later that night in lost and found.”

“That was the number used in contacting Clyte’s bodyguard. If she wasn’t with
Chiel earlier, who knows what could’ve happened.”
 I tensed.

“Fucking hell,” Dad cursed hardly. “The CCTVs malfunctioned. I already called
Zeij and he was on his way. I only saw Alchiel’s car getting inside the house and
Clyte walking towards the garden…”

He was silent for a while and my heart raced.

“Then she stopped briefly and looked at something—or someone who was
standing in the blind spot.”

I flexed my fingers to control the stiffening of it.

“Have you watched the CCTVs outside?” ani Mommy. “When Chiel’s car left, a
minute after, may sumunod.”

Napaayos ako ng upo at napahiwalay kay Mommy.

“May sumunod?” I couldn’t control the panic etching my voice anymore. “How
was he? Nasaan na? May sumunod kay Alchiel, My?”

“Darling…” Mommy called when I stood, hinaplos niya ang balikat ko para
kalmahin. “He was fine.”

“Fine? How? May sumunod—”

“I checked,” she reassured then reached for my cheek. “He’s fine. He’s with
the boys.”

Napahugot ako ng hininga, nawala ang unti-unting pagkawala ng bigat sa

dibdib.

“But you have to tell us what happened, or this will happen again,” she
added.

Nabakas niya marahil ang pagdadalawang-isip at takot sa mga mata ko.

“Darling,” she whispered. “Do you trust me?”

I nodded without hesitation.

“Then tell us. I promise, I promise we will protect you.” She looked at me in
the eye. “I’d protect you with my life, Clyte. I swear that devil won’t even get to
touch strands of your hair.”

“No. It shouldn’t be me. T-they would hurt the people I love if I told them.
They’d h-hurt you…”

“They couldn’t,” aniya at umiling. “We know we’ve been slacking before but
not this time. Not when they touched you and our family.”

Hindi ako nagsalita, bumaling kay Daddy na inaantay ang sagot ko pabalik kay
Mommy na malambing ang tingin. Their look and the reassurance written in their
faces gave me bravery and so, I nodded.

“P-promise?”

“We promise,” Mommy said like an oath.

 Dumating sina Tito Zeij at Tita Alyx pagkaraan sa bahay at unang tingin pa
lang nila sa CCTVs ay alam na kaagad ang nangyari.

“Tito,” tawag ko nang makitang mag-isa ang Tito Zeij na nakapaywang habang
nakatitig sa CCTV na biglang nag-malfunction kanina.

Luckily, the rain stopped.

“Oh, Clyte-ganda!” His welcoming and bright smile appeared. Inilahad niya ang
braso kaya lumapit ako at yumakap.

He sighed.

“Musta, ganda? I’m so sorry we got to this late. We focused more on tracking
that damn asshole in Cebu when he could’ve planted his goons here after you.”

“I’m fine po,” sagot ko. “I’m willing to tell everything if you need it. I-
I’m sorry for planning on sabotaging the family. I thought…”

“We will never blame you for that.” Umiling siya. “You are a victim, Clyte.
We are on your side.”

Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya.

“Tito, uh… I just like to ask a question if it’s okay?”

Tumango siya. “Sure, what is it?”

“Is Chiel… is Chiel okay? Kasama niya po ba talaga sina Zy? I heard someone
followed him and I just want to confirm if he’s fine.”

Tumitig siya, tila binabasa ako. I was sure he had an idea about what was
going on, but he didn’t voice it out.

“Yes,” he answered. “He’s fine. Kasama niya sina gwapo. I think they’re in a
bar or something. I confirmed it to him.”

Tumango ako at nagpasalamat, bumabaling sa CCTV, ramdam ang tingin niya sa

‘kin.

“I know you had a lot in mind, Clyte, but please know we will always be right
behind you.” Sinulyapan ko siya at nakita ang malambing niyang tingin. “We failed
in protecting you before but not again. We would never let him get to you again.”

“But they are dangerous, Tito,” bulong ko.

“So are we, anak,” he smiled, and I saw the tension and promise in it. “Not
when they hurt one of us. Hindi nila kilala nang lubusan sinong kinakalaban nila.”

The promise sounded like danger.

I told them everything. From the start, what happened in the house,
everything. Sinabi ko ang tungkol kay Yaya na kasama si Bullet, pwera na lang ang
tungkol sa nangyari sa amin ni Chiel nitong araw lang.

They told me this will be a secret at first. We must not let my cousins know
at baka makatunog sina Sebastian na alam na nila dahil nakuha si Yaya Mildred.
 “They might change their antics,” Tito Zeij explained. “The Sebastians are
fucking assholes, but that family was influential and has connections. I heard
Jackson Sebastian owned a drug den and now that he escaped with Israel Sebastian,
it’ll get more dangerous.”

It strengthened his connections, the reason why neither of them should get
out of jail.

Mommy joined me to bed that night, promising we’d replant my rose with my
father on the floor who insisted he’d sleep there tonight to join us. Sinamahan
nila ako habang nagkukwentuhan para malibang ako.

The memories from my past were making appearances in my head and I even woke
up in the middle of my sleep with a nightmare.

Nagising ang mga magulang ko at kinalma ako pero ang mga mata ko’y natuon
nang makita ang paglipat ng oras at ang date sa ibaba n’on.

February 17.

My breath stopped. My heart shattered even more with the realization.

It was supposed to be our anniversary yesterday.

I couldn’t sleep anymore that night. I cried. Akala ni Mommy ay dahil sa

bangungot ko pero alam kong may ideya si Daddy kung ano’ng dahilan ng pag-iyak ko.

My siblings went home early in the morning to join us for breakfast and not a
moment later, Crest came rushing into our house to give me a warm and tight
embrace, apologizing for not being here.

She just found out there’s something going on between me and Chiel. Not what
exactly happened but she guessed after finding out na dumeretso roon si Locket
galing trabaho. She didn’t force me to tell her anything, but she was with me the
whole day and we talked about random things.

“I won’t force you to open up but…” Her gentle eyes softened, unshed tears
still in her beautiful eyes. “I’m only a call away, BFF. Tell me and I will drop
everything for you, okay?”

I nodded.

“I love y-you, Crest,” I whispered.

“I love you, too, Clyte-Clyte…” she breathed out and pulled me for an
embrace.

I broke his heart on our anniversary.

My parents didn’t stop me when Monday came, and I informed them I was working
in the firm for the day. Dad gave me a concerned look. He knew what happened.

“Won’t they notice it if I was suddenly gone?” I asked. “Hindi alam ni Chiel
ang tungkol sa plano and I think it would be a big help if I was there to oversee.”

“But Clyte…” Mom’s worried eyes sought for mine.

“I promise, magpapaalam po ako sa guards palagi kapag kailangan kong umalis.

I’ll call and text. Please, let me.”
 Mom couldn’t answer. Bakas ang takot at pag-aalala sa kanya na sa huli’y
inabot siya ni Daddy at hinaplos ang likod bago tumango sa ‘kin.

“Please do, princess. Inform us, hmm? Promise?”

I smiled and walked closer to give them a warm hug.

“I promise.”

Gulantang sina Meia nang makita akong pumasok na napaahon pa siya sa upuan
niya’t sinalubong ako.

“Zahrah!” she blurted out. “I mean, Clyte! Nalilito pa rin ako sa name mo!
You’re here!”

My eyes went to the dark office where Chiel was working then back to her.

“Oo,” I smiled. “Bakit naman hindi?”

“Oh? Bakit gano’n? Akala ko kasi nag-resign ka na at babalik ka na sa

ospital?” she asked.

“I don’t…” Umiling ako. “Sino nagsabi?”

“Prosecutor,” aniya. “He informed us via email over the weekend, so we

thought… but you’re here!”

“Baka nagkamali lang—” My voice faded when the door opened, and my eyes
met
his.

I noticed the faint shock in his eyes when he saw me, but he masked it
immediately that it made me think I was only hallucinating it. Nag-iwas siya ng
tingin at sumulyap sa relo.

“Good morning, Prosecutor!” Meia greeted.

“Is Bryce already here?” he asked coldly.

“Ah, on the way na raw po.”

Nagwala ang puso ko’t lumunok nang maglakad siya palapit.

I have to greet him! I have to!

“Good morning—”

“Come with me, Miss Legazpi,” he said before I could finish my words and went
to his office.

Nanatili lang akong nakatayo roon, gulat at natutuliro. Nasalubong ko ang

tingin ni Meia.

“Ano’ng meron?” she asked in a quiet voice. “Nag-away ba kayo—”

“Miss Legazpi,” his voice echoed.

“Opo! Nand’yan na!” aniya at dali-daling may kinuha sa desk niya, sinulyapan
ako at tumakbo sa opisina.
 The doors closed and I watched it quietly with my damn heart aching.

Ginusto mo ‘yan, Clyte.

The door opened again with Bryce and Rome shocked to see me. They asked the
same thing as Meia and I explained it was a mistake when I know for a fact it
wasn’t.

He assumed I was leaving after that, but I wouldn’t.

I have to know how the case was and… I still can’t let go and not see him.

It was our anniversary. Kaya marahil sinusubukan niya akong kausapin no’ng
umaga no’n, kaya siya nagtatanong kung may gagawin ako and I said I was busy.
Despite of him doubting about my intentions, he wanted to ask me out, but I was
cold…

Jackson even escaped that same day afternoon. He had his suspicions about me
but still took me home safely.

“Kain tayo mamaya roon, masarap at bagong bukas!” ani Rome na umagang-umaga’y
may tsismis na at nagpaplano na agad kumain.

I smiled at him but before I could answer, the door opened and he went out.
Inaayos niya ang coat na suot at malamig na napasulyap kay Rome na abala kakakwento
habang nakaupo sa gilid ng desk ko.

I caught the way his eyes turned slits.

“Tapos, I heard ‘yong bagong kainan nina Zy at Crest magbubukas na raw—”

“It will be better if you used that mouth in the courtroom than wasting it
for nonsense,” Alchiel spat bluntly. I visibly heard the gasps inside.

Si Meia ay biglang naging mas interesado sa nangyayari kaysa sa papel na

inaayos niya habang si Bryce ay napaahon pa galing sa ilalim ng lamesa para
sumilip.

Rome chuckled.

Umayos siya ng pagkakaupo sa gilid ng table ko.

“Ang init naman ng ulo mo umagang-umaga? Masama bang magkwento kay Clyte?” he
asked. “Kung inggit ka, e di magkwento ka rin?”

His forehead creased. His jaw clenched and I could already feel his patience
thinning.

“Rome,” tawag ko sa kanya. “You should go, may lakad pa yata kayo.”

“Nah, mamaya pa ‘yon. Atat lang si Sandejas akala mo iiwan ng mga kaso niya.”
Ngumisi siya at nang-aasar na bumaling sa huli na natigil tahimik na inaayos ang
cuffs ng suit niya, ni isang sulyap ay ‘di ako pinagbigyan.

“Then suit yourself,” he said coldly. “Just a reminder that this is an office
and not some dating coffee shop.”

He walked out just like that. Napatalon pa ako nang bumagsak ang pintuan
pasara.

Meia gasped.

“Gagi, ano ‘yon?” aniya kay Rome na ngumisi lang sa kanya. “Ginalit mo, gago
ka! Yari na naman tayo kapag mainit ang ulo niyan!”

“Kailan ba ‘di mainit ulo niyan?” Ngumuso ang huli sabay tayo at ngiti. “Doon
tayo kain mamaya sa sinasabi ko kay Clyte, a? Alis muna ‘ko at baka magalit ‘yong
dragon.”

Tatawa-tawa siyang tumakbo palabas.

I was bothered and quiet the whole morning. Bumalik sa utak ko ang naging
usapan namin ni Chiel no’ng pinagtabuyan ko siya.

I said I was helping Israel and that Cole’s my boyfriend! Fuck. I doubt I
would still have updates! They’d pull me out of the case!

Nag-usap sina Bryce at Meia kasama na rin ako sa progress ng ibang kaso at
tanghali na bumalik si Alchiel na deretso ang lakad pabalik sa opisina.

Pumasok si Rome na nakabusangot, mukhang iritado rin at nag-aayang kumain na

kami sa labas pero tumanggi ako nang malamang ‘di sasama si Alchiel at may gagawin
daw.

Palagi na lang nagpapalipas ng tanghalian!

“Clyte?” Meia asked.

“Una na kayo,” I said. “‘Di pa ako gutom.”

When they left, I went to the cafeteria and ordered food for us. Ipinalagay
ko sa paperbag at iniwan ko ang akin sa lamesa bago nagtungo sa tapat ng kanyang
opisina.

I let out a sigh as I gathered courage to talk to him. ‘Di ko naman siya
guguluhin, e. Bibigyan ko lang ng pagkain tapos aalis na ako.

I knocked with my heart on my throat.

“Come in,” his voice echoed.

Pumasok ako at naabutan siyang nasa harap ng maliit na salamin at

sinusubukang ayusin ang kurbata. He stilled when he found out it was me pero nawala
iyon kaagad at muling nag-focus sa kurbata niya.

“Yes?” he asked formally.

“Uh…” Oumasok ako at humigpit ang hawak sa paperbag. “I heard you won’t eat
lunch kaya dinalhan kita…”

When he didn’t speak, naglakad ako papunta sa table niya, mas humihigpit ang
hawak. Sinulyapan ko siya at tumikhim.

“L-let me fix your necktie—”

“It’s fine.” Kinuha niya ang kurbata at ‘di na itinuloy, inilapag iyon sa
lamesa bago naglakad patungong swivel chair.
 Nagkatinginan kami. Nagwala ang puso ko sa hapdi mula sa malamig niyang
tingin.

“A-ah, pagkain. Kumain ka muna bago ka magtrabaho.” I extended my hand to

place it on his table the same time he reached on it.

My breath hitched when the familiar electricity from his fingertips traveled
on mine. Nailayo ko ang kamay. He didn’t react, making me assume he probably not
felt it pero tumagal ang tingin niya sa singsing ko.

I swallowed. Kaswal niyang inilapag iyon sa gilid at walang tinging umupo sa

swivel chair niya, itinataas ang dress shirt sa siko.

My finger unconsciously touched my ring as I withdrew my hand away.

“About—”

“I don’t believe it when you said you’re working with Israel Sebastian,”
malamig niyang sinabi. Umawang ang labi ko.

“How…”

“I’ll send you the latest reports about Israel Sebastian’s case,” aniya, ‘di
ipinaliwanag ang sinabi at binuklat ang papel doon. “We already caught Kiko
Fernandez and still looking for Cole Fernandez.”

I was still processing what he said when he informed me.

“You… got him?”

“Earlier this morning while he was boarding a flight.” I noticed him wearing
a black rubber page flipper as he opened the pages. “He was alone and under
interrogation. His son and client were out of sight. They’re probably with Jackson
Sebastian.”

Kinagat ko ang labi, kinakabahan.

“Will you fly back to Cebu? Can I come—”

“Meia will give you only real-time updates the prosecution allowed us to
share about this case.” Nag-angat siya ng malamig na tingin sa ‘kin. “We’ll provide
you with reports for you will become our eyewitness if we catch them.”

“Why?” I fidgeted. “I-I mean I can come, wala naman akong trabaho pa bukod
dito. Hindi pa ako babalik sa ospital, I still have to train again so—”

“I know you’re only here for the case’s progress and we’ll provide you with
that. You are supposed to be exempted in this case because of personal connections
but the prosecution allowed us to include you in exchange that you could only have
real-time updates, not touch and be included in investigations.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“But…”

“They pointed out it was impossible for them to let you go back to your
family without an agenda unless it was confirmed. You said it yourself that night,
you planned this. With your boyfriend, right?” Malamig niya akong tinignan.
 Suminghap ako.

“I don’t buy the fucking excuse to be rid of me,” prente niyang sabi.

He still believed in me. Kahit galit siya.

“But that information could kick you out entirely. You may get charged for
tampering the evidence and being an accomplice to the crime if proven.”

I swallowed hard.

“I-I know, but I wasn’t… I mean, I said it but if you’d like to file a case,
I’d accept it. Mali ako. Yes, I leaked information and I deserved to be in jail for
that.”

His jaw ticked.

“They used your Yaya Mildred against you,” aniya. Napalunok ako at tila
nabasa niya ang tanong sa mga mata ko.

“I had my ways,” sabi niya at ‘di na ipinaliwanag kung paano bago nagpatuloy.
“I did not disclose that information with them because they’ll deprive you of any
update, so you have no choice. You cannot know confidential things they might use
to escape and avoid the police and prosecution.” He moistened his lip.

“B-but I want to be included. You c-can have me watch or investigated—”

“It’s either you’ll stay and be completely out of the case or get fired and
have updates, you choose.”

Napalunok ako at mas humaplos sa singsing. Nahulog ang tingin niya sa kamay
ko at umigting ang panga. He then pulled the collar of his white dress shirt, as if
he found it hard to breathe.

“And let’s not kid ourselves, Clytemnestra.” His voice was hard when I met
his serious blue eyes. “You’re probably sick in the stomach forcing yourself to see
me everyday just for the case’s updates.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“Chiel… I…”

“If you can endure seeing me everyday then I don’t,” he said bitterly. “I’m
not gonna go here everyday and see you giving me that fake ass affectionate eyes
when you were lying about your feelings all along for just a piece of information.
I can’t pretend I don’t love you anymore as good as you do.”

Sa lahat ng ‘yon, ‘yan ang pinaka-hindi totoo. It wasn’t real… What I told
you I didn’t love you, it wasn’t real.

“You’re fired, Clytemnestra,” aniya at kasabay n’on ay ang pagbukas ng pinto.

I still couldn’t process a thing when I saw Lorraine entering the room. She
was startled seeing me but looked away and smiled at Alchiel.

“I reserved the restaurant, Chiel!” she blurted happily. “Come on, let’s have
lunch!”
 It was a punch in the gut when Chiel smirked at her.

“You did?”

“Ako pa ba?” Tumawa siya. “Sabi sa ‘yo makaka-reserve ako, e! Wala ka bang
tiwala sa ‘kin?”

“Alright,” he chuckled then stood, taking his coat from his swivel chair.

Napasulyap sa ‘kin si Lorraine na tumaas pa ang kilay.

“Oh, you’re here,” ani Lorraine na kunwari’y ‘di pa ako nakita kanina. She
gave me a timid smile. “We’re having a lunch date…”

“Lorraine,” he called seriously.

“What? It was a lunch date for me.” Her lips protruded then glanced my way
again. “Kumain ka na ba? Perhaps, you wanna join? Third wheel nga lang—”

“She’ll be leaving now, Lorraine,” Chiel cut her off then stared at me with
stone-cold eyes. “I’ll tell the team you resigned. You may leave, Miss Fabroa,” he
dismissed.

Kabanata 36

Kabanata 36

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Oh? Tulala ka, BFF?” Nag-angat ako ng tingin at dagling binigyan ng matamis
na ngiti si Crest.

“Kakarating mo pa lang, ‘yan na kaagad ang salubong mo?” Natatawang tumayo

ako at sinalubong siya ng yakap.

She giggled, embracing and kissing my cheek loudly.

“Nakatulala ka kasi! ‘Di mo tuloy nakita ang bonggang entrace ko!” she
blurted out, emphasizing her entrance.

Natawa ako.

“‘Te, kahit tulala ako, nakikita ko ‘yong pagliwanag ng paligid kapag

pumapasok ka!” pagsakay ko kaya nagtawanan na naman kaming dalawa.

“Buti naman! Laki-laki ng smile ko, e! Tapos pagtingin ko sa ‘yo, nakatulala

ka sa hangin!” aniya. “So kumusta ka naman habang wala ako sa Pinas?”

I rolled my eyes. Inagaw ko ang iba sa mga paper bag niyang dala.

“Makapagsalita naman ‘to akala mo balikbayan,” I snickered. “E, kakagaling mo

nga lang sa England last week?”

Humagikhik siya at kumapit sa braso ko habang papalabas kami ng airport.

“Anyway, I bought you pasalubong, a? Nand’yan sa pink paper bag and then
itong isa…” She started lamenting her pasalubongs and I listened intently, smiling
because she looked happy at the moment.

Ganyan naman kasi siya. Kapag nagsa-shopping or nagta-travel ay palaging

masayang uuwi at kahit magastos at pinagsasabihan ko minsan ay masaya ako kasi
masaya siya.

It’s better, anyway. Kasi kapag
gala
with her other friends or Chiel and I
looked so lonely and lost. Whenever I
na iniisip niya lang ano’ng OOTD niya
wala siyang ginagawa, kapag wala siyang
were busy tapos mag-isa siya, she somehow
asked, she’d just shrug it off and reasoned
kinabukasan.

But I knew there was something deeper lurking beneath it and maybe she wasn’t
ready to share it with me yet and I’d respect it. However, kahit ‘di na sinasabi
pa, I promise I’d always be there for her. I’d drop everything to be with her if
she needs me.

She is my best friend, my sister in heart.

Mukha akong alalay niya habang papalabas kami ng airport. Graveyard shift
kasi ako kagabi kaya ayon at haggard ang lola mo. Naka-scrubs pa rin ako’t white
shoes, naka-ponytail ang buhok, bagsak ang bangs, at may eyebags na siguro.

Samantalang siya ay very fresh, kulot ang buhok, with her usual flashy pretty
dress and countless shopping bags. I chuckled.

“‘Di ba sumasakit ang feet mo sa heels, Crest-Crest?” I asked her when I

noticed her limping a little, mukhang may paltos.

“Ah?”

Sinulyapan ko ang paa niya kaya nahulog ang tingin niya roon.

“Oh, I’m fine.”

“May paltos ka yata,” I noticed. “Masakit ‘yan sa paa. I have slippers in the
car if you want.”

She pouted.

“Well, yes, I have paltos,” she sighed. “But these heels are brand new. I
bought it before I left Malaysia. Kapag nag-change ako to slippers, ‘di na siya fit
sa outfit ko?”

“Dapat kasi kinagat mo ‘yong sa may likod bago mo sinuot.” She jumped when we
heard the voice.

Ako? Napairap na lang.

This was expected.

“Chiel!” masayang bati ni Crest. “Tapos na work mo?!”

“Nah, ‘di pa tapos kaso narinig niya yata sa tsismis na lalayas tayo,” I
informed Crest before looking back to see her twin’s pouting lips.

“Meanie…” he whined, his eyes on me while hugging Crest. “May pasalubong ka

rin sa ‘kin?” Bumaling naman siya sa kambal.
“Oo naman, s’yempre,” ani Crest. “Baka kapag wala kang pasalubong maiyak ka.”
 Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa ni Crest sa pagbusangot ng kakambal.

“I don’t—”

“Mabait pa ‘ko sa lagay na ‘to, Chiel, a! Kahit sinusumbong mo ako noon sa

gastos ko kay Daddy!”

“I don’t do it anymore!” agap pa ng huli, pinagtatanggol ang sarili.

Napailing ako at natawa.

“May dala ka bang damit?” I asked Chiel.

He smirked.

“Ako pa ba, Clyte-Clyte?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. Bakit pa ba ako nagtanong?

May biglaang travel kasi kami ni Crest dahil na-grant iyong request kong
vacation leave. We could actually leave tomorrow or the next day, but we didn’t
want to waste any moment! Isa pa’y may out of the country getaway rin ako with the
family next week naman.

Ipapasyal namin si Queen sa Disneyland.

After I informed Crest, kahit nasa airport pa siya’y nabalitaan ko na lang na

may na-book na siyang flight to Caticlan! Kaya ayon, kumuha lang ako ng ilang damit
sa condo at inantay siya sa airport at ilang oras lang ay flight na namin.

“May ticket ka ba?” I asked.

He smirked.

“What’s the point of the family owning the airlines if I couldn’t snag one on
short notice?” yabang niya.

“Ginulo mo na naman si Macky, ano?” I spat. Ngumisi lang siya at umakbay kay
Crest bago ako at inabot at inakbayan din.

“Come on, let’s bond, girls!” aniya sa aming dalawa kaya nagkatinginan na
lang kami ni Crest at napailing.

We ate first. Nakasama pa namin si Marcus na may flight daw mamaya to

Caticlan which, not surprisingly, was our flight.

Habang naglalakad papasok sa eroplano ay nakaantabay sa amin si Chiel. Nauuna

si Crest na siyang may hawak ng tickets, ako’y kasunod niya, at si Chiel ang nasa
likuran ko.

I felt his hand on my waist as he assisted me. Nilingon ko siya at halos

magbangga na ang mukha namin kaya napalunok ako.

Our gazes met.

“What is it, sweetheart?” he asked in a low voice only the two of us could
hear.
 I elbowed him.

“Stop calling me sweetheart,” I hissed quietly.

He chuckled.

“What do you like, then? Baby?” I snickered. “Oh, how ‘bout Bella?”

Natigilan ako. His grin widened.

“So you like Bella, then. I knew it,” he mused. Pakiramdam ko’y umakyat ang
init sa mukha ko’t dagli akong nag-iwas sa kanya.

“S-shut up,” bulong ko at hinabol si Crest na masyadong seryoso kakahanap sa

upuan.

Hindi ko na inimik si Chiel nang makaupo kami. Tabi kami ni Crest, siya sa
bintana habang ako’y nasa gitna at nasa aisle si Chiel katabi ko.

I could hear Macky’s voice thanking the passengers for choosing Sandejas Air
with the safety measures from the flight attendants before we ascended.

Crest and I talked, ikinwento niya sa ‘kin ang mga lugar na napuntahan niya.
I helped her choose what pictures she’d post in social media kaya napagod ako lalo.

Grabe ang energy ng babaeng ‘to! Nasa bente ang poses at pictures niya tapos
isa o dalawa lang do’n ang pipiliin niya at ipo-post!

“What’s better, this one or this one?” Ipinalipat niya ang dalawang
picture.

Nanliit ang mata ko at nag-swipe.

“What’s the difference?”

“‘Yong angle ng feet ko,” she explained. “Dito kasi medyo nakaangat and
this
one…”

Nanliit ang mata ko. No matter how many times I stared at it, I just didn’t
get what was different kaya I randomly chose the other one. Pinili niya ‘yong ‘di
ko pinili.

Tumawa si Alchiel sa tabi ko sa reaksyon ko sa final decision ni Crest.

“Pinapapili ka lang niyan pero may desisyon na talaga siya,” ani Alchiel kaya
tumawa si Crest at nag-peace sign sa amin.

‘Di naman matagal ang flight pero sa pagod siguro ni Crest ay inantok siya. I
noticed she was cold but before I could even ask ay inaabot na sa ‘kin ni Chiel ang
coat niya.

It made me smile.

Always so attentive.

Ipinatong ko sa balikat ng best friend ang coat ng kakambal niya at hinayaan

siyang sumandal sa balikat ko para makatulog man lang at back-to-back ang biyahe
niya.
However, it was really cold. Pasimple kong hinawakan ang braso ko.
 “Cold, sweet rose?” he asked.

Nilingon ko siya.

“No, I’m fine,”

He sighed.

“I should’ve brought a jacket in hand carry,” aniya. “Nasa isang bag ko

kasi—”

I chuckled.

“I’m fine, Chiel, really…”

But he won’t let it go, akmang tatayo siya para kunin ang hand-carry niya
para tingnan kung may mabibigay sa ‘kin ay hinatak ko siya pabalik.

“Ayos lang,” I said again kaya naupo na siya sa tabi ko.

“Alright,” he answered. “Anong gusto mo, yakap ko na lang?”

Muntik na akong mapaahon at mahulog si Crest sa balikat ko sa gulat. I

gasped. Tumawa si Chiel nang mahina sa reaksyon ko.

“Gago ka ba?!” I whimpered, my cheeks flushing.

“Nah,” he smirked. “I’d never joke about offering you my biceps,

Clytemnestra.”

Napaigik siya nang kurutin ko.

“Fuck!”

Crest groaned on my shoulder. Nanigas kaming dalawa.

Umayos ako ng upo at sinamaan siya ng tingin.

“Ikaw kasi!” I mouthed, fixing Crest’s head on my shoulder.

“What?” he mouthed back, feigning innocence.

Umirap ako at inayos si Crest bago sumandal lang. Sumilip si Chiel sa

kakambal at nang masiguradong ayos na ang huli at sumulyap sa akin.

Tinaasan ko ng kilay.

I then felt his fingers seeking for mine. I stiffened and was about to pull
away to bury the emerging flattering feelings when he gripped my finger.

“Don’t please,” he said in a whisper.

“But—”

“You won’t let me embrace you so let me hold your hand,” aniya at bago pa ako
makapagtanong kung anong connect ay umagap siya. “Para ‘di ka na lamigin.”

My lips pursed as I swallowed.

 I could just pull my hand away and forget all of these was happening but…

“Effective ba ‘yon?” I asked like an idiot.

I saw the ghost of a smile escaping his lips as he nodded.

“Yup, proven and tested—”

“What?” My tone was aggressive. He panicked. “What do you mean proven and
tested? May kahawak-kamay ka—”

“No, Clytemnestra!” agap niya at hinabol ang kamay kong inilayo sa kanya. “I
meant you!” he caught my finger.

“H’wag ako, Alchiel—”

“You made me feel warmer, okay?” he explained. “Your presence… just you.”
Halos bulong na iyon.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart hammering, begging me to get it

out of my ribcage so it could beat freely. As if being caged in my chest was
suffocating and it wanted out.

It wanted the world to see, to know… how it beats for him.

Because I was an idiot, I asked.

“R-really?”

He moistened his lower lip, his face with a faint blush.

“Yeah,” he murmured and gently filled the gaps of my fingers with his.
“Really.”

My stomach churned.

“Okay,” sagot kong parang tanga.

Gising, Clyte! Gumising!

He nodded then rubbed my hand with his thumb slowly, affectionately.

“Okay,” sagot niya’t tumango.

My shoulders relaxed and for a moment, I was lost in my fantasy when Crest
coughed a little pero kumalma siya at mukhang naubo lang kaya nag-relax ako ulit.

She’s still asleep.

“Let’s go out some time, Clyte,” aniya.

I nodded.

“Okay, Crest and I will check—”

“I mean… the two of us.” His blue eyes softened. “Just some… dinner. The two
of us.”
 Kami lang?

Lumunok ako.

“Like a date?” I asked hesitantly and it surprised him, probably hearing the
word date from me was so foreign if it involved him but he nodded.

“Yeah, like a date,” he clarified then licked his lip. “Have a date with me.”

Hindi na mapirmi ang puso kong nagwawala.

“Just one?” I asked, aware that his thumb rubbing on my hand was too much and
I was about to hyperventilate.

“Yeah, one,” aniya. “And more if you want—”

“Just one,” agap ko na at nagbaba ng tingin.

He sighed.

“That’s good enough for me,” he answered. “Just one… Thank you.”

Wala kaming imikan na buong biyahe no’n. Hindi na rin siya nangulit. Maybe he
was satisfied with me agreeing to it.

We had countless dinners together, but it mostly involved our cousins, o kaya
si Crest ay palagi naming kasama. Kapag kaming dalawa lang? Yes, there were
sometimes but we both knew it was friendly ones, casual ones kaya ngayong…

“Namumula ka, a?” pansin ni Crest kaya napaayos ako ng tayo.

“‘Di, a!”

“Oh?” she smirked. “Really? May naisip ka, ‘no? Sino? Crush mo? Jowa mo? Nga
pala, may boyfriend ka na ba ulit—”

“Wala!” I blurted out and shook my head. “I have no boyfriend.” Pasimple

akong sumulyap kay Alchiel na nakapaywang doon habang inaantay ang bagahe.

The fabric of his white dress shirt embraced his muscular back, emphasizing
every corner of it. Dahil nga nakapaywang ay yumakap din ang biceps niya kaya mas
kita iyon sa tikas niya.

He’s also wearing his usual black work slacks majestically wrapped around his
long legs, and a black belt—not to mention his glutes.

Nangunot ang noo ko nang mapansing may grupo ng barkada, mukhang mas bata sa
‘min na nasa kabilang pwesto at nagbubulungan habang nakatingin kay Chiel. When
Chiel brushed his hair with his fingers, I could visibly see them gasping.

I pursed my lips, annoyed.

Lalo na no’ng magbulungan sila at mamaya-maya’y pasimpleng lumipat na sa tabi

ni Chiel. They pretended to watch their baggage and talk but then they pointed one
luggage. Pinalagpas nila ‘yon at habang nasa watch out ang isa, lumapit ang iba kay
Chiel.

Because he was tall, hanggang sa may dibdib o ‘di kaya’y balikat niya lang
ang mga ‘yon.
 They called him. Bumaling sa kanila si Chiel. Nakita ko ang kurutan nila.

May sinabi ang isa na mukhang sa mahinang boses dahil nangunot ang noo ni
Chiel at dumukwang kaunti para marinig. They hyperventilated. Chiel just chuckled.

Tanginang… ano’ng nakakatuwa?!

Kumuyom ang kamay ko.

“CR lang ako, Clyte. Ayusin ko makeup ko,” ani Crest. “Sama ka?”

“I’m fine,” sagot ko, ‘di inaalis ang tingin kay Alchiel na nakikinig.

I moved closer quietly.

One woman pointed the luggage. Sumunod ang tingin doon ni Alchiel bago
tumango at nang buhatin niya ng isang braso lang ang maleta ay nakita kong lalo ang
kilig ng bagets.

“Ayon pa po, Sir,” turo nila sa isa pa at narinig ko na ang mahinang

hagikhikan nang abutin din niya ang isa. His biceps flexed, and my breathing
labored.

“Meron pa?” he asked the group.

“Ah, wala na po, Sir! P’wede po pa-picture?! Crush daw po kayo nito!” Sabay
tulak nila sa isang babaeng namumula sa hiya.

Bumaling sa pwesto ko si Chiel. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, tumaas ang sulok

ng labi niya at mukhang nang-aasar.

Alchiel chuckled but nodded, nagtilian sila.

You didn’t… this brute!

Tumabi sa kanya ang babae. Chiel stood straight, placing his hands on his own
back, and making a safe distance to offer the woman a personal space.

Nawala kaagad ang iritasyon ko at napangiti.

They snapped photos him and the girl at mukhang ‘di pa natatapos at nagpakuha
rin ang iba kaya nalagpasan ng mga gamit namin si Alchiel.

I snorted.

Alchiel was aware I was walking closer now at nang marinig kong uulit pa ng
picture ‘yong may crush sa kanya’y tumikhim na ako.

“Excuse me,” I said formally then got in the middle of the giggling crowd.

Hindi tumitingin kay Alchiel na naglakad ako malapit sa kanya at inabot ang
gamit na bumaling pero maagap siyang nakalapit at kinuha iyon sa akin.

Our fingers touched.

He smiled handsomely.

“Let me, Miss,” he said teasingly.

 “Oh? Akala ko ba busy ka pa sa photoshoot?” I asked lightly, glancing at his
fans who were now busy watching us in shock.

“We’re done,” aniya at inisang kuha ang ibang bag. “Saan si Crest?”

“CR,” sagot ko at inagaw sa kanya ang paper bag pero ‘di niya ‘ko
pinagbigyan. Instead, idinantay niya ang palad sa baywang ko at ngumiti.

“H’wag kang magselos. Ikaw lang naman gusto ko,” he said and smirked.

My mouth parted then grimaced.

“Feelingero!” Sinapok ko siya.

Tumatawang tumango siya para kumbinsihin ako nang marinig ko ang komento.

“Ay, may jowa?”

“Jowa niya? Ang gara, ang haggard.”

My jaw dropped, nilingon ko ang mga bata, nasa punto nang lalapit pero
hinapit ako ni Chiel at tinangay ako palayo roon, tumatawa at aliw na aliw sa inis
ko.

“Alchiel!”

“Don’t mind them,” he chuckled. “You’re beautiful, Clyte—”

“No! Kakausapin ko lang, ‘di ba nila alam na nag-graveyard ako? Sila kaya sa
ospital—” He leaned in and captured my mouth for a brief kiss.

Suminghap ako at natulala.

“If only you could see how you look in my eyes,” he whispered. “You’re
fucking perfect to me, sweetheart.”

Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa, malapit dahil hapit niya ako’t halos magdikit na
ang dibdib.

My eyes fell on his lips and the silly smile he had but then I heard the
clearing of throat.

Natulak ko si Alchiel at nagpa-panic na bumaling kay Crest na malaki ang

ngiti.

“We’re just…”

“Let’s go!” she said happily then caught my arm to encircle hers, but I
noticed the look she threw her twin.

She knew it. I could feel it now.

She never once asked about what she saw—maybe she’d seen us kissed. ‘Di ko
alam. Pero ‘di siya nagtanong. If we were alone, she’d join us and take me away
from Chiel during the whole day in Boracay.

One time, even if it scared me, I decided to open up.

 “Crest,” I called.

“Hmm?” She glanced my way, a fruit shake in her hand while we were sunbathing
in the lounge. “May boyfriend ka na?”

“Huh? No.” Umiling ako.

“Oh, great!” she smiled. “I know someone! He’s asking if I knew some ladies
he could meet on blind dates, and I thought of you! I told him I’d ask you first
and if you’re good then we can schedule! You want ba?”

Hindi ako nakaimik kaagad.

“Well…”

“He’s a good man! Handsome, tall, businessman! Met him at fashion shows
before so I can assure you he has great taste in fashion! Mabait pa!” she
continued. “Let me know, a? And speaking of Chiel, wala pang babaeng pinapakilala
and you know, Mommy was planning if we can urge him to go on blind dates to see
lang if may matipuan siya.”

Oh…

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Is that so?”

“Yup,” she smiled. “Baka may kilala ka? I had a few friends, but I don’t
trust them enough for my twin kaya I’m asking you if may workmates ka na you think
he’ll be interested with? We’ll just see and if ayaw niya after the date then, okay
lang.”

Napainom ako ng juice at napatitig sa dagat kung nasaan si Chiel lumalangoy

sa ‘di kalayuan.

“Oh, sorry, I think you’re saying something earlier, Clyte. What is it?” ani
Crest kaya nilingon ko siya at maliit na ngumiti.

“Nothing.” I shook my head. “And yeah, I… know some girls who’ll be

interested.”

“Great!” She beamed. “I’ll schedule na tapos kukulitin ko si Chiel!”

I just smiled.

Magkasama kami sa kwarto ni Crest at nasa katabi lang namin si Chiel. We

spent our days together, with Crest clinging on me and asking me if I still have my
dating profile sa mga app.

Hindi na kami napag-isa pang muli ni Alchiel and it didn’t even bother him
much. I think he was just happy to accompany us.

“Sorry,” I told him when Crest went to the bathroom to freshen up while we
were in the airport to fly back to Manila.

He smiled.

“It’s fine. It’s your girl bonding, nakiki-epal lang naman ako,” aniya.
 I smiled.

“Grabe kasi ‘yang radar mo, e. Kahit ‘di na sabihin, ‘yong antenna mo
nasasagap ang chismis.”

“That’s what lawyers do, Bella,” aniya. “We don’t just rely on
facts—sometimes, a little gossip and hearsay could change the narrative. It could
be a little help. Sometimes for the worse but most of the time, to my client’s
advantage.”

“It’s not admissible in court, right?” I asked.

“No.” Umiling siya. “But you needed doubt, and I might not be able to submit
it legally but if you create doubt during the argument, the foundation the other
lawyers and even prosecutors were trying to build will crumble.”

“Wow…” I blurted. “Hands down, BAR exam first placer—”

“Clytemnestra,” he called, annoyed I was teasing him again. I laughed.

Hinuli niya ang balikat ko at muling inayos ang bangs ko.

“Anyway, the date.” Hinuli niya ang tingin ko. “Save a date for me, okay?”

Tumitig ako sa kanya bago tumango.

“I will…”

But I didn’t.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Come on, Clyte-Clyte! Let’s go out!” I heard a voice.

I remained slumped on the bed, my eyes trained on the television where a

movie was playing. Wala akong maintindihan.

My family noticed. My mother was very worried, and she couldn’t even seem to
let go of me. Kung p’wede lang na tabihan niya ‘ko palagi at h’wag nang pumasok sa
trabaho’y ginawa na niya. My father talked to me again, but I just can’t… I can’t
open up now.

How would I tell them I was like this because I’ve hurt the man I love? How…
I was the cause of all this chaos? How I ruined their life by believing Israel
Sebastian?

I was sure my Mommy Ritch was very disappointed in me.

“Clyte!”

I jumped, realizing I wasn’t alone in my room anymore. Nilingon ko ang

pintuan at ngumiti kay Crest.

“Hey.”

“Hey?” she sighed. “Kanina pa kita tinatawag, ‘di mo ‘ko sinasagot! I went
here yesterday, too, but Yaya said you’re sleeping kaya ‘di kita makausap. You
don’t reply to my messages.”
 “Oh… uh, ‘di ko kasi nasisilip ang phone ko. I’m fine. Sorry, I’m awake now,
we can talk.”

Napatitig siya sa ‘kin, nag-oobserba. Then, her gaze softened more, tila
naiintindihan ang nadarama. Walang salitang sinara niya ang pinto at tahimik na
naglakad papunta sa ‘kin.

Without a word, she embraced me. I stiffened.

“W-where are the kids?” I asked.

“Oh, they’re with Daddy Pingu,” aniya. “Downstairs playing with Queen.”

“Oh.” Tumango ako. “Wala ka bang gagawin ngayon? ‘Di ba opening na ng kainan
n’yo nina Zy?”

“Yeah, we’re done with it. Don’t worry. I just came here to talk to you
because I’m worried. I felt like you were here but… not really. Nandito ka pero ang
layo-layo mo.”

Nangilid ang luha ko, pinipigilan ang sarili sa pagkawala nito.

“I’m fine,” I whispered. “Naninibago lang.”

She nodded.

“I was so used to the times I was alone in the mansion that i-it’s
overwhelming to be with this large family, it’s new to me. I felt like… sometimes I
wonder if I deserved this.”

“Why not? Before you lost your memories, before you were even gone, you
already have us. I know it’s overwhelming for now but please know that this?
Everything? You deserved it because we love you, Clyte. This family—our family is
yours, too. We are your family.”

I bit my lip.

“I’m always here for you, BFF,” bulong niya at idinantay ang noo sa balikat
ko. “Whenever you need me about anything—everything. Kung gusto mo ng
katsismisan, gusto mong umalis at gumala, may bibilhin ka or problema sa love life,
lahat! You know I’m only one call away, right? I love you.”

That’s when my tears fell.

My body shook and my sobs left my lips before I could even stop it. Lumuhod
si Crest at walang salitang mas niyakap ako. I buried my head in her shoulder and
sobbed, trembling.

“I-it’s all my fault,” I whispered.

“Clyte…”

“I-I did this! I believed what they told me! I almost hurt my f-family,
Crest! Kayo! T-then… I, I’ve hurt Chiel! It’s my fault… my fault…”

Crest embraced me tight, didn’t say anything, and let me vent out my feelings
and pain. Her presence calmed me.

She listened as I told her everything. What happened to me back when I was
still caged in the mansion, how I met Alchiel again until I got back here.
Including when I broke down that night in the garden and that day in the office
when I was fired.

When I cried, she cried with me.

“You know I love you both, right?” she asked, her eyes bloodshot.

Tumango ako.

“You’re my best friend and he’s my twin. I love you both equally and I-I
understand what’s happening. You did that because you were threatened, you were
afraid they’d hurt Chiel—us and Chiel, I understand him, too. Kasi alam mo ‘yon…”
she sighed as if hesitating to speak up kaya pinisil ko ang palad niya.

“It’s fine, tell me,” I whispered. “I’ll listen.”

She moistened her lip and brushed her tears off.

“Tao lang din siya, napapagod din,” bulong niya.

Tumango ako at napatungo.

She’s right. He grew tired of me.

“You know Chiel. Makulit lang iyon at persistent pero alam mo namang ‘di
namimilit.” She smiled. “He was content of watching you from a-afar, for years. He
talked to me a lot before while he was trying to rid of his feelings for you, but
he couldn’t. I-I urged him to try and date other people, maybe it was a passing
fancy kasi madalas tayong magkakasama pero… wala, e. Mahal na mahal ka talaga.”

My lips quivered.

I know…

I started remembering a lot of things now.

“We even fought because I told you already before, right? During those times,
I don’t support you and him because I don’t want you to feel the fear of being a
disappointment. You highly value your mother’s view of you and Chiel, I don’t want
him to feel what I felt before because I know how hard it was. To try and please
our parents—to want them to be proud of us and your love will cause a scandal.”

I nodded.

“Kaya ayon, ‘di ko alam na naging kayo pala no’ng bago ka nawala.” She
reached for my hand. “I’m not sure if you two hid it from me. I didn’t really
suspect kasi palagi namang aso si kambal kung makasunod sa ‘yo.”

It made me chuckle. When I glanced at her, her face softened.

“Maybe we hid it from you,” I answered.

She chuckled.

“I think so, too. Sayang, ‘di inabot ng pagkatsismosa radar ko.” We both
laughed. “But that was the past. I was so obsessed with the idea of being accepted
that I forgot how important it was to be loved and be happy.”
 I nodded.

“Yeah, but it will be impossible now,” I whispered. “Chiel… he deserves

someone better—”

“He doesn’t need someone better when you’re the best, Clyte,” she said,
stopping me. “My twin was breathing but he barely even lived while you were gone. I
was so afraid before because I felt like I didn’t lose you alone, I lost him too.”

The pain etched in her voice made my heart ache.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault, and it never was. You were taken from us, and you were
manipulated against us, but you didn’t want this to happen. I know, kilala kita.”

Hinawi ko ang luha at natahimik kami saglit hanggang sa nagsalita siya.

“When you came back, that’s when I saw him alive again. I could see the old
him—the lively, smiling one but I know now life isn’t a smooth sail to the shore.
It’s complicated, it’s hard, and it doesn’t always go in our best interests. Hindi
madalas ay sumasabay ang alon sa takbo na gusto natin para maabot ang pampang.
Sometimes, it goes another way, the reason why the sail might get lost along the
way or pave another path.”

“Isn’t it better to just go along with the flow, Crest?”

Umiling siya.

“It’s good but not all the time, Clyte-Clyte. Sometimes, we need to go
against the current to reach the shore. It’s not bad to fight if you think it is
worth fighting for, you know?” She smiled knowingly.

It was a deep talk but somehow, we understood each other.

Tumango ako at nahulog ang tingin sa kamay.

“I’ve hurt him,” bulong ko. “What’s there to f-fight? He obviously doesn’t
want me back.”

“But I know Chiel, Clyte. He is just tired, but he’ll only rest then come
back—”

“I don’t think so.” I smiled sadly. “I-I did it a lot of times before and
he’ll always come back. I already lost my chances, Crest. He’s done this time.”

“Clyte…”

I told her everything. About the chances I wasted and like me, sadness filled
her eyes—possible sympathy for me and her twin.

“I’ll talk to Chiel. Maybe he’ll understand…”

“No.” Umiling ako sa kanya. “His whole life revolved around me. Let’s give
him a chance to live his own life now.”

Natahimik si Crest pero ang mata niya’y determinado. She didn’t say anything,
but I knew for sure she had some plans running in her head.
 Tumayo siya at binuksan ang closet ko. I remained looking at her, realizing
her shoulders were stiff and I knew it when she was thinking deeply or she was
scheming a rather evil plan. I can’t explain why, I just know.

“Crest…” I warned.

“What?” She pouted, her eyes lurking in my closet.

“Let’s not push it—”

“I’m not doing anything! I’m just looking for clothes for you kasi pupunta ka
sa opening mamaya!” she announced.

I sighed and let her do her thing. It’s the opening night of her restaurant,
a long-awaited project she was making with Zion. She said it started as a joke then
realized why not do it anyway kaya ayon, earlier last year, they began making a
plan.

Dahil naman matagal nang restaurant owner sina Zy ay ‘di naging mahirap ang
proseso at ngayong gabi ang soft opening for the family habang bukas naman ang
grand para sa publiko.

“It’ll be hot there kasi nga samgyupsal,” she referred to their business, a
Korean restaurant with unlimited meats in different varieties and side dishes.

Sabi niya’y uso raw kasi at malaki ang kita roon kaya sigurado siyang
papatok. I’ve tried it before way back in Cebu with Meia and it’s good. Maraming
tao nga no’n doon.

Habang naghahanap siya ng damit do’n ay lumabas ako sa balcony para silipin
ang flowerpot kung nasaan ang stem ng rose ko. Mommy helped me in replanting this,
but I’ve started losing hope.

I don’t think it’ll grow again…

Narinig ko ang hagikhikan sa ibaba kaya dumungaw ako at nakitang

nagtatakbuhan sina Avery at Reese sa may garden, kasama nila si Queen na hinahabol
sila.

It made me smile.

Sumulyap ako kay Locket na nakaupo sa may bench at pinapanood ang dalawa, ang
mata’y ‘di maalis sa bawat gagawin at tatakbuhan ng kambal.

“Reese,” he called. “Stop it, mahuhulog ka sa ginagawa mo.”

“Daddy! I can balance here pala po!” she chirped happily. “Come here, Avery!”

“Mahulog kayo, don’t.” Umiling si Queen pero ‘di nakinig ang kambal.

Nang tumulay na naman sa may gilid ang anak at naisama na si Avery ay umiling
na si Locket at lumapit.

The twins squealed and laughed when their father carried them away like
dolls. One each in his arms. Napatawa pa ako at makulay na makulay na parang
rainbow ang dalawa na bongga pa ang skirt ng dress samantalang ang tatay ay
nakasimpleng black na dress shirt lang at pantalon.

Binuhat niya ang dalawa paupo sa magkabilang hita niya at narinig ko ang tawa
sa tabi ko kaya natantong naroon na si Crest at nanonood din.

She waved her hand when the twins saw her.

“Mommy!” they screamed.

“In a while, babies!” aniya. “Stop running, okay? Pagpahingahin n’yo si Daddy
at galing pa siya sa work. Kapag tumakbo pa kayo ulit at pinagpawisan, ‘di ko
kukulutin ang hair n’yo.”

“Mommyyy!” they whined.

“Yes, so behave, ‘kay? Don’t run and listen to Daddy, okay?”

“Opo!” they answered happily.

While the couple talked, tinawag ko ang pansin ni Queen na abala na sa phone
niya at kausap yata si Dette. I asked her to come upstairs so I could fix her hair
and we could choose her clothes kaya sumama siya.

I changed into a comfy tank top, shorts, and sneakers. Pinag-shorts ko lang
din si Queen habang si Crest naman ay nag-insist na aayusin ang buhok ng mga bata.

Susunod na lang daw ang mga magulang kaya kami-kami ang magkakasama papunta
sa opening nila.

We were accompanied by guards as per my family’s instruction and Zion

informed the perimeter was clear and safe. Naroon na ang ibang mga kamag-anak at
habang nagpa-park si Locket ay ‘di ko maiwasang kabahan at ma-excite nang pababa na
kami sa sasakyan.

I haven’t seen him for what? Three days now?

How was it? Will he be here?

Nilingon ko si Crest at ‘di ko na kailangang tanungin pa siya dahil tumango

na siya.

“Of course,” she answered. “He won’t miss it, but I’m sure he missed you.”

Sinapok ko siya sa gulat. Humalakhak siya.

Nagtatakang nilingon kami nina Locket, ng kambal, at ni Queen pero ngumisi

lang si Crest at niyakap ang tagiliran ko.

“Maglalaway ‘yon mamaya hindi sa samgyup, kundi dahil sa alindog mo,” bulong
niya kaya mas nag-init ang mukha ko at kung wala ang pamilya niya rito at hindi
pulis si Locket? Baka nasakal ko na ‘to.

Kaso ayaw ko pang makulong!

I glared at Crest. She grinned at me.

Dette and Queen saw each other along the way. They squealed and hugged each
other at nang mapunta kami sa may tapat kung nasaan ang ribbon cutting ay inangat
ko ang tingin para mabasa ang name ng restaurant.

I couldn’t help it anymore and laughed.

 “What the hell?” I blurted. “Anong Samgyup Walang Anuman?!”

“Kasi nga, Clyte-Clyte, ‘di ba meron nang Samgyupsalamat?” ani Zion. “Kaya
sagutin natin sila ng Samgyup Walang Anuman! Mindset ba, mindset!”

I couldn’t stop laughing as they told me the backstory of the very funny
business name.

Nakarating ang parents ko kasama sina Scira, Dei, at ang family nila bago
nagbasbas ang pari at nakangiti ako habang kumukuha ng litrato sa phone sa ribbon
cutting nina Crest at Zy.

I was happy for them, and I was grateful because like that time in the
mansion, the whole family conversed and embraced me, asking how I was catching up
and that if I needed anything, their homes were always open for me.

I was welcome.

My parents were conversing with Tito Iñigo and Tita Thallia. Si Crest ay
abala pa sa pagkausap sa crew kasama si Zy para maihain na ang pagkain namin.

However, I can’t help but look around, trying to seek a familiar blue gaze on
me but I find none.

“May na-extend lang na trial, Ate. Kuya will be here,” ani Adira na
ikinagulat ko.

“A-ah, gano’n ba?” I smiled shyly at her. “Marami bang case sa prosecution
ngayon?”

“‘Di naman masyado, Ate, but you know Kuya. Napagalitan na naman ni Mommy,
kasama na ngayon ang Dad at masyado na namang nagmumukmok sa work.”

My forehead creased.

“Really? Kumakain naman ba nang tama?” I asked, suddenly alarmed he might be

ignoring his meals.

“That’s the thing, we’re not sure. He stays in his condo,” aniya at bago pa
man ako makapagsalita’y may narinig akong boses.

“Oh, ayan na si working boy!” My ears pricked, and my head shifted before I
could even process it, seeing Alchiel by the entrance.

My heart raced.

Pinigil ko ang sariling umahon sa upo at lapitan siya, kinakabahan at walang

tiwala sa sarili na baka dambahin na lang siyang bigla ng yakap sa harapan ng
lahat.

He had this lazy smile as the boys greeted him, still handsome as ever. I
realized he was with Bryce, Meia, and Rome and when they saw me, Meia specifically
squealed and ran closer.

Dahil do’n ay napabaling sa pwesto ko si Alchiel at nakita ko ang bahagyang

pagkatulala niya hanggang sa pagkawala ng ngiti niya.

My lips curved for an attempt at a smile for him, but he nonchalantly avoided
my gaze and smirked at Zion’s suspicious looks for him.
 “Congrats, pangit,” natatawang bati niya kay Zy sabay baling kay Crest.
“Nasaan na ang free cheese ko, kambal?”

I wasn’t able to fully process my expression when Meia got to me and attacked
me with an embrace.

“Meia…”

“I missed you! Wala na akong katsismisan sa office after mong mag-resign!”

she whined.

I chuckled. “I missed you, too. How are you?”

I introduced Meia and the boys to my cousins, Crest, and my parents. My

family thanked them for taking care and looking after me way back in Cebu, and
while I was still staying in the prosecution.

Then the dishes began flooding the large tables. There were two grillers on
the table, one on the right and left side.

Nakabukas na ang apoy sa griller at nangunguna na sa isang table sa pag-

asikaso si Zion habang si Locket ang sa amin.

Adi went to Sibyl’s table, leaving me with Crest beside me. Nasa kabilang
table sina Meia kasama sina Bryce at ilang mga kaibigan nina Zion.

“Twila, mapaso ka,” I could hear Bullet stopping Twinkle from mimicking Zion.
Nagsisimula na kasing mag-grill ang huli at nakikiagaw ng tongs ang bulilit.

“I want to cook, too! Daddy! Labas mo ‘yong lumpia ko! I want! I want na
ihaw-ihaw rin!” she whined, sporting a cute bun, still wearing her purple tutu
skirt from her early ballet practice with Sibyl.

“Locket, baby, can you hand me a tissue please?” ani Crest sa asawa na
pagkaabot sa kanya ng tissue ay pinunasan niya ang pawis sa noo ng kambal na kanina
pa ‘di mapirmi at nakakita ng mga pinsang kalaro kaya ‘di matigil kakaikot.

Napunta pagkatapos ang tingin ko sa kabilang table kung nasaan ang pamilya ko
kasama ang mga pamilya nila.

Tila may mainit na humaplos sa puso ko.

Seeing my family having their own, happy one made me smile and happy for
them. It must have been a hard journey, and I may not know what they’ve been
through, but I was glad because they had their own happy ending.

They deserved it.

I then heard the empty chair behind me moving and when I glanced at it, I saw
a handsome man.

“Hi,” he greeted. “Is the seat available?”

“Yes,” ngumiti ako.

“Can I?”

“Sure.” Tumango ako at bumaling muli sa harapan nang tawagin niya ako.
 “Thank you, Miss…?”

“Clyte,” sagot ko at tinanggap ang kamay na inilahad niya.

“I’m Levi, Bullet’s older brother,” sagot niya.

“Oh…” Mas lumaki ang ngiti ko. “Nice to meet you, Levi. I didn’t know Bullet
has an older brother.”

“Yeah.” Tumawa siya. “I also didn’t see you around before, are you…”

“Uh, well, I just came back,” sagot ko na lang at mukhang naintindihan niya
‘yon at ‘di na nagtanong pa.

However, he was a very interesting man. I found out he was a soldier, also he
was a bit older than me.

We talked about some random things, kung mahilig ba raw kumain sa kagaya ng
business na bago nina Crest and I told him na sakto lang sa ‘kin samantalang ang
kanya’y hindi raw at first time magta-try ng ganito.

He had sense of humor, mukhang tahimik pero natatawa ako sa ibang sinasabi
kaya nakakaaliw.

“I see.” Levi nodded. “So you’re a nurse then on the sidelines, you organize
events?”

“Yes, pero hindi pa ulit sa ngayon. I still have to train again—” Nabitin
ang boses ko sa langitngit ng upuan kaya napabaling ako sa harapan at napaayos ng
tindig pagkakita kung sino ang marahas na humila n’on.

Alchiel has already taken off his suit, leaving him in his white shirt. Now
that he was closer, I noticed his hair was kinda longer than the last time I saw
him, and he has a scruff in his jaw.

He didn’t shave?

Fuck. He looked so hot.

I swallowed.

“Hoy, ‘te, nasa lamesa ang pagkain, hindi sa mukha ng kambal ko,”
humahagikhik na bulong ni Crest.

My eyes widened. I secretly pinched her leg, not minding if she winced and
pinched me back.

“Prosecutor Sandejas,” bati ni Levi at inilahad ang kamay niya.

Alchiel jaw clenched. He didn’t even look at me. Ang mga mata niya’y nakatuon
lang sa lalaki na nakalahad ang kamay, inaantay siya, unaware that the look he was
giving him was the same look he was giving the criminals in his courtroom during
trials.

Cold, thick with unsaid annoyance… dangerous.

“Brig. General Mancini,” he acknowledged him back coldly, accepting his hand
for a firm handshake. As if the battle had just started and he was willing to win
it, no matter what.

“Oh… round one,” Crest whispered with a cheeky grin.

“Hmm, may live show na tayo! Pulutan na lang ang kulang! Sponsored by Samgyup
Walang Anuman!” Zion announced then looked around. “Dei, Macky! Tara dito! Ilabas
ang tatlong case ng Red Horse!”

Kabanata 37

Kabanata 37

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“I’m sorry I didn’t make it. Nakatulugan ko sa pagod,” I sighed.

“It’s fine.” Ngumiti siya at may inabot sa ‘king paper bag. “But I bought you
dinner to eat later on your shift. H’wag kang magpapalipas at kumain sa tamang
oras.”

“Coming from you?” I asked.

Napakamot siya ng kilay kaya ngumiti ako at umiling, muling nakaramdam ng

guilt at lungkot doon.

“I’m sorry again, Chiel. It’s just… iidlip lang sana ako kaso pagkagising ko,
nagulat ako dalawang oras na lang duty ko na! Then, Yaya said you called but you
didn’t want to wake me up? You should have told her to wake me up.”

“Nope, nagpapahinga ka.” Umiling siya at idinantay ang ulo sa manibela,

nakapaling ang tingin sa akin para panoorin ako.

“But still…” I bit my lip. “I heard it was hard reserving a seat in the
restaurant, right? I mean, last month mo pa pina-reserve tapos tinulugan lang
kita?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Umiling siya. “Any restaurant would be fine for the next
ones. Kahit saan naman, kahit sa may tuhog-tuhog lang sa tabi-tabi, basta ikaw ang
kasama, okay lang.”

My heart raced and overwhelming love and feelings surged up it made me lose
my senses.

“Why me?” I asked.

“Why not you?” he asked without thinking twice.

“I-I mean… this is—everything is complicated,” I mumbled. “We’re not

cousins, I know. We have different surnames—”

“I can make you a Sandejas, Bella. You just have to ask,” he lamented, his
eyes still trained on me.

Napailing ako.

“You’re ridiculous.”
 But he remained serious, sighing.

“Just say yes to me and you don’t have to worry much. I can do the fighting.”
If it would be possible to have hearts in my eyes now, I was sure I’d have one now
hearing him casually tell me his love. Like it was a normal thing to do.

My grip on my paper bag’s handle tightened. Natakot akong masira ko iyon kaya
ipinatong ko muna sa dashboard at tinitigan siya, hindi pa rin alam ang sasabihin.

“You just have to stay with me and…” Umayos siya ng upo para magpaliwanag,
akala mo’y may business offer lang. “I swear you won’t exhaust yourself. I just
need you to say you’re in this fight with me and I promise I’ll do everything to
protect you. I’ll fight for us.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Was I willing to take the risk?

The possibility of my family finding out and getting disappointed was nerve-
wracking, paano pa kaya kung mangyari? Paano kung…

“I know I’m messed up,” he lamented. “I’m not like your other suitors who
could sway you and know what to do. I’m not someone you could freely introduce to
anyone without the side comments, without judgment…”

“You ruined other guys for me, Chiel,” I confessed.

Natigilan siya’t napatitig sa ‘kin, nagtataka. Binasa ko ang labi at sinuklay

ang buhok, saglit na sumulyap sa open parking ng ospital, sa tahimik na gabi
pabalik sa kanya na nakatitig at nag-aabang ng sasabihin kong tila roon nakadepende
ang buhay niya.

“What do you mean?”

“I…” I breathed out. “I couldn’t even look at anyone, couldn’t accept any
suitor. I-I couldn’t even kiss someone else because they’re not you! And I want
you!”

He was stunned. My pupils dilated when I realized what I just said but I
remained staring at him, pinapanindigan ang kumawalang salita. Walang salitang
namutawi sa kanya.

“I know this is fucking wrong—” A loud gasp left my lips when he cupped my
cheek and claimed my mouth.

My heart quickened even more this time, like it wanted to get out of my chest
but before I could even kiss him back, lumayo siya sa ‘kin.

“Fuck wrong.” His finger grazed my cheek gently. “I don’t care what they
think as long as you’re with me. Fuck what they think, Clytemnestra, they could
never make me happy like you do.”

I could feel my eyes watering hearing I made him happy.

Sinapo ko ang mukha niya at walang pagdadalawang-isip na humalik sa kanya. He

held my nape without a word and opened his mouth to accept my kisses.

It was not our first kiss but hell, it always felt like one. My grip went to
his hair while his was on my nape, caressing, urging me to part my mouth even more
so he could taste me. I willingly opened it for him.

Tila nasa sarili namin kaming mundo, ‘di na namalayan na walang tigil na ang
halikan at nahila na niya ako paangat. I didn’t even realize I was straddling him
until I felt his kisses on my neck.

“Chiel…” I let out a small whimper, feeling the desire rushing along with
every touch of his hot kisses on my skin.

I felt feverish, high in lust and love that I humped against his crotch. He
stopped. Hinuli ko ang mukha niya at muling hinagkan ang labi niya, iginagalaw ang
balakang.

“Sweetheart,” he whispered in between kisses. I felt his fingers digging into

my waist, firming me. “Clytemnestra…”

“H-hmm?” antok kong bulong at sinalubong ang tingin niya. He smirked

naughtily, nangunot ang noo ko. “What?”

He rested his back on the seat, his sleepy blue eyes watching me like a hawk
then his other hand caressed my arm sensually.

“Ano?” I demanded, pissed he stopped me from humping! I tried to move but his
palm tightened its hold on my waist.

“No, Bella.” He shook his head.

“What?! No?” I hissed, annoyed.

“No,” ulit niya at ngumuso kaya sumimangot na ako, akmang aalis na sa hita
niya pero niyapos niya ang baywang ko palapit kaya nadulas ako sa may hita niya
lalo at nanlaki ang mata.

“What?!” I glared, pushing his chest to get off but he didn’t even bulge!
Pinalo ko rin ang braso pero ‘di ko maalis!

Mas sumimangot ako sa pilyong ngiti niya.

“Cute.” Natatawang hinuli niya ang chin ko. Iginalaw ko ang mukha para umiwas
sana pero ninakawan niya ako ng halik.

I smacked his chest.

“Alchiel Verón!”

“Suplada naman ni Ma’am,” he mused.

“Epal ka kasi, Kuya!” I emphasized, cheering inside when he made that grumpy
face again, but he only gave me another kiss, enough to make me act like a fool
again.

We were both catching our breaths as the kiss ended, my forehead falling on
his until our breaths mingled.

“I hate you, Sandejas,” bulong ko.

“Hmm, I love you, too, sweetheart,” he chuckled. “And as much as I want to

kiss you senseless and dry hump with you in my car, I can’t.”
 “Why?” Mas ngumuso ako.

Natatawang hinuli niya ang labi ko at kinagat.

“Kasi… mahal ko, late ka na,” bulong niya.

Napaahon ako bigla sabay sulyap sa orasan at tili nang matantong tama nga ang
sinasabi niya.

His laughter echoed inside the car at nakailang kurot ako sa kanya habang
inaayos ang scrubs ko at inaaway siya. I was almost running while he was following
me with my late dinner from our date I didn’t get to attend earlier.

Nilingon ko siya bago pa ako pumasok sa staff room at nang matantong wala
siyang kurbata ay nailing.

“Give me,” I said.

“What?”

“Necktie,” I answered. “You have to meet with your client tonight, right?”

“Oh, yeah.” Mukhang doon niya lang naalalang may sudden client meeting siya
mamaya pagkatapos niya rito kaya napatawa na ako.

He reached for his crumpled necktie in his pockets at kung ‘di lang ako nale-
late na? Baka nasermunan ko na ‘to at balahura sa kurbata niya. Nagusot tuloy!

He was watching me closely as I fixed his collar, his fingers grazing on my

bangs to brush it.

“Saan panali mo, Bella?” bulong niya kaya inangat ko ang wrist at kinuha niya
mula roon ang ponytail ko.

While I was fixing his necktie, he was tying my hair at ‘di ko mapigilang
kiligin at matawa dahil sigurado akong gusto niya lang maging sweet at hindi naman
iyan magaling magtali ng buhok!

I was sure I looked like a witch with disheveled hair now at tabingi pa yata
ang panali niya!

I tapped his chest when I was already done. Ibinaba niya rin ang kamay mula
sa buhok ko at pinisil ang pisngi ko.

“When can we have a date again?” he asked.

“Uhm, tomorrow? It’s my off.”

“I have a flight tomorrow to meet with the client’s former house help,”
aniya. “Can’t make it, Clyte. I’m sorry.”

“Oh…” Tumango ako at kinagat ang labi. “How ‘bout… next week? Wednesday? It’s
my off, we can dine.”

His eyes lit up.

“Sounds great,” he smiled. “H’wag mo na ‘ko tulugan, ah?”

I chuckled. “I won’t.”
 “Promise?” he asked. Tumango ako.

“I promise,” I answered back. “But I really have to go! I’m late!”

Kumaway ako at tumalikod para sana pumasok pero naramdaman ko ang hawak niya
sa palapulsuhan ko. He pulled me back to him, catching my waist before giving me a
deep, sweet kiss.

Nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko at hindi maipaliwanag ang sayang nararamdaman,

humahalik pabalik. We pulled back and smiled at each other.

“Do great, hmm?” paalala ko.

He nodded and pinched my cheek.

“I know you’ll do great,” bulong niya pabalik bago tumalikod at tumakbo,

iniwan akong nakatayo roon at pinagmamasdan siyang muntik pang tumama sa
nakasaradong glass door.

“Careful, Kuya!” I exclaimed and laughed, shaking my head.

I was humming when I got inside the admin office, fixing my messy hair again
with my fingers when I met a familiar pair of cold black eyes. My blood ran cold.

“M-mommy?” napaayos ako ng tayo. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, Clyte! You’re here.” Napalingon ako at nakita si Dad na papasok din, may
ngiti. “We’ve been waiting for you, princess. Magpapaalam lang. We’ll fly to Sta.
Monica for the foundation’s enrichment program and mental health consultation.”

“O-oh, ngayon pala ‘yon?” Nilingon ko si Mommy na nanatiling walang imik,

nakaupo lang sa couch, nakasandal at seryoso ang tingin sa akin.

Did she see us? Why was she looking at me?

Mas dinaga ang dibdib ko.

“Yup, we’ll be leaving Queen in the house with her nanny. Could you look
after her for us?”

“S-sure po.” Tumango-tango ako. “Ako pong bahala kay Queen. Kanina pa po kayo
rito?” Muli kong sinulyapan si Mommy na pirmi lang ang labi.

“Yup, maybe an hour now. Sinundo ko ang mommy mo tapos dumeretso rito para
sana magpaalam sa ‘yo at ibinilin na rin si bunso. Pasensya na, ‘nak, ah? ‘Di kasi
namin masasama si Queen at may pasok.”

“O-okay lang, Daddy.” Ngumiti ako sa kanya pero alam kong nagmukha iyong
alanganin dahil napansin ko ang pagtataka niya. “I’ll take care of her.”

“Thank you, princess. Are you… okay?” he asked worriedly. “You look
uneasy—”

“I’m fine po,” agap ko at tumikhim.

“Sinong kasama mo? Did you drive?”

“U-uhm…” I swallowed. “Nagpahatid—”

 “Alchiel took her here.” Parang naubusan ako ng hininga sa sagot ni Mommy.
Namilog ang mata ko.

“Oh, where is he?” Inikot ni Dad ang tingin.

“He left,” ani Mommy at umahon sa pagkakaupo, inilalagay sa siko ang pulang
bag. “Let’s go, Thorn. Our flight’s in two hours,” pormal niyang sinabi.

I tensed. Dad’s forehead creased more, inayos niya ang kwelyo ng damit at
lumapit kay Mommy.

“Is there any problem, queen?” he asked.

“Oh… nothing,” she smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Is there any
problem, Clyte?”

“P-po? Ah, nothing…” I shook my head.

Dad looked so confused, but he nodded, still cautious and observant. I was
too afraid he’d see right through me kaya ngumiti ako at lumapit para yumakap.

He kissed my forehead and embraced me, muling humihingi ng paumanhin na iiwan

sa akin ang bunso. Samantalang si Mommy ay kinausap ng head nurse na pumasok
pagkaraan.

Dad left to start the car first and when the head nurse was done talking to
Mommy, lumapit ako.

“Mommy…” I called.

She gave me a tight-lipped smile. Mas nagwala ang puso ko.

“I-ingat po.”

She nodded and kissed my cheek.

“Take care of yourself and your sister, okay?” paalala niya. “We’ll only be
gone for three days. Nabilinan ko na rin sina Manang sa bahay.”

“Okay po,” tumango ako.

“Alright, I love you. Take care,” aniya bago tumalikod. Her shoulders were
still stiff.

Napasinghap ako.

“M-mommy!” I called.

Her shoulders squared. I could see how she visibly tensed and glanced my way
again.

“Yes?”

“U-uhmm…” I tried hiding my uneasiness. “About earlier. U-uh, did you see
something—”

“I didn’t see anything, anak,” seryoso niyang sinabi. Mas umikot ang tiyan
ko.
 “Mom… ano lang…”

“Am I supposed to see something, Clytemnestra?” she asked gently, but I could
hear the edge in her tone.

Napatitig ako sa kanya, ang malamig niyang tingin ay halos magpangataog na ng

hita ko kaya dali-dali akong umiling.

“Nothing, Mom,” I answered and smiled weakly.

She nodded then tightened her grip on her handbag.

“Alright, Clyte.” Ngumiti siyang ulit. “I didn’t see anything… I better not.”

She saw it. If not, she knew what was happening.

I couldn’t sleep. It bothered me until the following days that I refused to

see Chiel. Sinuwerte rin ako’t marami siyang kaso kaya nalulusutan ko ang pag-iwas
pero hindi ko na maiwasan pa no’ng araw na mismo ng date namin.

Mom still won’t talk to me like before. She was casual, asking how my day was
but I knew there’s something in it.

She knew… and by the look in her eyes, she was disappointed in me that she
denied knowing a thing.

Gulong-gulo ako, wala sa sarili, and then I did the worst thing I could.

I stood in front of the restaurant and watched as my workmate, Ava, walked

inside the exclusive restaurant on my behalf to be Alchiel’s blind date instead.

Nakita ko ang gulat sa mukha ni Chiel nang lumitaw sa harapan niya ang
katrabaho, inilalahad ang kamay niya sa lalaki.

Alchiel, though confused, accepted her hand and then sent me a text asking
where I was. And that a woman was claiming to be his blind date.

I didn’t reply and Ava might’ve already told him what I wanted her to say. Na
ako ang nagpadala sa kanya para sa date.

I told her to say I set him up and her for a dinner dahil sigurado akong
hindi siya papayag kaya nagsinungaling ako para mapapapunta siya.

I saw Chiel smile at her. It was forced but he was good at faking it because
other people wouldn’t know it wasn’t real… but I did.

I watched the dinner halfway through until my heart was already breaking and
I left for my condo and cried my heart out.

Ginusto ko ‘to, ‘di ba? Ano’ng karapatan kong umiyak?

My phone lit in the darkness and my hand trembled when I saw who it was from.

From: Feeling BFF

You could’ve just told me to fuck off rather than lying and setting me off
with your workmate.
 Natulala ako.

Then, my phone vibrated again.

From: Feeling BFF

I’m sorry, I must’ve been a pain in the ass. I don’t mean to sound rude in my
first message. I was just pissed. I can’t promise we won’t see each other again
because we’re in the same circle but I’ll try my best not to pester you. I’ll tell
Mom and Crest I’ll meet with their blind date setups and don’t bother you with it
anymore.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I blinked back and then suddenly, I was in the restaurant and heard the
cheers from my cousin.

Was it a memory I just remembered?

Inikot ko ang tingin at narinig ang tawa ni Crest sa tabi ko kaya sinulyapan
ko siya at naaaliw siyang nanonood kung saan kaya sinundan ko ang tingin niya at
doon lang naalalang lumabas ako dahil opening pala ng resto nila ni Zion.

My forehead creased when I realized Alchiel was grilling the meat at the same
time as Levi, but his eyes were on me, concern lacing on it. Nakatitig siya’t hawak
pa ang tongs at ang gunting at saka lang nag-iwas nang masalubong ko ang tingin
niya.

Did he see I was spacing out?

Dahil nasa table namin ang dalawa ay mabilis ang supply ng ulam na miski si
Zion ay ‘di na masyadong nag-grill. Tumatawa na lang ito habang nanonood.

The scent of the grilling meat made my mouth salivate. Bigla akong nagutom
kaya tumitig ako sa grill at inilagay ang cheese sa gilid.

I wanna eat!

“Clyte, here.” Bumaba ang tingin ko sa plato nang ilagay ni Levi ang karneng
natapos niya.

“O-oh.” Napangiti ako’t nagulat. “Salamat, Levi—” pero nabitin ang

sasabihin ko nang biglang may kumuha ng karne sa plato ko paalis.

My forehead creased and stared at Alchiel, confused.

“Hilaw pa,” malamig niyang sagot sabay balik n’on sa grill.

“Huh?” ani Levi. “Luto na ‘yon—”

“Hilaw, tingnan mo may puti-puti,” ani Chiel na tinuro ng tongs ang karne na
ibinalik niya sa grill.

“No, it’s cooked,” ani Levi at hinawi ang tongs niya para iangat ang karne at
ikutin. “You can’t expect the full meat to be evenly cooked when this is a grill.
Ano’ng gusto mo, sunog? Mas pangit ‘yon—”

“Papakainin mo ‘yan ng hilaw, gano’n?” asik ni Chiel. “Ano? Paano kung maging
aswang ‘yan?”
 My eyes widened. Humagalpak ng tawa si Crest sa tabi ko na nabulunan pa kaya
ang asawa niya’y may tubig to the rescue.

“Tama!” ani Zy. “Kapag hilaw raw sabi ng mga tanders ta’s karne at pinakain
mo, magiging aswang! Pero okay naman maging aswang si Clyte, gandang aswang.”

I glared at him pero ngumisi lang siya nang parang tanga.

Now the tongs here look tempting—tempting ibato para mapawi ang ngisi niya.

“Aswang? You believed that?” ani ng natatawang si Levi kay Zion.

“Oo, Kuya, totoo nga!” ani Zy. “Alam mo ba kwento ni Papa Jer-Jer no’ng alive
and kicking pa siya—regards na lang sa kanya sa heaven—” Sabay halik niya sa
dalawang daliri at angat sa ere.

I saw Twinkle mimic him kaya dalawa silang nakataas ang kamay sa ere.

Bullet watched the two and shook her head like she was exhausted. Mas lumakas
ang tawa ni Crest na namumula na.

“Pero ‘yong lolo-lolo ko, meaning lolo ng lolo ko sa tuhod—bale lolo ko na

siya sa talampakan—”

“Tanginang pabitin, ikwento mo na!” Muntik nang ibato ng naiiritang si Marcus

sa kabilang table na nakikiusyoso ang tongs.

“Oh, ikalma mo, Macky-beybe,” ani Zion sabay baling ulit sa ‘min. “Sabi ni
Papa Jer, ‘yong lolo ko sa talampakan noon daw dinagit ng aswang sa Sta. Monica
pero buti ‘di siya nabuhat paalis kasi may barya sa bulsa niya.”

Napatawa ako kasabay ng tawa sa table sa narinig sa kanya.

I caught Alchiel frowning at the story, mas inayos ang ikot ng karne na akala
mo kinakalkula ang oras. He even glanced at his wristwatch!

“Totoo nga!” he defended. “Ayaw n’yong maniwala!”

“Ako Daddy naniwala!” masayang sabi ni Twila.

His eyes brightened.

“Kaya love na love ko ang bundat na ‘yan, e!” ani Zy sabay halik sa anak na
humahagikhik.

“Tapos ayon buti na lang may barya kaya ‘di nabuhat!”

“Anong connect?” ani Locket na natatawang binalingan siya. “Ano’ng meron kung
may barya?”

“Hindi mabubuhat nga kasi mabigat!” aniya. “At saka malalaman mo raw na
aswang kapag baligtad ka sa mata nila—”

“Gutom lang ‘yan.” Pinasakan ni Bullet ng karne ang bibig ng asawa kaya
natahimik at mas natawa lang ako.

“It’s alright, though. Kung si Clyte ang magandang aswang, sinong tatanggi
magpa-aswang?” biro ni Levi.
 Nag-init ang mukha ko nang nag-asaran sila at tinulak pa ako ni Crest na
sobrang tuwang-tuwa talaga.

Ano bang vitamins nainom nito at kanina pa tawang-tawa?!

“It’s good she won’t eat the raw meat you cooked, then,” his voice echoed.

I was suddenly aware of his eyes on me. Sa pagsulyap ko sa tapat ay muling

nasalubong ko ang tingin ni Alchiel.

My heart did that very familiar sway everytime when it came to him. He didn’t
say anything, nang tumayo siya ay akala ko’y aalis siya’t iiwan kami pero sa gulat
ko’y kinuha niya ang karneng niluluto at inilagay sa plato ko.

I’ve never heard silence so loud my heart spiked, and I could almost hear it.

“It’s hot,” malamig niyang sabi habang inilalagay ang maraming karne sa plato
ko. “Ihipan mo muna bago kainin. It will taste good with the cheese.”

May naramdaman akong kurot sa hita ko. I knew it was Crest and I pinched her
back, my smile almost appearing.

“S-salamat,” mahinang sinabi ko lang kay Chiel na walang imik na bumalik sa

upuan niya at kumuha ng bagong karne.

Kumuha ako ng isa at tinikman, nakidungaw si Levi sa plato ko.

“Baka naman hilaw din ‘yang bigay mo? Tingin nga,” aniya.

“Gusto mo?” I tried offering Levi. “Luto naman siya—”

“It’s evenly cooked in every side,” ani Alchiel na akala mo’y biglang may
trial sa harapan niya. “This one’s marinated and you have to grill one side for
exactly a minute then turn. Then another thirty seconds, cut it into thumb-size
then grill again for thirty seconds until golden brown.”

Everyone was gapping at him after he explained it.

“What? You timed it?” natatawang sabi ni Levi.

“If you want it cooked, then yes.” Sumulyap siya kay Levi. “Can’t let my girl
eat uncooked ones.”

Huh? Huh?!

Narinig ko ang tikhim ni Zion at ang eskandalosong sulyap niya sa ‘kin. I

didn’t even look at him. Sumubo lang ako ng maraming karne na halos mapuno na ang
bibig ko.

Bakit mas lalong sumarap yata?!

“You researched it?” natatawang tanong ni Levi.

“What? You don’t?” ani Chiel sa kanya. “You should research before doing
something. It’s like reading the fine print when you’re getting yourself into
something—hindi ‘yong pipirma ka lang nang ‘di inaalam ano’ng nakalagay. Who
knows maybe they’re already selling you and you had no clue?”
 “Ang deep,” ani Zy sa mahinang boses. “Ano raw?”

Umiling si Twinkle sa kanya at umaktong sumasabog ang utak. Zy nodded at her

and fed her meat again.

“Ikain na lang natin ‘to, bundat,” he said.

“It’s not that deep, Zy,” ani Levi na natawa lang. “You know, Prosecutor, I
understand what you’re saying. To be prepared and ready but sometimes, it’s just
the experience. You don’t have to time everything to enjoy. Minsan kailangan mo
lang maging pamilyar at kusa na ‘yon, malalaman mo na kung luto ‘yong karne.”

“It’s still better to make sure,” ani Alchiel sa kanya at inikot ang karne
ulit. “To know everything beforehand, para hindi ka tatanga-tanga kapag wala kang
alam. If you were somewhere unfamiliar or doing something you’re not familiar with,
at least you know something. Know what to expect so you won’t get disappointed in
the end.”

Natigil ang pagnguya ko ng karne.

Parang iba na ‘yon, ah? O ako lang?

“But you know for sure we can’t be ready all the time, Prosecutor,” ani Levi.
“Alam kong alam mo bilang fiscal na sa korte you don’t know or can’t predict what
will happen all the time. There’s this sudden, unexpected change that will turn the
case upside down, so we take risks all the time. We can’t calculate everything,
just sometimes you have to trust yourself. Trust your gut. It’s okay to take a risk
sometimes—”

“And what? Risk getting burned in the end?” Nakita ko ang mapait na ngiti
niya habang nakatitig sa karne, sa ibinalik niyang karne na ibinigay ni Levi na
ngayon ay sunog na at nangingitim.

Natahimik ako at natulala sa iced tea sa harapan.

“Yes, risk,” ani Levi. “Nothing’s certain. Sino bang tao ang hindi
nasusunugan kahit papaano ng karne sa niluluto? There are one or two more that will
get burnt, maybe small or big but at least in the end, you did your best, right?
Even if it ended up getting burned, at least you tried.”

Natahimik si Chiel. I saw the way his jaw clenched, and he nodded.

“I still don’t like your uncooked meats, but you have a point I agree with.”
Hindi siya tumitingin kay Levi nang sabihin iyon. “It got burned but at least I
tried…”

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa kinakain.

“You did,” Levi agreed. “But I know for sure you loved it when you take a
risk, you loved the feeling of getting your hopes up for it to cook perfectly.”

I heard the collective sighs when it ended. Natahimik pa saglit hanggang sa

umentrada na ang bibig ni Zion Schauffer na walang preno.

“Grabe talaga mag-away ang mga matatalino, ‘no? May hugot. Ilang piraso na
lang braincells ko pero naiwan na lang ngayon, tatlo’t kalahati,” ani Zy na
natulala na lang sa karne na akala mo’y nawawalang bata and when I glanced at
Crest, she was blinking her eyes.
 “Nagtayo lang naman ako ng negosyo kasi nagke-crave ako sa samgyup madalas
pero bakit biglang naging may spoken poetry?” she blurted out and the table roared
with laughter.

I wanted to laugh with them, too, but I couldn’t. I didn’t have the heart to
when I understood the message underlying it. I knew I broke his heart—not once
but plenty of times.

He fixed it up and offered it to me again despite the crumbled pieces. I

accepted and embraced it at first, promised him we’d hold it together, but I let go
and it shattered again.

And now? He had no hope left to pick them up one by one for me when after he
took a risk, I didn’t dare take a risk too—too afraid to burn that it only
swallowed him alone.

Nang maramdamang may luhang paamba ay mabilis akong tumayo sa upuan.

Sabay-sabay silang nag-angat ng tingin sa ‘kin.

“Clyte?” Crest called.

“CR lang,” mahinang sinabi ko bago tumalikod at mabilis na naglakad patungo

sa banyo, ramdam ang mga mata galing sa table ng mga magulang pero takot akong
makita nila ako.

Takot pa rin ako. Palagi na lang akong takot.

Nagkulong ako sa banyo at naupo sa nakasaradong bowl, tulala habang tumatakbo

sa utak ang mga alaala ng nakaraan.

I remembered now that after that night when I sent another for our date, he
avoided me. He stopped texting. Kapag pupunta ako sa bahay nila’y umiiwas siya at
hindi sasama sa panonood.

He’d hide himself in his room to sleep or work—he was formal and cold.

Hinawi ko ang luha at nang marinig ang pagbubukas ng pinto ay dali-dali akong
kumuha ng tissue at ipinunas sa mukha ko.

Fuck! Stop crying, Clyte! ‘Di ka pa ba napapagod?! Kasalanan mo naman ‘yan

kaya ano’ng iniiyak-iyak mo?!

I heaved a deep sigh and got out of the cubicle, freezing when I realized it
was my mother inside and she seemed to be waiting for me.

“M-mom?” I called.

She smiled and then continued washing her palm.

“You okay, darling?” she asked.

“P-po? Yes po,” sagot ko at nagmamadaling tumabi sa kanya para maghugas din
ng kamay. “Sorry, napuwing lang po kasi kaya…”

“I’m sorry,” she suddenly said, stunning me.

“Po?” Hinarap ko siya.

 She smiled a little, but her eyes were sad and sorry. I waited for her to say
a thing, but she just remained staring and, in the end, she ended up shaking her
head and reaching for my cheek.

“Your Dad and I will go home first. May pasok pa kasi si Queen bukas,” aniya.

“O-oh, alright. I’ll come with you. Ayusin ko lang po ang gamit ko—”

“No, no, you should have fun here with your cousins. I heard may videoke pa
mamaya at inuman, you should bond.”

I bit my lip and nodded.

“Okay po. Papahatid na lang ako pauwi.” But she shook her head and brushed my
hair gently.

“Remember your condo unit?” aniya. Tumango ako. “You can stay there for
tonight, familiarize yourself maybe it will help to recover your memories. I
already asked Crest, ihahatid ka niya.”

My heart raced.

“C-can I?”

“Of course.” Tumango siya at muling ngumiti. “It’s clean and maintained. I
want you to have fun and have freedom, but will it be okay, anak, if I still
station a couple of guards for you?”

I noticed the fear creeping into her brave eyes.

“I want to give you freedom, but I don’t want to risk you…” she sighed. “I
hope you understand.”

It made me smile.

“Of course, Mom,” I whispered. “Thank you po for d-doing this.”

Her smile softened.

“I wanted you to have a normal life again, a happy life at that but Sebastian
is still out there, lurking to try and take you from us again, but I promise
you”—she caressed my cheek—“we’ll work harder and you will get back the life
you deserve.”

Ang mga tito at tita ko’y nauna nang umalis dahil mga abala sila’t may pasok
pa kinabukasan, pati na rin ang iba ay nauna na at may pasok ang mga bata pero mas
maraming nag-stay.

While Zy and the boys were setting up the karaoke, lumabas ako para ihatid
sina Mommy. I said goodbye and kissed them after the long list of reminders at bago
pa makapasok ay nasalubong ko si Levi.

He smiled.

“May hinatid ka?” he asked.

“My family,” sagot ko. “You?”

“My brother,” aniya at ngumiti. “Would you like to stay here for a while?
Pahangin lang? Inaayos pa nila sa loob.”

“Sure,” I smiled, and we walked towards the bench and talked.

“Sorry for being nosy but I’m curious, are you with the Prosecutor?” he
suddenly asked.

I stiffened and then shook my head.

“Uh, no,” I answered.

“But you were with him,” he repeated. Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad pero sa
huli’y nagdesisyong tumango rin pagkaraan. “I knew it.” He chuckled.

“Why did you ask?” tanong ko.

“Wala lang, napansin ko kasi ‘yong tingin sa ‘yo and also the way you look at
him. There’s this… you know? Spark?” aniya at natawa. “But that spark wasn’t full-
blown yet—it felt like it was getting suppressed by either one of you, probably
the two of you.”

Inikot ko ang tingin sa paligid dahil pakiramdam ko’y may nanonood sa amin at
medyo natigilan nang matantong may tao nga dahil may nakita akong pumasok pabalik
sa resto pero ‘di ko na napagtuunan.

“It’s complicated,” sagot ko sabay baling kay Levi.

“I see…” He nodded tapos ay nanahimik saglit. “Can I offer some unsolicited

advice?”

I nodded.

“Sure,” ngumiti ako.

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told him,” aniya. “We can’t control the
outcome and whatever people think of us all the time. It’s okay to take a risk
sometimes mostly if the person is worth getting burned for,” he smiled and tapped
my back.

The beacon of hope started crawling and rooting into the gaps of my heart.

“Why?” I asked out loud as he walked away. “Why are you telling us this?”

“Because I know a love like that should never be ignored and wasted. It’s
rare,” aniya at nilingon ako. “Grab their hand while they’re still at your reach. I
learned that the hard way.”

When he left, his words lingered in my head.

Will I let my only chance at happiness slip away?

Should I try?

Tumayo ako at naglakad pabalik sa restaurant at sinalubong ng ingay ng

kantahan.

I walked closer and my forehead creased with everything that’s been

happening.
 Zion was singing his heart out with his usual favorite karaoke medley, Macky
was handing out drinks around, and Deion was talking to everyone for his daily word
of advice.

“Clyte! Clyte!” Nahanap ng mata ko si Crest na malaki ang ngumingiti at

kumakaway, tinatapik ang tabi niya kaya lumapit ako at doon lang natantong sa
pagitan nila ni Chiel ako pinapaupo.

I swallowed the lump in my throat when our eyes met despite the dim light. He
drank liquor in one shot while looking straight at me in the eye.

Humagalpak ng tawa si Zion.

“Oh, isang shot pa nga r’yan, Prosecutor!” Zion exclaimed then handed him
another one.

Sinimangutan ko si Zion at inilingan sabay upo sa pagitan nina Crest at

Alchiel.

“Don’t,” I warned Zy. “Malalasing ‘yan, tingnan mo nga namumula na!” Sabay
baling ko kay Alchiel na may invisible kaaway na at nakatulala.

“What?” I heard Levi’s voice. “Nalalasing ka agad, Prosecutor? You’re alcohol

intolerant?” aniya.

The grumpy man’s face crumpled, and the competitive little shit grabbed
Zion’s shot glass.

“Hindi ako madaling malasing!” agap niyang agresibo sabay isang lagok pero
pagkatapos ay medyo nabuwal ang ulo kaya dagli kong sinalo bago pa tumama kung
saan.

I glared at the boys.

Nagtawanan sila. Nasapo ko ang mukha.

They just won’t stop triggering him! Kitang ayaw paawat ng isang ‘to kapag
inuman at inaasar siya, e!

“Hmp!” Lumayo si Chiel sa hawak ko at tiningnan ako nang malapit bago

kumurap. “L-lasing na yata ‘ko?”

Humarap siya sa mga lalaki na parang may question mark sa ulo.

“Wala! ‘Di ka pa lasing! Isa pa nga!” ani Zion at baso na ang ni-refill sa
huli.

Deion frowned.

“Gago kayo mahihirapan tayo niyan magbuhat d’yan pauwi! H’wag n’yong
lasingin,” reklamo niya at inayos ang salamin.

“Ano?” garalgal na sabi ni Alchiel. “Sinong lasing? Wala lasing dito!” Pero
bago pa niya makuha ang baso ay kinuha ko iyon at inisang tungga.

“Ate!” I heard Scira and Deion’s collective gasps.

The liquor felt bitter against my throat. Ang tapang at… anong klase ba
‘to?!
 I almost puked with the taste, but I lowered it back on the table. Medyo
nahilo ako pero ipinikit ko ang mata at tumikhim.

“Ang pangit ng lasa! Ano ‘yan?”

“Red Horse,” ani Zion sabay ngisi. “Alam mo ba, Clyte-Clyte, sabi sa legend,
ihi raw ‘yan ng kabayo?”

I wasn’t that shocked by his commentary.

“Asshole, ano na namang fake news ‘yan?” Tinuktukan siya ni Bullet at

pinatahimik.

My throat bobbed. I really didn’t like the taste! It was different and… eww!
I reached my hand as I seeked for a glass of water at mamaya-maya’y meron na sa
tapat ko kaya dagli ko ‘yong ininom.

“Tss! The fuck, bakit mo ininom?” narinig kong reklamo ng katabi ko. “Alak
‘yan! Pangit talaga lasa! Uuwi ka pa, paano kung malasing ka—”

“‘Di mo na ‘ko makikita nang lasing kung mauuna kang makatulog!” I cut
Alchiel off. His sleepy eyes widened with my blatancy. Nagtubig ang mata niya at
mukhang na-offend.

“B-bakit mo ‘ko sinisigawan?” aniyang malungkot. My jaw dropped.

“Tangina, ayan na!” ani Marcus at mas lumakas ang halakhak nang mapasandal na
si Alchiel sa pabilog na couch at nakatulala habang nagtutubig ang mata.

“Marcus…” Varsha warned.

“Kawawa naman si Chiel-taba, iinom mo na lang ‘yan!” Sol chanted while Sibyl
rolled her eyes and whispered something to Adira.

Nagpasa sila ng inumin sabay abot kay Chiel na wala sa sariling kinuha iyon,
paiyak na talaga. Napakamot ako sa kilay.

“Mga baliw na mga ‘to, kayo magbuhat niyan, a!” ani Chance na asawa ng
pinsang si Daru.

“Ikaw dapat,” ani Warren sa tabi ni Scira. “Kasi ikaw pinakamatanda sa ‘tin
dito, e.”

His face crumpled and I didn’t know why but I laughed too like it was some
kind of inside joke that I understood somehow.

“Hoy! Inaaway n’yo ang senior ko?!” Daru hissed around, hugging her husband.

“Oh, h’wag na kayong mag-away. Maiba-taya na lang sinong last three na

matanggal, magbubuhat hanggang sasakyan?” ani Zion at nailing na lang ako nang
magsitayuan ang mga lalaki na tila may marathon at nagpatong-patong ang kamay sa
gitna.

“Padlock, tara!” hila ni Zy kay Locket pero umiling ang huli.

“Nah, kayo na lang,” aniya. “I still have to look after the girls.” Sabay
baling niya kina Crest at Adi.

Adi blinked and stopped nibbling from her shot glass na pinapainom ni Sibyl.
 “H-huh? I’m not lasing, Kuya…” aniyang namumula na.

“True! Same,” laban ni Crest.

“For now,” ani Locket na pinanliitan siya ng mata. “But you’ll get drunk,
baby, I’m sure you don’t want to get tied in the fucking bed—”

“H-hoy! ‘Di, ah! Hindi kaya ako madaling malasing kagaya ng iba r’yan!”
parinig niya sa kakambal na napaayos ng upo at tumalim ang tingin sa kanya.

“Ano’ng shasabe mooo?” aniya na umahon pa pero natipalok at mabuti na lang ay

nahatak ko bago pa tumama ang paa sa lamesa pero sa akin naman bumagsak.

I gasped when he fell on my lap.

“Ohhh…” I heard the cheers.

“Gago, ‘di pala lasing kaya nagpakandong!” hagalpak ni Zy.

“Alchiel!” Humalakhak si Crest. “Gago ka, naiipit mo si Clyte! Ang laki-laki

mong higante ka! Alis!”

It’s true, though. He’s fucking heavy that I pushed him off me, but he was
just like a post.

“Alchiel,” I called calmly because he looked so confused, mukhang nasa

processing pa. “Ang bigat mo.”

His sleepy eyes found mine and when he realized what happened, napaahon siya
at muling bumagsak sa tabi ko.

A loud gasp left my lips when he pulled me close, his arms sneaking on my
back to my stomach until he was burying his face on my shoulder.

“Sorry…” he breathed out. “B-bigat?”

“Not really,” I lied, stopping my smile from emerging. “It’s fine, really.”

“Sorry…” ulit niya at may humaplos sa puso ko nang maramdaman ang halik niya
sa balikat ko. “‘Di naman ako lashing… ‘di ba?” Suminok siya bigla.

I almost laughed but I shook my head.

“Hindi naman,” sagot ko at doon lang siya kumalma, muling ibinabaon ang
mukha. I could feel the tip of his nose touching my skin as he sniffed me. Ang
malapad niyang palad ay inaangkin ang tiyan ko’t habang nakaupo kaming dalawa ay
para tuloy may higanteng nakayapos sa ‘kin.

I became aware that we weren’t alone kaya nagpa-panic at parang instinct na

sa ‘king nag-angat ng tingin, naalalang buong pamilya ko ang kasama. I was
expecting their confused looks, but everyone was just talking around, laughing at
the boys na nagtatanggalan na sa laro nila.

I met with Deion’s gaze. I tensed. He just smiled genuinely at me.

Alchiel was like a tarsier. Nakayapos siya sa ‘kin buong gabi, lasing na but
Crest got me in between para magpasama sa banyo. Nga lang, sa pagbalik namin ay
nag-aasaran na sila at nagsimula na namang makipagtalo ng inuman si Alchiel.
 He was now very emotional and annoyed. Namumula na ang mukha niya hanggang
tainga, medyo papikit na ang isang mata because they somehow got into a drinking
competition, him and Levi and you know the prize?

Isang dinner date with me sa Samgyup Walang Anuman.

Ang gagago ng mga lalaking ‘to.

“Hindi! Hindi ako lashing—” Natumba siya sa couch at humilik.

Kaya ayon, inisa-isa ko sila ng batok pagkalabas at iniyakan nga ni Chiel ang
nangyari dahil nauna nga siyang nakatulog at natalo.

“Ayan, sige, buhatin n’yo ‘yan!” pagalit ko kina Locket, Warren, at Dei na
siyang natalo kanina para magbuhat sa lalaki papuntang sasakyan.

Zion, the little shit at pasimuno ay sumisipol at ang saya-saya kaya tinuhod
ko ang likod ng tuhod niya. Muntik na siyang madapa at sinimangutan ako.

“Misis, o! Inaaway ako ni Clyte—”

“Oh, shut up,” simangot ni Bullet sabay thumbs-up sa ‘kin. Nginisian ko ang
gagong Zion.

When they dumped him inside the backseat and his head got slammed on the
window, napahilot ako sa sentido.

“Careful, mabagok naman ‘yan!” pagalit ko.

However, nagising bahagya ang kaluluwa ni Chiel nang marinig ang boses ko at
napaahon siya ng upo at bumukas ang mata.

“Clyte…” he called sleepily. “Clyte k-ko, saan ka…”

The men looked at me expectantly. Muntik ko na silang mabatukan ulit pero

sabay-sabay na nag-iwas at lumayo kaya sumakay ako sa likuran kung nasaan si Chiel.

“I’m here,” I called, and he crawled to me like a kid, burying his face on my
chest this time. Sumandal ako at hinayaan siya, hinahaplos ang kanyang buhok.

The doors closed. Pumasok si Locket sa shotgun habang ang driver nila sa tabi
niya. Si Crest naman ay nasa pangalawa at nasa magkabilang gilid niya ang kambal na
tulog na tulog.

“We’ll take you to the condo first,” ani Crest. “Sa tabi lang naman ng iyo
ang kay Chiel kaya ‘di na mahirap then we’ll leave home. May guards naman do’n so
it’ll be safe, I’m sure. Tomorrow naman you can just call the driver if you want to
go home.”

“Alright,” I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

Convoy kami pauwi hanggang sa maghiwalay lang sa mga daan ng kani-kanilang

bahay.

I felt Chiel moving on my chest. Mas hinaplos ko ang buhok niya at minasahe
ang anit. He stirred and moved a little, one eye sneaking to see who was holding
him.
 “Bella…” he called in a whisper, probably thinking it was a dream.

“Yes?” Inalis ko ang buhok sa noo niya’t pinagmasdan siya.

He closed his eyes slowly then open again.

“G-ganda ng panaginip ko,” he said groggily.

My eyes softened.

“What’s your dream?”

“Hawak mo raw ako,” he breathed. “N-nasa panaginip pa rin ako…”

My eyes stung.

“H-how so? How can you say it was still a dream now?”

He smiled lazily then moved a little to kiss me. Umawang ang labi ko at
pinagbigyan ang halik. I gave him a tiny, short kiss back.

“You…” He kissed me again, my fingers digging into his hair. “You won’t h-
hold me like this in real life…”

I sighed and kissed his forehead.

“W-what if I tell you this is real life, baby?” I asked back.

He chuckled lowly.

“No, it isn’t,” he drawled. “I’m just drunk… It’s my d-damn imagination

working. Who knows m-maybe I’m having hallucinations now because I stopped my
meds?”

My eyes widened.

“M-meds? What meds?” But he was snoozing back and burying his face on my
chest.

Ano? I glanced at Crest and caught her watching.

“What meds, Crest?” I asked her and she tried looking away, but I called.

“Please?” I called. “I want to know…”

I have heard from him he was seeing a doctor, but I thought it was over, that
he’s alright now.

“You should ask him instead—”

“Crest, please?” I pleaded and that’s when she sighed and nodded.

“He was on meds for depression,” aniya. “It started with my case, b-back when
you know, I was on the trial. I thought he’d recovered but he’s secretly seeing a
psychiatrist all this time because of a lot of things—my case and then it
worsened when we lost you too. He was just… he shut down.”

Dei and Zy followed us at sila nga ang nakatoka sa paghatid kay Chiel sa
condo. Tulala lang ako habang nakasunod sa kanila, si Crest ay hawak-hawak ang
kamay ko at kanina pa humihingi ng pasensya.

“It wasn’t your fault,” I insisted. “Don’t blame yourself and thank you… for
letting me know.”

“I just wish you and my twin happiness,” she whispered and embraced me tight.

I insisted on staying in Chiel’s condo unit. Hindi na nila ako napigilan kaya
pagkaalis ay saka ko naman inasikaso si Chiel.

“Chiel, tanggalin ko dress shirt mo, ah?” paalam ko at bagsak talaga siya.

He hummed.

My eyes were stinging with the tears attempting to escape and luckily, ‘di
naman ako nahirapang tanggalin ang damit niya dahil nakasandal siya sa headboard.

I took a basin and towel and sat beside him.

“Punasan kita, Chiel,” I whispered then lifted my hand to clean his face. He
stirred but then as I was wiping him, he moved his head and rested his jaw on my
hand like a kid.

A sob left my lip. His eyes opened. Nagulat ako at hinawi ang luha paalis,
inilayo ang kamay at napatayo.

“E-excuse me—” But he grabbed my wrist to stop me from leaving.

“Don’t,” bulong niya.

My body trembled along with the tears when he pulled me close. Nahulog ako sa
hita niya at naramdaman ang paggapang ng braso niya sa baywang ko para ipirmi ako.
Nang magsalubong ang mata namin ay kumawala na ang panibagong mga luha.

His eyes widened briefly.

“W-why are you crying?” he whispered.

“I was just… sad,” bulong ko at unti-unting sinapo ang mukha niya. “I’m so s-
sorry, Chiel. I’m sorry…”

“For?” bulong niya at idinantay ang mukha sa palad ko.

“Everything,” I whispered. “F-for hurting you and causing this…” Mas nanginig
ang boses ko. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” bulong niya. “You shouldn’t cry. You shouldn’t be sad in m-my
dream. You should be happy and—”

“It’s not a dream, sweetheart,” I whispered and kissed his forehead.

Napuno ng pagtataka ang antok niyang mga mata.

“You’re joking,” aniya. “I’m probably just fucking drunk and I’m m-making you
up because there’s no way…” Pagak siyang natawa.

“No way?”

“No way y-you’d stay with me.” Inilapit niya ang mukha sa ‘kin at mas pumirmi
ang palad. “Not when I h-had nothing else to offer you. My heart gave up on me,
too, sweetheart. A-ano pang ibibigay ko sa ‘yo?”

I sobbed. Walang salitang niyakap ko ang batok niya at hinayaan ang sariling
madurog sa bisig niya.

“I-I’m sorry…” I chanted. “It’s all my f-fault, I’m sorry…”

He buried his face on my neck.

“I’m sorry, too,” he breathed out. “I-I tried fighting and as much as I want
to keep on doing it, I’m exhausted, baby. I-I don’t even know what to offer
anymore. I don’t know what to give. I…”

I cupped his face and our expressions mirrored. His eyes were now wet with
tears like mine.

He sighed, and his trembling hand reached for my cheek to dry my tears off.

“What kind of torture was this, hmm?” he hummed. “Kahit sa panaginip ko,
umiiyak ka?”

I shook my head and rested my face on his palm.

“I told you, it’s not a dream,” bulong ko at tumitig siya, ‘di pa rin
naniniwala.

He thought I was just a fantasy in his head, a make-believe that he’d get me
in his arms like this.

“Prove it,” bulong niya’t nahulog ang tingin sa labi ko. “Kiss me.”

I hesitated.

“I want to, Chiel,” I murmured. “But you’re drunk. I don’t want to take
advantage—”

“Oh, fuck. I said ‘di ako lasing!” he chanted. I laughed despite the tears.

“Uh-hmm? Yeah, right and pigs can fly—” He attacked me with kisses instead
to shut me off.

I tried stopping him, waking him up and all but the taste of liquor in his
mouth made me feel so drunk that I ended up kissing him back.

I straddled him and fought wild and hot kisses with him. At one point, he got
rid of my top and pulled my brassiere down to suck on it while I fist his hair and
humped on his crotch.

He cursed before catching my mouth for a kiss.

“Don’t fucking wake me up if this was a dream,” he whispered on my lips.

“What kind of dream, Chiel?” I smirked at him. “Wet dreams?”

I squealed when he shifted our position. Bumagsak ang likod ko sa kama at

muling nagtagpo ang labi namin.

His naked chest pressed on mine. His calloused hand traveled down my leg as
he pushed one up on his waist and made me feel his erection.

“C-Chiel…”

“Yeah, sweetheart?” he whispered, his face back in between my chest,

alternating my hardened nipples in his mouth for a suck and a pinch.

“I…” Hindi ko na makilala ang boses ko. “T-touch me, please.”

“Okay, sweetheart,” bulong niya at naramdaman ko ang pagtanggal niya sa

butones ng shorts ko at paghila n’on pababa.

Cold air touched my leg up, but it was immediately replaced with wanton heat
as his thick digit traced my slit up and down in a sensual caress.

“So wet,” he whispered and glanced at me. “Who made you this wet, Bella?”

“Y-you.” My toes curled with anticipation. “O-oh, fuck, Sandejas! Why don’t
you just finger me?!”

He chuckled sexily then rose a little to kiss me.

“Patience, baby,” he whispered in my ear, biting my earlobe and lapping on

my
neck.

He teased me while distracting me with kisses. My hand didn’t know what to do

anymore. If I’d fist his hair or his bed, I didn’t know.

I spread my legs more to accommodate him because I could feel it to my bones,

he’d finger me now! He’d stop teasing me anymore!

He enjoyed kissing my neck, nakadagan sa ‘kin at ang palad ay nasa pagitan ng

hita ko para galitin at akitin ako.

“Kiss me,” hinahapong bulong ko. Pakiramdam ay maaabot ko na ang rurok pero
nawala ang kamay niya.

I stiffened.

“What?” I called. “I’m getting there, Chiel! Stop teasing!” I whined, annoyed
but he remained buried in my neck.

Nangunot na ang noo ko at hinawakan ang likod niya.

“Chiel?” I called.

He didn’t move nor reacted. Nagsimula na akong kabahan dahil medyo bumigat
na!

Suddenly, Crest’s words echoed.

Oh no, no, no! Don’t tell me…

“Alchiel! Alchiel Verón!” I called but then I felt his lips on my neck.

Napahugot ako ng maluwag na hininga at natawa.

Nagbibiro lang pala! Gagong ‘to! Akala ko mabibitin ako!

 “Okay, stop with the teasing! Akala ko tinulugan mo ‘ko—” Pero sa halip na
halik ay mahinang hilik ang natanggap ko kasunod.

My jaw dropped.

Fuck, Sandejas! Tinulugan ako!

Kabanata 38

Kabanata 38

Veron

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I checked my phone for the nth time, waiting for Adira’s update. Kapag ‘di pa
nag-reply ‘yon, susunduin ko na.

“Nag-iiwasan kayo?” Nawala ang tingin ko sa phone at nilingon ang kakambal.

“Hmm?” I asked lightly. “Who?”

She narrowed a look, frowning.

“H’wag ako, Chiel,” aniya.

My forehead creased, trying to hide the truth from her.

“What? I don’t understand, Crest,” sagot ko kaagad. “Sinong iniiwasan?”

Tumitig siya, mariin at seryoso ang mga itim na mata. It reminded me of Mom’s
eyes whenever she scolded me about my dirty white shoes. It’s not my fault, though.
Kasalanan ng mga gagong pinsan na kapag nakakakita ng puting sapatos, tinatapakan.

Kinurot niya ako bigla. I groaned.

“Kambal!” reklamo ko sabay layo pero nahuli niya ang tainga ko at hinila
iyon.

I cursed and caught her hand.

“Crest Veronica—”

“Alchiel Verón!” Her eyes turned slits, at bigla akong napaayos ng upo.

My twin was a sweet woman, almost smiling and joking na kapag nagseseryoso
siya nang ganito ay natatakot na ‘ko. I sighed.

“What?”

“Anong what? Nag-iiwasan kayo?” she repeated.

I didn’t know what to say. Muntik ko nang makalimutan na hindi pala ako
makakapagsinungaling sa babaeng ‘to kapag ganitong seryoso siya at nababasa niya
akong tila salamin lang niya.

Damn it. Magkadikit pala ang balun-balunan namin!

She may not be a lawyer or a prosecutor pero ang lala nitong mag-
interrogate.
Hindi kaya mas gumaling siyang basahin ako at na-train siya sa presinto?!

Tanginang Locket masasapak ko talaga ‘yon kapag nakita kong aaligid pa sa

kambal ko!

There’s this intense protectiveness I feel whenever I’m with the people I
love—my family, my sisters, her—‘di ko alam ang gagawin ko, baka makapatay pa
ako kung may mananakit sa kanila.

Sa halip na magsalita ay ‘di na lang ako umimik. Better than to lie. She
could read me, anyway.

“Chiel!” ungot niya nang mapansing hinayaan ko nang hawak niya ang tainga
ko.

She realized I was not planning on reacting that in the end, she let out a
sigh and let me go.

“What happened?” aniya.

“To what?” I asked again.

Gigil niya akong hinampas. Suminghap ako at kinuha ang unan sabay hampas sa
kanya. Dumaing siya at hinablot ang unan para hampasin din ako.

“Alchiel!” Iritado na siya. “I swear if you denied it again, susuntukin na

kita!”

I smirked at her then lifted my fists playfully.

“Oh, tara? Suntukan?” biro ko.

Bigla niya akong sinuntok. Umawang ang labi ko at napatayo nang akma siyang
tatakbo.

“Crest Veronica!” She squealed and cackled when I caught her and punched back
playfully. S’yempre ‘di ko nilakasan at baka liparin, kawawa naman.

“Ay mahina,” she laughed. “‘Di kayang manuntok—”

“I don’t punch women, kambal.” Inambahan ko siyang sinuntok. “Pero p’wede ka

kasi lalaki ka naman.”

We ended up punching each other in the living room of our house. Suminghap pa
si Manang nang makita kaming dalawang nag-aambahan ng suntok, may isang unan sa
kamay para sa shield.

“Ay naku, Ma’am, Sir! Magmahalan kayo at h’wag magsuntukan!” she called
out.

“Don’t tell Mom!” sabat naming dalawa nang sabay at naghampasan na naman ng
unan.

I was not in the mood earlier but somehow, being playful with my twin
reminded me of when we were young, and it made me forget my worries.

“Oh… hello, Kuya! Ate! Ano’ng ginagawa n’yo?” Natigil kami sa ambahan ng
hampas ng unan nang lumitaw si Adi na kakagaling lang sa law school, hawak-hawak pa
ang bag niya, sa tabi niya ay si Ash na hawak ang handouts ng kapatid ko.
Tumikhim ako at umayos ng tayo sabay baba ng unan, pinanliliitan ng mata si
Abo na tumikhim at napahawak sa batok.

“Good evening po, Ate, Kuya…” he greeted us.

I scoffed. “Kapatid ba kita?”

Siniko ako ni Crest at kinurot kaya napadaing ako at sinimangutan siya.

“Oh! Hinatid mo ang Baby Adi namin?” masayang sabi ni Crest. “Salamat, Ash!”

“No worries po,” sagot niya sabay baling kay Adi. “Pasensya na po at medyo
na-late ng uwi. Kumain pa kasi kami.”

Kumain?!

Sumulyap ako sa wrist watch ko. It’s almost eight in the evening. Dapat six
pa lang nandito na ang bunso namin.

Tinakas ng gagong ‘to si Adira?!

I glared at him pointedly. Muli akong kinurot ni Crest.

“Thank you! Nahirapan ba kayo sa school? Oh, you could stay and watch a
movie—”

“It’s late,” agap ko sabay ipit ng unan sa braso ko para lapitan si Abo.

He tensed a little when he realized I was getting closer but stood his ground
and stared at me pointedly.

Hmm… he had some balls, huh? Pero ayaw ko pa rin sa kanya para sa bunso ko.

“I’ll take it.” Kinuha ko sa braso niya ang mga handout ng kapatid at
binalingan si Adi na kuryoso lang na nakatingin sa akin.

Plastik akong ngumiti. Hindi ko sasapakin ang isang ‘to at makikita ni Adi.
Mamaya na kapag wala na siya.

“Alchiel…” Crest warned.

I tensed.

Damn it! Alam niya lahat ng iniisip ko yata!

Sa halip ay binalingan ko si Adi na inayos ang eyeglasses niya at malambing

na ngumiti.

My heart melted.

My baby princess…

Inakbayan ko ang bunso at humalik sa kanyang noo.

“Kumusta ang school, Adi?” I asked gently.

Her eyes brightened then she pouted.

“It’s hard, Kuya, since sabay siya ng internship.” She sighed. “But we can do
it! Isa pa, Ash was helping me a lot to review!”
 Si Abo na naman!

Nahuli ko ang pagkislap ng mata ni Abo nang i-special mention siya ng kapatid
at nabuhayan ito.

I made a face.

May gusto ‘to sa kapatid ko! Sigurado talaga ako! Baka kunwari lang ‘tong
best friend daw pero may hidden agenda!

My sister was innocent! She didn’t even have a boyfriend growing up and I
know a man interested in a woman if I saw one—kitang-kita ko ‘yon sa lalaking
‘to.

Sapakin ko kaya?

Sabihin ko ‘di sadya nadulas lang ang kamao ko? I don’t think he’d sue me or
something. Takot niya lang palayuin ko siya sa kapatid ko.

Nabubuo na ang evil plan sa utak ko. I was sure I had a wicked smile on my
lips because I could sense Ash tensing. He was nervous, alright.

Dapat lang.

‘Di porket best friend mo ang bunso ko may free pass ka na?

“It’s late. Next time, ayaw kong gagabihin ka sa daan,” sabi ko habang
nakatitig kay Ash.

Makuha ka sa tingin, gagong ‘to.

“Sorry—”

“It’s my fault,” agap ni Abo. “I’m sorry po. Ako ang nag-ayang kumain kami
muna sa labas ni Adi.”

“Nagpaalam ka ba—”

“Kuya, I was very stressed kanina kaya siya nag-ayang kumain,” ani Adi. “He
just wanted to cheer me up.”

I glanced at my sister. She was stressed?

My eyes softened. I knew how hard it was in law school so I understood what
she’s going through.

“It’s my fault,” ani Ash kaya siya na naman ang binalingan ko. “Pasensya na
po, I should’ve messaged and informed you. Don’t worry. I’ll keep it in mind the
next time.”

Aba, may next time?!

I was about to frown at him and tell him he wouldn’t have a next time when my
gaze locked with a very familiar one from the door.

I stiffened. Nakita ko ang gulat sa mata niya pagkakita sa ‘kin, dagling nag-
iwas pa.
 “Clyte-Clyte!” Crest chirped, hopping towards her for an embrace.

She was still wearing her scrubs from work, and her hair was in a ponytail
with her bangs covering her forehead. She looked exhausted. Kumain na kaya ‘to?

Pasimple akong sumulyap sa orasan.

She should be out by five. It’s already six. Nag-overtime?

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“I gotta go,” ani Ash kaya napabaling ako sa kanya.

“Ihatid na kita,” ani Adi na medyo humiwalay sa ‘kin at humawak sa braso ni

Ash.

My eyes narrowed. Tumikhim si Ash na nakita yata ang tingin ko at bahagyang

ngumiti kay Adi, pasimpleng lumayo.

Mabuti! Bago pa kita mabigwasan!

I pursed my lips, lowering the pillow back to the sofa, fighting the urge na
ihagis sa mukha ni Abo.

“Samahan ko na kayo,” I offered the two and followed when I felt that
intense, burning gaze on my side.

I didn’t have to see who it was. Isang tao lang naman ang kayang magparamdam
sa ‘kin nito. Kayang paluhurin ako, isang tingin lang. Kayang durugin ako, isang
sabi lang.

“G-good evening, Chiel,” she greeted.

I bore my eyes on her coldly, nodding.

“Good evening,” pormal kong bati kahit marami akong tanong.

Kumain na ba siya? Nag-OT ba siya? Bakit siya rito dumeretso? Dapat umuwi na
lang siya at nagpahinga, maaga pa ang pasok niya bukas. It’s Friday, marami siyang
pasyente kapag gano’ng araw.

But I kept it all inside.

What’s the point of asking? Wala naman siyang pakialam sa ‘kin. Dapat gano’n
din ako.

Sumama ako sa paghatid kay Ash sa may gate kung nasaan ang sasakyan niya.

“Ingat, Boo,” ani Adi sa kanya na may ngiti.

Boo?!

My jaw ticked.

The fuck is that friendship? May call sign?!

Fuck you, Chiel. As if you don’t have nicknames for Clyte.

“Thank you, Boo,” sagot ni Ash at muntik ko nang makuha ang tsinelas ko para
ihagis sa kanya kung ‘di lang siya nagmamadali papasok sa kotse nang makitang
iaangat ko na ang paa ko.

I was glaring at his car as he drove away. Adi was all smiles and waving
happily at nang balingan niya ako’y tinaasan ko ng kilay.

“Was he courting you?” I asked.

Her eyes widened. I saw blood rush on her cheek as she shook her head.

“N-no, Kuya!” agap niya. “We were just… friends!”

I scoffed.

“Friends don’t look at their friends that way,” I told her seriously.

“Oh, you’re friends with Ate Clyte. Why do you look at her that way?” she
counterattacked with a curious gaze. Natigilan ako at tumikhim.

“I’m not—”

“You call her Bella,” aniya. “It’s a type of endearment, right? Bakit ikaw
p’wede tapos kapag Boo bawal?”

I glared at her a little. She just smiled, like she hit me in the gut.

“I love you, Kuya.” She grinned. “Don’t be too primitive when you do the
exact opposite of it.”

“I’m not—”

“Oh, I saw Ate Clyte with Kuya Rome—”

“What?!” Tumiim ang panga ko. “When—” But my face froze when I saw her
wicked and knowing smile.

It reminded me of me.

I groaned and rested my arm on her shoulder, pulling her close to me.

“Did you use my reviewer?” I asked, changing the topic. She didn’t mind.

I was hungry but I said I wouldn’t eat. She’s eating here with my sisters. I
lied I had cases to do and file when I was done with it since yesterday after I
drowned myself to work.

I couldn’t look at her, couldn’t bear to see her near without being mine.

She didn’t feel the same way to me. She lied, saying she’d date me but sent
another to dine with me.

I was happy that night, excited. I finished all my tasks that morning so the
whole night? I could have it with her. Kahit anong gusto niyang gawin, ayos lang. I
was free—I made sure I was free but imagine my disappointment when I was
expecting her beauty to flaunt in front of me and saw another?

She lied to make me come and go on a blind date with her officemate. What a
fucking joke.
 I stared at the red velvet box with the gold ring I customized for her. I was
planning to give it for weeks now, and it seemed like I wouldn’t be able to
anymore.

I wanted to fight for the love I had but how could I when the woman I was
fighting for wasn’t in the battle with me? Nakakapagod ding lumaban mag-isa.
Nakakapagod na ikaw lang nagmamahal mag-isa.

If I could wake up one day and forget I was in love with her, I would’ve done
it a long time ago but it was impossible. So even if it’s hard, paunti-unti, iiwas
ako. Mahirap makaahon kung ganito kalalim ang nararamdaman pero hindi impossible.

It wasn’t her fault I was in love with her—she did not tell me to fall, I
just did kaya anong karapatan kong magreklamong walang sasalo? Na walang kasama sa
pagkakahulog?

I should leave her alone. She didn’t feel the same.

I was a fool into believing her feelings would blossom because I watered it
everyday, not understanding the fact that not every plant would grow and some of
them would remain rooted, would never see the light of the day—buried and hidden.

I heard a knock on my door.

I sighed.

“I’m full, Crest,” malakas kong sabi. “Hindi ako gutom.”

But the knocks didn’t stop. Naulit pa iyon na mas makulit pa kaya humugot na
ako ng malalim na hininga at tumayo.

I reached for the doorknob and opened it.

“Hindi nga ako gutom—” But my voice caught midway when I realized it wasn’t
my sister.

Napaayos ako ng tayo at tumitig kay Clyte na tumikhim at iniangat ang tray ng
pagkain.

“Eat,” aniya.

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa tray na hawak niya. May platong may lamang pagkain
at baso ng tubig.

It softened something inside me, and it struck something inside my chest but
then I remembered she was just concerned. It’s not like because she was in love
with me.

“I’m not hungry,” I said instead.

Kumunot kaagad ang noo niya. I was so tempted to reach for her forehead and
brush her bangs, but I stopped myself.

“No, you are,” aniya. “It’s almost nine and you haven’t eaten anything
yet—”

“I’m full, kumain na ako kanina,” I said formally but she only gave me a hard
look. I cleared my throat, trying so hard to hide the look on my face and how
affected I was whenever she looked at me like that.
 It made me hope she was somehow in love with me, too.

Hindi ako magpapadala sa tinging ganyan, Clytemnestra!

“No, you didn’t,” she insisted.

“I did—”

“I said eat,” she retorted.

Now, she was pissed. Her brows almost met each other. I almost reached for it
to remove the frown, but I fisted my palm to stop myself.

Fucking hell, Alchiel. You were moving on!

Umawang ang labi ko para magsalita pero pumasok na siya sa kwarto bago ko pa
man mapigilan. She placed the tray on my table, her eyes lurking and got stuck on
my side table.

Napalingon din ako ro’n at nakita ang kahita na ‘di ko natago kaya lumapit
ako ro’n at tumayo sa harap para takpan. Her eyes glistened a little then she
looked at me, question in her eyes.

She looked pained but then I was trying to read her so much all this time
that I started interpreting it wrong. I’d never make the same mistake twice.

“Thanks,” pormal kong sabi.

Naiwan ang tingin niya sa lamesa na tinakpan ko, may gumuhit na reaksyon sa
mga mata.

“Chiel.” Tumikhim siya at nag-angat ng tingin.

I waited for her to speak.

“I’m sorry,” she breathed out. “About the date—”

“It’s nothing, I had fun,” malamig kong sagot. “Thanks for the food. Lock the
door when you leave.”

Tinalikuran ko siya, binuksan ang drawer para ilusot ang kahita. I could feel
her intense gaze burning a hole on my back and to not see her, dumeretso ako sa
banyo at isinara ang pinto.

It took her a while and when I heard the door click when she closed it
behind, nasuklay ko ang buhok at iritadong tumitig sa salamin.

Did I do well? Was I cold enough? Did I look unaffected? Hindi naman siguro
niya napansing patay na patay pa rin ako sa kanya?

I was sighing, irritated, and not in the mood as I got out of the bathroom
when I locked gazes with someone sitting on my bed comfortably.

She was still in her scrubs but why did she look so fucking sexy cross-legged
on my fucking bed?

Her brow shot up.

Namilog ang mata ko nang matantong ‘di ako nag-iilusyon at muntik nang
mapatakbo pabalik sa banyo sa gulat!

I frowned to mask my emotion.

“What are you still doing here?” I asked seriously when deep inside, I just
wanted to fucking jump on her on the bed and don’t let go.

I saw the change in her expression which she quickly hid from me by pointing
to the table.

“Eat,” aniya.

“I will,” iritado ko nang sagot. “You don’t have to wait until I eat—”

“I will watch you eat,” she announced. “I won’t leave until I see you
finished the meal.”

Paano ako kakain kung mas masarap ‘yong nakahain sa higaan?!

Napakamot na ako sa kilay, iritado na lalo nang komportable niyang niyakap

ang unan ko at sumandal sa headboard.

Fucking hell, now my pillows smell like her!

She pursed her lips and smiled sweetly.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I was moving on. I was moving on! Hindi ako maghahabol na
naman dahil lang ang ganda-ganda niya sa kama ko!

“If you want to get rid of me, then, eat.” Tinuro niya ang lamesa ko bago
komportableng inabot ang remote at binuksan ang TV.

Bumuntonghininga ako at wala nang nagawa, nagmartsa sa may swivel chair sa

mini office ko sa kwarto at pinakialaman ang tray. Sumulyap siya, naramdaman ko,
pero nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

Hindi na lang ako umimik at kumain, ni hindi na nalalasahan at nginunguya

para lang mabilis na matapos. I couldn’t risk it. Kaya nga ako umiiwas para
makalimot tapos siya itong walang prenong papasok na lang basta sa buhay ko,
guguluhin at paaasahin ako kung kailan lang gusto niya.

When I was already at her mercy, she’d leave me hanging. As if she knew that
I would keep on chasing her no matter how many times she pushed me away.

What she wasn’t aware of was that I was getting tired, too.

Only the faint sound from the reality game show was playing in the
background. No one talked. I remained focused on my food despite feeling her heavy
gaze on me.

When I finished my meal, she was already standing and fixing her clothes.

“Great!” She smiled but I knew it wasn’t true. “Naubos mo! Teka, ibaba ko na
then I’ll go home.”
 Sumulyap ako sa orasan.

“You won’t be staying here?” I asked.

It’s already ten in the evening.

Umiling siya.

“No, I’m going to the condo. Maaga pa kasi ang pasok ko bukas.” Nagtungo siya
sa table at kinuha ang plato pabalik sa tray. I was about to lift the tray off the
table when she did the same and our fingers touched. The familiar electricity
rushed through my veins.

She jolted, and almost flipped the tray off if I wasn’t holding it. Napatitig
ako sa kanya.

Did she feel it too?

She cleared her throat and hid her hand on her back. Hindi ko iyon pinuna.

“Susunduin ng driver?” I asked then walked to the door, and she followed.

“No, mag-cab lang—”

“Ihahatid na kita,” malamig kong sabi at bumaba sa hagdanan.

I saw her tensing but walked with me downstairs.

“N-no need,” aniya. “I can book one—”

“I’ll be getting something from my room, too,” I lied. “Isasabay ko na rin.”

She was stunned but nodded afterward. Walang imik niyang kinuha ang bag
pagkatapos magpaalam sa mga kapatid ko at dumeretso na ako sa sasakyan habang
inaantay siya.

Her perfume invaded my nostrils when she got inside. It was very familiar and
natural this time around.

I haven’t seen her for days. I buried myself with work that her scent inside
my car started fading. Now that she was inside, nagkaroon ulit. I think that was
enough to make up for the days I missed. I could pretend she was still here.

I watched her fix her seatbelt in my peripheral vision and when I was sure
she was safe and ready, pinasibad ko na ang sasakyan.

Wala kaming imikan kaya pinakialaman niya ang speaker ko at nakita po ang
gulat niya nang lumitaw roon ang playlist niya na hindi ko pa inaalis.

I pursed my lips.

I should change it soon. How can I move on kung bawat alis ko gamit ang
sasakyang ‘to, mga kanta na paborito niya ang tumutugtog?

For what, Chiel? To feed your fantasy? That she was yours?

Idiot.
 Hindi traffic dahil gabi na. Maluwag ang kalsada at iilan lang ang mga
kotseng nakakasabay sa highway. She must’ve felt so awkward because I heard her
clear her throat.

She will say something. I know.

“So…” she started. “How was the date?”

My shoulders tensed as the memories from that night came back like they only
happened today. My grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“It’s fine, she’s a nice girl,” I drawled lazily, hoping she wouldn’t see how
my mood changed.

Natahimik siya. Nahuli ko ang paghugot niya ng hininga bago tumawa.

“G-good,” she said happily. “Ava was my classmate rin back in college. Ka-
block ko, ‘yong kinukwento ko sa ‘yong may crush sa ‘yo noon pati recently kapag
nasa ospital ka pero choosy ka?”

Hindi ako choosy. Ikaw lang kasi ang gusto ko.

‘Di ako umimik.

Buti nakakaya niyang itulak ako sa iba? Samantalang ako rito, patay na patay.
Mas gugustuhin ko pang mamatay na lang kaysa ang itulak siya sa ibang lalaki. Hindi
ako gano’n ka-martyr!

‘Di siya martyr kung ‘di ka naman niya mahal, tanga! Bobo mo, gago. Assuming!

I mentally punched the fucking devil inside my head.

Pakialam mong tangina ka? Masama bang mangarap?!

“Anyway…” she started again when she noticed I was not gonna interact with
her while mentioning the girl. “Did you receive the invitation? May reunion daw sa
university? Sakop ang batch natin.”

I nodded.

“P-punta ka?” she asked. “Kung oo—” Her voice faded when the song from the
stereo paused, my phone was connected to it.

Someone was calling. Saglit kong sinulyapan ang naka-register na pangalan

doon at medyo nagulat.

Nanahimik si Clyte sa tabi ko at lumalim ang paghinga. I was tempted to

glance at her and ask why she was like that but stopped myself. I pressed answer at
narinig ko ang boses sa kabilang linya.

“Hello, Attorney!” masayang bati ni Ava at dahil naka-speaker ay dinig sa

sasakyan ang usapan.

“Hello, good evening,” bati ko pabalik.

After the blind date, she started texting me. Wala naman akong social media
na buhay pa kaya kahit papaano’y nag-re-reply ako kapag walang ginagawa. Ayaw naman
maging bastos.
 “Kumusta? You home?”

“No, driving,” sagot ko.

“Oh,” she gasped. “Hala, sorry! Sige, mamaya na lang—”

“It’s fine, you’re on loud speaker. What is it?”

“Ah…” She giggled. “Just wanted to ask if you received an invite for the
reunion? Magkasama ang batches natin!”

Pupunta ba ‘ko?

Well, I was sure Crest won’t miss it at kung ‘di ako sasama’y pipilitin ako
ng mga lalaki.

“Yes, I’m going,” sagot ko.

“Yes!” she chirped. “Great! Me too! And… well, I called you because I was
wondering if you already had a date?”

My shoulders squared. Mas dumiin at naging aware ako sa tingin sa tabi ko. My
jaw clenched.

Don’t assume, Sandejas. Kaya ka nasasaktan kasi tanga ka. Alangang gusto ka
niyang ka-date kung aayain mo? Baka ipasalo ka na naman sa iba!

“No,” I answered. “Wala pa.”

“Really?!” she gasped loudly. “Wala rin ako!”

Napatawa ako nang mahina sa tuwang-tuwang boses niya. I felt more hyperaware
of the stares piercing through me.

“Kung gano’n… kung ‘di nakakahiya…” SAhe chuckled a little. “I was wondering
if you want to be my date?”

I wasn’t that shocked anymore. I had a hint she would ask that kaya mas
nagulat ako sa pansin kong paggalaw ni Clyte. My eyes landed briefly on her and saw
her tapping on her phone, scrolling then exiting again, repeating it all over
again.

Her fingers trembled.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

Assuming. Ayan na na naman ang gagong assuming.

“Alchiel?” Ava’s voice echoed and I looked away from Clyte.

“Sure,” sagot ko pagkaraan. “I’ll be your date…”

But then I heard a gasp and when I glanced at her, nahulog niya ang phone na
hawak at hindi na mapakaling tinatanggal ang seatbelt para kunin iyon.

It might’ve just slipped accidentally but I couldn’t mistake the glint of

hurt in her brown eyes when our eyes met briefly.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

 ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Zahrah

I had a nightmare. He dated someone else. It was so bad that I struggled to

get out of it, wishing it was just a dream but I knew it wasn’t just that.

It was a memory.

Napaahon ako ng tayo. I panicked when I realized the room I was in was
unfamiliar. Kaagad na naghanap ang kamay ko sa ilalim ng unan para sa binigay ni
Alchiel sa ‘kin nang matigilan ako.

Alchiel…

I was suddenly aware of my surroundings. Ang lagaslas ng tubig.

Napunta ang tingin ko sa banyo at napasinghap.

Oh… I was inside Alchiel’s unit! Nalasing siya at…

My back stiffened when the bathroom door opened. Napasinghap ako at napaayos
ng tayo pagkakita kay Alchiel na bagong ligo.

He was only wearing his gray sweatpants, topless, with a white towel around
his nape. Nakataas ang kamay niya para punasan ang basang buhok, ang kili-kili’y
mas maliwanag pa sa kinabukasan ko.

I swallowed the lump in my throat when my eyes fell on his chest and down his
six-packed abs.

Nasaan ang kapeng sawsawan ng pandesal?!

“You’re awake.”

Muntik pa akong bumalikwas ng hulog sa kama sa boses niya kaya nag-angat ako
ng tingin at nasalubong ang malalalim at asul niyang mga mata.

“M-morning,” I greeted then avoided his gaze, looking around his cold room.
Sumisilip na ang araw sa kurtina at mabilis na bumaba ang tingin ko sa sarili at
napahawak ako sa dibdib.

Shit. Buti na lang nag-ayos ako ng damit kahapon no’ng tinulugan niya ‘ko! If
not, makikita niya akong hubo’t hubad!

As if namang hindi pa pero…

“I was drunk last night. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Sinulyapan ko siyang nagmamasid sa ‘kin, tinutuyo pa rin ang buhok na

nahuhulog sa kanyang noo.

I chuckled a little, nodding.

“It’s fine,” I answered. “Ikaw kasi nagpapauto sa mga lalaki kitang ‘di ka
tumatagal sa alak—”

“I’m not drunk!” agap niya na akala mo’y ‘di inamin na lasing siya kaya
tinaasan ko ng kilay. It was an instinct at this point.

He realized it. Mas nangiti ako nang suminghap siya at umiling.

“Damn it,” bulong niya at tinalikuran ako.

“Uminom ka na ba ng gamot?” I asked worriedly at mukhang problemado ngang

nakapaywang pa, nasa buhok pa rin ang tuwalyang puti at nagsusumigaw ang batak na
muscles sa likod.

My eyes feasted briefly on his adorable butt. It was visible in his

sweatpants, plus the twin dimples from the sides of his waist down forming a v-
shape.

“I’m okay,” agap niya at nilingon ako.

I shrugged and stood. Inayos ko ang damit at hinablot ang bag ko sa couch
para kunin ang Ibuprofen at tumayo.

“Hindi ka lasing d’yan. Uminom ka ng gamot, tinulugan mo nga ako—”

“Forget it,” he said.

Natigilan ako’t napaayos ng tayo. It felt like my heart stopped beating.

Nilingon niya ako, malamig na naman ang tingin.

“Yes, I’m drunk,” inamin niya. “I can’t remember but whatever shit I did last
night, forget it. I’m not in my right mind.”

My stomach dropped.

What does he mean… forget it?

Nagkatitigan kami. Nakita ko ang emosyong dumaan sa seryoso niyang mga mata
bago siya nag-iwas ng tingin.

He took a shirt and then wore it, his back still on me.

“I’m leaving first for you to be comfortable around,” aniya at sinuklay ang
basang buhok ng daliri.

My forehead creased.

“What do you mean comfortable? I am not uncomfortable with you,” mahinang

sabi ko pero hindi niya ako tinignan nang kunin ang gym bag niya.

“Sorry for dragging you here. I know you’re busy.” Doon na niya ako muling
tinignan. “Thank you for assisting me and sorry for the trouble last night. I
cooked breakfast in the kitchen.”

Nilagpasan niya ako at parang mas piniraso ang puso ko habang pinagmamasdan
ang likod niyang naglaho sa paningin ko.

When he vanished, my knees wobbled. Itinukod ko ang palad sa gilid ng kama at

nanghihinang napaupo roon, tulala at wala sa sarili.

Masisisi ko ba siya?
 I couldn’t stop my tears as I ate alone in his kitchen. I had remnants of
memories from the past where we used to eat here instead of the restaurants
outside. How we laughed and talked about random things. Pagkatapos n’on ay manonood
kami ng movie, nakaupo ako sa pagitan ng hita niya’t yakap ang likod ko.

Sometimes, I was on his lap and instead of watching, we were making out.

I dried my tears off as I stood. Nilinis ko ang pinggan at inikot ang tingin
sa unit niya. I was familiar with the place, na kahit ‘di alam ng memorya ko’y
naaalala ng mga paa ko ang bawat pasikot-sikot.

It was bare. Aside from a few paintings and picture frames of his family,
wala akong nakitang iba.

Inisa-isa ko ‘yong tingnan, natigilan nang mapansing may isang frame na

nakatago sa likod, natatakpan na ng iba at nakatumba.

I reached for it, realizing the frame was open from the back kaya inabot ang
litrato ro’n para tingnan at nagitla sa nakita.

It was us—Chiel and me. Nakaangat at hawak ko ang camera, kinukunan kami ng
litrato. We were both wearing winter clothes in there, my snow pa at balot ng yelo
ang paligid.

Sa ibang bansa?

I was kissing his cheek and he was hugging me tight, our eyes twinkling in
happiness.

Inikot ko ang picture at nakita ang date doon at ang note.

Switzerland Getaway with my favorite girl.

My eyes stung again when I saw our names below and I knew my handwriting when
I saw it. Inabot ko ‘yon at hinaplos, dinadala sa dibdib ko.

Wala ako sa sarili sa isang oras ko pang pananatili at pagkakatulala sa unit

niya. Nagdesisyon lang akong tumayo at lumabas nang maisip na puntahan na ang unit
kong katabi lang ng kanya.

The guards were alerted when they saw me. Nagulat pa akong nasa labas lang
sila ng unit at nag-aantay.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” they greeted.

“Good morning,” I greeted back. “Nandito pala kayo…”

“Pasensya na, Ma’am, bilin po kasi ni Sir Alchiel na bantayan kayo. Aalis na
ba kayo, Ma’am? Nasa baba ang driver, samahan ka namin.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I’ll just go first to my unit.”

Inikot ko ang tingin sa hilera ng guards at kinagat ang labi.

“Si… si Chiel po nasaan?”

“Nasa gym po yata, Ma’am,” sagot niya. “Nagbilin po na magbantay kami at kung
may gusto kayong puntahan ay samahan namin kayo.”
 So he really wasn’t planning on going back until I was gone.

I nodded weakly, uttering my thanks, and went to my condo unit just beside
his. Nanginginig pa ang kamay ko nang pinindot ang code na sinabi sa ‘kin ni Crest
at nang buksan ko iyon ay kaagad na may naglarong memorya.

“Alchiel! Ibaba mo ako!” I laughed harder as I smacked his back. He was

carrying me on his shoulder like a sack of rice.

“Nope,” he mused. “Not when you’re making me jealous.”

“I was not!” I gasped loudly. “I was merely eating dinner—”

“You said you’re busy!” ungot niya.

“I was!” singhap ko, at nang ibaba niya ako ay sinimangutan ako.

“You weren’t.” Tumitig siya sa ‘kin. “You said I can’t go to the hospital to
eat with you because you’re busy.”

“Oo nga, busy,” sagot ko.

“But then when I got there, you were eating with that boy!” he whined and
when his eyes sharpened, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Come on, Chiel, it was my break! He’s a colleague!” I explained. “Sabay ang
duty namin at kami ang sabay kumain. Kasunod namin ‘yong iba pang nurse—”

“Sabi ko tayo sabay, e! Pupuntahan kita—”

“E, ‘di ba, may kaso ka?” I pointed out. “You are tired. You should’ve stayed
at home and slept instead of driving all the way to the hospital—”

“Madadaanan ko naman—” I stopped him with a quick kiss.

He froze, his eyes widening but it vanished when he saw me grinning.

“No,” he snapped. “Hindi mo ako madadala sa pahalik-halik mo—”

I kissed him again, deeper and longer this time. He couldn’t resist and
kissed me back at kung ‘di pa ako lumayo ay baka nalunod na siya.

His face was still flushing when our gazes clashed.

“Oh, akala ko ba ‘di ka madadala sa halik?” I teased.

He glared like a spoiled brat.

“I won’t!”

“Uh-hmm, sorry na,” lambing ko. Umiwas siya ng tingin at humalukipkip.

Suppressing my wide grin, I held onto his muscled arm and caressed him
gently.

“I was just concerned, sweetheart,” I said. Gumalaw ang labi niya pero ‘di
ako nilingon at nakatingin sa malayo. “Ayaw kong sumilip ka pa ro’n kung p’wede
kang dumeretso pauwi at makapagpahinga. You can’t spend your day with just working
all day then visit me during lunch or dinner when you should’ve used the time to
rest—”

“Paano ‘yon kung ikaw nga ang pahinga ko?” he spat and stared at me.

My heart lurched. Natulala ako sa kanya.

“And you didn’t let me see you. Ayan tuloy, pagod na pagod ako!” sikmat pa
niya at supladong nag-iwas ng tingin.

I was still stunned but I almost cackled.

He’s so adorable. Ang laki-laking tao pero bata ang ugali!

I caressed him more.

“Baby…” I called. “Can I give you a kiss?”

His lips pursed, tempted.

“No,” paos niyang sagot. “‘Di mo ‘ko madadala na sa ganyan, Clytemnestra.”

I tiptoed and kissed his jaw. He pulled away. Ngumuso ako.

“Ayaw mo?” malungkot kong sabi pero matigas talaga siya.

I sighed dramatically and nodded, taking a step back.

“Too bad. Kung pagbibigyan mo pa sana akong makahalik, papahawak ko sa ‘yo

‘yong boobs ko.”

He stiffened. Mabilis niya akong hinarap na namimilog ang mata. I fought the
urge to burst out laughing. Malungkot kunwari!

“Hays—”

“I-I’m not mad anymore,” agap niyang inosente. Napabughalit ako ng tawa.

I got inside the room, and the scene changed from a light and happy
atmosphere to a gloomy, dim one.

I closed the door behind me, noticing how clean and maintained the room was
like I was not gone for years. Kagaya no’ng sinabi nila noon, they took care of it.

Kabisado ng paa ko ang lugar. I wandered around like I had an intact complete
memory, checking my things and finding my room.

Akala ko’y maaaliw ako sa kwarto pero mas nalungkot lang nang makita ang
nakatagong scrapbook sa closet ko na puno ng litrato at travels namin ni Chiel.

When lunch came and I heard a knock, my heart was racing, hoping it was Chiel
but it was the guard.

“Ma’am, lunch po pinapadala ni Sir Alchiel.”

I looked around.

“N-nasaan siya?”

“Uh, hindi ko po alam, Ma’am. Umalis din po kaagad.”

 I ate sadly and waited for him to show up the whole day. Nagtataka na siguro
ang guards kung bakit palabas-labas ako ng unit pero ‘di siya bumalik ni isang
beses.

I ended up crying alone at the side of the bed, lucky I didn’t have a panic
attack. Nakausap ko si Crest na tumawag para kumustahin ako, gusto akong puntahan
pero sinabi kong gusto ko munang mapag-isa na nirespeto niya.

When it was dinner, he still wasn’t home. Nagpadala lang ng pagkain ko sa

guards ulit at pakiramdam ko’y mababaliw na ako nang tinanong ko ang guard at
sumagot siya.

“May ka-dinner po yata,” aniya. “May kasama pong babae kanina.”

Parang piniga ang puso ko.

“S-sinong babae po? Matangkad po ba? M-maganda?”

Napaisip siya pero tumango rin.

“Opo, naka-pormal po ang suot, e. Parang ang pangalan ay… Lora, Lorna—”

“L-Lorraine?”

“Ah, opo!” Nagliwanag ang mukha niya. “Lorraine po.”

I wanted to go home so I did. Masaya si Mommy nang makita ako, nagtatanong

kung kumusta at nag-enjoy raw ba ako sa unit ko pero nang mapatitig siya at makita
ang mga mata ko’y suminghap ito.

“Clyte—”

“I-I’m tired, Mom.” I smiled weakly. “Can I rest muna po?”

“S-sure!” Tumango siya, malambing ang mata at tumango. “I’ll take you to your
room, princess.”

It seemed like she didn’t want to let go of me but in the end, after saying
her door was always open if I needed her, she left hesitantly.

Wala ako sa sarili. I received a few messages and emails from Meia the next
day about the case updates but I wasn’t that much interested. Hindi ko rin alam.

Mas interesado ako sa updates kay Chiel at mas nanlumo pa nang kinabukasan ay
nalaman kong umalis siya papuntang ibang bansa. Kasama si Lorraine.

“It was just a convention,” Crest tried to reassure me. “Kasama nga rin si
Adi at saka ang parents ko.”

But a few days passed, nakauwi na sina Adi pero wala pa rin siya at si
Lorraine.

“They had to extend their stay kasi may partners na gustong makisosyo sa
Sandejas Law Firm,” Crest said when she dragged me out of the house because I
wouldn’t come out. Dinala niya ako sa mall at nanood kami ng sine, nag-shopping, at
kumain.

“May date na ba sa uwi niya?”

 She sighed and shook her head.

“Sa Linggo siguro,” aniya.

I still wouldn’t tell her a thing about what happened. She was very curious
and lowkey asking me to tell her but when she noticed I wasn’t ready yet, she
didn’t force me.

Gano’n ang naging takbo ng araw ko, gustong magmadali na sana’y Linggo na.

Luckily, I was able to somehow get busy when Mom informed me that my team way
back when I was still an event coordinator still existed.

I found out my small team wasn’t disbanded while I was gone—they continued
and it flourished. My family was overseeing it, and their salaries continued
because of them.

I cried in happiness and when I was able to meet the familiar faces, bumalik
sa alaala ko ang iilang events na ginawa namin kahit kakaunti lang kami sa team.

They asked me if I could join them again because we would have an event
booked this Friday sa mismong airport ng pamilya. Sandejas Air.

May mga bagong partner at airlines daw kami na na-secure sina Tito Dash at
Macky. They guided me dahil naninibago pa ako. My family and Crest helped.

The simple design I imagined for the stage area was beautifully sketched by
Crest because I sucked at drawing. Si Mommy ang nag-supply ng flowers galing sa
flower shop namin at ang mga kapatid ay suportado ako’t may pa-buffet pa kami sa
airport para sa mga empleyado habang nag-aayos kami ng stage.

“Happy?” Napangiti ako nang itanong iyon ni Deion.

I nodded.

“I enjoyed it. I hope the event this Friday will be successful.”

“It will be.” He smiled gently. “Ang ganda nga, e. Parang ‘di naman
naninibago?” Nagtawanan kami.

By Thursday, natapos na namin ang stage. Ang ilang souvenirs na lang na made-
deliver bukas ng umaga ang kulang.

“Come on, Clyte, let’s have dinner.” Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita si
Dad.

“Hi, Daddy!” I chirped happily and kissed his cheek. Niyakap niya ako at
humalik sa noo ko.

“I’m sorry, Daddy’s a bit late.” He smiled sincerely. “Are you done? Let’s go
out and eat dinner.”

Nagpaalam ako sa mga kasama, binilinan silang umuwi nang maaga at sumama ako
kay Dad para makakain kami ng dinner.

Nagdesisyon kaming sa may isang Italian restaurant na nadaanan kami kakain.

Wala masyadong tao ro’n ayon kay Dad kaya tahimik.
 Nakakapit ako sa braso ni Dad, nangingiti sa mga kwento niya tungkol sa araw
niya at gano’n din ako.

I was touched and very happy. I can’t believe I begged for Israel’s attention
and for me to get it, I had to do questionable things when all this time, I had a
wonderful father waiting for me. Walang kapalit ang pagmamahal at atensyon niya.

We might not have the same bloodline but our hearts were connected. He was my
dad. No one else was.

Dad opened the door for me. Muli akong kumapit sa kanya.

“And then kaninang lunch, natatawa ako kasi nasa airpot ‘yong kambal. Habol
nang habol si Crest…” My voice faded when I realized my dad wasn’t listening.

His face was serious, his jaw clenching. Nakatitig kung saan.

“Dad?” I called.

Napalingon siya sa ‘kin at tumikhim.

“I don’t like this restaurant. Let’s go somewhere else,” aniyang malamig,

nagbago ang mood at medyo humarang sa gilid ko.

“Huh?” I asked. “Okay naman, Dad. Tahimik at mukhang masarap ang pagkain.”

I looked around.

“Princess, come on. Let’s leave.” He covered me again.

My forehead creased.

“Why? What’s the matter—” I stiffened. Muli siyang humarang pero huli na
ang lahat dahil nakita ko na ang tinatakpan niya.

Lorraine was here… with Alchiel.

They were eating dinner, talking. Nahuli ko ang ngiti ni Chiel sa sinasabi ng
babae, nakatitig at attentive.

My heart swelled.

Akala ko… sa Sunday pa?

My eyes stung but then my father covered my line of vision, his forehead
creasing when he caught my eye.

“Come on,” aniyang seryoso at inakbayan ako, inakay ako papuntang exit pero
narinig ko pa ang ang mariin at halos pabulong niyang sinabi.

“Fucking asshole, you don’t deserve my daughter,” he breathed out stiffly.

Kabanata 39

Kabanata 39

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 “It’s not his fault,” I tried telling my father, but he was just silent. “I
broke up with him. Of course, he could date—”

“Without fighting for that love?” aniya. “Hindi gano’n ang pagmamahal,
Clyte.”

It hit me right into the gut—not for Alchiel but for myself.

He did all the fighting while I might have fought, too, but was it enough?
Did I do my best? Was I in the same battle with him or was I pretending to be when
all along, I was only on the sidelines watching him fight for us?

I pushed him away. For his own good kaya anong karapatan kong malungkot at
umiyak? Anong karapatan kong…

“Dad—” I was about to ask him when someone called him from work kaya sa
huli’y nanahimik na lang ako’t napatitig sa labas ng bintana.

We didn’t have dinner that night. Wala nang may gana pa sa ‘min. Umuwi na
lang kami at may niluto naman daw na pagkain sa bahay at pagpasok ko pa lang ay
masayang sinalubong na ako ni Queen.

My smile widened.

“Hi, princess!” I greeted, offering my arms and she happily jumped on me and
embraced me.

My sister was not a big girl. Dati, no’ng huling alaala ko sa kanya’y maliit
pa siya!

“Hello, Ate! May food po sa kitchen! Dala nina Kuya Tintin at Ate Scira!”

“Oh? They’re here?” I asked, my eyes widening.

“Yes po! Pati po si Kuya Dei and si Ate!”

Nagulat ako roon pero malawak akong napangiti. Inakbayan ko si Queen at sabay
kaming pumasok sa kusina, mas natuwa pagkakita sa mga kapatid.

“Hello, Ate!” Scira greeted. I offered her a big hug and kissed her cheek
before smiling at my nephew, Timothy.

“Hello, baby!” masuyong tawag ko at unti-unti siyang binuhat sa braso ko.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Warren na ngumiti sa akin at bumati, “Magandang gabi,

Ate.”

“Good evening!” I moved closer and gave him side hug bago naman lumapit kina
Deion kasama ang asawa at binati rin ang mga pamangkin.

My mom and dad got inside after. Kasama nila si Queen na mukhang lumabas
kanina at ngayo’y may kasama na ring isang batang lalaki.

The little boy was handsome, mestizo, at maputi, kulay green ang mga mata.

He looked familiar…

“I’m not sure if you’ve met her but this is my sister!” Queen introduced me
to him before glancing at me. “Ate, this is Sirius! My friend!”

“Good evening po, Ate Clyte!” bati niya sabay ngiti.

I smiled at the handsome kid.

“Hello, Sirius! Nice meeting you! Magkaklase kayo ni Queen?”

“Opo.” Tumango siya sabay baling sa kapatid ko. “And Dette, too.”

“Oh!” Tumango-tango ako. “Wait… Are you the kid from Casa Amara?” I asked,
suddenly remembering a faint memory I just had glimpses of now.

I think I also saw them last New Year! When I got back here! Tama ba?

Tumango-tango siya.

“Caspian?” I confirmed at namangha rin siyang tumango ulit pero mas

namangha
ako.

I could remember more now!

Inaya ko ang mga bata sa hapag at naghain na ng dinner. Kalong-kalong ko si

Tonton at naaaliw ako dahil napakatahimik na bata pero palangiti.

“Ate, okay lang?” Scira asked beside me.

“It’s alright. Come on, eat well.” Nilaro ko ang daliri ng pamangkin ko.
“Kain ka muna nang mabuti, Mommy Scira. Ako muna kay baby na gwapo.”

Her eyes softened. She glanced at her son and back to me with a sweet smile,
and my heart felt warmer when she kissed my cheek.

“Thank you, Ate. I’m very happy you are home. I love you so much.”

I had fun with the kids. Natatawa ako habang nakikipaglaro sa kanila sa mat
sa living room para man lang magkapahinga ang mga magulang nila. It must’ve been
hard raising children, but I know for sure the fulfilment and happiness they felt
was beyond that.

I played with Deion’s boys, showing them the children’s books I was able to
purchase when Crest and I went shopping. Ibinigay ko rin ang mga laruan na regalo
ko at nakipaglaro para malibang sila at nalibang na rin ako.

I can’t believe I was gone for almost what? Three? Four years?

Tapos pagbalik ko, may anak na at pamilya ang mga kapatid ko. How long has
it
been?

I was glad they were happy, but my thoughts wandered. If I was gone that
long—kung natatagalan na ako nang gano’n—paano pa kaya si Alchiel na nag-antay
at walang pagod na naghanap?

Napawi ang saya ko nang mapag-isa na sa kwarto at natulala na naman sa

kawalan. I received a text from Crest an hour ago.

From: BFF
 Teh! Nakauwi na pala si kambal! Gagong ‘to, ‘di nag-i-inform! Akala ko
linggo
pa, ngayon pala! May dalang maraming pasalubong! Punta ka sa house para kunin ang
sa ‘yo or hatid ko? I can definitely go there now! Na kina Mommy and Dad kasi ang
twins then graveyard si hubby ko kaya I’m #alone.

I have pasalubongs from him.

Bakit ba ang bait-bait niya? Bakit hindi na lang siya maging masama at h’wag
na akong isipin? H’wag nang bigyan ng pagkain at siguradong maayos?

Bakit… mahal na mahal niya ‘ko?

What’s it with me that’s worth sacrificing for? I am not that special… I was
fucked in the head. I couldn’t even sleep alone without making sure I had my knife
under my bed.

Takot ako sa disappointment. Gusto kong maayos ang tingin sa akin ng

magulang, ng pamilya ko. I wanted to please them so bad that I couldn’t afford to
take risks—scared if I made one mistake, they’d regret taking me in.

Hindi naman gano’n ang mga magulang ko. Hindi naman gano’n ang pamilya pero
‘di ko mapigilang mangamba na isang araw ay itataboy ako, na ako na lang mag-isa.

Na kinupkop nila ako at minahal na parang kanila kaya hindi ko dapat masira
ang tiwala nila. I was the dent in our family, the orphan. My mom, Zid, was lovely
and kind to take me in despite that my biological father was the reason for her
past traumas.

Israel Sebastian killed the parents who took care of her when she still
didn’t have her memories. He threatened her, traumatized her, that she was sent to
a mental hospital. My father, Thorn, was also victimized by that man. He almost
killed him before and sent him into comatose that everyone thought he’s gonna die.

And me? I was Ritch, Zidney’s best friend’s daughter with the devil who did
all those things. Despite what Israel did, na kahit ang dugo niya’y nananalaytay sa
‘kin, inalagaan, minahal at prinotektahan ako ng pamilyang ‘to.

I was looked after all my life, but I sent troubles to this family. My mother
was ambushed, Chiel was shot, and I got kidnapped. I got back, the threats and
danger were back along with me, with the Sebastians out of prison.

Paikot-ikot na lang.

Mawawala ang gulo pero kapag nandito ako, bumabalik na naman.

What’s in it with me that’s worth sacrificing for? More so, worth dying for?

What is it worth loving?

I was the trouble in our family. Ako ang dahilan ng sakit.

Hindi ko na alam ang sumunod na nangyari. One moment, I was crying silently
and the next, I could hear my mom screaming and calling help.

“Thorn!” she screamed so loud, but I was clutching my chest so hard.

‘Di ako makahinga. Ang dilim-dilim. Ang sikip!

Just like that, I was back in my personal cage. In that old, smelly dark
room. The sound of their voices laughing, talking about the money they’d get if
they kept me there ringing in my head like a broken record.

Ayoko na! Ayaw ko na rito! Ayaw ko!

I screamed, covering my ears.

“Clyte!” I could hear my dad’s voice. “Look at me. Snap out of it!”

I couldn’t. I couldn’t. I couldn’t!

May naramdaman akong tumatawag pa sa pangalan ko, si Mommy at ang boses ni

Crest kaya pilit akong kumawala.

“Breathe…”

“Clyte-Clyte, I’m here,” Crest’s voice echoed. “C-come on, get out of it!”

May humagod sa likod ko, sa buhok ko, sa mga kamay ko.

I think I blacked out and the next thing I knew, I was holding a brown paper
bag, and they were urging me to breathe.

Unti-unti’y nakawala ako kasabay ng pagluwang ng paghinga.

“I’ll get her meds,” Dad said and that’s when it registered.

My mom was in front of me, assisting me as I take a breath and control it

with the help of the paper bag. Sa tabi ko ay si Crest na hawak ang braso ko at
pinagmamasdan akong kunin pabalik ang hininga ko.

“Here, princess,” naupo si Dad sa tabi ko, ang nag-aalalang mga mata ay
nakatitig.

I took it with my trembling palms, drank straight, and as I finished, I was

immediately embarrassed.

“S-sorry…” Inikot ko ang tingin kay Crest na nangingilid ang luha, kay Dad na
nag-aalala, at kay Mom na umiiyak na. “S-sorry po…”

“Shh… you don’t have to apologize,” Mom whispered and cupped my cheek. “It’s
alright. We’re just here. It’s alright.”

I was beyond exhausted and because my best friend was here, they let me go.
Pagkalabas ko ng banyo pagkatapos mag-shower ay nakita kong kausap ng mga magulang
ko si Crest sa may pintuan.

I felt bad. This was supposed to be a fun night but…

Lumapit ako sa kanila.

“Anak,” tawag ni Mommy. “Crest will stay the night here with you, will it be
okay?”

Sinulyapan ko si Crest, nag-aalala na baka may gawin siyang importante.

She shook her head and squeezed my palm.

“I’m free tonight,” she reassured then glanced at my parents. “Ako na po muna
bahala kay Clyte-Clyte. Manonood po kami ng movie!” she chirped.
 My mom’s eyes were still bloodshot as she pulled me closer for an embrace,
whispering her I love yous before Dad replaced her.

“Our door is always open, hmm?” Dad reminded. “Just knock and we’ll be
there.”

I watched them leave. My mom was even hesitating. I saw her glance back at me
with sad eyes, but he held her waist and whispered something. Nagkatitigan sila at
nakita ko ang pagtango ni Mommy at unti-unting sumandal sa dibdib niya bago sabay
na umalis.

“Come on, let’s watch a movie?”

Kumapit ako sa braso ni Crest at sabay kaming pumasok sa kwarto. I sat on the
bed, watching her connect my laptop to the television to visit her favorite illegal
movie site.

Napangiti ako.

“‘Di ka pa rin nahuhuling pirata ka?” I teased.

She cackled.

“‘Di ko naman binebenta, ‘te! Nakikinood lang, nagli-leave rin akong review
sa mismong official website ng movie para critic kunwari at mag-improve kapag may
ayaw ako!”

Napatawa ako at sumandal sa headboard.

“Buti ‘di ka talaga sinisita ng marangal mong asawa,” asar ko pa at mas

natawa siya.

“Duh? Of course, papagalitan ako n’on pero pakitaan ko lang ng boobs,

natatameme siya.”

My jaw dropped. Hinagis ko sa kanya ang unan pero humahalakhak lang siyang
nag-iwas.

“Bastos!” I exclaimed.

“H’wag ako, ‘te!” She rolled her eyes playfully, dini-dim ang ilaw at
sumalampak sa tabi ko. “Ikaw pa, e, kakakwento mo lang na MOMOL buddies na kayo ni
Chiel!”

Heat rushed to my face.

“Crest!” Hinampas ko siya ng unan pero nakaiwas siya at natatawang inabot ang
paper bag para ipakita sa ‘kin.

“Look, your pasalubongs!” She grinned and showed me.

It was mostly food, souvenirs, and some clothes but what caught my attention
was a handkerchief. I reached for it quietly as Crest talked about the food.

It was obviously customized and embroidered with my name Clyte and roses
beside it, making elegant twirls like vines.

He… made this for me?

 I felt a tear fall from my eye.

“And ito medyo maalat pero—Clyte?” I heard her gasp. “Anong… W-why are you
crying—”

“H-he made this for me,” I whispered, bringing the handkerchief to my chest
and crying. “He made this for me.”

“Bakit ka umiiyak…” bulong niya pero mamaya-maya pa’y yakap na ako’t nag-
iiyakan na kaming dalawa.

We stared at each other after a moment, still sniffing, our eyes bloodshot.
Inabot niya ang panyo niya para punasan ang pisngi ko at inabot ko ang pisngi niya
para punasan din ang kanya.

“W-why are you crying?” I asked worriedly, drying her tears off. “I-I cried
because I was touched. Chiel was angry with me pero binigyan niya pa rin ako…”

She sniffed more.

“Crest,” tawag ko dahil mas naluluha pa siya. “What is it?”

“U-umiiyak ako kasi,” she sniffed. “Madaya kasi bakit ikaw may embroidered na
panyo tapos ako wala?!”

We were so chaotic together that we ended up laughing and crying at the same
time. She never missed. She was the best best friend in the world, I never had a
dull moment with her.

Kapag malungkot ako, palagi siyang nand’yan para pasayahin ako at i-cheer.
She was my biggest cheerleader, kasama ko sa lahat—kahit sa pakikipagsabunutan sa
mga classmate na bullies no’ng bata pa kami.

We watched the movie together and ate chips with the handkerchief on my chest
I was clutching with my free hand. Nakahiga kaming dalawa, dikit ang ulo at
tumatawa sa palabas.

It was still overwhelming to think Chiel and Crest greatly contributed to my

life. Crest being the bestest friend in the world and Chiel being the best man I’ve
ever met but will never be mine.

Because it was our tradition even before, may mga damit si Crest sa mismong
closet ko kapag mag-i-sleepover siya. She changed and jumped on the bed with me,
hugging me so tight, and kissed my cheek.

“I’m sooo happy to have another sleepover with you!” she chirped happily. “I
missed you so much, Clyte-Clyte! Hindi magiging enough ang mga sleepover natin
no’ng panahong wala ka.”

My eyes softened.

“Don’t worry. We still have a lifetime to be in sleepovers,” I reassured her.

“Kahit may arthritis na tayo mag-i-sleepover pa rin tayo.”

The lights were already dim, tanging ang lamp lang sa side table ang
nagbibigay liwanag sa kwarto. Malamig kaya nakakumot na kami at nagkukwentuhan
tungkol sa kung ano-ano. I told her about my event tomorrow, my first after many
years and she told me about the progress of her latest collection and about her
family.

I listened intently, happy for her. Akala ko’y makakaligtas na ‘ko sa pang-
uusisa niya dahil masaya ang kwento pero mali ako.

“Now, let’s talk about you.”

My heart raced.

“It’s late—” But she gently pulled me so I could look at her. “Crest—”

“Please?” she asked gently. “How could I help you if you won’t tell me?”

“It’s nothing, Crest. I’m fine—”

“You had a panic attack. You cried over an embroidered handkerchief. You
avoided each other. Do you think I won’t notice?” she asked. Natahimik ako.

“You didn’t reply to my text, but you’ve seen it. I asked him if he’d come
with me na ihatid sa ‘yo ang pasalubong, I asked why he didn’t deliver it
personally, but you know what happened? He just told me he was tired which is
understandable but ridiculous!” she gasped. “Si Chiel? Pagod? Kay Clyte?
Impossible! Palaging may energy ‘yon kapag ikaw!”

Pagod…

Nakakapagod ka naman kasi talaga, Clyte.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Hindi ko kayo nakikitang magkasama na—oh, see? You’re crying again! May
problema nga! I knew it was that serious!” she said in finality, her eyes softening
as she reached for my cheek. “So, tell me, please? I wanted to know. I wanted to be
able to help.”

“It’s complicated…” I whispered.

“It’ll be more complicated if you keep it inside.” She brushed my cheek, and
her eyes began tearing again. “Kasi ako, Clyte, tinatago ko rin ang sakit at
problema. Kahit sa ‘yo pero ang tiyaga mong bantayan ako at damayan ako. I-ikaw
‘yong… kinapitan ko no’ng panahong susuko na ako.”

A memory flashed in my head.

“Bathtub,” I mumbled out of nowhere.

Her mouth parted, and shock and surprise were visible in her eyes.
Napatango
siya.

“Y-you remembered?”

I slowly nodded.

“I had a glimpse before when I first met you again and remembered it just a
few days ago. I-I dreamt of it.” The memory was so vivid I could almost see it
happening.

She reached and squeezed my hand.

 “In one of my hardest moments, when I wanted to just end it all, you were
there,” she breathed out. “I-I was so thankful. You saved me kasi kung h-hindi?
Hindi ko mararanasan ang ganitong saya, Clyte. I-I have a great husband, wonderful
kids, a h-happy family. If you weren’t there wala, ‘di ko naranasan ‘to. ‘D-di ako
makakaramdam ng ganitong klaseng saya.”

“W-were you happy?” I asked.

“I’ve never been happier, now that you’re here.” She sniffed. “Mahal na mahal
ko ang pamilya ko, ang kambal ko, si Locket. I was sad because there’s a big part
of me na kulang no’ng mga panahong inaabot ko ang pangarap at kasiyahan ko dahil
wala ka.”

“S-sorry for vanishing,” I whispered. “I wasn’t there when you reached your
dreams, and when you got married and gave b-birth. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, okay?” She caressed my cheek. “You may not be here
physically, but you will forever be in here…” She reached for my hand and brought
it to where her heart was.

Mas napaiyak lang ako.

“K-kaya I hope you’d share your problems with me, too,” she cried. “I wasn’t
there when you needed me the m-most and let me make it up to you. Let me help you,
please?”

I stared at her and despite the dim lights, her gaze was so comforting and
warmth that I found myself telling her every worry I had.

We almost didn’t sleep because we cried and cried. My parents even went to
check on us at one am, hindi na nagulat na namumugto ang mga mata naming dalawa.

“I brought you two a glass of milk,” masuyong sabi ni Mommy na ‘di nagtanong
kung bakit gano’n ang mga mukha namin.

“And here’s some marshmallows, gusto n’yo ‘to, di ba?” Dad suddenly appeared
with a pack in his hand, a gentle smile on his lips and it made me so happy.

Tinakbo ko sila at umiiyak na niyakap sila.

“T-thank you, Mommy, Daddy.” I cried more. “I love you s-so much.”

“Mahal mo ba?” tanong ni Crest habang nakaupo kami sa couch sa may terrace at
ngumunguya ng marshmallow na iniwan ng parents ko. Malamig ang hangin at madilim
ang kalangitan.

Natahimik ako.

“It’s complicated,” I answered. “Hindi basta-basta—”

“Mahal mo nga ba? Answer my question,” she demanded.

I bit my lip.

“Tinatanong pa ba ‘yan?” I asked her. She rolled her eyes at me.

“Hay naku, Clyte-Clyte. Tell me. Without buts, just yes or no. Mahal mo si
Alchiel? Oo o hindi?”
 “Oo,” I confessed. “Mahal na mahal. S-sobra…”

Her eyes softened when she saw me harshly wiping my tears again.

“You know what you told me before?” she asked. “You said you had to fight for
the things you love.”

Napatango ako at nakinig sa kanya.

“It was obvious and no question he was in love with you, and you feel the
same but it takes two to tango, Clyte. Hindi p’wedeng isa lang ang lalaban para sa
dalawa kasi kapag ikaw lang ang gumagalaw mag-isa, ‘di ba, nakakapagod din?”

I nodded, understanding her.

“Like I told you before, I love you so much and I love my twin, too. Ayaw ko
kayong nasasaktan na pareho pero naiintindihan ko si Chiel, Clyte. Napagod siya sa
kakaantay nang walang kasiguraduhan and then y-you… you pulled him close and when
he was near, you’d push him away. You’d discarded him like a toy you just played
with. Mahal kita at naiintindihan ko ang rason pero kahit ako, nasasaktan para kay
kambal. Paprangkahin na kita, ah?”

I listened carefully, ready to accept everything.

“If I was him and I didn’t know what’s on your mind, then you lead me on and
left me after, ‘di ko rin kakayanin. You did it not once but a lot of times and
then he’d be back to you crawling. All the time.” Napatungo ako sa sinabi niya at
paulit-ulit na tumango.

“I did,” I muttered.

I saw her eyes stuck on the empty flowerpot with nothing but a single rose
stem. I knew it won’t grow again but I won’t give up just yet.

“Hindi mo pa rin sinusukuan?” she asked.

I shook my head.

“I didn’t have the heart to,” I whispered. “I wanted to try, who knows it
grows again—”

“You can’t just pluck the rose just because you like it and when you’re done
admiring its beauty, you’d replant it, expecting it to bloom again the way you
wanted when it won’t. Some might grow but most of the time, it withers and dies.”

I nodded, getting her point.

“I know how hard it was to dedicate yourself to something—or someone all

your life and end up failing. He was broken.” I saw the distant look in her eyes.
“I want you two to find your happiness. I want you happy. I want him happy but if
this love will destroy you both? Then better yet I think it’s better if you
parted
ways.”

I wasn’t expecting it. Napaayos ako ng upo at nakita ang lungkot sa mga
mata
niya.

“I don’t want my brother hurt, Clyte.” She smiled sadly. “He was in pain all
his life because of me. He smiles, he won’t show he was sad. He acted like he was
tough, and he was—but not all the time. I’ve seen it all and I don’t want you or
his f-feelings for you to shatter him entirely. He’s my twin, Clyte. M-mahal na
mahal ko ‘yon at poprotektahan ko siya ng buhay ko. If that love will destroy him,
trust me, I’ll pull him away from it.”

Patuloy na nahulog ang luha sa mga mata ko.

“You…” she breathed out. “You are my best friend, my sister at heart. I would
not trade it for anything, but I could be two. You will always and forever be my
best friend while protecting my twin from that love. I’d respect your decision if
you wish not to reciprocate his love and push him, but I won’t let you lead him on
again. I won’t let him feel that kind of hurt again. I’ll protect him with
everything in me and you know I’d do the same for you.”

When she finished her words, she was crying.

“M-masakit, mahirap pero para sa mga taong mahal ko… kahit masama, kahit
komplikado gagawin ko. Para protektahan kayo. I don’t want to lose you both. I
don’t want you to lose yourself loving each other so if you decided not to
entertain him and as you can see, he was trying to live his life without you.”

It struck me right in the heart.

“Then, let him be. Leave him a-alone.” Her voice trembled. “But if you decide
to give it another try and fight this time, I hope you would be true to it because
if not…”

Natahimik siya, malungkot ang mata pero kita ko ang determinasyon at tapang
doon. In her eyes, right now, I could see Tito Iñigo’s eyes whenever he was in
court and defending a case. The will and bravery mixing with her mom’s gaze, Tita
Thallia, with the defiance and danger twinkling.

“If you lead him on, lie, and hurt him again, then I will be very… very
disheartened to lose a best friend,” she continued with finality.

I should be scared. I should be alarmed but it made me smile heartily.

Mukhang nagulat siya sa reaksyon ko at ngumuso.

“Why are you smiling, Clyte-Clyte? Hindi ba ako mukhang serious?” She pouted
more. “Shit, sabi na nga ba ‘di sa ‘kin bagay ang pang-maldita roles! Dapat
comedy—”

She gasped when I attacked her with a tight embrace.

“C-Clyte?”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “For protecting Chiel. F-for saying that. Thank
you.”

Naguguluhan siya pero sa huli’y mahigpit niya akong niyakap pabalik, tila
takot na mawala ako sa bisig niya kung papakawalan.

I slept somehow with a light feeling. Her words felt like a slap but in a
good way.

Buhay na buhay akong nagising kinabukasan, bumati kina Mommy at nakiusap na

sasama muna ako kay Crest na sunduin ang mga anak niya kina Tito Iñigo.

Of course, I still have guards following us around, but I didn’t really mind.
Para sa ‘kin din ‘to. I didn’t want to cause any trouble. Locket fetched us on the
way from his work.

My heart was thumping on our way to their house. I didn’t ask if Chiel will
be there. I didn’t want to spoil the mood at maganda rin ang gising ni Crest.

Nang pumarada kami sa may parking nila’y kumakalabog ang puso ko, dala ang
paper bag na may lamang cake na bi-nake ko kahapon. I made one para kina Tita
Thallia. Dalawang pirasong mini cake ang iba.

I was bored yestereday and decided to watch videos and try. Nagpatulong
ako
kina Yaya. I just experimented and did a small one because I was planning to
make
one for Crest and another for Chiel. Try lang kasi gagawan ko ulit sana kapag
umuwi
na sana siya kaso nandito na kaya ito na lang na una kong ginawa.

I already gave Crest hers.

Magkakapit ang braso namin papasok at kaagad na natigilan nang makarinig ng

hagikhikan. I was surprised when I saw Alchiel in their living room, running around
with the giggling twins. Si Reese ay nasa batok niya’t nakaupo habang si Avery ay
nasa braso.

“Aiwrplaneee!” Reese exclaimed and Alchiel laughed and ran around.

My heart raced and watched them with fascination. That’s when the twins saw
their parents.

“Mommy! Daddy!” they exclaimed.

My gaze found his and he froze. Saglit kaming nagtitigan, halata ang bigla sa
mga tingin niya at doon ako napatitig.

His hair was now a bit longer than the last time I saw him, untamed and
lustrous. His magnetizing eyes wandered on my face, longing and hopeful. I gave him
a hesitant smile, my heart racing hard.

“Tito! Baba!” Nagbaba siya ng tingin at saka ibinaba ang kambal sa lapag na
nagtatakbo at tumitiling yumakap sa parents nila at binalingan ako.

“Ninang! Bwess! Bless!” Reese chirped. Avery looked at me with a shy smile. I
chuckled and offered my hand at isa-isa silang nagmano at humalik sa pisngi ko.

“May cake na bigay si Ninang!” Inangat ni Crest ang mini box ng cake ko kaya
nagtalunan ang dalawa.

Nang balikan ko ng tingin si Chiel ay nasa may sofa na siya’t inaayos ang mga
manika at laruan ng dalawa.

Inilapag ko ang paper bag sa table at dinaluhan siya. I knelt on the carpet
with him and helped him clean the dolls.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin at natulos na naman pagkakita sa ‘kin.

“Hello,” I greeted. “I’ll help you clean.”

Hindi siya umimik at muling bumaling sa laruan. I felt my heart squeezing,

but it wasn’t really comparable to what he felt.
“Nakauwi ka na pala,” I continued as I helped him. “Kumusta ang convention?”
 “Fine,” tipid niyang sagot.

“Ahh! G-great! Humaba na ang buhok mo, ah? ‘Di ka nagpagupit?” I noticed.
“And your stubbles, ilang araw kang ‘di nag-shave?”

I reached for the doll at the same time as him kaya sabay naming nahawakan
iyon. I felt the electric surge from his to mine and we both stiffened.

His large, calloused hand was on top of mine as we both gripped the soft
doll. Mainit ang palad niya at pamilyar, ang epekto ng biglaang kuryente ay
nananalaytay pa rin but weirdly enough, nobody pulled away.

Nagpapakiramdaman kaming dalawa. Walang gustong kumawala, walang gustong

bumitaw.

Our hands remained that way in a heartbeat—or two—I didn’t know. I didn’t
see him for days but the last time I got to touch his hand seemed like an eternity.

My heart was still racing, so quickly that I might have mistaken it for a
heart attack.

“Alchiel?” We both heard the voice and then he pulled his hand away, and my
hand fell with the doll and my chest. I was sure the pain was something else when I
realized Lorraine was in here, from the kitchen with his parents.

My heart broke.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Lorraine. Nakita ko ang gulat niya’t pagtalim ng

tingin.

“You done?” Chiel then casually stood and hid his palms in his pockets. I
looked away and rummaged through the dolls to quickly clean them.

“Yup! Your parents loved the cake I baked!” she said happily. My mouth parted
but then I slowly stood after I collected it in the basket to put it on the side.

“Yes, she’s good at baking, huh?” ani Tita Thallia. “Loved the icing—oh,
Clyte?”

Muntik na akong madapa nang matunog na tumama ang tuhod ko sa lamesa at

matapakan ang nakaligtaang laruan kung ‘di lang may sumakop sa tiyan ko at hinila
ako pabalik.

I gasped when my back slammed on his chest. Tulala pa ako nang pumunta sa
harapan ko at iritadong sinulyapan ang mukha ko.

“Are you okay?” he asked then lowered his gaze on my knees. “Careful!
Tumingin ka sa dinadaanan. Paano kung madapa ka r’yan, e ‘di, sumubsob ka sa gilid
ng lamesa!”

I was just shocked as he knelt and checked on my knee to look for any
bruises. All eyes were on us. Sina Crest at Locket ay nagbubulungan na sabay tingin
sa ‘min kaya napunta ang tingin ko kina Tita at Tito na nanonood lang din, ‘di ako
sigurado kung gulat o ano.

Tita Thallia and my gaze met. I swallowed hard.

“I-I’m fine,” mahinang baling ko kay Chiel na iritadong nag-angat ng tingin,

salubong ang makapal na kilay at akmang papagalitan na naman ako nang may matanto.
 Tumayo siya at dahil nga magkalapit kami’y muntik na akong mauntog sa dibdib
niya. He took a step back then met my gaze.

“Be careful next time,” malamig niyang sabi, wala na ang tono at reaksyon
kanina, tinalikuran ako at dumeretso kay Lorraine na malamig na nanonood.

I found myself reaching for the paper bag I brought for my hands to be
occupied.

“You liked it, Mom?” ani Chiel na tumabi kay Lorraine.

“Well… yeah.” She smiled a little then moved closer to me with a brighter
smile. “Clyte! You’re here!”

Lumapit ako at sinalubong siya. She kissed my cheek.

“Good morning, Tita,” I greeted. “Napadaan lang po.”

“Oh, it’s alright. Kumain ka na ba, ‘nak?” she asked. Tumango ako.

“Opo, sa bahay kanina.”

“If you still feel hungry, we have cake in the kitchen. Lorraine baked us
one, it’s delicious!” she said proudly then her eyes found the paper bag I was
holding.

“Oh, did you bring us one, too?”

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa paper bag.

“A-ah, sorry, Tita, wala akong nadala.” I lied. “But I will bake some next
time, promise! Though, I can’t promise it will taste as good as Lorraine’s, ‘di
naman po ako talaga baker. Experiment lang.”

We both chuckled.

Nasulyapan ko si Chiel na nakatitig sa itinatago ko sa likuran ko. My grip

tightened. His jaw clenched.

“Anyway, napadaan lang po ako para mangumusta at makita ang mga bagets,”
sabay baling ko sa kambal na lumaki ang ngiti.

I said hi to Tito Iñigo after.

“Come on. Let’s eat, princess,” ani Tito.

“Ah, hindi na po. Pupunta po kasi ako sa airport nang maaga,” I answered. I
felt an intense gaze burning at the back of my head.

“Airport?” Tita asked. “Aalis ka?”

Mas dumiin ang tingin sa ‘kin.

“Hindi po.” Umiling ako. “I have an event po kasi I’m organizing sa airport,
‘yong kina Macky at Tito Dash.”

Her eyes brightened.

 “Oh God, you’re back at organizing?!” she chirped happily. “That’s great!”

Nahihiyang tumango ako.

“Opo, pero baguhan pa lang ulit. Inaalalayan pa po ako ng team.”

Sa huli’y kumain na rin ako ng cake because they insisted. Nakakahiya namang
tumanggi kaya kumain ako at biglang gustong bawiin ang cake na ibinigay kay Crest
nang mapagkumparang mas masarap iyon kaysa sa gawa ko.

Fuck. These insecurities again.

“Ihahatid ka muna namin sa airport,” ani Crest.

“No, it’s fine. Nakasunod naman ang guards ko, magpapahatid na lang ako—”

“I’ll take you.” My breath hitched with that voice. Napalingon ako kay
Alchiel.

“Huh? Out of the way sa office mo—”

“It’s on the way. I’ll meet some witness today,” aniya at bago pa man ako
makatanggi’y nauna na siyang maglakad kaya nag-panic ako.

Susunod ba ako o…

“Go!” Crest pushed me with a knowing smile. “Pahatid ka na!”

“But—”

She gave me a scary, sharp look. I stiffened. Swallowing hard, tumango ako
sabay takbo pasunod kay Chiel na nakapamulsang nagtungo sa sasakyan.

My heart was racing, ringing in my head. I felt like it’d go out of my

throat. Umikot siya sa may driver’s seat kaya tumakbo ako sa shotgun nang
matigilan.

Nakaupo si Lorraine sa front seat.

My hand trembled. I immediately took a step back and headed to the back and
got inside. Pumasok si Chiel, napatingin sa ‘kin sa likod na kunot ang noo bago
bumaling sa tabi niya. Bago ko pa makita ang pagbabago ng reaksyon niya’y nag-iwas
na ako’t bumaling sa phone.

The drive was silent—rather, I was silent. I just wanted to get out of the
car hearing them talk casually.

“Masarap ‘yong kinainan natin kahapon,” ani Lorraine.

I wanted to cover my ears or jump out of the car.

“Oh, why are we heading to the airport?” I heard Lorraine. “Sa kabila
tayo—”

“I’ll get something from Marcus,” sagot niya.

I was never that thankful when we got to the airport. Nang pumarada ang
sasakyan ay ngumiti ako at bumalik sa kanila.
 “Thanks for the ride. Ingat,” marahang sabi ko at bago pa makapagsalita si
Chiel ay bumaba na ako.

My shoulders were stiff, my chest tight as I got inside the airport when a
grip on my arm stopped me. Lumingon ako at nagulat pagkakita kay Chiel na magulo
ang buhok at mukhang tumakbo.

“Chiel?” I called.

“Mine,” he breathed.

My heart jumped out of my throat.

“H-huh?”

From my eyes, his gaze fell from my hand gripping the paper bag.

“The cake,” aniya.

“Anong… No, it’s not a cake—”

“You baked one for me,” aniya at umawang ang labi ko nang kunin niya iyon sa
hawak ko. I reached my hand to take it.

“No, it’s not—”

“It is,” mariing sinabi niya kaya sa huli’y nakagat ko na ang labi at
tumango.

“Well… it’s not good, you don’t have to eat it. I experimented with it, may
cake ka naman na—”

“And what? You’ll give what’s supposed to be mine to other people?” he

snapped.

Muling umawang ang labi ko at nag-init ang mukha. I cleared my throat.

“Give it back. I’ll bake you another one—”

“Okay,” agap niya.

My forehead creased.

“Okay?”

“Bake me another next time but this is mine.” Itinago niya iyon sa likod niya
bago ko pa makuha. “Where’s your event? I wanna see.”

Mas nagwala ang puso ko.

“But Lorraine is waiting…”

“I’ll get something from Macky, too. I’ll be quick,” aniya at nauna na sa
‘king maglakad kaya gulat man ay sinundan ko siya.

Inunahan ko siya para pumunta sa function hall at masundan niya ‘ko.

“The team made it happen. Tumulong lang ako at first time ko ulit mag-
organize kaya gasgas pa,” I lamented. ‘Di siya umimik.
 I was extra nervous, worried about what he might think of it but then I was
flattered by his expression.

He looked amazed and somewhat proud?

“It’s good.” He nodded. “I’m sure it will be successful. What time is the
event?”

“A-ah… uh…” I panicked as I glanced at my wristwatch. “Five to seven?”

He nodded again.

“You have an afterparty?” aniya. Tumango ako.

“Baka oo, ang team kasi nagplano. Welcome party raw.”

He nodded, glancing at me.

“I’ll try to see the event,” aniya bago ako tinalikuran at inalisan habang
nakatunganga ako sa kanya at gulat.

I was excited and giddy the whole day. Ilang ulit kong tsinek ang mga
kailangan, mas kinakabahan dahil dadaan siya. I needed it to be more flawless!

But then it all died down when we were near the end but… he wasn’t there. He
didn’t come.

Ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng hindi sinipot? I remembered the times I didn’t
come to his invitation after telling him I would. I reassured him.

He said he would try to see the event. Not go. Try.

Kaya bakit nasasaktan ka, Clyte? Think of what Chiel might’ve felt when you
didn’t come after promising you would. What you felt wasn’t even half of what he
felt. Wala kang karapatang masaktan at ma-disappoint.

I noticed my team was kind of busy, mukhang may usapan kaya lumapit ako at
nagtanong, kinabahan bigla na baka may problema sa first event nila kasama na ako.

“Ah, Ma’am Clyte,” ani ng kasama. “May nagpapa-meeting po kasi kaso urgent,
today na raw po as in thirty minutes from now.”

“Oh, may event kasi tayo kaso… VIP ba?”

“Yes po,” sagot niya. “Mukhang malaki po ang event and gusto lang ng
consultation sana kung anong package ang p’wedeng kunin. He said it was a
prestigious event, puro VIP po yata at p’wede naman pong ‘di natin kunin kaso
sayang kasi, Ma’am. Malaki ang budget tapos maganda sa portfolio. Siguro po bukas
na lang.”

“I can do it,” agap ko.

“Ma’am? Sure kayo? Dapat po relax muna kayo at grabeng focus n’yo sa event na
‘to. May afterparty pa po tayo mamaya.”

“What time is the afterparty?” I asked.

“Around ten po, reservation sa Schauffer’s Alley.”

 “I know that,” I said. “That’s my cousin’s bar. P’wede akong sumaglit sa
client then I will proceed sa bar. May ilang oras pa naman. Okay lang ba?
Consultation pa lang naman, ‘di ba? I will call and consult the team, too, after.
I’ll take notes.”

Sa huli’y ako na ang pumunta. Tito Dash insisted the driver would take me to
the restaurant to meet the client. Sumunod din ang iilang guards na ‘di ko man
kita’y alam kong nand’yan at patago-tago lang.

“Ma’am, tumawag po si Ma’am Crest. Sabay na raw po kayo sa bar mamaya at

pupunta rin po yata sila,” aniya.

I thanked him and got inside, surprised when I found out the client was no
other than…

“Levi!” tawag ko sabay kaway.

His eyes widened and he chuckled, sinalubong niya ko’t ipinaglahad ng upuan.

“Clyte?” tawag niya. “You were the owner?”

“Yes, I just got back so my team is doing all the work—the reason why it
was still standing. It’s good to see you! Nga pala, what’s the event all about? I’d
also like to consult the team after our meeting, so I’ll record our conversation if
it’s okay?”

It was more like a casual yet national event. It was an intimate and invite-
only. May iilang world leaders daw kasi ang a-attend and imagine my shock when I
found out he was a duke in Italy? Then Bullet, her sister, was a duchess!

Meaning, Zion, his wife, Twinkle, and Colt were royalties now! My jaw
dropped.

Nanggagago lang ‘yon si Zion pero duke! I couldn’t believe my ears.

It was for the DEA and their fight together with the involved countries to
drug and human trafficking, just a celebration, a charity event dahil daw ilang
taon nang payapa at mababa ang rates ng mga insidenteng gano’n.

I gave him the portfolio and explained the packages we were offering. Because
we needed extra security and they will also provide their own ay mas mataas ang fee
nang triple pa o higit.

Tama nga sila. Tiba-tiba kami rito.

“Let’s order?” anyaya ni Levi.

“Drinks lang sa ‘kin,” I told him. “Pupunta pa kasi ako ng party.”

We talked about random things, kumustahan lang nang may makilala siyang
kakilala. I even saw one of my employeex na mauuna na raw sa bar para ipaayos ang
orders namin in advance.

Trish gave me a teasing look. Nakakita kasi ng gwapo. Inilingan ko lang at

natawa. She left first while we continue talking, taking notes of his requests.
When it was almost nine-thirty, nagpaalam na akong aalis at nand’yan na ang sundo
ko.
 “I’ll take you there.”

“Oh, no need! May sundo ako.”

Naghiwalay kami sa may loob ng resto dahil nasa likod ang kanya at nasa
harapan ang akin. I walked out of the resto, the wind cold, making me shiver.
Tinakbo ko ang sasakyang nakaparada sa tapat pero natigilan nang mapansing ‘di iyon
kay Crest.

My forehead creased more when instead of her, Chiel appeared. My breath got
caught in my lungs.

“C-Chiel…”

Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin, napansing hawak ko ang braso at walang

salitang hinubad ang coat niya at ipinatong sa balikat ko. His scent invaded my
sanity.

“Bakit ka…”

“Crest won’t make it kaya ako ang nandito. May lagnat si Avery.”

“What?!” I exclaimed, worried. “What happened? Is she alright? Napa-checkup

na ba?”

“She’s fine,” aniya. “Naligo lang kasi sa ulan kanina kaya sininat.”

“Oh…” I nodded. “Ayos lang naman. Sana ‘di ka na nag-abalang sunduin ako—”

“My twin insisted,” aniya at inabot ang baywang ko. It gave me goosebumps.
“You’re going to Zy’s bar, right?”

My focus was on his warm palm on my waist. Tumango akong wala sa sarili.

“I’ll be going there, too,” aniya.

I hesitated when he opened the front door for me. Napalunok ako, ang alaala
ni Lorraine na nakaupo’y bumalik.

Pumasok ako at nanahimik.

He was beside me not a moment later, maneuvering the car out of the parking
lot. Tahimik lang kami, ‘di alam kung paano mag-uusap. Mas naaamoy ko siya dahil sa
coat na suot ko at nang balingan ko siya’y deretso ang tingin niya sa daan.

His sleeves were folded up to his forearm, his veins protruding as his long
fingers gripped the steering wheel. I noticed he got a fresh haircut, kagaya noong
malinis na at mukhang intimidating. However, he left his stubbles unshaven. He
looked hot.

Pero muling sumagi sa utak ko ang event.

He didn’t come…

Nagpagwapo siya lalo, bakit kaya? May date sila?

“Busy?” I asked.

Bakit ‘di ka nakasilip sa event?

 “Hmm, I drove Lorraine to Bulacan,” he answered coldly.

Muling piniga ang puso ko. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa coat at pinaglaruan ang
butones.

“A-ah.” Tumango ako. “D-date ulit?”

I felt him glance at me almost immediately, but I couldn’t see his expression
dahil nakatitig lang ako sa daan.

“What date?” aniyang iritado agad. “She’ll meet a witness for a case. I was
with her. We’re supposed to meet him together.”

Supposed?

Nangunot ang noo ko at mas nagwala ang puso.

Did that mean…

“Then, why are you here? Don’t tell me you drove all the way back to fetch me
because Crest couldn’t—”

“Then don’t ask,” he spat. “I did it to make sure you are safe. Don’t worry,
I won’t beg you to love me because of it. ‘Di ko kailangan ng pagmamahal mong
napipilitan.”

It shut me up. I have a lot of things to say and prove. I wanted to tell him
I am irrevocably in love with him but… would he believe it? After what I said and
did? Suntok sa buwan na paniwalaan pa niya.

Nauna na siya sa pagbaba pagkarating namin sa bar. I followed him, my eyes

glassy. We got to the entrance when I reached for his arm.

“Chiel—”

“Sir Alchiel!” masayang bati ng team na ikinagulat ko, lalo na nang

komportable silang kausapin ang huli at niyaya pang sumama sa ‘min.

“You… were close with him?” I asked Trish curiously.

“Yes, Ma’am, kasi po no’ng wala ka, palaging si Sir ang bumibisita sa office
natin para magpakain. Siya rin po ang nagde-deliver ng rush na bulaklak sa events
kapag hindi po available ang delivery option sa flower shop ni Ma’am Zidney.”

Mas bumigat ang puso ko. I wanted so bad to drag Chiel and talk to him, but
he was busy talking to my team like they’d known each other for a long time.

Nakarating kami sa may VIP area ng bar nang mapansin niyang nakatitig ako sa
kanya. Akala ko’y iiwas pero sa gulat ko’y lumapit siya sa ‘kin.

He leaned in to whisper. The hair at the back of my nape pricked.

“If you’re uncomfortable and you don’t want me here, just tell me. I’ll
leave,” he said like he was ready for everything, isang salita ko lang.

I reached for his clothes, frightened, and gripped it.

“N-no.” Umiling ako. “Please stay…” Halos makaawa na ‘yon.

 He stared at me curiously and seriously but didn’t say anything. Sumama siya
at muntik pa akong hilahin siya nang maupo sa gilid at medyo malayo sa ‘kin. I
wanted to go and sit beside him, but they surprised me with a cake!

Naghalo tuloy ang nararamdaman ko. Takot, saya, lungkot.

I blew the cake and thanked them all for the surprise and for taking care of
our business kahit wala ako. I was aware of Chiel watching me in the dark, a glass
of liquor in his hand but he wasn’t drinking. Pinapaikot niya lang ang yelo habang
nanonood.

It made me more nervous.

They gave me drinks and celebrated our first successful event together again.
Niyaya nila akong magsayaw pero tumanggi ako, ayaw iwan si Chiel. Gusto na rito
lang. Gusto siyang tabihan at paalisin ang mga kakilala niyang lumapit sa kanya at
nakikipag-usap, tumatabi, at nakikisama na sa table.

I wanted to be possessive, to push those girls away but I stopped myself.

I focused on telling some of my team briefly about my meeting earlier when

Trish spoke.

“Ang pogi pala ni Sir Levi!” aniya.

I saw Chiel tense while talking to an acquaintance.

“Talaga?”

“Oo! Ang pogi! Balita ko, sundalo raw ‘yon! Papunta kasi ako kanina rito
mauuna ako, ‘di ba? Ta’s dumaan ako sa resto may friend ako ro’n then sakto ro’n
pala ang meeting! Bagay na bagay sila!”

My heart was racing. I looked at Chiel, but he wasn’t looking at me. Sumimsim
siya ng alak at umigting ang panga, wala na ang focus sa kausap.

Shit.

“Trish—”

“Bagay na bagay nga! Tapos mukhang crush siya ni Sir at palaging nakangiti
kay Ma’am! Bagay, ClyteVi!”

I closed my eyes. They began teasing but I wasn’t happy or anything, lalo na
nang may sinabi si Chiel sa kausap at tumayo para umalis.

My mouth parted.

“Saan ka, Sir?” someone asked.

“Restroom,” aniya kaya napaupo ako ro’n at huminga nang malalim.

Kalma, Clyte! Magbabanyo lang ‘yong tao! ‘Di ka naman iiwan!

I waited but ten, fifteen minutes had passed but he still wasn’t back. Gano’n
ba karami ang tao sa banyo?

I stood. Hindi na ako napigilan ng mga kasama nang bumaba ako at hinanap
siya. The bathroom was empty, he wasn’t in the bar, and when I asked Zion, he said
he didn’t notice.

Mas dinaga sa kaba ang dibdib ko.

Did he leave me? Did he finally leave me?

I couldn’t help but be emotional. Takot na takot ako, kinakabahan na wala

siya sa paligid kaya lumabas ako.

His car! Baka nando’n lang! Hindi naman ako iiwan n’on! ‘Di naman si Levi ang
mahal ko!

My eyes began to blur when I couldn’t see his car. I looked around, harshly
brushing my tears away.

“Chiel…” I whispered.

Kinapa ko ang sarili pero wala ang phone ko. Naiwan ko pa!

“Chiel…” I called out loud. Napahikbi ako at tumakbo paikot.

“C-Chiel, saan ka?” I exclaimed more loudly but the cars around were all
unfamiliar to me.

There were plenty! I felt like I was getting smaller, and they were getting
bigger, and it started overwhelming me. I suddenly felt trapped.

Tumakbo ako, muntik pang masagasaan sa biglang paglitaw ng sasakyan sa

harapan.

“Tangina, bobo ka ba?! Bakit ka biglang sumusulpot?!”

“S-sorry po…” I whispered as I trembled. “S-sorry…”

I ran again, not minding him shouting at me as I desperately looked for

Chiel. I was sobbing, my eyes blurry with tears, trying to ransack my mind where we
parked.

I want to see him! He won’t leave, right? He won’t?

“Chiel…” I whispered, sobbing. “S-saan ka, Chiel?”

I stopped when a car drove in front of me and when it vanished, I saw him,
seated on the pavement. Bahagyang nakatungo siya, nakatitig sa kawalan, at hawak
ang sigarilyong walang sindi sa daliri.

He was playing with it with his fingers, his gaze lost. It made me sob more
and ran.

He must’ve heard me running because he rose, startled. He hid the unlit

cigarette on his back, staring at me wide-eyed, his eyes bloodshot.

“Uuwi ka na? Tapos na kayo?” he asked but then when he took how I looked,
mabilis siyang lumapit at sinapo ang mukha ko.

“What happened?” he asked, alarmed. “What happened, Clytemnestra? May nanakit

ba sa ‘yo? Where are your fucking guards?!”
 He looked around, furious, his body trembling.

“Those pieces of shits—”

Niyakap ko siya. Mahigpit.

Natulos siya.

“A-akala ko umalis k-ka na. A-akala ko iniwan mo na ‘ko. A-ayaw ko, Chiel.
H’wag mo ‘ko i-iwan, please,” I wailed.

Kabanata 40

Kabanata 40

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“What happened?” I heard multiple footsteps with Zion’s worried voice.

Hindi ako gumalaw, nanatiling nakayakap kay Alchiel na natahimik. He wasn’t

hugging me back, but I could feel his tension, hearing the loud thump inside his
chest.

“Sir—”

“Where were you?!” I heard his harsh, angry tone while talking to the head
guard. “You let her out of your sight! Alone in the parking!”

“Pasensya na po. Nawala po kasi siya sa maraming tao—”

“Then do your job! Ang dami-dami n’yo rito! Hindi lang ikaw pero iisang
binabantayan, ‘di n’yo magawan nang maayos ang trabaho? What if the Sebastians were
here? What if she was taken? Paano kung wala ako rito?!”

I trembled with his anger. Dinig na dinig ko ang malalim at mabilis niyang
paghinga. I could feel the worry and anger. He was trembling.

Humigpit lang ang yakap ko.

“Pasensya na, Sir.”

“I-it’s my fault,” I whispered in his chest. “Don’t blame them. It’s mine.”

“No, it’s not. It was their job to look after you! They are not supposed to
let you out of their sight, Clytemnestra!”

Umiling ako nang umiling.

“I-it’s mine,” I whispered. “Sorry, ‘di k-ko naisip na nand’yan sila. L-

lumabas ako kasi hinahanap kita.”

His heart raced even more. Mas lumalim ang paghinga niya. Mamaya-maya’y
naramdaman ko ang paghawak ng palad niya sa likod ko.

“I’ll take her home,” he announced.

“The guards will be behind you,” I heard Zion answering. “We’ll leave you
alone here first. I’ll tell Clyte’s team she left early. Nahulog niya ‘yong coat.
Here.”

May inabot siya kay Chiel. Tumango rin at nagpasalamat hanggang sa narinig ko
ang yapak nila paalis hanggang sa maiwan na kaming dalawa. The air was cold, but I
was thankful because I was hugging him, giving me enough warmth to not shiver in
the night.

Halos maamoy ko na ang hamog at paniguradong mamaya ay uulan.

Walang umiimik, walang nagsasalita ni isa sa ‘ming dalawa. Nagpapakiramdaman,

ang unang magsasalita’y talo.

I was just embracing him, and he was breathing hard. His palm was on my back,
caressing it without a word.

“What’s the matter?” he asked after a while.

I swallowed hard.

“Y-you said you’ll be in the restroom, but you weren’t back for a while now,
so I was worried. Akala ko umalis ka na, a-akala ko iiwan mo ‘ko—”

“Why would I leave you?” he breathed out. I stiffened.

Lumayo siya kaya nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. His eyes were bloodshot,
resembling mine. I nodded slowly.

“I just thought—”

“Why were you afraid I’d leave you?” he asked.

Natahimik ako. I stared at his face and opened my mouth but couldn’t find the
right words to say.

“I-I just…” I stuttered, forming sentences in my head.

“Just…?” he asked, firmer this time, his blue eyes blazing, anticipating.

“I…” Lumunok ako. “I was just worried you’d leave—”

“Why were you afraid I’m leaving?” he asked pointedly this time.

“‘Di ka kasi nagpapaalam…”

He stared at me. I struggled for words, not too keen on expressing myself
this way.

“And what if I won’t tell you? You have guards so I don’t think it matters?”
he demanded.

“Natakot lang ako kasi akala ko…”

He stared at me and when I couldn’t utter any more words, he shook his head
in disbelief. He chuckled mockingly, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing,
and took a step back.

“Still the same. Why did I even hope?” bulong niya’t sinuklay ang buhok.
 I panicked and words got cut off my tongue.

“Chiel—”

“I can’t leave you here,” biglang bawi niya sa sinabing bakit niya ‘ko iiwan.
“I’ll drive you home. My twin will kill me if I won’t.”

Mas sumikip ang dibdib ko, tumitig sa kanya pero tinalikuran niya lang ako at
kinuha ang key fob. Naglakad siya palapit sa sasakyan. I felt the drop of rain on
my arm. Mabilis na humabol ako sa kanya.

“Chiel, about earlier—”

“It’s fine. You don’t have to tell me,” he answered stiffly.

“But we only had dinner because—”

“I’m letting you go but it does not mean it doesn’t fucking hurt,
Clytemnestra!” his voice roared. He looked at me with unshed tears, frustration,
hurt, and anger. “We are not together so, go! Dine with him or with anyone you
want! I won’t meddle but please! Parang awa mo naman, h’wag mo nang sabihin sa
‘kin! May pakiramdam ako! Hindi ako manhid!”

Tears pricked my eyes at the same time the larger drops of rain fell on my
face.

His jaw clenched, feeling the drops too.

“Let’s go,” he said firmly.

Umiling ako.

“M-mag-usap tayo?” I asked bravely.

His jaw ticked more, annoyed.

“Umuulan na, Clytemnestra.”

“I won’t go,” I said, determined.

Wala na akong pakialam nang mas lumakas ang ulan at nabasa na nang tuluyan.

A sudden faint memory flashed in my head. I saw him and we were screaming at
each other in the rain.

“Damn it!” he cursed, lifting the coat and marched closer to me. I snapped
back in reality and saw his face in real-time.

Inangat niya ang coat para ipatong sa ulo ko pero hinawi ko.

Mag-uusap kami!

His forehead creased, pissed.

“Let’s go! It’s raining!” He attempted to cover my head with his coat again
to shield me from the now pouring rain, but I pushed his hand away. Mas nairita
lang siya.

“Clytemnestra!”
 “Mag-usap tayo!” I demanded, glaring back at him to let him know I was
serious. “I won’t leave unless we talk!”

“You’re ridiculous! It’s raining!” he hissed. “Let’s go!”

He reached for my arm again. Hinawi ko iyon kaya mas lalo lang siyang
nairita. His brows met and I saw how droplets from the rain fell from his wet hair
to his eyebrow, down to his lips.

“I won’t go—”

“Sasama ka o bubuhatin kita?” mariing banta niya pero hindi ako nagpadala. I
equaled his gaze.

“Don’t try.”

“Fucking hell I would,” he barked.

Napatili ako nang walang salitang binuhat niya ako na parang sako.

“Let me down!” I screamed and struggled.

“Shut up!” singhal niya’t naglakad pero muli akong tumili at pinaghahampas
ang likod niya. “Clytemnestra!”

“Let go!” I exclaimed and when he won’t let go, kinurot ko siya nang pino sa
likod.

“Shit!” He flinched. No’ng una’y ayaw akong pakawalan kaya sa irita ko’y
inabot kong naman ang jeans niya at kinurot siya pwet.

Muntik na niya akong mahagis pababa at kung hindi niya lang hawak ang baywang
ko’y baka tumilapon na. He frowned at me, glaring.

“The fuck are you doing?” he snapped. “Ang sakit ng kurot mo!”

“Hindi ka kasi nakikinig! I said we’ll talk!” I said stubbornly.

“It’s fucking raining!” Halos ‘di na kami magkarinigan sa ulan pero wala
akong pakialam. I shook my head again stubbornly.

“No! We’re gonna talk!”

He reached for my arm and tugged me close. I rejected his grip until another
memory flashed and it was getting clearer than the last time I dreamt of it.

“No. We’ll get you home! Umuulan!” he snapped. Mas nabasa ang mapupulang labi
niya sa ulan, napapapikit pa sa tumatamang ulan sa mukha.

But I was determined. It’s now or never!

“We’ll talk!” I exclaimed. “Wala lang ‘yong kanina! It was business!”

He brushed his hair frustratedly and reached for me again, ayaw makinig!

“Let’s go.”

“Makinig ka kasi!” I exclaimed. “It was business! I didn’t know he was our
client!”

“Client? Date sa resto?” pagak siyang natawa. “You have your office so why
would you meet the fucker there? At wala bang bukas? May event ka, ‘di ba? Tapos
makikipagkita ka bigla sa kliyente—”

I wrapped my arms around his nape and shut him with a kiss.

His eyes widened, startled. Nakamulat ang mata ko habang nakatingin sa kanya,
walang pakialam kung tumatama na ang tubig ulan sa mukha. I bit his lower lip,
urging him to part his mouth and I really thought he wouldn’t allow me.

Except that… he did.

He parted his lips, shut his eyes, and kissed me back. My mouth parted even
more. His lips were soft and warm and when they parted even more slightly, I had
the chance to slip my tongue inside and taste him.

He was sweet, the bitterness from the liquor and from something delicious he
might’ve eaten. I could feel the soft tickle of his breath beneath my nose and
upper lip. My eyes shut. My fingers sought and fisted his lustrous black hair as we
breathed each other in.

It was warm despite the cold air and water drenching the both of us.
Butterflies danced inside my stomach. His thick fingers dug into my waist, pulling
me close until not even our shadow could come in between and separate us.

The splatters of rain were loud but not as loud as our hearts racing. Our
hearts, these feelings—us—felt fragile as a raindrop that I was so afraid it
would cease to exist when it touched the ground.

Naramdaman ko ang init na tumama sa mukha ko at alam kong hindi iyon galing
sa ulan o sa akin. Unti-unti kong iminulat ang mata at nahuli ang kunot ng noo
niya, ang salubong ng kilay, at ang paglandas ng butil ng luha sa mga mata niya.

I found myself crying too as I pulled him close, not satisfied with our
current position, wanting him in the same space as mine—wanting for us to be just
one so no one could pull us apart.

But then I felt him stop. Hindi ko pinansin no’ng una, muling umagap ng halik
pero tila binawi niya ang pusong ibinigay sa ‘kin nang ilayo niya ang labi sa akin.

I opened my eyes and watched him drunkenly. Mula sa pagkakapaikot ng braso ko

sa batok niya’y bumaba iyon sa pisngi niya.

I breathed in his masculine scent.

“Kiss me back,” I whispered and licked on his slightly parted lips. He

breathed and moved closer, giving me a slightly hungry kiss but then he was pulling
away again, tila pinipigilan ang sarili.

I watched him with wanton need, leaning in to get another kiss but his
fingers were now on my arms and slightly pushing me.

I caught his eyes, question dancing in mine. Basang-basa na kami pero gusto
ko lang talaga siya at ang halik niya.

I tiptoed to get another one, but he firmed me on my feet. His eyes were
darker and serious as he leaned in closer until we were only a breath away.
 I was waiting like a fool for his kisses but before our mouths even touched,
he uttered words.

“Do you think I’ll be a slave to you again after that kiss?” he asked
ruthlessly while locking gazes with me. “No… I won’t. I won’t chase after you. I
won’t pant again like a dog… crawling to you. I won’t.”

The butterflies died. My lips trembled and I noticed the slight change in his
stance, but he looked away. His hand on my arm fell on my hand as he pulled me
away.

“Let’s go home,” he said sharply but I remained stuck in my place, refusing

to move.

I felt weak, exhausted, and sad.

Iritado niya akong nilingon pero nawala ang iritasyon sa mga mata niya
pagkakita sa kabuuan ko at sa mga mata ko.

I heard him sigh and bark out a curse, and he walked closer. He carried me in
his arms without a word and I didn’t even fight. Nanghihina lang akong sumandal sa
dibdib niya, nakatulala kung saan.

I didn’t know how we got inside his car. Pinaupo niya ako ro’n, tumakbo
papasok sa kabila, at may kinuha sa backseat.

It was his shirt. Hinarap niya ako at marahang inabot, pinunasan ang aking
mukha, leeg, at dibdib bago ang ulo ko.

He looked worried and pissed at the same time. Siguro kasi ang kulit-kulit
ko.

“You’ll get sick if you won’t drink meds,” aniya at may kinuha sa glove
compartment bago inabot sa ‘kin.

It was Paracetamol. Nang mahawakan ko ‘yon ay may kinuha siya sa gilid at mas
naluha lang nang makita ang red tumbler na ibinigay ko sa kanya no’ng nag-aaral pa
kami.

Binuksan niya ‘yon at inilapit sa ‘kin. I reached for it, napansing ‘di iyon
nangalahati man lang o kaya’y kaunti lang ang bawas dahil sa bigat.

Napasulyap ako sa kanya. He frowned.

“I know. Just drink,” bagnot niyang agap kaya tahimik na lang akong uminom at
sumandal.

He informed the guards we were leaving by calling them. Dumating si Zion

mamaya-maya kasama si Bullet na nakapayong, sumilip at inabot ang bag kong naiwan
sa loob.

“Will you be alright?” Bullet asked me.

I nodded slowly, muttering a small thanks as I wrapped my arm around my bag.

Hindi nakabukas ang aircon pero nilalamig pa rin ako. Malakas na ang ulan.
Wala nang tao halos sa kalsada at may mga parteng may baha.
 I shouldn’t go home like this. Mag-aalala na naman ang mga magulang ko kapag
umiiyak ako’t si Chiel pa ang naghatid.

I didn’t want him to get blamed because I was like this. Because I was fucked
up.

I glanced at him when I noticed him watching pero nang magkatinginan ay sabay
ring nag-iwas at tumikhim. I bit my lip.

“Can we go to the condo?” I asked. “A-ayoko kasing umuwi nang ganito at

makita nina Mom…”

“Alright,” he agreed without question and maneuvered the car.

He got out after parking the car. Nakita ko ang pagsenyas niya sa security
kong nakasunod ang sasakyan sa amin at bago ko pa man buksan ang pintuan ng
sasakyan ay nando’n na siya’t pinagbubuksan ako.

“Thank you,” I whispered and got out, but he was too quick to swerve me off
my feet and carry me in his arms before I could even touch the ground.

Gulat akong napakapit sa batok niya.

“Chiel, I can walk,” bulong ko pero ‘di niya ako pinansin.

“We’ll be staying here tonight,” he informed the head of security. “I want

the perimeter checked. No outside guests will be allowed tonight. I want a new set
of guards rounding every three hours.”

Nangunot ang noo ko.

Anong meron? Bakit parang mas dumoble yata?

“Got it, Sir.” Tumango ito. “Update po namin kayo.”

Chiel nodded and we got to the back entrance to enter. May iilang guards na
sumunod, kasama na ang security para pagbuksan kami ng elevator.

Sumulyap ako kay Chiel at sa igting ng panga niya.

“What’s the matter?” I asked as I reached for his jaw.

Nahulog ang tingin niya sa ‘kin. Ang lamig sa mga tingin ay medyo natunaw
pero nando’n pa rin ang tapang n’on.

“Israel Sebastian was seen here in the city,” aniya.

Panic washed through me. My heart raced. Muntik pa akong umalis sa bisig niya
pero pinirmi niya lang ako.

“H-how…”

“He had a private boat somewhere,” he answered. “He was seen by a CCTV in a
private port in Bulacan. May APB na sa kanya kaya umalerto na ang pulis na
nakalabas na siya ng Cebu. Lorraine was in there to question the witness.”

My heart raced, guilt creeping into my chest.

“Sorry, I… You shouldn’t have fetched me. Importante pala ang ginawa n’yo sa
Bulacan—”

“It’s fine. Hindi rin naman ako matatahimik kapag ‘di ako ang naghatid sa
‘yo.”

Hindi na ako nakasagot nang magbukas ang elevator at lumabas kami. Ako na ang
pumindot sa code at sa pagpasok ay hindi na nakatanggi si Chiel nang gusto kong
bumaba.

“I’ll change clothes,” I informed.

He nodded and even if I already turned my back on him, ramdam ko ang titig
niya sa likod ko hanggang sa makaakyat.

My heart was still unsteady as I took a warm bath. I didn’t know how long I
stayed inside. I lost track of time.

Nandito na si Sebastian? Sa Maynila? Ano’ng ginagawa niya rito? Will he take

me again? Will he hurt the people I love?

I touched my aching chest, resting my head on the cold tile as the water from
the shower drenched my body.

I can’t let him hurt them! I was the reason why he got out of jail! Hindi ko
man alam ang totoo noon pero tumulong ako! I even helped Jackson escape!

If one Sebastian was dangerous enough, paano pa kaya kung silang dalawa na?
And si Cole… he was still out there.

My head ached as if someone was pinching it from the inside. Another gush of
memories flowed.

From Chiel and I kissing, to my best friend and me laughing. I could see my
family in my head when we had a getaway and then I was crying in front of a coffin.

My ear started ringing. I pressed my head more on the tile, slightly bumping
my head and wishing it’d stop the pain.

Naghalo-halo sila. Kasunod n’on ay ang nakita ko ang sariling pumapasok sa

kulungan at nagkatinginan kami ni Sebastian hanggang sa napalitan ang mukha niya ng
mukha ni Mommy Zidney.

I bumped my head more, the darkness consuming me. Ang pamilyar na pagsikip ng
dibdib ay nariyan na naman.

I shut my eyes even more.

I want out. I want out. I want out.

Scira was crying beside me and then Mom glanced at me, with her eyes
bloodshot and angry then she slapped me.

“Clyte!” Something soft replaced the hard cold tiles when I bumped my head.
“Clytemnestra!”

Naramdaman ko ang pagpihit sa ‘kin hanggang sa may mga palad na nag-angat ng

mukha ko. The water from the shower had already stopped.

“Clyte…” Muling my humaplos sa mukha ko. “Come on, look at me…”

 I want out. I want out. I want out.

“Clyte… sweetheart.” It was like a lullaby, something that opened and shone a
light in the dark mental cage until I saw where the gates were.

“Come on. Snap out of it. I’m here.” Another gentle whisper and the lights
began spreading, making a way for me to know where to step safely, to not fall down
the cliff. It guided me.

I felt like I was being squeezed but it wasn’t suffocating. In fact, it was
warm and safe.

The voice called to me. I followed where the lights were, and I stepped out.
I felt myself slip and almost fall when someone caught me and held me before I even
did.

I let out a loud gasp as if I had stopped my breath all this time. Suddenly,
I was aware of a very familiar scent, the tiny drops of water touching the cold
tile on my feet and the warm arms around me.

I snapped back from my reverie. I stared at the massive chest covered in a

black shirt in front of my face.

“C-Chiel?”

“Hmm?” His voice vibrated in his chest and to my ear.

“S-sorry.” Idinantay ko ang mukha lalo sa dibdib niya. “D-did I black out
again?”

I shivered when I felt his calloused hand touch my back for a gentle caress
and that’s when I realized I was naked! I tensed a little, but it faded almost
immediately.

Mas sumiksik lang ako sa kanya.

“Yes,” he breathed out. I felt him resting his chin above my head, pulling me
close. “I’m sorry I went inside. I was waiting outside for a while now, but you
weren’t out yet. I called, and you weren’t answering so…”

“Thank you,” I whispered and lifted my face, giving his jaw a soft kiss. The
tiny hairs from his beard pricked my lips but I didn’t mind.

Sinalubong ko ang mata niya, nahuli ang pamumungay at ‘di mapangalanang mga
emosyon.

“A-and I’m sorry. Palagi na lang kitang pinapag-alala. Palagi na lang

inaabala.”

Nagkatitigan kami at mas napansin kong bahagyang namumula pa rin ang mga mata
niya dahil sa nangyari kanina.

I reached for his jaw and caressed it. His red lips parted a little.

“Sorry talaga,” bulong ko at naramdaman ang mainit na luhang nahulog sa

pisngi. “I-I’m sorry if I worry about and consider a lot of things and people but
not you.”
 Nagbaba siya ng tingin. I noticed his jaw clenched. Mas nanginig ang kamay
ko.

“C-Chiel, can we talk?” I whispered but it broke me when he shook his head.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” bulong niya at inabot ang tuwalya sa gilid.

I was in my own headspace as he wrapped it around me. He carried me off my

feet without a word and I only watched his serious face weakly.

Pinaupo niya ako sa kama. Nilamig ako sa temperatura ng aircon at napansin

niya iyon kaya hininaan niya.

He opened my closet. Kabisado niya ang loob kaya pinagmasdan ko lang siyang
kumuha ng terno kong pajama at napanguso ako pagkakitang ang underwear ko mismo’y
siya pa ang namili.

I saw him scoff and glare at my drawer of my thongs then closed it,
irritated. Pagkatapos ay binuksan niya ang ibabang drawer at nakita ang hinahanap
niya. He casually took it.

When he turned to me with my panties in his hand, he flushed.

“Sorry.” Tumikhim siya at namumulang ipinatong ang underwear kasama ang damit
ko.

I tried hiding my smile, but it won’t.

“Talagang ‘yong ganyan pinili mo?” I asked, staring at the ordinary

underwear. “I have my thongs—”

“Shut up, no.” Bigla siyang bumusangot. Natawa ako.

“Why? I don’t usually wear that. Mas madalas ‘yong thong o kaya g-string—”

“Stop making mental images in my head,” iritado niya nang sabi at tumayo na
sa harapan ko.

I watched him with amusement, exhausted but happy I could somehow change the
expression on his face. Mas magaan na iyon.

“Makapagsalita naman ‘to akala mo hindi nag-i-imagine,” I mused.

He stiffened. Napatawa ako at tinuro ang mukha niya. Mas lalong namumula na
ito at iritado sa ‘kin. He now looked like an annoyed spoiled brat. Akala mo’y
inagawan ng candy niya.

“I don’t—”

“Oh, you don’t?” I smirked. “That’s too sad. Ako pa naman nag-i-imagine.”

His mouth parted. His face turned beet red and I couldn’t stop my wide grin
from escaping anymore. Seeing his face made my chest calm.

“What the fuck, Clytemnestra?” his voice roared.

My lips pursed and shrugged.

“Just telling the truth,” I confessed without hesitations this time. “What
are we now? Huh? We’re in our mid-thirties! Mamaya-maya lang ‘di mo napapansin
forty ka na! You still think we’re innocent?”

He glared at me.

“What do you fucking mean by that?” bumusangot siya, ready na yatang manapak
ng kung sino.

“I mean we’re not innocent anymore, Chiel,” I explained and stared at him
intently. “Don’t tell me you don’t masturba—”

“The fuck?” he spat loudly again. Mas napatawa ako.

“I doubt you don’t.” I shrugged. “Nanonood ka nga ng porn.”

He glared at me this time. I watched him with amusement and a bright smile.

“I don’t—”

“Oh, a liar!” Tinuro ko siya. “‘Di ba nga noon nahuli kita nanonood—”

We both stiffened.

His eyes widened. I did, too.

“You… remembered?” he asked then slowly knelt in front of me, pinapantayan

ang mukha ko ng tingin para hulihin ang mata ko.

“Uhm…” I licked my lip. That came out of nowhere! “I guess? It just slipped!”

Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa at may kung anong memorya ang mas naging malinaw.

I got inside his condo unit from work. Nag-early leave ako kasi nga ay mag-
eempake pa’t aalis kami papuntang Switzerland and then I surprised him at his unit,
then I saw him watching a fucking porn.

Nahulog ang panga ko at tinuro siya.

“Gago! Nahuli nga kitang nanonood ng bold?!” I exclaimed with wide eyes.

“I only did that for educational purposes!” he defended, his face bright red.

“Gago, anong educational purposes?! Focused na focused ka nga—”

“Because I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing! I wasn’t sure how to
properly finger you!” he exclaimed.

Natahimik ako. Natahimik siya. Sumabog ang mukha ko sa init. Nagkatitigan

kami at ang invisible kuliglig ay nagbalik.

My heart jumped out of my throat. Mas uminit yata ang paligid kaya humigpit
ang hawak ko sa tuwalyang tanging harang lang sa hubad kong katawan.

I felt my nipples harden, the damning thoughts about him watching to satisfy
me were just… I squeezed my legs shut. His eyes fell on my lap. His jaw clenched.

“M-mainit na,” I said and glanced at the aircon. “Lakasan ko ang aircon!”

I stood to take the remote, but he pulled me back on the bed. It was the
reason my grip loosened, and the towel spread open. Suminghap ako nang mapatitig
siya roon at sa halip na sakupin ko ang dulo ng tuwalya para isara’y ‘di ko ginawa.

The temperature shifted. Our breaths felt quicker and heavier.

The despair was forgotten, another emotion ruled.

In his eyes, I saw the heat, lust, and desperate wanting. Tumaas-baba ang
dibdib ko sa antisipasyon. My stomach was churning, the butterflies were now out of
their cocoon and desperately dancing inside of me.

His eyes wandered on my hardened peaks down in between my legs. His jaw
clenched.

I swallowed the lump in my throat before gently parting my legs. Mas nairita
siya’t sumimangot pero ‘di inalis ang tingin sa pagitan ng hita ko.

I may be out of my mind because I liked the way he watched me. My finger
traced my chest and my nipple. Mas dumilim ang tingin niya at galit na akong
tinignan.

I smiled wickedly.

“You can touch,” I hummed.

Mas umigting ang panga niya.

“No,” he said hardly.

I pouted my lips sighing.

“Too bad,” I purred then my finger dipped down my stomach until I reached my
target. His eyes flared. Galit na galit siya pero ‘di naman niya maalis ang tingin
sa pagitan ng hita ko nang mas ibinuka ko iyon.

While watching his reaction, kneeling in front of me, I touched my clit.

“Fuck,” he cursed.

“You can touch…” I repeated and rubbed myself.

“No,” malalim niyang sinabi at mas umigting ang panga.

“Why…” My voice shook as I felt the pleasure building. “I think it’d be

better if it were your finger rubbing me…”

“Clytemnestra,” singhal niya pero ngumisi lang ako at komportableng umusog ng

upo at ipinakita sa kanya ang ginagawa.

“Yes, Verón?” I teased, dipping my finger inside of me.

“Shit…” Tumaas at baba ang dibdib niya pero hindi pa rin umaalis sa
pagkakaluhod.

He could actually move a little bit closer and it’s all his, but he had a
strong will. He wouldn’t budge. I fingered myself while locking gazes with him,
drunk in lust and love.

I moaned and thrust quicker, exposing myself to him without inhibitions.

Galit ang mukha niya at madiin ang tingin pero ‘di naman mailayo.

“Chiel—”

“Close your legs or I’ll…” he threatened.

“Or you’ll?” I shut my brow up. “You’ll do what, Sandejas?”

Naglaban kami ng tingin. He was angry while I was challenging him to say it.
Walang nagpapatalo and to tease him more, I pinched my clit and let out a pleasured
moan while calling his name.

“Fuck, Alchiel,” I breathed out, and that made him lose his patience because
he spread my legs apart and moved closer.

“I want your two fingers inside,” he commanded.

Napaayos ako ng upo.

“Ano—”

“Spread your fucking legs and fuck yourself,” he said pointedly, watching me
closely.

“But—”

“Now,” he retorted, his voice magic. Everything he said, I’d follow.

So, I did.

I inserted two digits this time, gasping as I felt myself stretching. I

thrust it slowly at first, watching how his eyes blazed with heat.

I knew he wanted to touch me.

“You can t-touch me, you know—”

“I don’t finger girls who weren’t my girlfriend,” he answered

straightforwardly.

Umawang ang labi ko.

“What? Wasn’t I your girlfriend—”

“We broke up, remember?” he frowned. I winced.

Shit!

“Ayoko na—”

“Focus, Clytemnestra,” he hissed. “Did I tell you to stop?”

Umiling ako at isang mariing titig lang ay nawawala na naman ako sa sarili.

I watched him as I pleasure myself, gasping, wishing it was him doing it for
me.

“Rub yourself,” he ordered like a king. “Imagine it was me.”

 Oh, hell, I did.

My toes curled and my legs were outstretched as I sought the high. I was
pleasured, but I didn’t think it was enough. I wanted him so bad. I wanted him all
my life.

Him…

“Chiel…”

“That’s it,” he breathed out. I could feel it on my leg. “Imagine it was my

cock, sweetheart.”

He held my hand, guided me on how to rub myself, and thrust it to imitate

that it was him touching me, but he never once touched me there.

I was getting frustrated, pleasured, and desperate enough that I didn’t

recognize my voice when I convulsed and came.

Nanghihina akong bumagsak ng higa, hinahapo at naghahabol ng hininga. I

thought it was all done but I felt him dragging my leg closer to the edge of the
bed.

I squirmed when I felt him take my hand. Sinilip ko siya.

“Chiel—”

“Let me taste,” he said more of a statement.

My throat bobbed, feeling turned on again, and without a question, I sat on

the bed and moved my fingers closer to his lips.

He opened his mouth to taste but I touched his jaw to close his mouth. He
gave me an annoyed look. I only smirked and coated his lips with my juices. I bit
my lip when he parted his mouth and lazily licked it off his lips clean, not
breaking eye contact with me.

Umayos ako ng upo.

“Do you want to—”

“No,” he languidly mused as he took my finger in his mouth. “I don’t fuck

girls who weren’t my girlfriend.”

Ngumuso na ako at bumaba ang tingin sa pants niya. I could visibly see his
cock making a tent out of his pants.

“I can take care of it—”

“No.” He licked my finger clean, his warm tongue moving from it to my palm
and wrist. He gave my pulse a tiny bite and a sensual kiss. “I can take care of
myself just fine, Miss Fabroa.”

Then he rose. Napanganga ako nang walang salitang nagpunta siya sa banyo at
pinagsarhan ako ng pinto.

“Alchiel!” I whined and stomped my feet. I grabbed my underwear and wore it

bago tumakbo sa pintuan at kumatok.
 “Chiel?!”

“Go away!” he hissed.

“What? Come on, I could take care—”

“Shut up, woman. Sit there and wait!”

“I won’t!” I hissed. “Patingin ako!”

He didn’t answer. I was getting real annoyed kaya nagmartsa ako sa drawer ko,
kinuha ang susi at walang pakialam kung walang damit at binuksan ang pinto.

Umawang iyon. Unti-unti akong sumilip at napasinghap nang makitang nasa may
shower siya.

His pants were down, his forehead was pressed on the shower’s cold tile and
even if the shower was on, I could hear his soft pants and groan and I found myself
stepping inside.

I let my curiosity win and when I got closer, my mouth parted when I saw him
gripping his massive cock with his palm, moving it up and down frustratingly.

He must’ve heard my gasp because he glanced my way and his face hardened.

“Fucking hell, Clyte?”

Hindi na ako makahinga sa nararamdaman. I felt my face flush. I began

hyperventilating but I managed to smile widely, stepping inside the shower with
him. He flinched and moved away but I made a face.

“I would just watch!” I exclaimed.

Dumilim ang mukha niya.

“No, get out—”

“You’re so unfair! Ikaw nga may live show, ako, wala?” Humalukipkip ako at
sumandal sa gilid. His eyes fell on my chest, and I proudly arched my back for him
to see.

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that?” he groaned at me. “Kitang nagmo-
move on ang tao, papakitaan mo ‘ko ng dibdib mo?”

My heart raced but I walked closer to him. It made me happy when he didn’t
move away, and I was able to press my side in his back. I made sure he’d feel my
hard nipples.

“There’s no moving on from me,” I whispered.

Nilingon niya ako, mas galit na.

“Shut up,” he snorted.

“I won’t.” I smiled and glanced down under his abdomen. “Come on, the little
Chiel wanted some loving.”

“Little Chiel?!” He glared at me. “Does this look little to you?”

 “Hindi naman, Daddy Long Legs,” I giggled and kissed his cheek, moving a bit
away from him to remove my underwear. I heard his tortured groan.

“Get the fuck out, woman!”

“Sungit naman!” I hissed bago inilahad sa kanya ang underwear ko. “Here!”

“The fuck I’m gonna do with it?” Galit siyang tumitig sa inilalahad ko.

“Since ayaw mo namang pahawak sa ‘kin si Little Chiel—” He snorted. “Ayan

na lang. You could fuck yourself with it, image it was my pussy.”

He took it away angrily. I almost clapped my hands happily, but it all faded
and was replaced with lust and pleasure as I watched him wrap my underwear around
his cock and palmed himself while looking at me.

I bit my lip. Nanghihina ang tuhod ko.

I could imagine myself on my back, my face pressed against the wall as he

took me from behind. I could imagine him fisting my hair and like before, he could
use my mouth to finish.

“Fuck,” paulit-ulit niyang bulong, ang isang kamay ay nakapatong sa tiles,

kumukuyom.

I glanced at his hand and then back to him watching me with heat kaya kinuha
ko ang kamay niya sa tiles at dinala sa dibdib ko.

He didn’t pull away and let me be. Hawak-hawak niya ang dibdib ko, hinahaplos
at pinipisil. His long fingers would taunt my peaks, then rub it, tapos ay
mapupunta sa kabila at uulitin ang gusto.

I was wet and completely under lust that while he was palming himself, I
rubbed myself and showed him.

We both came. Nang bitawan niya ako’y nanghina ang tuhod ko’t parang bibigay
pero muli niya akong inabot at inalalayan.

He cursed under his breath and carried me in front of the shower.

“Ang kulit-kulit kasi,” bulong niya.

I sighed and rested my back on his chest. I felt him hard against my butt and
I teasingly pressed myself on him.

He sighed and firmed my waist, his long fingers digging into my skin.

“Stop it.”

“Why?” I gasped loudly. “We can…”

“No, Clyte.” He opened the shower until we were both drenched under it
again.
“No…”

Sinulyapan ko siya sa likod ko nang inabot niya ang sabon at pinabula bago
sabunan ang dibdib ko.

“Why?” I asked.
 He glanced at me. His eyes were soft but I could sense the restrictions.

“I just can’t,” bulong niya. “I can’t do it again. Wala nang natira sa ‘kin,
Clyte. ‘Di ko alam kung ano pang ibibigay ko sa ‘yo.”

My heart fell. Nagbaba ako ng tingin.

“Sorry,” I whispered sincerely. “I-if you could spare me another chance, I

promise—”

“I couldn’t even trust your promises,” he muttered, his gentle fingers moving
to my neck down my stomach, lathering it with soap. “Hindi ko na alam kung ilang
pangako ang napako. If I g-give you more and you left me hanging again, ano nang
matitira sa ‘kin? Kung mas mauubos pa, ano nang panghahawakan ko?”

I bit my lip.

“I wanted to look after myself, too. I don’t want my parents to worry about
me, si Crest. They had a lot on their plate. Ayaw ko nang dumagdag pa.” Mas
sumugat
ang pait at hapdi sa puso ko. “I couldn’t let my family go through the same
heartbreak twice kaya kahit mahirap, susubukan kong pabangunin ang sarili. I
would
try to do it alone—”

“Y-you have me,” I whispered with a shaky voice.

Naramdaman ko ang panghihina ng kamay niya’t naramdaman kong isinandal niya

ang mukha sa ulo ko.

“Were you mine, though?” he asked. It was a punch in the gut.

“Chiel…”

“I was yours,” he breathed out. Mas sumikip ang puso ko. “But you were never
mine, sweetheart. I couldn’t bleed anymore. My family still needs me—I need to
protect you—how would I do that if I lost myself entirely loving you?”

My lips quivered.

I was tired of being afraid. For years, he never once gave up on the hope of
seeing me again. In my darkest times, in my nightmares, he was the one to light up
the road for me to get away with it—he showed me a way out.

He was the light in this love. He was the one who patiently lit a match but
everytime, I blew it out. Isinamasama ko siya sa dilim ko.

I was the one who’d pluck the rose to admire and when I was done with it,
itatanim kong muli, umaasang tutubo at yayabong pa rin kagaya ng dati pero hindi.

Like the match, he’d lose his light too if I kept on blowing it out. Like the
rose, I’d keep on plucking and tried replanting—not considering the fact that it
withers and dies, too.

Pinuno ko ng hangin ang dibdib ko’t lakas loob na umamin. Sumulyap muli ako.

“I love you,” I breathed out.

His eyes flickered with an emotion resembling hope, but it died down. He
smiled a little and shook his head like he was hearing something ridiculous.
 “It’s just lust, sweetheart. You’ll get over it,” he whispered.

Muling namasa ang mga mata ko kaya umiwas ako. I physically felt my heart
breaking but it I caused it.

He was tired. Inubos ko siya.

Inabot ko ang palad niya sa tiyan ko at hinawakan. I saw how his finger
touched my ring, and his tension doubled.

“Can’t you give me another chance?” I asked. “T-to prove myself this time
and—”

“H’wag mo naman na akong paasahin, Clyte,” nanghihina niyang bulong. “Kasi

alam mo, hawak mo ako… asang-asa na naman ‘yong puso ko. Baka mamatay na lang ako
kung bibitiwan mo ulit.”

“I meant it.” Nilingon ko siya at sinalubong ang mga mata. “I swear, I meant
it. You… you don’t believe it?”

His lip twitched for a small, sad smile.

“Sorry, I don’t know what to believe,” he answered. “I don’t even believe

myself.”

Hinarap ko siya at nakangiting hinawi ang luhang lumandas sa kanyang pisngi.

I tiptoed and kissed his jaw.

“It’s alright, though. I could try again tomorrow,” sinabi ko bago binanlawan
ang sarili sa shower bago iwan siya sa banyo.

I waited for him to come out of the shower pero ang tagal niya at nahulog na
ang talukap ng mata ko. Hindi ko na namalayan na nakatulog ako pero nagising ako ng
madaling-araw. Nag-panic pa sa dilim pero nang makita siya sa tabi ko, nakasandal
lang sa headboard, nakaupo at tulog ay lumuwag ang paghinga ko.

When I lowered my head, I was already wearing night clothes and wrapped in a
comforter.

Napangiti ako, bahagyang umangat para kunin ang parte ng comforter at bigyan
din siya. Then, I moved closer to him and wrapped my arms on his waist, snuggling
closer to him with a smile.

He stirred and then he opened his eyes.

“Are you…”

Lumayo ako nang bahagya at tinapik ang tabi ko.

“I find it hard to embrace you. Could you lie down?”

Nabakas ko ang gulat sa antok niyang mata.

“What?”

“Hindi kita mayakap nang maayos,” I told him. “P’wedeng higa ka sa tabi ko?
Gusto kasi kitang yakapin.”

His eyes widened briefly, confused and worried but I pouted and tapped the
empty space beside me.

“Please?”

Nalilito pa siya’t nagdadalawang-isip pero sa huli’y humiga rin. Naupo ako at

nakangiting inayos ang comforter sa katawan niya.

When I glanced at him, pinapanood niya lang ako na puno ng kalituhan at

pagkamangha. His wonderful blue eyes were like that of a kid who got the taste of
his first sweets.

“Stretch mo nga ‘yong muscles mo, sweetheart,” I said.

Nagulat siya at mas nagka-question mark sa ulo.

“What?”

I pointed to his arms.

“Stretch.”

Inunat niya ang braso, walang pasubaling humiga ako roon at sumiksik sa
kanya. Idinantay ko ang hita ko sa hita niya sa ilalim ng comforter, inilapit ang
mukha sa dibdib bago ipinatong ang palad sa dibdib niya.

Malalim at mabilis ang kanyang paghinga. I saw how his other free hand curled
and fisted like he wanted to reach and touch me but won’t.

“What…” His breath was shaky as he spoke. “W-what’s this? What are you doing,
Clyte?”

Inangat ko ang tingin at pinagmasdan ang mukha niya.

“You did a great job, Chiel. I’m sorry for everything. I’m hoping you could
give me a chance someday. I understand you got tired. Hindi naman kasi tayo
superhuman na ‘di nauubusan ng lakas. You waited for me all your life. Ako ang
naging sentro ng buong buhay mo na tumigil lang sa ‘kin and now, it’s okay to
continue moving again. I can wait.”

His eyes looked pained as they turned bloodshot.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed out. “I just can’t…”

I pressed my hand on his chest and nodded, understanding.

“You don’t have to apologize. Kung meron sa ating dalawa, ako dapat ‘yon.
Sorry, Chiel ko. Ayos lang, pahinga ka muna. Ako naman ang lalaban, Chiel.” I
smiled at him.

Kabanata 41

Kabanata 41

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Reunion, Past.
 “Come on, smile! ‘Yong suot mo pang-party pero ‘yong mukha mo panlamay?”
Crest pointed out.

“Do I really have to go?” I asked.

“Of course, yes!” she beamed. “It’s our reunion! Aren’t you excited? Baka
makita natin do’n ‘yong old crushes natin!”

“But—”

“Shhh! Susunduin tayo ni Chiel! On the way na kaya tara!”

My heart raced.

Mas lalong ayaw ko na! Bakit susunduin pa?!

She dragged me outside before I could even protest.

“We can ask the driver to take us there instead!” I offered but she wouldn’t
listen. “Mas mapapabilis kasi nasa biyahe—”

“Oh, you’re both here!” Mom exclaimed when she saw us going down the stairs.

“Good evening, Tita!” Crest beamed, kissing my mother on the cheek.

Mom’s eyes softened.

“You look gorgeous, anak! Bagay na bagay sa ‘yo ang suot mo!” Pinasadahan
niya ng tingin si Crest. “Where did you buy it?”

“This is custom-made po from Tita Natalie’s boutique. You know CAGE?”

“Oh! Alright, yes! Doon ka rin, ‘nak, ‘di ba?” binalingan ako ni Mommy, ang
mga mata’y nahulog sa damit ko.

I was wearing a thick red satin gown with a V-shaped bust and a lace-up back.
It exposed too much of my porcelain skin, hugged my curves, and gave me a mermaid
silhouette.

I almost gasped when she talked to me kaya dali-dali akong tumangong may
alanganing ngiti pa kahit ang saya-saya ko.

“Yes, Mom,” I answered. “This is the design I sent you last time? I asked
kung maganda b-but I think you’re busy since you haven’t read and replied.”

She stiffened.

“Oh… haven’t I?” mahinang sinabi niya, halos sa sarili na.

I noticed the confusion and question on Crest’s face kaya ngumiti ako kay
Mom.

“It’s alright, baka po natabunan lang ang message ko.” I gave her a gentle
smile. “So… how do you like it? Okay lang po ba, My?”

“Of course, any color suits you, darling,” aniya at ngumiti pero nabakas ko
ang guilt at lungkot sa mga mata niya. “Talikod nga, anak, patingin ako ng likod.”

I turned my back on her. I felt her fix something on my back before twirling
my curls.

“Better,” bulong niya at unti-unti akong ipinaharap sa kanya para bahagyang

suklayin ang bangs ko ng daliri niya.

My heart felt warmer. Malambing ang mata niya at nakangiti habang ginagawa
iyon. Bumaling siya kay Crest pagkaraan.

“Crest, anak, can I borrow a lipstick?” she asked. “Let’s add color to
Clyte’s lips.”

Ibinigay ni Crest iyon sa kanya at mas umalon ang tiyan ko nang abutin ni
Mommy ang pisngi ko at bahagyang nagdagdag ng lipstick sa labi.

“Close your lips then do this para mag-spread ang color.” I mimicked what she
was doing and when she was satisfied, she sighed.

“Beautiful,” she breathed out, staring at me adoringly. “Bagay na bagay sa

‘yo ang red. I remembered back when I was young.”

Sinulyapan niya rin si Crest na nakangiti at inabot ito. She also fixed her
curls then took our hands for a squeeze.

“Bakit, Tita? Young ka pa naman, a? Very pretty pa nga!” ani Crest.

“Young?” She chuckled like she was hearing something ridiculous. “I’m not
young anymore—”

“Mom, hindi kita binobola, a?” I started. “But if I don’t know you, I could
definitely say na magkapatid lang tayo.”

Her eyes widened.

“Oh, no,” she laughed. “That’s ridiculous. I’m old! There’s no way I could
pass as your sister, Clyte.”

“What?” My lips protruded. Binalingan ko si Crest na kagaya ko rin ang

reaksyon.

“Si Tita Zidney walang tiwala sa kagandahan niya!” ani Crest. “Coming from
me, a? Let’s say I’m an outsider and if I see you two? I’ll assume you are
sisters!”

Mom gave her a look. I laughed.

“Promise, My!” I even raised my hand as if saying an oath. “You’re beautiful

and looking young!”

“I’m old—”

“So, parehas na pala tayo, reyna?” Dad appeared from nowhere, circled his
arms around Mom’s waist, and kissed her head.

Mom rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“On the other hand, I agree. We’re like sisters tapos itong tatay mo ang
lolo,” agap ni Mom.

Napabughalit na kami ng tawa ni Crest. Dad’s face crumpled but my mom laughed
with us.

“You’re so mean, Zidney Valderama,” ani Dad. “Mukha bang lolo ang mukhang
‘to—”

“E di kung iniinom mo sana ‘yang gatas pambuto, ‘di sasakit ang kasu-kasuan
mo!” ani Mom. “But what? You didn’t? Tapos sasabihin mo mas malakas ka pa sa
kalabaw, e, hindi ka nga makatagal kagaya ng dati kapag sa taas—”

Dad suddenly covered her mouth.

“Valderama!” he scoffed.

My eyes widened. Mom’s eyes widened too pero si Crest ay tawang-tawa,

namumula na.

I glanced at her, and I bet she was thinking of something malicious. Siniko
ko na.

“Grabe naman pala ang tito at tita ko, may asim pa!” She giggled.

Napasinghap ako. Namula sina Mommy at Daddy kaya umiling-iling na ako sabay
hila kay Crest.

“D-don’t mind her!” I exclaimed.

Bastos talaga ang bibig nito! My God!

“Nagustuhan ni Mom ‘yong gatas pambuto, Tita Zid!” she exclaimed then glanced
at my father. “Tito, you should really drink it!”

“Crest!” Halos sumabog na ang mukha ko sa hiya.

I was not so used to talking like this with my parents. We talked about love
life and crushes pero nahihiya kasi kaming mag-open pagdating sa ganito!

Nahatak ni Mommy ang kamay ni Dad sa bibig niya.

“Really?! Effective raw ba sabi ni Ate Thallia?!” Mom beamed.

“Opo!” Crest exclaimed. “You should drink regularly! Who knows, makahabol pa
ng kasunod ni Queen—”

I covered her mouth. She was still talking even with my palm on her lips kaya
halos dambahin ko na ang best friend ko at itulak palabas.

“Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy!” I screamed. “Alis na kami!”

“Papahatid ba kayo sa driver?!” malakas na agap ni Dad na kagaya ko’y

nakatakip na naman sa bibig ni Mommy na namumula na sa kakatawa.

“We’re fine!” I exclaimed. “Sa condo ako matutulog ngayon, parents! Bye! I
love you!”

“Text us when you’re home!” habol ni Dad.

Nakalabas kami sa bahay at tawang-tawa si Crest. Hinampas ko siya nang

paulit-ulit. Hindi siya matigil sa kakahalakhak na miski ang mukha niya’y pulang-
pula na.
 “Crest!”

“What?” she glanced my way with a grin. “It’s fun—”

“Nakakahiya kina Mommy!” I hissed, my face in heat.

“Why? It’s not! Tawang-tawa nga rin si Tita! Don’t tell me you don’t talk
about bastos sometimes—” She noticed my look. She gasped. “OMG! You don’t?!”

Bahagya akong umiling.

“We… talk about crushes and so sometimes but regarding you know, not really.
Why, do you talk to your parents about that? ‘Di ba… awkward?”

“Oh, no!” Umiling siya. “Well, Chiel and Adi was awkward with it so h’wag na
natin silang isama but si Mommy?” humalakhak siya. “You don’t want to hear more.”

“I don’t.” Umiling ako, nag-iinit ang mukha. “Keep it.”

She was just laughing.

“Sus, namumula siya, akala mo naman innocent!” she pointed out and when I
didn’t answer, she gave me a look. “V ka pa rin?”

I gasped and slapped her arm. She squealed.

“Crest Veronica!”

“I was just asking!” she groaned, touching her arm. “Ano nga, ‘di ka
nagkukwento, e! Ni wala ka ngang manliligaw recently—no, I think it’s been a
while now? Oh my God, was I too busy na ‘di ko na namo-monitor ang love life mo?!”

“I’m fine,” I breathed out. “And I’m not that innocent, ano. I had boyfriends
before, of course, may MOMOL.”

“Uh-huh… When was the last time you had a boyfriend, anyway?” she asked and
when I didn’t answer, she sighed.

Nawala ang aliw sa mata niya’t inaya akong maupo sa may bench habang nag-
aantay ng sundo.

“Clyte?”

“It’s been a while,” I answered. “I don’t know, a few years? I had suitors,
though.”

“Pero bakit ‘di mo sinasagot?” Tumaas ang kilay niya.

The way her eyes glistened made my heart race.

“I was just busy with work and events. I had no time—”

“You know it wasn’t right, right?” she asked seriously and even without the
full context, I knew what she meant.

My heart stopped.

“I know,” I whispered.
 Her eyes softened.

“I’m sorry… I, I hope you understand…”

“I do.” I smiled a little. “I do, Crest. Where is he?” pag-iiba ko sa topic.

Napatitig siya sa ‘kin hanggang sa tumango at sumulyap sa phone.

“He’s near,” aniya.

I nodded. Sumulyap ako sa gloves ko na suot, partner ng gown na pula. My hair

was parted in the middle with loose curls at the tips. Pulang-pula ang damit ko
kaya kitang-kita ang pusyaw ng balat ko.

Meanwhile, Crest was wearing a beautiful sapphire blue gown and gloves. She
colored her hair for tonight’s event, and I was sure she wanted to have fun and
enjoy.

I didn’t want to spoil her evening with my complicated relationship with his
brother. This was all wrong, anyway.

“Let’s visit Mama Lena tomorrow?” I asked.

Nagliwanag ang mukha niya at dali-daling tumango.

“Yes, of course! Let’s spend the whole weekend with her! Wala naman akong
pasok. Gow about you?”

“Nagpalipat ako ng off,” I answered. “I’m free.”

When she informed me Chiel’s car was outside, mas kinabahan ako. Magkahawak-
kamay kaming lumabas pagkatapos muli magpaalam kina Mommy at nakita ang pamilyar na
sasakyan ni Chiel.

I moistened my lip, consciously checked my hair, and watched the tinted

window closely.

Ano kayang suot niya? Hindi rin daw kasi alam ni Crest kanina no’ng
nagkukwento siya’t mukha nga raw walang balak ang huling sumama dahil walang plano
sa buhay.

I was eyeing the front seat. Mas gusto kasi ni Crest sa likod kapag nasa
biyahe kami these days because of the incident with assholes before at gusto ko man
siyang samahan ay ‘di naman p’wede kasi nakakahiya namang gagawin naming driver si
Chiel?

We were close to the car when the window rolled down and my eyes widened when
a face appeared.

“Clyte! Hi!” Ava chirped.

I froze. Nakita kong natigilan din si Crest at nagulat pero nauna siyang
maka-recover sa akin at ngumisi.

“Hi! Uhm… Sorry, I wasn’t familiar. You are?” marahang sinabi niya.

“Ava,” sagot ng katrabaho ko. “I’m Clyte’s friend! Brother mo si Chiel, ‘di
ba? Crest?”
 “Uh, yeah.” Ngumiti si Crest at inilahad ang kamay niya. “Nice meeting you,
Ava! You’re… going to the reunion, too?”

“Yup! I’m Chiel’s date!” she exclaimed.

Parang piniga ang puso ko sa narinig na ‘yon. I tried glancing to the man
beside Ava, but I couldn’t see.

“Wow! I see.” Napasulyap sa akin si Crest pero ngumiti rin sa babae. “Saan
kayo nag-meet?”

“Oh, Clyte set us up for a blind date!” aniya kaya sabay silang bumaling sa
‘kin at tanging maliit na ngiti lang ang ibinigay ko.

“Hello, Ava,” I greeted, grateful I still had a voice to do so. “You’re

beautiful.”

“Thank you! You look gorgeous, too! I like your gown! Bagay na bagay sa ‘yo
ang pula!”

I muttered a small thanks, gently tugging Crest’s hand para makapasok na kami
sa backseat at doon lang kami nagkatinginan ni Chiel.

He was handsome, which wasn’t a shocker. Malinis ang gupit, malamig ang asul
na mga mata, at nang mahulog ang tingin ko sa damit niya’y nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.

He’s wearing a red suit, too. Sa ilalim n’on ay ang itim na turtleneck.

“H-hi!” I greeted, suddenly annoyed when my voice turned high-pitched.

Shit, Clytemnestra! What was that?!

Tumango lang siya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin. The way his cold eyes moved
from my face down my gown made the butterflies in my stomach dance.

We have the same color!

I fisted my palms and swallowed hard, wanting so badly to compliment him and
tell him how adorable it was that we had the same color, but I bit my tongue back.

“Chiel?” Napaayos ako ng upo nang marinig ang boses ni Clyte.

From me, his lazy eyes went to his twin, and I saw how his lip twitched.

“Reunion ba ang pupuntahan natin o debut mo, kambal?” he asked gently,

amused.

It made me chuckle. Suminghap si Crest at sinapak ang kakambal. Nagsisimula

na naman silang mag-asaran kaya nangiti na lang ako at pinagmasdan ang ngiti ni
Chiel.

It’s been a while since I last saw that smile…

Our gazes clashed again. The ghost of a smile on his lips faded.

Mas nadurog lang ako.

Could I even blame him, though? I couldn’t. I would never.

 Crest and Ava talked a lot during the ride to our college university campus.
Doon kasi gaganapin ang reunion at sunod-sunod na ang message ng mga pinsan na
nasama sa sakop na batch na naroon na raw sila.

We got to the campus after almost an hour. Binuksan ko ang pinto para lumabas
at humawak kaagad sa akin si Crest.

My eyes went to the front seat and saw Chiel opening the door for Ava. She
went down, thanking him, and kissed him on the cheek.

I looked away.

“M-mukhang uulan,” bulong ko sabay baling kay Crest pero nakatitig na siya sa
‘kin. I couldn’t read her reaction and I shrugged it off with a smile.

“Let’s get inside first, baka maabutan.”

Nauna kami sa kanila at laking pasalamat ko nang ‘di na siya nagtanong at

sinamahan ako. Luckily, my cousins were there—sina Macky, Zy, at ang kapatid na
si Deion.

My brother looked handsome in his black coat and tie. He grinned when he saw
me, fixing his glasses. He reminded me so much of Dad.

Nasa entrance pa lang ay tumayo na sila pagkakita sa ‘min.

Macky offered his arms to Crest para may kasama siya papasok.

Dinaluhan ako ng kapatid at inilahad ang braso sa ‘kin at sabay kaming

naglakad papasok.

“You look gorgeous, Ate,”

“Thank you, Dei! You look dashing! Walang date?” I asked, shooting my brow
up.

He chuckled and shook his head. “Dad reminded me to look after you. Baka ‘di
ka na raw makaupo sa dami ng gustong magsayaw sa ‘yo.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Dad’s being overreacting! ‘Di naman ako sikat—”

“Clyte! You’re here!” One of my exes from college appeared from nowhere. My
eyes widened.

“U-uh, hello!” I greeted awkwardly.

Deion scoffed. “Hindi sikat?” He made a face. “Babatayan talaga kita buong
gabi.”

After smiling to my ex, kinurot ko ang kapatid.

“Wow, huh? I’m older than you, you know?” I smirked at him. “I’m an adult! I
could decide on my own—”

“But Dad’s orders,” agap niya. “No boys for Ate Clyte so, no boys,” laban
niya.
 Natawa na lang ako at nailing. Minsan nga nagdadalawang-isip ako kung sinong
mas matanda sa aming dalawa ni Dei at ang mature niyang mag-isip.

He was also obviously taller than me at siguro kung ‘di kami kilala,
aakalaing mas panganay siya sa ‘kin. He was so protective, like Dad. Nalalaman lang
naman ni Dad na may manliligaw ako at si Scira dahil dito sa tsismoso niyang anak!

Ewan ko ba, seryoso naman ito madalas pero kapag manliligaw ng mga kapatid
niya, nagiging reporter sa tatay namin. Nahawa na siguro kakasama niya kay Zion! E,
‘yan lang naman ang tsismoso halos sa pamilya!

Parang kahit mag-secret ka, nalalaman niya!

Kaya ang ending, ‘di ko dinadala sa bahay ang manliligaw. He had instances
he’d turn ballistic. Pangarap nga raw niyan manuntok ng manliligaw namin!

Akala mo naman na teenager pa kami! Ligtas na kami sa teenage pregnancy, Dad,

pero hindi sa pagiging matandang dalaga! I sometimes wanted to tell him that.

I shut the image of Chiel getting punched inside my head. What a fucked-up
fantasy, Clyte, huh? Akala mo naman magiging jowa mo!

People greeted us. It was so great seeing old classmates and friends.

“Saan ‘yong tsismoso?” I asked Dei when I realized I haven’t seen Zy yet.

“Nasa table, ayon, o.” Ngumuso siya kaya sinundan ko ng tingin at nangunot
ang noo nang makitang may babaeng itim na buhok siyang kinakandong.

My forehead creased.

“What the fuck? He has a wife, right?” I asked, handa na sanang awayin ang
pinsan nang mag-angat ng tingin ang babae at nagkatinginan kami.

“O-oh…” Tinuro ko siya. “Bullet?!”

She gave me a shy smile and was about to get off his lap, but Zion pulled
her
back.

“Hello, Clyte,” Bullet greeted.

“Hi…” My forehead creased. Humiwalay ako sa kapatid at tinuktukan si Zion na

umungol pa’t sumimangot sa ‘kin.

“Bakit ka nanapak?” maktol niya.

“You scared the shit out of me!” pagalit ko. “Nagulat ako may kinakandong
kang itim ang buhok, e, may asawa ka!”

“It’s just wig,” ani Bullet.

“Oo nga, Clyte,” ani Zy. “I won’t cheat on my wife. Patay na patay ‘to sa
‘kin, e. Baka kapag may ibang babae, maiyak siya.”

Bullet made a face.

“Shit head. Kapag may babae ka, ikaw ang papatayin ko. Putulin ko pa ‘yang
ano mo. Gago.”
 Nagtawanan ang mga lalaki sa narinig. Zion pouted.

“You’re mean, hun. Sa tingin mo ba mambababae pa ‘ko kung ikaw ang asawa ko?”
He kissed her cheek. I saw the faint blush in Bullet’s cheek.

It made me smile.

I was happy I got to see Zion this happy again. After his accident, he was
still bubbly and smiling but I knew something changed.

The last time I saw him happy was back when he was still with his girlfriend
in college, the pretty girl they were calling Sadako. However, she just vanished,
and I didn’t ask why or where she went.

Maybe it was his first love then unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Masaya
ako ngayon na sumaya siya ulit ng ganito. Bagay na bagay talaga sila.

“You studied here?” I asked Bullet then sat on the empty chair na inilahad ng
kapatid.

“Yeah.” She nodded.

“Oh… you weren’t familiar,” I said.

Tumango siya at maliit na ngumiti.

“Hindi lang siguro ako palakaibigan,” aniya at maliit na ngumiti. Pansin kong
‘di rin siya sigurado sa sinasabi pero ‘di ako nagtanong. “I actually didn’t
receive an invitation—”

“We faked one,” bulong ni Zy sabay ngising proud pa. “I made her wear wig
para ‘di kami pansinin, baka kasi maagawan ako ng asawa—”

“Paanong ‘di kayo mapapansin kung kanina mo pa kinakandong ang asawa mo?
Everyone’s looking, curious who she is.” I stiffened with the voice. Narinig ko ang
paghila ng upuan sa tabi ko kaya napigil ko ang hininga.

“Hello! Good evening! I’m Chiel’s date, Ava!” pakilala ni Ava sabay lapit pa
sa mga pinsan at nakipagkamay.

“O-oh, nice meeting you!” anila.

Napasulyap sa akin sina Bullet at Zion. Hindi ako lumingon. Tumitig lang ako
sa baso na nilagyan na ng juice ng waiter at inabot para sumimsim.

The program started. I didn’t even look beside me, but I could see from my
peripheral vision they were talking.

Sina Crest at Macky ay nasa may host at sila ang nagbigay ng check sa
management galing sa Sandejas Foundation. It was our tradition— to donate so that
may mga scholar pang makapasok sa eskwela at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan.

I interacted with people after some introduction. I got to meet old friends
and faculty members, my professors. Isinayaw ako ng mga pinsan at napatawa pa ako
habang si Crest ang kasayaw ko kaya sa halip na kalmado sana, parang may sarili
kaming mundo sa gitna.

However, I couldn’t help but stray my eyes would back to our table.
 Kakabalik lang ni Alchiel sa table mula sa pagkausap sa mga dating professor.
Ava was talking to our classmates when he got back and when she saw him, iniwan
niya ang mga kaibigan at lumapit.

I saw her whispering something to Chiel. I noticed their height difference

and how adorable they looked. I was sure they’d look like a cute couple in other
people’s eyes.

Chiel’s six foot three and Ava? She’s smaller than me.

“Ang cute! Sila ba?” I started overhearing the people dancing around us.

Chiel smiled at her then offered his hand. Masayang kinuha iyon ni Ava at
pumunta sila sa dancefloor.

I looked away. Nasulyapan ko ang tingin ni Crest. Her gaze was distant as she
watched the two, her eyes sad.

I smiled.

“Are you enjoying the party?” tawag ko sa atensyon niya. Nanatili ang tingin
niya kung saan. “Crest?” I called.

“H-hmm?” Bumaling siya sa ‘kin.

I smiled again.

“Are you enjoying the party?” I asked.

“Yeah.” She nodded but I noticed her timid smile. “How about you? Did you
dance with your exes?” Her voice turned playful and jolly. I couldn’t believe she
still had that talent.

She could easily fool someone by wearing her mask and hiding what it was she
genuinely felt.

“I said hi—”

“Dito tayo. Nandito sina Clyte!” Nabitin ang sasabihin ko pagkarinig ng boses
na ‘yon, kasunod ng presensya sa tabi namin.

“Oh, hi! Sasayaw na kayo?” Crest asked lightly.

“Yup! Ito kasing kambal mo, famous na famous at kahit saan tinatawag kaya
ngayon lang kami makakasayaw!”

I finally glanced and caught his blue gaze. My heart quickened. Dahil sa mas
maliwanag dito kaysa sa sasakyan kanina’y mas nakita ko ang kabuuan niya.

He was beautiful if that was enough to describe how immaculate he was. He’s
the tallest of the boys from our generation. I was sure he got it from Tito Iñigo.

Thick brows, deep blazing blue orbs, pointed nose, strong jaw, and those
delicious red lips. His shoulders were squared, straightening the crisp from his
red suit with the same shade as my clothes and my mouth.

His intense eyes lingered on me, not even planning to look away. I bit my
inner cheek.

He was intimidating, not in an arrogant way but enough to stand out from the
crowd.

He had this brutal air around him, his gaze if not playful was scrutinizing.
As if he knew every secret you had and that you could never lie. Gaze that could
weaken your knees and make you kneel to him.

I looked away.

Fuck. Dapat wala na akong pakialam!

Crest called my attention kaya sa kanya ko ibinaling ang pansin ko at

ngumiti. We danced happily even if the song was sweet and for the slow dancing.

Natigil lang kami nang kinuha ni Crest ang phone sa bulsa ng gown niya at
ngumuso.

“Oh, I have to go in a while,” aniya kaya nagtaka ako.

“Bakit?”

“Remember the collection in collaboration with CAGE?” she asked. I nodded.

“Well, Tita Nat needed me to approve kasi may ibang alterations na kailangan para
pasok sa theme ang collection.”

“O-oh, I see. Is it urgent?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” She sighed and pouted. “Angelo would fetch me on the
way. Malapit na siya. Well, let me see if Macky’s available para ‘di kita iwan
dito—”

“It’s fine. Ano ka ba,” natawa ako. “I am tired of dancing, too. Maybe I’ll
just chat with some old friends—”

“Hello, Clyte! Good evening…” Nagulat ako sa boses na biglang narinig kaya
lumingon kaming dalawa.

It was Samuel, one of my exes.

“H-hi!” bati ko pabalik.

“Uh…” He brushed his hair shyly. “Mukhang paalis na kasi kayo sa gitna so I
was thinking baka wala na kayong kasayaw.” Bumaling siya kay Crest. “Hello, Crest.”

“Hi! Samuel, is it?” she asked. The latter nodded.

“Yes, I was wondering if…” His shy eyes met mine. “If I could dance with
Clyte?”

Hindi ako lumingon kahit ramdam na ramdam ko ang talas ng tingin sa tabi ko.
I opened my mouth to tell him I was quite exhausted and maybe we could just talk in
our table pero active na active si Crest na tumango,

“Sure, you could dance with Clyte!” energetic niyang sagot sabay tulak sa
‘kin kaya napasinghap ako’t muntik pang matapilok kung wala lang si Samuel.

He caught me. I slammed on his chest.

“Crest!” I stiffened when I heard the crisp in Alchiel’s voice. “Careful!

Madapa naman ‘yan!”

My heart rang in my ears.

Oh, God.

“Opps! Sorry, BFF!” Crest exclaimed, not sounding sorry at all. “Kinikilig
lang ako kasi bagay na bagay sila! Look at the chemistry!” she said in a sing-song
voice and before her twin could say a thing, she was hopping away from us,
tinatangay pa si Deion para magpahatid sa labasan.

“Are you okay?” Samuel asked, assisting me.

“Y-yes,” I muttered. “Thank you for catching me. Natapakan ko lang ‘yong
gown
ko.”

He chuckled, his eyes gentle.

“Ang ganda mo pa rin kahit ilang taon na kitang ‘di nakita,” he breathed
out.

My cheeks heated but it burned when the sharp gaze from my right pierced
through me.

I tried my best to avoid looking at them. I focused on Samuel who still

looked dashing in his black suit. He was a bit touchy. I just smiled a little.

It’s a slow dance. That’s why.

I had a relationship with him way back in college, at least three or four
months. He was my last boyfriend until ‘yong mga ibang manliligaw na nasa
university ay tumigil na rin. It was weird but it’s not like I was interested in
getting into a relationship.

Sam was a good guy. It just didn’t work out. We’re both busy with our lives.

Uh-huh, really, Clyte? Busy with your life? O busy kakamahal ng isang taong
‘di mapapasa ‘yo?

Nilakasan ko ang loob at sa huli’y nagnakaw na ako ng tingin na sana ‘di ko

na lang ginawa.

They were so close I think they’re gonna kiss. Isang kanta na ang lumipas
pero ‘di pa rin sila nagpapalit ng partner o naupo man lang. Ava had her arms
encircled around Chiel’s nape. She was whispering something to him habang bahagya
siyang nakatungo para makinig.

May humalukay sa sikmura ko nang humagikhik si Ava at humalik sa pisngi niya.

Nag-iwas na ako ng tingin, ‘di sisikmurain kung mapunta na ‘yon sa labi niya.

“As I was saying, Clyte…”

“H-huh?” Nilingon ko si Samuel.

Shit. I spaced out!
 He smiled.

“Are you single?” he asked again, a bit loudly, probably assuming I didn’t
hear it because of the music.

The intense gaze was now back on me, sizzling me from the side.

“Uh, yes,” I answered.

Sumugat ang ngiti niya sa labi.

“I am, too,” he blurted happily at miski ako ay natigilan.

Shit! Did I just give him a way in? Ayoko ng boyfriend!

Gumulo ang utak ko’t bigla siyang niyayang umalis sa dancefloor at nananakit
na ang paa ko.

Hindi siya nagtanong pa. I was aware of the unmistakable eyes on me kahit
nakarating na kami sa table pabalik. Samuel gave me a drink and I felt bad, but I
had to stop his advances this early.

“Clyte, ‘yong tungkol sa sinabi ko kanina. I see that we’re both single and I
was hoping we could—”

“Samuel,” I stopped him right there.

“H-hmm?”

“You’re a great guy,” I started. “You’re handsome, kind, a gentleman but…

sorry, I can’t commit for now. I’m not ready and I have feelings for someone else.”

I was expecting his surprised face, but he nodded, understanding.

“It was the Sandejas asshole, isn’t it?” He shocked me instead.

“H-huh?” Napakurap ako’t umayos ng upo.

He smiled, and it didn’t have any bitterness in it. It was just pure
amusement, not surprised at all.

“I knew it, Clyte,” aniya. “Who would threaten suitors so that they won’t hit
on you?”

Nahulog ang panga ko.

“What the hell?”

He laughed.

“He warned his whole basketball team. If he heard one of them hit on you,
they’re out of the team. Power tripping asshole.”

Nakanganga lang ako. Mas natawa siya.

“He even said ‘di ka raw pinapayagan ng dad mo na ligawan. If anyone tried
their luck with you, kasama raw siya sa sasapak.”
 “Ridiculous!” I gasped loudly. My eyes were wide as I drank the wine in one
go.

“I knew it. I saw the way he looked at you before, mas lalo na ngayon.
Pakiramdam ko nga susunugin niya ako nang buhay sa sama ng tingin niya. Hindi pa
rin ba umaamin?”

I couldn’t answer him because I was pissed. Iritadong bumaling ako sa pwesto
nina Alchiel sa dancefloor pero sana’y ‘di ko na lang ginawa dahil sa nakita.

Ava, with her arms around his nape, pulled him close to her and kissed him on
the lips.

Napatayo ako.

“Clyte—” Pero pagkakita roon ni Samuel ay nagmura siya. “Gagong ‘yon!”

I stopped his arm when he took a step towards them. I looked away before I
could see him kiss her back. Galit na sumulyap sa ‘kin si Sam.

“Tangina n’on—”

“It’s fine.” I smiled a little. “B-bathroom lang—”

“I’ll come with you.” Ginagap ni Sam ang baywang ko bago naglakad kasama ko
papunta sa direksyon ng banyo.

My knees were weak, my eyes aching, refusing to shed a tear when I shouldn’t.

Wala akong pakialam dapat! I broke his heart! I shouldn’t care if he dates
other people! He has the right to do so!

“Here.” Inabot sa ‘kin ni Sam ang puting panyo. “If you want to cry—”

“I won’t cry,” bulong ko. “I’m fine…”

“Still…” Pinahawak niya sa ‘kin ang panyo. “Take this—”

Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan nang mula sa pagkakatayo sa tabi ko’y naglaho si

Samuel. Natulak siya kung saan at umawang ang labi ko nang makita ang galit na
mukha ni Alchiel habang nakatingin sa kanya.

“What the fuck?” Samuel hissed.

“Where are you bringing her?!” his voice roared, glaring at Samuel on the
ground.

“Pakialam mo?!” ani Samuel. “Kung aalis kami, wala kang paki—”

He took a step closer, lifting a fist to punch him but I went in between.
Naiwan sa ere ang kamao niya at galit akong binalingan.

“Move away, Clytemnestra!”

“Stop it!” I exclaimed. Naramdaman ko ang pagtayo ni Samuel sa likuran ko at

mas lalong tumalim ang tingin ng huli, umiigting ang panga nang mahuli ang mata ko.

“I said move away—”

 I pushed him by his chest.

“I won’t let you punch him!” I exclaimed, my eyes sharp. “If you punch him,
ako na lang ang suntukin mo!”

Tumaas-baba ang dibdib niya. His sharp eyes were on me, but I didn’t back
down. I equaled his anger with fury, our breathing both unsteady and uneven.

His jaw ticked, ibinaba niya ang nakakuyom na kamao.

I heard Samuel’s mocking laugh behind me. I groaned in annoyance.

Hindi naman manahimik ‘tong isang ‘to! Kitang kakapakalma ko pa lang!

That’s what I thought because the grumpy lawyer moved out of my sight,
punched him straight in the nose, and before I could even process it, he went to
me. Tumungo at walang pasubaling binuhat ako pasampay sa balikat niya at umalis.

I screamed.

But my voice was nothing compared to the lively music playing in the stereo.

“Let go of me!” I screeched.

He didn’t even bulge. I kicked him and slapped his back, but he was like a
walking unfeeling wall as he marched to the place’s exit.

Mas humihina na ang tugtog at sa pagsipa niya sa emergency exit sa likod ay

natabunan ng ingay ng marahas na pagbuhos ng ulan.

“Let go of me!”

“Shut it!” he exclaimed, and because he wouldn’t listen, I couldn’t think of

anything better to do anymore.

Kinurot ko nang pino ang pwet niya.

“Fuck!” he cursed, halos itapon na ako pababa sa balikat niya pero hindi
ginawa.

The gentleman fucker lowered me like I was a fragile glass. However, the
glare he gave me was enough to make it shutter.

“Bakit mo kinurot ang pwet ko?!” he exclaimed, touching his bum.

I almost laughed.

“Masakit?! Buti nga!” I screamed in his face.

He glared. I glared back. Nanakit na ang mata ko nang ilang segundo’y walang
papatalo kaya iritadong umiwas ako at naglakad para makaalis pero hinawakan niya
ang braso ko.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

“Pakialam mo?!” I whipped my head to glance at him. “Bakit ka ba nandito?!”

“What are you going to do with that boy?” I heard the bite in his tone.
Hinawi ko ang kamay niya.
 “Why do you care? I’m single!” I exclaimed angrily. “Bakit ‘di ka na lang
bumalik sa date mo! Maghalikan pa kayo ro’n!”

His brow shot up.

“Are you mad?” he snapped.

I laughed sarcastically.

“Do I look mad?” I pointed to my face, my eyes hurting. “Wala akong pakialam
anong gagawin n’yo! I won’t question if you leave with her—”

“But you’re angry with the kiss,” he pointed out.

My chest huffed.

“I wasn’t! Ang sa ‘kin lang… bakit? Kayo na ba? Nililigawan mo na siya? Ava
is a colleague! Baka umasa siya sa ‘yo! Hindi pa nga kayo hinahalikan mo na—”

“Why do you care? I’m single,” he drawled lazily back.

I shivered. He took a step closer. I didn’t step back, not letting him take
over me.

He moved closer until we were inches apart, lowering his head until his blue
eyes leveled with my gaze.

“Nagseselos ka?” he said in a sensual, taunting voice. Sumugat ang amused na

ngiti sa labi niya.

I pushed him away. He was like a stone wall, unmoving.

“Jealous my ass,” I hissed. “Why would I be jealous?”

He moistened his lower lip. My eyes got fixed on it with anger, imagining her
mouth on him and he was licking it clean, tasting her.

“You can stop gripping the handkerchief and wipe my mouth if you want,” he
whispered.

Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip pa. I held his jaw with my other free hand,
squeezing it a little until his lips parted.

Umapuhap ang dibdib ko, iritado dahil kahit anong lakas ng ulan ay hindi n’on
maitago ang pagwawala ng puso ko.

His eyes were on me as I lifted the handkerchief and wiped his mouth clean
like I was removing germs from it. He stiffened.

“Kanino ‘yan?” bahagyang umatras siya pero hinatak ko pabalik at

sinimangutan.

“Stay still!”

“Kanino ‘yan?” he spat again, trying to evade the handkerchief.

“Mine—”
 “You don’t smell like that!” he hissed under his breath. Napalunok ako.

He memorized how I smell…

“Bakit amoy lalaki, Clytemnestra?!” he asked grumpily. I gave him a look. Sa

huli’y iritado siyang umayos at hinayaan akong punasan ang labi niya.

I glared at his mouth, imagining their lips together.

Did he kiss her back? Did he… like it?

“I didn’t kiss her back,” he whispered.

Napalunok ako. My hand trembled but I didn’t have the strength to look at him
in the eye. Mas bumigat lang ang kamay ko’t dumiin ang paglilinis sa labi niya.

“Why?” I asked. “Because she’s not your girlfriend—”

“I don’t kiss women who weren’t my girlfriend,” he whispered.

But you did. With me.

I felt satisfied. He didn’t kiss her back. Did that mean he didn’t like her?

“But she’s a nice girl,” he added.

My stomach churned. I shouldn’t react, get affected, or anything but the damn
tears finally escaped.

His breath hitched.

Mas tumungo ako, pilit itinatago ang mukha para ibaling lang ang pansin sa
labi niya pero ‘di ko magawa nang ang malapad niyang palad ay humaplos na pisngi
ko.

He tilted it up until our eyes clashed.

“Why are you crying?” he asked in a cautious, gentle voice.

The thunder roared.

“Napuwing lang—”

“For someone who wasn’t in love with me, you sure looked at me like you do,”
he muttered painfully.

Napaatras ako.

“Shut up—”

“You cry as if you were in love with me, Clytemnestra,” he blurted out, his
eyes now bloodshot like mine. “You don’t give me that look. You can’t look at me
like you wanted me so bad. You can’t plead with someone and let them know how it
hurts seeing them with other people and not being in love with them. You can’t.”

My body trembled.

I do…
 But my parents… My mom…

“I don’t,” I answered.

Kumislap ang sakit sa mga mata niya pero sa huli’y tumango.

“Alright, I’ll go back inside, maybe spend my time with Ava,” aniya habang
nakatitig sa mata ko. “I’ll let you know if she’s my girlfriend.”

I fisted the handkerchief.

“You liked her for me, right? Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your
friend. Thanks for introducing us to each other—”

“Just leave!” I exclaimed, mas nahulog na ang luha. “I don’t care what you
do! Just leave! Don’t tell me!”

“What if I want to? I’m your friend, right? Can’t I tell you how the date
went? Aren’t you curious about what we did, hmm? Sweetheart?” He gave me a mocking
look.

I threw the handkerchief I was fisting in his face.

“Bastard!” I exclaimed. Napapikit siya nang tumama iyon sa mukha niya pero
nang-uuyam na pinagmasdan ako at ang reaksyon ko pagkatapos.

I looked around, looking for an exit away from him. I could go back inside,
but they’d see how messed up I look, or leave here through the back, walk in the
rain, and hail a cab.

I lifted the skirt of my gown and walked under the rain. I should be cold,
but the heat of his eyes was enough not to.

I knew he followed me in the rain. Mas binilisan ko ang lakad, hinahawi ang
tubig sa mukha.

“Coward,” he said, enough for me to hear.

Bumilis ang paghinga ko pero ‘di siya nililingon.

“What happened to the tough, brave woman I fell in love with?” he asked.

I turned to him, looking like a god under the rain. The drops blurred the
broad span of his shoulders, and the red hues of his coat as the water ran and
drenched through his clothes. His hair was disheveled, his face blurry but the
anger in his eyes shone like a flash of lightning in the dark sky.

“Well, life happened, Alchiel,” sagot ko. “There are bigger things than this
wrong love.”

“Wrong love?” A bitter smile escaped his lips. “You were telling me these
feelings—he pointed to his chest—the only thing I stood up for, the right thing
I fought so hard was wrong?”

“We have a family, Chiel!” I exclaimed. “We are cousins—”

“We are not, for fuck’s sake!” he exclaimed angrily. “We both knew we
aren’t!”
 “Oo! Pero ano’ng iisipin ng ibang tao?! Ano’ng iisipin ng pamilya natin?!”

He took a step forward.

“Paano naman ang nararamdaman mo?” he blurted out.

Mas nanakit ang mata ko. I shook my head.

“Does that matter—”

“It is, Clyte!” His voice rose. “Palagi mo na lang iniisip ang sasabihin
nila! Kahit kailan ba inisip mo ang nararamdaman mo?!”

“You don’t understand…” Umiling ako at tumungo.

I felt his presence until were so close and he was touching my jaw.

“Then, make me understand,” he breathed out. “H-hindi ‘yong papaasahin mo

‘ko, magseselos ka tapos kapag parang tangang susunod na naman ako sa ‘yo, iiwan mo
ako!”

“I’m an o-orphan, Chiel,” I whispered, lifting my gaze to meet his eyes. “M-
my father, they said—you said he was a criminal!”

Tinitigan niya lang ako, gulong-gulo.

“A-and my parents, my mom, Zidney, despite what happened before, kahit ginago
siya ng tunay kong ama, kinupkop niya ako! Tinuring na anak!”

“And?” he asked. “I know about it, what’s the matter—”

“She was disappointed!” I exclaimed. “I don’t want her to be disappointed!

Kinupkop niya ako, pinatira sa bahay, pinakain, binigyan ng magandang pamilya tapos
a-ano… sisirain ko?! D-dahil… dahil sa ‘tin? We aren’t related, I know! P-pero
lumaki tayong magkasama! Everyone knew we were cousins! It will cause a scandal! T-
tapos ano? Mapapahiya ang pamilya natin! Ipapahiya ko ang pamilya natin! Ipapahiya
kita!”

He watched me with intense pain in his eyes.

“Ipapahiya mo ‘ko? Paano, Clyte?”

“You are a respected lawyer! People look up to you! Ano’ng sasabihin nila
kapag nalamang may relasyon ka sa ‘kin?! They mock you! They’ll think you’re
crazy—”

“They could think what they all want, Clyte! I don’t care! Kung sasabihin
nilang baliw ako, ano naman? Totoo namang baliw ako sa ‘yo!”

I gasped and brushed my hair frustratedly.

He’s so stubborn! He won’t understand! I am doing this for him! For our
family!

“It’s not just about us! I l-love my family, Chiel,” I cried loudly. “M-mahal
na mahal ko sina Mommy, ang mga k-kapatid ko… ang pamilya natin. They gave me a h-
home, Chiel. Instead of giving me to my monster of a father, they cared f-for like
I wasn’t a daughter of one—”
 “You are not a monster, Clytemnestra!” mariing putol niya.

“B-but I might b-be, if I hurt our family,” I sobbed. “M-mahal na mahal ko

ang pamilya ko, a-ayaw kong maging pabigat at isipin pa nila ako. S-sobra na nga
‘yong binigay nila—”

“Do you think they’re counting all the love they gave you, Clyte?” he asked.
I just sobbed. “L-listen…”

“A-ayaw ko…”

“I know you’re smart. You should be the first to know that your family—our
family—never counted the love they’re giving us,” he breathed out. “D-did you
even consider asking? Did you even consider telling your family you were in love
with me?”

I shook my head.

“I’m not in love with you…”

He scoffed.

“Don’t give me that bullshit now,” he spat. I closed my eyes tightly. He

sighed. “Fucking ridiculous.”

“I don’t have to tell her. She s-saw us.” My voice trembled. “Mom saw it and
pretended she didn’t! She didn’t talk to me! For days!”

His forehead creased.

“N-no’ng sa ospital! She saw us together—”

“Is that why you sent Ava to the date?” His forehead creased with the
accusation. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin pero hinuli niya ang tingin ko. “Clytemnestra!”

“Y-yes,” I breathed out. “But it d-doesn’t matter!”

“It does, for me.” Tumitig siya. “I love you, Clyte. I loved you even before
I knew the meaning of it. I love you!”

“Our f-families will be disappointed, Chiel. K-kahit mahal natin ang isa’t-
isa, paano naman sila?”

“Paano naman tayo?” he asked, eyes watering not because of the rain but with
tears. “P-paano naman ‘yong nararamdaman natin? Paano ‘yong nararamdaman mo?”

“I-it’s complicated. You don’t understand because you’re a real Sandejas!

They can’t just shoo you away—”

“Tita Zidney loves you very much. Do you think she’ll push you away?” mapait
niyang sabi. Hindi ako nakaimik.

‘Di ko alam… Natatakot akong malaman…

“Do you think that could shake a mother’s love, Clyte? You might not be from
her, but you will always be her firstborn. She will be disappointed, yes, and I
understand. She will not like us at first—maybe forever but I know she will never
forsake you. She will never push you away because you are her daughter! Not that
monster! Hers!”
 I cried loudly.

“B-but I don’t want to r-risk—”

“I have a lot to risk, too, Clyte.” He pulled me closer to him, cupping my

face. “My family might hate it, too. Your parents might not accept me, but I am
willing to risk because I love you and even if you would deny it, I know you were
in love with me too!”

I just cried.

“P-paano kung ayaw pa rin nila? Nina Tita Thallia? Tito Iñigo? S-si
Crest—”

“It won’t make me love them less even if they disowned me,” he said slowly.
“But I won’t lose my heart, Clyte. I won’t lose you.”

“N-natatakot ako, Chiel.”

“It’s okay to be scared. Sino ba namang hindi?” Ginagap niya ang palad ko
papunta sa dibdib niya. “You have me, sweetheart.”

“A-ang hirap…”

“Yeah, I know, baby.” He caressed my hair. “But we could do it. If only you
are willing to risk with me.”

Hindi ako nakasagot. He looked at me hopefully, his eyes begging for the
crumbs I could give. Na kahit kakarampot, tatanggapin niya. Walang tanong.

“J-just tell me I still have something to fight for. I’ll tell our families.
If they disapprove, then we have a lifetime to prove to your parents I’d take care
of and love you. I j-just need to know you were with me in this fight—”

I took a step back. Nahulog ang balikat niya.

“I-I’m sorry.” I turned my back on him and as I walked away, I felt like I
was walking away from my heart too and I couldn’t bear being away from it.

Para akong dinudurog sa bawat hakbang palayo, basang-basa ng ulan at tila

mauupos.

When will I be brave again? When… if not now?

Mahal ko sila pero gusto ko ring maging masaya…

I stopped in my tracks.

Nilingon ko siya.

Nakatungo siya, hulog na ang basang buhok. His whole body was drenched, his
clothes turned bloody red to maroon because of the water.

Could I bear seeing him away from me? Can I neglect my heart not to be a
disappointment? Could I really… be happy without him?

He turned his back. Tumakbo ako pabalik pero nadapa.

 “Chiel!”

He couldn’t hear me because of our distance and so, even with my aching legs,
tumayo ako at sinakop ang gown bago tumakbo ulit sa kanya, wala nang pakialam kung
muntikan pang madapa.

I pulled him by the arm, turning him to me.

The surprised look in his eyes seeing me was visible and without a word, I
encircled my arms around his nape and kissed him.

It took him a few moments to recover and slightly pushed me away.

“What the hell are you doing, Clytemnestra?” His voice roared like it was so
stupid of me to kiss him after telling him to fuck off.

“Chiel…”

“What is this game again, huh?” he asked with a strained, trembling voice.
“‘Di mo kinaya na wala ka na namang papaikutin sa palad mo? Na walang nagmamakaawa
sa atensyon mo? I will fuck off, okay? I was a fool to even follow you here! I am
sorry! Pero tangina, ‘di ka ba naaawa?! Itutulak mo ‘ko tapos hihilahin mo lang
pabalik, hahalikan kung kailan mo lang gusto?!”

“I love you!” I exclaimed.

His jaw clenched. Umiling siya at in-adjust ang turtleneck, tila ‘di
makahinga.

“Where’s the but after?” He smirked. “I love you but…? What is it this time?”

“Ayoko… ‘Di ko na kaya,” I cried, fisting his coat with my other hand,
running out of breath.

“Hindi na kayang ano? Na makita ako? Fine, kaya nga aalis na, ‘di ba? Kung
‘di mo lang ako hinila para halikan—”

“‘Di ko na k-kayang magpanggap na ‘di kita mahal!” I didn’t even recognize my

voice when I said that. “‘Di ko na kayang may ibang babae! N-na may ibang humahalik
sa ‘yo kasi gusto ko ako! M-mahal kita, Alchiel! Mahal kita!”

It affected him. I saw the slight change in his eyes, but he shrugged it off.

“Okay, thank you,” he answered casually.

Umawang ang labi ko. He smirked.

“Now, can I go? My date’s waiting—” I literally jumped on him and kissed
his mouth shut.

He cursed on my lips but then opened his mouth and attacked me with fierce
kisses. We didn’t speak but our lips, tongue, and teeth fought. I bit his tongue,
and he bit my lower lip more harshly until I tasted blood.

He licked it clean, his fingers crawling up my nape to my scalp as he fisted

my hair to pull it slowly.

I groaned.
 “You tasted divine, sweetheart, but your kisses don’t faze me anymore.”

“I love you,” I said straightly as I looked at him in the eye.

He shook his head. Hinatak ko ang coat niya hanggang sa naghahalikan na naman
kami at naramdaman ko na ang pagtama ng likod ko kung saan.

I pulled away.

“I said I love you,” I repeated.

He said nothing back.

“I love you sabi!” I whined, groaning when he pulled my hair back to give
space and now, his kisses were trailing down my neck. “Chiel!”

“What do you want me to do, huh? Magpapiyesta ba ‘ko?” He sucked my skin. I

gasped, not minding the rain as I pushed my chest on his.

“I want my ring,” I mumbled.

“What ring? Do you have a ring?” Tinulak ko siya, hinila ang gloves ko paalis
sabay kuha ng palad niyang nakahawak sa baywang ko at iniangat.

The gold ring glistened.

“This is mine,” I muttered.

Nangunot ang noo niya.

“No—”

“You were supposed to give it to me,” I announced. “I saw you staring at it.
It was mine. Give it to me.”

Naglaban kami ng tingin.

I sighed. “Ayaw mo, fine—”

“If you wear this, it means you agree to marry me in the future,” panakot
niya, akala yata ay aatras ako.

Natahimik ako kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

He cupped my ass, pushing his body closer to me even if I was holding his
hand.

“Hmm, why can’t you answer? Takot ka—”

“I do,” I retorted. “I’ll marry you, Alchiel Sandejas.”

Siya naman ang natahimik, ‘di ine-expect na papatulan ko siya hanggang sa

tumawa na.

“You’re joking—”

“Let me wear your ring, then.” Inilahad ko ang kamay. “If I wear it, I’m
yours.”
 He still looked doubtful. I swear he thinks a punchline would appear in a
while kaya suminghap na ako, kinuha ang singsing sa daliri niya, at isinuot sa
akin.

Tinitigan ko ‘yon sa daliri, saktong-sakto!

I smiled happily, trying not to be overwhelmed with my quick heartbeats.

“There, girlfriend mo na ‘ko!” I announced, grinning at him. “Ano’ng gusto

mong tawagan, Kuya? Baby? Babe? Sweetheart—”

He attacked me with kisses again and I was so lost I totally missed it when
it stopped raining.

“I like the sweetheart better,” bulong niya sa leeg ko at humaplos sa pang-

upo ko. “I knew you’d wear red.”

My eyes widened.

“Did you wear red because—”

“My assuming girlfriend.” He laughed at my throat, gripping my jaw to kiss my

mouth. “I just knew—”

“Oh, liar!”

Muli kaming naghalikan hanggang sa namanhid na yata ang labi ko at

nagkakagatan kami. I rested my forehead on his, breathing in his scent.

“I will take a risk with you,” I confessed.

He scoffed, not believing me pero ang palad niya’y dumidiin na sa baywang ko,
tila masayang-masaya sa narinig pero galit pa rin.

“Really, huh? Then what, you’ll leave me if mommy says no—”

“I’m tired of hiding my feelings, Chiel! If my mom says no, itatanan na

kita!” I announced.

His mouth parted but what caught my attention was a sudden sound of a gasp
and quick footsteps.

“Magtatanan kayo?!” I whipped my head, my jaw dropping when I caught sight of

Zion and Macky with their wide eyes and scandalous smiles.

Fuck. Sila ang nagkalat na magtatanan kami!

Kabanata 42

Kabanata 42

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Marcus and Zion! The traitors!

Nagising akong nakabusangot sa alaalang ‘yon. I’ve dreamt about our kiss in
the rain countless times before but ngayong panaginip lang, mas naging malinaw ang
lahat.

I think that happened after Papa Jer’s death, during the year before Mama
Lena died.

A sad smile left my lips. We used to go in Mama Lena’s house to be with her,
kaming tatlo nina Chiel. Ayaw kasi ni Mama na pumunta madalas sa bahay ng kung sino
sa ‘min, ayaw raw makaistorbo. As if namang istorbo siya, e, mahal na mahal namin
sila nina Papa Jer but I later on found out it wasn’t the reason.

“Ma, you can stay with us, you know,” marahang sinabi ko kay Mama habang
magkatabi kami sa rattan bench at pinagmamasdan ang mga bulaklak sa garden sa
ancestral house na mine-maintain ko o kaya ni Mommy kapag wala sa mood si Mama.

Ito ang naging libangan niya at ayaw namin pauwiin sa Sta. Monica kasi mag-
isa naman siya ro’n kahit na nando’n nag-i-stay madalas sina Sibyl at Sol. They’re
busy, flying in and out of the country for Sib’s recitals and stuff.

“I’m fine here, anak.” She smiled a little. “I love staying here.”

“But you’re alone,” I mumbled.

She shook her head.

“How was I alone, apo?” Kumislap ang mata niya. “Everyday, you’re visiting me
here. If hindi kayo ng mga pinsan mo, parents mo, ang mga tito at tita mo. I am not
alone, darling.”

I sighed.

“Can I stay here tonight?” I asked with a small smile. “Nagpunta lang po
talaga ako nang maaga rito, Mama, kasi magpapaalam kami sa ‘yo.”

She laughed.

“Nah, I bet you don’t even plan on telling me. I’m sure you already had a bag
of your clothes in your car.”

Nanlaki ang mata ko. My grandmother winked playfully kaya unti-unti’y niyakap
ko ang baywang niya’t humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

Her sweet scent lingered, the familiar smell of warmth and home.

“I love you so much, Mama. You know that, right?”

“Of course, Clyte.” Isinandal niya ang ulo sa akin at niyakap ang baywang ko.
“And I love you so much, too. Don’t forget that no matter what other people are
saying, you are always our family. I am always your Mama Lena, and your Papa Jer
will always be your lolo.”

Nanubig ang mga mata ko sa mention kay Papa. He was the best grandfather
ever! He was very sweet, kind, lovable. Palagi siyang may pasalubong sa amin kapag
umuuwi sila ni Mama Lena sa travels nila or galing sa Sta. Monica.

Marami pang food! Kaya kapag nandito sila, parang pasko sa dami ng handaan.

Close kami sa mga tito at tita, pati na rin sa mga pinsan sa Valderama side
pero hindi kami close sa grandparents. Sa parents ni Dad.
 I don’t know. They’re good to us and all, we occasionally visit them but
siguro, hindi lang kami sanay sa kanila, hindi kagaya sa mga Sandejas.

Our families were close knitted. Kami na rin ang magkakaibigan at kahit isang
beses sa isang buwan, we were working to have mini get togethers, kantahan lang,
inuman o ‘di kaya’y sleepover dito sa ancestral house.

Bilin kasi ni Papa bago siya nawala, no’ng buhay pa siya na sana raw ay h’wag
kaming magkawatak-watak, na manatili raw ang bond namin kahit wala na siya and we
were planning to keep our bond for them, for us. Because we’re a family.

“You are worried about something, anak?” Mama whispered when she noticed I
was spacing out.

I shook my head.

“Nothing, Ma—”

“Oh, you can tell your old lady.”

“Old lady?” Hinarap ko siyang gulat. “Ang gandang ‘yan, old?!”

She laughed, rolling her eyes at me.

“Oh, darling. H’wag mo nang bolahin ang lola. I know I’m old—”

“You aren’t!” I snickered. “You are still so beautiful! And look at your
face! And skin! Mukha bang old ‘yan? Sometimes nga, Mama, I wonder what your secret
is! Paano mo name-maintain ang beauty, Miss Beauty Queen?”

Her eyes smiled with her lips.

“Love lang, anak,” she mumbled. “If you are happy, satisfied, and know how it
is to love and be loved, hindi ka talaga tatanda.”

Nakagat ko ang labi.

She was so in love with Papa Jer. Sa ilang taon kong nakita ang dalawang ‘to
na magkasama, ni minsan ay ‘di ko nakitang nawala ang kislap sa mga mata nila kapag
nagtitinginan. I caught them thousands if not million times na kapag ‘di nakatingin
ang isa, nakatitig ang isa.

“In short…”

“Alagang Sandejas,” she whispered playfully kaya nagkatawanan kaming dalawa.

“You’re right. Iba po talaga kapag alagang Sandejas, ano?”

She gave me a playful look it was almost mirth. I thought it was like she
knew something I didn’t—or as if she had discovered a dark secret.

“Y-yeah, my family takes care of me and loves me. Alagang Sandejas!” I

chirped.

“Hmm, you think that is what I meant?” aniya. Nag-init ang mukha ko at ‘di na
nakaimik.

I masked my expression and gave her an “I-don’t-know-what-you’re-talking-

about” look. Her pink lips pursed for a pout. Ang ganda-ganda ni Mama ko pa rin
talaga.

“Hmm…”

“S-so, Mama, bakit nga po you want to stay here?” pag-iiba ko sa topic.

She bit her lips and I almost sighed in relief when she let go of it.

“It’s very random, anak, but do you believe in ghosts?” she asked.

“I’m a nurse so basically, I shouldn’t but I experienced some unexplainable

things while in the hospital that Science wouldn’t be able to explain so, yes. I
believe there is heaven and I believe sometimes, our loved ones stay here to watch
over us.”

Like Mommy Ritch…

I may not have met her, but I felt her presence everytime. It was as if she
was just there, offering me warmth and guidance, embracing me when I needed it.
Even if I couldn’t see her. She was watching over me.

She sighed. Hinuli ko ang palad niya’t hinalikan.

She squeezed it, smiling.

“I know it’s ridiculous and some might not believe but I do. I… I don’t want
to stay often or stay too much sa ibang lugar kasi ayaw kong iwan dito ang papa
mo.”

My eyes widened a little. Hindi ko napigilan nang may kumawalang luha sa mga
mata ko.

“I…” I noticed the distant look in her eyes. “I could still feel him… I could
still smell him. He’s here, Clyte. I could feel his love, binabantayan niya ‘ko.”

I sobbed. Gulat siyang sumulyap sa ‘kin.

“Clyte…”

“I-I’m fine, Ma.” Hinawi ko ang luha. “I-I was just touched and glad. I-I
miss Papa, too. So much.”

Her eyes softened more.

“I do, too. So much. I dreamt of him every night. I think sinusundo na niya
ako.”

My chest felt heavier.

“D-don’t say that… You’ll live a long life!”

“I lived long enough, darling,” she chuckled. “And I have no regrets. I was
happy and satisfied sa anong kinahinatnan ng pamilya natin. If I leave one of these
days, I have no regrets. I am happy.”

“A-ayaw ko…” Umiling ako’t niyakap siya. “‘Di k-ko kakayanin, M-Ma…”

“I’m old,” she hummed and kissed my hair. “And I miss your papa so much.
Eight months without him felt like a lifetime. I-I don’t want to stay out too much
because I was afraid to miss your papa’s scent. I was afraid because his smell on
our pillows was f-fading.”

When I cried louder, I heard her sobs, but she was still comforting me.

“I-it’s okay…” she hummed. “I’m not sad, anak. A-ang hirap lang kasi talaga
kapag wala ang Papa Jer mo. ‘Di pa rin ako sanay na w-wala siya sa tabi ko kapag
gigising, n-na walang maingay sa bahay, n-na walang naghahabol ng manok. ‘Di ako
sanay na hindi agad nalilinis ‘yong tae ng kambing sa Sta. Monica kasi ang b-baho.”

I burst out laughing. She laughed too, making the ambiance light.

“Why, Ma? Wala bang naglilinis?” I asked, inangat ko ang tingin.

“Sol does it in Sta. Monica,” aniya. “Pero pamilyado iyong tao at busy rin sa
farm natin kaya hindi agad-agad. The caretaker cleans, too, but not as fast as your
papa. Alam mo ba, kakaamoy ko pa lang n’ong tae, sisigawan ko pa lang siya, nando’n
na siya agad sa baba?”

Mas napatawa ako. Kumislap ang mata niya. She was shining, beaming with love
and longing.

“Umagang-umaga, nagpapakain na ‘yan ng mga manok namin do’n, naglilinis n’ong

kulungan. Nakahubad! Can you believe it?! Gusto niya raw kasi pagkagising ko tapos
sisilip ako sa terrace, makikita ko agad ang regalo ni Lord sa ‘kin—siya.”

Hindi ako matigil kakatawa kaya iyak-tawa kaming dalawa.

“I miss your Papa, so much. That if God chose to take what he had let me
borrow, my life, I wouldn’t even hesitate to go. I want to see your Papa.”
Bumuntonghininga siya. “Mahal na mahal ko ‘yon—ang mga anak namin, mga apo, kayo.
If I go, too, I have no regrets, but you should know na nandito lang kami. We’ll
guide you and be there. Always.”

I kissed Mama’s cheeks and embraced her.

“Love is worth fighting for, Clyte,” she whispered after the silence. “Love
should be celebrated. Habang maaga pa’y alagaan na kasi hindi natin alam kung
hanggang kailan lang ang buhay. Love while you still could, fight for it.”

Tumango ako at ipinikit ang mata.

“Niligawan ko nga ang papa mo noon,” she mumbled.

Napaahon ako sa gulat.

“Weh?! I thought it was a joke?!” I asked.

She grinned.

“Puro joke lumalabas sa bibig ng lolo mo pero ‘yong niligawan ko siya no’ng
kabataan namin, totoo ‘yon,” she said proudly. “Love is a two-way street, anak. If
men could pursue women to let them know how they felt, we could, too. Weird but
doing it for the man you love? It’s damn worth it.”

It surprised me.

Papa told it all the time! Kapag may reunion, palagi niyang binibida na
manliligaw niya dati ang beauty queen! Si Mama! Tawang-tawa kami palagi. I honestly
thought it was a joke he just loved saying, but I didn’t know it was real!

We were still in that position when the gates opened, and a familiar car got
inside. My heart spiked when the door opened and a familiar long-legged, so fucking
handsome giant got out with a playful smile.

“Kumusta na ang maganda kong mama?!” he exclaimed with paper bags in his hand
kaya humiwalay ako kay Mama.

“Alchiel,” Mama called sweetly and stood.

Chiel caught her and kissed her cheek. Niyakap niya si Mama nang mahigpit at
gano’n din ang huli.

Nagkatinginan kami. He smirked and winked. My heart quickened.

“Galing ka pang korte, ‘nak?” Mama asked and cupped his face after the
embrace.

“Yes, Ma.” He kissed her again. “Kumusta naman ang mama kong maganda? I
bought you food! May pasalubong din si Crest na ipinadala. Hindi po makakabisita
nang maaga, mamayang gabi pa kasi nagra-rush sa collection niya.”

“It’s fine, hijo,” she soothed him. “Thank you for the food! I’m glad you are
here! Tamang-tama at kami lang ni Clyte rito!”

Sumulyap sa akin si Mama, may ibang kislap ang mga mata.

My cheeks heated for an unknown reason.

“Oh, let’s eat! Give me that, I’ll prepare the food! Mag-usap muna kayo ni
Clyte!” She took the paper bag from his grip and walked inside the house.

Muli kaming nagkatinginan ni Chiel. He smirked. My face heated more kaya

umahon ako at tumalikod.

“I’ll help you, Ma—” But he caught my waist before I could even run away.

“Avoiding your boyfriend, hmm?” he whispered in my ear. I gasped when he

pulled me close to his chest, his strong arms around my waist.

Hinawi niya ang buhok ko at napahugot lang ako ng malalim na hininga nang
maramdaman ang labi niya sa batok ko.

“Chiel…” I breathed out.

“Hmm?” he hummed and kissed my neck.

Tumingala lang ako at hinuli ang mukha niya. He gave me a confused look. I
smirked and tiptoed to kiss him on the mouth.

He groaned, immediately kissing me back hungrily but before it went further,

I pulled away.

“Bella…” reklamo niya.

“Later,” bulong ko sa labi niya. “Nandito si Mama! Akala ko ba lowkey lang

muna hanggang sa makausap natin ang parents?”
 He groaned, looking at my lips painfully.

“Pagod na pagod ako sa opisina tapos pagdadamutan mo pa ‘ko ng halik?”

reklamo niya.

“Anong connect?” Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Recharge,” he whined and pouted adorably. “Kiss.”

“No.” Pinitik ko ang labi niya kaya mas naging bagnot lang. He almost stomped
his feet when I walked away.

“Sweetheart—”

“MOMOL later,” I mumbled at doon na namilog ang mata niya at muling

nabuhayan.

“Do I get to touch your boob?” he asked like asking someone for a toy.

Nag-init ang mukha ko at halos sipain na siya.

“Shut it!”

“I was just asking,” he muttered. “Bawal ba malaman kung p’wedeng hawakan ang
boobs ng girlfriend ko—”

“Fine!” I looked around to make sure no one was there. “I’ll even let you
finger me.”

His jaw slacked. I winked and hopped away with a grin on my lips.

Bumalik kami sa may garden pagkatapos tulungan si Mama na ayusin ang food.
Inilagay namin iyon sa table habang pinapanood si Mama sa harapan na nagdidilig ng
halaman.

She was humming a sweet melody, and I was enjoying watching her while eating
when I felt something touch my finger.

Napalingon ako sa kamay niyang inaabot ang akin. His pinky finger touched
mine and it was as if he wasn’t doing anything. Deretso ang tingin niya, kausap na
si Mama na parang ‘di nakikipag-holding hands sa ‘kin.

Sumulyap ako kay Mama bago sa kanya na ngumuso lang at muling kinalabit ang
kamay ko. I bit my lip and gently lifted my finger, accepting his pinky before
pulling his hands on mine.

My finger filled the spaces in between his. Mas napangiti siya. Natuwa naman
ako kaya hinaplos ko nang unti-unti ang likod ng palad niya ng daliri bago inangat
at dinala sa labi ko.

He froze. I smirked. Kumalat ang pula sa mukha niya. Muli kong hinalikan ang
kamay niya.

“Hmm, then, how about the—” Lumingon si Mama.

Napatalon kaming dalawa at mabilis kong hinampas ang kamay ni Alchiel palayo.

“M-Mama, o! Si Chiel! Kinukurot ako!” sumbong ko, mamamatay na sa kaba!

 Nahulog ang panga ni Chiel at umiling sabay baling kay Mama.

“I-I didn’t!” he exclaimed. “She pinched me first!”

Namilog ang mata ko at pasimpleng sinipa siya. Sinipa niya ako pabalik.

“No, I didn’t—”

“Oh, kids. You are terrible liars,” she blurted out.

Natahimik kami.

“Ma…”

“Oh, I know!” She smirked, placing her palm on her waist. Napasinghap lang
ako, ang puso’y lalabas na yata sa lalamunan. “Jer and I had a silly bet.”

“Huh?” Alchiel asked. “What bet?”

“He thinks you’re into each other. I think nah, impossible but then I began
observing until I could see it. I knew there was something with the way you two
looked at each other. Alam ko nang panalo siya pero s’yempre, ‘di ako papatalo! One
thousand din ‘yon, ‘no? But well… I guess he really won. I can admit now kasi ‘di
na mababawasan ng isang libo ang pera ko.”

She laughed. We just blinked at her, both stunned.

Her laugh faded.

“Oh, come on, loosen up!” she exclaimed.

“‘Di ka… galit, Ma?” I asked.

“It’s very complicated, yeah, I guess.” Inayos niya ang skirt ng dress niya.
“It will be a tough fight, but you could do it as long as you two loved and stayed
with each other. There’s nothing more powerful and worth fighting for than love. It
was once in a lifetime. Cherish it.”

Hindi pa rin kami nakaimik, nagpa-process pa.

Mama pouted.

“Mama’s advice is to tell your families no matter what. Mas ayos na galing sa
inyo kaysa sa marinig nila sa iba. I think you will not have a problem with
Thallia. Iñigo? I don’t think you’ll have a hard time convincing him if what you
really felt was real. Si Zidney…” Napaisip siya.

Mas nagwala ang puso ko.

“She won’t accept it,” aniya. Nahulog na ang puso ko at nangilid na ang luha.
“Well, at first,” dagdag niya.

“Mama…” Chiel said calmly and pulled me close to try and check my face
because I was on the verge of crying.

Mama chuckled.

“Sorry, pero it’s true. You’ll have a hard time with her. She’s
overprotective of Clyte. It will be hard, but I know my daughter. She’s a tough one
but if she’d seen the love was real, I’m sure she’d soften. Just stay true to what
you feel.”

It wasn’t for certain, but it was enough to soften the blow.

Lumapit sa ‘min si Mama at dumukwang sa harapan.

“Ma…” Akmang tatayo si Chiel para paupuin siya pero umiling siya’t ginagap
ang kamay naming dalawa.

Her eyes strayed to my ring, and her smile softened more.

“Kung saan kayo masaya, masaya kami ni Papa Jer n’yo para sa inyo. We will
support you, no matter what. Just promise me you’ll protect and cherish that love.
Minsan, o kaya’y isang beses lang iyan dumating sa buhay, kaya protektahan at
respetuhin.”

I nodded.

“Opo, Ma.”

“Great, I love you, mga apo.” She kissed our hands but then she glanced at
Chiel. “But you, kid, you’re gonna have a problem.”

Napaayos ako ng upo. Chiel’s back straightened.

“Why…”

“Thorn.” Pangalan pa lang pero napatikhim na ako at nakagat ang labi. Chiel
stiffened.

“What about Tito?”

“I heard he had a silly bucket list.” She glanced at me. “I’m pretty sure her
father won’t give her that easily to you… Handa ka na bang masuntok?”

I saw him swallow hard, and color started draining his face.

Habang mas dumadami ang naaalala ko, mas napupunan ang mga parteng blangko sa
puso ko. I was smiling, happy and inspired as I took a bath.

I missed those times. I missed my Mama Lena and Papa Jer. I missed Chiel.

Gusto kong maibalik namin ang noon pero hindi naman madali. A lot had
changed—other than my feelings for him. He got tired and I understand.

So… I’d work for it.

Love is worth fighting for.

Lumabas ako ng bathroom at pinakialaman ang closet. Wala na si Chiel. Baka

pumasok na at ‘di naman nagpapa-late ‘yon.

I woke up last night again. Medyo sinisinat kasi pero okay na ako ngayon.
Sinisinat nga rin ‘yon, e, pero uminom naman na kami ng gamot. I hope he’s alright.
Wala namang text o note na umalis na siya!

Humaba ang nguso ko.

 I saw one of Chiel’s shirt na tinangay ko galing sa unit niya noon sa isang
side ng mga rack ko kaya ‘yon na lang ang kinuha ko.

I chuckled when I realized it was his university shirt.

Political Science.

I wore it with my maong shorts, umabot iyon sa itaas lang ng tuhod ko. Ang
haba naman pala nito! What did I even expect kung higante nga ‘yon at mahaba ang
legs?

Walang suklay pa akong bumaba, magluluto ng agahan ko sana pero naamoy ko ang
bacon!

What? He’s still here?!

Never pa akong bumaba sa hagdan nang gano’n kabilis! Halos tumalon pa nga!

I was hopping, with a bright smile and caught his blue eyes. Nakaupo siya sa
stool, ang paa’y nasa lapag at may kausap sa telepono.

He was topless kaya nagningning ang mata ko sa dibdib, abs, at biceps niya!
Naka-slacks at nakapaa! Magulo pa ang basang buhok at bagong ligo!

His eyes wandered and went down from my face to my clothes, specifically to
the shirt I was wearing! His eyes darkened.

It made my knees weak. I refused to let my toes curl and instead, I walked
closer to him with confidence.

“Uh-huh,” he rumbled on the phone, his eyes following every step I took I was
glad I didn’t trip just yet. “Hmm…”

I watched as he took a piece of bread from the counter and tasted it, his
intense eyes still on me.

“What about the Supreme Court?” aniya sa kausap nang tumigil ako sa harapan
niya mismo, sa gitna ng kanyang nakaparteng hita.

He cocked his brow up to ask me what I was doing in front of him. I smiled
brightly and moved my face closer to his ear.

“Good morning, handsome,” I whispered and kissed his cheek gently.

I heard him clear his throat, the tension thickening.

Lumayo ako sa kanya at ang tinapay na hawak naman ang pinagdiskitahan. While
locking gazes with him, I leaned it to bite a part of it, slowly. Just to tease
him.

Umigting ang panga niya. Sa lapit namin ay narinig ko ang patuloy na

pagsasalita ng kausap niya pero ‘di na siya sumasagot.

“Kinakausap ka,” I said.

I heard the “Sino’ng kasama mo?” sa kabilang linya. I was sure it was Rome.

“No one,” he answered while staring at me.

 Kumirot ang puso ko kaya nag-iwas ako at bumaling sa table kung nasaan ang
breakfast. Tahimik kong inabot ang coffee niya at hinalo bago tahimik na dinala sa
labi ko para tikman.

Ang hirap pala manuyo, ‘no?

The bitterness spread in my mouth.

Ano nga bang karapatan kong magreklamo kung ilang taon kong ginawa sa kanya
‘to? I was really no one right now.

His eyes were on me. Ibinaba niya ang tinapay. Nahiya akong tumingin, ayaw
ipakitang naapektuhan ako ng pagtanggi niya kaya minata ang upuan sa kabilang part
ng counter. I lowered the mug, was about to step away when he tugged my hand back.

Tiningnan ko siya, dinala niya ang palad ko sa leeg niya at mas hinila ako
palapit.

“Check if I’m still sick,” he mumbled while looking at me.

“O-oh…” Tumango-tango ako, umaapuhap ang dibdib bago dinama ang leeg niya.

Narinig ko ang boses ni Rome sa kabilang linya na nagtatanong na naman kung

sino ang kasama niya.

“Mind your own fucking business, Valdez,” he hissed grumpily, still looking
at me. Tumawa si Rome at may sinabing ‘di ko na maintindihan.

Dinama ko ang temperatura niya. Ang leeg bago ang noo kung may sinat pero
luckily, wala naman.

Sinalubong ko ang tingin niya.

“You’re okay.” I cleared and stepped away, but he grabbed me again.

“Check here.” Sabay patong niya ng palad ko sa dibdib niya. Nakipag-eye-to-

eye ako sa mga biyayang six-pack abs niya. “Still hot, Nurse?”

Doon na ako sumimangot. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

Bago pa ako makapagreklamo ay minura niya sa matigas na Ingles si Rome at

binaba ang telepono. He stood from the stool, caught my waist with his arm at
inisang buhat ako paupo sa stool.

I blinked.

“Wala kang shorts?” he hissed, pulling my shirt up. Suminghap ako at pinalo
ang kamay niya.

“Meron!” I exclaimed and pulled the shirt down pero nakita na niya ang maong.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. “Basta-basta ka na lang makahila pataas! Paano pala kung
walang shorts?!”

“You know better than to parade yourself in front of other people without
your damn shorts, Clytemnestra,” iritadong sagot niya at inilapit sa pwesto ko ang
plato. Naglagay siya ng kanin at ulam.

“Why? Paano ‘yon kung naka-bikini ako—”

 “It’s fine. I could be behind you and watch,” aniya. “Kapag may bumastos sa
‘yo, dudukutin ko ‘yong mata.”

Namilog ang mata ko at nilingon siya. I saw mirth glisten in his eyes.
Sinapak ko nga.

“Gago ka ba? Dati nananapak ka lang, ngayon mandudukot ka na ng mata?”

“Trust me, sweetheart, I could do things a lot worse when it comes to you,”
he rasped.

Instead of being terrified or shaken up, hearts formed in my eyes. Tumingin

siya sa ‘kin na nagtataka. Pumahalumbaba ako.

“Aww, Chiel-taba, you’re very sweet,” I purred.

His jaw clenched. Tumikhim siya.

“I’m not—”

“Bati na ba tayo?” I asked dreamily at nag-iba ang ekspresyon niya.

“No,” seryoso niyang sagot.

My shoulder fell. I pouted.

“Why?” I lifted my body a little so our faces would be closer. “Kapag bati na
tayo, may unli kiss ka sa ‘kin tapos… unli touch.” Idinikit ko ang dibdib sa kanya
nang mapansing naaapektuhan na. “Tapos unli hawak sa boobs—”

“Hindi ako marupok,” he retorted and pushed me back on my chair.

“Arte naman,” bulong-bulong ko. He scoffed. “Ayaw mo talaga?”

“Choosy ako,” bulong niya at nilagyan ng juice ang baso ko.

“We can make out, you know,” panggugulo ko pa.

Nakita kong tumaas ang kilay niya pero ‘di ako inimik. Umahon ako sa stool at
nilagyan din ng plato ang tapat niya bago naglagay ng ulam at kanin.

“I was a bit curious, e,” I said. “I think I forgot. Gusto ko ng refresher.”

Tumaas ang kilay niya at inalalayan ako pabalik sa upuan.

“About what?” He brought the glass of juice to his mouth to sip.

“I want to evaluate kung worth it ba ‘yong panonood mo noon,” I said. A knot

formed in his brow. Ngumiti ako. “I just want to verify if there’s a difference if
you finger me again.”

Nabuga niya ang juice. Humagalpak ako ng tawa.

Umuubong naibaba niya ang ang juice at matalim akong tinitigan. Hindi niya
ako maabot dahil nakalayo na ako.

“Clytemnestra!” he warned, his face flushing.

“What? I was just curious! ‘Di ba, nanood ka ng bold?”

 His jaw clenched.

“Get back here, you little—”

“H’wag po, Kuya!” I dramatically hugged myself and screamed when he stood and
ran after me.

Dahil nga mahaba ang legs niya, ang tatlong hakbang ko ay isa lang sa kanya
kaya naabutan ako! Tumili ako lalo. Sinampay niya ako sa balikat niya at nasa
ganong akto kami nang sumabog pabukas ang pinto at sabay-sabay na pumasok ang
guards at tinutukan kami ng baril.

Kahit nakabaligtad sa balikat ni Chiel ay napataas ako ng kamay.

“Sir?!” tawag ng head. “Ano’ng nangyari?! Pumasok kami kasi may sumigaw—”

“It’s just a whiny brat,” he lamented. I squealed when he slapped my ass.

Natahimik ang guards.

Shit!

Naramdaman ko ang paghila ni Chiel sa shirt ko lalo para takpan ang pang-upo
ko.

“Ayos lang po kayo?” I heard them lower their guns.

“Yes, I’m sorry,” ani Chiel na pormal. “You can go back outside. Thanks for
checking.”

Sabay-sabay silang lumabas. Muli niyang pinalo ang pang-upo ko. I groaned.

“Chiel!”

“Ang ingay mo,” sikmat niya at naglakad papasok habang buhat pa rin ako. I
sighed.

“Baba mo ‘ko!”

“Shut up,” he snapped kaya ginawa ko na lang ang favorite kong gawin. Kinurot
ko ang pwet niya.

He cursed and almost threw me away. Nakasimangot na naman siya at matalim ang
tingin.

“Ayaw mo ‘kong bitawan, e,” I said lightly, hopped towards him and as I
walked past the glaring giant, I slapped his butt.

“Clytemnestra!” sigaw na niya. Tinakbo ko na ang kusina papasok.

We ate in silence. I can see him glaring at me pero nginingitian ko lang.

Pagkakita kong paubos na ang juice niya, kinuha ko ang pitcher at nag-refill.

He cleared his throat. “Why are you doing this?”

“Hmm? Ubos na ‘yong juice mo kaya—”

“You know it’s not that, Clyte.” Hinarap niya ako. “I mean… this. You’re
lively again, playful, sweet. I haven’t seen you this way since we met again and…
what you’re doing to me. I just…” He closed his eyes tightly. “I just want to know
what it is you wanted with me, so I won’t assume—”

“Mama Lena said love should be celebrated. Love is worth fighting for. I’m
not delirious last night, Chiel. When I said I’d fight for you, I would. Kasi mahal
kita.”

Nakita ko ang pagtigil ng paghinga niya. Variety of emotions played and

glistened in his eyes, but I was sure of one thing—he was doubtful.

I smiled.

“It’s okay if you don’t believe me for now. I understand.” I reached for his
cheek, brushing my fingers in his jaw. “I’ll prove it to you.”

Namungay ang mata niya’t inabot ang palad ko at ibinaba. I felt his finger
brushed my pulse, probably feeling my heart beating rapidly.

“Hmm… how so?”

Kinagat ko ang labi at umayos ng upo para harapin na siyang tuluyan.

“P’wedeng manligaw?” I asked blatantly.

I was expecting a surprised reaction, but he burst out laughing. Napawi ang
ngiti ko.

“What’s funny?”

He won’t stop laughing, nawawala na nga ang mata.

“I-I’m sorry… I…” His laughter roared. “Fuck, Clyte, o-okay! Well, where’s
the camera?” He looked around, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Anong camera?”

“L-liligawan daw ako!” Mas natawa siya, ‘di na nabuo ang sinasabi, namumula
at nawawala na ang mata.

He looked around.

“Okay, assholes, this was fun. You can go out now,” malakas niyang sabi.
Napakamot ako ng kilay.

“It’s not a joke!”

Ngumisi niya.

“Alright, palabasin mo na sina Zion,” ani Chiel. “It’s funny—”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” I asked while staring at him seriously. Ang
ngiti niya’y unti-unting naglaho at nagseryoso.

“You gotta be kidding…” His back straightened.

“I’m not kidding,” I said without fear. “I won’t ask na kasi ‘di mo naman ako
sineseryoso kaya ako na magdedesisyon! Liligawan kita! Sa ayaw at gusto mo!” I
announced.
 He swallowed.

“W-weh?” Tumaas ang kilay niya.

“Oo nga! Ilang ulit pa ba, Sandejas? Liligawan kita! Ayaw mo maniwalang mahal
kita, e di, okay! I have a lifetime to prove to you I was and always been in love
with you.”

Napatili ako bigla sa gulat nang mahulog siya sa stool.

I tried reaching for him, but he got to the floor with a loud thump I was
sure it would hurt! Pero wala siyang reaksyon na nasaktan man lang!

He just watched me like I was some apparition.

“Chiel!” Tumalon ako at lumuhod, nag-aalalang sinapo ang mukha niya. “Are you
okay?!”

“Did you knock your head last night?” he asked, more to himself. “O-oh, maybe
you’re still sick. You should drink meds—”

“I’m in love with you, Alchiel Verón,” I repeated.

He stared at me. I stared back, letting him know I was not kidding. Nasuklay
niya ang buhok ng daliri bago humawak sa panga, muling tumitig. Hindi ako nag-iwas
ng tingin.

He wet his lips.

“Gaano mo ‘ko kamahal?” he asked instead and even if still worried, I

answered after taking a deep breath.

“It’s immeasurable. I just know… that I am in love with you. So, so much I
wouldn’t be able to explain in words. My heart knows. Kahit no’ng bata pa tayo.”

His eyes glistened.

“I-if you weren’t there, I feel lost and sad. If I see you with other girls,
holding your hand, dining with you, and k-kissing you… parang dinudurog ako. I’m
not a jealous person but I feel possessive of you. I don’t want to sound selfish
pero gusto ko sa ‘kin ka lang.”

His lips parted.

“I’m yours,” aniya pero biglang tumikhim. “—y-yours before! Ngayon, ‘di na
kasi choosy na ‘ko.” Sabay bawi niya.

A grin escaped my lips. Pilit siyang nagseryoso.

“It’s alright, though.” I caressed his jaw. “Like I told you…” Bumaba ang
palad ko sa dibdib niya. “I have a lifetime to make you mine.”

Trumiple ang bilis ng puso niya. Nagkatinginan kami at kumalat na ang pula sa
tainga niya nang inalis niya ang kamay ko sa dibdib niya.

“Calm down, Clytemnestra. Manliligaw ka pa lang tapos chansing ka kaagad?

Nasaan ang delikadesa mo?” he scoffed but I could see he’s amused.

Humagalpak ako ng tawa.

 “Wow, coming from you?!”

He moistened his lower lip and then cocked his head to the side.

“Hindi ako basta-basta sumasagot ng manliligaw,” aniyang pilit itinatago ang

excitement. I rested my chin on my knees and smiled.

“Noted,” I mumbled.

“Ayaw ko sa clingy.”

My lips protruded. “Hindi naman ako clingy, baka ikaw?”

His brows furrowed. “I’m not clingy!”

Hindi ko na inimik at tumango na lang. Sige, pagbigyan!

“Alright, what are your other stipulations, Prosecutor?”

Mukhang pinag-isipan niya pa talaga dahil natahimik siya.

“I want a kiss,” aniya habang nakatitig sa labi ko. “Whenever I want.”

My heart spiked but I didn’t show I liked it.

“Why? Akala ko ba bawal ang clingy? E, physical ‘yon?”

“It’s not clingy, it’s just a kiss!” sikmat niya. “At bakit ka ba nakikipag-
away sa nililigawan mo? Akala ko ba sinusuyo? Bakit mo inaaway?!”

I laughed again.

“Tss…” He pointed at me. “Wala akong tiwala sa ‘yo, e. It’s either you’d
violate it, or you won’t do it at all. Give me your laptop. I’m drafting a
contract.”

My jaw dropped.

“Wow, grabe. Walang tiwala sa ‘kin?!” I exclaimed.

He snorted and stood, frowning when he felt his butt hurt from falling and
pulled me up.

“Quick, woman. Laptop.”

“I only have my old laptop here. ‘Yong bago ko nasa opisina—”

“Give it to me.” Namulsa siya.

“The thing is…” Napakamot ako sa kilay. “I don’t know what the password
is—”

“I know,” he answered, staring intently at me.

“O-oh, alright!” Tumango ako at tinakbo na ang kwarto para kunin ang laptop
na ilang beses ko nang sinusubukang buksan but I got no luck with the password.

Nahihiya rin kasi akong magsabi at magpatulong kay Zy! Who knows anong laman
ng laptop na ‘yon?

He charged and opened it. Umawang ang labi ko nang mabilis niyang natipa ang
password at nagyayabang na nilingon ako.

“See?”

“What’s the password?” I asked because it’s still loading.

“My birthday.” His eyes turned playful when he saw my shock. “Patay na patay
ka kasi sa ‘kin noon, ‘di naman sa pagmamayabang. No wonder you’re still head over
heels of me, you even begged for courtship.”

He smirked, closed my parted mouth, and glanced at the screen. Sabay kaming
natigilan sa wallpaper doon.

It was us. Still in Switzerland. Nakaakbay siya sa ‘kin at may yakap akong
paso ng bulaklak, malaki ang ngiti.

He cleared his throat.

“Ang gwapo ko r’yan,” bulong niya sabay pindot sa word document. Ngumuso
lang
ako.

How could I forget these things?

We bickered about the contract. He was too quick to draft it, kabisadong-
kabisado kung paano niya gagawin. He had lines na ‘di ko maintindihan kung paano
niya naiisip at kung ako ‘yon ay baka dumugo lang ang ilong ko.

Bawal ang clingy. Bawal ang holding hands in public. Habang nililigawan ko
siya, dapat daw walang manliligaw sa ‘kin para fair.

I gave him a look. He only smirked.

Hahalikan ko raw siya kung kailan niya gusto! Anytime! Anywhere!

“I still don’t get the no clingy part pero p’wede ang halikan?” I commented.

“Shh…” He typed again. Pinanood ko at binasa nang malakas.

“No sex… the fuck?! Do I look like I’d ask for sex from you?!”

He shrugged. I punched his biceps.

“Alchiel!”

“For precaution purposes since you don’t seem to have self-control.” Nalaglag
ang panga ko.

“Fucking asshole…”

Hinarap niya ako. “That’s a very foul mouth you got there for a suitor,
sweetheart. Minus one ka na sa ‘kin.”

Nasapo ko ang noo.

“Ridiculous! As if I’ll ask for you to have sex with me?”

 “‘Di ka sure, sa alindog kong ‘to?” he spat. Napapikit na lang ako. “I’m
conservative, Clytemnestra. I don’t fuck girls who weren’t my girlfriend.”

I laughed. “As if you’ve fucked one.”

His eyes darkened, offended. “That’s defamation!”

“Bakit, meron ba?” I asked. He just smirked. Unti-unting sumama ang timpla
ko. “What the fuck? Meron?! Sino ‘yan?!”

“Hmm, I don’t share my personal sex life with suitors,” sagot niya lang.
Dumilim ang tingin ko.

The image of him and Lorraine with her bouncing breast above him—I fisted
my palms. I glared at him, binasa niya lang ang labi.

I tried shrugging the images off my damn imagination. Hinarap ko ang

laptop.

“I want to add rules, too.”

Tumaas ang kilay niya.

“It’s fair. Ikaw ang nililigawan, ako ang manliligaw. I get to make my rules,
too, right? Since we are the two parties involved!”

“Fine.” He typed again. “What is it?”

“Habang nililigawan kita, walang babaeng iba. You can’t pursue anyone—even
flirt and have a fling habang nandito ako.”

“Why is that?”

“Kung walang manliligaw sa ‘kin habang nililigawan kita, isn’t it fair you’d
do the same?” I shot my brow up. “In short, exclusively courting. Hindi tayo pero
sa ‘kin ka.”

I saw him swallow hard even if his eyes were on the screen. He liked it but
he won’t let me know.

“Hindi ako sure kung sasagutin kita pero sa ‘kin ka rin,” aniya.

Huh? I made a face.

“Alam mo, abogado ka, pero ‘yong conditions mo, pang-tanga.”

Bumusangot na siya at napakamot ng kilay. Pinigil ko ang tawa at mukhang

iritado na siya.

“Tanginang ‘yan. Gumawa na nga ng kontrata, nasabihan pang tanga,” bulong

niya.

“Paanong hindi, e, ‘di ka sure kung sasagutin mo ‘ko tapos sa ‘yo ako?”

“Bakit? Titigil ka ba kung umayaw ako?” Sinalubong niya ang tingin ko.

I shook my head firmly.

“No. I told you I’ll court you. You can reject me, fine, but I’ll try again.
Of course, rejection hurts pero mahal kita, e.”
 His face turned crimson red. The side of his mouth rose but he covered it
with his palm, making it look like he was scratching his jaw as he looked away.

Napangisi ako, lumapit sa kanya’t idinantay ang palad sa hita niya. He

tensed.

“Okay lang kiligin, sweetheart,” I whispered.

He whipped his head at me, defending himself.

“Hindi ako kinikilig—” I gave him a quick kiss.

“I love you, Chiel,” I whispered.

He blinked rapidly and touched his chest. Nawala ang ngiti ko at akala ko’y
‘di makahinga pero napawi sa sunod niyang sinabi.

“F-fuck, aatakihin ako sa puso sa ‘yo, Clytemnestra!” singhal niya bago

bumaba sa stool at binuksan ang ref para sa tubig.

Napangiti lang ako.

He added in the contract na secret ang ligawan namin sa mga pinsan. He said
he wanted to keep it lowkey and we’d only tell them if needed o kung napag-isipan
na niya kung sure niya akong sasagutin.

It’s ridiculous but I understood. He wanted boundaries and showing our

families he was allowing me in his life again after I’ve hurt him might deem him
vulnerable and he just can’t deal with it now.

It’s fine.

And… sure ako ayaw niya lang masabihan na marupok.

“What if there’s a breach of contract?” I asked.

Napaisip siya.

“Penalty of a hundred million dollars,” he mumbled.

Namilog ang mata ko.

“Gago. Saan ako kukuha ng ganyang kalaking pera?!” I exclaimed.

“Exactly.” He nodded proudly like he intended not to give me a choice! “Or we

can choose the easier choice.”

“Meron?” I asked.

He nodded and typed again before showing me.

“M-marriage?” I stuttered, my heart racing. “Seryoso?”

“Hmm… it’s either you pay a hundred million dollars or marriage to the other
party,” he announced.

“Bakit parang win-win naman sa ‘kin ‘yan?” I asked, confused.

 “Panalo rin ako,” he rasped.

“Huh?”

“It meant penalty would be marriage then babawasan gagawing fifty million
dollars na lang ang babayaran. Hulugan kada buwan buong buhay mo,” he finished.

Napabughalit na ako ng tawa.

“Gago ka ba?!”

“Para walang takas!” he defended. “Kapag ‘di kinasal, ano ‘yon? Baka takasan
mo ‘ko pumunta kang ibang bansa! Seal the deal and penalty with marriage kapag ‘di
kaya isang bagsakan ang one hundred million! Installment, gano’n.”

I couldn’t stop laughing.

“Baliw ka na…”

“Hindi mo kasi alam ‘yong batas!” he whined. “Gano’n ‘yon, Clytemnestra! Alam
ko kasi abogado ako! Puro ka lang tawa d’yan, halikan kaya kita?”

Natikom ko ang labi at kung akala niya’y aatras ako, nagkakamali siya.

“Go on.” I playfully licked my lip while staring at him. “We could seal the
contract with a kiss don’t you think?”

His eyes darkened.

“Well, unless it’s against the contract since you didn’t want it—”

“Who said I don’t,” he hissed, and a smile escaped my lips when he stood, put
his palm on the nape, and pulled my face closer to him to capture my lips.

Warmth blossomed in my chest with the first touch of our mouths. My mouth
parted with the first flick of his tongue, seeking entrance. He tasted like his
coffee, dark, sweet, and bitterness mixing—addicting.

He nudged his nose against mine, the tips touching until I was feeling his
breath just above my lips. I breathed him in, and his hold on my nape tightened
with need.

I missed him so badly. I’m in love with him and I made sure he could feel it
with my kisses alone. He ruined every touch, every kiss, and every man for me, and
I hoped I could ruin others for him, so he’d only love me.

Selfish might it sound but I didn’t care. I might not be a monster like my
biological father, but I would be one if someone took him from me.

“You’re…” I moved away and met his half-lidded gaze. “Mine.”

Passion burned in his blue eyes.

And we were kissing again, our teeth and tongues clashing in an attempt to
sign the contract I was contemplating to follow or break because I’d win otherwise.

If I followed and he decided to give me a chance, I’d marry him. If I

breached the contract, I’d marry him—never mind the installment for the rest of
my life.
 I’d willingly pay for it, basta sa akin siya.

I didn’t know if I was imagining it but the way his lips and tongue moved
felt like he was attempting to imprint something on my mouth, marking me. Maybe I
was just silly to think of it, so I sucked his tongue. He growled against my mouth
like I did something wrong.

My back hit the counter. He tilted his head to the side, better angling my
mouth with precision. His teeth grazed my lip and conquered my mouth, his tongue
darted, and if not because we’re running of breath, ‘di pa kami maghihiwalay.

We were breathing quickly, almost gasping. Our gazes were locked, and his was
dreamy and drunk. Mine was burning and pleading. He glanced at my mouth helplessly.

“Hindi pa kita sinasagot, Clytemnestra,” bulong niya.

I licked my lower lip.

“I know, it’s just a kiss… to seal the contract, right?”

Ang palad niya sa batok ko’y gumapang sa pisngi ko hanggang mapunta sa labi
ko. He rubbed my plump lower lip with his thumb. Umalon ang sikmura ko at isinara
ang hita.

He felt it. His burning gaze lowered in my lower extremities back to my eyes.
He saw me squirming. I parted my lips and sucked his thumb.

He cursed.

“Fuck it. No, sweetheart,” he rasped. I let out a sad sigh when he pulled his
thumb away. “No…”

He leaned in. Because I was petty, I stopped him by placing my fingers in his
chest, pushing him slightly away.

“No,” I mumbled.

“What?”

“We already kissed to seal the contract,” I explained. “We’ve signed—”

“I’m not done signing yet,” he insisted, taking my hand away and placing it
on his nape while leaning in until our chests got squeezed.

“Ano?”

“You sucked my tongue before I could finish my signature. Sandeja pa lang

‘yong napirma ko, wala pa ‘yong s.” He chuckled and then he kissed me again,
finishing his signature by taking my sanity and breath away.

Kabanata 43

Kabanata 43

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 Last one…

Pumahalumbaba ako habang nakatitig sa printer. My jaw ticked.

Why the fuck was it too slow?!

Huminga ako nang malalim at sumandal sa swivel chair. It’s been two days
since I did this but I still haven’t got the chance to print it physically because
I was always fucking busy.

I tapped my fingers impatiently.

Calm the fuck down, Chiel! You printed it in high resolution! Kaya matagal!

I sighed loudly and focused my attention on the first copy I printed.

Tinitigan ko ‘yon, hinaplos saglit kung nasaan ang pirma at binasa ang labi. I then
carefully kept it in the envelope and waited another excruciating minute until my
copy was done.

I cursed when it fell on the output tray. Kinuha ko ang nakahanda nang bukas
na frame sa lamesa ko’t maingat na inilagay roon ang papel. I closed it after,
shifting the frame to see the contract inside.

Exclusive Courtship Contract

I tried stopping my smirk but I couldn’t, seeing my signature along with hers
in the lower part of the paper.

Of course, I made sure we literally signed the contract, too! We sealed it

with a kiss, yes, but I knew it wasn’t legally binding. Kapag ‘di niya tinupad ang
kontrata, paano ko dadalhin sa korte ‘yon kung walang pirma namin?

I just can’t tell the judge we sealed it with a kiss! I’d be a laughingstock
in the court for sure, kaya sinigurado kong walang lusot talaga siya!

Unless she wanted to pay a hundred million dollars, she wouldn’t think of
breaching of contract—but most of the time, I wish she would so she’d marry me.

Nasapo ko ang mukha.

Tangina ka, Alchiel?! Ano ‘yan?! Move on ka, ‘di ba? Anong move on?!

Bumuntonghininga ako, muling sumandal sa swivel chair at iniangat sa ere ang

frame kung nasaan ang kontrata.

I was moving on, for sure! Binigyan ko nga lang siyang chance para ‘di ako
matuloy.

Gago, kailan ka ba natuloy?

I scratched my eyebrow. I really hated the fucking voices in my head

sometimes. Nakakatanga kausap! Pangit ka-bonding! Kitang nagmo-move on ang tao!

Pumirma rin ang witness namin sa kontrata, the head of her security. He was
weirded out, giving us a look but didn’t comment. I was sure he already knew how
weird this family was. He’s been working with us for years now. Sanay na ‘yon
panigurado.

I read through our obligations and conditions again, chuckling a little at

one clause stating our families shouldn’t know for now. I wanted to keep it
lowkey—at least that’s what I told her but it was a lie.

Ayaw ko lang talagang masabihan ng marupok.

My cousins were fuckers. They wouldn’t let me live through the day if they
found out I was involved with Clyte again after I assured them that night when she
pushed me away that I would never.

Nagpustahan ang mga gago, sabi ay kakainin ko ang sinabi ko. I said I won’t.
Never again.

Never again, my ass.

If there’s one thing our families had in common—t was we enjoyed eating our
words so much. Mga marurupok. Tangina lang.

I used to laugh at Zion’s face for saying one thing and doing another yet
here I am, Your Honor!

Amazing…

Ang sarap nga talagang kainin ang sinasabi. Zion’s right. Lasang tanga with
cherry on top.

So, I wanted to keep it as quiet as possible. At saka hindi pa ako sigurado

kung sasagutin ko ‘yon, e. Choosy kasi ako sa manliligaw.

My phone’s screen lit. Napaahon ako at ibinaba ang frame para hablutin ang
phone at mabasa ang message ng manliligaw pero wala!

My forehead creased.

Where’s my good noon message? It’s her obligation to message me kahit ‘di ako
mag-reply!

Instead, it was a message from Zion with the updates about the CCTV footage
where Israel Sebastian was seen. He’s with Cole who followed him thirty minutes
later. Unfortunately, there were no other CCTV installed in the old port and we
only had highway footage for the cars they possibly used.

We got the plate number but it did not exist.

I brought up Clyte’s number in my phone, worried why she hadn’t texted me yet
but I stopped myself.

I am not clingy. It’s in the contract.

Instead, I called her security and they informed me they had a visual. She’s
just busy with her training.

They sent me a photo of her in her scrub suit. She’s in the hospital now,
training. She wanted to get back to working and I was glad she was slowly returning
to her old routine but I wouldn’t keep my guard down.

That’s what we’ve done before and what happened? She was taken from us.

I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

 Jackson, Israel Sebastian, and that fucker, Cole Fernandez, were still out
there. It’d be more dangerous now that they’re in the same city as my woman.

Bumuntonghininga ako at muling pinaalala ang shift ng security niya kada

dalawang oras. I didn’t want tired guards around her kaya gusto kong magpalit-palit
na lang sila ng shift kaysa hindi alerto dahil walang pahinga.

When Bryce knocked and called me for lunch, I went with him after displaying
our contract together with my awards.

I was not hungry. On normal days, I’d stay in my office to do work until the
worms inside my stomach would crawl out in hunger but I couldn’t now.

Magagalit kasi ‘yong manliligaw ko.

I bit my inner cheek.

Manliligaw…

Huh! Kinilig na naman ang tanga!

Sumilip ako sa phone nang muling mag-vibrate at napangiti na nang lumitaw ang
message niya.

From: Suitor

Good noon, sweetheartttt! Sorry for the late message! I’m very busy! Medyo
nag-a-adjust kasi ‘di na ako sanay sa hospital works but I can do it! How are you?
It’s lunch! Kain ka na! Bawal pagutom! Papasagutin pa kita, ‘di ka pa p’wedeng
mamatay!😘

I moistened my lower lip to hide a smile.

Sweet.

“Naks! Sumama si Prosecutor!” Rome exclaimed when he saw me beside Bryce.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin.

Sinimangutan ko lang ito sabay baling sa phone para basahin ang kasunod na
message.

From: Suitor

I love youuuu!!! Mwuah!!!😘

“Ay, may pa-I love you!” Rome exclaimed while staring at my phone.

Iritadong itinago ko ang phone at sumimangot lalo.

“It’s nothing—”

“Huh? Anong I love you?” ani Bryce. Meia’s eyes were as wide.

“Sa phone ni Sandejas!” Rome exclaimed, laughing. Kung suksukan ko kaya ng

sapatos ‘yong bibig nito. Tsismoso!

I shook my head firmly, my eyes finding Meia’s surprised gaze.

Shit. No. This was a secret!

 “That’s nothing,” I tried making my way out of it. “That’s just my niece—”

“Niece? E, suitor ang nakalagay!” Rome laughed.

Kumuyom ang kamay ko, handa nang sapakin ang bunganga niya. Even Bryce was
giving me a look.

“May girlfriend ka na, Prosecutor?” ani Bryce. “Akala ko ba…”

“It’s nothing,” I dismissed, giving Rome a murderous look. If he opened his

damn mouth again, ‘di ako magdadalawang-isip ipakain sa kanya ang kamao ko.

He raised his hand and zipped his mouth close playfully.

“M-may I love you?” halos pabulong na sinabi ni Meia at ‘di ko na nabawi nang
makitang nagtitipa siya ng phone.

Shit.

What was it this time?

I didn’t entertain questions. Luckily, Bryce just observed and Meia’s eyeing
me curiously. Ang gagong si Rome lang talaga ang may bungangang parang nilagyan ng
speaker na hindi matahimik kakatanong.

“Sino ‘yon?”

“Isang tanong pa, mawawalan ka ng ngipin ngayong araw,” I spat. He grinned

but then shut his mouth.

Bigla akong nanghinayang. I hoped he’d run his mouth again to tease me so I’d
have an excuse to punch him in the face. I’d tell him it’s because he’s nosy but
deep inside, it has been my dream since we were in high school when I found out
Clytemnestra had a crush on him.

Crush, my ass. Pakialam ko kung crush niya ‘to noon?

Ex-crush lang siya, ako ‘yong mahal! Nililigawan pa!

Bryce might’ve caught my smirk because he shot his brow up at me. Tumikhim
ako at hinila ang necktie bago bumitaw agad.

Fuck. Clyte will be mad if I ruined this again. Kakapaayos ko lang kaninang
umaga! I promised I wouldn’t mess it up today!

It’s all Rome’s fault! Pasimple kong tinapakan ang paa niya.

“Aray!”

I glanced at him innocently and brought my food to my mouth.

“What happened?” I asked like I didn’t step on his new shoes.

“Tinapakan mo ‘ko!” he accused.

I shrugged. “Did I?”

He snorted and rolled his eyes. Satisfaction filled my chest.

 Deserved.

My phone vibrated.

From: Suitor

You weren’t that discreet, sweetheart. Akala ko ba secret? Bakit nakita nina
Rome ‘yong I love you? Binibida mo, ‘no?

My lips pursed. Sumulyap ako kay Meia na nagtitipa sa phone niya.

This woman, really. Dapat nagsasama sila ni Rome na parehong tsismoso.

Nanlaki ang mata niya pagkakita ng tingin ko at nag-iwas ng tingin sabay

sapak kay Rome na nagulantang.

To: Suitor

No, I don’t. He’s just nosy. Nakikisilip sa phone.

From: Suitor

Hmm… sige na nga! Kunwari naniniwala ako! If I know, pinagkakalat mo r’yan na

nanliligaw ako! Do you know it’s a breach of contract? May penalty ‘yon!

To: Suitor

Alright, then. Are you ready to marry me?

She saw it. I saw three dots moving until it disappeared.

I smirked.

To: Suitor

Cat got your tongue, Bella? Show me proof I was showing them our messages
then I’ll marry you.

From: Suitor

Marami kang pera! Gusto ko ‘yong 100M!!!

To: Suitor

I’m broke. I just bought my nieces customized princess beds. Can’t afford the
100M. The only thing I could offer is marriage. You interested?

From: Suitor

Hmm… kailan ka magpo-propose?

I moistened my lower lip, relaxing on the chair to reply, thinking of it.

To: Suitor

I don’t have to. You’re already wearing my ring on your finger.

The dots appeared and disappeared. I typed again.

 To: Suitor

Do you have a white dress, sweetheart? I could call Judge Sandejas right now.

Nag-offline siya bigla.

I laughed.

“Damn it, Bella,” I mumbled under my breath.

Manliligaw pala, ah? Ni hindi nga makaisip ng panglalandi pabalik kapag

nanghaharot ako.

My face’s probably bright and there’s still a ghost of a smile on my lips

when I realized all eyes were on me. Nakanganga silang tatlo.

Umayos ako ng upo at binura ang ngiti at reaksyon sa mukha.

“What?”

“Sinong Bella?!” Meia exclaimed. “L-lubog na ba ang AlClyte?!”

I cleared my throat and took my tray, standing from my seat.

“See you in the office,” I uttered.

“Prosecutor!” Meia called but I was walking with large steps away from them.

After that loud lunch, I bought food from the cafeteria and went to my
sister’s department. I knocked and asked about her.

“Good afternoon, is Prosecutor Sandejas in here?” I asked.

Nanlaki ang mata ng secretary niya pero ngumiti.

“Good afternoon, Prosecutor! Wala po si Prosecutor Sandejas, Prosecutor—”

Mukhang nalito rin siya kaya napangiti ako.

“Where is she?”

“Kasama po ni Judge Sandejas, ‘yong Dad n’yo po. Kumain po yata sila? Baka
nasa may rooftop garden!”

Nandito na si Dad?

I thanked her and went to the elevator to go up. I was greeted when I got
there. Tumango ako at bumati pabalik.

I looked around, looking for my sister and father when I heard loud laughter
from somewhere. Naglakad ako at nagsalubong ang kilay nang makita sina Dad, kasama
nila ang tatlong lalaki—Zy, Macky, and Dei.

The hell are these assholes doing here? Bakit ‘di ko alam?

I cleared my throat.

Sabay-sabay silang napatingin sa akin.

 “Chiel-taba!” Zy blurted happily.

“Kuya!” Adi rose from her seat, wearing her terno suit and pants, walking
closer me for a hug. Sinalubong ko siya at ngumiti, yumakap at humalik sa kanyang
noo.

“Hello, princess. Dinalhan kitang pagkain kaso kumain ka na pala.” Sumulyap

ako kay Dad na nakangiti lang at pinapanood kami.

“Dad visited! Akala namin you’re out sa trial kaya ‘di na ako nag-text.
Sorry!” Lumayo siya at inabot ang paper bag na hawak ko. “I’ll still eat this!
Thank you, Kuya!”

“It’s fine. Nag-reschedule kaya ‘di kami natuloy.” Ngumiti ako at ginulo ang
buhok niya bago naglakad patungo kay Dad. “Hi, Dad.”

“Son,” he called. Tumayo siya at saglit kaming nagyakap. Tinapik niya ang
likod ko. “Kumain ka na, anak?”

“Yes, Dad. Pumunta ako kasi dadalhan ko sana ng tanghalian si Adi.”

“Oh, we’ve eaten lunch already. I hope you don’t mind.” He smirked. His face
was playful and strict at the same time. He had this intimidating air in him that a
lot of people were saying I got from him.

“It’s fine. You got here early. Akala ko bukas pa ang uwi mo?”

“Yup, there’s a change in trial. It was rescheduled to next week so I went

here to visit. I missed my children, hindi ko na kasi kayo madalas na nakikita.”

I felt the pinpricks of pain in my chest. I felt bad. I was so busy with work
that I visited them only once or twice a week. Napansin niya ang reaksyon ko kaya
natawa siya at umakbay.

I sighed. “I’m sorry, Dad. I missed you, too. I promise to visit again—”

“It’s fine, son.” He tapped my arm. “I know how hectic the prosecution
schedule was. We understand.”

“Si Mom?”

“She’s out for lunch with your Tita Zidney,” aniya. Nangunot ang noo ko,
nagtataka.

He shrugged.

“They said it’s ‘Girl’s Talk’.” He quoted and unquoted.

Napatango na lang ako, napapaisip.

Sabay kaming bumalik sa may upuan kung saan nag-iingay ang mga lalaki at
kinakausap si Adi kaya tumikhim ako.

“Ano’ng ginagawa n’yo rito?” I asked.

“Nangungumusta lang!” As usual, si Zion ang buhay na buhay. “Ikaw sana

guguluhin namin kaso nakita namin si Tito papasok kaya sumama na kami!”

I scoffed. “And you didn’t even text me?”

 “Akala nga namin nasa trial ka,” Macky explained.

Sinulyapan ko si Deion. He smirked at me.

“Ate?” he mouthed silently.

I shrugged as if I hadn’t texted her sister just a few minutes ago. He gave
me a suspicious look. I feigned innocence, glancing at my sister checking out the
foods I bought. Inayos ko ang buhok niya at inilagay sa likod para ‘di mahulog.

“You can save it for the break if you’re still full,” I told her. “Hindi
naman rice meal.”

It was just some pasta, butter bread, and some side dish salad. I figured she
possibly ate kaya ‘di kanin ang dinala ko.

“Alright, medyo full pa nga ako.” Nguso niya pero kinuha ang shake na dala
ko. She took the straw para sana itusok sa lagayan pero nahirapang gawin at hindi
matulis ang dulo ng straw.

I was about to offer to open it for her but Dad was already taking it from
her hand.

“Let me,” aniya, walang hirap na nabutasan ang inumin at ibinalik kay Adi na
malapad na ang ngiti.

“Thank you, Daddy!” she chirped happily and kissed his cheek.

Dad’s eyes softened and the love that shone in his eyes was so palpable I
felt it in my chest. If I were to have a family, I would do my best for it to
become like ours.

My mind wandered on it. To the small kids running around the backyard,
playing in the swing. I often see that image in my sister’s house with my two
nieces and in my cousin’s home who already had a family.

In my imagination, I could see giggling toddlers while I was chasing them

around, and if I imagined the wife in my head would be faceless—no. Even in my
daydreams, my wife has lustrous black hair, bangs covering her forehead, red heart-
shaped lips, a pointed nose, high cheekbones, and dreamy chocolate-brown eyes.

It was her.

I realized then that I was the oldest in our generation and yet I was the
last one to have a family and wife. Well, aside from Adi and the kids—Queen and
Dette.

Tumatanda na talaga ako. I was already in my mid-thirties. Mabilis ang

panahon. Isang kurap lang, magulat ako, forty na pala ako.

Damn it. Magkakaanak pa naman siguro ako no’n, ano? I’m a healthy male! I
have monthly checkups and our physician cleared me of any reproductive-related
problems.

We were only at risk of high blood pressure and sometimes, weak heart
problems. Ayon lang halos ang history ng pamilya kaya we’re monitoring but I was
sure having kids wouldn’t be a problem for me. The question would be, will Clyte
want children?
 I wanted to have kids running around our home but of course, it’s still up to
her. If she wanted kids, we’ll have kids. If she doesn’t, we won’t.

Being with her was already a win. That’s enough—perhaps too much already. I
was only daydreaming and hoping like a fool before that she’d look my way and
notice I was in love with her kaya ‘di na ako hihiling pa kung sobra-sobra na sa
pangarap ko ang nandito.

Having her was already a win, having children with her will just be a bonus.

Tignan mo ang tangang ‘to…

The fucking inner monologue was at it again. I tried ignoring it.

Shut up!

Nanliligaw pa lang sa ‘yo, anak na kaagad nasa utak mo? Gising! Nananaginip
ka na naman!

I mentally choked the inner demon. It was only laughing at me.

Punyeta! Panira ng pangarap! Masama bang mangarap?!

Finally, it shut up but my attention went back to my talking family. Naging

alerto ako pagkarinig ng pangalan ni Clyte.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“We’re tightening the security even more,” ani Deion.

“I’ve talked to Zeijan,” ani Dad kaya bumaling ako sa kanya. “Israel has
connections now that Jackson is out with his fucking brother.”

My jaw ticked, napahawak ako sa batok.

“Let’s add more security in the family,” I said.

“Yes, we’re doing it now. I’m just waiting for a heads up from Dad,” ani Zy.
“We’re deploying soldiers and undercovers in nearby ports and hotels. We’re also
checking out properties around Bulacan and in Metro since it’ll be risky for them
to stay in public. They’re dumb but not too dumb to show themselves in cameras.”

“I think it might be a show off,” ani Macky kaya bumaling kami sa kanya. “He
wanted to raise alarm. To threaten, to tell us they’re already here.”

“I think so, too,” ani Adi. “Did you see the way that creepy Cole stared at
the camera? He’s smirking. He knows.”

Muling bumigat ang pakiramdam ko’t nagdilim ang paningin kapag naaalala ang
mukha ng putang inang ‘yon. I swear in my life, I will not let him go to jail
unscathed. I will make sure no one from them gets to go to jail just like that.

I believe in law and justice but I worked with it long enough to know it was
also bullshit. It was unfair, unjust, terrible, and sometimes, you have to bend it
to teach a lesson these assholes will never learn in prison.

I have a list of people in my head that deserved worse than getting stuck in
prison. They say I’m honorable but nope, not when they touch the people I love.
 For them, I could be the devil too.

That small talk eventually became a family meeting. I ended up taking a half
day and we went all the way to the ancestral house to wait for them. Habang nasa
biyahe ay tumawag sa ‘kin si Lorraine tungkol sa recent updates.

I called Clyte’s security and confirmed she’s still in their visual.

“She’s fully guarded, don’t worry,” ani Dad kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

“Who?”

“Clyte…” He smirked and before I could even ask, umalis na siya sa opisina
para salubungin ang mga kapatid niya.

My gaze collided with Tita Zidney. My heart spiked, suddenly conscious and
nervous. Napaayos ako ng tayo at lumapit para magmano.

“Good afternoon, Tita,” I greeted.

Her eyes were cold and serious. She was staring at me as if she could read
right through me and I did my best not to tremble, let her see I was nervous and
somehow scared. Tita Zid has this intimidating air. She looked cold, composed, and
unfeeling but that’s just what people often see from her because I know her.

She was sweet, kind, gentle—a great mother.

She smiled. Nabunutan ako ng tinik.

“Don’t you have work, Chiel?” Tinanggap niya ang pagmano ko.

“I got off work early, Tita. Nandoon kasi sina Dad and sina Dei. We talked
about the case and we thought it was better to just set up a meeting.”

Tumango siya at sinabayan ko siya ng lakad para ipag-angat ng upuan.

“Thank you. Your mom went back to work. She’s a bit busy,” she informed.

Gusto ko sana maging tsismoso at magtanong anong usapan nila but I shut my
mouth.

“Welcome po. Do you want drinks?” I offered.

“Hmm, I’m quite thirsty. Anong meron tayo r’yan?” She looked around.

“We have juice, coffee, tea…” I enumerated but then my gaze met with Deion.

He smirked. “Sipsip,” he mouthed.

Sinimangutan ko siya pero napawi iyon nang mapansing pinapanood ako ni Dad.
He was resting his back on the wall, watching us. I saw the amused smile on his
lips until he caught my eye.

He shot his brow up at me. Tumikhim ako sabay iwas, muling bumaling kay Tita.

“I think I’ll have the tea,” she murmured. “You can also bring the cake here.
I baked some earlier, nasa ref.”
 “Alright, do you have any flavor in mind or…”

“I think we have chamomile sa kitchen,” ani Tita. “That will be fine.”

“Okay po, noted.” Malawak pa ang ngiti ko at tumango pero napawi na naman
nang mapansing lahat sila ay nakatingin sa akin.

Deion played with his pen while smirking. Macky and Zy were mumbling to each
other.

“Kami Chiel, juice lang p’wede na,” malakas na sabi ng gagong Zion sabay
ngisi.

If we’re alone now, I was sure as hell I’m gonna punch him in the mouth.

“Alright,” pormal kong sabi kahit nangangati na akong manuntok ng mga gagong
pinsan.

“Salamat! Pa-add na rin ako ng cake,” aniya na ginawa pa akong kusinero. I

narrowed my gaze at him.

Naglakad na ako palabas pero nang madaanan ko si Dad ay narinig kong

nagsalita siya.

“That’s my boy,” he uttered.

Nagtataka akong bumaling sa kanya, naguluhan.

“Dad?”

“Coffee for me,” he said instead with a proud smile.

Nahilo tuloy ako pagkababa. I prepared tea for Tita Zid and coffee for my
father. Nagtimpla ako ng juice na stock sa kitchen sa ancestral house at kinuha ang
cake sa ref.

Wala pa ang iba kong tito but I also prepared glasses and plates for them.

Pinag-iisipan ko kung ilang balik ako para maiakyat sa meeting room ang mga
gamit nang lumitaw ang mga tsismoso.

“Sipag naman ni loverboy…” The annoying asshole said. “Naks, sipsip kay
Mommy…”

“Tangina ka, Zion. Kita mo mamaya ka sa ‘kin,” banta ko kaagad.

Humalakhak siya at siniko si Marcus.

“Bakit ako lang? Si Macky rin kaya—”

“Gago, dinamay mo pa ‘ko,” reklamo ng huli pero nakangisi rin. “Tulungan ka

sana namin, Chiel.”

Sumimangot ako at pinaayos sa kanila ang mga platito.

“Bati na kayo ni Clyte?” usyoso ni Zion.

“No,” I lied effortlessly.

 Ngumuso si Zy.

“Gago, bakit hindi?!” he exclaimed.

“Told you.” Humalakhak si Macky. “Changed person na si Chiel. ‘Di na ‘yan

marupok!”

“Hmm…” Nagpamaywang si Zion. “I’m not convinced yet! Naggo-glow ka, e.”

Binato ko siya ng walang lamang sachet.

“Gago, ano ‘ko lightstick?”

“I told you, he’s moving on,” ani Macky. “Marupok pamilya natin pero once
lang.”

“Hmm, buti pa ‘yong pagkamarupok natin once ‘no? Pero ‘yong pagkauto-uto mo
twice?” ani Zion sabay ngisi.

Napahagalpak ako ng tawa. Macky’s face fell, offended.

“Gago ka ba?” he spat. “I’m not—”

“Tangina n’yo. Tulungan n’yo na lang kaya ‘ko,” putol ko na bago pa magrambol
kaya tumalima sila. Nga lang, ‘di talaga mabubusalan ang bibig ni Zion na
nangungulit.

“I said no,” I mumbled.

“Oh, ‘di talaga ‘ko naniniwala, e. ‘Di ka kasi mukhang malungkot—”

“Ano, kapag malungkot dapat nakasimangot din?” I retorted.

“Oo, para obvious na sad!”

Minsan nga ewan ko ba talaga sa lalaking ‘to. Epekto siguro ng expired na

gatas noon na nainom niya. O kaya sa kinain niyang tae sa diaper.

“He’s moving on,” laban ni Macky kaya ro’n na tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Did you have a bet on my relationship?” I grunted.

Natahimik sila sabay iwas at kuha ng ibang gamit.

“Hey!” I called but they were already sneaking away from me.

These assholes!

I was about to follow them but my phone vibrated and I saw a message from
Clyte.

From: Suitor

Hi, Chiel! Dad left the hospital thirty minutes ago. He said he was heading
to the ancestral house. Hindi ako sinama. Is everything alright?

To: Suitor

Yes, we’ll just have a quick meeting about the case. Your mom’s here.
 From: Suitor

Should I come? I can ask the head nurse.

To: Suitor

No, it’s alright. You’re busy. I’ll fill you in later, okay? Take care.

From: Suitor

It’s not bad, right?

To: Suitor

Yes, it’s just for precaution. Don’t worry.

She let it go and when I got to the room, nandito na sila.

My mother wasn’t here but Dad was. Nandito rin sina Tito Dash at Tito Zeijan
kasama si Tito Alyx.

I smiled at Crest who waved when she saw me, sa kanyang tabi ay si Locket na
nakasandal sa balikat niya at pinaglalaruan ang daliri ng asawa.

Adi was here with the boys and Bullet. We’re not complete but it’s
understandable for such short notice.

Deretso ang lakad ko patungo kay Tita para sa tsaa nang matanto kong katabi
niya si Tito Thorn. His eyes are cold and serious—colder than Tita from earlier.

Unti-unti kong inilagay ang tsaa sa harapan ni Tita.

“Thank you, Chiel,” aniya at ngumiti. I nodded at her sabay baling kay Tito
na kunot ang noo at nakatingin sa asawa na parang may ginawa itong ‘di niya gusto.
Ngumuso lang si Tita at mahinhin na sumimsim ng tsaa.

“Good afternoon, Tito,” I greeted nervously.

Saglit niya akong tiningnan bago pirming tumango at bumaling sa harapan.

“What’s the plan?” he asked the group.

Oh… was he mad at me?

I was still worried when Dad called me kaya pumunta ako sa tabi niya at
naupo.

Tito Zeijan discussed the precautions we’ll be taking to protect the family
and heighten security.

“We got the witnesses’ statements from the port,” I started. “They said they
got there via private boat. May mga security rin. They didn’t report it because it
was normal for them. May mga illegal na nakakapasok na ro’n noon pa.”

“Who are the owners?” I almost jumped at Tito Thorn’s question but I composed
myself as I told him the names.

“They’re dead. No children or heirs but we found something interesting.

Legally, the port should be closed and abandoned but it wasn’t right now because of
the residents living around the area. The port was reportedly managed by a distant
relative. They did not know the names but they knew an alias, Mr. K.”

“Kiko Fernandez,” Tita Zidney blurted, referring to Israel’s lawyer and

Cole’s father who was fortunately rooting in jail.

Tumango ako.

“It is possible and we are assuming it was him until we verified. However,
with him in the cell, Cole Fernandez was managing. The security was from the
Sebastians.”

“He’s power tripping,” ani Tita Alyx kaya bumaling kami sa kanya, kakababa
niya lang ng phone. “They were trying to scare us. It will also be possible to give
us false information from witnesses they planted. Be careful who and what
information to trust, they might lead us to something but do another thing. They’re
doing it now.”

“What happened? Is my daughter safe?” ani Tito Thorn na dumiin ang boses.

“Yes, Thorn,” Tito Zeij answered. “We have a visual. However, the getaway car
the CCTV caught was seen around Makati just now beating a red light.”

My heart raced.

“What?”

“The police are after them as of the moment,” ani Locket. “They wanted to be
seen. If they want to keep it low, they won’t beat the red light. It will alert
officers nearby but they did. They wanted a show.”

“I’m sure they were thinking we will double or triple Clyte’s security,” Tito
Zeij said. “And we will, however, they’re probably assuming that because our focus
was on her, we’d let our guards down like before and that’s when they’ll attack.”

“You mean, Kuya, he might attack someone else from the family?” Tita Zid
asked.

“Possibly, Zidney-tot. You are possibly one of their targets and I won’t let
them ambush you again—or anyone in this family, okay?” Seryoso siya nang sinasabi
iyon pero malambing ang mata.

She nodded, fear and anger in her eyes. Tito Thorn reached for her and took
her hand. Sumandal si Tita sa kanya. He whispered something on her, tumango siya at
yumakap sa asawa.

“Are the additional security approved?” Tito Thorn asked. “I want to request
an additional for my children. Hindi natin alam ang nasa utak nila and they might
go after my wife but also target my children. Maliliit pa ang mga apo ako at…” I
saw how anger and protectiveness filled his eyes. “Tell me what to do to help.”

“You’re doing more than enough, Thorn,” ani Dad sa tabi ko. “They could also
target you—anyone of us so no one in this family will let their guard down. Be
alert. They could attack anyone, anytime. Trust your gut.”

“The security was approved,” ani Bullet na nakaupo sa hita ng asawa niya,
kabababa lang ng phone. “I’ve also asked additional help from Kuya Levi.”
 Fucking Levi…

My jaw clenched but I knew I could not argue because security and the safety
of my family were far more important than my jealousy.

“I talked to Azul and yes, they’re bringing men here to help but it might
take days or a week. With our number, hindi kakayanin ng bilang ng guards lang
natin ito, lalo na kapag doble o tripleng security so I suggest until they get
here, the kids will stay somewhere safe,” Tito Zeij explained.

“How so?” ani Tita.

“Take them to a safe place quietly,” ani Tito Zeij. “Where no one could
detect them moving for a few days so we could maximize the use of our security
dahil tayo lang ang nandito.”

“Let’s get them to Sta. Monica. The province is small but we could filter who
gets to go inside. May tauhan naman sa airport at bus stations. I’ll add more in
the ports,” ani Tito Dash. “We could ready the private jet first thing in the
morning. Lahat ba sila?”

Tito Zeij nodded.

“If possible, yes, but I know some of them are busy. Let’s ask, say a quick
vacation or perhaps your monthly getaway!” His eyes brightened.

“I could tell them it’s a getaway!” Crest presented happily.

Tito grinned.

“Great! Kaya ikaw talaga ang favorite pamangks ko!” Nag-apir pa ang dalawa.
Napangiti ako pero napawi nang maalala ang pesteng ampao na ‘yan.

Crest chuckled when he caught my expression. Napailing ako.

It was settled, and we would fly to Sta. Monica discreetly while our parents
would stay here para ‘di kalat ang security. Of course, we would have ours in the
province but it was safer than here in Manila.

I wanted to stay and help until the additional security got here but I
wouldn’t let Clyte out of my sight. ‘Di nga ako mapirmi kapag wala siya, paano pa
kaya kung malayo siya?

It was almost seven when we finished. Nakaakbay ako sa mga kapatid habang
pababa kami ng hagdan at uuwi na.

“How are you, Chiel?” Crest asked.

“Hmm…” I nodded. “I’m fine.”

I could sense a lot of questions in her eyes and I wanted to tell her the
real score between her best friend and me but she would freak out knowing Clyte’s
courting me. It would be impossible she’d keep it quiet.

“How are you and Clyte? Nag-uusap kayo?” maliit na tanong niya and to prevent
my expression to give me away, nag-iwas na ako ng tingin.

“She’s fine, kambal,” I answered instead. I think I convinced her because she
sighed sadly.
 Damn, I was going to hell for lying to her but I wouldn’t breach the contract
I made. Clyte would know.

Inihatid ko sila sa sasakyan. Sasabay si Adi kay Dad at nang ayos na sila’y
lumapit ako sa kotse nina Tita Zid para magpaalam. She was still outside, waiting
for her husband when I got close to her.

“Ingat po, Tita,”

Nilingon niya ako. She smiled.

“Thank you. Be careful driving,” paalala niya.

Naubusan ako kaagad ng sasabihin, parang nablangko na kaharap ko ang mommy ni

Clyte. I was tall but I felt like a small shy boy in front of my auntie. Napahawak
ako sa batok.

“If… you need help for anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Regarding the case, the prosecution is collaborating with the police. We already
have an APB going on. We’ll make sure to catch them.”

She was just watching me, her expression not showing much of what she really
felt. When she didn’t comment, I felt a pit in my stomach. I nodded.

“Uh… I’ll be going first, Tita. Ingat po ulit.”

Nagpamulsa ako, muling ngumiti at tumalikod para bumalik sana sa sasakyan

nang tinawag niya ako.

“Chiel?”

Mabilis akong lumingon. “Po?”

She sighed and she walked closer to me in small steps. Inangat niya ang
tingin.

“How are you?” she suddenly asked.

Nagtaka ako pero tumango. “I’m doing fine, just busy with work.”

“Have you been talking to Clyte?” Kung gulat ako’y mas lalo lang ngayon sa
tanong niya. Dinaga ng kaba ang dibdib ko.

“Yes,” I answered. “Sometimes…”

Shit. Anong sometimes?!

Before I could even correct my words, I noticed the haunted look in her gaze.

“Tita—”

“I’ll entrust you to take care of her, hmm?” mahinahong niyang sabi.

I was still stunned as I nodded my head.

“Yes po, Tita,” I murmured.

“Sorry for the trouble, hijo. I hope it’s okay with you,” she breathed out
and then she held my arm. “Wait here. I have something for you.”

Nagtataka ko siyang pinanood nang binuksan niya ang sasakyan at may kinuha sa
likuran na paper bag. My forehead creased when she extended a paper bag.

Tinanggap ko iyon at sinilip.

“It’s cookies,” aniya. “I forget taking it earlier but that’s yours.”

Nagulat ako. “Mine?”

“Hmm…” She smiled again. I realized that Scira looked a lot like her. “I
baked it with the cake. I was planning on giving it to Dei to give you but I
forgot
kaya ako na lang ang nagdala ngayon. It’s not much but I hope you like it. It’s
my
small thank you to you for looking after my daughter and my family for years, for
being patient, and…”

It broke me when I noticed tears forming in her eyes.

“I wasn’t too vocal about my feelings and all. I-I’m not good at it.” Umiling
siya at napatawa. “I’m sorry, I know I was one of the reasons why all these was
happening—”

“It wasn’t,” I cut her off. “It was their fault. Not yours.”

“Still…” Her eyes twinkled sadly then she took my palms. “Thank you, anak.”

I was astounded. If it’s because of her words or her calling me anak…

It was simple but it meant a lot to me. Naramdaman ko ang paghapdi ng mata.

She squeezed my hand.

“Pasensya na kung ang dami-daming responsibilidad na nabibigay sa ‘yo.

Pasensya na sa gulo. Pasensya na sa ‘kin at sa anak ko. If Clyte was making it hard
for you, it wasn’t her fault. It was mine.”

“Tita…”

“No, she got it from me.” She chuckled. “It’s my fault. I didn’t force them
to do anything to please me but they felt like they should. My children.”

Hindi ako nakaimik dahil alam ko ang nangyaring ‘yon.

“I’m not a great mom, I’m not great growing up—I pleased other people so
they’d like me and accept me but ended up getting stepped on because I’m weak. When
I got to my feet, I promised no one would look down on me. No one would find a
flaw, and no one would see a fault. I should be flawless and intimidating. I wanted
people to see and respect me tapos ‘di ko napansin na kahit ‘di sadya’y gano’n din
ang tingin sa akin ng mga anak ko. They think they should be as flawless as me,
with no imperfection, not causing disappointment but really? I wasn’t that. I was
full of fucked up, pent-up faults. I’m not perfect.”

I remained staring. I felt her hand trembling.

“My Clyte probably thought of me all this time and snubbed her happiness,”
she whispered. “I did it to her. It was my fault.”
Umiling ako, gustong ipagpilitan na wala siyang kasalanan.
 “Tita…”

She smiled and put her palm on my cheek.

“After all these shits and those devils are rooting in jail, I wanted to make
this all right. Alam kong ang kapal ng mukha ko para sabihin pa ‘to pagkatapos ng
mga ginawa ko noon. I will definitely understand if you choose to rest but if ever
you could extend more patience for my family and my daughter… I’m not forcing you
and I completely understand if you won’t but…” Her voice quivered. “If y-you still
want to, there’s no one I trust my daughter with but you.”

Shut. The. Fuck. Up.

I was stunned. Natulala ako kay Tita at nangatog ang hita. I almost lost my
balance. She gasped and gripped my arm.

“Chiel?!”

“I-I’m…” Humawak ako sa sasakyan nila para maibalik ang lakas sa paa. “Sorry,
I’m fine, Tita…” Nakatulala pa rin ako sa kanya.

Kunot ang noo niya, nag-aalala ang mga mata at sinuguradong ayos lang ako. I
nodded and stared at her like an excited toddler.

“Did you just…” My heart was fucking racing. “Did you just approve…”

Namula siya sabay tikhim.

“I-I also brought you the rose seeds you requested, anak.” Umiwas siya sabay
halughog ng gamit niya sa sasakyan pero nakanganga lang ako, siguradong may puso na
ang mga mata.

When she got back, her face was neutral, as if she hadn’t just subtly told me
she approved!

“I’m sure you know how to plant that. It will take time to grow and bloom so
just be patient, but with love and proper care, I’m sure it’ll grow beautifully.”
She smiled. “Hard work and dedication pay off well, Chiel. Love makes the roses
grow even in the middle of the snow, remember that.”

My heart was beating rapidly I thought it would explode.

“What are you two talking about? Zidney?” I stiffened when I heard the
strict, cold voice.

Napalingon kami at nakita ang seryosong tingin ni Tito Thorn. Unlike before,
he had no smiles for me. Tito has always been kind and gentle, he offers a smile
all the time but recently, I felt like something was off.

Mas kinabahan ako. I was so used to standing in the middle of the courtroom,
in the presscon, trying to convince the jury and the judge my client was innocent
but one look from my woman’s parents, nangangatog ako.

“Good evening, Tito,” I greeted. Pinasadahan niya lang ako ng tingin at

bumaling sa asawa na may tanong sa mga mata.

Umalon ang sikmura ko.

 “Hmm?” Tita asked.

“May sinabi ka?” Tumaas ang kilay niya sa asawa na nagkibit-balikat lang
sabay baling sa ‘kin.

“May sinabi ako? Kay Chiel? Wala naman,” aniyang magaan at may ngiti.

Tito’s eyes wandered to the two of us, observing. My heart felt like
launching out of my throat and puking in anxiety.

Tita’s expression wasn’t revealing anything but me? Hell, I should be an

expert at manipulating my expression but I was a walking transparent fucker today.

Tumikhim si Tito at umiling.

“Let’s go,” aniya at pinagbuksan ng pintuan si Tita Zidney na pasimpleng

sumulyap sa akin.

I smiled. She winked playfully like we had a secret.

“Zidney…” he called out, annoyed.

“Ito na!” She laughed. “Ikalma mo, Thornie! Ang blood pressure!”

But Tito was a grumpy man today. Akala ko pa nga ay aatrasan niya ako ng
kotse niya nang pinaandar ito. Buti na lang ay hindi!

Hindi pa ako p’wedeng mamatay! Papasuntok pa ‘ko sa kanya para mapakasalan

ang anak niya!

I was nervous but while I was driving back and processing every damn thing
that’s happened, a foolish wide grin left my mouth.

She approved of me. She approved of me!

I was excited to go home and see my suitor!

I was grinning so wide, beaming in excitement like a kid who had just gotten
his first taste of candy.

Nang mag-traffic ay kaagad kong inabot ang phone at nagtipa ng message sa

kambal.

To: Kambal Sa Apdo

Kambal!!! Magkano magpagawa ng wedding gown?????

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Zahrah

I was worried about the meeting. I knew they didn’t take me there para ‘di
ako ma-stress at mag-isip but either way, I was still worried about it.

However, it eased up a little when my best friend messaged and filled me with
the new information and updates. She also told me to get my things—as in swimsuit
and such ready because we’re taking a vacation in Sta. Monica. Tomorrow!

Kaya ayon, napauwi tuloy ako nang maaga para maghanda ng mga gamit ko. It
didn’t take me long because some of my clothes were in the duffel bag I brought
earlier after deciding to stay here.

Para saan? Of course, I wanted to go back to my normal life—nevermind the

guards and para mas mabilis makapanligaw sa nililigawan ko.

He hadn’t texted me yet so I was waiting for him to go home while I was in
his unit, cleaning and watering the dead plants in his balcony.

I shook my head. This man, really.

Hindi green thumb—sa dami ng namatay na halaman sa kanya dapat black thumb
‘to, e.

Pinakialaman ko rin ang cabinet niya para magtupi ng damit dahil wala akong
magawa, nag-iisip ng p’wedeng lutuin para sa dinner namin nang mag-message siya.

From: Verón

Hi, suitor! I was on my way home but there’s emergency in the office. I have
to go. I’m not sure if I could go home tonight. Magpapadala na lang ako ng hapunan
mo.

My lips pursed.

To: Verón

Awwww :((( sayang naman. Papahawak ko sana boobs ko.

I laughed when not a moment later, he was calling.

“I can drive by and have a squeeze,” salubong niya.

Mas lumakas ang tawa ko. “What happened to hi? Hello? How are you?”

He chuckled. “You’re teasing, that’s why. At saka nililigawan privilege ko

naman ‘yan.”

“Ay, wow? Sige, pero expired na as of the moment, one minute trial lang.
Sorry, better luck next time, sweetheart.”

He chuckled. Nakagat ko ang labi sa lambing n’on.

“I’m really sorry for the sudden change. I had to stop by the officr. I’ll
send you a meal—”

“It’s fine, really,” I told him. “I want to cook dinner. I’ll be fine. Ikaw
ang dapat kumain, magpapadala ako sa guard ng pagkain d’yan. I’ll cook.”

He sighed dreamily.

“Fuck, ganito pala pakiramdam ng nililigawan ‘no?” he blurted out. I couldn’t

stop my wide grins.

“Hmm… kaya sagutin mo na ‘ko, mahal,” lambing ko at ngumuso nang sunod-sunod

siyang magmura.

“Damn it, Clytemnestra,” he cursed. “I almost beat the red light!”

 Humagalpak ako.

“Not my fault na kinilig ka,” I giggled.

He cursed again then sighed.

“If I see you tomorrow, lagot ka sa ‘kin.”

It excited me to the core. I can’t wait to see him too!

“Did Crest call you about Sta. Monica?” tanong niya pagkaraan.

“Yup, I’m done arranging my clothes.”

“Great,” aniya. “I’m sure Crest told you briefly about the meeting but I’d
fill you in tomorrow.”

I bit my lower lip, resting my back on his cabinet.

“I think I like it better if you fill me up,” I flirted.

He stopped and when the curses rained again, saying he almost hit a post, I
couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

“Focus, Chiel!” I said playfully. “I’ll prepare your clothes tonight, don’t
worry. Ako na magdadala sa airport but just wanted to give you a head’s up that
I’ll sleep on your bed… touch myself and imagine it was you doing it.”

“Tangina…” malutong niyang pagmumura.

“Bye, Chiel! I loveee you! I’ll send you a picture hugging your pillow!”

I was not kidding. I sent him a photo of me in my satin night dress, making
sure my nipples were visible in the thin fabric while hugging his pillow.

He was ballistic and called me. ‘Di ko na sinagot, tumatawa at naaaliw

mang-
asar.

I love that adorable giant man so much.

Maaga akong nagising at naghanda ng gamit. Mom called and explained the
situation. Sinundo ako ng mga kapatid at naaliw akong makipaglaro sa mga pamangkin
sa biyahe.

We didn’t get inside the main entrance and went to the back door instead to
not cause any commotions. Last night, some of our cousins left early, including Zy
and Zire para daw ma-prepare nila ang ancestral house sa pagdating kasama sina
Sibyl na nando’n.

“BFF!” Crest chirped happily when she saw me, hopping and kissing my cheek.
She brought their dogs, Chichay and Chico.

Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit at binati ang mga inaanak na kakalabas lang ng
Duty Free, may hawak na mga paper bag at hatak-hatak si Locket sa magkabilang
kamay.

I laughed.
“Nabudol ka, ‘no?!” I asked Locket.
 “I can’t make myself say no, parang may sumpang pumipigil sa bibig ko,” sagot
niya sabay tawa at baba ng tingin sa kambal na sumasayaw na habang hawak ang paper
bag.

I was so happy. Napagod ako kakakausap sa mga pinsan, kakabuhat at laro sa

mga pamangkin pero ang mata ko’y hinahanap siya.

“He’s just on his way.” Siniko ako ni Crest.

Nagulat ako at tumikhim.

“Who?” maang-maangan ko.

“Chiel,” she murmured. “‘Di pa kayo ayos?”

“Uh…” Shit. What will I say? I can’t spill now! The contract! “Well, we’re
okay,” I said instead.

She sighed. Her sad eyes made me want to take it back and spill but it was
just too late. I couldn’t.

“Ikaw ang nag-prepare ng clothes niya?” she whispered. I nodded.

“Yeah, he was about to brief me about the meeting yesterday kaso may
emergency kaya ‘di natuloy. I offered to prepare his clothes.”

“‘Di pa rin kayo nag-uusap?” I shook my head like a robot. Mas humaba ang
nguso niya.

I was going to hell for lying, I felt bad lalo na at ang lungkot ng mga
mata
niya.

What if I tell her? Wala namang masama!

“Crest—”

“Tito-Ninong!” Sabay kaming napalingon nang marinig ang boses ng mga bata at
nagliwanag ang mukha kong pagkakita kay Chiel na papalapit.

“Ayan na ang pambansang ninong of the year,” Chance blurted out but my eyes
were glued to Alchiel.

He’s fresh from the shower, I was sure. Medyo basa pa ang itim na itim na
buhok. He’s wearing an army green quarter zip sweater, beige pants, and loafers.

My jaw dropped. I was so sure hearts were forming in my eyes when his gaze
found mine.

“You should say hi!” Crest pushed me before I could even do a thing.
Nagkatitigan kami. My heart jumped out of my throat.

“H-hi,” I greeted.

“Kids, come on!” Crest chirped. The kids ran from us after taking Chiel’s
hand para mag-bless.

His blue eyes were a raging, magnificent blue.

 Mula sa mga mata ko’y nahulog ang tingin niya sa damit ko. I was just wearing
a black tank top, denim pants, and a suit jacket. I realized I was wearing the same
color of it as him—army green.

“Hi, suitor,” he answered, his voice raspy.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya. Nahulog muli ang tingin niya sa dibdib ko.

“And hi to my baby darling boobies,” he mumbled. Inangat niya ang kamay para
humawak sa dibdib ko pero bigla kong naalalang may kasama kami kaya tinampal ko ang
kamay niya.

“Hey! Bakit ka namamalo?!” I snapped.

He blinked at me unbelievably, confused.

“What—”

I gave him a look, my eyes moving to the side to tell him everyone was here
watching! Kinunutan niya ako ng noo.

“Contract,” I mouthed without a word, and realization dawned on him.

He masked his expression, from surprise and confusion to annoyance.

“What? You stepped on my feet!” sabay daing niya at hawak sa paa.

I heard gasps around me.

Gagong ‘to! Ano ‘yan?! Late reaction?!

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata para sa pang tangang palusot niya! Prosecutor ba

‘to sa lagay na ‘to?!

I snarled. “No, I didn’t! I was just saying hi—”

Sinimangutan niya ako.

“But you stepped on my shoes, bago pa lang ‘to! Papagalitan ako ni Mommy—”

“Hey! Hey! Calm down!” Pinaghiwalay kami ng mga pinsan. Crest pulled me away
gently. “Don’t fight, may kids!”

Natikom ko ang bibig.

Warren was the one to take Chiel from us at nakasimangot ako, kunwaring
iritadong naupo sa tabi ni Crest na pinapakalma ako.

“Pinalo niya ‘ko! Tama ba ‘yon?!” reklamo ko pa.

I spied Chiel a few benches away, in the opposite side of me, sitting with
the boys. May sinasabi rin siya, kunwari’y nakasimangot.

We spent it like that for a few minutes. Nakahalukipkip ako at tahimik.

Gano’n din siya.

I subtly look around to check if my cousins and siblings were busy and when I
realized they were, inangat ko ang kamay, kunwari’y uubo at tatakpan ang bibig. I
flexed my hand, covering the side of my mouth to the whole side of my face para ‘di
nila makita. I caught Chiel’s gaze.

Binigyan ko siya ng pamatay na kindat.

A boyish grin escaped his lip which he immediately hid by licking his lower
lip and firming it close but his eyes were saying otherwise.

Napangiti ako.

Sasandal na sana ako pabalik sa bench, masaya nang masalubong ko ang tingin
ni Deion. Nakaupo sa may harapan ko at pinapanood ang lahat!

Umawang ang labi ko. He smirked teasingly, telling me he’d seen it all, and
slowly shook his head, saying we were hopeless.

We’re caught!

Everyone thought we were so annoyed at each other that they even set us up in
the seats! Sa dulo kami inilagay! Kaming dalawa lang at magkatabi!

They thought it would piss us off or even reconcile us but we won’t, because
we didn’t fight! Advantage nga!

They left us there. During the start of the flight, ‘di pa kami nag-iimikang
dalawa para ganap na ganap. A few minutes, I decided to remove my suit jacket.
Napasulyap siya.

“Bella—”

“Shh… baka may tsismosa,” bulong ko at inikot ang tingin bago ipinatong ang
suit sa harang ng upuan sa pagitan namin.

He looked around too and before he could even say there’s no one looking,
hinuli ko na ang kamay niya sa ilalim ng jacket at hinawakan.

He looked at me, surprised. I squeezed his hand and caressed the back of his
palm soothingly and affectionately.

His eyes softened. Sumandal ako sa kanya at humalik sa balikat niya.

“I love you, Chiel,” I hummed.

We were quite naughty for the duration of the flight. I even lifted the suit
on my chest then I placed his hand on my boob. He was so thrilled he even slipped
his palm on my top and palmed my breast.

If we thought that was the end of it, we’re wrong. They even set us up to buy
additional drinks! Iniwan nila kami sa bayan, walang sasakyan kaya magko-commute
para mamili ng alak at sobrang kulang daw!

We watched as the cars vanished with sad faces, faced each other with now
wide, stupid grins, and kissed senselessly.

Nagpunta kami sa may convenience store para mamili pagkatapos. Si Chiel ang
tagabuhat ko at ‘di naman maalam sa alak at hobby niya lang ay pumapak ng pulutan.

“I’m thirsty,” reklamo niya habang naglalakad kami paikot.

“Sweater pa more. Kitang mainit dito, e.” Inikot ko ang paningin. “Look for
the mineral water. You can open it then let’s pay at the counter.”

Humiwalay ako sa kanya habang naghahanap siya ng mineral para tumingin kong
may madadagdag akong mabibili. Napadpad ako sa counter at tumingin ng chocolates.

“Magandang hapon. Ang ganda mo, Miss!” bati ng nasa counter kaya ngumiti ako
at nagpasalamat. I introduced myself and she did, too. She’s younger than me, I
guess. I asked her anong available na ibang chocolates nila nang may tumawag sa
‘kin.

“Clyte?”

“Samuel?!” Napaahon ako. “Oh my God, hello!”

Lumapit ako at nagyakap kami. It was so good to see familiar faces from my
past!

“Kumusta ka na?” he asked.

“I’m great, you?” I chirped.

We talked a little and then pinauna ko siya magbayad at naligaw na yata ang
nililigawan ko. I looked around. Nasaan na ‘yon?

“Girlfriend mo si Miss Ganda?” Nakangiting tanong ng sa cashier kaya

nagkatawanan kami ni Sam.

“No, no,” ani Sam. “Pero ex ko ‘to noon kaso ‘di meant to be! Pero p’wede pa
rin naman ako ngayon… single.” Sumulyap siya sa akin.

Natatawang umiling ako.

“Oh, sayang! Huli na ba?” he asked playfully.

“Mukhang huli ka na nga, Sir! May kasamang pogi si Miss Ganda! Basketball
player ba ‘yon? Matangkad! Haba ng legs!” Her eyes even formed hearts kaya napatawa
ako.

“Oh…” His eyes widened. “Alchiel? Kayo pa rin? Boyfriend mo?”

Napaisip ako.

Kami ba? I was courting him, ‘di pa niya ako sinasagot. Technically no.

Umiling ako. “No but…”

I jumped when suddenly, I heard a harsh thump on the counter. Inilapag niya
ro’n ang mga alak. I memorized even his veiny hands, that watch, and his long
fingers just by looking at it.

Alarmed, I looked at him. Sumulyap siya sa tabi ko, dumilim ang mukha bago sa
akin na nakaigting na ang panga at may idinikit sa may dibdib ko.

“I thought of you when I bought it and here you are,” he mumbled grumpily and
glared at Samuel. “Not your boyfriend, huh?”

Confused, I held it and gasped when I realized it was a small pot of a tiny,
colorful succulent plant.
 Umawang lang ang labi ko. Nag-iwas siya at binuksan ang mineral water.

“O-oh, so, ‘di kayo mag-jowa?” the cashier cut the awkward silence. Natauhan
ako at napakurap-kurap.

“Seems like it. Maybe I still have a chance?” Samuel muttered playfully and
chuckled. I almost swat him.

Kitang galit na nga ‘yong nililigawan ko!

Mas nagdilim ang mukha ni Chiel at tuloy-tuloy pa ring ininom ng tubig. His
grip was tight, dudurugin na yata ang plastic bottle.

Shit. He’s mad!

“Ah… friend?” ani ng cashier sa ‘kin.

“No,” I repeated. Mas bumigat ang tensyon.

Tumikhim ako at umayos ng tayo sabay hawak sa baywang ni Chiel at hapit sa

kanya palapit sa ‘kin, ang paso ay hawak ko pa sa may dibdib.

“This is Alchiel, Miss. Asawa ko,” I announced proudly. His hold on the
bottle slipped off his lips and with his mouth parting, the water from his mouth
cascaded dramatically down his clothes, drenching him.

Kabanata 44

Kabanata 44

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

You’ve… gotta be kidding me.

I’m her husband… Fuck, sa panaginip ko lang ‘to, a?

I did not have words to say. Para akong lumulutang sa ere, tulala at wala sa
sarili.

Clyte gasped when she saw how I almost choked in water, now drenching my
clothes. She chuckled afterward because I was just gawking at her like a hawk,
smitten beyond repair, ready for any of her biddings.

If she’d ask me to cross the road with my eyes closed, I would.

“Oh, what happened?” Her eyes softened and took something from her purse. It
was her handkerchief. Mas natigil ang paghinga ko nang hinarap niya ako at
pinunasan ang bibig ko.

I probably looked like a stupid idiot with my mouth parted like that, but I
actually didn’t care.

Ganito pala ang feeling ng nililigawan, ‘no? Tangina, nakakakilig?!

Her eyes were focused as she dried my mouth and my clothes, though, it was useless
because I was fucking drenched. Ikaw ba naman ang i-proclaim na asawa ng ultimate
crush, love of your life, and the woman of your dreams, hindi ka mapapanganga?

Tangang ‘to… akala ko ba nagmo-move on ka?

Shut up. I didn’t remember saying that.

“Careful, ayan, basa na ang damit mo,” malambing niyang paalala bago humawak
sa panga ko.

She smiled sweetly again and I thanked the Gods for giving me a chance with
her. Damn it. I love this woman so much.

To my surprise, she even tiptoed a little and kissed my lips.

I blinked in shock, feeling my racing heart triple in pace that it mimicked

having a heart attack.

“Are you okay?” she asked when she realized I wasn’t speaking.

It’s not like I won’t—I just can’t. Feeling ko, aatakihin na ako sa puso.

But damn it. If this was the reason for my death, I would happily close my
eyes and succumb to it.

“Chiel?” tawag niya.

“I think he’s having a heart attack. Should I call 911?” Samuel’s voice
echoed, taking me off my fantasy land.

Isinara ko ang bibig at binasa ang labi, sumusulyap sa kanya.

“No need,” pormal kong sagot at unti-unting hinapit si Clyte palapit sa akin.
“I’m perfectly fine, Mendoza.”

Natawa siya. I narrowed him with a sharp gaze, warning ringing through it.
Kung ‘di pa niya ‘yon makuha, ipapaliwanag ko pa sa kanya.

This woman I’m with? She’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet but… well, I’m
always hers, too.

“U-uh…” Clyte must’ve sensed the tension and touched my back. “Sweetheart,
you remember Samuel, ‘di ba?”

Who wouldn’t? She hit on her back at the reunion. This asshole.

Tumango ako.

“Sam, I’m sure you know but this is Chiel,” pakilala niya pa kaya muli kaming
nagkatinginan ni Samuel.

Matalim ang tingin ko. Natatawa ang kanya.

Gago ba ‘to? Akala niya nagdyo-joke ako? Hindi!

“Musta, pare? I’m Sam, remember?” He even tried teasing with a foolish grin,
as if slapping in my face na mas nauna niyang naging girlfriend si Clyte kaysa sa
‘kin.

Inilahad niya ang kamay.

“Who wouldn’t? Alchiel.” I accepted his hand. “Clyte’s husband.”

Tumikhim si Clyte. I heard the soft squeal from the cashier and I lowered my
gaze back to my “wife”, she was blushing profusely.

Ang ganda-ganda naman talaga.

Sam had this funny look, like he wouldn’t believe me. Na baka nag-i-imagine
lang ako kaya binawi ko na ang palad ko bago ko pa maisipang pilipitin ang kamay
niya sa iritasyon.

Sumulyap ako sa cashier na naaaliw at kinikilig, nagpapalipat-lipat ang

tingin sa aming tatlo na tila nanonood ng sine. I even realized she already opened
a chocolate bar from the counter and eating it.

P’wede pala ‘yon?

“Uh…” Clyte snapped back.

My forehead creased, realizing she was somehow familiar to me. Have I seen
her before or…

“Liza, this is Chiel—”

“Oh?!” Suminghap siya at tinuro ako. “Sandejas?!”

I blinked, trying to remember where I saw her. She was really familiar. I
think I’ve seen her before.

“Ako si Liza!” aniya. “Dating nagtatrabaho sa poultry n’yo!”

I remembered it. Napatawa ako.

“Oh… Sibyl’s friend?” I asked.

She grinned and nodded.

“Yes, I remembered!” Tumango ako at inilahad ang kamay sa kanya. “Liza, I’ve
seen you a lot of times before! Kasama mo sina Solomon, right?”

“Yes!” She grinned and accepted my hand. “Tumutulong ako dati sa tatay ko na
mag-asikaso sa poultry! Best friend ko sina Sib at Sol!”

“Yes, I remembered,” I answered and let go of her hand. “But I don’t think
I’ve seen you around lately?”

“Ah, oo, kasi dito ako madalas nag-i-stay sa bayan! Itong convenience store,
negosyo namin,”

That’s why she could freely eat the chocolates!

“Wow…” I looked around. “Ikaw rin ang cashier? Ang sipag naman?” Napangiti
ako.

“Wala naman kasi akong ginagawa and may cashier naman kaso nag-emergency
leave kaya ako muna, no hassle naman!” She beamed happily. “I knew you’re familiar!
Madalang na lang kasi kita nakikita rito! Busy ba?”

“Yeah, a lot.” Bumaling ako sa katabi at napansing tahimik na siya.

She was still tucked on my arm but she was pouting, staring at the small pot
in her hand.

What do you have in mind, sweetheart?

“I gotta go. Baka hinahanap na ako ng barkada.” Bumaling ako kay Sam nang
magsalita siya, pinapakita na ang plastic na hawak.

“You’re staying here?” I asked him.

“Oo, bakasyon lang. We’ll be in Kawasan Falls, baka mapadaan din kayo? See
you around?” Sumulyap siya kay Clyte na tumango.

“We’ll be in Kawasan, I think! See you around, Sam!” She smiled sweetly.

“Alright, I missed you, Clyte!” Nahulog ang panga ko nang humiwalay si Clyte
sa akin at nagyakap silang dalawa.

“I missed you too!” She beamed. “Let’s hang out soon!”

Sumulyap sa akin na nang-aasar si Samuel.

“Hear that?” he mouthed teasingly.

I gave him a death glare.

“Sure, let’s hang out if you’re free,” aniya at mabuti na lang ay bumitiw na
siya sa yakap bago pa ako makalapit at kalasin iyon. “But let me get your number.”

I stiffened.

“I hope you don’t mind, Sandejas?” Sumulyap sa akin ang huli.

I glanced at Clyte waiting for my reaction, her phone in her hand.

I relaxed my shoulders.

Damn it, Chiel. Stop being possessive! She’s already yours!

“Go on,” I said calmly and nodded my head.

Pinanliitan ako ni Clyte ng mata, ‘di kumbinsido na kalmado ako. I shot my

brow up, ngumuso siya at bumaling kay Sam na malaki ang ngiti.

It annoyed me when they exchanged phones to put their numbers in it but when
Samuel saw the wallpaper of us in Clyte’s phone—which I set up anyway—a
boastful grin left my lips.

Natatawang binalingan ako ni Samuel.

“Mine,” I mouthed back at him kaya naiiling na nagtipa na lang siya ng numero
niya at ibinalik kay Clyte.

Gusto ko pa sanang magreklamo nang lumabas si Clyte kasama niya para ihatid
siya sa may pintuan pero ‘di ko ginawa.

I should let her do things her way, act normal, and be her usual self. She’s
still getting familiar with all these and no matter how much I wanted to be on her
side and protect her, I should let her live her life.

She deserved it.

She was caged for years, taken from us, and trapped in that hell and if
meeting her old friends, even her exes would help her overcome, then I’m on it.

“Sabi ko na nga kanina, pamilyar ka.” Napabaling ako kay Liza. “Pagkakita ko
pa lang sa ‘yo tapos blue ang mata, namangha ako! Sabi ko kako familiar ka! Tangkad
pa tapos pogi!”

I chuckled.

“You flatter me, Miss Liza,” I commented.

“Luh, maka-miss naman si Sir! Liza na lang!”

“Then, Liza, call me Chiel,” sagot ko. “Sorry, it took me a while to

recognize you.”

“Ayos lang! Ikaw naman! Ako rin naman matagal kang nakilala kasi ngayon lang
kita nakita! Kapag pumupunta ako sa bahay nina Ma’am Lena, mas madalas kong
nakikita sina Zion lang. Busy?”

“Hmm…” Tumango ako at sinundan ng tingin si Clyte na pumasok pero sa halip na

magtungong counter ay umikot sa may mga chichirya. “You should come to the house.
Nando’n ang mga pinsan.”

“Ay, oo, nasabi rin ni Sib! Nando’n kasi kami sa bahay kahapon nag-ayos kasi
darating nga raw kayo.”

“Thank you for helping.” Muli kong inikot ang tingin sa convenience store.
“Good thing you decided to build your business here. Nasa sentro at maraming tao.
This is an ukay-ukay before, right?”

“Oo kaso nabakante no’ng mga nakaraang taon tapos nabili ng asawa ko kaya
nagtayo kami rito,”

“Oh, you have a husband?” Napakurap ako at binalingan siya.

“Nash,” sagot niya kaya napatawa ako.

“Nash? As in the mayor?”

“Yes!” she said happily kaya mas natawa ako.

“Damn it. I’m sorry, I didn’t know!” Umiling ako. “I just talked to Nash last
night! I knew he’s married pero ikaw pala ang asawa! Small world, huh?”

“Yup!” She grinned. “Pupunta kami mamaya o kaya bukas sa inyo, antayin ko
lang si Nash.”

We talked about random things while waiting for Clyte who seemed to look for
something around. Nangunot na ang noo ko nang magkatinginan kami at napansin kong
nakasimangot na, dali-dali siyang tumungo at bumaling sa display.
 “Madalas ko rin kayong nakikita noon tapos biglang ‘di na kayo pumupunta,”
she commented.

“It’s a long story,” I explained. “That’s one of the reasons I wasn’t

frequenting here in Sta. Monica. I was looking for her.”

Her eyes widened.

“O-oh, I remember, si Miss Clyte pala ‘yong nawawala…” Napaawang ang labi
niya at tumango-tango.

“Yeah, thankfully, I found her.”

“Kayo pala ni Miss Clyte, Chiel?” Liza asked, smiling too while watching the
pouting woman hiding her face in the displays.

What is it, Clyte?

“Hmm…” Tumango ako at ngumisi. “Manliligaw ko.”

Her eyes widened. I winked and moved my head in Clyte’s direction.

“I’ll go fetch her. Selosa kasi ‘yon,”

I left her and sneaked to where Clyte was, seeing her busying herself
rearranging the chips based on the color. Hawak pa rin niya ang pasong maliit at
nakanguso, matalim ang tingin sa mga chichirya na akala mo’y kaaway niya.

I walked steadily, making sure she wouldn’t notice, and grabbed her by the
waist from the back. She squealed and tensed but when she realized it was me,
kumalma siya.

Isinandal ko ang likod niya sa dibdib ko at ipinaikot ang braso sa tiyan

niya.

“What’s the matter, Clyte?” I whispered.

“Nothing.”

“Hmm… then why are you glaring at the poor chips?” I asked, my smile widening
when she stiffened.

“No, namimili lang ako ng pagkain—”

“But we have a lot already. Why choose for more?”

“Gusto ko lang, bakit?” she snapped and tried taking my grip off her waist
but couldn’t. “Alchiel—”

“Ang ganda-ganda mo tapos selosa ka,” I whispered but it annoyed her more.

“I said I’m not—” I tilted my head and gave her a brief kiss. She gasped
and sighed.

“She’s a friend,” bulong ko bago siya unti-unting iniharap siya sa ‘kin. “You
don’t have to be jealous, sweetheart.”

“I said I’m not,” she insisted but lowered her head, the strands of her
hair
fell on her cheek, hiding her face from me.

I licked my lip, tried to hide the smile from escaping, and slowly cupped her
cheek. Our gazes clashed, seryoso pa rin ang mga mata. Unti-unti’y hinawi ko ang
buhok niya paalis at inilagay sa likod ng kanyang tainga.

I stroked her cheek with my thumb, but she remained serious.

“She’s a family friend,” I explained. “She used to help Mama Lena and Papa
Jer in the poultry, best friend nina Sibyl at Sol.”

“I know.” Humaba ang nguso niya. “But I don’t remember her yet and…”

“And?” I bit my lip, stroking her cheek more. “And what, Bella?”

“You’re smiling at her,” maliit niyang sagot at idinantay ang pisngi sa palad
ko, ang tsokolateng mga mata’y kumikislap.

Muntik nang kumawala ang ngisi ko pero pinigil ko’t mas kinagat lang ang
labi. “How ‘bout it?”

“I know it’s petty but I-I’m jealous,” she whispered and blushed.

Umalon ang sikmura ko. I felt like my heart was lurching out of my throat.

I used to tease her about her jealousy a lot of times but she was always
composed, too good to hide it from me, denying as much as she could that now,
becoming one of the rare times she’d be vocal about it was stunning me.

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad. Namula siya lalo.

“It’s silly—”

“It’s not silly. You can do it everyday,” I blurted out like a fool.

Nanlaki ang mata niya at mamaya-maya ay natawa, ‘di makapaniwalang nakatitig

sa akin.

She was amused and silly but it was real. She could be jealous everyday and
I’d be here giggling and kicking my feet. Umalis siya sa palad ko at unti-unting
yumakap. Her warm arms were wrapped around my back, resting her pretty head on my
chest.

I let out a shaky breath, my heart racing against it.

“Your heartbeat’s quick, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Y-you like it when I’m
jealous?”

Tumango ako at idinantay ang palad sa buhok niya.

“It’s ridiculous but I do,” I whispered back. “Pakiramdam ko mahal na mahal

mo ‘ko.”

She sighed. I felt her embrace grow a little tighter until she looked up and
kissed my jaw.

“I’m sorry, Chiel, if I was always scared,” she whispered. “I swear to you,
I’ll show you how much I am in love with you.”
 I smiled, swiping a kiss on her forehead.

“Alright, suitor. Kinikilig ako pero ‘di pa rin kita sinasagot,” I teased and
we both chuckled.

Para naman ‘di nakakahiya kay Liza na naglalandian kami sa convenience store
niya ay nagdagdag pa kami ng bibilhin ni Clyte.

She was grinning widely when she saw us approaching, nakapaikot ang kamay ni
Clyte sa baywang ko habang nakaakbay ako.

As much as I wanted to hold her hand, I couldn’t—it’s against the contract

which was ridiculous by the way. Kulang na lang ay maglampungan kami rito pero
bawal ang hawak-kamay?

Sinong bobo ba gumawa ng kontrata na ‘yon?

Ikaw, tanga.

I mentally kicked the inner voice.

“Ano? Bati na kayo?” biro ni Liza.

“Pasensya na,” ani Clyte na maliit na ngumiti. “Uh… inayos ko lang ‘yong
chips do’n sa likod para ‘di magulo.”

Liza narrowed her eyes at me, I gave her a slight nod saying: Um-oo ka na
lang.

“Ah…” She nodded, a happy grin on her lips. “Ito na ba ‘yong bibilhin
n’yo?”

“Yes,” ani Clyte na nilagay pa ang natira sa kamay niya. “Cash na lang.”

“Alright!” Liza beamed. Tinulungan ko siya sa paglagay sa plastic ng mga

pagkain at kinarton ang alak para hindi mabasag.

While I was doing it, I could feel Clyte’s stares. Was she jealous again?

When I glanced at her, she looked at her nails. Napangiti ako.

“Ito ang total,” ani Liza at pinakita ang screen. I took my wallet but Clyte
handed her cash first.

“Here.”

“Thank you!” Kinuha iyon ni Liza at inayos sa kaha, habang kumukuha siya ng
sukli ay pasulyap-sulyap siya sa aming dalawa. “‘Di naman sa tsismosa pero kayong
dalawa ba talaga?”

I saw the light twitch in Clyte’s pouty lips.

“He’s my husband,” agap niya.

Selosa. Kagatin ko kaya ‘yang labi mo?

“Ohhh… great! Kung hindi kasi gusto ko lang sanang sabihin na bagay na bagay
kayong dalawa!” she cheered.
Binasa ko ang labi sabay sulyap kay Clyte na napakurap, umaawang ang labi.
 “B-bagay?” she asked.

“Yup! Pagkakita ko nga sa inyo kanina, kilig na kilig ako! Naalala ko noon
madalas din kayong magkasama! May chemistry! Anyway, enjoy Sta. Monica! Na-miss
namin kayo rito! See you later or bukas sa mansyon! Ito na ang sukli—”

“K-keep the change, please,” ani Clyte kaya dalawa kaming namangha ni Liza.

“Talaga?” she gasped.

“Yeah. Good luck sa business!” Tumikhim si Clyte, kinuha ang plastic, at

nauna na palabas pero huling-huli namin ang pagpula ng mukha niya.

Binalingan ko si Liza at ngumisi. “Tell me when you’re free, bring Nash and
the kids. My treat.”

“Ayon!” Humagalpak siya at napailing ako at nakipag-apir sa kanya.

I ran after my girl, the box of liquor in my hand. I caught her waist and
pressed a hard kiss on her cheek.

“Are you running away from me, Bella?” I asked.

“No, why would I?” she asked but wouldn’t look at me. Namumula pa rin ang
mukha.

“I don’t know. Bakit mo nga naman tatakbuhan ang asawa mo?” I whispered
teasingly.

She elbowed my stomach. I coughed and laughed while she was flustered.

“U-uwi na tayo!” singhap niya sabay lakad papunta sa may sakayan ng jeep pero
may pila, kaunti lang naman. We could get to the next one.

“Come on—”

“May ibang ways pa ba na p’wedeng sakyan? Mabilis lang ba ang biyahe?”

“Tricycle,” turo ko sa kabila na medyo may pila rin. “It will take at least
thirty minutes at least by vehicle, an hour or so if by foot.”

“P’wedeng lakad?” sinulyapan niya ako.

I nodded.

“Yup. ‘Di ka naman mabo-bore kasi presko, may madadaanang mga palayan, beach.
Mapuno kaya ‘di masyadong mainit, mabango though you might smell occasional chicken
and animal poop.”

She chuckled.

“So… mas mabilis kapag sasakyan?”

I nodded.

“Yup, come on—”

“Tara lakad,” agap niya at hinila ako paalis kaya mas nagtaka ako. She
dragged me as if she was larger than me and I wouldn’t even complain.

“Maglalakad?” I asked.

“Hmm! One hour din ‘yon, e di mas mahaba ang oras na malalandi kita.”

My mouth parted. She grinned.

“You know, this girl had to woo some handsome long-legged giant prosecutor to
say yes to her,” aniya. “How could I do that in the house when we couldn’t tell
them I’m pursuing you?”

Napalunok ako. I physically felt the jump in my ribcage that I cursed under
my breath and massaged my chest.

“Damn, woman. You’ll be the cause of my death!”

“You can’t die yet, not before we spend our lives together. ‘Til we’re old
and gray.” She giggled and winked. Nasapo ko ang dibdib lalo, literal na
nararamdaman ang kabog ng puso.

I really couldn’t keep up with this woman. No’ng composed siya at pasimpleng
hinaharot ako, nawawala na ako sa sarili. Paano pa kaya ngayong lantaran siya
magsalita at kumilos?

It shook my damn world.

I pursed my lips, hiding the fact I was squealing inside my head. I could
visualize the mini-me in my head, kicking his feet.

I’d probably do it in actuality after hiding in the safety of my room. Maybe

punch and scream in my pillows or something.

Move on ka pang nalalaman d’yan, a? Clown!

If I could choke whoever it was in my damn head, I would happily do so.

Pakialamero! ‘Di ba p’wedeng masaya?!

“Try harder, sweetheart,” I said instead but she wouldn’t believe I was
unaffected when it’s probably showing in my face.

Tangina talaga. Ang hirap-hirap itago na mahal na mahal ko siya.

Habang naglalakad kami’y sumulyap ako sa likuran niya. I saw a jeepney

approaching kaya marahang umatras ako at ipinagpalit ang pwesto naming dalawa.

“Ang gentleman naman ni Sir,” she mumbled. Tumaas ang kilay ko at napailing.

“No, sweetheart. Pinagpalit ko lang talaga pwesto natin para madali kitang
itulak sa kanal mamaya.”

Sinapak niya ako. Hinuli ko siyang muli at pabirong inipit ang leeg niya ng
braso ko.

“Prosecutor, i-headlock mo ‘ko!” She pretended to choke.

Napalayo ako at sinimangutan siya. Mas humagalpak lang siya, sumasayaw ang
aliw sa mga mata at tumalon palapit.
 Yumakap siya sa baywang ko, inangat ang mukha para humalik sa balikat ko at
mas lalo lang naging panatag ang loob ko.

“Give me the plastic, ako na r’yan.” Baling ko sa hawak niya.

“Magaan lang, chichirya lang naman. Thank you nga pala sa succulents! It’s
pretty! Saan mo nabili?”

She removed one arm from my waist and lifted the small plant.

“Just outside the store,” I answered. “I saw it and thought of you. Did you
like it? That’s our plant child.”

“Plant child?!” She gave me a funny look.

“Yup. That’s our baby and we should take care of it—”

“You mean me,” she emphasized. “‘Yong mga halamang pinapaalagaan ko sa ‘yo
namamatay, e.”

My lips protruded.

“You’re mean… Hindi lang sila hiyang sa ‘kin. Yabang mo naman, Fabroa. It’ll
live,” I challenged.

She narrowed her gaze back at me. “I bet you a hundred bucks, you couldn’t,
Sandejas.”

“Huh! Wala kang tiwala sa ‘kin, Fabroa?” Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata.

“It’s not like that. I’m just doubtful you could. Pustahan? Hundred bucks!
Game?”

“Sure, pero kapag nanalo ako, iba ang award na gusto ko,” I offered.

“Game, what is it?”

“Palitan natin ng Sandejas ‘yong apelyido mo,” I drawled.

She was astounded. I smirked.

Muling kumalat ang pula sa kanyang pisngi. I moved away from her, shifting my
body to face her entirely. Good thing the place was quieter. May mga dumadaang
sasakyan pero walang may pakialam kung may naglalandian sa gilid ng kalsada.

Dumukwang ako, pinagpantay ang mukha namin ako at pinagmasdan siya, may ngiti
sa labi.

“What, sweetheart, ayaw mo na?”

“Who said I don’t?” Nilabanan niya ako ng tingin pero pulang-pula na ang
mukha.

“If I win, you’d be a Sandejas. Again. My Sandejas…”

I saw her heavy breathing

“Deal or no deal?” I added.

 She moved her head closer to me, not taking her gaze off me.

“Deal…” she answered with conviction.

Her eyes fell on my lips, mine fell on her sweet pinkish ones and when our
eyes met, hinagilap ko ang batok niya kasabay ng pagyakap niya sa batok ko at
nagtagpo ang aming mga labi.

It was striking how her lips tasted, divine, soft, and sweet, addicting but
forbidden. Our mouths parted, seeking comfort in each other’s lips.

My grip on the box tightened, afraid I’d break the liquor if I lost my sanity
with her taste.

She moaned against my mouth, her fingers digging in my strands. Umawang ang
labi niya nang bumaba ang halik ko sa panga niya, pababa sa kanyang leeg nang
makarinig kami ng singhap.

We both stilled. Tinulak niya ang mukha ko at dagli kaming napalingon sa

pinanggagalingan ng boses.

“O-oh! Hi, Sibyl! Sol!” Matinis ang boses na bati ni Clyte sabay kaway nang
mabilis.

Sibyl and Sol were gawking at us, their eyes wide like they’ve seen a ghost.
Magkahawak pa ang kamay at nagpipisilan.

Shit. The contract!

Tumikhim ako.

“Kanina pa kayo?”

“Huh? Ah, no!” Sibyl looked around and gripped her husband’s hand tighter.
“Kakarating lang namin, Kuya! ‘Di ba, Sol?!”

“Huh?” Her husband nodded, still processing. “Oo, look! A-ang ganda ng
butterfly!” Sabay turo niya sa ere at sa halip ay langaw lang ang nando’n.

Natahimik kaming lahat. I moistened my lip, ready to ask them if they could
keep it a secret but Clyte was already speaking on our behalf.

“I know you’ve seen that… uh, can you keep it a secret? ‘Di pa kasi sana
namin balak aminin. Well, nililigawan ko si Chiel,” she announced.

They both gasped dramatically and squeezed each other’s palm. Mas OA ang
pamimilog ng mata ni Sol sabay sulyap sa akin at takip ng bibig niya kaya muntik ko
nang hubarin ang sapatos at ibato sa kanya.

“Nililigawa mo si Kuya…” Sib nodded. “O-oh… alright! Wow! I mean, okay! Got
it! But if it’s just courtship, why were you kissing—”

“Asus, si Miss Sweet Lips. Alam kong alam mo na ang sagot d’yan! Tayo nga
no’ng ligawan…” Sol trailed off and cocked his brow as if they had an inside joke
going around.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Sib, namula sabay sapok sa asawa at nilingon kami.
 “Alright! Okay, secret…” She zipped her mouth.

“Thank you. We’ll tell the family once it’s settled between us. ‘Yong nakita
n’yo—”

“Huh? No, wala kaming nakita!” agap ni Sibyl, seryoso at mukhang sinsero. Her
brows were even knotted to feign confusion.

Hell, I forgot my cousin’s an actress. She looked so convincing that I almost

believe she really didn’t witness a thing.

“Ah, oo, wala kaming nakita!” Sol added dumbly with a foolish grin.

Then… there’s the bad actor husband.

Sinimangutan ko siya. Mas lalong nagkunwaring confused ang mukha niya.

Honestly speaking, you could mistake Sol as Tito Zeijan’s son and Zion’s brother
instead of Sibyl.

“Anyway…” ani Sib at ngumiti, kinukurot ang asawa. “Maiwan na muna namin
kayo! May dadaanan lang kami ni Sol sa bayan!” She dragged her husband shooting me
a teasing look.

“Mamaya ka sa ‘kin…” I mouthed.

“Yieee…” he mouthed back, even showing us his finger hearts and kissing
gestures kung ‘di lang hinila ni Sibyl ang tainga niya at kinaladkad ang asawa
paalis.

Umalis na rin kami ni Clyte. Deretso ang lakad, walang imikan pero nang
makalayo at mawala ang mag-asawa sa paningin ay sabay na napabuntonghininga.

“The contract, Chiel!” She gasped.

“I’m sure they won’t tell…” pagkalma ko kahit ‘di rin sigurado. I trust Sibyl
but Solomon? I doubt he won’t run his mouth.

Tsismoso ‘yan, e. Bagay talaga silang mag-brother-in-law ni Zion. Mga

malalaki ang bibig.

“Kung i-revise natin ang contract?” Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin. “Na bawal lang
kapag buong pamilya na ang may alam bago mo pa ‘ko sagutin?”

“Aksidente naman,” I explained even if it’s not clearly stated. “It’s not
against the contract.”

“But still…” She sighed. “The contract is ridiculous, you know? Bawal clingy,
bawal holding hands pero naglalaplapan tayo?”

I burst out laughing. “Damn, laplap talaga?”

She rolled her eyes. “Ano, peck? Hindi naman ‘yong peck at ordinary kiss lang
kasi may dila!”

Kinurot ko ang pisngi niya.

“If you put it that way, tunog malaswa, mahal,” natatawang pansin ko.

She pouted. “True naman kasi, mahal.”

 Damn it…

I looked away to hide how much I liked it. Sumulyap siya at alam kong
nagpipigil siya ng ngiti.

“Like you know… I mean, we’re kissing! Why not remove the no holding hands?
What’s the difference? E, hawak-kamay bawal pero akbayan at yakapan p’wede? It’s
ridiculous.”

“Wala ring silbi ang kontrata kung may iibahin—”

“Wala naman talagang silbi na kasi pang-tanga ‘yong conditions mo!” aniya
kaya mas ngumuso ako at napakamot ng kilay.

“You agreed to it,” sikmat ko. “‘Yon na ‘yon. ‘Di kasama ‘yong ngayon lang
kasi aksidente and it was just Sol and Sib. Sigurado akong bubusalan ni Sibyl ang
bunganga ni Solomon kapag nagsalita ‘yon. I trust them. At saka bawal na galawin
ang kontrata, nakanotaryo na.”

“What?” She burst out laughing. “Sinong nag-notaryo?”

“Ako…” Bulong ko at hindi matigil ang tawa niya.

“You’re ridiculous…”

“Para may laban sa korte,” agap ko. “Baka mamaya ‘di mo sundin, e. Paano ko
ilalaban sa korte? Sabihin ko sa judge? We sealed the contract with a kiss, Your
Honor?”

She couldn’t stop laughing and it took her a while to calm down. She was
enjoying this?

“Kahit na…” Ngumuso siya. “Bawal ko hawakan ‘yong kamay mo? Tapos bawal
clingy? Doon pa nga lang, nalabag na ‘yong kontrata.”

“We’re not clingy,” I motioned that tiny space between us.

She scoffed. “Then what, no sex?”

I sputtered, choking on my own saliva.

“H-how ‘bout it?” I asked.

Did she want to have sex?!

She smiled wickedly. “Wala lang. Naawa lang ako sa ‘yo. Tigang ka na siguro.”

“Huh?! Me?!” I laughed and scoffed. “In between the two of us, you’re the one
with no self-control.”

“It’s fine, though,” she added. “I’m not as horny as you are.”

Damn it. Biglang ako na ang target niya!

“I’m not! Ikaw ang nag-open ng topic tungkol d’yan. Ako pa sisihin mo—”

“I was just wondering na if we revised it, since binatang Filipino ka at ayaw

pa akong sagutin, we could change and allow it. I want more than MOMOL na. Ayaw mo
ba?” Ngumisi siya.

I swallowed. Of course, I fucking do.

The dirty and lewd image of her played in my head. This happens everytime I
jerk off thinking of her. How I’d thrust inside her tight cunt, my palm on her
tits—

“Tsk… very horny naman si Little Chiel,” I jumped when she touched my bulge.
I glared at her.

“What?” I scolded, frowning and adjusting my pants to try and hide the
fucking boner.

“You’re imagining, ‘no?” she asked playfully, looking at my crotch. “Tsk! Ako
pa ang nasabihang walang self-control! E, ikaw ‘tong imagination pa lang tinatayuan
na.”

I couldn’t really believe it. I eyed her like she was an alien and not the
Clyte I once knew but shrugged it off because I loved seeing this carefree, dirty-
mouthed version I have now.

Tumaas ang kilay ko, hinapit siya palapit at bumulong, “H’wag kang magsalita
nang tapos, sweetheart. If I know you were imagining my cock inside you, fucking
that tight little cunt…” I felt her goosebumps. “I’m sure you’re wet right now.”

“I-I am not!” she exclaimed and pulled away.

“Oh?” Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hita niya. I noticed the way she stood
differently and I took it as a chance to hook my finger in her waistband and pull
her close to me. “Shall I check for proof?”

“Oh my God! My innocent ears!” she screamed and covered her face. “Bastos ka!
Bastos!”

I cackled, pulling her even close to me but she was just squealing.
Pinaulanan ko ng halik ang mukha niya, halos buhatin na siya sa tuwa ko.

“On the other hand, if your horny ass can’t resist, we can negotiate. Your
legal counsel—which is me—will revise the contract but in one condition.”

“What?”

“You’ll sit on the face and let the other party eat your pretty cunt—which
is also me,” I offered.

Sumabog ang init sa mukha niya. She was screaming again. Aliw na aliw ako.
Hindi ko alam kung ilang hampas ang natanggap ko at nagha-hyperventilate ang
manliligaw ko.

Hinayaan ko siyang magpalakad-lakad, sipain ako, at subukang ipitin ang leeg

ko pero ‘di siya nagtatagumpay at ‘di niya maabot.

“Well!” she uttered in a high-pitched tone. I smirked.

“Don’t be too excited, sweetheart. ‘Di ka pa nga pumapayag.”

“Uhm…” she started. “Napag-isip-isip ko…”

 Yes, damn it. Papayag siya!

Bobo talaga ‘to. Nasaan na ang conviction mo? Nilambing ka lang, iibahin mo
na ang kontrata!

Binusalan ko ang boses. Pakialamero!

“I want to consider the offer…” Fuck yes! “Upon further consideration, I

thought it’d be a hassle on your end so I’m sorry, Prosecutor, but I have to reject
the offer.”

My jaw dropped.

“What?”

“Bawal kasi ‘di ba… napanotaryo mo na?” She beamed like a champion and before
I could even utter a word, she was running away from me.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart! Take care of Little Chiel for me yourself!” she
screamed.

“Clytemnestra!” I called out loudly and ran after her.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Zahrah

“This is Sol and Sibyl’s house…”

Napatingin ako sa itinuturo ni Chiel at namangha nang makita ang bahay. It

was not too big, but just seeing it from the surface was enough to made me feel the
homey vibes it has.

“Tatlo lang sila rito?”

“Yup, ‘yong mag-asawa tapos ‘yong anak nila, si Fritz. They have a home here
and in Manila too pero mas naglalagi sila rito sa Sta. Monica at si Sol ang nagma-
manage ng farm at poultry natin. They also have a fertilizer business here and
abroad.”

“Wow…” Tumango ako. “Alam mo ba, honestly, I thought Sibyl would be one of
the last ones to marry. If I remember correctly, she’s more aloof with people,
right?”

“Yup.” Tumango siya at sinama ako pasilip sa gate ng bahay nila. “Pero
ipinatapon ni Tito Zeij dito sa probinsya no’ng nagkaroon ng malaking issue sa
Maynila. That’s when she met Sol and you know, when love strikes, kahit bato
magiging keso.”

I chuckled.

“Kaugali nga n’on ni Sol ‘yong mga lalaki…”

“Mas iisipin mong anak ni Tito Zeij kaysa kay Sibyl.”

Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa. Alchiel then even pointed a pig with a flashy
pink outfit and boots.

“That’s Pookie,” aniya. “She’s kinda old but that’s Sibyl’s pet.”
 “Pet?!” Namilog ang mata ko. “What? Really?”

That’s adorable!

“Don’t be weirded out, it’s usual in our family.” He smirked. “Bago nga ang
kambal, unang anak nina Locket at Crest ‘yong si Chichay at saka ‘yong laruang
penguin, e.”

“Hmm… sa bagay.” I nodded. “Tapos tayo ito?” Inangat ko ang maliit na paso.

I felt his arms wrapping around my waist.

“Yup…” He pulled me close. “What should we name it?”

Muli kaming naglakad.

“It’s a succulent, what about… baby Suzu?” Napaisip ako.

Ang cute ng name! Pang-foreign!

“Suzu?” Sumulyap siya. “Ayaw ko.”

“Bakit?”

“Ito ‘yong baby Suzu ko.” Then he grabbed my boob with an innocent smile.

Muli akong tumili at pinaghahampas siya. I was pretty sure nabugbog na ang
mga chichiryang hawak ko pero wala na akong pakialam. Titirisin ko lang ‘tong si
Alchiel sa kabastusan niya.

“I’m kidding, Bella,” he chuckled. “Come on, don’t run. Malapit na tayo sa
bahay.”

Natigil ako sa pagtakbo at nilingon siya.

He smiled and moved his head and I followed it with my gaze. From the
distance, I saw a big mansion and my heart raced.

That fast?

One hour na ‘yon? I sighed.

He reached me and grabbed my waist.

“Bakit sad ang mahal ko?” he asked lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

I was about to answer when a van drove past us. I saw how he visibly
stiffened; he even unconsciously covered me with his body.

My heart dropped.

“Hmm?” he hummed after it was out of our sight, trying to hide he got alarmed
by it, even offering me a playful smile but I could read him.

“Just…” I moved closer and wrapped my arms around him, my head on his chest.
“I’m here… I’m always here. ‘Di na ako mawawala.”

He relaxed. I felt his finger stroking my hair until he wrapped me around his
arms and kissed my head.

“I’m sorry, I’m still just…” He sighed. “I’ve scheduled my therapy and I’ll
be back at it. I promise.”

“Take your time.” Hinaplos ko ang likod niya. “Healing takes time. I’m always
here. I promise.”

We tried not to be touchy when we got home.

Home…

My eyes were locked in our gates with our family’s golden insignia with the
words: Fluctuat nec mergitur.

“It is tossed by the waves—”

“But it does not sink,” I finished Chiel’s words, smiling widely.

Tumango siya at inilahad sa akin ang gates ng mansyon.

My heart jumped in excitement. Napatawa ako nang pagkapasok ay ang mga batang
nagkakagulo at naglalaro na ang nasalubong. The house was filled with laughter and
noise. Our cousin greeted us.

Just as I looked around, more memories flooded.

I celebrated my 18th birthday here. Kabisado ng paa ko ang bawat hakbang

papasok sa mansyon. It was a large one, enough to host a prestigious party! Maybe
this could house at least a hundred people? Oh! I would love to host a party here
someday!

Then more memories played, of our countless and most of the times, private
events happening here.

My cousins, nephews, and nieces were cluttered all over the house but what
caught my attention was the large family portrait.

In the middle was Papa Jer and Mama Lena, my mom and uncles standing behind
them. I noticed they were way younger here—probably early twenties for my uncles
and mom younger than them.

Sa katabi n’on ay ang kasinlaking frame rin ng huli kung saan ang buong
pamilya ang naroon. My grandparents, aunts, and uncles, even us, their children. I
immediately saw myself standing in between Dad and Mom. Buhat ni Dad si Queen. Sa
kanyang tabi ay si Deion, sa may harapan ko si Scira.

We were a large family but we fit just right in the frame, wearing our formal
dresses and I was sure it was taken in our ancestral house in the city.

Sa gilid n’on ay may apat na medyo maliliit na frame at nang mas lumapit
ako’y nakita ko kung kaninong mga pamilya iyon.

Tito Iñigo’s, Tito Zeijan’s, Tito Dash’s, and my mom’s—our family

portrait.

A sense of familiarity settled in my chest, napahawak ako sa dibdib.

“Welcome home…” Chiel’s husky voice echoed in my ear.

 I didn’t know I was crying, if only he hadn’t reached for my cheek and
brushed the tears off.

“S-sorry, Chiel, I was just…”

“It’s fine,” he whispered, standing in front of me to help me dry my face.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Uh-hmm…” I settled my cheek on his palm. “I-I’m happy…”

Sumugat ang matamis na ngiti sa labi niya.

“I’m happy that you’re happy…” He stroked my cheek then leaned and was about
to kiss my forehead when someone bumped us.

Napalayo tuloy kami at gulat na napatingin.

Sol’s eyes were wide.

“Uy, akala ko ba lowkey lang kayo? Bakit nasa point na kayo ng maglalampungan
sa gitna?” he asked in a quiet voice.

“Solomon!” Sibyl hissed, covering me a little.

I tensed. Napahiwalay ako kay Chiel at inikot ang tingin,

napapabuntonghininga nang matantong abala ang lahat at ‘di kami nakita sa gitna.

Shit! Dami pa lang audience!

“Sorry,” Chiel said. “She’s crying. Thank you for covering—”

“Uy, ang tagal n’yo! Ano’ng nangyari?” a cheerful voice said.

We both stilled when we heard the voice.

“Ayan na siya, ikalma n’yo! Mas tsismoso pa ‘yan sa asawa ko!” ani Sib,
tinutukoy si Zion.

“Grabe ka sa ‘kin, angel,” ani Solomon, kunwari’y na-offend pa pero may nang-
aasar na ngisi.

“Uy, ano’ng pinagbubulungan n’yo? Share naman d’yan?” ani ng tsismoso.

“Wala…” ani Sibyl. “Wala ka bang ginagawa, Kuya? Baka mamaya sunog na naman
‘yong iniihaw mo kakatsismis mo.”

“Grabe ka naman sa kuya mong gwapo? Of course, safe and sound ang inihaw!
Sina Padlock pinagluto ko.” Bigla niya kaming hinarap. “Anyway, bakit ang tagal
n’yo? Bumili lang ng alak more than one hour?”

Shit…

He glanced at us, back and forth, his eyes suspicious.

“At saka bakit pala kayo magkasama? Kayo na ulit?” Nagliwanag ang mukha niya
sabay sulyap kay Macky na nakikitsismis din.

Kunwari pa ‘tong seryoso, e. Kambal naman sila ng pusod ni Zion!

 “No,” sabay naming sagot ni Chiel.

“See?” Macky smirked at him.

“‘Di ako naniniwala!” aniya. “Parang nakita ko kanina magkasunod kayo. ‘Di ko
lang sure kung namamalikmata ako pero parang nadaanan ko ng tingin hinawakan niya
pisngi mo—”

“I was crying,” I confessed. “Naalala ko kasi ‘yong memories dito sa bahay

and… Chiel came to make sure I was okay.”

“Kinomfort ko lang,” agap ni Chiel dahil ayaw maniwala ni Zion.

“Hmm… comfort,” he mumbled then glanced at Macky. “Paano ba ‘yan, may comfort
nang nagaganap? Kasunod niyan mag-jowa na sila ulit?”

“Why? Masama bang mag-comfort?” Macky answered. “He saw her crying that’s why
he’s making sure she’s fine. Wala namang malisya—”

“Walang malisya? E, hawakan nga lang ni Clyte ‘yong kurbata ni Chiel-taba,

ang imagination niya nasa reception na ng kasal nila!”

My jaw dropped.

“The fuck?!” ani Chiel na namula. “Fuck you! It’s not—”

“Oh, h’wag ako! Ngitian ka lang ni Clyte-Clyte, para kang nanalo sa lotto!
For sure, kilig ‘yang tumbong mo!” Binalingan ako ni Zion. “Sa tingin mo, naka-move
on na ‘to sa ‘yo?”

“Huh? Uh…” I swallowed. Nagkatinginan kami ni Sibyl. I pleaded with my eyes

for her to save me before I spilled it out and breached the contract.

“Oh, we need you in the kitchen!” ani Sibyl. “Help ka raw magluto, Ate!”

Thankfully, I was saved. Sinabon nila si Alchiel do’n at naiwan si Solomon,

parang nanonood pa ng sine. I didn’t realize he took the plastic from my hand at
nakikinood na siya ng pagtatalo, binuksan na ang chichirya.

Suddenly, Zirena appeared. Nakisali at dalawa na silang kumakain habang

paikot-ikot ang tingin sa mga lalaki.

“Ay, bakit durog na ‘yong laman? Naipit n’yo ba?” Zire commented and raised
the broken piece of chips.

Tumitig sila ni Sol do’n.

“Baka hinampas,” he added.

May namuong question mark sa ulo ko.

“What the hell is happening in our family, Sib?” I asked.

“Beats me.” She sighed loudly. “Sandejas means may sapak sa utak.”

Pagpasok namin sa kusina ay nagluluto sina Daru at Chance. Suminghap si Crest

pagkakita sa ‘kin.
 “Clyte-Clyte! Ang tagal mo!” Tumalon siya patayo sa stool at niyakap ako.
“What happened?”

“Wala kasing sasakyan,” I lied. “Naglakad kami ni Chiel.”

“O-oh…” She nodded, her eyes sad again, disappointed perhaps. “‘Di kayo nag-
usap?”

“We did.” Nagliwanag ang mukha niya. “Pero casual lang…” Napawi ang ngiti
niya.

Sibyl was side eyeing me from the counter, nagse-shake na siya ng kape niya
pero nakikinig.

She’s probably thinking: Casual talk pero may laplapan with tongue?

Shit. Nakakahiya ka, Clyte!

She smiled a little and extended a glass of coffee shake for me. I thanked
her and sipped on it.

“A-anyway…” pag-iiba ko sa topic. “What are you doing here?”

“Wala! Ako ang muse nila!” Ngumisi siya. “Ganda lang kasi ambag ko.” She
flipped her hair.

I laughed, hugged her sideways, and kissed her cheek.

“Alright, Miss Muse. Let me help them cook.”

“Ayaw kasi nilang kumain ng kanin na lugaw kaya bawal akong humawak ng
spatula! I prepared my apron and chef’s hat pa naman…” she whined.

“Ayaw mo kasi silang lutuan no’ng pâncit dè cantón mo,” ani Locket sa
weird na accent, nakangiting lumitaw bigla at pumasok sa backdoor.

He nodded at me before reaching to his wife for a kiss.

“Wala na akong stock, Pingu!” reklamo niya. “Next time na lang! Sayang
talaga, meron pa naman ditong sahog na mukhang sperm!”

Pumasok sa ilong ko ang kape at malakas na napaubo, nabibilaukan.

“Clyte!” she exclaimed loudly but I was choking and holding into my dear
life. “Oh my God!”

They rushed to help me, tapped my back, and gave me water.

I was just recovering when a large built appeared in the kitchen and ran
towards me.

“What happened?!” Nagpa-panic na sinapo ni Alchiel ang mukha ko. “Are you
okay? Clyte—”

Tumikhim nang malakas si Sibyl, sadya at tunog nabibilaukan. I felt

everyone’s eyes on us. Nagkatitigan kami ni Chiel at sabay na naguluhan.

Shit!
 Tumalim ang tingin ko sabay hawi sa kamay niya.

“Why are you here?!” I exclaimed angrily.

His expression changed too, getting into the act.

“I was just concerned! Masama bang maging concerned?” he asked agressively.

“Did I ask you to be concerned?” I spat back because fuck, I didn’t know what
to say!

“No but it’s—”

“Oh! Tama na! Awat na!” Inawat nila kami.

Crest held my arm and pulled me away. Para makatotohanan ay mahina kong
sinipa si Chiel sa paa.

His mouth parted and kicked me back. Mas masakit kaya totoo na ang inis ko.
He realized it, and he gave me a silent apology.

“Ang sakit!” singhal ko at muling sinipa siya at baka gano’n na ang ginawa
namin kung ‘di lang kami pinaghiwalay na dalawa.

Ang hirap magpanggap. The whole day, they were trying na ipagbati kaming
dalawa. Sumakit na nga ang mata ko kakairap kay Chiel at kunwari’y walang pakialam
pero sa totoo lang ay gusto ko na siyang ikulong sa kwarto at maghalikan na lang
kami ro’n!

No one wanted to breach the contract first kaya patigasan din kami!

It was almost ten when the kids got exhausted and slept. Naiwan ang iilan sa
amin sa may bonfire na ginawa nila, nag-iinuman at maingay.

Pinagtabi pa kami nina Zion kaya hindi kami makapag-usap sa tingin ni

Alchiel. I was so tempted to reach for his hand to touch him but refused to do so,
lalo na at mga matang agila ang mga pinsan.

Lalo na ang tsismosong si Zion.

Deion was just watching everything happening, like the observant kind he was.
Alam na rin naman niyang hindi kami magkagalit kaya natatawa na lang siya kina
Zion, ‘di umiimik kapag tinatanong kung saang team.

Team Move On, leader si Macky or Team Marupok at si Zion ang leader.

I couldn’t believe these men bet on our relationship! Idinamay pa sina Chance
at ang mga lalaki!

“Ate, I’ll go rest first. Tulungan ko lang si Warren sa mga bata,” ani Scira.

“Alright, good night! Ikaw na ba bahala kay Queen? I can check her—”

“Oh, no. Have fun. She’s already resting. Ako na.” She smiled and kissed my
cheek.

When I noticed na ubos na ang pulutan, ako ang nagpresintang kumuha. Alchiel
wanted to get it instead but I shook my head, mabuti na lang ay napapayag ko.
 I was walking towards the kitchen when I heard voices.

“Sige na, pingu, please? Help us?”

“I don’t know, baby. He could honestly file a case against us. It’s kidna—”

“‘Di ‘yan! Dito lang naman! Akong bahala!” It was Crest’s sweet voice.
“Please? Pretty please with cherry on top?”

I heard Locket sighing.

“Let me think—”

“If you say yes, we could go up and you can have your way to me,” she
offered.

What? Ano’ng pinag-uusapan nila?

Hindi umimik si Locket and I think I heard the sound of their kissing.

“Please?” Crest asked. “If you say yes, I’ll give you a blowjob.”

Nahulog ang panga ko, muntik nang mabitawan ang plato para lang takpan ang
tainga.

Oh, God?! Bastos!

“Damn it.” He sighed, giving up. “You knew how to bribe me, huh? Alright—”

Tumikhim ako nang malakas at umubo. Nagkagulo ang dalawa. Nagbilang ako ng
lima bago pumasok at naabutan si Locket na naghuhugas kunwari ng kamay at si Crest
ay may nasa tapat ng ref.

“Hello,” I greeted, as if I didn’t hear a thing. “Ano’ng ginagawa n’yo?”

“Ah… nagpapalamig lang ako sa ref!” she chirped. Locket even glanced at her
with a ridiculous look, stopping his smirk.

“Hmm…” Tumango ako at tumabi para kumuha ng mani. “Kuha lang akong pulutan
nila. Tulog na kayo?”

“Yup!” Tumango-tango si Crest. “Good night, BFF!”

When the two left, I kept on wondering what it was about but shrugged it off
in the end.

Bumalik ako para ibigay ang pulutan nang sabihin ni Deion na tatawag si
Mommy. I bid a silent good night to Chiel.

“H’wag n’yong lasingin!” paalala ko sa mga loko-loko at namumula na ang

nililigawan ko!

“Hindi ako lasing…” aniya habang nakatitig sa akin, namumula ang mukha.
Inirapan ko lang.

‘Di lasing my ass…

I left, texted Chiel a quick good night, and answered Mom’s call.
 Nagkumustahan lang. She asked how was Sta. Monica and had some small talk. I
took a quick bath and wore my night dress, readying to sleep when a knock on the
door stopped me.

Tumayo ako at binuksan iyon.

“Crest?”

“Clyte!” She gasped. “You have to come with me!”

My heart raced.

“W-why?”

“It’s Chiel!”

Mas kinabahan ako. Mabilis ang kalabog ng puso ko nang hawakan at dinala
papunta sa pinakadulong kwarto sa third floor.

“W-what’s happening? Is he alright?” I asked. “Crest!”

“Basta, you’ll see!”

I was fidgety, the worst-case scenario playing in my head.

She opened the door and let go of me. “Where is he?”

“Nand’yan sa loob!” she answered.

Dali-dali akong pumasok at inikot ang tingin.

“Bakit madilim? Saan na siya—” But she lightly pushed me inside and slammed
the door closed.

“What the hell?!” I screamed in shock and ran to the door but it was locked
from the outside. “Crest?!”

“Sorry, Clyte-Clyte!” she exclaimed. “Wala na kaming maisip na

paraan—enjoy!”

“Enjoy?” I screamed back. “What the hell? Kapag dito may multo—”

“Pogi multo r’yan sa loob! Mag-aswangan kayo!” she chirped and then I heard
her footsteps running away.

What the hell?

“Crest!” Kinalampag ko ulit ang pintuan but she was gone.

Frustrated and annoyed, I brushed my bangs. Inikot ko ang tingin sa paligid

at kinapa ang switch.

I was getting scared. My heart spiked in terror and it doubled when I heard
a
moan.

“W-who’s there?” I called shakily. Bumukas ang dim na ilaw pero wala akong
nakita sa may sakop ng paningin ko.
I took my slippers off, ready na gawing weapon kung may multo!
 I swear… Crest! Kapag ako nakalabas, yari ka talaga sa ‘kin! Bruhang ‘yon!

“Is someone here?” I asked and took a step forward, my slippers in the air.

I heard another moan, kasunod ang langitngit ng upuan.

The fuck…

Nang makita kong may paa ay mas kinabahan ako. It was large. Probably a man.

Shit. Was there a ghost here?

“P-Papa Jer…” I called. “I-if ikaw ‘yan, I love you po pero h’wag ka namang
magpakita sa ‘kin, o!”

I heard another grunt. Parang naiiyak na ako sa takot.

I can do it! It’s nothing! Imagination ko lang!

I closed my eyes, took a few steps, and threw my slipper to whatever it was
and heard a loud whimper. Mas lumangitngit ang upuan na parang masisira na kaya
iminulat ko ang isang mata para sana sumilip lang hanggang sa napatakip ako sa
bibig sa gulat nang matanto kung ano ang natamaan ko.

It was Alchiel! He’s strapped in the chair with a rope, may busal sa bibig!

Kabanata 45

Kabanata 45

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

You’ve… gotta be kidding me!

Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa sa dilim.

“Chiel?!”

He said something but it ended up muffled dahil sa busal sa bibig niya. I

gasped loudly and ran closer to him, mabilis kong tinanggal ang busal niya.

“What the hell?” he cursed.

“Are you okay?!” Hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya. “Why are you here?”

“Are you okay?” biglang tanong niya sa ‘kin kaya tumango ako.

“Yes! You? Ano’ng nangyari?! Bakit ka nakabusal dito?!”

“Mga gagong ‘yon…” he cursed again, his eyes dark and annoyed. “Are you sure
you’re fine?”

“Yes! Nanonood lang ako no’ng kumatok si Crest. What happened?!” I asked
frantically again, moving and untying the rope in his wrists while he was strapped
on the chair bago ko sinunod ang sa paa niya.
 “They fooled me!” he exclaimed. “I panicked! I just got out of the shower!
Gagapangin sana kita but hell, Locket showed up rushing and said I needed you!”

“What?”

Umayos ako ng pagkakaluhod sa harapan niya at sinapo niya ang mukha ko. He
tilted my head from side to side, checking for anything.

Inabot ko ang palad niya at pinisil.

“I’m fine, Chiel. Really. Ano ba talagang nangyari? Paanong natali ka nila
r’yan? Sa laki mong ‘yan?”

He frowned at me.

“I got here in this room then I was asking where you are tapos may inilagay
silang panyo sa ilong ko!” He recalled, his eyes turning darker. Nanlaki ang mata
ko.

“You mean… nawalan ka ng malay? Then… what? They dragged you here to…” I
motioned the rope.

“They manhandled me! I even bumped my head!”

Umangat ang kamay ko sa noo niya at mas nahulog ang panga nang may makapa
roon.

“May bukol,” I muttered. His jaw ticked, and he reached for his forehead,
feeling the bump in it.

“I’m gonna sue them…” he uttered darkly with a warning.

“What?”

“They kidnapped me!” he exclaimed, and I didn’t know why, but I laughed.

Mas bumusangot siya sa ‘kin. “I’m not kidding, Clytemnestra! This is a

serious offense!”

“You are saying that you… the giant—you, the tallest of them all got
dragged here?” I couldn’t stop laughing at the grump’s face.

“Pinagtulungan nila ‘ko, Clytemnestra!” he whined. Tawang-tawa lang ako.

“You believed them? Alam mo namang may sapak ‘yong mga ‘yon sa utak! It’s
ridiculous to believe in them! I bet Zion’s on it! Nagpauto ka naman!” I laughed
more, imagining how the boys tried to tie him up that he even got a bump on his
forehead for it!

He nudged me with a look.

“Wow, that’s so rich coming from you, sweetheart—while you’re trapped here
with me,” he drawled.

Nawala ang ngiti ko at doon naman tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

“...nagpauto ka naman,” he added.

Then I realized it. How I was laughing at him, and here I was, locked with
him.

“What the fuck?” I mumbled. “It’s Crest!”

Naisahan ako!

Tumili ako. Siya naman ang tumawa. Napatayo ako sa pagkakaluhod, magmamartsa
sana sa pintuan pabalik para sumigaw at mag-demand na palabasin kami pero hinatak
ako ni Chiel.

Bumagsak ako sa hita niya.

“What?” I whined. “Sisigaw lang ako para pagbuksan—”

“Nah.” He firmed me in his lap, his arms wrapping around my waist. “No need
to waste your saliva, Bella. No one’s staying on this floor but us.”

“What?” My jaw dropped. “How? Sa dami natin—”

“They occupied the whole second and fourth floor. Sib and Sol stayed in their
home with Zire’s family. There was plenty of room. They planned this.”

“What… the hell?” I breathed out.

“Yes, baby, what the hell?” bulong niya at isinandal ang baba sa balikat ko,
mas yumayakap ang braso sa baywang ko.

“Is this their way to reconcile us?” I asked.

He nodded. “Think so. It was either Zion’s idea or my twin’s. Damn it, Book
Joo.”

“I think it was Crest,” I breathed out. “Kasi I overheard her talking to

Locket. ‘Di ko ma-gets ang usapan kasi walang context kanina! Her husband was
hesitant, ayaw kasi nga kakasuhan mo raw siya but she bribed him kaya pumayag!”

“Bribe? Like what?” He looked so pissed and curious.

I snorted and glanced at him.

“You don’t wanna know, sweetheart,” I mused.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. “No, tell me. What would he fucking risk if he knew
better I’d fucking threaten him with a case? He knows me! I didn’t doubt he was
telling the truth because it was Locket!”

I swiped my tongue on my lips.

“Sure?” I asked. “It’s awkward.”

But he was determined. “Tell me.”

I leaned in and whispered, “Blowjob.”

He flinched and cursed.

“What the fuck? I didn’t hear anything! I didn’t!” He pretended to clean his
ear and cover it. I laughed louder.
 “See? Sinong tatanggi—”

“Cover your mouth!” Tinakpan niya ang bibig ko. “I don’t want to hear—”

“Hey!” I pushed his palm away. “Makapagsalita ‘to, akala mo siya tatanggi!”

“Of course, I am!” he fought. “Hindi ako rurupok sa ganyan—”

“Oh? What if I blow you now?” I asked. He visibly stiffened.

His eyes flared. “Hindi ako madadala sa ganyan, Clytemnestra—”

I moved my butt against his crotch. I felt it stirred.

“Oh…” I gasped. “‘Di ka madadala? Really?”

“I don’t—” He swallowed when I moved my hips again, and heck, he was now
having a boner.

“Hmm, I see! I think Little Chiel was saying otherwise, baby.” I smirked.
Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baywang ko at umigting ang kanyang panga.

“That’s that little again.” Napawi ang ngisi ko nang mas idiniin niya ako. I
could feel the outline of his hard dick on my butt, making me swallow. “Does that
feel little to you, sweetheart?”

“Hmm?” I tried hiding the flush in my face as I met with his daring blue
eyes. “I’ve seen it, held it—I even tasted it. Kaso… medyo nakalimutan ko na?”

Mas dumiin ang tingin niya. I let out an evil laugh inside my head.

Namumula na siya!

“Don’t tease me, Fabroa.”

“Oh… am I, Sandejas?” I swiped my tongue again on my lips and bit it, giving
him a pointed look. “What if I want a recap?”

Inikot ko ang braso ko sa balikat niya at iniangat ang hita para mas makaupo
patagilid sa kanya. I pressed my finger in his shirt and grinded my hips again.

“Fuck…” He buried his face on my chest. “Stop teasing me, baby.”

“Akala ko ba ‘di ka marupok?” I asked, chuckling. “And here you are telling
me to stop teasing you when I haven’t done anything yet.”

He breathed. “Wala pa ba ‘yon? You are grinding your ass on my dick, Clyte.”

“Opps?” I whispered and laughed.

He groaned. I had goosebumps when his warm lips grazed my chest.

“And you’re not wearing a bra,” he blurted out.

“Necessary ba?” I asked. “And I’m about to sleep so why would I wear a bra?”

He fingered my night dress, and I did not expect it when he pulled it down
and rubbed my exposed nipple. Napaigtad ako at humigpit ang hawak sa kanya.
 “Alchiel…”

“We can’t fuck, sweetheart,” he reminded me despite his breath on my

hardened
peak.

“W-who said we will?” I asked. “The contract clearly says we are not allowed
to have sex, but we could make out, right?”

“Fucking hell,” he cursed and kissed my breast. “Who the fuck drafted that
awful contract?”

“You, Your Honor,” I teased, chuckling but I swallowed the laughter when his
warm mouth covered my breast.

I moaned, arching my back to make him taste me more.

“It’s a good thing they took us here, huh?” bulong ko. “I was dying to be
alone with you. ‘Di kita malandi kanina ang daming nakatingin pero ngayon, may
isang gabi tayong maghaharutan!”

“Don’t try to save them, baby.” He put my other breast in his mouth. “I’ll
still file a case. Physical injury, nagkabukol ang noo ko.”

I was smiling, but it faded when his hand slid on my stomach, down the gaps
of my thigh where he found my underwear. Umalis siya sa dibdib ko at sinilip ang
ilalim ng night dress.

“Thongs, seriously, Clyte?”

I bit my lip. “I don’t want to wear my ugly underwear, I have this feeling na
gagapangin mo ‘ko, e.”

His dark eyes met mine. My lips curved and when his other finger reached for
my chin and angled my face for a kiss. The butterflies in my stomach danced as his
teeth skated on my bottom lip and when I squirmed, I felt him smiling against my
mouth, coaxing it open.

He tasted like mint, fresh and cold against my mouth, possibly from his
mouthwash but I still felt like he had remnants of bitter liquor in his tongue, and
it was making me drunk and addicted to his taste.

We kissed open-mouthed, tasting each other, wanting so badly for more.

I felt his palm parting my legs, he didn’t even bother taking my underwear
off when he started rubbing my clit. I moaned against his mouth.

“Chiel…” I called desperately when his finger grazed on my sensitive spot and
without even a word of warning, he pulled my underwear to the side and plunged his
finger inside.

I whimpered, squeezing his shoulder when he started thrusting his finger

inside, his thumb still rubbing me.

We continued kissing, latching on each other’s mouth like a starved man. I

didn’t even notice he stood and was already carrying me to the bed. Natauhan na
lang ako nang bumagsak ang likod ko sa kama at nagdikit ang dibdib namin.

He pulled away and our eyes met in the dark. He was towering over me,
kneeling in between my thighs. His palm was at the top of my head, looking sinfully
handsome with those blazing blue eyes.

Nakaawang lang ang labi ko nang ngumiti siya at inilapit ang mukha sa akin.
He kissed me again before rubbing his nose against mine.

“I would very much like to eat you, Bella,” he whispered. “Would you allow
me?”

Naisara ko ang hita but he was too quick to part it again.

“Hmm?” He shot his brow up, and when I didn’t answer, he pushed his knee in
between my legs as more heat pooled.

“Fuck…” I cursed and rubbed myself in it. Mula sa mukha ko ay nahulog ang
tingin niya sa pagitan ng hita ko at inangat ang damit kong nagtatakip doon para
panoorin ang ginagawa.

His face darkened with the sight, lust burning in his eyes. He pushed his
knees and playfully rubbed it, watching me squirm again and rubbing myself.

“Chiel, please,” I pleaded.

“Please what?”

“Eat me.”

His eyes glistened with mirth, and he gave me one more deep kiss before
standing off the bed and grabbing my legs. I squealed when he pulled me to the edge
of the bed, got rid of my underwear, and kissed the side of my thigh.

“Stop teasing, Alchiel,” I grunted, annoyed that he was touching my leg but
not my cunt. His dangerous, liquid blue eyes watched me like a predator waiting for
the right time to eat his prey, moistening his lips.

“Was I?” His rough fingertips tentatively touched my clit, rubbing it in a

frustrating circular manner, watching how I heaved and begged him just to taste me
with my eyes.

“Chiel!” I whined, totally annoyed now and he smiled in amusement.

“Sinong marupok sa ‘tin ngayon, Fabroa?”

“Sandejas! I swear, if you won’t eat me—” But he was plunging his finger
inside and dragging my hips closer to his mouth to have a taste.

My back arched.

“Open,” utos niya. “Wrap your legs on my shoulder.”

I did and did not regret it because, at that moment, I got a feel of how
heaven tasted like.

His hot tongue flickered, tasting me, sucking me like it was his lifeline. My
toes curled, and my moans filled the room as I grabbed his head and pushed him
further to me.

“So wet…” he breathed out and kissed it again, his fingers competing with his
tongue. “You’re this wet for who, Clytemestra?”
 “You…” I panted. “Always you.”

I didn’t care if I was already screaming when he inserted another digit and
fucked me with it, his tongue on my clit, sucking, and nipping. I thrust back,
accepting and giving, desperate for my release when he pulled away.

“What?!” Iritadong dinungaw ko siya pero ngumisi lang siya at inayos ang hita
ko sa balikat niya.

“So impatient…” he drawled and slapped my core with his palm.

I grunted when it stung, but it only turned me on, drenching me.

“Alchiel… please,” I pleaded. “I want to come, please.”

“I know, sweetheart.” His breath fanned my skin. I even saw him lick the
moisture off his lips as if it was hard for him to stop himself. “Sorry, I just
loved making out with your pussy.”

Oh, kill me. Umawang ang labi ko. He winked, and my eyes rolled at the back
of my head when he moved his face, hardened his tongue, and fucked me with it
alongside his fingers rubbing my nub.

I could hear the sound it was making as he fingered me. I felt slippery, felt
drenched, and begged for more that when he inserted another, I almost reached the
highest cloud.

He knew exactly what to do. He knew how to pleasure me, knew how to make me
lose my senses, knew how to make me beg for him.

Tumaas-baba ang dibdib ko, naghahanap ng makakapitan o masasandalan. My legs

were stiff, my breathing was labored, and my hands are fisted, desperate for
something to clutch on.

“Baby…” I called. “I-I love you! Please… I love you!”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin, may kislap sa mga mata at nang makita ang
pagmamakaawa sa mata ko’y inabot niya ang palad ko at dinala sa buhok niya.

I took it as a sign and gripped his strands again to rub myself on his mouth.
His tongue alternately took turns to pleasure me until I could feel another
familiar urge to explode.

“C-Chiel, I think…”

He thrust his fingers quicker as if reaching for a spot, and when I felt him
hitting on it repeatedly, I exploded without warning, his name on my lips. He
watched me come undone that my limbs weakened, and I fell on the bed.

I stirred and covered my face as I felt his lips and tongue on me, tasting my
juices and licking me clean.

I let out a satisfied sigh when he crawled towards me with a smirk, leaning
in for a kiss.

“Hmm…” I cried in his mouth, tasting myself on him.

He kissed me one more time before he laid down on the bed beside me.
 “You liked it?” he asked. Nagkatinginan kami at tumango akong masaya at
satisfied, pareho pang hinahapo.

“Chef’s kiss! Worth it ang kakanood mo ng porn!” I chirped.

He frowned.

“I don’t watch that now. Yes, before—” He stiffened when he realized I was
teasing him.

Mas lumakas ang tawa ko nang dambahin niya ako at atakihin ng kiliti. I
squealed and smacked him, but he ended up showering kisses on my face.

“You’re naughty.” He bit my lip but then his eyes were curious, hesitant.
“Does it… feel okay? I mean when I…”

Don’t tell me…

“Wait,” I stopped. “Was it your first time doing that?”

Namula siya bago napaupo kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.

“Weh?!”

“I fingered you!” he insisted. “But I still haven’t…” Mas namula siya.

“Holy…”

“Sorry,” he breathed out. “I don’t know what the fuck I was doing—”

“Are you kidding me? I think I saw heaven!” I exclaimed.

He stiffened and then stared at me more, curious and doubtful.

“Weh? Binobola mo lang ako—”

“I meant it!” I insisted then stared at him intently, making him know I was
telling the truth. “I liked it—no, I loved it!”

Naupo rin ako patabi sa kanya at tinitigan siya.

“I meant it, Chiel,” I soothed him again.

Nanatili siyang tahimik, namumula lang kaya unti-unti nang sumugat ang ngiti
sa labi ko.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and kissed his shoulder. Napasulyap siya
sa ‘kin.

“Why are you doubting yourself again?” I asked.

“Nothing,” aniya. “Nakakahiya lang.”

“Bakit ka nahihiya?” Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“I’m in my mid-thirties, Clyte, and I still couldn’t pleasure you better—”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” I snapped. “Paanong hindi, e, tumirik nga
‘yong mata ko!”
 Mas tumalim ang tingin niya sa ‘kin. I rolled my eyes.

“You old grump…” Tinusok ko ang pisngi niya.

“I’m not a grump,” he said grumpily.

“I’m not a grump,” I mimicked mockingly. “Okay, kwento mo ‘yan, e. S’yempre

ikaw ang bida r’yan, Kuya!”

And now he was grumpier.

“Stop calling me Kuya!”

“Kuya! Kuya! Kuya!” I chanted and laughed when he caught my waist before I
could even move away. Para makatakas ay hinalikan ko nga hanggang sa gumaan na ang
ekspresyon pero umiling at humiwalay.

“‘Di ako marupok,” he chanted as if he was trying to convince himself to

believe.

I nodded.

“Okay, same here. ‘Di rin ako marupok,” sabat ko sabay sampa sa kanya.

He cursed under his breath again when I straddled him. Umangat ang night
dress ko kaya na-distract na naman siya.

His hands crawled to my expose leg, trying to have a peek kaya pinalo ko ang
kamay at inangat ang chin niya.

“Kuya…” I started.

He rolled his eyes.

“Suplado!” Natatawang hinalikan ko ang noo niya.

“I’m not your fucking Kuya, Clytemnestra,” sikmat niya sabay baon ng mukha sa
dibdib ko. I even felt him pulling my dress away para sumilip.

“Pervert…” I chuckled.

“I’m just saying hi to my baby Suzu,” he muttered, and it was his turn to
laugh when I made a face. Humalik siya sa akin bago muling tumungo sa dibdib ko.

“What I meant to say, Chiel, was you’re a great lover,” I commended. “And
what if it’s your first time? E, we have a lot of time to practice pa! Kung mas may
gagaling pa ro’n, ewan ko na baka matuluyan na ako mapunta sa ‘yo sa heaven.”

“Shut up, Fabroa,” he mumbled and fished my boob out of my clothes to give it
a small kiss. I rolled my eyes.

“Ganyan pa nga lang, napupunta na ‘ko sa heaven!” I exclaimed and gasped when
he put it in his mouth and flicked his warm tongue on my peak.

He rubbed my other boob, his finger grazing and then he was circling it with
his thumb and forefinger. I think I saw stars. I arched my back, encircled my arms
on his nape, and humped on his erection aligning visibly in his shorts.
 “Nasa heaven na si Clyte,” he said in a low voice.

Suminghap ako at tumango.

“I g-guess so,” I humped more and reached for his shorts. “Chiel…”

“Yeah?” He kissed my boob.

“What if we just burn the contract?” I asked. “Forget it existed?”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin pabalik sa ‘kin.

“Ikaw magsunog,” he offered. “Ayaw kong magbayad ng danyos.”

“What?” I whined. “Tapos ano? Ako ang may penalty?”

“You suggested it,” aniya. “And we cannot just forget, nakanotaryo na. Naka-
frame na nga sa opisina ko, nakita mo ba ‘yong kopya mo? Binilhan din kita ng
frame! Kulay red para parehas tayo.”

Napanganga na lang ako sa kanya. No matter how serious this man looks and
acts, ‘di pa rin maitatago ang nakuha niyang ugali sa mga Sandejas.

He was… weird.

I laughed unbelievably, shaking my head.

“Ayaw mo ba?” I asked. “Ayaw mo ba ng sex?”

He stiffened, and his jaw ticked.

“And don’t tell me you don’t because it’s obvious! You’re horny!”

Namula siya. “It’s fine with me kasi nanliligaw ka pa, ‘di ba? Also, I am not
a starved man, I am not horny. Where’s your proof—”

I grabbed his crotch. “Here’s my evidence, Your Honor!”

Tumalim ang tingin niya, pilit pa akong inalis sa hita niya para i-adjust ang
sarili at simangutan ako para lang mapatunayan ang walang kwentang paninindigan
pero ‘di ako pumayag.

“Chiel! The contract is ridiculous, anyway! Nagsabi lang akong liligawan kita
tapos may contract and of course, instead of taking advantage of my offer, ayaw
mo!”

Ngumisi siya.

“Conservative kasi ‘ko, mahal.” Tinawanan niya ang reaksyon ko. “Mapili ako
sa manliligaw at hindi nagpapahawak kaagad kaya ang swerte mong hinayaan kitang
nakasampa sa ‘kin d’yan.”

He squeezed my boob like it was his personal stress ball. He even gave it a
loud smack.

“Wow, it’s a privilege to be here on top of you, Your Honor!” pakikisakay ko

pang nakabusangot.

Pinaghahalikan niya lang ang dibdib ko sabay sulyap sa akin.

 “And I’m not sure if you’d like it if I take advantage.” He rubbed my breast.

“How so? How sure are you I won’t like it—”

“If I take advantage of your offer, sa simbahan agad ang deretso natin,” he
revealed.

My throat bobbed and he used my shock to get me off him. Binuhat niya ako
pahiga ulit sa kama, pabalik sa pwesto ko kanina.

“So… baby, unless you are ready to tie the knot with me, then we’ll burn the
contract together.” Tumayo siya at iniwan ako para pumasok sa banyo.

Nang bumalik siya’y may hawak na siyang wipe at bimpo. I gasped when he
pulled me close to the edge of the bed again to wipe me clean.

“Chiel,” I called.

“Hmm?”

“Alam mo para tayong tanga.”

“What?” His forehead creased, carefully and gently wiping the remaining come
off my skin.

“I mean ‘yong usapan natin pang-tanga! ‘Yong contract parang tanga!” I

exclaimed. Tumaas ang kilay niya.

“How could you say that—”

“Because no matter what we do… kapag may ‘di nasunod sa kontrata, it’s either
one hundred million dollars na wala naman ako kaya ang ending papakasalan kita.
Gano’n ka rin! Though, I’m sure you have a million dollars—”

“I’m broke, sweetheart. Ang laki ng nabudol sa ‘king regalo no’ng mga
pamangkin natin at mga inaaanak.”

“So… ang ending, papakasalan mo ‘ko tapos kapag sinunog ang contract, deretso
naman sa simbahan! Ang ending it’s either papakasalan mo ‘ko o papakasalan kita!” I
exclaimed.

“Exactly,” he drawled. “Sa haba-haba ng prusisyon, sisiguraduhin kong sa

simbahan ang tuloy.”

My lips parted, and he gave me a proud look, made me wear my underwear,

slapped my core, and stood. My stomach twisted and got turned on again.

“Alchiel!” I whined, but he was smirking and leaving me to go to the

bathroom.

I was glaring at him when he got back.

“I hate you…” singhal ko.

“Hmm, I don’t know if I believe that.” He helped me sit and then picked me up
like I was feather-light. “Not after I heard you screaming you love me while I was
fucking you with my tongue.”
 Heat rushed on my cheek. I wrapped my arms around his nape, my legs on his
waist, cradling him like a koala.

“Ang yabang!” I muttered in his neck. “Porket alam mo na mahal na mahal

kita?”

It amuses me whenever he’d still freeze or get stunned whenever I said it.

“Mahal na mahal mo ‘ko, e,” bulong niya, parang wala lang na buhat ako at
inaayos ang kama. “Paano ba ‘yan, e di sobrang yabang ko na niyan?”

I laughed, kissing his ear, and sniffing his scent.

“Sige na nga, magyabang ka kasi patay na patay ako sa ‘yo.” I bit his
earlobe.

We ended up making out again that night. I really couldn’t resist him.
Magdidikit lang kami, para na akong sinisilaban. Para tuloy kaming pinagkaitan ng
mahabang panahon na ngayong may tiyansa ay walang balak maghiwalay.

He plopped me in between his parted legs and embraced me from the back. The
TV was playing, but we couldn’t comprehend a thing because we were trapped in our
own world, just kissing, touching, and whispering sweet nothings.

I could feel his tiny kisses trailing on the length of my neck, his palm
cupping my boob with the other tucking me by the stomach to push me close to him.

I tilted my head and caught his lips for kisses, both sighing when we had to
let go because we ran out of breath.

“Kasalanan ng oxygen ‘to,” reklamo niya.

I laughed and shook my head, burying my back on his chest, getting

comfortable wrapped around his arms.

“Sinisi pa ang oxygen,” I teased. “Don’t you think they’ll get curious if
they saw our lips tomorrow? Ilang beses na tayo naghahalikan, you even bit my lip!”

Ngumuso ako. Pinatakan niya ako ng halik.

“Can’t resist such beauty.” He kissed me again. “Ang ganda-ganda mo kasi,

paanong ‘di mamamaga ‘yang labi mo sa halik ko?”

I closed my eyes and smiled, touching his hand on my stomach to caress it

gently. Unti-unti’y isiningit ko ang kamay sa ilalim ng kanya. I then filled the
gaps in between his fingers with mine, lifting it to my lips to kiss.

“Mahal na mahal kita, Chiel,” I confessed.

Lumalim ang paghinga niya sa likuran ko at mas humigpit ang yakap. Idinantay
niya ang ulo sa balikat ko at tumango, walang sagot kaya nag-alala ako.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

Tumango siya.

“Yes, sorry,” he breathed out. “I just… I, I used to daydream about these

moments before that now that it happened in reality, akala ko panaginip pa rin.”
 My eyes swelled.

“It’s not a dream, Chiel,” I whispered. “Mahal… na mahal kita. Sobra.”

“I know.” He kissed my shoulder. “I just can’t believe it yet, just couldn’t

process it’ll really happen. This is what happens when you dream of something all
your life and when it’s there, it takes you plenty of time to process, doubting if
it’s real or you’re stuck in your fantasy again.”

I kissed his knuckles.

“I’m sorry it took me time. I’m sorry if I rejected you a lot of times, led
you on, and left you. I have no excuse for it, Chiel.” Nagkatinginan kami.

His eyes glistened, his face illuminating with the help of the light from the
television.

“Sinaktan kita nang paulit-ulit.” I reached for his cheek. “Pero ito ka’t
mapagpasensya, mapagmahal na kahit anong sakit at pagkakait na ibinigay sa ‘yo,
handa ka pa ring magbigay ng tiyansa.”

“Wasn’t that what love is for?” he asked. “To be patient. To be kind. To not
get easily angered. To keep no record of wrongs.”

He leaned in, kissing my temple.

“But unfortunately, sometimes, it gets tired too.” Malungkot siyang ngumiti

nang idugtong iyon.

“And it’s okay, sweetheart.” Mas hinaplos ko ang palad niya. “Ayos lang
magpahinga. I know how exhausted you must’ve been all these times. Noong tayo,
noong nawala ako, hanggang ngayon. Let me take it from here this time, hmm? I’ll be
patient, I’ll be persistent—I’ll love you always.”

He smiled and nodded. Inakay niya ako pahinga sa kanyang braso, inangat sa
amin ang comforter at hinarap ako.

I brushed my finger in his jaw, looking straight at him in the eye.

“I’m sorry about our anniversary,” I started.

Pain flashed in his eyes. I felt him go rigid then he shook his head, trying
to look away.

“It’s okay—”

“It’s not okay, Chiel,” I whispered as I held his jaw and tilted his head so
he’d look at me. “I’ve hurt you, and I might have a reason why, but I had a choice
to tell you the truth, to ask for help but instead, I pushed you away.”

“I understand. You had a reason—”

“And you can’t excuse me for treating you that way,” I insisted. “You can’t
say it was fine after I drained you, tire you out. It wasn’t, hmm? You deserved
better than that.”

My heart felt heavier when I noticed the glaze in his eyes as it turned
watery. He moistened his lip and tried looking away, but the tear left his eyes
before he could do it. Inabot ko ang pisngi niya at idinantay ang labi ko roon.
 I kissed his tears away as he trembled against my lip, his arm wrapping
around my waist.

“Thank you…” he breathed out and closed his eyes. “Thank you for s-saying
that.”

Tumango ako, ngumiti bago muling humalik at niyakap siya, hinahayaan siyang
umiyak nang mahina.

“Mahal na mahal kita, Chiel ko,” I repeated again and again until I drowsed
to sleep.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Verón

Gagapangin ko ang manliligaw ko ngayong gabi.

That was my initial plan, kapag sigurado na akong tulog na ang lahat, kakatok
ako sa kwarto ni Clyte. Magpapanggap na lasing talaga at hihingi ng aruga para
payagan niya akong makitulog sa tabi niya at manlalandi ako.

However, it all crashed down when I got out of the bathroom, got a knock on
my door, and saw Locket.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

He hesitated. I even saw an ounce of something unrecognizable in his tone.

“What is it?”

“It’s Clyte!” dagli niyang sabi. Doon na ako kinabahan.

“What happened?!” My voice hardened.

“She needs you!” he exclaimed, his gray eyes darkening as he turned his back
on me. “Come with me!”

My heart spiked, worried and anxious.

“What is happening?” I asked him again, alarmed as we climbed up the third

floor.

Hindi naman doon ang kwarto niya! No one was staying here!

“Locket,” I called seriously, my jaw clenching. Hindi siya umimik kaya muli
ko siyang tinawag. “Dmitrov!”

His shoulders squared, visibly tensing. Sumulyap siya sa ‘kin at malamig ang
tingin—possibly he was just trying to be. I knew this man. He’s hiding something.

Was that a nervous look?

“Where is she? Is she alright?” I asked, demanding.

“You should see yourself,” aniyang kalmado na pero may iba pa rin talaga sa
tono na ‘di ko makuha! Binuksan niya ang pintuan sa guestroom kaya dere-deretso ako
sa pagpasok at nangunot ang noo.
 Bakit ang dilim?

“Clyte?” I called. “Are you here?”

Kinapa ko ang ilaw para buksan, kunot pa rin ang noo dahil walang sumagot.

I took a step closer and swept the room with my eyes, but she was nowhere!

Nilingon ko si Locket na mas umayos ng tayo nang makita ang tingin ko.

“Where is Clytemnestra?” I asked again. “I swear to God if this was some

stupid prank—”

“Sorry. I just love your sister so much…” aniya sa desperadong tono kaya
nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

“Ano’ng connect? Ano’ng pinagsasabi mong—”

“Please don’t file a case against me,” he retorted, and before I could
process a thing, I felt him pushing a cloth on my nose.

I cursed, tried resisting, and I did give him a punch or two in the face
until my consciousness started going hazy.

“Uy, Padlock, okay na?!” I heard my cousin’s voice, and I’ve been in and out
of my consciousness when I felt like I was getting dragged.

“Thanks, Pingu!” I could hear Crest chirping. “I’ll go get Clyte in a while!
You’re the best husband in the wholeee world!”

“I’m your only husband, baby,” he answered back. I heard more giggles and the
sound of kisses.

Muli kong pinilit na gisingin ang sarili. I knew for sure I will be able to
get out of this.

“Tangina, ang bigat! Higante! Padlock, mamaya na kayo gumawa ng panibagong

kambal ni Book Joo! Tulong!” singhal ni Zion.

“Sige na! Oo na! Bye, Pingu! Teka, mag-i-skin care lang ako tapos puntahan ko
na si Clyte!” my twin cheered.

“Damn it. You don’t have to do this, you know?” I overheard Deion’s voice.

“We should! Hindi ako magpapatalo kay Macky-beybe! Isang libo rin ‘yon!”

“This is ridiculous,” ani Deion. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Pwe! Shut up ka na lang! Porket ‘di ka nakikisali sa pustahan! KJ!”

“I don’t have to because it’s ridiculous,” ani Dei. “Basta kapag nagalit
‘yang si Chiel, ‘di ako kasama, a?”

“Hugas-kamay!” Zion tattled. “Sumbong ko sabihin ko ikaw nagtali sa kamay

niya—fuck, ang bigat ng dambuhalang ‘to, tulong kasi!”

I felt more arms around me, and I groaned. They all stiffened.
 “Gising pa ba ‘yan?” I could hear Warren’s voice. “I’m telling you this is
not a good idea—”

“That’s what I’ve been telling them,” Deion drawled. “Sa wakas, nagkasundo
rin tayo, Warren!”

I heard laughter, high-fives, and a groan.

Iniupo nila ako nang walang awa sa upuan, parang hinagis pa ata! I felt them
tying my wrists and my feet.

I moved a little and hissed.

I have to focus!

“Gago, gising pa nga! Nasaan na ang panyo, dali, isa pa!”

“This is stupid,” I heard Locket. “He will file a case—”

“Marangal na marangal naman si Padlock, ‘di yan!” ani Zion. “Si Chiel-taba pa
ba—”

I managed to open my eyes a little while they were fighting.

Palakad-lakad si Locket, kabado. Si Zion ang star ng pasko na nagpapaliwanag

habang sina Warren at Deion ay napapailing sa kanila.

Macky was the only man absent. Si Chance ay nakapaywang sa gilid at

pinapanood ang lahat, mukhang problemado at nasali siya rito.

“Seriously, I’m in Macky’s team—well, he forced me to,” ani Chance. “Bakit

ako kasama?”

Nasalubong ang tingin ko ang nakangising si Solomon na katabi ang nadamay na

si Wave, mukhang nahila lang dito at bagong gising.

Solomon’s eyes widened dramatically, his mouth parting.

“W-wala ako rito!” he exclaimed loudly and pulled Wave to cover him as if I
hadn’t seen him yet.

Everyone tensed at kanya-kanya silang takip ng mukha!

“Fuck!” Locket even ducked to hide from me, but my eyes were on his.

Pulis pa ‘tong gagong ‘to, a! Lagot to sa ‘kin kapag nakawala ako!

Death penalty agad!

“Let me go…” I opened my mouth to speak.

“Gago! Nasaan na ‘yong panyo, Padlock!” Zion panicked.

“Let me go…” My voice roared, more focused this time. “Where’s Clytemnestra?”

“My sister’s fine,” ani Deion. “Mga baliw lang ‘to. ‘Di ako kasama rito, a!”

Nagkatinginan kami ni Chance. I was still dizzy, but it was better than while
they’re dragging me.
 “Help me rid of this,” tawag ko sa pinsan at pumiglas. He was my cousin on my
mother’s side, older than me, and my cousin—father’s side, Darshana’s husband.

He only stared at me, confused what to do. He even looked around to ask.

“H’wag!” ani Zy. “Sige, kapag pinakawalan mo ‘yan, sasabihin ko kay Daru na
ikaw pumapak n’ong manok na ihaw kanina!”

Chance froze.

“You wouldn’t dare…” he hissed. “Lulutuan ko naman ng bago!”

“E, naubos na nga! Ako pa sinisi mong kumain, gago ka! Sa akin pa nagalit si
buntis!” he hissed.

“Kapag kasi matakaw ikaw agad,” ani Wave kaya umawang ang labi ni Zion.

“Ang sama-sama n’yo sa ‘kin?! Kapag may nawalang pagkain, ako agad?!” He
looked at them. “Sige, tumawa ka pang Solomon ka! Magsama kayo ni Alon! Pagkatapos
ko kayong i-welcome sa gwapo committee sa family—”

“Excuse me? Bago kayo magsisihan sinong matakaw, baka naman p’wedeng
pakawalan n’yo ‘ko?” ‘Di sila umimik. “Kung ‘di lang naman nakakahiya sa inyo.”

Umatras sila. When I glanced at Chance, he shot his hands up in the air.

“Sorry, Chiel. Daru will be very mad I ate her chicken,” he mumbled.

“Seriously?” Pinanliitan ko ng mata si Chance. “Ikaw ang pinakamatanda rito

hinahayaan mo ang mga bugok na ‘to?” Pinag-iisa kong tinignan ang mukha ng mga
gago.

I remembered their faces and started planning the cases I’d file in my head.

“They just dragged me here!” he defended. “Wala akong alam—”

“Then, help me!” I insisted, pumalag pa hanggang sa matumba ang upuan. I

cursed and I think my forehead bumped on the floor.

“Shit!”

They pulled me up again. Umangil ako at sinimangutan si Chance na walang

tulong!

Anong klaseng pinsan ‘to! Wala na akong aasahan sa iba!

He raised his hand.

“I’m not involved! Dapat nga kakampi ko nga si Marcus—”

“Walang sariling desisyon!” I scoffed. “Anong klase ‘yan? Ikaw pinakamatanda

rito!”

When his face crumpled and it began driving him to the edge, I smirked.

“Dapat mas alam mo, Kuya!” I spat, chuckling when his eyes darkened. “Walang
utang na loob pagkatapos kitang payagan maki-gatecrash noon sa debut ni Daru!”
 “Ohh, sumbatan…” Zion commented. Everyone gasped.

“Gatecrasher…” Warren mumbled, nagkatinginan sila ni Deion.

“Uh-oh…” Zion whistled. “Padlock, ikaw na lang ang kulang!”

“What?” he hissed.

“Nakakatanda vs. Nakakatanda, sino ang angat? Sino ang sikat?” Zion blurted
and I just smirked at Chance, reeling him so he’d get pissed off and let me go.

Umayos siya ng tayo at naglakad. I smirked.

Ayan na…

But instead of me, he went straight to Locket.

“Give it to me,” he said, grabbing the handkerchief from his palm.

My smile faded when he walked straight to me after. Zion laughed when the
realization hit me.

“No… no way!” I hissed, struggling but he just smirked.

“Ako ang nakakatanda and it’s advisable for you to sleep early,” he said with
a taunting smirk. “Sleep well, Alchiel.” Tinakpan niyang muli ang ilong ko ng
panyo.

I was pissed off. I woke up a few moments later, and they were all gone. It
was dark, but then I heard the door creaking, and I was more annoyed that they
included Clytemnestra here!

Kitang natutulog na ‘yong mahal ko, idadamay nila rito!

I could hear Crest’s voice, and I knew for sure it was her master plan!

That brat! Really!

I was annoyed, but later on, I couldn’t help but silently be grateful that
they locked us in here. I was planning on crawling in her bed later tonight, but I
didn’t have to sweat much anymore because they did it for us.

I tasted her, fucked her with my fingers and tongue, and I might be worried
about my performance, but the way she reassured me was enough to lessen my
insecurities. Though, I mentally noted to do better because I sucked in that
department.

Was it weird not to have enough experience at this age?

All my life, I was and always been in love with her. I realized it way back
in high school. Back when we were kids, I thought it was some silly crush. I just
found her so fascinating and beautiful.

I had crushes before, of course. I appreciate beauty when I see one. I even
had some silly dates back in high school to try and forget my attraction to her,
but she was a magnet I couldn’t seem to let go of.

Kaya kahit na alam ko noon na kahit kailan ay ‘di siya magiging akin,
tinanggap ko nang baka habambuhay na lang akong magmamasid sa kanya sa malayo.
 She radiated life, she bloomed whenever she smiled. She’s light and to think
a lot of things happened to her still breaks me.

I caressed her cheek while she was sleeping peacefully, wrapped in my arms.

The room was cold kaya balot na balot kaming dalawa ng comforter. Her head
was on my one arm while the other was on her waist.

Nakadantay ang hita niya sa ‘kin at bahagyang nakadikit ang mukha sa dibdib
ko.

She was snuggling, peaceful, and in deep slumber. I smiled.

She is beautiful, so beautiful that sometimes I wonder if she was real.

She looked a lot like her mother, Tita Ritch. Liquid brown eyes, long
lustrous eyelashes, pointed nose, and bow-shaped pinkish lips na ang sarap-sarap
palaging halikan.

Her complexion was now slightly tanned. Noong unang kita ko kasi sa kanya ay
sobrang putla ng kulay niya, tila ‘di nasikatan ng araw kaya ngayong bumalik na ang
lusog ng kulay sa pisngi niya at nagsisimulang gawing muli ang mga bagay na
naipagkait sa kanya ay ang saya-saya ko.

She was a woman with a lot of dreams. She wanted to do events, and she wanted
to be a nurse, and I was glad to be here and support her in whatever she liked to
do in life.

I fell asleep watching her and woke up doing the same thing. It was almost
five in the morning, and here I was, astonished at her beauty.

Kung ganito ang nakikita ko sa gabi bago matulog at sa umaga pagkagising,

ayaw ko na lang umalis sa higaan. I will be satisfied and contented just watching
her sleeping, listening to her breath, feeling her warm limbs wrapped on mine.

Her eyelids moved, and I was met with her brown eyes. Sumugat ang ngiti sa
labi niya.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Bakit titig na titig ka naman sa

‘kin? Baka matunaw naman ako niyan?”

I moved my hand to her cheek to caress her skin, leaning in to give her a
soft kiss.

“It’s just that when I watch you sleep,” I stared at her. “I am grateful you
exist.”

Her breath got caught in her lungs. She was surprised, but another sweet
smile blossomed, and she kissed me this time.

“I am thankful you exist, too,” she breathed in my mouth. “Mahal na mahal

kita, Chiel. I might not tell you enough, but I felt like exploding when you’re
here.”

My lip twitched with the scenario it created in my head.

“What kind of explode, Bella? Your heart or…” Umawang na ang labi niya nang
matanto ang gusto kong sabihin. She blushed.
 “Alchiel! Maghunos dili ka! Maaga pa—”

“Your pussy?” I finished then dipped my hand inside the comforter, fisting
her dress up and touching her slit. I didn’t have to work her up because early in
the morning and she was already dripping wet for me.

I felt her squeeze on me. Tumaas ang kilay ko at sinulyapan siya. She was now
biting her lip, rubbing her core against my finger.

“C-Chiel…”

“Hmm…” I hummed with a smile. “Prove it to me, sweetheart.”

“What?” she whined when I pulled my finger off her core. “Alchiel!”

“I said prove to me your love,” I challenged, watching the frustration in her

eyes. I really liked it when I got her so worked up.

She was fucking hot when pissed but much more whenever I remembered she’s
mine.

“What do you mean prove?” she snapped. “Just finger me already—”

“You said you felt like exploding,” I pointed out, just playing with her,
thrilled to see her reaction. “Prove me.”

Her forehead creased. “Huh? Paano—”

“Sit on my mouth, I’ll only believe you if you explode on my face.”

If I could snap a photo of her reaction, I would happily do so and put it in

my wallet.

Hindi siya sumagot at namumula lang kaya napatawa na ako.

“Kidding—”

“I’ll prove it,” she cut me off, and it caught me off guard this time when
she sat beside me.

“What?” I asked, surprised now, but she just smirked, walked out of bed, and
with eyes glued on me, stripped off her clothes.

My lips parted when I saw her tits, and if that wasn’t enough, she gave me a
naughty smile and put her finger on the side of her thongs to tease me.

My cock hardened. Mas itinago ko ang sarili sa comforter.

“Strip,” utos ko.

She smiled softly, teasing me more with her delicious body.

She had all the right curves. Her collarbone was visible, her beautiful
bouncy tits, flat stomach, and that darn curvaceous hips. I wanted so badly to run
my tongue on her skin and praise her for her existence.

If she chose to pursue her career in pageants, I was sure as hell she was out
of the country flaunting those curves, her beautiful face, and her sexy brains to
her audience and judges.

I would love to see it but hated it at the same time. I didn’t want them to
drool over my woman! She’s mine!

Oh, the caveman is back!

I ignored the taunting voice in my head.

“Clytemnestra,” my voice roared, adjusting my shorts.

She was having fun torturing me! She bit her lip and sexily swayed her hips.

“What… the hell,” I breathed out. “Stop teasing! Get your sexy ass here!”

She giggled and threw her clothes in my face. It smelled like her, so
addicting… mine.

I fisted her clothes and took them off my face, meeting with her playful and
lustful gaze.

At times like this, I really do consider burning the contract so I could bury
myself in her tight cunt pero pagod na pagod na akong kainin ang mga prinsipyo ko!

Sus! Pero ‘di ka napapagod kainin si Clyte?

And so? Selective kasi ang gusto kong kinakain! Pakialam mo ba?

The assholes in my head started to argue again, and I ignored them. My jaw
clenched.

“Clyte, stop teasing,” I called again.

“Hmm… why? I liked it.” She smirked. “Bakit, mahal, tigang na tigang ka na
ba—”

“Get your ass here and let me taste you,” I said impatiently, tempted to drag
her here if she won’t stop.

“Fine, chill!” She chuckled, making her way to me.

My jaw clenched when he straddled my abdomen, spreading her legs. My cock

stirred when she playfully pulled her thongs aside and showed me her shaved and
glistening pussy.

“I’m so wet,” she purred.

Pissed, I dragged her legs close to my chest. She squealed.

I licked my lip and slapped her core, watching her jolt and gasp loudly.

“Sit on my face,” I commanded.

She smiled naughtily but didn’t seem to oppose the idea. If that darned
contract wasn’t existing, I was sure we’re already fucking like bunnies since last
night!

Humawak siya sa headboard. I held her waist, assisting her.

 “Just get rid of the thong if you like it, Bella,” paalala ko. “If you won’t,
I’ll rip it.”

“I would very much prefer it if you ripped it, Kuya,” she said the last words
in an attempt to get me worked up, and it was effective.

My fingers dug into her skin.

She rubbed her core against my chest, and I lost all focus. I could hear
nothing but the sound of my racing heart, thinking how amazing it would feel if she
rubbed it on my mouth this time.

Her eyes were dark, filled with lust and anticipation.

My mouth salivated as she moved in closer, her fingers on my scalp.

I could hear a faint rustle from somewhere, and I chose to ignore, my focus
on my woman and her sweet pussy.

“Clyte, faster—”

“Kuya, is everything okay—” We both jumped at that voice.

Napalingon ako at namilog ang mata pagkakita kay Adira. Her eyes widened and
her eyeglasses fell on her nose when she realized what she’d seen.

“O-oh my God! Bold!” she screamed hysterically and covered her eyes. We
screamed too.

“Adi!” Clyte exclaimed when she recovered. Nahila ko si Clyte sa sa dibdib ko

at hinatak ang comforter para takpan ang katawan niya at ibinaba siya sa dibdib.

My heart raced.

Fuck! My sister!

“Princess!” I called, alarmed. “W-wala lang ‘yon—”

“Oh my God! Bakit nakapatong si Ate sa ‘yo?!” she screamed more, and I jumped
out of the bed.

She covered her mouth and hastily removed her eyeglasses.

“Adi! It’s nothing, princess!” I panicked until I felt a slap of pillow on my

crotch. Nagulat ako at nilingon si Clyte na minata ang ibaba ko sabay tulak muli ng
unan.

Shit! I still have a boner!

I pressed the pillow to hide it and glanced at my sister gawking at us like

she’d seen a ghost, blushing like tomato.

“Adi! Wala lang ‘yon! May nakita ka ba—”

She closed her eyes.

“W-wala akong nakita! Bulag ako! Wala akong salamin!” she exclaimed, blushing
so hard, and turned her back on us, walking away with her eyes closed, pretending
to be blind.
 “Watch out! May pintuan—shit! Adira Venice!” A loud curse left my lips when
she slammed hard on the close door, tumama ang mukha niya at nagulat ako nang
plumakda nang deretso sa lapag, wala nang malay.

Kabanata 46

Kabanata 46

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“So… what are we gonna do with her?” I asked Alchiel calmly, watching Adi on
the bed. He carried her here after she hardly got slammed on the door.

“I-is she okay?” He’s still panicking, reaching for my wrist. “Check her
again!”

Muntik na akong matawa pero kinagat ko ang labi at lumapit muli kay Adi para
i-check siya kasama na rin ang pulse rate niya.

“She’s fine,” I reassured Chiel and brushed Adi’s hair, sitting beside her.
“She was just tired.”

Nangunot ang noo niya.

“Huh? She fainted because she saw us! She was in shock!”

“Yes, she is.” Napatawa na ako. “That’s a factor but she is probably still
not awake because of exhaustion. Nahimatay siya no’ng tumama ang mukha niya sa
pintuan pero ‘di kaagad nagising kasi nakatulog nang mahaba.”

While he still looked so confused, itinuro ko ang eye bags ni Adi.

“She’s stressed. I think she doesn’t get enough sleep.”

Mas sumeryoso siya at tumabi sa ‘kin para silipin ang kapatid na masarap pa
rin ang tulog sa kama. Tumitig siya sa mukha nito at doon na mas napansin ang dark
circles sa ibaba ng mata niya.

“She’s overworking,” he blurted out. “She shouldn’t be—”

“I won’t be shock anymore. Nagmana ‘yan sa ‘yo,” I retorted. Mas nagsalubong

ang kilay niya.

“I’m not—” I gave him a look. He sighed. “Fine! Sorry, I think it has
something to do with work. When she accepted the prosecution’s offer, she became so
busy. Maraming kaso kasi ngayon.”

“Still…” I sighed. “Bago pa lang siya, ‘no?”

Tumango siya.

“Remember when you saw her? Back in Cebu?” Tumango ako. “She’s not exactly a
prosecutor yet that time. She was still considering, doubting herself if she
deserved it so to boost her confidence, we referred to her as a prosecutor. We call
her that, telling people she was just new para kapag tatawagin siyang prosecutor,
magugustuhan niya ‘yong tunog.”
 It made me smile.

“And?”

Sumulyap siya sa kapatid bago ngumiti.

“Luckily, she accepted it and I trained her,” he mumbled, as if the memory

was one of the most beautiful he’d ever remembered. “She’s amazing, Bella. I’m
telling you now, she is way better than me.”

Sumulyap din ako kay Adi. Sa mahinhin niyang mukha, miski ang pagsasalita
niya ay malumanay.

“I remembered noon,” I muttered but froze when Adi moved. Akala ko’y
magigising but she snuggled on my side, clutching the robe I was now wearing kaya
unti-unti’y mas lumapit ako at hinayaan siyang yumakap sa baywang ko.

“I’m sure she thinks you’re her favorite pillow,” ani Chiel.

Ngumisi ako at tumango, lumalambot ang puso. Sinuklay ko ang buhok ni Adi.

“Iyakin ‘to, ‘di ba?” I asked Chiel, making him laugh.

“Yup. She’s very soft, mabilis umiyak.” He reminisced. “Her classmates, even
some of her professors in law school doubted her, saying she wouldn’t make it
through because she’s emotional, but she proved them wrong. Adira is strong-willed.
If she wanted something, she’d do whatever it takes to get it. Yes, she would cry
in the bathroom if the professors scolded her for being not prepared but would go
home and come to school motivated again—I mean, who wouldn’t? Nakakatakot sila
magalit. It was pretty harsh. Kahit ako nga noon napagalitan no’ng ‘di ako
nakasagot sa recit no’ng si Dad ang professor ko.”

I chuckled.

“Is it because when you drew my reviewer?” Ngumuso ako.

“It’s my fault I didn’t study—”

“But you did it all night!” I retorted and he laughed.

“Alright, that was before, but you could still make it up to me now,” aniya.

“How?” My lips curved.

His lips protruded. “Kiss…”

I chuckled but then nodded. I leaned in, closing my eyes to give him his long
overdue reward but before our lips could even touch, a gasp and a loud rustle made
us stop.

Dagli kaming bumaling sa kama at nagulantang nang makita ang nanlalaking mata
ni Adi. Bumalikwas siya ng upo at sa gulat ko’y tinulak ko si Alchiel sabay iling
kay Adi.

“It’s nothing—”

“Sino kayo?” she blurted out.

 Nahulog ang panga ko.

“What?”

She snapped, her cheeks flushing crimson red as if she said the wrong thing,
and shook her head.

“I-I mean, I’m blind!” she exclaimed. “Wala akong salamin! Wala akong nakita!
Promise!”

Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na nasuklay ang buhok niya at bumuntonghininga.

“Princess…”

“Po?!” she asked, her tone high-pitched.

“What you saw, it’s…” He blushed. “It’s what adults do.”

Sinipa ko si Alchiel. He groaned.

“What?”

“She knew, of course!” I retorted. “Ano ‘to, teenager?!”

Napakamot siya ng kilay.

“No! I mean… fuck, I don’t know what to explain.” He looked at me, his eyes
seeking for help kaya tumikhim na ako at bumaling kay Adi na nagpapanggap na walang
naririnig at binibilang na yata ang himulmol ng cardigan niya.

“Adi,” I called.

She flinched then glanced my way.

“Ate?” she asked formally but her voice waivered.

Tumikhim ako at inayos ang robe ko.

“I’m sorry for what you saw,” I explained. “You’re not supposed to see
that—”

“I-I didn’t see anything,” agap niya. “A bit, yes! No’ng nakaupo ka sa—I
mean, no, nope. Wala talaga akong nakita!”

I bit my lip to suppress my smile. She was great in court but a terrible liar
in times like this. Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na napapakamot na ng kilay, namumula.

“Alright, still, we’re sorry,” I continued. “But well, would you mind keeping
it in between the three of us for now?” Sinulyapan ko si Chiel. “We’ll tell the
family we’re alright once we settled it between us—”

“Mukha namang na-settle na kanina,” ani Adi pero namilog ang mata nang
matanto ang lumabas sa bibig. “Sorry! I mean, sure! Opo, it’s a secret! I won’t say
a thing! I’m a good secret keeper!”

Umawang ang labi ni Chiel, mukhang may sasabihin pero pasimple kong sinipa
ang paa niya at isinara niya ang bibig.

“Alright, thank you, Adi.” I smiled gently. “Tara dito, suklayan ko ang hair
mo.”

Her eyes softened and she followed without question. Itinuro ko kay Chiel ang
suklay na kinuha niya kaagad at inabot sa ‘kin.

Bahagya akong tumayo at inabot ang buhok ni Adi para suklayan. She was just
quiet, observing the both of us.

“Masakit pa ba ang noo mo?” ani Chiel sa kapatid na naupo sa may paanan ng
kama.

“I’m fine, Kuya.” Napahawak siya sa mukha. “My forehead stung but I’m sure it
will be fine—wait, may bukol ka sa noo?”

Natahimik si Chiel at napahawak sa noo niya. I chuckled when Chiel covered

his forehead with his hair.

“No, it’s—”

“The boys kidnapped him,” I told Adi. “They set him up kahit ganyan kalaki
‘yan. They dragged him here and tied him. When he tried struggling, nabukulan.”

Suminghap si Adi. Sinimangutan ako ni Alchiel.

“You’re making it sound so bad, sweetheart,” ungot niya.

“Why? It’s true! Naniwala ka—”

“And yet you’re here, too,” agap niya sabay tingin sa kapatid. “Kung nauto
ako, gano’n din ang ate mo. They trapped us here, Adi! It’s not our fault!
Kakasuhan ko sila! This is kidnapping! Serious illegal detention—”

“Asus, akala mo ‘di nasiyahan sa ‘kidnapping’ na nangyari,” I blurted out.

Natahimik siya at kung ‘di ko lang naalalang nandito si Adi ay baka tuloy-tuloy na
ang panghaharot ko.

I bit my tongue.

Shut up, Clyte! Shut up! Kahit nakatalikod, kitang-kita ang pamumula ni
Adi!

Tumikhim si Chiel at nagpalakihan kami ng matang dalawa. I scoffed at him and

brushed Adi’s hair with my fingers.

“Do you want me to braid you?” I asked.

Nilingon ako ni Adi bago tumango, ngumingiti.

“Sure, Ate! Thank you!” she answered shyly and then as I braided her hair,
kinuha naman ni Chiel ang eyeglasses ng kapatid at nilinisan iyon.

“Tumaas na ang grado mo, princess?” he asked. Adi nodded.

“Opo, Kuya. Nagpapalit na ako ng salamin last week kasi medyo nahihilo na ako
ro’n sa nakaraan,” she answered.

I listened as they talked, smiling at the exchange. Chiel was a great

brother, that I had never doubted.
They were open to him, close to him. Maalaga at mapagmahal sa pamilya,
responsable.

I’m sure he’ll be a great father. His children will be very blessed to have
him as a father in the future. The thoughts of me being the mother of his child,
the woman he’d marry was filling my head space.

Maybe two children is enough? We’re not getting younger so I don’t think kaya
ko pa ang marami.

My lips pursed, my cheeks heating with the idea of it.

I would love it very much.

Natigil lang ang pagngiti ko ro’n nang mahuli ko ang malagkit na tingin ni
Alchiel. I shot my brow up to him and he did the same, probably asking what I was
thinking.

Ayaw ko namang sabihing ‘di pa niya ako sinasagot ay nasa family planning na
ang imagination ko kaya si Adi na lang ang kinausap ko.

“You fainted also because of stress,” I told her. “Are you even sleeping
enough?”

Nag-angat ng tingin sa akin si Adi bago ngumuso.

“I guess so,” she sighed. “Sorry, marami kasing cases sa prosecution, Ate. I
have to take important calls even late at night. We really must solve this case,
people are at stake.”

Tumango ako.

“Alright, but please, rest when needed, hmm? Uminom ng walong baso o higit sa
isang araw at kumain nang tama. H’wag kang gagaya r’yan sa kuya mong muntik nang
ma-dehydrate!”

Chiel frowned at me.

“I didn’t—”

“I didn’t…” I mimicked. “Shut up, Daddy Long Legs. Dumugo nga ilong mo noon,
‘di ka nakapag-take ng exam! Ang tumbler, nilalagyan ng tubig para inumin at hindi
gawing display, okay?”

He frowned then sighed.

“Fine…” he gave up and glanced at Adi. “Clyte’s right, princess. Rest, eat
well, and hydrate. H’wag mong gagayahin si Kuya kung ayaw mong maturukan n’ong
nakakatakot na dextrose! Mahaba ang karayom!”

Napatawa na lang kami ni Adi.

Pagkatapos kong ayusin ang buhok niya ay nagpaalam na siyang aalis at baka
hinahanap na siya sa ibaba at matagal siyang nakabalik. Turns out, she just found
out this morning about what happened and got worried.

So she took the keys to check on us but you know what happened.

“Ate, Kuya…” Binalingan namin siya sa tawag niya sa ‘min.

 “Hmm?”

“I’m happy for the both of you,” she muttered.

My heart raced and a smile left my lips.

“Thank you, Adi,”

“But I-I really didn’t see a thing!” She raised her hand to convince us.

Tumikhim si Chiel. “Adira…”

“Natanggal ko ang salamin ko! I’m blind without it so… uh, bye! You can
continue—I mean, I didn’t know what you’re doing but continue!”

She stammered, turned her back on us, and ran outside. When she vanished, we
both sighed.

“She’s my princess,” ungot ni Alchiel. “She’d seen us, damn it. Do you think
we corrupted her?”

I rolled my eyes. Lumapit ako at kumandong sa kanya. Sinalo niya ako’t

pinaikot ang braso sa baywang ko at ipinatong ang chin sa balikat ko.

“Calm down, she’s already a grown-up,” alo ko. “‘Di naman palaging dapat
bine-baby siya.”

“But she’s our baby…”

“Yup, but she’s a woman now,” ulit ko sa overprotective na kuya. Hinaplos ko

ang buhok niya at sinapo ang pisngi niya. “I’m sure she already knew what was
happening.”

His expression darkened.

“Yes, of course,” he gasped. “But she’s my princess…” Ngumuso siya.

“She’s almost thirty, sweetheart,” I reminded. Mas mukhang mag-uungot siyang

‘di na baby ang bunso niyang inaalagaan. I kissed his head. “Let her enjoy life.
Experience things, you know. Kung wala pang boyfriend si Adi—”

“Wala pa,” agap niya. “Malalaman ko kapag meron. Pakitaan ko nito.” He lifted
his fist.

Sinuntok ko nga.

“‘Di ka sure!” Napawi ang yabang niya.

“She doesn’t!”

I shrugged. “‘Di tayo sigurado! At saka baka naman nahihiyang magsabi sa inyo
si Adi na may boyfriend na siya kasi overprotective kayo, e. Para kayong sina Dad
at Dei ni Tito Iñigo. Ballistic.”

“Tss… I will know if she has a boyfriend kasi papatikmin ko ng kamao ko,”
sikmat niya. “And you couldn’t blame us. It’s a tradition. Bago matanggap sa
pamilya, makakatikim muna ng sapak.”

“Oh…” I eyed him. “Then, paano kapag nagpaalam na tayo kay Daddy? Will it be
okay with you?”

He stiffened. Lumunok siya pero tumango.

“I’m willing and will accept it, sweetheart,” aniya. “Ilalaban ko ang
pagmamahal mong nakakabaliw sa ‘kin.”

I laughed and kissed him, cupping his cheek.

“Pero paano ‘yon kung ayaw kong magkapasa ang mukha mo?” I looked at his
handsome face, to his sharp features, and those blazing eyes.

His eyes twinkled. “Ayos lang ‘yan. Kiss mo na lang ako para mawala ‘yong
pasa—‘yon lang, kung pasa lang matatanggap ko o dead on the spot agad.”

“No!” I scoffed. “I don’t want you to bruise your face! I will protect you!”
I whined playfully.

Pinaulanan ko siya ng halik hanggang sa nagtatawanan na naman kaming

dalawa.

Oh, I love mornings like this.

“Anyway, Bella.” Dinala niya akong pahiga sa kama kaya napadapa ako sa
dibdib
niya.

“Yes, baby?” I kissed his chest this time. Lumambing ang tingin niya.

“Is Tito Thorn mad at me?”

I stiffened.

“H-how so?”

“That meeting back in the house,” aniya, kuryoso. “He was grumpy. Ayos naman
kami noon but lately, he was pissed. I think he’s mad at me.”

I heaved a deep breath and buried my face in his chest.

“Sorry about him but we saw you and Lorraine.” He froze. Napaahon siya ng
tayo at dinala ako paupo.

“What? When?” Lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya.

“No’ng pumunta ka sa ibang bansa,” I told him, settling myself back in his
lap. “Kasama ko si Dad para kumain sa resto but then we saw you together.”

Realization flooded in his expression. He got alarmed.

“Fuck, sorry. That’s—”

“I know, it’s fine.” Inilingan ko siya. “I understand.”

“I treated her for dinner,” he offered an explanation. “Lorraine is a good

woman.”

Tumango ako.
“I know…”
 “And yes, I tried to try and see her in a different way but…” Umiling siya at
pumikit, mas humihigpit ang yakap sa baywang ko’t ibinabaon ang mukha sa balikat
ko. “I’m already on the trenches, sweetheart. No matter how many I tried saving
myself, I’m still down for you.”

My chest heaved. Mahigpit ko siyang niyakap pabalik.

“I understand,” I said. “I was jealous, yes. I was hurt seeing you with
another woman but I wouldn’t blame you. Never. You don’t have to explain because I
understand and Dad? I will talk to him again, hmm? Pagpasensyahan mo na talaga. It
was my fault—”

“He was just like us.” He opened his eyes to look at me. “Overprotective for
his loving princess. I know, Clyte. I understand if I would end up with a black
eye. Mahal mo pa rin naman ako kahit nabawasan ng one percent ang kagwapuhan ko?
Kahit kunwari tumabingi ang nguso ko, tapos ‘di ka na masyadong masarapan sa kiss
ko, okay lang?” maliit na boses niyang sabi.

I cackled, nodding.

“I love you so so sooo much! Do you think that will stop me? No.” I kissed
him. “Kahit tabingi pa ‘yong nguso mo, ako na lang mag-a-adjust, sa gilid ako ki-
kiss sa ‘yo.”

I showed him paano kami magki-kiss patagilid.

We couldn’t stop laughing with the scene playing in our heads and simply
talking to him, sitting casually in his lap with stars in our eyes, that was enough
for me.

“I love you, Chiel,” I uttered again, fearless.

His gaze was gentle and sweet, his breathing rough against mine that when his
gaze fell on my parting lips, we ended up making out right there and then.
Natigilan nga lang ako nang biglang may maalala kaya napalayo ako kay Chiel.

“What?” he grunted, his hand on the way to untangle my robe when I stopped
him.

“I just remembered something,” I started. “Speaking of boyfriend ni Adi!

Naalala mo ‘yong pinagtsitsismisan nating si Abo? Si Ash? Nasaan na ‘yon?”

I noticed the shift in his reaction. His jaw clenched, his eyes flared,
pissed.

“Let’s not talk about that asshole,” aniya kaya mas naguluhan ako.

“Huh? What happened? If I remember it right, we talked about them before kasi
pinag-aawayan natin kung ano ba talaga sila? It was very obvious they liked each
other but they said they were only best friends!” I quoted.

His expression dimmed and it took him a while to answer kaya tumango ako,
mukhang mabigat sa kanya ang topic.

I wonder why…

“It’s fine,” I reassured. “Let’s not talk about it—”

“He left her,” he revealed, his voice grim.

 We formulated our silly plan after that. We’re sure Adira won’t say a thing.
The door was even locked again. Maybe she would pretend she didn’t check on us! Or
what? We’re still mad at each other?

“That’s what we’ll do,” paliwanag ni Chiel.

“Na magpapanggap na magkaaway pa rin tayo?” I asked.

Tumango siya, hinahaplos ang pisngi ko, at unti-unting inilagay ang hibla ng
buhok ko sa likod ng tainga.

“We’ll have our revenge, sweetheart.” He smirked evilly then lifted my chin
to give me a sweet kiss. “And then, I’ll file a case against them.”

Napailing na ako.

“You’re ridiculous,” sagot ko. “Wasn’t being trapped here a favor for us? We
had the whole night without their prying eyes! Nakapag-MOMOL tayo, landian, and
more?”

“It was.” His palm found the curve in my waist. “Pero papanagutan nila ‘yong
bukol ko. Physical injury.”

I laughed and reached for his forehead. Pinindot ko iyon, hinuli niya ang
kamay ko at ipinaikot sa braso niya. Then he gently pushed me against the wall with
his palm on my waist, the other now skating down my thigh to pull it up to his leg.

“They also manhandled me and you’re right—it’s a blow in my ego how they
did that kahit ganito ako kahigante.”

“Oh…” I smirked. “So, you admit it?”

“Yes, my pride won’t let me. We’ll have our sweet revenge, sweetheart,
starting in three… two…”

“This is suicide, Crest,” I heard Locket’s voice outside.

Gulat akong napatingin kay Chiel. He smirked, as if he knew.

“We’re angry, okay? We’re disappointed they did this,” Chiel explained his
scheme.

“They’re fine!” Crest answered. “They’re probably okay now! Marupok iyong
kambal ko!” I heard the shuffling of keys outside.

Napatawa ako sabay sulyap kay Chiel. He remained grumpy, probably arguing
with himself that he wasn’t!

“Are you sure Adi didn’t go here?” ani Locket, “I thought she checked?”

“She chickened out! Baka raw makakita siya ng naglalampungan! Alam mo naman
ang princess natin, baby pa ‘yon! Na-trauma siguro no’ng nakita niyang paluhod ako
sa harapan mo kagabi!”

Our eyes widened.

“That fucking…” Tumalim ang tingin ni Alchiel.

 “Shh! She’d seen us, too!” I reminded him. “Kaya siguro nag-panic! Dalawang
kababalaghan ang nakita niya!”

“Kasalanan ko bang nakita tayo?” ani Locket. “Makulit ka kasi—”

“Wow, Lorcan Keith! Ako pa ang makulit! Ikaw nga ang excited sa prize mo, ‘di
mo na ‘ko pinaabot sa kwarto! Sunggab ka kaagad!” They bickered back and forth and
heck, I couldn’t erase in my head the supposed prize they’re talking about.

“Blowjob!” I reminded.

Alchiel scoffed, almost covering my mouth to mentally erase the thought of it

kaya napatawa ako nang mahina.

“Saan ba ang susi rito?” nagtalo pa sila.

Napakamot ng kilay si Chiel at unti-unting lumayo sa akin.

“I’ll pretend that I just got out of the bathroom and sit your pretty ass on
the bed, sweetheart,” he muttered and slapped my butt.

Just as the doors opened, nakapwesto na kami. Sumenyas ako kay Chiel na
mamaya na lumabas at saktong paglitaw ni Crest ay malungkot ang mata ko.

“Clyte-Clyte!” she chirped happily but then her mouth parted when she
realized my expression. “W-what happened?”

The bathroom door opened. Locket tensed when Alchiel got out, his gaze ice
cold.

“Chiel!” Crest called with a bright smile but it faded when Chiel stared at
her then shook his head.

“Your best friend’s probably hungry,” malamig na sabi ni Chiel, naglakad

palabas pero binangga niya muna si Locket na tensyonado. “Lieutenant General
Dmitrov,”

“Yes, Prosecutor?” Locket’s shoulders squared as he heard his name.

“Expect paperwork on your desk next week,” he trailed off. “And a subpoena
after that.”

He left with a loud thump of the door. Miski ako ay natakot kahit alam kong
‘di totoo, lalo na nang matantong wala nang kulay ang mukha ni Locket at
nagkatinginan sila ni Crest.

“I’m fucking dead, baby,” he breathed out then glanced my way. “Are you okay,
Clyte?”

I was surprised but nodded my head.

“Yes,” I answered and glanced at Crest. “I tried to talk and make it work
but…” I shook my head sadly.

Tumayo na ako, inayos ang robe, at nilagpasan sila para mauna na palabas.

“I told you this is ridiculous, Mrs. Dmitrov!” I heard Locket.

“Shit! I didn’t know!” she answered. “I had a good image in my head! Na

okay
na sila! You know Chiel, marupok iyon!”

When I got out, I saw Chiel waiting by the end of the hallway. When our gazes
met, we both grinned at each other wickedly.

Ang galing naming um-acting! Dapat may awards na kami nito!

I gave him a lot of flying kisses. Sinalo niya iyon sa ere sabay dikit ng
kamao sa dibdib para kunwari’y dalhin iyon doon. He swooned.

The door made a sound. Bigla akong sumeryoso at gano’n din si Chiel na mukha
na namang may mens at tumalikod para magpatuloy sa lakad palayo.

“I can’t lose my job, Pinga,” I heard Locket. “What about our twins? I
promised them we’ll go to London next Christmas. Naka-installment pa ako ro’n sa
bago nilang trolley bag!”

“We can make it happen, don’t worry! I told you kasi I’ll help you pay, na we
can share kaso ayaw mo naman.”

“Because I want to provide,” Locket answered and my lips curved for a smile
but I sagged my shoulders when I felt them behind me to pretend I was sad.

The couple is adorable. Here’s my best friend in her shopping galore, buying
the things that make her and her twins happy, and the loving father working hard
because he wanted to give them everything.

“I know, Locket, but we’re both parents. I told you we can split the
payment—”

“Sure, baby, next time,” aniya. “But for now, let me provide, hmm? Keep your
salary to treat yourself and our twins, me too if you like but I’ll work and
provide for us while I still could. I’ll ask you for help if I need it.”

I swooned listening to them. After all the hardships this couple had endured,
they deserved an amazing and happy family.

“Alright but let me share, okay? I’ll pay for our bills this month! Malaki
naman ang kita sa company. We can both provide for the kids and don’t be nega. My
twin was just bluffing. He can’t possibly send you a subpoena!”

“I’m not sure but let me talk to him,” ani Locket at naunang maglakad sa
kanya para abutan ako. He stood in front of me and I halted my steps.

“Miss Clyte,” he called, his beautiful gray eyes filled with apology.

“H-huh, uh, yes?” I asked.

“My apologies,” aniya. “I’m sorry for doing that. I should’ve known better,
I’m a police officer yet I allowed it to happen…”

Shit…

Guilt crept in my chest kaya dagli akong umiling.

“It’s fine!” Umiling-iling ako. “We had the chance to talk and it was better
than nothing! I’m sure Chiel won’t push through with it, he was just bluffing!”

“Still…” he breathed out. “My apologies again. It’s on me. Please, don’t be
mad at my wife, she had good intentions.”

Humawak si Crest sa braso ko.

“It’s not yours, it’s mine,” agap ni Crest. “I’m so sorry, Clyte.” Nilingon
ko siya at nakita ang lungkot sa mga mata.

“I-it’s really okay,” I told the couple.

Damn it. I was going to hell for lying!

Umalis si Locket pauna at kaming dalawa na lang ni Crest ang naiwan. Our arms
were linked and she was sighing from time to time, apology in her eyes.

“I didn’t expect this to turn out this way,” malungkot niyang sabi. “I’m so
sorry for doing it. I just thought it would make good results like Papa Jer and
Mama Lena.”

Kumunot ang noo ko.

“How?”

“Oh, maybe you don’t remember it yet but before, their friends did the same
thing and they reconciled. No’ng kinukwento nga iyon ni Papa Jer sa atin noon,
kilig na kilig tayo…”

A memory flashed… a gist of it.

“Oh…” Tumango ako. “I think I know some of it.”

“Yeah, so, you know… I thought it was effective but I failed. Sorry, Clyte-
Clyte.” Niyakap niya ako. “I was just hoping you two had the chance to get back
together. Nakikita ko kasing mahal na mahal n’yo pa rin ang isa’t isa pero parang
may pumipigil. I shouldn’t have forced you both to confront it. It was ridiculous
but I just love you both so much, I wish for you to be happy.”

Na-guilty tuloy ako na malungkot si Crest but it’s not like I could reveal it
that easily when Chiel and I had a contract. Gusto niya raw kasing ipaghiganti ang
bukol niya sa noo kaya hinayaan ko muna.

When we got to my room, Crest informed me we’d go to Kawasan Falls so I wore

something light and fresh. She helped me pack and left first to check on her twins.

Tumawag muna ako kay Mommy, nagkwento na pupunta kaming Kawasan. She was
happy, her voice light and sweet as she told me she wished she was also here,
promising we’d go back to Sta. Monica soon with the whole family this time.

Bumaba ako dala ang bagpack. Lahat sila ay abala kaka-pack ng pagkain na
dadalhin namin, ang iba’y tira pa sa niluto kahapon.

“Good morning, Ate!”

“Good morning, princess.” I smiled gently, kissing my little sister, Queen,

and sat beside her. “Are your clothes okay now? I’ll help you pack.”

“Done na po!” she chirped and embraced me. “I love you, Ate! I’m happy po
kasi you’re back!”

My heart swelled. Mahigpit na niyakap ko ang kapatid at ipinikit ang mga

mata.

“I’m happy to be back too, Queen,” I breathed out. “I’m happy to be home.”

Nagpresinta akong babantayan si Tonton nang bumaba na si Dette, frenemy ng

bunso namin at anak ni Tito Dash. While everyone was busy, I played with my
handsome nephew, realizing he looked a lot like his dad, Warren.

“Parating na raw sina Sol!” ani Wave sabay buhat sa panganay niya at tawag sa
bunso. Ngumiti siya pagkakita sa ‘kin. “Ate, mauuna kami sa Kawasan.”

“Sure!” Tumango ako. “‘Di naman tayo kasya sa sasakyan nina Sol lahat. We’ll
take the next one.”

He smiled and nodded, looking back in the kitchen.

“Zire! Come on, h’wag mo nang papakin ‘yong pagkain diyan, baon ‘yan!” he
called and I laughed when his pouting wife got out of the kitchen with food in her
arms.

“Madami naman ‘yon!” she defended and grinned when our eyes met. “Ate Clyte!
Do you like? Gummies!” She offered me her favorite.

I took some and thanked her for it. Nang maiwan naman kami ni Tonton doon ay
binuhat ko siya. He comfortably settled his face on my shoulder, making cute
sounds.

“Aww…” I purred. “I love you too, baby.”

His tiny arms were soothing and comforting. He felt peace and innocence.

Tumalikod ako para muling pagmasdan ang mga frame ng pamilya. I realized
there were smaller frames here with every outing and event. We have photos with
Mama and Papa Jer and we looked younger here but as we grew older in the photos, my
heart fell when in the photos, wala na sina Mama at Papa.

“I’m sure they’re happy.”

I jumped when an arm snaked on my waist but when I heard the voice and felt
warmer, it made me smile.

“Chiel…” I called.

Nagkatinginan kami at ngumiti siya.

“They’re happy for us, I’m sure,” aniya. “Even if they’re gone, our
traditions continued. Even if they’re not physically here, their love stayed.”

My heart softened. He kissed my head then his gaze found Timothy’s. He

smiled.

“Hello, inaanak,” he called and kissed his head.

Timothy made cute sounds, acknowledging him. He reached for him and Chiel
took his little fingers. I chuckled.

“Ninong ka rin ng baby Tonton ko?” I asked.

“I told you, sweetheart,” he mused. “Ninong of the century ako. Lahat yata
inaanak ko na.”

I giggled. “Paanong ‘di ka magiging ninong, e, napakagalante mo sa mga bata?”

He gave me a naughty look.

“Well, I’m sure mas galante na ako kapag atin na ‘yong bata,” he answered,
grinning when heat rushed into my cheeks.

“Alchiel!” I hissed.

“Why?” He smirked. “Don’t you want to have kids with me?”

“I-it’s not that, I mean…” Nagkatinginan kami ni Tonton. “Nakikinig ang

pamangkin!”

“It’s not like he understands. I’m sure Tonton wanted new cousins.” His voice
softened. “‘Di ba, Tonton? Gusto mo ng bagong pinsan?” maliit niyang sabi sabay
sundot sa tagiliran ng bulilit.

Tonton made cute sounds, seemed like agreeing kaya nagkatinginan kami ni
Chiel. He wiggled his brow and dug his palm more on my waist.

“He approved—”

“Gawa-gawa ‘to!” Lumayo ako sa kanya at niyakap ang pamangkin. “Hindi kaya…”

“Oh, really?” He shot his brow up. “Bakit ka namumula? Gusto mo rin, e—”

Our backs straightened when we heard someone clearing his throat. Mabilis
akong naupo at si Alchiel ay kunwari’y nagbibilang ng frames pagkakita kay Zion na
malaki ang ngisi.

“Good morning, world!” he greeted.

Alchiel glanced at him coldly.

“Isn’t the morning so wonderful?” he repeated. “Kasing-gwapo ko?”

‘Di kami umimik. Nawala tuloy ang ngisi niya.

“Ang mu-moody naman ng mga taong ‘to!” sikmat niya. “Wala man lang hello? Hi?
Ang gwapo mo sa umaga, Zy?”

“‘Di pa ‘ko tapos sa ‘yo, gago,” ani Chiel kaya mas ngumuso si Zy at
namaywang.

“Sorry na nga, e! ‘Di maka-move on? Ayaw ko lang magpatalo kay Macky!” But he
was saying it with a wide smile which is honestly suspicious.

Nanliit ang mata ko.

“What’s with you? Why are you grinning like an idiot?” ani Alchiel na tumitig
pa sa huli pero ngumuso lang si Zy at nagkibit-balikat.

“Masama maging masaya? It’s a wonderful day! Wonderful me!” he said the words
in a sing-song voice before hopping towards the kitchen.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel, may question mark sa ulo at sabay na nagkibit-

balikat.

“Twinkle, saan ka na—Jesus, princess! Paanong ibabaon natin ‘yang lumpia

kung pinapak mo na?!” His voice roared and a laugh left my mouth when Zy got out of
the kitchen holding Twila’s wrist, pouting and whining, sa kanyang kamay ay may
plastic ng lumpia.

“Baon!” she added. “Bigyan ko nga po si Colt, Daddy Pangit!”

“Ano’ng ibibigay mo pa sa kapatid mo kung kinagatan mo na ‘yan lahat?” Sabay

na bumaba ang tingin nila sa plastic at humaba ang nguso, magkamukha na tuloy lalo.

I blinked and glanced at Tonton innocently watching the two. Then,

nagkatingin kami ni Alchiel.

Hindi naman siguro magmamana sa pamilya naming weird ang anak namin, ano?

Our family was large so two vehicles weren’t enough. Luckily, we had spare
but it took me long to join them dahil tumulong pa ako sa asawa ni Dei na kunin ang
mga damit na naiwan ng mga bata.

“Let’s go,” aya niya.

“Una ka na,” I said. “Banyo lang ako.”

She left and I followed after a moment, walking towards the car. Maingay ang
mga bata at nagkakantahan. Zion was our driver and we’re with Deion, Macky and Zy’s
family.

Papasok na sana ako nang matantong wala nang upuan kaya napatikhim ako.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel.

“Uh,” I looked around for a space. “Susunod pa naman sina Scira, ‘di ba? Doon
na lang ako—”

“Ah, nauna na silang lahat! Tayo na ang huli!” ani Varsha kaya nagsalubong
ang kilay ko.

“What? Then, I’ll just commute or something, wala nang pwesto—”

“Here,” Chiel called seriously, looking at me then tapped his leg. “Sit on
my
lap.”

Umawang ang labi ko nang umugong ang sigawan at asaran. Namula ang mukha ko,
pinanlalakihan ng mata si Chiel pero seryoso lang siya, kunwari’y napipilitan at
iritado pero alam kong gustong-gusto niya!

“W-what?” I looked around. “No—”

“It’s nothing. We’re casual, right?” Sumulyap siya sa kanila. Dei and Zy were
exchanging knowing weird glances, tanging si Macky lang ang nakangisi ngayon.

Nag-usap kami sa tingin ni Chiel kaya sa huli ay tumango na ako.

“Y-yeah.” Tumikhim ako sabay akyat sa sasakyan. He pulled me against his

lap.

My stomach churned and my heart jumped like I just won the Olympics.
“They’re friends,” ani Macky na bumaling kay Zy. “Nagmo-move on na kayo?”
 Huh?

“Oo,” sabay naming sagot ni Chiel at bumaon ang palad niya sa tiyan ko.

“Is this okay with you?” malamig na tanong ni Chiel sa akin kaya tumango ako.

“We’re friends, it’s fine. Walang malisya,” I lied.

“Yeah, walang malisya…” His tone had a drip of seduction as he whispered.

“We’re friends. What could go wrong?”

His dick hardened.

Oh my gosh! What could go wrong, my ass! He had a freaking boner!

Para kaming tuod na dalawa, nakaupo roon at tulala but the road must be
kidding—it was uneven! It was rocky, the reason why the car was shaky and shit, I
kept on rising and falling down his lap! ‘Di ko alam kung sadya ni Zion na
nagmamaneho pero parang tatalon na ang sasakyan sa mga bato raw!

Alchiel hardened more. He cursed under his breath.

Shit…

Dumiin ang hawak niya sa tiyan ko. Marahas naman akong napalunok at laking
pasalamat ko nang dumating na kami at maglalakad na papuntang Kawasan but fate
must’ve hated us.

“Sweetheart, I have a fucking boner,” he whispered painfully.

Nagdahilan kaming dalawa para mahuli at namomroblema ako kay Alchiel.

“Pakalmahin mo ‘yan!” I hissed, pointing at his bulge.

“Damn it. I just can’t command it to calm down, Clyte,” reklamo niya.

“Bakit kasi…” I sighed. “Ikalma mo ‘yan! You’re so horny! I just sat on your
lap and—”

“Your ass is bouncing on my dick, that’s why!” he insisted. Umawang ang labi
ko at nag-init ang mukha.

“What the fuck,” I mumbled.

“Yes, sweetheart, what the fuck,” he breathed out. Nagkatitigan kami at ewan
ba pero tinawanan na lang namin ang boner niya.

Ginamit ko ang cardigan at itinali sa likuran para matakpan ang sa harap

niya. We made up stories saying nabuhusan ko siya ng tubig or something and I think
they took the excuse!

We tried so hard to keep our distance together but he couldn’t help it

whenever he saw me almost tripping from the large rocks on the way.
 “I’m alright.”

“Magasgasan ka,” kalmado niyang sabi. “Careful, bagalan mo lang ang lakad mo
kung kailangan. H’wag mong gayahin ‘yang mabibilis maglakad. Kabisado na nila
rito.”

I glanced at the line in front of us. No hassle lang silang naglalakad, ang
mga bata ay buhay na buhay pa. I could hear Deion calling up his sons to slow down
at nakikipaghabulan na kina Averie at Reese.

“Mahaba ba ang lalakarin?” I asked him.

Umiling siya at inilahad ang braso sa akin kaya kumapit ako ro’n pagkatapos
maglaway sa biceps niyang kita sa sleeveless na suot.

He’s very casual today, just his workout plain black shirt, beach shorts, and
slippers. Bagsak ang kanyang buhok para itago ang cute niyang bukol.

He’s very tall. An inch or so than the rest of the boys. Dahil wala akong
heels na suot ay sa may bandang taas ng dibdib niya lang ako, sa may bandang leeg.

When he looked at me and noticed me gawking at him, he smirked.

“You look at me like you wanted to eat me, sweetheart,” he whispered, his
blue eyes shining with the sunlight.

I leaned back and whispered, “I would very much like to do so, Your Honor.”

His eyes darkened, mabuti na lang ay may cardigan na siya at ‘di

nagpapapansin si Little Chiel. I smiled wickedly.

“If there is no one watching here and we’re alone, I would take care of
Little Chiel myself,” I drawled.

He stiffened, tensing. I even saw him moisten his lip, liking the idea when
Crest looked back at us.

Sabay kaming natensyon pero magiging obvious kami kapag biglang nag-away and
so, I made my expression sad and Chiel’s face blank, like he was just being a
gentleman and helping me out, nothing more.

“Okay lang kayo r’yan?!” Crest asked loudly.

Tumango ako. “Yes! Chiel was just helping me!”

Crest observed us and then nodded, her expression was concerned and sad but
there was something in her gaze. Nang nag-iwas siya ay nanatili kaming gano’n ang
reaksyon

Napasulyap sa amin si Adi bago namumulang nag-iwas at nakipagbulungan kay

Sibyl. Nakisali si Sol sa tsismisan nila.

We maintained our reaction and Chiel said in a low voice, “In what way are
you gonna take care of my dick, Miss Fabroa?” he asked in a monotone.

“I don’t know, maybe with my hand—oh!” My face brightened. “How about I

kneel in front of you and use my mouth?”

His jaw ticked. Naipikit niya ang mata, iritado. I almost cackled when his
brows furrowed and now, he was a bit pissed.

“Why, Prosecutor? You’d like it?” I hummed. “Sayang nga lang… marami tayo
rito. Okay lang ‘yan, nood ka na lang ng porn.”

He scoffed, glancing my way but before I could piss him off more, ngumisi ako
sa kanya at tumakbo na pauna at sumama na lang kina Scira.

Kawasan was a sight to behold, with pristine natural clear waters and rock
formations.

I was surprised to see Samuel with his friends here.

Pinakilala niya ako sa mga kaibigan, nakipagkamay ako na may ngiti sa kanila
bago rin ipinakilala ang mga pinsan ko.

I was in the middle of conversing with him when I had a glance at Alchiel
with the boys. He looked grumpy and annoyed. Nakaakbay pa sa kanya si Macky,
mouthing: “Okay lang ‘yan.”

Pasimple akong lumapit para makitsismis at dahil sumusunod lang si Sam ay

nakasama pa siya.

Sumulyap akong muli. May sinasabing litanya si Deion sa kanila habang si Zion
ay nakapaywang at nakangisi pa.

“Why don’t you just beg?” ani Dei na nakikisakay sa kalokohan nila.

“Beg? For what?” ani Macky. “Nagmo-move on na si Chiel!”

“We don’t beg because to beg is water,” paliwanag ng gagong Zion.

“Ewan ko sa inyo, marurupok naman kayo,” sabat pa ni Chance.

“Wow, coming from you na nang-gatecrash sa birthday ni Darshana at nakisayaw

ng Jumbo Hotdog para hindi mukhang outsider?” ani Chiel.

Naghagalpakan sila. Sumimangot si Chance.

“Gago, sama ng ugali mo, Sandejas!” They bickered.

“Walang marupok dito,” ani Locket na tamad na nakaupo sa gilid habang

pinapanood ang kambal niya sa may tubig kasama si Crest na nagpapahid pa ng
additional sunblock.

“Right,” ani Warren kaya nagtanguan silang dalawa ni Wave.

“You know what? You’re all liars. I’m giving you one free consultation yearly
in my clinic—”

“No,” they cut Deion.

“Alam n’yo, ang salita ginagawa, ‘di minumukbang,” Deion explained and I
couldn’t help but chuckle, only to remember Samuel was with me.

“O-oh, sorry!” Nag-init ang mukha ko. “I was just listening.”

“It’s alright,” he answered. “I’m just glad you’re happy now. It’s good
you’re back.”
 I had fun swimming and playing with the kids. Tinuruan ko pa ngang lumangoy
si Scira at gusto niya raw matuto. Chiel and I couldn’t talk that much because we
were aware of them watching us so we got contented eye-fucking each other.

I eyed him swimming with his abdomen and sexy arms exposed, his long legs
kicking flawlessly like a professional. I frowned when I saw girls from Samuel’s
group eyeing him like he was a meal.

They even struck up a conversation with him and the gentleman Sandejas
answered them with a smile on his lips and I was pissed. Nagkatinginan kami. Tumaas
ang kilay ko.

“What?” he mouthed like something was funny.

To piss him off, umahon ako. I flaunted my black bikini top and short maong
shorts as I made my way back to the cottage.

Samuel waved at me, his friends teasingly screamed I was beautiful and if
they could ask for my number. I just smiled sweetly, feeling the burn of Alchiel’s
gaze.

I gave him a sideway look and he completely stopped responding to the girls
to watch me shamelessly.

Tumabi ako kay Crest. She offered me a towel at kinalong ko si Reese para
subuan.

“You two okay?” kuryosong tanong ni Crest.

“Yeah,” I answered casually. “We’re good.”

Alchiel came back with his eyes on me. ‘Di ko siya pinansin.

“Come to Ninong, Reese,” he called and when Reese got off my lap, I frowned.

Inaagawan ako ng inaanak! I glared at him. He smirked proudly and carried

Reese.

“Hey,” I called out. “I was still feeding her.”

“It’s fine. I’ll feed her,” ngiti niyang sarcastic sa akin sabay bulong kay
Reese. “Mas gusto sa akin ni Reese, e. ‘Di ba, Reese? Gusto mo kay Ninong?”

“Excuse me, she likes me more. I was feeding her pero nang-aagaw ka, mas
gusto niya kay Ninang, ‘di ba, Reese?”

Reese looked confused as she looked at us then she glanced at Avery for help.
Ngumuso si Avery at nagpanggap na nilalaro si Chichay sa lapag.

I was annoyed now and we bickered back and forth until Locket spoke.

“Bakit n’yo ba pinag-aagawan ang anak ko? Gawa na lang kayo ng inyo,” agap ni
Locket.

We both scoffed. “No way!”

“We’re friends,” I added.

 “Casual,” agap ni Chiel. “Walang malisya.”

However, the “friends” found a way to meet each other. Habang nagpapahinga
ako sa gilid ng batuhan during lunch ay nakapuslit ang gagong Alchiel at bumulong.

“See that cliff?” turo niya sa mababang parte ng talon kung saan p’wedeng
tumalon kung gusto mong mag-dive sa tubig.

“What?” I frowned.

“Let’s meet there,” he whispered and kissed my shoulder. “Let’s make out.”

Nawala tuloy ang iritasyon ko. He knew it. He flashed a handsome smirk and
then winked. Nauna na siya at humanap ako ng tiyansa para makasunod.

Walang tao nang makapunta ako. Everyone was busy swimming and eating and when
I found his back on me, tumikhim ako.

He faced me and then like magnets drawn together if close, we ended up with
our limbs entwined, kissing each other senseless like we hadn’t kissed the whole
year.

“Why would you flaunt your damn sexy ass on them?” sikmat niya sabay hawak sa
buhok ko at marahang hila roon. He bared my neck, his kisses falling on my throat.

“Huh, coming from you? Ngiting-ngiti ka nga sa girls mo, Kuya?”

I pushed him this time and kissed his neck too. He cursed under his breath
and cupped my butt, kneading. I let out a moan when he slapped my skin.

“You’re very naughty today, kid.”

“I won’t be if hindi mo inagaw sa ‘kin ang pamangkin ko…” I bit my his neck.
“Kuya.”

Our gazes met and we kissed breathlessly again, trapped in our own world.

“Uh-huh! Malalandi kayo! I knew it! Sabi ko sa inyo, e! Bayad-bayad!” We both

stiffened, pushing away from each other and shifted to them with wide eyes.

“W-what…” Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Chiel sa puwitan ko kaya hinampas ko

iyon. “I-it’s nothing!”

Crest smirked proudly at me. My cheeks heated.

“I told you, bati na sila!” Zion chirped happily, inaakbayan si Macky na

nakaawang lang ang labi sa gulat, mukha ‘di makapaniwala.

“We’re just talking!” ani Alchiel pero tinawanan lang nila kami.

“Talking?” ani Macky sabay baling kay Zion. “Talking lang pala! Baka goodbye
kiss lang—”

“R-right!” I exclaimed. “That’s just uh… goodbye kiss, right, Chiel?”

Macky smirked at Zion. “See? It’s just goodbye! I won! Not you! You heard
him! Move on na siya—”

“Alam mo, Macky-beybe, love kita pero no offense, a? Ang pagiging uto-uto,
character flaw, hindi ginagawang personality.”

I tried stopping my laugh but it burst out so loud. I realized it kaya

kinagat ko ang labi, pinipigil ang tawa, pinagmasdan ang simangot ni Macky sabay
sapak kay Zion pero natatawang hinila siya ni Deion para awatin.

Tumikhim ako at sinubukang iligtas pa rin ang sarili kahit wala nang pag-asa.

“Really, we’re not…”

“Tsk! H’wag kami, ‘te! We know!” Crest smirked. “Naniwala kami kaninang umaga
pero alam na naming fishy kayo bago pa tayo pumunta rito!”

My forehead creased.

“How?” ani Alchiel.

“Nakita ko kayo naglalandian sa may sala!” Zion commented with a grin. “At
kung magsisinungaling pa kayo, may ebidensya ako!”

He showed us his phone and I sighed loudly when he showed us our backs.
Nakahawak sa baywang ko si Chiel habang karga ko si Tonton.

“Shit…” I cursed and glanced at Chiel hopelessly.

Napakamot siya ng kilay.

Wala na ang contract! Ito kasi, gusto pang mag-MOMOL dito!

As if namang ‘di mo naman gusto, ‘te?

Shut up!

Wala na tuloy kaming choice, Alchiel confessed we’re really okay and making
it up to the missed years. Na nagsusuyuan kami. That it was just a secret for now.
Nagsigawan sila at hiyang-hiya ako.

“That’s my girl!” Crest screamed. “I knew it!”

“Finally, I can’t lie now,” Adi muttered then smiled shyly.

Crest heard it and her expression changed. “Wait, Adi. You knew? Akala ko ba
‘di ka pumunta sa kwarto at walang nakita?”

Adi stiffened. Nakagat ko ang labi.

Shit! No!

Umiling si Adi. “H-hindi nga, Ate! Wala akong salamin! ‘Di ko sila nakita
kanina! Bulag ako, bulag!”

“Hmm…” Namaywang si Crest. “Impossible, may nakita ka—”

“I swear! ‘Di ko nakitang nakapatong si Ate sa mukha ni Kuya!” she squealed.

My stomach dropped and Alchiel even tried to defend it.

“What? No, it wasn’t! Sa dibdib pa lang ‘yon, ‘di pa sa mukha—” Sinapak ko

siya. Natahimik siya at nanigas din sa sinabi.
 Their jaws fell. Napatakip si Adi sa bibig at nanlaki ang mata.

Napaatras ako.

Unti-unti silang lumingon sa aming dalawa at sana kainin na lang ako ng lupa!
Sana tamaan na lang ako ng bulalakaw at maglaho!

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry! Sorry!” Adi exclaimed, panicking. “Wala kayong
narinig! Erase!”

Zion’s grin and Crest’s wicked smile were directed at me.

“Clyte-Clyte, wild ka pala?” Crest asked in a silly tone.

Umiling ako. Mas umatras ako patungo sa may dulo ng diving site at awkward na
ngumisi.

“Uhh… bye?” sabay talon ko sa tubig para malunod na lang sa kahihiyan.

That day and the next ones in Sta. Monica was a memory I will forever
cherish. I was happy, I felt whole and free without the outside pressure of my past
but all of it was just a taste of happiness.

Hindi panghabambuhay at patikim lang pala sa akin dahil sa pagbabalik namin

sa Maynila ay bumalik din ang mga gustong takasan.

I tried not to tremble as I struggled out of the ropes tied to my wrist.

Madilim. Wala akong makita dahil sa tabon sa mga mata ko.

“Let me go!” I screamed, but no one listened.

They were all just happy to get me and I had no other option but to pray to
survive this again, that everything would go accordingly, prayed everything would
be alright.

“Hello? Confirmed. Nakuha na po namin ang anak n’yo, Mayor,” a voice echoed
inside the vehicle, sending shivers all over my spine.

Kabanata 47

Kabanata 47

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Actually, my week started off really great.

I enjoyed our trip to Sta. Monica, our endless movie marathons, our escapades
in discovering the province, and the stories from my cousins about our memories
before. We even rode a horse! Tinuruan kami nina Sol at Sibyl!

I had time with Chiel. After the confrontation with our cousins, it’s not
like we could hide it anymore, so we stopped doing so. Nga lang, s’yempre medyo
nakakahiya na nalaman nilang bati kami bago pa kami pumuntang Sta. Monica at nag-
iinarte lang.

Mas nakakahiya lalo na sa sinabi ni Adi. Gusto ko na lang sana magpaagos sa

talon at magpanggap na ‘di marunong lumangoy but Alchiel, as usual, jumped on the
water too and saved me.

“Ayoko iligtas!” I even scoffed at him when he caught my waist.

“No, sweetheart, I’m not saving you,” he trailed off. “I’m trying to join you
in drowning.”

We were inseparable after that, and Crest won’t stop teasing. She was very
happy. Everyone was so happy, and my heart was so full.

Scira gave me the sweetest smile, her eyes watery as she walked closer for an
embrace.

“You deserve happiness, Ate,” she whispered. “You deserve each other.”

Inakbayan ako ni Deion at kahit ako ang ate, mukha tuloy siya ang panganay sa
aming dalawa sa tangkad niya.

“Finally, tapos na ang pagpapanggap,” he muttered, amused. “You two were

insufferable and terrible actors.”

“Grabe!” I nudged his side playfully.

He chuckled and messed with my hair.

“I’m happy for you but let me remind you about Dad’s bucket list. Ready na ba
‘yang boyfriend mo?”

Napasulyap ako kay Alchiel. He was with the boys, talking but his eyes were
on me. I saw the glint and how his expression lifted when he saw me looking.

“Well, he’s not my boyfriend yet,” I answered Dei. “‘Di pa ako sinasagot, e.
Choosy pa, sa ganda kong ‘to?”

He laughed, thought I was kidding and embraced me.

I watched Queen talking to Dette while they were watching shows on her phone.
It made me smile.

How quickly time goes by, huh? The last time I was here, I remembered they
were so small, so young, and now they’re almost in their preteens.

“May boyfriend na kayo?” I asked the two.

They both stiffened.

“Wala po!” they blurted out. I just smirked.

“It’s okay to have crushes,” I said. “But—oh my God, I can’t believe I’m
saying this but you’re still young and it seems like having a boyfriend is a norm,
but don’t get pressured about it. What’s important is to focus on your studies and
be happy. I’m not saying not to entertain boys, but your study comes first—”

“Wow, magsalita naman ‘to , titang-Ttta?” I rolled my eyes at Chiel’s

comments. Umupo siya sa tabi ko sabay tingin sa mga pinsan. “Anyway, listen to Ate
Clyte, kids. From experience niya ‘yan.”

I smacked his arm.

 “I’m not—”

“She has a lot of suitors way back,” he added. “Lahat ‘yon pinagsasapak ni
Tito Thorn.”

“OA naman ‘to magkwento,” singhal ko pero talagang desidido siya sa kwento
niya.

“And your Kuya Dei and Macky will know, mga matang-lawin ‘yan kaya study
first, okay?” he reminded them. “And if those boys hurt you, let Kuya Chiel know.
Kasuhan natin ‘yan lahat sila.”

“Wow, makapagsalita naman ‘to, Tatay na tatay?” I spat back and laughed.

The kids giggled. Tumaas ang kilay ni Chiel at nagtaka ako nang lumapit siya
sa tainga ko para bumaling.

“I’ll be stricter when it comes to our kids, sweetheart,” he whispered. My

cheeks flushed.

Naaaliw niyang pinagmasdan ang reaksyon ko’t inilagay ang hibla ng buhok sa
likod ng tainga.

“Hmm, I guess someone is excited—”

“I’m not having sex with you,” I whispered back. “Unless you burn the damn
contract.”

“Hmm… I won’t. We still shouldn’t hold hands, not clingy—” He shrugged as

if he didn’t break it already. “They already knew but our contract stands still.
It’s not that we let them know purposely so technically, we didn’t break the
contract. It was an accident.”

“And you’re saying…?”

“Kapag sinadya, ayon ‘yong bawal,” he reminded.

“Oh, so if I held your hand in public with people, bawal?”

“Yup, or for example, you’re clingy with me in public—”

“Hoy! Kapal ng mukha mo, ikaw nga ‘yong clingy! Tingnan mo ‘yong kamay mo sa
hita ko!” I smacked his palm.

“What?” He feigned innocence. “It’s not clingy. I was just placing my hand
here.”

I scoffed, watching him put his palm back on my lap.

“Alright then, dahil pangtanga ‘yong mga kondisyon mo, let’s have another
agreement!”

“What?”

“Penalty would either be a hundred million and marriage, right?” Tumango

siya. “What if kung sino ‘yong talagang totoong lalabag, kapag ‘di nagbayad ng
milyon bukod sa magpapakasal, siya ang magpo-propose?”
 Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya ro’n. He didn’t even try hiding his amusement
and excitement.

“Paper,” he mumbled kaya dagli akong tumayo at lumapit kay Bullet sa kusina
na naglilista ng grocery na ipapabili niya sa asawa.

“Can I have a paper?” I asked hastily.

Her amber eyes met mine and confused, pinunit niya ang page na sinusulatan at
inabot sa akin ang buong notebook.

“No, kahit isang page lang—”

“No, it’s okay, tapos na rin naman ako,” aniya. “Do you need a pen?”

“Yes, please. Thank you!” I chirped when she gave it to me at nagtataka lang
siyang nakatingin nang tumakbo ako pabalik sa living room at nando’n na si Chiel sa
lapag nakaupo at inaantay ako.

I slumped beside him and gave him the notebook.

“Bilis, a,” he noticed.

“Of course. Excited na ‘kong lumuhod ka sa harap ko, e.” I stated.

He smirked.

“Uh-huh, what kind of kneel, sweetheart? That one with a ring on my hand or
the one with your pussy on my mouth?”

I gasped loudly, naeeskandalo. Binalingan ko ang mga batang abala sa kakatawa

sa phone nila at pinanliitan ng mata si Chiel.

“Bibig mo, may mga bata!”

“I’m whispering,” he said in a small voice. “They won’t hear.”

“Ewan ko sa ‘yo! You know what I meant, Alchiel. Pangit mo gumanap, e. Ikaw
unang talo sa ‘tin.”

He smirked and opened the pen.

“Nah. I’m sure you’d be the first one to break it. You’ll propose to me,
baby. Not the other way around.”

“Whatever! Ginusto mo ‘yan kaysa sunugin na lang natin!” I hissed back. “No
sex for you.”

“No sex for you either,” he whispered back and kissed my ear, pulling me
close to him as he started drafting the additional clause for the contract.

Nang makita kami ng mga pinsan na nagsusulat do’n at nakatulala sa notebook

ay nagtaka sila.

“Ano’ng gawa n’yo?” Crest asked, carrying Chichay in her arms.

“Nothing!” I answered.

“Slambook lang,” sagot ni Chiel at binaba ang ballpen sabay tango sa kambal.
“Tara dito, Book Joo.”

“Tangina ka, maayos na nga ngayon!” singhal ni Crest sabay hawak sa bangs
niya. I chuckled.

Lumapit si Crest sa amin na nagtataka.

“Saan na ‘yong asawa mong tukmol? Tawagin mo,” dagdag pa ni Chiel kaya
nagtatakang sumigaw si Crest at pumasok si Locket na buhat sa magkabilang braso ang
kambal.

“Hmm?”

“Come here,” tawag ng asawa.

Locket lowered the kids, and they ran near the couch where the other dogs
were. Tumalon si Chichay sa braso ni Crest at nakisali sa mga asong nagtatahulan.

Lumapit si Locket, nagtataka pa.

“What is it?”

“You two are our witnesses,” ani Chiel na tinakpan ang itaas na parte sabay
lahad n’ong ibaba. “Sign here.”

“Huh? Ano ‘yan?” ani Crest. “Pabasa nga—”

“No,” ani Chiel. “Pirma rito. Don’t worry, kambal, this isn’t a death
sentence or something.”

Nagtatakang nilingon ako ni Crest. I nodded my head and she trusted it kaya
nagtatakang kinuha niya ang pen at pumirma.

“Naku, huh, kapag utang ‘to, wala kayong mapapala sa ‘kin!” she teased.
“Marami akong bayarin! I’ll trust you both, swerte n’yo kasi love ko kayo!”

She finished signing kaya si Locket naman ang binalingan namin. He didn’t
take the pen.

“What is it about?” he asked seriously.

Nagkibit-balikat si Chiel. “Secret, bawal sabihin sa mga kakasuhan.”

Siniko ko nga kaya umayos ng upo. “Come on, sign it. It’s not like I’ll sell
you or something.”

“I’m not signing blindly,” ani Locket na humalukipkip pa, seryoso. “Kahit
patayin mo pa ‘ko, hindi ko hihiwalayan ang kambal mo.”

My jaw dropped. Natawa si Alchiel habang namumula na si Crest.

“What?” Crest gasped. “Shit! Don’t tell me it’s annulment, Alchiel?!”

It seems like Chiel was in the mood to play because he glanced at his twin
with mirth. “Who knows—”

“No way! ‘Di mo kami mapaghihiwalay ng Pingu ko!” Akma niyang aagawin ang
papel pero naitago na ni Chiel. I watched the both of them bicker back and forth
kaya umiling na ako.
 “Stop it, Chiel.” Pinalo ko siya. “It’s not an annulment, okay? It’s just
some silly contract for us.”

Natigil sila.

“Contract?”

“Yup.” I nodded. “You don’t have to know but I promise it won’t harm you or
anything. It certainly wasn’t about annulment. Baliw lang ‘tong kambal mo.” Kinurot
ko si Chiel na umungot pa at pilit na tinulak ang kamay ko.

“Clyte—”

“Shh!” I hushed him before catching Locket’s curious and observing gray eyes.

“Please, Locket?” I asked. “I promise, it’s nothing like that. Just some
childish contract—”

“It’s not childish, sweetheart! This is serious! Inonotaryo ko ‘to—”

Tinakpan ko na ang bibig ni Alchiel, nakatingin pa rin kay Locket.

“Please?”

He sighed, glanced at Crest, and nodded.

“Fine but I have one condition,” aniya.

Kinuha ni Chiel ang palad ko sa bibig niya.

“Fine, what is it?”

“Iatras ang kaso,” aniya, sineryoso ata talaga ang banta ni Alchiel.

“No—”

“Then, I won’t sign that,” ani Locket. “For what? Kung mawawalan ako ng
trabaho, ano’ng ipapakain ko sa mga pamangkin mo? Dito sa asawa kong sosyal?”

Crest made a face but agreed.

“Oo nga! Ano’ng ipapakain niya sa ‘kin?!” She even supported her husband.
“Hindi naman ako literal na mabubusog sa ano niya—”

“Crest Veronica,” Locket called. Ngumuso si Crest sabay ngisi na nang-aasar

sa asawa. Nag-usap sila sa tingin at napapangiting umiling na lang sa kanya si
Locket.

“Ninang!” tawag ng mga inaanak ko kaya binalingan ko sila bago kawayan at

nang ibinalik ko ang tingin ay naglalaban na ng tingin ang dalawang lalaki, ayaw
patalo kaya suminghap na ako sabay lapit kay Chiel at bulong.

“Just say yes,” I whispered.

“No,” angil niya. “Nabukulan ako, Clyte. I can’t push my hair up because I
look like a fucking unicorn—”

“Say yes then I’ll let you in my bed tonight,” I whispered hotly, making him
stiffen.
 His brow shot up, and his jaw ticked. Akala ko nga ay ‘di niya papatusin at
nakipagsamaan pa siya ng tingin kay Locket bago hinagis ang ballpen sa huli.

“Fine, I won’t file the case. Fucking sign here.” Tinuro niya ang ibabang
parte sa papel.

It made me smile but it faded when I caught Crest giving me an amused look.

“Galingan mo,” she mouthed. “Sa ‘yo pusta ko.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“Guys! Let’s take a picture!” Sibyl then appeared with a camera in her hand,
asking us to call everyone for a group photo.

We did a remake of the portrait from the last time we were here in Sta.
Monica. Malaki ang ngiti ko, naluluha pa sa tuwa. I couldn’t imagine that a lot of
years had passed and gone to waste with trauma when all my life, I had this.

This family, this home.

I pretended to sleep that night. Sinadya kong ‘di i-lock ang pinto ng kwarto,
kinakagat ang labi nang marinig ang pag-lock at ang paglubog ng gilid ng kama ko.

“You sleeping, sweetheart?”

When I didn’t answer, he chuckled. Naramdaman ko ang pag-angat ng comforter

ko at ang paghiga niya sa likuran ko. He pulled me close, his arms on my stomach,
his lips on my hair.

“Clyte,” he whispered. Mas ipinikit ko ang mata. “Clytey…”

Tulog ako!

“What now, I thought I could be in your bed tonight?”

“Ito nga, nasa kama na kita, tulog na tayo,” I answered.

“Clyte-Clyte!” He groaned. I smiled.

“What?” I asked. “I only said you could join me in bed and here you are,
joining me. May iba ba akong sinabi?”

“No, but…” he trailed off. “Wala MOMOL?” maliit ang boses niyang tanong.

I laughed.

“Why are you laughing?” he whined.

“Ang cute mo,” aliw kong bulong. “But nope, we’ll only sleep.”

“No?” he asked. I nodded. He sighed. “Alright…”

I wasn’t expecting it. I was only kidding because I was waiting for my MOMOL
tonight pero ang bilis naman niyang sumuko.

He placed his arm under my head and pulled me close to his chest.
 “Bilis mo namang sumuko, Prosecutor?” I teased.

He wrapped his arm around my stomach again and buried his face on my nape.

“It’s fine. I’m happy just with us like this,” he whispered.

My heart jumped against my ribcage.

“Hmm, ayaw mo ng MOMOL?” I asked.

“Gusto.” Humigpit ang yakap niya sa ‘kin. “I want to but only if you want
it.”

I bit my lip. Mas idiniin ko ang likod ko sa dibdib niya at ipinikit ang
mata.

“Why? Won’t you insist?”

“Nah.” His face lowered to my nape, and he kissed me there. “Your comfort
over anything, sweetheart. If you don’t want to make out, then no.”

“But you’re…” I felt his hard-on pressing on my butt. He flinched when he

felt my ass arching to feel him.

“Don’t mind it. Yakapin na lang kita nang mahigpit!” He squeezed me. “Pero
p’wede pa-kiss lang ng isa?”

I chuckled. Nilingon ko siya at pinatakan siya ng halik. He sighed,

relaxing.

“Nakakatuwa pala talaga, ‘no, kapag natutupad ‘yong panaginip mo,” he

muttered and rested his face on my cheek. I felt his lips smiling while pressing on
my skin.

“This has been my dream too, Chiel,” I murmured. “Back when I was imprisoned
in that house, I always dreamed of you.”

He stiffened.

“Me?”

“Hmm… there is never a night na wala akong masamang panaginip. The car crash,
no’ng kinulong nila ako sa madilim na bodega, ‘yong may lalaking pumasok. Every
night, I’d wake up panicking and look for the knife under my bed and I was so
scared. I dreamt of it, Chiel. The only escape I have when I sleep is whenever I
see glimpses of our family, my mom… your eyes.”

Nilingon ko siya at nakita ang lamlam sa mga mata niya.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his grip tightening.

“For what?”

“For not finding you sooner.” Pain and hurt filled his voice. “I should’ve
tried harder.”

“You tried your best, okay?” Inabot ko ang pisngi niya. “I’m here now. I
won’t go.”
“I’ll protect you,” he said like an oath.
 “I won’t be taken again, Chiel. I won’t let them take me away again,” I said
under my breath.

For a few moments, we were contented with the silence. Our breathing was
heavy, his chest moving up and down against my back with our limbs tangled to each
other.

It was comforting and soothing. Being with him was my definition of a safe
space.

I kissed his arm under my head and cuddled more. He pressed his chest on my
back and kissed my head.

“I love you, Chiel,” I whispered solemnly, and I was not expecting an answer
from him, but he did, surprising me.

“I love you better than life itself,” he whispered. “Mahal na mahal kita,
Clytemnestra.”

Hinarap ko siya at sa malamlam na ilaw ay nagkatinginan kami. My brown eyes

against his blue ones, our faces an inch apart, breathing heavily at the same time.

Antok at mapungay ang kanyang mga mata habang pinapanood ang mukha ko,
pinagsasawa ang sarili niya roon. I stared back at him, stars in my eyes, thanking
the Gods for giving me a chance in life and love with him.

His finger grazed my cheek.

“Thank you, Clyte,” he said in a hushed voice.

“For what?”

Mas pumungay ang mata niya.

“For existing,” he breathed out.

I smiled softly, my eyes reveling in his reddish ones, longing for the taste
despite kissing it countless times now. I rolled my tongue on my lower lip and just
as I was about to lean in to kiss him, his lips were already pressing against mine.

My lips tingled, my nerves wrecked, and shivers ran down my spine as he

cradled my face with his palm and nibbled on my lower lip.

He gave it a gentle tug, urging me to open up for him and as I parted my lip,
I felt his warmth on my mouth, his addicting taste… him.

His kisses were tender and sweet at first but as seconds passed by, as the
heat flickered and started, it burned and consumed like wildfire.

It was supposed to be just a kiss—I guess—but it turned out more when he

pressed his crotch against my ass, and I was arching my back on him to feel it.

His palm then crawled from my jaw to my neck, snaking down the neckline of my
night dress and cupping my breast.

“Alchiel…” bulong ko sa labi niya.

He rolled his finger on my nipple, and I felt it harden. He played with it in

his thumb and forefinger that I got distracted and from his mouth, my face fell
back in his arms and arched.

His full palm then cupped the other one this time, massaging and palming me.
I jutted my ass and rubbed it against his dick, smirking when he let out a hard
curse and gripped my leg.

“Clytemnestra…” he said in a low voice.

“Yeah?” I hummed, pleasured with the way his rough palm covered my tits, and
felt his hard-on on my back.

“Don’t test me,” he muttered, his tone dark and pissed.

“Test what?” I even grabbed his crotch, rubbing it against his black pajamas.

“My patience…” he finished kaya inangat ko lang ang tingin sa kanya at

ngumiti.

“What if I want to test your patience?” I asked playfully, chuckling as his

palm’s pressure on my chest doubled.

I liked it so much. I could feel the familiar heat on my stomach down the
center, in between my thighs. I squeezed my legs shut when I realized I was wet.

Bumilis ang paghinga niya. I wasn’t sure if he knew what just happened to me
because his palm left my chest to caress my stomach. I felt him bundling my dress
up, exposing my lower part and the curse he let out was satisfying when he saw what
was in it.

“Holy hell, Clytemnestra! Wala kang panty?!”

I bit back a grin.

“Hmm… I couldn’t find any other thongs in my luggage. I didn’t want to wear
my ugly underwear, so I figured I’d sleep naked. Baka kako gapangin mo ‘ko.”

He grunted.

I laughed, my hand moving, and he was so focused on gawking at my thigh that

he didn’t notice me slipping my palm under his pajamas.

“Putang ina.” He growled the curse when he realized my palm was on his dick,
gripping him this time. I rubbed him softly.

“Clyte…”

“Hmm?” I gripped his cock and moved my fist up and down, groaning with the
heat and anticipation forming in my stomach.

Damn it. I can’t come with just a hand job! Ganito na ba ako katigang?!

“You’re killing me.” Dumiin ang hawak niya sa tiyan ko at inilapit ang bibig
sa tainga ko.

“No, sweetheart. You’re killing me,” I teased back, trying my best to grip
his cock entirely but my fingers couldn’t even reach each other.

I moved my palm again, pumping him and reaching for the head of his dick to
feel the precum in its tip.

“I fucking hate you, Fabroa,” bulong niyang nanggagalaiti, nanginginig na sa

pagtitimpi.

“Aww, why?” I purred.

“We can’t have fucking sex, okay?” he reminded, annoyed.

“I know. I was just giving you a hand job. You can finger me, too. It’s not
sex,” pandedemonyo ko pa sa kanya.

I could feel his glare on me. I chuckled and took a peek at his dark face.
His brows were knotted, as if I was the biggest pest he couldn’t get rid of no
matter what he did.

“Chiel ko…” I even said in a sing-song voice. “Come on, lower your hand and
feel me. Do you know I’m dripping wet now?”

It was the end of his patience.

His other hand pulled my hand off his dick and I hissed under my breath.
Magrereklamo sana ako sa ginawa niya, but then he got rid of his pajamas and in the
dark, I saw the shadow of his thick length. Napalunok ako.

Nakatihaya na ako habang nakatagilid siya at nakahiga ako sa braso niya kaya
kitang-kita ko ang anino.

I suddenly got scared. I’ve seen it already, tasted it but he was pissed off
now and very hard. Kung malaki na ‘yong noon, baka naman mawasak—

He pulled me, my back on his chest.

“Chiel—”

“Spread your damn legs, Clyte,” mariing sinabi niya, ‘di na ako inantay na
gumalaw at inangat niya ang hita ko pasampa sa hita niya at idiniin ang sarili sa
akin.

Sa bilis ng pangyayari ay nagulat din ako.

“O-oh, shit,” I moaned when I felt his dick slide into the slit of folds,
rubbing us bare. “C-Chiel… what the fuck?”

“Makulit ka, e,” he whispered hotly, his voice dripping with mirth. “Buti nga
sa ‘yo.”

“I-I hate you,” I moaned and rubbed myself in his dick.

“You feel that?” he whispered.

“H-hmm…” Tango ko. He rubbed himself against me again and it reminded me of

our dry humping before but this time, without our clothes on.

“I wonder what it would feel like if I fucked you.” He licked my earlobe and
thrust on my folds.

I pulled my leg off his and squeezed my thigh together, trapping him. Nagmura
siya at pilit na kinuha ang paa ko para ‘di ako pumayag at hinalikan siya para ‘di
niya magawa ang gusto.

I liked it. I wanted him in between me. I wanted him inside!

I frustratedly rubbed myself, groaning in his mouth when he pulled away.

“If you put my dick in, then we’re having sex,” aniya. “Could you do it,
sweetheart?”

“Fuck you, Sandejas.” I rubbed myself at his hard cock. “I won’t break the
contract. Baka ikaw. Come on, you can slide your dick and fuck me—”

“No… way.” Ngumisi siya, kinagat ang labi ko at ungol lang ang naisagot ko sa
pagbaba ng palad niya sa pagitan ng hita ko.

While I was rubbing myself on him, he found my clit and rubbed it, the
friction burning my insides, making my desperation triple to have a release.

I rode the tide of pleasure, feeling the rub of our bare flesh. His was hard
and mine was dripping wet.

Suddenly, his palm went on my throat, tugging me close to his chest until my
chest was arched and the back of my head was against his body, baring my skin to
his teeth.

“Fuck!” I cursed when he gripped my neck to kiss the length of my skin.

“Calm down, Clyte,” natatawang bulong niya at paulit-ulit. “You’re dripping

wet. One wrong move and my cock would slip inside.”

“I hate you,” I hissed frustratedly. “Why don’t you just fuck me?” Halos
maiyak na ako.

“Because I’m a man of my word, baby,” pang-aasar pa niya. “I don’t break

contracts to avoid lawsuits—”

“What if ilusot mo na lang sa ‘kin?” I offered like a fool, and I was too
late to realize what I desperately said kung ‘di lang siya humalakhak ng tawa.

“What the hell, sweetheart? Ganyan na ba katigang?”

“Nakakainis ka, e!” I whined. “Pinayagan na nga kita! And don’t pretend you
don’t want to because you’re hard!”

“I’m not—”

To prove my point, I squeezed my thighs together and rubbed myself against

his dick even more. Naramdaman ko ang pagdoble ng tensyon niya.

“Don’t lie,” I hissed. “Just be a nice boy and fuck me.”

Para siya ang unang lalabag sa contract at susunugin namin tapos wala nang
contract then we could do it anytime we want! Right?

Natahimik siya. He throbbed in between my legs. He was considering it!

Oh my God! Yehey!

“If you get in first, I promise I’ll be a good girl and ride you so good you
won’t even remember your name,” panghahalina ko pa.

I was hyperaware of him that I knew his jaw was clenching now, his face was
probably dark and pissed at the temptation I was eluding, and he wasn’t sure if
he’d grab it or not.

He sighed.

“In all fours,” he grunted in my ear.

Namilog ang mata ko at nilingon siya.

“Talaga ba—” But it ended up in a yelp when he didn’t wait for me to

process and flipped me off the bed.

Napadapa ako sa kama at mabilis ang kalabog ng puso nang maramdaman siya sa
likuran ko.

“Lift your ass,” he commanded like a king and like a slave ready to do her
master’s bidding, I followed. I jutted my ass in the air.

“Hand me a pillow,” muling utos niya at sa nanginginig na kamay ay inabot ko

ang unan at ibinigay sa kanya.

He grabbed the pillow at the same time he grabbed me up from facing the bed.
Inilagay niya iyon sa may tiyan ko bago ako ibinalik sa pwesto.

He palmed my butt and slapped it. The sting made me moan.

When his finger grazed on my pussy, fingering the heat and spreading my
wetness around, I let out a curse.

He moved and then I felt his tongue flicked and tasted my wetness.

Oh my God.

“C-Chiel, please,” I pleaded and rubbed myself in his mouth. “Please…”

“So impatient,” he commented and loomed behind me like a beast.

He rubbed my clit and fingered me as if torturing me, killing me slowly in

frustration. Iritado ko tuloy siyang nilingon.

“Isa, Alchiel!” sikmat ko. “Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan—”

He put the finger he just took inside me in his mouth and tasted it. I
groaned in frustration.

“Nakakainis ka! Bakit ang hot mo! Galit ako, e! Galit!” I exclaimed.

He grinned like a little, cunning devil. Idinantay niya ang palad sa balakang
ko.

“Gano’n talaga kapag mahal mo,” sikmat niya sabay kindat sa akin.

I eyed him sharply until he rubbed his dick on me, and I was out in outer
space again. He teased me, rubbed, and made me feel his length. I was gasping and
gripping the sheets everytime he’d push the head of his cock in my entrance pero
‘di naman itutuloy.
 “Alchiel Verón!” Halos maiyak na ako. “Sasaksakin kita, makikita mo!”

“Hmm…” He laughed darkly, squeezed my legs together, and settled his shaft in
between my folds. “Who said I was gonna fuck you?”

“W-what…”

“For the second time, I’m not breaking the contract,” he mused and thrust his
dick just beneath my folds.

I was annoyed and irritated that he played with me! Making me assume he’d
fuck me, but I couldn’t voice out my frustration when my climax was approaching.

Even without the penetration, he made me believe we were fucking—my brain

believed we were that when our bare flesh clashed, my eyes rolled at the back of my
head.

I was moaning, biting my lip, and burying my face in the bed when he pulled
me gently by my stomach, wrapping his arm around it and tilting my head to crash
his lips against mine.

The kisses were hungry, exploring, and aggressive. His palm would move from
my stomach to my boob up to my throat where he’d grip on my pulse enough to take my
breath away and give it back.

I arched against him, both gasping for air before we kissed again.

I moaned in his mouth when I felt the familiar urge to come, and he knew it
because he was feeling the same way. He let go of my mouth and we stared at each
other in the eye, our iris dilated, high, drunk, and in love.

“I-I love you,” I confessed.

“I love you too, Bella. Now, come.”

He gave me a lazy kiss until he pushed me gently back on the bed, gripped my
waist, and quickened his pace.

I screamed his name, burying my face on the bed when I exploded. My limbs
weakened and I slumped on the bed, face down. I jolted when he rubbed himself one
more time until I felt his hot load on my back.

I groaned, looked back, and watched the way he closed his eyes, his forehead
and tanned chest glistening with sweat.

I swallowed, seeing him grip his dick and pump it frustratedly with his fist,
his thick white come hot on my skin.

The sight made me wet again. I squirmed.

Nagmulat siya at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. I adjusted my body, moved

closer to him, and crawled. His expression darkened when I pushed him on the bed
and settled in between his thigh, his dick still hard.

“What are you doing?” he asked in a thick accent, and I just smiled wickedly,
gripping him and sucking him with my mouth.

We were very horny and excited. It didn’t take long until he came in my
mouth, and I swallowed it all. Pinagalitan pa niya ako and to apologize, I sat on
his face and let him lick me clean, but I ended up messy again.

Binuhat niya ako sa banyo para maligo kaming dalawa at ang dumi-dumi
namin—hindi literal pero p’wede na rin. Ilang beses ba namang nilaba—

“Fuck,” he cursed and frowned after he lowered me into the shower.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Huh? Bakit?” I asked when I noticed him touch his back.

“Nothing.” Ngumiwi siya at umayos ng tayo. “Naipit lang siguro ang likod ko
kanina—”

Natigil ang sinasabi niya nang mapansing nagpipigil ako ng tawa.

He scoffed. “What is it, Clyte?”

“Meron si Mommy ko na recommended gatas pambuto,” I informed him.

His face crumpled and I laughed so hard when he groaned.

“I’m fine, Clytemnestra! Pangit lang ang higa ko—”

“Oh my God. May rayuma ka na agad?” I teased. “Ang kasu-kasuan, Chiel!

Kailangan nating remedyuhan ‘yan habang maaga pa! Don’t worry, I’ll buy the milk!
Meron din sa pharmacy sa hospital ng vitamins for weak bones—” I screamed when he
tickled me.

“Chiel!”

“Wala akong rayuma, makulit ka!” he hissed. “Naipit lang ang likod ko—”

“No shame!” Tinulak ko ang palad niya. “Normal lang ‘yan sa edad mo, Kuya.”

Mas sumambakol ang mukha niya at nag-init na ang pisngi ko sa pigil na tawa.

“Let me remind you that I’m almost just two years older than you, kid,” he
emphasized the last word.

“Meaning, two years older din ang bones mo, Kuya,” I teased back at
nagtitigan kami, naglalaban ng tingin, walang pakialam kung hubo’t hubad pa sa
shower.

“I’m not old.”

“I’m not old,” I mimicked him. “Pero masakit na ang kasu-kasuan… Ut’s fine,
baby! It’s normal naman, minsan nga younger pa sa thirty ‘yong sakit ng likod pang
senior citizen na, ikaw pa kayang senior na?”

Namula ang mukha niya at ‘di ko na napigilan ang halakhak nang hablutin niya
ako palapit.

“Chiel!” I screamed. “Stop tickling! I-I mean, no shame! Bibilhan naman kita
ng gatas! Remedyuhan lang natin kasi extra super MOMOL pa nga lang nagagawa natin
nagka-crack na ‘yong bones mo! Paano pa kung gagawa na tayo ng baby—”

“Kapag ako nawalan ng timpi sa ‘yong babae ka, ngayon at dito na tayo gagawa
ng bata!” he threatened but my eyes were just twinkling.

“Talaga?” I yelped excitedly.

“What—”

“You’ll fuck me? Game!” I giggled happily.

Mas bumusangot siya at ‘di niya ako nagawang asarin. I pushed his hand away
to make fun of him, straightening my back quickly to turn away when we both heard a
crack from me.

Napahawak ako sa balakang na kumirot sa biglaan kong galaw.

“F-fuck,” I cursed, my cheeks heating as I looked at Chiel’s flushing face

trying to stop his laughter.

My lips pursed.

“Go on. Itawa mo na ‘yan at baka mautot ka pa,” malamya kong sabi.

He burst out laughing and I just rolled my eyes when he lost it.

“I-I’m gonna ask Tita for the brand, sweetheart.” He couldn’t stop cackling.
“We both need it, Lola Clyte.”

Napatili lang ako at tinakpan ang mukha sa kahihiyan.

Ang tanda na namin!

Kung gano’n kasaya ang araw-araw ko, ayaw ko nang umalis sa probinsya at doon
na lang kasama siya at ang pamilya. However, I knew how impossible that was.

Sta. Monica was our freedom, the solace I have been looking for a long time,
but I have to wake up from that dream and get to reality back in the city.

Pagkarating namin sa Maynila ay doon ko lang nabalitaang nahuli na nila si

Jackson Israel. He, with his goons, tried to ambush my mother but we were ready
this time and got him.

I was very worried. I cried, apologizing to my mother for the shit I’ve
caused, and she kept on saying it wasn’t my fault when I knew it was.

They came here for me. They wanted to take me and as long as they won’t, they
wouldn’t stop hurting my family.

“He’s not saying a damn thing.”

Alchiel was pissed. He was the prosecutor in the case, and he’d been
interrogating Jackson for days, but he won’t say a thing. May abogado siya at
paulit-ulit ang sinasabi.

Wala silang alam.

“He won’t say where the hideout is,” ani Chiel. “He knew the blind spots and
had the chance to escape when he ambushed Tita Zidney if it wasn’t for the new
guards.”

Hindi sila aware sa mga bagong dating na guard sa tulong nina Bullet at ng
mga kamag-anak ng mga Sandejas sa ibang bansa. That was the reason they were caught
off guard and captured but now, I was sure they’d change their antics and work on
the new guard’s routine.

“Kumusta ‘yong CCTV noon?” I asked. “May nakuha ba?”

Umiling siya at hinila ang necktie niya para lumuwang.

“Dead end. They were using fake plate numbers. Wala na ring nakita sa port na
pinagdaungan nila sa Bulacan simula no’ng dumami ang security. The thing is, it is
possible na nabawasan ang tauhan nila.”

“How so?” I asked.

“Because Jackson went with them,” he said. “He wanted to make sure it would
be done personally, or they would lose more men. We have seized most of their men.
They wanted leverage, Clyte. If not you, it will be your family or the people you
care about.”

“You,” I mumbled. Natigilan siya. “They knew we’re together, Chiel. They knew
how much I cared about you. Hindi lang ako ang habol nila. You said they’d touch
the people I care about, and you are in it, Chiel.”

“I can handle myself—”

“I want guards more guards for you, too,” I pointed out and he was about to
argue but I gave him a sharp look.

Sa huli ay tumango siya at lumapit. He pulled me close and rested his chin
above my head.

“Alright,” he breathed out.

“Be safe, please,” I whispered.

“I will,” aniya.

Natigil lang kami sa pagyayakan nang may kumatok at sumilip doon si Meia na
may ngiti.

“Good afternoon, Prosecutor! Clyte! Sorry sa istorbo! Nandito kasi si Atty.

Marasigan,” aniya.

Napahiwalay kami ni Chiel. I grinned at Meia. She waved happily at me,

sinabihan akong kain kami mamaya at nasa gitna kami ng usapan nang pumasok na si
Attorney Lindsay. She watched us both and when she caught my gaze, she smiled.

“Hija!” she called.

“Hello, Atty.!” masayang bati ko at yumakap.

“Ngayon lang tayo ulit nagkita! Kumusta?” she asked.

“I’m doing great po,” I said. “How about you? You’re here now?”

“Yeah, kailangan kong tumulong kaya ipinadala ako rito ng asawa ko,” aniya,
tinutukoy ang judge sa Cebu.

“How was Tito, Atty.?” Chiel asked. “I didn’t have the chance to call him
last week, hindi sumasagot sa tawag.”

Judge and Chiel were pretty close. Siya pa nga ang nagpasok kay Chiel sa
prosecution sa Cebu para tulungan ako. Para na niyang tunay na tito iyon dahil isa
sa naging mentor niya no’ng nasa law school siya. Tito Iñigo was friends with
Judge Marasigan.

“Oh, you know your Tito. He’s been on vacation,” ani Atty. Marasigan. “I’ll
tell him to reach out to you. I heard Jackson was caught?”

“Yes, Atty.,” ani Chiel sa kanya. “He almost ambushed Tita Zidney.”

Atty. Lindsay sighed and nodded. “Walang balita kung saan nagtatago?” Umiling
si Chiel.

Nahulog ang balikat niya. She brushed some of the white strands off her
forehead.

She is beautiful. Sakto lang ang height niya at sopistikada. She is way
younger that her husband, the judge in Cebu. Sa tingin ko ay mas matanda lang siya
kay Tito Iñigo ng ilang taon.

“How about Lorraine?” aniya.

“Same statement from all the witnesses, wala nang namataan sa Bulacan. Ayaw
magsalita ni Jackson but we’re still interrogating, Attorney. One thing is for
sure, paubos na ang tauhan nila.”

“The Sebastians from Cebu cut their alleged connections with Jackson and
Israel,” ani Attorney kaya natigil ako. “Without their support, I think they used
their remaining properties for security and purchasing private lands. They’re
basically bankrupt.”

“Pinutol po ang ugnayan?” I asked.

She nodded.

“They were tight-lipped, won’t say a thing or two if they knew anything about
their plans. Wala rin tayong ebidensya na may alam sila. Without it, we can’t call
on witness or even force them to speak. Kaya mahihirapan din tayong hanapin ang
pinagtataguan nila.”

“I don’t get it,” I told them. “In that case, gusto nila akong kunin para
saan?”

“At first, they took you so they could mock our family,” ani Chiel. “Gusto
niyang galitin sina Tita Zid at Tito Thorn but now? They possibly wanted to take
you for their egos and ransom.”

My heart hammered.

Ransom? Ako?

Of course, they’re bankrupt. They needed money and they would use me or any
of my family to escape with it.

I sighed.

What now?
 My kumatok kaya napalingon kami ro’n at nakita si Adi na pumasok. She was
surprised to see us but smiled.

“Hi, did I interrupt something?”

“Oh, no.” Umiling si Atty. Marasigan. “Come in, hija. What is it?”

“Just… about the case,” ani Adi sabay baling kay Chiel. “Prosecutor, Kuya
Zion emailed this…”

Nangunot ang noo ni Chiel nang mabasa ang nakasulat do’n at nilingon ako.
Confused, I walked closer and saw it was a land title.

Ibinaba ko ang tingin at nakita ang pangalan ko at pirma.

Clytemnestra Alyona Fabroa

“What about this?” I asked Adi. “Titulo ‘to n’ong lupa ng property ni Mommy
Ritch. I owned this. Nandito ‘yong malaking plantation natin ng flowers and roses
para sa flower shop ni Mommy Zid. What’s the matter?”

It was one of the reasons why I wanted to change my surname before. To honor
Mom’s love and sacrifice for me and to manage and take what was rightfully mine.
She had properties named after my Mommy Zidney and later on, she transferred it to
my name when I came of age.

Also, when I turned twenty, may trust fund din sa akin na ibinigay si Mommy
Ritch para sa lahat ng perang naitago at naipon niya para sa akin.

“May ipinasang letter of complaint saying you illegally obtained the

property. That it wasn’t rightfully Tita Ritch’s, furthermore, saying it shouldn’t
be yours. Sabi rito na property ito ng mga Fabroa at ‘di kanya.”

My forehead creased.

“Huh? Kanino dapat kung hindi kay Mommy? Ipinamana ‘yon kay Mommy ng lola ko,
which is her mom, bago siya namatay. It was the only property she took from the
Fabroa’s because they took advantage of her, selling her off to that monster
Sebastian no’ng nabaon sa utang ang pamilya at ayaw niyang ibenta at ibigay ang
lupa galing sa mommy niya and the other ones? She worked hard for it.”

Chiel rested his arm on my waist.

“It was legally obtained, Adi,” ani Chiel. “Si Dad mismo at ang firm noon
ang
umasikaso niyan. They couldn’t contest because it was named after Tita Ritch, and
she could give it as inheritance to her daughter. Kahit anong pilit at pasa nila
ng
complain, ibabasura lang ng korte ‘yan. Wala silang kapit.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” ani Adi. “But Kuya Zy didn’t send it for this purpose.
Here.” Inilipat niya ang papel at ipinakita. “Look who assisted for the complaint.”

There were names of other lawyers, but one familiar name stood out.

“Atty. Cole Fernandez,” Chiel muttered under his breath. “Fuck. Don’t tell me
they are conspiring now with the Fabroas?”

Napasinghap ako.
 “This is ridiculous,” I breathed out. “I didn’t hear a thing from them all my
life! Paanong kasali sila ngayon?”

“What if they wanted to seek revenge for the Sandejas, too? Maybe the
Sebastians offered them alliance and they grabbed it?” Napasulyap kami kay Atty.
Marasigan.

“What do you mean, Attorney?” I asked.

Her brownish-black eyes glanced my way.

“Maybe they are contesting about that property for too long, even before but
as Prosecutor Sandejas said,” inilahad niya si Chiel. “Inasikaso nina Judge Iñigo
noon. You know him, he was notorious and ruthless, I didn’t think the Fabroas stood
a chance. The property fell legally in Ritchelle’s palms and was transferred to you
because of their help. Nagalit sila kaya nakikisali na ngayong nagkaroon ng
tiyansa.”

“She’s right,” ani Adi sabay baling sa amin. “I think it is plausible. It

will be very random kung may complain bigla tapos si Cole iyong isa sa tumulong sa
pag-asikaso, then related pa kay Ate Clyte ang lahat. They have an alliance and
they wanted us to know.”

“Show off,” ani Chiel na dumilim ang mukha. “They are mocking us, and they
want us to know.”

Atty. Marasigan sighed.

“This complicates this more,” aniya. “I’ll leave first and help. Balitaan ko
kayo kapag may nalaman ako.”

Her gaze lingered on me. She nodded and smiled a little before leaving.

When she was gone, nanghina ang tuhod ko at dagli akong niyakap ni Alchiel.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “Sebastian’s side, even my mother’s are against

our family now. I-I’m sorry…” My voice trembled.

“It’s not your fault.” Humigpit ang yakap niya. “It will be complicated but
it also opened a lot of possibilities.”

I could feel him glancing at Adira.

“Prosecutor Sandejas,” his baritone voice echoed in his chest. “Please tell
Bryce we will also look and seize the Fabroa’s property in the city.”

Chiel called for a meeting, and I left to check on my family when I collided
with Lorraine.

“I’m sorry!” I called and helped her take the folders, but she grabbed it
harshly from my grip.

Kunot ang noo niya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin.

“You are complicated, Zahrah,” malamig niyang sabi. “I warned Chiel about
you, but he wouldn’t listen.”

I sighed.
 “Lorraine, ayaw ko ng gulo—”

“Hindi ako ang nanggugulo! Ikaw ang gulo! Ang pamilya mo ang nagpapahamak sa
pamilyang kumupkop sa ‘yo!” she retorted. “If you really love and care for your
family, for Chiel, lulubayan mo na sila.”

Nilagpasan niya ako pero hinarap ko siya at sumagot.

“No, I won’t,” I said with conviction.

Nagtataka ang mata niya nang mahanap ang tingin ko.

“What?” She gasped.

“I won’t leave my family, Lorraine. I will stay. I will fight this time.”

When she saw my conviction, her gaze hardened, and shook her head at me as if
disappointed. Tinitigan ko siya nang mariin pabalik para ipakitang seryoso ako bago
siya tinalikuran at dere-deretsong bumalik sa opisina.

It haunted me.

Siguro selfish ako dahil ayaw kong pakawalan ang pamilya ko, ang mga mahal
ko. Alam kong ang pinakamabuting gawin ay ang lumayo pero ‘di ko makakalimutan ang
hirap at sakripisyong dinanas nila para hanapin ako.

They loved me and cared for me like I was one of their own and leaving,
hiding again without telling them would hurt them more.

Ayoko n’on. Ayokong masaktan ang mga mahal ko. Ang pamilya ko, ang magulang,
si Chiel…

If that was being selfish then hell, I would be the bad guy. I would be
selfish because I wanted this family, and I would protect it with my life if I had
to.

I was desperate to help, to prove to myself I wouldn’t cower and protect my

family. I believe and was happy in Mommy Ritch’s choice to give me in the care of
these wonderful and amazing people at kagaya ng pagprotekta nila sa ‘kin,
poprotektahan ko rin sila.

I helped and waited for updates regarding the investigation. The security was
tight, and we made sure no one would get hurt in the family. Just that, we didn’t
anticipate Israel’s next moves.

They knew how tightly secured the family was, so they got to the other people
we cared about but didn’t anticipate they’d touch.

Nagulat na lang ako, ‘di inaasahan ay may ipinasok sa emergency room sa car
crash and my blood ran cold when I saw his face.

“R-Rome…” I muttered, and the memory of myself in the same scenario flooded
in my head.

His one eye was closed but then the other met mine.

“R-Rome…” tawag ko. “H-how…”

“Meia,” he breathed. “T-they took Meia.”

 Napaatras ako at naghabol ng hininga.

“N-no, no, no…” Iling-iling ko, bumubulong. I felt the piercing sound ringing
in my ear and suddenly, I was catching my breath and falling on the ground.

Everyone was frustrated. Rome and Meia also had guards, but they managed to
take them down and the two escaped. However, they chased them like they did to me
before, making sure they would crash.

Rome tried fighting. Meia was unconscious when he got out of the car and
fought but they were more than five. They knocked him up and then took Meia.
Nagising na lang siyang nasa ambulansya papunta sa ospital.

I was impatient. Sa isang araw na nagdaan ay ‘di ko kayang matulog habang

walang balita sa kaibigan.

I could imagine how scared she was, how frustrated she might’ve been because
I knew… I got to that hell first and I didn’t want her to experience it too.

Alchiel didn’t even sleep a wink. He just worked and worked, running from one
location to another with the police and Zy’s team.

Nagising si Rome at nagwala, hinahanap si Meia, galit at umiiyak.

“I want my girlfriend!” he exclaimed angrily. “Let me the fuck go! I will

look for my girlfriend!”

But he couldn’t stand, he was bruised and weak. Sa pagwawala niya at paghila
sa mga dextrose ay nagdesisyon na patulugin muna siya at kahit masakit sa akin ay
ako na ang kumuha ng injection pampakalma.

“C-Clyte,” he pleaded desperately. “D-don’t please, I h-have to save her…

please.”

“I-I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I promise I’ll save her. I promise she’ll be

alright,” I chanted as he drifted to sleep.

That night, Zion went with Bullet to the hospital to talk to Rome. Ako ang
nurse na nagpresintang magbantay sa kanya.

While they were interviewing him, I got across a little kid, possibly a
patient’s child handing me a piece of paper.

“Yes?” I asked gently. “Ano ‘to?”

“Pinabibigay po,” aniya.

“Huh? Sino?” I asked.

“Hindi ko po alam. Lalaki po, e. Sabi po ibigay ko sa Nurse Clyte,” aniya

sabay turo sa name tag ko at bago pa ako makapagtanong ay tumatakbo na siya paalis.

I opened the paper, and my blood ran cold when I saw the message inside.

I got your friend, darling. What’s her name? Meia? I heard you had a bond
with her and I’m curious how deep it was.

Come home to me or this woman will come back with only her corpse to you.
Choose.

Your Mommy Ritch will be very disappointed if you don’t come home, you know?
Make me proud and be a good, nice girl. Meet me and come alone. I will know if you
tell anyone. I love you, anak.

Love,

Dad

Below it was an address.

I jumped when I felt a cold grip on my shoulder and when I looked back and
saw Zion’s curious gaze, my lips trembled.

“H-help me, Zy,” I whispered. “I have to save Meia. Please.”

He tensed. He looked around, his eyes got stuck in the CCTV as his face
darkened.

“Pretend you’re hiding the letter,” aniya sa mababang tono kaya ginawa ko ang
sinabi niya.

Umatras ako at tinago ang papel sa likuran ko.

“What is it?” he asked, pretending. “Now, say no, shake your head and leave.”

“No…” Umiling-iling ako, kinuyom ang papel sa likod bago tumalikod at umalis.

I walked to the nurse’s station, pretending not to say a thing until I caught
Bullet’s gaze while she was in an earpiece.

When she gave me a nod, doon na ako lumapit.

I explained how I got it and the two listened. We were in the stock room,
talking.

“We have two choices, Clyte,” ani Zion. “We will check the address
discreetly, check the perimeter before we can seize. This might take us a day since
we have to be careful and take Meia back safely. However, it could possibly go
wrong. Baka matunugan at makaalis na sila bago pa tayo makarating.”

“Or…?”

Nagkatinginan sila.

“Or two, you will go there alone,” dagdag ni Bullet kaya nanlamig ako. “But
you won’t be. We’ll be right behind you, but they have to think you will be.”

I sighed.

“We can do that. I’ll be the bait,” I volunteered.

“The catch would be, no one should know but the three of us and my wife’s
team,” ani Zion. “We could do it right away. Right now, but we couldn’t even tell
Alchiel.”

Nahulog ang puso ko.

 “Why?”

“There’s a mole in the prosecution,” aniya kaya mas nanlamig ako. “Remember
when you leaked the information before?”

Tumango ako.

“Someone kept on leaking information even when you weren’t there anymore.”

“Huh? Paano? I swear it wasn’t me!”

“We know,” ani Zy. “We recently discovered na kaya nahihirapan tayong
tuntunin ang hideout nila ay dahil may nagsasabi sa galaw ng prosecution at pulis.
Also, the info leak before, may mga impormasyon do’n na hindi mo alam at hindi
hawak pero alam nila.”

“Then…”

“Yes, they have another set of eyes in case you fail, and she is working
now,” Bullet said. “We can’t tell Alchiel because I’m telling you, there are eyes
on him. If he knew, we all know he would never allow it. He won’t put you in
danger. He won’t even be able to hide it.”

I nodded.

She’s right. Alchiel was very transparent when it came to me. He could not
control his reaction at times like this.

“We talked to Rome, and he said someone gave them a lead, a witness that
could help kaya pumunta sila roon ni Meia. That was when they were ambushed, it was
a set-up.”

Mas bumigat ang paghinga ko.

“And Chiel, he’d be enraged, and he wouldn’t be able to control if he found

out who that mole is when he trusted her,” dagdag ni Zy.

My heart hammered.

“A woman? Who?”

Nagkatinginan sila ni Bullet.

“Chiel still didn’t know. I held the information to talk to you but just
thirty minutes ago, I received a call that Judge Marasigan has been missing for a
week now.” I gasped loudly and touched my chest. “And as per Rome, the woman who
gave the information about the witness was his wife, Atty. Lindsay Marasigan, and
also, Tita Ritchelle’s sister.”

Kabanata 48

Kabanata 48

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Something was definitely wrong.

 I knew Uncle Alvin—Judge Marasigan as people often knew him—as a great
man. He was my mentor together with my father back when I was in law school and a
newbie.

“Did he answer yet?” ani Dad na hawak din ang phone niya.

We were in Tito Zeij’s headquarters waiting for them.

I shook my head.

“Not yet.”

“Ano’ng sinabi ni Lindsay?” he asked.

“He’s on vacation,” I answered at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa.

“Impossible,” we both muttered.

“He might be on vacation but never turns his phone off,” ani Dad said.
Tumango ako.

“Yes, ayon din ang alam ko, Dad,” I told him. “I didn’t worry much the past
few days because I thought he probably wanted something for a change but…” Umiling
ako. “This is suspicious now.”

“What did Lindsay say?” he asked.

“Vacation and not to worry much,” I answered then shook my head. “But I don’t
know what to believe. There is definitely something wrong.”

“Did you ask her again?” he asked, his gaze narrowing.

I shook my head.

“No, I don’t trust her answer. She seems so… relaxed,” I muttered,
remembering her expression.

For your husband being on vacation, that expression was normal but now,
remembering the twitch in her lips and the way she easily changed the topic, it
changed the whole story.

“Good,” ani Dad. “Don’t let her know we find it suspicious. Did you contact
the prosecution in Cebu?”

“Yes, they confirmed he filed a leave of absence. A week but Atty. Lindsay
called earlier saying the judge was requesting an extension.”

“Alvin would call directly if he wanted to,” he explained. “His work was his
home, Chiel. He won’t delay the cases assigned to him that long.”

I sighed and fisted my hair. Sumandal ako sa gilid ng lamesa niya.

“What if something happened to Uncle, Dad?” I asked.

His jaw ticked. He shook his head and stayed silent, thinking.

“I asked your Tito Zeij to check,” aniya. “We’ll know.”

I gritted my teeth, my mind racing.

 I was in and out of the prosecution and collaborating with the police to find
Meia. I was a shit. It was my fault she was taken. I didn’t even triple their
security when they were as prone as us in this case.

My fingers twitched, hinila ko ang necktie at napansing ginawa rin iyon ni

Dad habang may kausap sa telepono.

I flexed my hand and raked my hair instead, frustrated and worried.

I have to find her. She was gone for almost twenty-four hours now, a critical
time for kidnapping cases. I couldn’t let another day pass by without saving her.

I have to work. I have to move. I have to save her.

“Dad,” I called. Nilingon niya ako. “If I remember it right, it wasn’t that
long since they got married, right?”

I recalled, remembering Uncle Alvin was single way back when he was still
mentoring me. Then, he said he was getting married and I was happy for him. I met
Lindsay and she was a good woman so I got pretty close with her, too.

The thought of her being involved with this made my stomach churn.

I trusted her.

“Not so long,” aniya. “Alvin was a widow when he met Lindsay. The next thing
I knew, they were getting married. I think that was around two years ago. When you
went with him to Biliran.”

My heart lurched.

“He met her in Biliran?”

Tumango siya.

“What was her maiden name?” I asked and he shook his head.

“No idea,” aniya. “Her files don’t show anything. I was getting it checked,
don’t worry. Zeijan would be here in thirty minutes. What about Bryce?”

“He’ll be here in a while, too. He’s with Locket,” I answered. “But Dad… the
Fabroas are residing in Biliran, right?”

Tumango siya. I felt the pit in my stomach.

“Ritchelle’s parents are both dead, her only sister was in States,” he
recalled.

“Is she?” I asked. Natahimik kaming dalawa.

“I didn’t think much of the Fabroas,” ani Dad. “They were harmless, well at
least that’s what I knew before. They never took a claim of Clyte.”

“But the property?”

“One time, her father,” he explained. “But it was legally Ritch’s. Her mother
named it after her and no matter how many times they try to contest it in court,
it’s useless. They didn’t push through it again after I filed a case against
Ritchelle’s father for selling her daughter off to Sebastian.”

“Was he jailed?”

Tumango siya.

“He died in prison, suicide. Her other daughter, Ritch’s sister, didn’t go to
the trial, I heard she was out of the country and that was the last time I’ve ever
heard from them.”

“I was looking at Clyte’s case in Biliran,” I informed my father. “If that’s

where they met, then…”

We got into silence, our minds working as one as he nodded.

“She may be related to them,” he confirmed and went to his desk to see the
documents I gave him. “But we need evidence to conclude.”

Just as he said that, a knock interrupted us. Lumapit ako para buksan at
bumungad sa amin si Tito Zeij, sa likod niya’y sina Bryce at Locket.

“Got it!” Tito Zeij smirked and walked inside. “Guess what, Kuya Raf?”

Dad frowned at him.

“Just tell us, Zeijan. We have no time to waste. People are in danger,” he
snapped.

Ngumuso si Tito Zeij.

“Sungit naman ni Kuya Raf! Nakasimangot ka kaya mukha ka nang matanda—”

“Fuck you.” Dad was pissed. “Mukha akong matanda?”

I stared at Dad. He wasn’t. Judge Iñigo Rafael Sandejas honestly didn’t look
like his age. In his sixties, he still was in great shape. There were now white
strands of hair on his once jet-black head but it didn’t make him look older, in
fact, it only hardened his image. Made him look colder, tougher, stricter, and
intimidating.

“Oo nga kasi palagi kang naka-angry face. Mamaya, kamukha mo na si angry
bird—” Dad attempted to swat him. Tito Zeij jumped and avoided his palm.

“Joke lang! Sinasabi ko lang naman na dapat ‘di pa super lolo ‘yong itsura
mo
kasi dalawa pa lang ang apo mo! Paano na kapag si Chiel-taba na? E di puro puti
na
‘yang buhok mo?” Nilingon niya ‘ko. “‘Di naman sa minamadali kita, Chiel, pero
lolong-lolo na ulit si Kuya Raf.”

Locket chuckled a little beside me, nilingon ko siya at sinimangutan.

“Yabang mo Padlock, a?” I scoffed. “Porket may kambal ka na?”

He smirked.

“Crest was waiting, too,” aniya. “Gusto na rin daw niyang maging tita sa ‘yo.
I can’t wait to be an uncle too. Wala pa bang kambal?”
 Sinimangutan ko lang at bumaling ulit kina Tito pero sa utak ay pinagmumura
at sinusunog na ang kontrata sa imahinasyon.
 Paanong may kambal, e, may kontrata?

Who even insisted on doing that contract?

Ikaw, tanga.

My jaw clenched when we got a confirmation from Tito Zeijan. Lindsay was a
Fabroa. She resided in States but went home during the year when Clyte was abducted
and stayed in Biliran.

Hindi ako sigurado kung alam niya kung nasaan si Clyte but I knew she knew
she was abducted and gone. She stayed in Biliran. That’s when she met us, me and
Judge Marasigan, while I was looking for clues about her whereabouts and he was
coming with me.

Maybe while I was out investigating, she approached Judge and possibly found
out the reason why he was there with me because, after a few months, he informed me
he had a girlfriend and they were quick and immediately had their civil wedding.

Then, I was in Cebu to try and unwind because I was struggling to get back to
work and my dad was pissed at me for ruining the cases I had. Ayaw ko rin namang
madamay pa ang trabaho kaya pumayag ako.

Uncle Alvin, or Judge Marasigan, was residing in Cebu and accepted a post as
a presiding judge kaya roon din ako nagdesisyong magbakasyon para kung may
kailangan ako’y may kakilala.

In the twist of events, I also found out Rome who just got back from another
country was planning to accept a temporary prosecutor’s position in the office when
he called and asked my whereabouts.

We were friends, kahit iritado ako sa kanya na naging crush siya ng Clyte ko
no’ng high school kami but it was long done and he could help me and said he’d be
my eye in Cebu.

I was still monitoring updates, verifying leads, and all when I accidentally
came across her and I almost confined myself in a facility to make sure I was not
just hallucinating.

I didn’t waste any moment. I let Judge know, Lindsay found out too and I
didn’t even doubt the thrill in her eyes. I thought during that time, she was just
happy for me but now, it seemed like she knew and was just watching everything
unfold.

Judge Marasigan immediately offered me a position in the prosecutor’s office.

Ako na kaagad ang humawak ng kaso ni Sebastian, waiting and patiently hoping that
it would lead me ways to take Clyte out. I couldn’t risk taking her just like that.
She had no memory and they probably gas lighted her. It would only cause her more
harm. I had to do it slowly and surely.

Rome had sources and verified Atty. Kiko Fernandez wanted to refer someone as
a secretary.

It was Clyte as Zahrah Ortega and to not raise any suspicions, I became
Verón Castuares.

How did the word get out that I was taking the case and in need of a
secretary? I wasn’t sure but it was probably Lindsay. She was Cole Fernandez’s
source and she played us both.

“Then, why did she not tell the Sebastians I was a Sandejas?” I asked Tito.

“She probably wanted to play the cards in her palm,” aniya. “She knew
something you both didn’t know. It was mostly just for her amusement. You didn’t
know about her, had no idea about her background. She was Cole’s source but she
restricted information about you because if she didn’t, they would not allow Clyte
to work with you.”

Why would she want Clyte to work with me?

“She was managing the archives, right?”

My jaw ticked. I nodded.

“Kaya kahit hindi niya malaman directly mula sa inyo, she had ways to access
the information,” he confirmed.

All this time, Lindsay was watching everything unfold. It was probably just
her curiosity at first so she watched everything on the sidelines. She tied the
knot to connect everything, she knew our plans, and we trusted her with it because
she’s a good woman but she had an agenda and has been collaborating with the
Sebastians for a while now.

“But…” I trailed off. “Why did she have to marry Uncle? We didn’t even know
Clyte was in Cebu when they got married.”

“Probably part of her master plan,” Dad said.

Pero may agam-agam ako. There was something off. Something that did not
quite
fit.

We were about to discuss more of it when the door burst open and Tita Alyx
got inside with Tita Zidney.

Kaagad akong kinabahan at tumingin sa telepono.

No message.

“Zid?” Umayos ng tayo si Dad at nang mas naging malinaw sa ‘king namumula ang
mata niya’y nahulog ang puso ko.

“Clyte?” I asked.

“She was gone,” ani Tita Alyx na siya nang sumagot.

“What?! How?! We have guards!” My mind panicked, and it was haywire. I

couldn’t even form words as I made my way to the door, enraged and scared that
those stupid guards were worthless!

Ang dami-dami na nila! Putangina!

“Alchiel!” Tita Alyx blocked the door before I could even go out. “Calm
down!”

“How could I?!” Tumaas ang boses ko pero ipinikit ko ang mata at sinuklay ang
buhok. “Tita, please move away,” I said calmly this time.
 “Listen—”

“I don’t have time! They took Clyte! How could I—”

“S-she volunteered, Chiel,” Tita Zid answered. Para akong nabuhusan ng

malamig na tubig.

“What?” I breathed.

She frustratedly fisted her hair.

“She wanted to go. She became the bait,” she muttered painfully.

“Bait?!” Tumaas ang boses ko. “How could she?! I told her to stay put! She
promised she’d stay safe! Those people are demons! Why would she—”

“That’s the reason why they didn’t want to tell you.” Nanlamig akong lalo
nang makita si Tito Thorn na kakapasok lang. “You’re panicking.”

And he wasn’t?! Seryoso ko siyang tinitigan pero wala siyang ipinakitang

reaksyon.

“How could I not?” I asked. “She was back in that hell hole with those
people, Tito! We just got her back. What if something happened—”

“Don’t you trust my daughter, Sandejas?” he spat, his eyes dark. I noticed it
was bloodshot, too.

“I do!” sagot ko. “I trust her with my life, with everything, Tito, but this
is the Sebastians we’re talking about. How could she use herself as bait? She has
us! We could help her! Why does she have to do things alone?”

“Do you think this is not frustrating for me?” he asked. “I didn’t know! I
was only informed after she was taken! But what could we do? She is there now and
rather than discussing this shit, we shuld be preparing to help them now!”

“Calm down, everyone!” Tita Alyx sighed. “I know this is a very frustrating
time but everything is under control!”

Nilingon ko siya.

“What do you mean?”

“This was planned,” aniya. “Zion and Bullet were following her.”

Zion?

“That little shit—”

“They had no choice,” pagpapaliwanag pa ni Tita. “Time was critical. They

couldn’t tell you earlier because you would obviously panic.”

My jaw clenched. Humawak ako ro’n at kinalma ang sarili at pakiramdam ko’y
sasabog na ako sa galit at pag-aalala.

Fuck, how could I calm down? How could I stop myself from panicking when I
lost her a lot of times already? Paano ako kakalma kung ‘yong mahal ko ay nasa
panganib na naman at wala na naman ako ro’n para tulungan siya! Wala na naman ako
para iligtas siya!
 “They couldn’t tell you because you were still in the office earlier today.
They found something suspicious in the prosecution and they didn’t want them to see
you act that way, or even panic. Rome informed them Lindsay Marasigan gave Meia and
him the lead, and that was when they got ambushed.”

“And he didn’t tell me?”

“Lindsay came with you, remember?” aniya. “Kahit kausapin mo mag-isa si Rome,
malalaman niya kapag may sinabi ka. By now, alam n’yo na ang koneksyon ni Lindsay
sa mga Fabroa but we have another update. Judge Alvin was reported missing for a
week now.”

Napatungo ako at kumuyom ang kamay.

I fucking knew it.

My shoulder tensed. I could feel my muscles coiling until Dad went closer and
put his arm on my shoulder.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he reassured. “Clyte’s with them. They’re one of the
best agents and you know it. They won’t let harm cast on her.”

Silence filled the room until Tito Thorn spoke.

“Let’s get to work. Any wasted minute will put my daughter in harm.” I could
hear the strain on his voice as he walked out of the headquarters first, his face
black and hard.

When I glanced at Tita Zidney, her bloodshot eyes were sharp. Her jaw
clenched.

“Let’s go. Are you coming?” Tito Zeij asked and I nodded without hesitation.

“Go,” Dad reassured me. “I’ll look after Zidney.”

Tita briefed us that we could only enter once Zion gave us the go signal so
we wouldn’t mess with their mission. Lives were at stake and one wrong move could
endanger everyone.

I went with Tito Zeijan in the firearms department to take firearms.

Good thing I knew how to shoot. I’ve been practicing since I was a teen with
my cousins, target shooting. Our family had a lot of known and unknown enemies kaya
no’ng bata pa’y required na kaming mga lalaking matuto.

We basically have death threats for breakfast. Sometimes, from a losing case
in court o kaya’y sa mga ayaw lang sa pamilya.

It was merely supposed to be a skill needed in case but I got fascinated with
it. I wanted to learn more and so I visited the shooting range frequently with
Zion. I was not as great as him but good enough for a bull’s eye.

I was terrified and nervous for Clyte. She knew how to wield her knife but a
gun? I was sometimes taking her to shooting ranges before she got kidnapped,
inuudyok na turuan and she did it twice and never again.

Ayaw niya raw sa baril. She was a nurse and she couldn’t see herself injuring
someone when she was supposed to be helping so I knew when she stabbed someone
before when she escaped, it took a toll on her.

Kaya mas hinusayan, mas pinag-igihang kong matuto ako. Para kapag kailangan
ay ako ang poprotekta sa kanya but how could I help her when she wouldn’t even let
me?

Ang tanging nagpipigil na lang sa ‘kin para tuluyang sumabog ay ang kasama
niya ang mag-asawa. I believe in them. I trust them to protect Clyte while I still
wasn’t there.

Alam nilang mahal na mahal ko ang babaeng ‘yon at kung may mangyayaring
masama sa kanya, siguradong sasama ako.

However, what was surprising was seeing Tito Thorn familiar with the guns
now. I knew he could shoot but looking at him taking magazines out and loading the
guns, he seemed so familiar with it.

Like it was a regular thing to him now.

Madilim ang kanyang mukha at galit. I only saw him like this a few
times—Tita Zidney’s attempted ambush, when we have lost Clyte, and whenever we
would get leads that a corpse fitting her description should be identified.

There was a pit in my stomach. I could understand and feel whatever he was
feeling now that I could basically read his mind.

He was a very calm man. He usually solved problems by talking things out but
I could not see that man right now.

“Would you excuse me if I kill someone today, Prosecutor?” Nagulat ako roon.
He was talking to me!

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad sa gulat sa tanong niya hanggang sa nilingon niya
ako. His black eyes burned behind his eyeglasses.

“Would you?” He shot his brow up.

I shrugged.

“I can’t excuse when I didn’t even see a thing,” I said instead and we looked
at each other with understanding.

This was what I was saying. The law is there to help but not everything
deserves what the law says they should be punished with.

Sometimes, it required even worse.

Tumaas ang kilay niya at muling bumaling sa baril na hawak.

“I trained,” he shared. “Figured I couldn’t always fix the problem with just
talking it out. Some people do not deserve the talk, Prosecutor. They deserve
immense torture and physical pain.”

I nodded, agreeing.

It was the truth. If I could go back to the past, I would do things

differently.

Starting with torturing Eugene until he’d beg to just kill him before I threw
him in jail.

The trauma he had caused to my twin and to my family still haunted us. I was
just glad because Locket was here and she loved and protected my sister from
everything. He was there while she was healing. He accepted everything and treated
my sister like his treasure.

I was glad she was happy, that she got back to her old self now—even way
better but there’s this hunger in me craving to do worse to that fucking asshole.

I’d do a lot worse, morality aside, for the people I love.

Tita Alyx informed us they’re getting the vehicles ready and she’d call us
when it’s time to go.

I got rid of my coat and tie, leaving me with my black dress shirt and
slacks. I fixed the cuff of my sleeves, rolling it to my elbows.

“When did you start training, Tito?” I asked him.

“A few years now,” aniya. “Want to see?” Lumingon siya at iniangat ang baril
sa direksyon ko.

I stiffened. I heard Tito Zeijan’s dramatic gasp.

“Tinik! Hoy!” tawag niya.

My heart spiked, and my throat bobbed.

He smirked at my expression so I easily relaxed my shoulder to let him know I

was not afraid.

“What? He was asking when I started training,” aniya. “I could just show
him.”

“Ang random mo naman! Sige nga, kung matapang ka, iputok mo,” ani Tito Zeij
kaya dagli akong napalingon sa kanya na nanlalaki ang mata.

“What the hell, Tito?” I spat.

He gasped.

“Charot lang!” aniya. “‘Di naman mabiro si Chiel-taba! S’yempre, ‘di naman
gagawin ni Tinik ‘yan, love ka niyan, e—”

“Saan banda?” Tito Thorn scoffed. Siya naman ang nilingon ko, seryoso
talaga!

“Tito,” I called, quite nervous now that he looked so serious. I wouldn’t

even doubt if he’d pull the trigger on my face. “Mahal ko po ang anak n’yo.”

“Ayon!” Tito Zeij exclaimed. “Mahal naman pala, Tinik—”

“And you think that would stop me?” he dared and I toughened myself,
surrendering.

“I understand…” I started, “I know you are angry with me, Tito. Let me help
you save Clyte and I promise, I’d accept whatever you want to do to me.”
 He stared at me intently, his eyes scrutinizing and searching for lies.
That
I couldn’t even dare lie because he would know. He could see right through.

I stared back at him, pinapaalam na wala akong balak lokohin siya o ang anak
niya. That I would not back down and take back my words.

My breath labored. I could hear the tension in Tito Zeijan watching the scene
too. Tito Thorn didn’t even bulge and I was beginning to accept the fact today was
probably my last day when he lowered the gun down.

“I don’t shoot my daughter’s suitors,” aniya at sabay kami ni Tito Zeijan na

napabuntonghininga.

Mabuti na lang!

“For now,” he added and glanced my way sharply.

Tumikhim ako at akmang hihilahin ang kurbata pero ‘di ko na pala suot kaya
hinila ko na lang ang kwelyo para makahinga nang maayos.

Fuck. Akala ko huling araw ko na!

“Ay, oo, nanununtok lang,” agap ni Tito Zeijan. “Alam mo naman ang bucket
list niyan, ‘di ba? Naku, humanda ka na! Sina Warren at Dash-beybe na-sample-lan
na! Si Kuya Raf nga may point five na! Ikaw na lang ang kulang!”

I scoffed.

“Ikaw, hindi pa. Gusto mo ba?” ani Tito Thorn sa kanya.

Ngumisi si Tito at umiling.

“Sorry, quits ako riyan!” He raised his hand. “Ako ang pinakamabait kaya ‘di
ako masusuntok!” siguradong saad niya.

Tito Thorn smirked.

“‘Di ka sure.”

“Hoy, Tinik, ayusin mo! Sure ako, ano! Ano bang ginawa ko sa ‘yo? Mabait ako
pati na rin ang perfect family ko. H’wag mong gagalusan ang mukha ng pinakapogi sa
kanila—”

“Oh, come on. This is an emergency and you have the time to gloat about your
face, Sandejas?!” Tita Alyx asked when she got inside.

Umawang ang labi ni Tito Zeij.

“Hindi sa gano’n, misis—”

“Let’s go. The van’s ready,” she cut him off and left first.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Zahrah

They took me. I was with my guards that time when I slipped away from them.

I knew the van that would take me would be there and it wasn’t shocking
anymore when they took me immediately, covering my mouth and nose.
 I held my breath as Bullet instructed, pretending to faint while they carried
me to the van.

I was aware of everything. Hearing their voices and their loud laughter it
reminded me this happened to me before. I remembered how they dragged me out of the
car, how they forced me to the van, and how Alchiel screamed my name and ran after
the vehicle but…

I flinched with the memory of a gunshot sound.

Napansin kong nabaling na sa ‘kin ang atensyon ng lahat kaya nagpanggap akong
pumapalag at sumisigaw.

“Hello? Confirmed. Nakuha na po namin ang anak n’yo, Mayor,” a voice echoed
inside the vehicle, sending shivers all over my spine.

I kept on screaming to let them know I was panicking but really, I

wasn’t—at least not that much.

I was scared, yes. I could feel my stomach churning. The familiar heaviness
residing on my chest was back but I knew I was more composed because I was not
having a panic attack.

Everything will be okay, right?

Bullet and Zion were with me. I didn’t know where they were right now but I
trusted them with my life. I had to do this to save Meia.

I knew my family’s capability. They did not fail protecting me like what they
were saying. Nakuha ako dahil sa demonyong Israel Sebastian na iyon.

I thought of Alchiel. He would be very mad at this, and he would worry about
my safety but if he knew and reacted with Lindsay around, they would know this was
all a part of our plan.

It took us at least an hour until we stopped. Tumili ako at pumalag nang

hilahin nila ako palabas. Nadapa ako nang mawalan ng balanse kaya suminghap ako
pero walang ingat nila akong hinatak patayo at kinaladkad.

They deposited me to a chair and tied my hand back and it took me much
patience not to try to escape and retrieve the knife tucked in my leg.

Bullet said they wouldn’t see it. That they would do their best for me not to
use it but if it came to a scenario where I needed to do it, I should.

Natahimik sila. I heard the closing of the door. Pinakiramdaman ko kung may
tao. I waited for almost half an hour and I was getting nervous pero maya-maya’y
narinig ko ang boses ni Bullet sa micro earpiece na suot ko.

“Clyte?”

“I’m alone,” I whispered.

“We’re outside, checking the perimeter. There are a lot of armed men
surrounding the house. This is the Marasigan’s rest house,” aniya.

Damn it. Kaya pala ‘di namin mahanap!

 “My husband is already trying to sneak inside to look for Meia.”

“Do we have backup?” I asked and before she could answer, I heard the door
creaking open.

My shoulders tensed. Narinig ko ang mga yapak at may humila sa blindfold ko.

I cursed, my eyes adjusting to the light when someone tilted my chin up.

Nanlamig ako at naramdaman ang pait pagkakita kay Cole.

“Hello, Zahrah,” he greeted me.

I hissed under my breath and tilted my head away but he pulled my chin back.
It hurt. His grip was tight and uncaring. He stared at me and I couldn’t believe I
failed to see the evilness in his eyes before.

Nilabanan ko siya ng tingin.

“Hello, Cole,” I drawled.

He smirked, tilting my chin to look at my face.

“Missed me?” He smirked. “I missed you, you know? Your lips… Too bad kissing
your mouth was not enough to stray you away from that fucking Sandejas. Sa bagay,
halik lang. Paano kaya kung…”

Cold sweat stained my skin when his devious eyes wandered from my face to my
body. I was wearing my scrubs at work and my breath hitched when he fingered the
neckline of my uniform.

“Kaya ka pa kaya niyang tanggapin kung binaboy na kita?” He grinned.

There was a pit in my stomach and when I felt him tugging my uniform, I
slammed my head hard against his face that it hurt me too. He cursed, taking a step
back.

“Fuck!” he cursed.

Malamig ko siyang tiningan.

“You should probably say hello to your father in jail, Cole,” I said. “Oh,
anyway, no need. You’ll reunite soon. Unfortunately, you couldn’t be jail mates but
I will make sure you’d see each other in the prison’s cafeteria.”

He pulled my chin up harshly, his eyes bloodshot.

“What the fuck are you saying?”

I smirked. “I’m just saying that you’ll reunite with him soon enough, sa
kulungan nga lang.”

It added to his anger. He gripped my chin harshly, knelt in front of me, and
kissed me on the mouth.

I almost gagged. His mouth hovered, his palm forcing my mouth open to let him
in and I did, only to bite his lip with my teeth hard.

He made a muffled sound. Tinulak niya ako pero mas diniin ko ang ginagawa. I
bit his lip as much as I could until I felt the metal taste from his blood.

He pushed me away. My chair almost fell.

“Fuck you!” he screamed. “What the fuck—”

I spat on his face, his blood on my mouth splattered on his skin.

“Putang ina kang babae ka!” Mas nagdilim ang mukha niya.

He swung his palm and was about to strike me in the face when the door
opened.

“Cole!” He stopped midway.

Lumingon siya at mas umigting ang panga ko pagkakita kay Israel. Hawak niya
ang tungkod, naglalakad palapit sa amin.

“Lower your hand,” utos niya.

“Tito—”

“Do not hurt my daughter!” His voice roared. “Get out!”

Cole hesitated. He was still fuming mad but he gave me one last sharp glance
and he was walking away with his fists clenched.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Israel.

“Anak,” tawag niya na lumambot ang tono. “What did he do to you?”

He looked so worn out. Weak and old. Mas nagkaroon ng kulay ang balat niya
kumpara sa huling kita ko sa kanya pero bukod do’n ay walang nagbago.

I didn’t answer. I watched him walk closer to me after taking a handkerchief

from his pocket. I eyed him coldly as he struggled to try and kneel to wipe the
blood from my mouth.

I was fuming in anger that when he lifted the handkerchief to my mouth, I

evaded it.

“Zahrah—”

“I am not Zahrah,” I hissed. “Get away from me!”

“Anak…”

“Hindi kita ama,” malamig na turan ko at tumitig sa kanya. “Kahit kailan,

hindi kita magiging ama.”

I sensed the anger in his eyes. The demon hiding behind the mask wanted to
show itself but he tried masking it again, feigning sadness and hurt.

Bullshit. ‘Di mo na ako maloloko.

He stood again, gripping his cane.

“I’m so sorry about Cole. Pagsasabihan ko,” aniya. “I understand if you are
mad at me but please know I was doing this because you’re my daughter and I care
for you—”

“Where is my friend?”

“Zahrah—”

“I said where’s my friend?!”

His jaw clenched. He’s getting impatient now.

“She’s fine,” aniya. “I told you, I’ll let her go just come home to me.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s in the other room—”

“I want my friend out,” I said in a hard tone. “If I see one scratch on her,
you’ll pay dearly for it, Mayor.”

He didn’t like my resistance and it was showing.

“Anak…” He tried to soften me. “You were stolen from us. Those people were
brainwashing you! Zidney, she stole you from us! I am your father! I love you!”

I couldn’t feel anything. My heart was just an empty shell with nothing but
anger and hatred for him.

He ruined our lives. He killed my mother! He kidnapped me!

“Zahrah,” he almost pleaded. “You are my blood! You are a Sebastian! Listen,
anak. Y-your mom, my love, Ritch, she wanted you here with me.”

“Get my mother’s name off your filthy mouth, Israel,” I spat. “You are not my
father. I am my mother’s daughter.”

“They are brainwashing you!” he exclaimed. “Sinasabi nilang ako ang masama
pero pinoprotektahan lang kita, anak, kasi mahal kita!”

“Protection? Love? A big word coming from someone like you,” I drawled. “Big
word for some stupid murderer, abuser, and manipulator. You are a thick-face
fucktard who never deserved the title of a father. You aren’t, Israel. Ang taas
naman ng tingin mo sa sarili mo?”

“Don’t say that,” kalmado pero may diing sambit niya, mas nagdidilim ang
ekspresyon.

“We are in,” I heard Bullet. “We secured Meia.”

I felt relief but I have to give Bullet and Zy time.

“You bought a wife and forced her.” I looked at him in the eye. “She loathed
you, despised you that she chose to give me to other people’s care than to my own
father. Why? Dahil pinagkakatiwalaan niya ang mga Sandejas. She could entrust me
with their care because she couldn’t stomach giving me to a devil like you.”

Kumuyom ang kamao niya.

“Stop it!”
 “Why? Afraid to hear the truth, Father?” I emphasized. “No one loves you. No
one cares for you. I heard the Sebastians in Cebu cut their connection with you and
your stupid brother?”

“Zahrah, I said shut up! I did not hurt your mother! She liked it! She wanted
you! She was arranged for me—”

“Wow, arranged for you? What a fancy way to say she was a payment for a debt
for you. Like what you did with Zidney?”

His jaw ticked.

“You even killed the people who took care of Zidney, right?”

“That is not true—”

“Oh, really? But I heard you kidnapped me again and even used my friend to
bait me because you’re broke now? You want me in exchange for the ransom,”
ipinamukha ko iyon sa kanya. “Tell me, Father, isn’t it the truth?”

His breathing labored, and his gaze was flaring.

“Stop, child! One more word from you—” He swung his hand and I expected it
when it landed on my cheek. Natumba ang upuan ko sa lakas n’on at tumama ang
balikat ko sa lapag.

I flinched but laughter from my mouth bubbled.

I heard Bullet calling me in the earpiece.

“Fuck!” he cursed. “It’s because you wouldn’t shut up!”

I just laughed.

“Zahrah Bellarose!”

“The devil finally showed himself! Akala mo maitatago mo ‘yan nang matagal sa
‘kin?”

I watched him trembling in anger.

“You are a hopeless case, Israel.” Pinagmasdan ko siya habang nasa lapag.
“You are alone. No one wanted you—”

“Parehas lang tayo!” he exclaimed. “Walang nagmamahal sa ‘yo! They only

looked at you as a responsibility—”

“Then why did they not give me to you willingly?” I spat. “Why did they look
for me? Why did you have so many attempts to take me and hurt the family and fail
if they only think of me as a responsibility? Bakit ‘di na lang ako ibinigay? That
way, they would be spared from all these shits, correct?”

Natahimik siya.

“Because they love me, Israel. As one of their own. They love me like a part
of their family.”

“It’s not love—”

 “You don’t have a say about love because you don’t know what that is,
Sebastian.” My tone was dripping with acid.

He huffed. Ngumisi siya pagkaraan.

“Don’t tell me you think they will rescue you here?” he asked. “I will ask
for ransom, that’s if they still want you back. After I take it, I’ll kill them one
by one starting with your bitch of a mother and that fucking Valderama. They’re a
pain in the ass. I should’ve killed them right from the start. Then, I’ll kill that
boy. What was his stupid name?” Natahimik siya.

“Oh, it was Alchiel Sandejas.” Natawa siya. “‘Yong anak pa talaga ni Iñigo,
Zahrah? Sa lahat, anak pa talaga ng putanginang Sandejas na ‘yon?!”

Malamig ko lang siyang tinitigan, nakatiim-bagang.

“Don’t worry. I’ll kill him next after your parents but well, who knows?
Maybe he’ll be the first one,” aniya. “I can’t wait to see the grief from those
Sandejas when I gut their son alive. Then, if I was done, I’d take you with me
because even if you deny it, you are my flesh and blood, Zahrah. You are a
Sebastian.”

“I’d rather die than take your stupid surname.” I pissed him off more.

“We’re ready,” ani Bullet sa earpiece. “And I think we have some special
guests.”

What? Who?

“Then you will have to die, I bet they wouldn’t even dare to rescue you.”

I smiled sweetly at Sebastian. His brows furrowed in confusion.

“Oh, wouldn’t they?” I asked before the sound of gunshots echoed.

Nagulat siya.

“What the fuck!” He looked at his back. “What have you done?!”

I smirked.

“Surprise, Father,” I mused.

His hand trembled as he gripped his cane and screamed.

“‘Di pa ako tapos sa ‘yo!” Dinuro niya ako bago umalis.

I heard him screaming outside to his men.

“Bullet?”

“Judge Alvin was here. Nakuha na ni Zy.”

My heart hammered.

“Is he okay?”

“Yes, he’s been held hostage but he’s safe now. The stupid goons are more
than what we expected.” I heard the gunshots. “Inubos nila ang natitirang pera nila
para dito.”

“Are you okay? Kayo lang ni Zy? You should go now!”

“Nah, we’re good,” she mumbled. “We can do this alone but this clan really
had a thing with reunions, huh? Kahit dito, ayaw magpatalo.”

“Huh?”

“They’re on their way to you,” aniya. “They just got here on time. Damn it.
My husband can’t keep his mouth shut.”

“What? Why? Who’s here?”

“The family, Clyte.” I heard the smile in her voice. “They came to rescue
you.”

My eyes stung, surprised, and touched.

“Chiel…?”

“Oh, you’d be surprised if I tell you he’s with Tito Thorn,” she answered.

The door burst open and I was expecting my family but I was surprised when I
saw Atty. Lindsay Marasigan.

I was alarmed when our gazes met.

“Clyte…” She was shaky, her voice trembling.

“What are you doing here?!” I exclaimed.

“I mean no harm!” she exclaimed, locking the door and walking closer.

I struggled on my chair, trying to pull myself up but to no avail.

“What’s happening? Clyte?” Bullet called. “Are you okay?!”

“Lindsay’s here,” I muttered and I heard her loud curses.

“No.” Lindsay raised her hand, surrendering. “I mean no harm, please. I just
want to help!”

I moved, struggling when she went behind me on the chair.

“No!” I hissed but then I felt her cutting the rope off. “Leave me alone!”

I jumped away from her, pushing my back on the wall and pulling the knife
from my leg. Itinutok ko iyon sa kanya.

“What do you want?!”

“I had no choice, Clyte!” she explained, her eyes watery. “Yes! I was your
mother’s sister! You’re my niece!”

“Why did you come back? Why did you not introduce yourself?” I demanded. “My
mother was your sister! Demonyo ang mga Sebastian! Bakit ka nakikipagkasundo sa mga
taong pumatay sa kapatid mo?!”
 “I had no choice!” she exclaimed, her eyes now watery. “I went back because I
found out you were missing! I was curious! I wanted to know details about you!
Hindi ako malapit kay Ritchelle pero pamangkin kita, Clyte! Of course, I care for
you!”

“Care for me?” My voice trembled. “How could you say you cared for me when
you helped them do this?!”

“I had no choice!” she repeated, trembling. Patuloy na nahulog ang mga luha
niya. “I-I love Alvin, Clyte! Yes, I talked to him because I heard he was helping
Alchiel look for you! I wanted answers but I fell in love with him! Alvin’s a great
man, Clyte! I was with him in Cebu when Kiko Fernandez contacted me!”

I stiffened.

“Y-you know Kiko?”

“He was my ex-husband!” she cried. “He threatened to kill my husband if I

didn’t help you to get inside the prosecution! T-to be Verón’s secretary! They
found out he was handling the case!”

My mouth parted.

“B-but I have to protect you! Protect Alchiel! My husband! S-so, I helped

you
in!”

“How could I believe you?” Nahulog ang mga luha ko. “Tell me how I would
believe you?!”

“I didn’t tell them Verón and Alchiel are the same person, Clyte!” she
explained. “They won’t let you work there if they knew! K-kung alam nila, paano ka
makukuha ni Chiel? Paano ka maibabalik sa pamilya? I did that to protect you!”

I stopped, processing the information. It made sense.

“Then why…”

“Nagalit sila nang malamang ‘di ko sinabing iisa lang si Alchiel at Verón, I
lied saying I didn’t know and they would let it go but in exchange of more
information. I gave i-in. I gave what they wanted to protect Alvin but they took
him, kidnapped h-him. They said they’d kill him… I had no choice but to do it to
Meia and Rome. I-I’m sorry.”

She cried, lowering herself to kneel in front of me.

“I-I just want to protect my h-husband… I-I just want to make sure he was
safe! I-I love him, Clyte! He was the only family I h-had! You can jail me, please!
J-just my husband, look for my husband…”

The door burst open. Inangat ko ang kutsilyo sa direksyon n’on at umawang ang
labi pagkakita kina Dad at Chiel.

“D-dad…” Naibaba ko ang kutsilyo. Malalaki ang hakbang na nilapitan niya

ako’t mahigpit na niyakap.

“Are you okay?!” His eyes were bloodshot, frantic when he cupped my cheek.
“Are you hurt? Why is your mouth…”
“I-I’m fine, Dad,” I muttered. “It’s not my blood.”
 There was relief in his expression but the tightness never ceased. He pulled
me close for a hug and kissed my forehead.

“We were afraid! What were you doing, Clytemnestra?! You had us worried!”

“You…” Napansin ko ang dugo sa damit niya. “What happened? Is that your
blood?”

“No, not mine.” His jaw clenched and to my surprise, I noticed he was holding
a gun.

“Did you? When?”

“Later,” ani Dad na humigpit ang hawak sa baril at hinawakan ako,

nagpoprotekta.

I glanced at Alchiel having exchanges with Lindsay. Nakataas ang baril niya
at nakatutok sa huli na nakaluhod pa rin at umiiyak.

“I-I swear,” she pleaded. “S-si Alvin, Chiel? Just tell me he’s alright,
please!”

“Why would you care?” Alchiel’s muscles tensed. “You only used him!”

“I didn’t!” she cried. “P-please, Chiel. Tell me my husband is fine and you
could do whatever you want with me!”

Humiwalay ako kay Dad. Nagtaka siya pero naintindihan ang gusto ko at
hinayaan ako. Lumapit ako kay Chiel at idinantay ang palad sa braso niya.

“Chiel…”

“Not now, Clyte,” mariing sabi niya, matalim ang tingin at ‘di man lang ako
binalingan.

“Listen—”

“I said not now!” His voice trembled, his fear and anger from the betrayal
dripping from his voice. Ang mata niya’y nanatili sa huli.

I didn’t give up. I did it again, feeling the coiling of his muscles on my
palm.

“Judge is fine,” I assured Lindsay who trembled and cried, muttering her
thank you and apologies.

Malalim pa rin ang paghinga ni Alchiel.

“Let’s leave her for now,” I said calmly. “Chiel…”

When he didn’t budge, my eyes found my father’s. He gestured me to take his

gun then silently called more men outside to get inside.

I touched Alchiel’s arm.

“Calm down,” I muttered. “I’m fine. Judge’s fine. We could interrogate her
later. Lower your gun.”
 He was still tense, but when my hands crawled to his arm down his wrist to
lower the gun down, he followed.

May mga pumasok na tauhan para kunin si Lindsay and Chiel still didn’t have
the strength to look at my direction. I went in front of him and caught his gaze.

I saw the fear, desperation, and annoyance. Napansin ko rin ang tampo roon.

“Chiel… I’m fine,” I reassured him.

His jaw ticked. He didn’t say a word but his eyes roamed on my face, his eyes
staying in my mouth like he had some invisible enemy.

“I-it’s not mine,” I explained and he gave me a look, probably asking how the
hell I got blood on my mouth so I had no choice but to tell him.

“Cole kissed me,” I confessed.

His eyes flared, his anger doubling and he turned his back to leave, cocking
his gun.

“Chiel!” I called and pulled him back, catching his gaze. “I-I bit him! Hard!
Kaya may dugo!”

“More of a reason why I have to fucking kill him,” malamig niyang sabi at
naglakad na palabas kahit anong tawag ko.

Then I flinched when I heard more gunshots. I panicked and found Chiel
tilting his head and cursing as he shot everyone who came his way.

My father pulled me close to him, protecting me.

“Stay close!” aniya.

Mabilis ang mga pangyayari. I was still stunned seeing my father use his gun
like it was a natural thing to do now.

I didn’t know he was practicing. Kinuha nila si Lindsay at napalibutan kami

ng mga lalaki kaya hinarangan ako nina Dad at Chiel habang nagpapaputok sa mga
lumalapit.

My grip on the knife tightened.

“Take her,” ani Dad nang makitang pinagkakaisahan na ro’n si Tito Zeijan sa
ibaba. “I’ll be back.”

“Dad!” I called but he was moving quickly and shooting the armed man from
below.

Hinapit ni Chiel ang baywang ko kaya dumantay ang kamay ko sa dibdib niya.

“Are you alright?” kunot-noo niyang tanong.

I nodded.

“Stay behind.” Inilagay niya ako sa likuran niya. “Sebastian’s still not
caught.”

More armed men came our way and seeing Chiel’s cold gaze made me shiver,
however, it made me feel relaxed and safe.

This time… my family was here to save me.

There’s no trauma anymore. They were here… for me.

He was gripping my hand in one hand. Alchiel’s black dress shirt was folded
up to his sleeves, his watch on his wrist with the visible veins protruding in his
arm as he shot the gun with the other, bull’s eye.

Nakita ko sina Dad sa ibaba at nang makitang may naglakad sa likod niya sa
dilim ay sumigaw ako.

“Behind you, Dad!”

My father quickly turned his back to shoot, surprising us both when we

realized it was Sebastian. Sa tungkod niya tumama ang baril ni Dad kaya tumalsik
iyon at medyo nawalan siya ng balanse.

He limped as he walked away but Dad was already after him.

He kicked the gun off his shaky grip and pulled him by the collar, slamming
him down the floor without mercy.

“Do you think I’ll be easy on you? You don’t deserve to die that easily,
asshole,” Dad spat.

I felt a presence behind me kaya dagli akong humiwalay kay Chiel at nilingon
iyon. It was a man attacking us from behind and so, I fisted the hilt of my knife
and injured his hand. Nang nabitawan niya ang baril ay sinipa ko iyon palayo.

He was angry. He attempted to grab my hair but Chiel was on him and gripped
him by his collar. Suminghap ako nang halos umangat na ang lalaking may katamtamang
tangkad nang gawin iyon ni Chiel.

I blinked and I was surprised when Chiel effortlessly threw him down the
ground floor.

“What the hell, Chiel?” sikmat ko.

Sumugat ang ngiti sa labi niya at tinaasan lang ako ng kilay.

“I made sure he’d be paralyzed, sweetheart,” malamig niyang sabi.

Bumaba ang kamay niya sa palad ko kung nasaan ang kutsilyo at doon ko lang
napansin ang panginginig n’on. Hinawakan niya iyon.

“I’m fine,” I told him. “It’s fine. He deserved it, right?”

Tumango siya at hinanap ang mga mata ko.

“He deserved it,” he echoed then he sighed and grabbed my nape to pull me
close to his chest. “Damn it, Clytemnestra. Hindi pa tayo tapos sa atraso mong
pasaway ka.”

May gumuhit na ngiti sa labi ko pero nawala iyon nang makitang may paparating
na naman.

Chiel moved and we helped by looking at each other on the back. I did not
contribute much but I could feel the tremble in my hand fading whenever I injured
the men who’d try to hurt my man.

Alchiel looked at me closely, never letting his attention drift away to

ensure I was fine.

There was a time I’d lose the grip of my knife and saw a man attacking Chiel
with his fists kaya inangat ko ang paa at sinipa ang pagitan ng mga hita niya. He
cried and tried to grab my foot and he successfully did. Natumba ako at narinig ko
ang pagmumura ni Chiel.

“Clyte!” he exclaimed, cursing when he finished the load in his gun and was
now in combat, punching and locking the enemy’s neck with his arm.

I cursed when I was dragged by my feet again kaya buong lakas kong sinipa ang
mukha ng huli, hinatak ang paa ng kahoy na lamesa at nang mahulog ang vase ay
sinalo ko iyon at binasag sa ulo niya.

He lost consciousness. Tumayo ako para damputin ang baril, kinausap si Chiel
ng tingin sabay hagis n’on sa kanya na dagli niyang nasalo at idinikit sa ulo ng
lalaking hawak siya para magpaputok.

It was not a good sight. I didn’t want to see the aftermath and blood
splatters kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin at mamaya-maya’y hawak na ako ni Chiel
paibaba.

We encountered more.

Dad was still punching Sebastian while he was limp on the floor. He was
trembling in anger, muttering his curses and saying what he’d do to him. I heard
him saying he would not have a swift death.

Dad had the upper hand but I realized he wasn’t wearing his eyeglasses
anymore. It was now on the ground, broken but it did not faze him.

He kept on punching his face and I could see the blood in his mouth.

“This is for my daughter!” He slammed his head on the floor.

“Daughter?” Sebastian laughed hysterically. “Who said she was your daughter,
Valderama? Zahrah is mine! She’s my flesh and blood—”

“Clyte was never and will never be your daughter, you understand me?” he
blurted out icily. “Clyte is mine. My family. My oldest daughter.”

It sent shivers all over my spine, hearing my father stake a claim on me.

“She is my daughter. We might not have the same blood, she might not come
from me but she is my daughter. Here.” He pointed to his chest. “Hindi-hindi mo
iyon kayang tumbasan, Sebastian. Clytemnestra is ours. She belongs to us at
hinding-hindi makukuha ng demonyong kagaya mo ang anak ko.”

Something touched my heart. Nangilid ang luha ko at saglit na napatungo pero

sa bilis ng pangyayari ay nasuntok niya si Dad sa panga.

He grabbed a gun discarded on the floor and a loud gasp left my lips when he
pushed my Dad on the ground and pointed the gun on his face.

Everyone tensed. My heart stopped and even Tito Zeijan stiffened. Dahil
nawala siya sa focus ay natamaan siya ng suntok.

“You’re saying what now, Valderama?” Israel smirked. “Who’s your daughter?”

I felt Alchiel behind me, tensed.

My mind ransacked what I should do to help my father. Nag-angat ako ng

tingin. Tita Alyx had a sniper and we exchanged looks.

She nodded at me and I looked at Chiel. My eyes caught his gun. Walang
salitang inagaw ko iyon sa kanya.

“Clytemnestra!” I heard him calling my name but I was easily behind Israel
and pushing the mouth of the gun on his head.

He stiffened.

“Let go of my father,” malamig kong sabi.

“Father?” he scoffed. “No, darling. You’re pointing a gun at your father—”

“You are not my father, Sebastian,” giit ko. “You will never be.”

“You are my flesh and blood—” It was enough distraction. From above, the
sniper pierced his hand kaya tumalsik iyon at nasugatan ang kamay niya.

Sebastian screamed and Dad pushed him to escape. Inabot ako ni Dad pero ‘di
ako sumama at itinutok lang ang baril na hawak sa demonyo na nagmumura na sa sakit.

“Fuck you!” he exclaimed. “Papatayin ko kayong lahat!”

His eyes were bloodshot and dark when he realized I was pointing a gun in his
direction, my eyes sharp and misty from the tears.

His face was still in pain when he looked at me but managed a foolish smirk.

“Oh, what do we have here?” he asked. “My innocent daughter pointing a gun at
her father?”

“You are not my father!” my voice roared.

“Oh, really?” he smirked. “Go on, shoot me, then.”

Nanginig ang kamay ko.

“Oh, you couldn’t?” He laughed despite the pain of his hand, mocking me. “Go
on, Zahrah Bellarose! Shoot me!” he encouraged me.

“Shut the fuck up! I will shoot you!”

“Go on!” he exclaimed. “Shoot me! Let them see who you really are! You are
not as innocent as you claimed to be! You are my daughter!”

“Clyte,” Dad called from the distance but my eyes were on Sebastian.

“Oh, let him, Doc,” natatawang aniya sabay baling sa ‘kin. “I’m her father!
Her own flesh and blood! Nananalaytay sa ‘yo ang dugo ng mga Sebastian. Go on. Show
this shitty Sandejas you are just like me! You are a monster!”
 Umangat ang sulok ng labi ko at unti-unting ngumiti sa kanya. His laughter
subsided when he saw the devious glint in my eyes.

I saw hesitation there. Fear.

“You know what? You’re right,” I agreed and relaxed my shoulders. “I was your
daughter and like you… I could be a monster.”

Then, I heard his loud scream when I shot him twice in the leg, making sure
he wouldn’t use that one too anymore. Forever.

Kabanata 49

Kabanata 49

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

His screams of pain and agony roared, and I felt no pity for it.

How could I when he hurt my family? Hurt my mother? Kidnapped me?

Walang amang nagmamahal ang gagawa niyan sa anak niya.

Mabigat pa ang paghinga ko nang maramdaman ko ang paghawak sa likod ko at ang

pagbaba ng kamay kong may hawak na baril.

I could feel Chiel’s breath in my ear as he whispered.

“It’s done now,” he reassured me. “Come on. Lower your gun now, sweetheart.”

My hands were trembling.

I just shot Sebastian in his leg, twice. The other one was already limping
and because I shot the other one…

“Clyte…” Chiel called. “Breathe…”

He walked in front of me, covered the bloody sight, and cupped my cheek.

“Breathe, Bella,” he soothed me, and I didn’t even realize I was holding my
breath until he said that.

I let out a shaky breath. Mahigpit niya akong niyakap.

“It’s gonna be fine,” he whispered. “Tapos na…”

We stayed that way. Me, calming myself and him, soothing himself that I was
fine until he pulled away to let me know he’d help the team.

Before he left, I saw him saying something to my father watching us quietly.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Dad at nang maabot niya ko’y roon na tuluyang nanghina ang
tuhod ko.

“Princess…” he whispered.

“Dad,” I muttered and buried my face in his chest. “I-I shot him…”
 “I know,” he breathed out. “It’s fine. He deserved it.”

“He’s gonna hurt you, Zahrah! He did not love you!” I flinched with
Sebastian’s voice.

“I…”

“Shh…” Dad hushed me and embraced me more. “I’m here, hmm? No one’s gonna
hurt you, princess. Daddy’s here.”

“He’s lying!” he screamed out loud kaya sumilip ako kung nasaan siya at
nakitang hawak-hawak siya sa braso nina Tito Zeij at Tito Iñigo. They did not even
care about his injured leg and its dripping blood. Hinila lang nila ito paalis.

His eyes were dark, and he was screaming loudly.

“Don’t listen to him,” my dad reminded me.

I wasn’t, but I wanted to see the desperate look on his face. The pain and
hurt, the look of a demon who took everything from me.

The man who had claimed to be my father but hurt me and the people I loved.

He flinched in pain when Tito Iñigo nonchalantly pulled him by the arm.

Maybe I was a monster, too, like him because I wanted to see him suffering.
It gave me joy.

“I am your father!” he exclaimed at me. “Zahrah! Anak, please! Sinasaktan

nila ako!”

“Putang ina. Mananahimik ka o sasapakin ko ‘yang bibig mo?!” Tito Zeijan

hissed.

“Fuck! Bitawan n’yo ‘ko! Ang anak ko—Zahrah!” he screamed again. “I am your
father! T-this… this family is nuts! They will only hurt you!”

“Putang ina…” My dad hissed and pulled away from the embrace to look at
Sebastian screaming his lungs out and spitting out profanities.

“Help me, anak!” He tried looking at me in the eyes, shifting from my uncle’s
grip. “They will kill me! Wala ka nang pamilya! Wala ka nang ama! Ritchelle will be
very disappointed—”

“You—” Dad was about to race in his direction, but we were both startled
when my mother, Zidney, in her flaring sharp eyes, sashayed her way in front of
Sebastian.

“Get my best friend’s name off your filthy mouth!” my mother exclaimed,
cutting him off, and she punched him hard in the mouth.

Nalaglag ang panga naming lahat. Dad froze on the spot and even my uncles
were stunned.

“P-putang ina mo!” Sebastian exclaimed after his face flew when he recovered.

“Putang ina mo rin ka! Gago! Sasaktan mo pa ang anak ko?!” My mother fought
back, punching him again in the mouth, harder than the last.
 Everyone stilled and a gasp left my lips when Sebastian’s head lolled… He
lost consciousness.

I heard something fell from somewhere. Tanging katahimikan lang ang

pumailanlang sa lugar. Hindi ako sigurado kung dahil sa ginawa ni Mommy o dahil sa
galit niya.

I have seen my mother mad a couple of times before but not to the extent that
her eyes flared with rage. It reminded me so badly of the strict Tito Iñigo, the
hot-tempered Dash, and the murderous Zeijan Sandejas all in one.

Then, slowly, as if my mom realized what had just happened and what she had
done, her face broke into a frown, and she glanced at her fist.

“O-ouch…” she whined softly.

“Reyna!” my dad exclaimed and ran.

“Princess!” her three brothers screamed then they dropped the unconscious
Israel with no care to the ground to attend to her.

A memory flashed inside my head—the one when I found out the truth about
my
biological father. I have always known about my mom, Ritch, and I knew she was a
very great woman. My family talked highly of her. We were often at her grave site
to sit with her and celebrate her birthdays or mine, her death anniversary, or
even
just a random day.

Hindi ipinagdamot sa akin ng mga magulang ang impormasyon tungkol kay Mommy
Ritch. Even though I was still a kid, I learned about her name and that she had
entrusted my care to the Sandejas family. That, when I grew up, Mom wanted me to
have the riches she obtained to give me a good life kahit wala na siya.

In her final moments, my mom thought of me. Kahit nasasaktan na siya sa sakit
niya, she held me tight in her chest as she took her last breath.

However, if I was full of stories about my mother, I was deprived of my

biological father. Israel Sebastian. I only knew parts from what I’d been hearing
when I was a little kid because my security was tight.

I had to go from one place to another to be safe. My mother was paranoid I’d
get taken, that I’d get hurt. I knew a bit, but I was not curious when I was
little. Bakit pa ba, e, masaya na ang pamilya ko? Satisfied ako sa buhay ko. I have
a great and loving family, siblings, and mother. My father was a great man; he
always saw to it that we were safe and happy. Kapag napapansin niyang tahimik kami
o may problema, he would take the first step to ask us and assure us his ears were
always open to listen.

Hatid-sundo kami no’ng mga bata. Nabibili ang mga gusto. May lunch kaming
baon everyday, si Daddy ang nagluluto at hindi ako kailanman nagutom—well, aside
from when I started working and became independent—but still, my parents saw to
it that my stocks in my condo were full.

Weekly, ang Mommy at Daddy, dadaan ‘yan sa unit ko para silipin ang ref ko.
Papagalitan ako kapag walang bawas at kapag alam nilang papaubos na, randomly,
they’d go to my unit with a bunch of groceries.

I was loved. Very, very loved I could not ask for anything more but then I
received a message from a man saying he wanted to see me. That he was my biological
father and he loved me dearly.
 That’s when I became curious.

“Chiel, I am curious,” I remembered telling him one time when he made his
frequent visits to the hospital.

“Hmm?” He looked at me while cleaning the leftovers from our late dinner. It
was already ten. May isang oras akong break at dapat sa oras na ‘to ay nasa unit na
si Sandejas para magpahinga at overtime na naman sa trabaho pero hindi niya
ginagawa.

He’d go to the hospital, bribe my workmates with foods kaya ayan, free na
free nakakaikot sa staff room at sinasabayan akong kumain. My dinner was his, too.
Pinagalitan ko nga’t dapat kumakain nang maaga pero ibinabalik niya lang sa ‘kin
ang sinasabi ko. He even said wala siyang ganang kumain kapag wala ako.

Him and his cheesy ass…

“What do you think about Israel Sebastian?” I asked.

He stiffened. I saw the tension in his face, but he looked down to the table
to continue what he was doing.

“He’s in jail, why?” he asked.

“Nothing, I was just curious. What do you think of him?”

“He’s nothing,” aniya. “He’s a bad person, Clyte. We shouldn’t be talking—”

“I was just curious, that’s all,” I explained. “And I could not ask anyone
but you, but if you don’t want to talk, then fine…”

Nagbaba ako ng tingin at nagtipa na lang sa phone para mag-scroll at manood

ng videos, walang gana at iritado.

I was just asking! Pati ba naman siya madamot sa impormasyon! I was merely
curious!

“Clyte,” he called.

“Thank you for the dinner,” I mumbled, still not looking at him. “Lagay mo na
lang d’yan, ako na ang magtatapon.”

“Clyte…”

“I should go back to work,” I said, stood from the couch, and was about to
leave when his arm snaked around my stomach and pulled me back in.

Tumama ang likod ko sa dibdib niya. I tried to stop breathing to not smell
his addicting scent, trying so badly not to melt because I was mad.

“Are you mad?” he asked.

“No,” malamig kong sabi at pinirmi ang labi.

“No? E, bakit ganyan ‘yong balikat mo?” he asked.

My shoulders fell, I relaxed it and cursed myself for being so obvious.

 “Babalik na ako sa trabaho, Chiel,” I said stiffly instead and pushed his arm
away, but he gripped my stomach more with his arm, his other hand snaking on my
face as he caught my chin with his finger to tilt it up so he could see my face.

Our eyes met. Mine was annoyed while he was observant.

“Alchiel, ano ba?” I scoffed. “Babalik na ako sa trabaho!”

“Galit ka,” he stated while staring at me.

“Ano?!” I scoffed. “Hindi ako galit!”

Tumaas ang kilay niya at ngumiti.

“Hindi ka nga galit,” he lamented, and I scoffed more.

“I said, I am not! Bitawan mo nga ‘ko—”

“I know you better than I know myself, Fabroa,” agap niya.

Sumimangot ako.

“Ano ba? Babalik na nga—” He flicked my lips. I groaned. “Ano ba?!”

“Dinadaan-daan mo ‘ko sa nguso mo, e,” he pointed out. I tried to scoff it

out, but his thumb moved on my lower lip, caressing. “Alam mo namang ‘di kita
matiis…” mahina niyang sinabi.

Alam na alam kung paano ako kunin!

Muntik nang sumugat ang ngiti sa labi ko pero napigilan ko ‘yon pero grabe
talaga ang mga mata ni Sandejas at nahuli pa ang multong ngiti ko.

“Kita ko ‘yon!” he blurted out. “Ngumiti ka!”

I glared at him.

“Oh, namumula si Clytey! Huli ka!” He smirked and I couldn’t hide my smile
any longer when he looked so handsome and adorable looking at me.

Kaya sa huli ay bumuntonghininga na ako at hinarap na siya. I wrapped my arms

around his back, and he let out a shaky chuckle, probably surprised that I insisted
on the hug but later on caged me in his arms.

“Fine,” he breathed out. “What do you wanna know, sweetheart?”

Ngumuso ako.

“Grabe naman si marupok, o,” I mumbled. He cursed under his breath. I laughed
loudly.

He ended up telling me some things. Basic things. About how he was involved
with Mommy Zidney’s case no’ng nawala siya. He told me my mother, Mommy Ritch, left
him too and they met at the bus station while Mommy Zid was on the way to Manila.

Doon nakita nina Tito Dash si Mommy na halos tatlong taong nawala pagkatapos
ng aksidente at pagkahulog nito sa bangin. They took her to the hospital and found
out she had lost her memories. Doon din sinabi ni Mommy Zid ang tungkol sa kaibigan
niyang si Ritchelle.
 My uncles found her and took her in, too. They found out she had stage 4 lung
cancer and was pregnant with me.

I didn’t know that exact story. I only knew my mom was sick, and she
entrusted me with Sandejas’ care, and that she loved me so much. I didn’t know the
dark origin of why she got here in Manila.

That wasn’t all. I knew there were some things he was hiding from me, things
he wouldn’t share, darker perhaps, and even if I asked, I knew he wouldn’t say. He
probably thought I couldn’t handle it, observing how careful his words were.

But I was not fragile. I knew he was just trying to protect me, to mask me
from the evil lurking but I wanted to know the truth behind it.

How and why was I so protected? Why did I keep on moving from one place to
another? Why was I surrounded by tight security when I was little? I wanted to know
the truth.

I searched the internet but aside from knowing Israel Sebastian was a mayor
back in Biliran and that his elections were rigged and some media coverage, I saw
nothing much. The case was not out in public in detail.

However, it had changed when I met someone while I was on the way to Chiel’s
office in their law firm. I collided with a man, dahilan kaya nahulog ang mga papel
na hawak niya’t nakita ko ang pamilyar na pangalan doon.

I saw in his documents the name Israel Sebastian, along with some newspaper
articles.

My heart raced.

“Thank you!” aniya at ngumiti. “Pasensya ka na, may ihahatid lang sana ako sa
loob—”

“I’m sorry, I had a peek of your things… You’re researching about Israel
Sebastian?” I asked. Napatitig siya sa ‘kin kaya suminghap ako at umiling. “Well, I
understand if you won’t tell me! Sorry, I was just curious…”

“Oh, no, no, it’s fine!” aniya at ngumiti, kinuha ang papel na ibinigay ko at
inabot sa akin. “I was… uh, well, a lawyer too and I’m looking after Israel
Sebastian’s case, mostly for a documentary I was tasked to do but found
discrepancies and questions about his arrest.”

My forehead creased.

“What discrepancies?”

Lumapit siyang lalo at nakisilip sa papel na hawak ko.

“I think his arrest was illegal… I think he might be innocent,” he said

mysteriously.

Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat.

What? How…

“Oh, how rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself, I’m Atty. Cole Fernandez,
by the way.” He offered his palm, a smile on his lips.
 It was the first time I got to know that man. I knew I shouldn’t trust just
anyone, but he was persuasive, and I was swayed. My curiosity got the better of me,
so I agreed to meet him to talk about his opinions on the case.

Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit pumasok sa kokote ko iyon. I knew in my heart
the Sandejas family was amazing. They were good! They weren’t perfect they were
great! They have charities to help those in need! I witnessed it all in my own
home!

“I doubt,” I told Cole. “Sandejas are good people.”

Nilingon niya ako.

“You know them?” he asked.

My heart raced. If I wanted to know the truth, I shouldn’t expose myself!

Good thing I was a Fabroa in name now.

“N-no,” I answered. “I just… I know what they are doing. The scholarships,
the charities, and more so I thought they aren’t that bad—”

“That’s what they only want people to see, Clyte,” he cut me off. “But… do
you really know what they are inside? Lahat ng tao, may dumi na ‘di natin nakikita.
Sure, they are good to you and other people’s eyes but… are they really?”

And so, I tried to ask my mother about it.

“Why did you ask?” A spike of panic and seriousness raised in her tone.

“Nothing,” sagot ko, itinatago ang kabang nararamdaman. “I was just curious…”

She narrowed her gaze at me, observing. Her black eyes pierced as if she
could read through me and so I cleared my throat and stood.

“I’m sorry, Mom. It’s nothing, really. I-I suddenly thought of it but…” I
cleared my throat and looked away. “Anyway, pasok na po ako sa kwart—”

“He’s a very dangerous man, Clyte,” she said.

I stiffened, meeting her gaze.

“Don’t look,” aniya. “Don’t even be curious. Ritch wanted you here with us
for your safety, and your father and I are here for you. You don’t need to know
about him.”

Hindi ako nakaimik at nakita ko ang paglambing ng mga mata niya.

“Did we…” She sighed. “Tell me, darling, do we lack something? Is there
anything we could improve to…”

I walked closer and embraced her, feeling guilty for my sudden question. She
froze.

“Nothing, Mom,” I muttered. “I’m sorry, I just thought of it. That’s all.
Wala pong kulang sa inyo ni Daddy. Y-you’re the best parents ever.”

She sighed. I felt her relaxing and embracing me back, her head on my
shoulder.
 “I love you, anak,” she whispered. “Kahit ano’ng mangyari, ako ang mommy mo,
anak kita and no one could ever take you away from me. No one.”

I tried dismissing the idea of Israel Sebastian anymore. I shouldn’t even be

curious! He was nothing! Mommy Ritch took me away from him for a reason! He was in
jail for a reason!

But then Cole contacted me again, saying he found new information about
Sebastian’s case, and I, being a curious little shit, fell for it.

Nawala na ang guard ko simula no’ng magtrabaho na ako. It had also been years
since we had last alerted with threats. Pinagbigyan ako nina Mommy nang makiusap
akong ayaw ko na ng guard na magbabantay sa kilos ko. They were hesitant but they
granted me freedom and independence in exchange of me informing them of my
whereabouts and if I was already home and safe.

I understood them. They were very protective of me, and I knew it was a big
deal to them to pull the guards off. However, Alchiel was another thing.

If my parents let me go, he couldn’t. He was very paranoid.

“I’m fine, Chiel,” I told him. “I could go home alone.”

He moistened his lip. “I’ll take you home—”

“You have work,” agap ko. “Mas importante ang trial mo kaysa sa ihatid
ako—”

“Walang mas importante pa sa ‘yo, Clytemnestra,” he scoffed. Words left my

mouth with the seriousness in his tone.

Nagtitigan kami, naglalaban ng tingin. I understood why he was this way, but
I really didn’t want to alert them of whatever I was doing. It was nothing, and I
was merely curious, but if they found out, everyone would panic.

“Chiel…” kalmadong tawag ko na. “Ayos lang ako.”

He sighed. I moved closer and cupped his cheek, our eyes meeting. Napansin ko
ang pag-aalala sa mga mata niya, ang takot do’n.

“Madalas naman akong umuuwi mag-isa, a?” I reminded him. “And I was always
home safe. Come on, go to your trial. Male-late ka na. Ano’ng sasabihin ni Judge
Marasigan kung late ka? Kawawa naman ang kliyente mo?”

“But…”

“I’ll message you,” I reassured him. “I’ll text you kapag nasa mall na ako at
pauwi na. I promise.”

Hindi siya nagsalita. Mas hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya, gustong makita niya sa
mga mata kong seryoso ako at nang lumambot ang tingin niya’y napangiti na ako.

He pulled me by the waist to embrace me. My heart leaped with the fascination
of his warm embrace as I wrapped my arms around his back, too.

“I’m fine,” I whispered. “I’ll inform you I promise.”

I went to the mall first to meet with Cole where he told me about the new
evidence, one that made me confused, and I almost believed him.

“Do you want to come with me and visit Israel in jail?” Cole asked, and my
eyes widened.

Visit… him?

But my mommy…

Pero wala namang masama, ‘di ba? It’s just a visit… Maybe if I saw him and
felt off with him, I’d realize my family did the right thing and then my curiosity
would die down.

Sumama ako sa kanya sa kulungan. I was nervous and fidgety meeting the man I
was protected against for the first time, but upon seeing me, the old man broke
down and cried.

I was so surprised at how weak he looked. How… fragile he was.

Was it real that this man was dangerous?

Israel fainted after being hysterical and crying, saying he was happy to see
me. The police had to take him to the infirmary and cut the visitation short before
I could even ask or talk to him further.

Because of it, Cole found out I was his daughter and that I was the alleged
daughter he was saying who got taken away from him.

It surprised me.

“Are you sure you want to hear this?” marahang sabi ni Cole. “This wasn’t
proven yet and this might taint your family’s reputation. You should’ve told me you
are Zahrah Sebastian.”

My forehead creased.

“What? I’m not. I’m Clytemnestra Fabroa.”

“I know,” he uttered. “But as per Israel Sebastian, your mother wanted to

name you that. Zahrah Bellarose.”

My heart raced.

My mom? Ritch? She wanted to name me Zahrah?

What he told me next sent shivers down my spine. He told me there was a big
possibility I was kidnapped from my real family. That they had forced Ritchelle to
give me to them to set Israel Sebastian up with the murder of Anselmo and Thelma
Lopez (Zidney’s adopted parents after her accident) and used me against him.

“But it was proven in court, I think,” I trailed off. “Sebastian was guilty
of the murder.”

“The Sandejas were powerful. Iñigo Sandejas was a lawyer, right? Even his
son, Alchiel Sandejas. They basically got the law in their hands. They could easily
turn the truth against your real father.”

Napaisip ako.
 Really?

“I assumed you are fully guarded since you were a kid,” he said. I stiffened.

“How did you know?”

“I just assumed,” aniya at tumitig sa ‘kin, may kung anong emosyon sa mga
mata. “In that case, then, Israel’s claims might be real.”

“Claims?”

“That you were heavily guarded because they didn’t want you to know the
truth,” he muttered. “Your father sent people to try and talk to you, but they were
deprived of seeing you. Some even didn’t get to come back. Who knows what they did
to them?”

My stomach dropped.

“Saan ka galing, Clyte?” Natulos ang paa ko sa paglalakad papunta sana sa

kwarto nang marinig si Mommy.

I glanced her way.

“Mom,” I called. “I went to the mall—”

“Maaga raw ang out mo kanina?” ani Mommy na pinasadahan ako ng tingin. “Saan
ka galing?”

“Just mall…” I answered, exhausted and just wanted to rest after that
encounter.

“Alone?” Her brow shot up, her eyes observant and cold that I almost tremble
with the look she gave me. “I saw Crest earlier. She said she wasn’t with you. Wala
raw kayong usapang lalabas.”

“Chiel—”

“And Alchiel’s in a trial,” she pointed out. “Don’t lie to me.”

I sighed and brushed my hair, annoyed now. Lahat na lang!

“I just want to have some alone time, Mom,” I explained exasperatedly. “Wala
na ba akong karapatang mapag-isa?”

Why was she mad? Ano naman kung mag-isa ako sa mall?

“It’s not that, Clytemnestra. You know you were in danger! Hinayaan kitang
alisin ang guards pero bakit ka mag-isa—”

“I’m a grown-up, Mom!” I explained. “For Pete’s sake, I’m almost thirty!”

“Yes! But—”

“Why are you so afraid of that man? He was in jail!” I explained. “All my
life, I was guarded! Ngayon na nga lang ako napag-isa ganyan pa? Please, Mom—”

“You don’t understand, Clyte,” she said under her breath. “That man… he’s
dangerous! Kahit nasa kulungan siya, may mga tauhan siya! He has a powerful family!
Yes, he was in jail but—”
 “But what? His family’s dangerous too? Kukunin ako? Para saan pa? Wala naman
yata iyong pakialam sa ‘kin! I am your daughter, you said! My mom gave me to you
legally! I was your daughter in papers until I reached my legal age—”

“You are not just my daughter in the damn papers, Clyte!” Her eyes flared.
“Anak kita! Hindi ka sa ‘kin galing pero anak kita! Ako ang nagpalaki sa ‘yo! Ako
ang nagpakain sa ‘yo! Ang nag-alaga sa ‘yo! Mahal kita!”

“Mahal mo pala ako pero bakit nakakasakal ka na?” I spat back.

Her mouth parted. I saw the pain in her eyes, and I felt immediately bad, but
I wouldn’t back down.

I wanted to know the truth and she wouldn’t tell me!

Unless may itinatago siya?

“Hindi ako p’wedeng umalis mag-isa! Palaging may guards! Hindi ako p’wedeng
sumama sa fieldtrip no’ng bata pa ako kasi sabi mo mapanganib! Bawal ako sa
retreat! Bawal sa lahat! You have my schedule, you control it! You have the final
say!”

“Because I want to have guards on you all the time!” she exclaimed. “You don’t
understand, Clyte! That man was dangerous! He almost got you!”

“Then tell me!” I exclaimed. “Tell me what happened? Who is he? Ano’ng ginawa
niya para maging ganito kayo sa ‘kin?”

She closed her eyes and sighed.

“I’ll tell you,” she muttered. “But not now, Clyte. I still have to, it’s
hard—I’m sorry for raising my voice. We’ll talk again, hmm? I’m sorry for
nagging.”

I sighed and shook my head.

“I’ll rest.”

“Promise me,” she mumbled before I could even leave. “I’ll tell you, but
promise me you won’t look after it yourself, Clyte. For your own good. Please?”

I could just leave but I forced myself to nod even if I didn’t mean it.

“Promise me you won’t tail guards behind me first,” I negotiated.

She was hesitant. I saw her hand tremble and she hid it behind her back
before she nodded.

“A-alright… I promise. Thank you for understanding, anak,” she breathed out.
“I trust you.”

If she thought that would calm me down, it didn’t. It only frustrated me. She
was willing to back down basta ‘di niya sa ‘kin masabi ang totoo.
 Why was she so afraid of it? She was hiding something…

It was very stupid. I knew it now.

I even sneaked out to see Cole and discuss his views about Sebastian’s case.
I even went to the jail to meet Israel again! He was gentle and kind to me. He told
me about his difficulties in jail and how he was framed, but what got my attention
and got me going back to jail was his stories about my mother, Ritchelle.

He knew things my parents didn’t, and it was refreshing. He told me stories,

and I was a fool. I almost believed him, which I would forever regret in my life.

“We should just tell her, Zid.” I froze when I overheard my parents talking.

Pupunta sana ako sa kwarto nang madaanan ko ang library sa bahay habang
nakaawang ang pintuan.

“Why? We can’t, Thorn,” my mother answered.

“We should. Malaki na si Clyte, I’m sure she’d understand now. She was a
brave woman, and we both know that. She deserves to know the truth about how
dangerous Israel was. She deserves to know why she is too heavily guarded to
understand.”

“But…”

“Zid, you know I love you both, right?” Dad asked. Sumilip ako at nakita ko
ang pagtango ni Mommy at ang pagtungo niya. “You two are important to me and it
hurts me to see the both of you avoiding each other.”

Mom stiffened. “You know?”

Dad nodded. “I could see everything, queen. I know you’d rather be the
villain than tell her the truth. I know you probably promised to tell her, so she’d
stop snooping and getting curious, but you don’t have the courage to open up to
her.”

“I am protecting her, Thorn.” Her voice trembled. “I promised myself, I

promised Ritch that I’d protect Clyte, that I’d give her a normal life without
knowing what… happened. Hindi biro ang nangyari, Thorn. I don’t want to worry our
daughter. I don’t want her to worry about us. You know Clyte. She is a gentle soul.
She is like Ritch, na kahit nasasaktan na siya, mas importante ang mga mahal niya.
I couldn’t—I didn’t have the heart to tell her what Israel did to Ritch, to me,
to us. She’d blame herself.”

Miski si Dad ay natahimik.

“She’d think that because of her, because we took her in, our lives are
always in danger. If she found out someone was always trying to ambush us just to
get her, she’d blame herself. Ayos na ‘yong isipin niyang nasasakal ko siya kaysa
sa hayaan ko siya’t mapahamak, n-na makuha siya sa atin. K-kahit ako, Thorn, ayos
lang masaktan. H’wag lang ang mga anak natin…”

What?

My stomach churned.

They were ambushed? All because they took me in?

 “I understand where you are coming from, Zid, but secrets will only keep her
more curious about the truth,” Dad explained. “Do you still find it hard to
remember the past?”

“I wasn’t but these days, my nightmares came back, Thorn. Kaya bumabalik ang
lahat at ayaw ko nang balikan pero n-nanaginip akong kinuha sa atin ang anak natin.
N-natatakot ako.”

Dad embraced her.

“Zid…”

“A-ayokong isipin… Gusto ko nang mamuhay rin na walang iniisip, na hindi

natatakot sa kaligtasan ng mga anak natin pero, Thorn, h-hindi ko kaya. Alam mo ang
dinanas ko a-at ayoko, ayokong maranasan iyon ng mga mahal ko.”

“I’ll help you tell her,” Dad muttered. “We’ll tell her together, hmm? Kung
nahihirapan ka, nandito naman ako, reyna. Magkasama natin ‘yong haharapin.”

“She promised me, Thorn,” my mom muttered. “She promised she’d wait for me to
tell her the truth. J-just let me get the courage to talk about the past again,
hmm? I promise I’ll tell Clyte. She’d do what she promised me. She knew it would
worry us if she did something that would risk her safety. Alam niyang masasaktan
ako kapag ‘di siya nakinig. I know our daughter, I trust her.”

Tears prick at the side of my eyes and before they could see me, I left, my
hands trembling as tears clouded my vision.

What have I done?

She trusted me and yet… I went behind her back.

How could I believe the people I just met and not trust the family I grew
up
with?

I was enraged and did some digging to play with Cole’s claims and false
evidence. Thankfully, I have learned from my father, Thorn, how to observe people.
I was with him since I was little, tambay ako sa office niya sa hospital kaya
napapanood ko siya and that’s when I somehow learned how to even know if a person
was lying or not.

I discovered Cole’s connection with Israel, that he was the son of his
lawyer, Atty. Kiko Fernandez. They set everything up starting from me bumping into
Cole, playing with me, manipulating me, and trying to use me against my family.

I confronted Israel in jail, telling him he could never take me away from my
family. That I wouldn’t see him anymore. I told him not to touch my family and
leave us alone.

I ended it, threatening Cole I knew what he was doing and that I would tell
my family if he’d show himself to me again.

However, because of it, I endangered my family, and this time, I could

perfectly blame myself for it. Nagkagulo sa bahay no’n dahil may muntik nang
manakit kay Daddy sa ospital. He met with him as a patient and then attempted to
assault him with a scalpel.

Thankfully, my dad knew how to disarm him, and the guards got him. He
confessed he was asked to kill my father, but he didn’t know who hired him. He just
got paid, but I knew, and I had an idea of what happened.

It was my fault and to keep things worse, the last time I went to prison, my
mother found out.

She texted me, telling me to come home and we’d talk. I knew she found out.

She was enraged. Namomroblema na nga siya dahil sa firm namin, nadagdagan
ko
pa.

I should be the least of her concerns. Pinangako ko sa sarili na hinding-

hindi ako magiging sakit ng ulo ni Mommy. Na dapat maging masunurin ako para maging
proud siya sa ‘kin… para hindi siya magsising inalagaan niya ako at tinanggap sa
pamilya.

My mother and Scira, my sister, were in the middle of a fight when I got
home.

They were screaming at each other, talking about Augustine or Warren, my

sister’s now husband. I didn’t quite understand everything yet, but it was related
to our architecture and engineering firm.

“He is a good man, Mom! Bakit ayaw mong maniwala sa akin?!” Scira screamed.
Natigilan si Mommy.

“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!” Scira screamed frustratedly.

“Scira! Zidney! Lower your voices!” my father exclaimed. Mas lumakas ang iyak
ni Queen pero walang nagpapatalo sa kanilang dalawa ni 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 ni Scira pero natigil nang lumagapak ang kamay ni Mommy sa pisngi niya.

My mouth parted. May humawak sa likod ko kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Deion na

kakarating lang din at sabay na pumasok.

“M-Mom!” I called and ran towards them. I met with my mom’s sharp and pained
eyes. Mas sumikip ang dibdib ko at inabot siya pero kagaya ng kay Scira ay
lumagapak ang palad niya sa pisngi ko.

“Isa ka pa!” my mother exclaimed, sobbing. “A-ano bang ginawa kong mali para
ganituhin n’yo ako?!”

I stifled a sob, pained not because of the slap I deserved but because I was
sorry and regretting what I did. I went against my own family! I went against the
people who cared for me! Who loved me! Who gave me a home!

Queen cried loudly.

“Deion! Bring your sister outside!” Dad retorted. Mabilis na lumapit si Deion
at kinuha si Queen bago mabilis na inilabas ang bunso na hindi matigil sa pag-iyak.

“M-Mom…” I cried while touching her. “S-sorry, Ma…”

 “Akala mo hindi ko alam?!” My tears fell more when my mom broke down, her
voice trembling. The sound of panic and betrayal in her voice. “A-ano bang ginawa
ko para ganituhin n’yo 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…” I sobbed, clutching my chest to ask for an apology.

It was my fault! I’ve hurt her! I’ve put my family in danger! Again!

I saw my mother’s shaking hands. She closed her eyes and tried calming down,
but she was panicking and hysterical.

I was familiar with that sight. I have seen my mother break down and had an
episode when I was a kid. It was not a clear memory, but it was not that hazy
either. I remember she was shaking in fear upon seeing someone before, saying the
man would hurt me… that he would take me from her.

She was so scared. She was crying and it was my fault!

“F-fuck, Zidney!” my father called and carried her towards the couch when her
knees buckled. “Deion! Come here!”

I didn’t know what to do. I was screaming in my head, but I had no strength
to even move, stunned.

“A-aalis ako…” Scira suddenly whispered, her voice stiff, and turned her
back.

My shoulders tensed.

What? She’s leaving?

I found myself following her, panicking. Hawak-hawak ko ang kamay na nanigas

sa nararamdamang halo-halong emosyon at nanghina pagkakita kay Scira na inilalagay
na ang damit niya sa maleta.

“S-Scira, s-saan ka pupunta?” I asked. She glanced at me, her angry and cold
gaze reminded me of our mother.

“Aalis sa pesteng pamamahay na ‘to,” mariin at matapang niyang sabi at

mabilis na ipinasok ang damit sa loob ng maleta.

I gasped.

“N-no! What are you doing?!” I exclaimed and ran towards her. “S-si Mommy,
no…no, don’t do this.”

“P-pagod na pagod na ako, Ate…” she hissed and cried.

Honestly? I didn’t know what to do. Ako ang panganay, ako ang dapat tumulong
sa ganitong sitwasyon, ang magpaliwanag at sabihing intindihin si Mommy, na para sa
amin ‘yong ginagawa niya but how could I really preach for something I failed to
do?

I question our family’s love for me! I’ve hurt my mom!

 I tried stopping my sister, but she wouldn’t budge. She carried her baggage
and walked out.

“Scira!” I called desperately, panicking.

She shouldn’t leave! Baka mapahamak siya sa labas! Gabi na! And our parents!
They’d get worried!

Paano kapag nandito rin ang tauhan ng mga Sebastian? Paano kung ang kapatid
ko naman ang pakialaman ng mga demonyong ‘yon?!

Bumaba ako ng hagdan pasunod sa kanya at nakitang nakasandal ang Mommy kay
Dad na hawak ang kamay niya. Deion was with her too, nakita ko ang pamilyar na
babae sa gilid at karga si Queen Scira na tumahan na.

My forehead creased at the sight of the lady.

She’s back?

“Scira!” Ibinalik ko ang atensyon sa kapatid.

Everyone’s attention were on us. I saw my father tensing up when he saw us,
lalo na kay Scira at sa maleta niya. Si Mommy ay napatingin din at nadurog ako nang
makita ang hapdi sa mga mata niya habang patuloy pa ring nahuhulog ang mga luha sa
kanyang mata.

“Scira?” Deion called. “Where are you going?”

She shrugged, glancing at him coldly, and walked out.

“Young lady! Come back here!” My father exclaimed to try and stop her, but
she wouldn’t look back. Humabol pa ako, nakasunod pa si Deion para makiusap sa
kapatid pero nakapasok na siya sa sasakyan at pinagsarhan kami.

No… she shouldn’t leave! She has to stay!

“Scira!” Deion knocked on her window, and I couldn’t do anything but cry.

This was my fault… This was all my fault!

I panicked when my sister started the engine and before I could beg her to
stay, she drove away, leaving us that night.

It was August first. I will never forget that day.

That same night, I didn’t just lose my sister. I’ve lost my mother too and my
grandfather. Papa Jer died, and everything was in shambles.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I didn’t know I was preoccupied until my mother got to me and caged me for an
embrace before cupping my cheek.

“Are you okay, anak?” I gasped, stared at her worried face, and broke down.

“M-Mommy,” I called and cried. “I-I’m sorry, Mom. Sorry…”

She embraced me again, and as my father wrapped the both of us in his arms
too, Sebastian’s screams in my head faded for I knew I was with the people who
mattered the most… I was home.

I tended to Sebastian’s wound while he was out and unconscious. Not because I
was concerned but because I didn’t want him to die yet, not when he still hasn’t
been trialed in court, not until he was rooted in jail, suffering.

“Did you call the police yet, My?” I asked my mother.

We were seated at the back of the open car, her arms around me, cuddling.
Mahigpit ang hawak niya, tila takot na takot na mawala ako sa bisig niya.

“Oh…” She cleared her throat. “Not yet, darling. Uh, you know, balak pang
kausapin ng mga tito mo si Sebastian…”

While she was saying that, she was avoiding my gaze, still trying to soften
the blow to me kaya ngumiti ako at sumiksik sa kanya.

“It’s fine, My. I’m already an adult,” I told her.

“H-hmm?” Her soft black eyes met mine. “What do you mean? Kakausapin lang—”

“They’re gonna torture the bastard, aren’t they?” I asked bluntly.

“Clyte! Language!” Her eyes widened, surprised with my language but as we

stared at each other for a moment, we both chuckled.

“Shit?” she mumbled.

“Mommy, language,” I told her too kaya nagtawanan kaming dalawang muli.

She embraced me again.

“Damn it. I’m so sorry, darling. Kahit malaki ka na, para sa ‘kin, baby ka
pa,” she said, tilting my chin gently to look at me. “Ang bilis, ano? Parang dati
buhat-buhat ka lang ni Mommy. You were very tiny in my arms while you were playing
with Barbies with Crest. Parang kailan lang no’ng kapag nakikita mong umiiyak ako
at malungkot, nagsasabi ka ng…”

“My, candies?” my mom said in unison with my dad. Nagulat ako at natawa nang
may kinuha ang Dad na gum sa bulsa at inilahad sa akin.

I happily took it. Daddy grinned and fixed his eyeglasses.

“No’ng umiyak si mommy mo, you offered her candies. No’ng sinuntok ako ng mga
tito mo, you offered me candies too,” Dad said, leaning in to kiss my forehead and
then Mom’s. “Ang bilis ng panahon, anak.”

He sat beside me. Napagitnaan nila ako kaya tumalon ang puso ko sa tuwa.

My parents! My Mommy and Daddy!

“I-I said that before?” I asked, curious. I didn’t quite remember that part,
but I was sure it was a wholesome memory.

“Yup,” Dad answered. “Tawag mo nga sa ‘kin no’n, Dada. Ang hilig-hilig mo sa
sweets no’ng maliit ka kaya maaga kang nabungi.”

I chuckled and bit my lip. “Really?”

 “Hmm… luckily, you got a bit over your candy obsession, but when you grew up,
you targeted gums instead, so I made sure I had at least one when you’re around,”
he explained.

My eyes widened. Surprise by his revelation and at the memory of a man who
always had gums in his pocket.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel na nakapaywang at seryosong kausap si Zion pero

nang mapansin ang atensyon ko’y nawala sa pinsan ang mga mata niya. Nakipagtitigan
siya sa akin, seryoso ang mga mata at dahil sa layo niya’y mukhang itim ang mga
asul niyang mata.

“It was funny because I had bruises all over my face that time and then, you
came up to us with a sweet smile, hopping and offering us candies as if it was
medicine,” Dad mumbled. “It actually was, in some way, because your concern made me
really happy and light. It healed me.”

Alchiel smirked at me and winked. Napalunok ako.

Ang gwapo talaga ni Prosecutor. Nakaka-paksyet. Kapag ako nanggigil, aayain

ko na ‘tong magpakasal!

“During those time din, nabuo sa utak ko ‘yong bucket list kong manununtok
ako ng manliligaw ng mga anak ko. Isang huli ko pang kindat d’yan sa manliligaw mo,
malalagyan ko na ng check ‘yong isa,” my dad said lightly.

I jumped and then whipped my hair in his direction. He was eyeing the now
pale Alchiel, lifting his fist to show him his fist and then lifting his finger to
form a check, letting him know.

“Dad!” I called.

My mother laughed and showed us the phone.

“Should I open the notes now, Thornie?” she asked excitedly, surprising me
even more.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

They took Israel. I knew what they did to him before handing him to the
police. I even saw the scarred fists of my father and the satisfied gleam in his
eyes after the anger the first few days.

They taught him a lesson—one that would forever haunt him. I did not ask
how they did it, for I had enough violence in this lifetime, but I know it was
something he deserved for everything he had done to my Mommy Ritch, to me, and to
my family.

His trial was scheduled after they brought him to the police, full of bruises
and his one eye closed, both legs limping. Alchiel was claiming someone
else—another enemy—got to him first and when the Sandejas caught him, gano’n na
siya.

It was all according to plan, aside from one thing. Cole was fucking missing.

Wala na siya bago pa magkagulo no’ng araw na ‘yon nang mahuli si Israel and
even if he’s in custody, may galamay pa siya sa labas kaya hindi pa namin
masasabing ligtas na.
 While he was out, nakiusap si Mommy na h’wag muna akong pumasok. I agreed.
Nag-asikaso na lang ako sa bahay ng mga event na kailangang i-review at pinapunta
roon ang team.

I felt relaxed but it’s been a week now since I last saw Alchiel personally
aside from our video calls kaya miss na miss ko na. Pero ano bang magagawa ko at
busy siya sa prosecution at sa paghahanap kay Cole?

When the day of the trial came, I was nervous. I would be on the witness
stand today.

I came with my parents to the court. Dahil kinausap nina Mommy si Tito Iñigo
sa labas ay nauna na akong papasok sa room at nakita si Chiel na pinapalibutan nina
Meia, Bryce, at Rome.

He was taller so even if they were covering him, I could see his grumpy face.
His brows were knotted with his lips in a firm line.

Grumpy yet still very handsome.

Lumapit ako. Everyone greeted me. Meia embraced me tight, and we conversed
until they let me go, and I had the chance to walk closer to Chiel.

He was just watching me, his blue eyes amused. His lustrous black hair was
brushed up cleanly on his head, and he was wearing a black and violet robe as the
case’s prosecutor.

At nasabi ko na ba pero ang gwapo niya talaga? At masarap pa—

“You could eat me later, sweetheart,” he lamented. Umakyat ang dugo sa pisngi
ko.

“H-hey!” I hissed. “Hindi kaya, bastos nito!”

But he knew me well he just pulled me closed and brushed my bangs.

“Sorry, Bella. I haven’t visited you. Natambakan ako ng trabaho. Don’t worry,
after the trial I’ll—why are you smiling?”

I chuckled.

“Wala lang. Ang gwapo-gwapo kasi ng prosecutor,” I mumbled and brushed his
hair a little then his robe. “Paano ba ‘yan, hirap na hirap ka na naman kaka-adjust
ng robe mo at ‘di mo maabot ang kurbata?”

He sighed and nodded.

“Don’t worry, I can handle it better now,” aniya. “Medyo nasanay na rin.”

Nagkatitigan kami at napansin ko ang kung ano sa mga mata niya kaya nagtanong
na.

“What’s the matter?” I asked. “Don’t deny it. I know there is.”

“It’s them,” aniya. “Locket called. Their lawyer did not show up to go with
them here in court.”

“Huh?” My forehead creased. “Paano ‘yon? P’wede ba?”

 “Basically, because this is a joint case about your abduction, magkakasama
sila. Kiko Fernandez is a lawyer and could defend himself but it’s complicated.
It’s not plausible and it could be a disadvantage.”

“Baka late lang?” I asked.

“I hope so…” he muttered, but I knew even he didn’t believe it.

My mom and dad got inside after with Tito Iñigo and some family members. My
sister and Dei were here. Si Queen ay na kina Tito Dash at kasama si Dette at bawal
siya rito ngayon. I was out to wait for Adira and Crest when the SWAT team arrived
with the police.

My gaze got stuck on Israel Sebastian in the wheelchair, bruised and weak,
with Kiko and Jackson Sebastian.

“Anak…” he called. His tone was gentle, but I wouldn’t be a victim of it

anymore.

I looked away from him, my chest heavy, and nodded at Locket.

“Nasa parking na,” Locket referred to his wife.

Nang dumating sina Adi at Crest ay sama-sama kami pagpasok. The tension was
already thick and overwhelming when we got inside. The judge was in there, too, and
was asking where the defense counsel was.

“He’s on his way, Your Honor,” Kiko announced.

Hawak-hawak ko si Adi habang si Crest ay nauuna na nang mapansin kong

natigilan si Adi.

“Adi?” I called, looking at her but her eyes were stuck somewhere. Confused,
I followed her gaze and even I was surprised to see who was sitting at the back
part of the courtroom.

“Ash…” she mumbled, staring at the handsome man on the back. His serious eyes
were on her, too.

I was about to call Adira’s attention and take her to our seats when the
doors opened again.

“My apologies for the late arrival, Your Honor,” a voice echoed kaya dagli
kong nilingon iyon at napigil ang hininga ko pagkakita kung sino iyon.

“And you are?” the judge asked.

“The defense counsel, Atty. Cole Fernandez,” he introduced, but his eyes were
on Alchiel whose jaw clenched, his eyes flaring with challenge.

Kabanata 50

Kabanata 50

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

 I wasn’t sure where I’d be surprised more. Seeing Ash or knowing Cole
Fernandez was their lawyer?

Nagkatinginan kami ni Alchiel. His gaze was dark and scrutinizing. I even saw
Locket stepping closer. May inaabot ito na posas sa likod niya pero pinigilan siya
ng kasama sabay iling.

“You’re the defense counsel?” the judge asked.

Cole nodded.

“What happened to the other one?” he asked.

“He quit, Your Honor,” aniya sabay baling sa likod.

Confused, I followed his gaze as it landed on Ash. Nagtitigan ang dalawa.

Madilim at nang-uuyam ang kay Cole habang malamig lang at blangko ang sa isa.

What?!

I heard Adira gasp.

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Cole at dahil nasa gilid pa ako ay tumaas ang
sulok ng labi niya.

“Fancy seeing you here, Zahrah,” mahina niyang sabi.

“What the hell are you doing, Cole?” I asked sharply. “And how did it happen?
Why are you—”

“I’m innocent until proven guilty,” aniya. “Aside from your stupid CCTVs, you
can’t directly pinpoint my involvement with my clients, Zahrah.”

“You should be in jail!”

“Uh-huh.” He chuckled. “Where’s the warrant? None?” He took a step closer to

me and I didn’t budge. I remained standing on my ground and eyed him back.

It surprised him, but it didn’t stop him anyway.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take it easy for your boy,” he lamented, his tone
boastful.

“Oh, you shouldn’t, Attorney,” agap ko pabalik. “Save yourself the

embarrassment ‘cause he won’t be easy on you.”

I smirked at him. Tumalim ang tingin niya, akmang may sasabihin pa nang
magsalita ang judge.

“Defense counsel, we are not on vacation here to wait for you. Should we just
reschedule the whole trial?” the judge asked, impatient now.

“My apologies, Your Honor,” ani Cole. Inisang tingin pa ako nito bago
tumingin kay Alchiel habang naglalakad papunta sa gitna para ibigay ang transfer at
notice niya bilang bagong counsel ng kabilang panig.

Chiel was keeping it cool, trying to be nonchalant and it was… for the other
people seeing him but not for me. I noticed every little thing.
 The tick of his jaw, the knotting of his eyebrow, the twitch and pursing of
his red lips, and the flaring of his majestic blue eyes. I even saw him adjusting
his robe, possibly annoyed he couldn’t reach his necktie at this time.

Tahimik si Adi nang madala ko na siya kina Tita Thallia. I noticed Tito
Iñigo’s silence, nakatitig na siya sa gitna pero alam kong alam niya ang dahilan
at tahimik si Adi.

Chiel was doing the same. Nakatitig siya sa platform pero nahuli ko ang
sulyap niya kay Adira at sa likod, napansin ang pagdilim lalo ng kanyang tingin.

Tito Iñigo loomed over his daughter protectively. Pinagitnaan nina Tita
Thallia at Tito si Adira at nang masigurado kong ayos na siya’y pumunta ako sa
likuran nila para tumabi kina Mommy at sa mga kapatid.

Dad asked if I was okay, his gaze dark. I saw him on the verge of standing
earlier to come to my aid when Cole did that but Tito Iñigo stopped him.

“Ayos lang po, Dad,” marahang sagot ko at naupo.

“I’ll ask Ate Crest here,” ani Scira bago kalabitin si Crest na kanina pa
sulyap nang sulyap sa ‘kin para makipagpalit.

Crest thanked her and sat beside me, taking my hand and squeezing it for a
silent encouragement. She knew how hard it was to stand in court. She experienced
it twice before and with her support, I felt better.

The judge accepted the document and the trial proceeded.

I listened as the court interpreter started speaking.

“For arraignment: Criminal Case No. 26894-D, Israel Sebastian v. Clytemnestra

Alyona Fabroa for violation of Republic Act. No. 1084, Section 267, kidnapping and
serious illegal detention. Requesting appearance for the prosecution and defense
counsel.”

The two introduced themselves starting with Cole.

“Your Honor, I am Atty. Cole Fernandez entering my appearance as the defense

counsel.”

“Your Honor, I am Prosecutor Alchiel Verón Sandejas, entering my appearance

as the prosecuting attorney of the case. Thank you,” my man said and a strong surge
of pride reverberated inside me for him.

I am so proud of him.

“Prosecutor, please state the cases filed against the accused by the
prosecution,” the judge lamented, and Alchiel, in his intimidating gaze and height,
went into the middle of the room to speak.

“Your Honor, I am representing Miss Clytemnestra Fabroa in this case, and

today, I intend to prove that on the 25th day of June, 20xx, in Manila, within the
jurisdiction of the Honorable Court, Miss Fabroa was kidnapped and illegally
detained from her family by the above-named accused and his accomplices. The victim
was missing for four years with the timeline ranging from 20xx until 20xx. The
victim was found in Cebu just last year, seven months ago.

“Today, the prosecution intends to prove that Mr. Israel Sebastian, together
with his accomplices, Kiko Fernandez and Jackson Sebastian, were guilty of the
charge of kidnapping and illegal detention. Other cases include assault, ambush,
and attempted murder.”

The judge glanced at Israel Sebastian.

“Mr. Sebastian, do you understand the crime charged against you?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” he answered.

“What is your plea?” the honorable judge inquired.

“Not guilty, Your Honor,” he answered smugly. My throat dried up.

This asshole… really…

“Ang kapal ng mukha,” my mother whispered beside me, her gaze hard.

“The accused pleaded not guilty, Your Honor,” ani ng court interpreter kaya
tumango ang huli.

He repeated the question to the two accomplices who also said they plead not
guilty.

“Let it be on the record that the accused pleaded not guilty to the violation
of Republic Act No. 1084,” the judge said then glanced at Chiel. “You may call on
your first witness, Prosecutor.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. I would like to call in the stand Miss Zidney
Valderama.”

My mom gave me a reassuring look before standing and walking in the middle to
say the oath before settling herself on the witness stand.

I saw Israel Sebastian staring at her intently, trying to intimidate her like
a devil urging someone to go to hell with him but my mother did not even flinch.
She didn’t throw him a look or even an ounce of acknowledgment like he didn’t exist
to her at all, and it pissed him off.

Despite his battered appearance, black eye, and bruises, he still managed to
do those things.

“He’s a narcissistic motherfucker,” my dad muttered beside me kaya nilingon

ko siya.

“Who?”

“You know who,” ani Dad. “He’s about to get another life sentence and he was
still thinking everyone should acknowledge him. You’ll see, if it all fell down,
he’d throw everyone out of the bus just to save himself.”

“He’ll be in jail otherwise, right?”

Tumango siya.

“Yes, but he’d make sure he’d still be able to save himself… somehow,” Dad
answered, eyeing the asshole on the side.

“Please state your name for the court,” Chiel said.

 “Zidney Sandejas Valderama,” my mother answered.

“Miss Valderama, can you please tell us about your connection with the
victim, Miss Fabroa, and the accused, Mr. Sebastian.”

“Clyte is my daughter,” ani Mommy. “My beloved friend, Ritchelle Fabroa,

entrusted me with her care as her legal guardian until she reached the right age.”

“You adopted Miss Fabroa, correct?”

“Yes, legally, she is my daughter. She is a Sandejas-Valderama,” she

proclaimed, and I saw how Israel’s face crumpled.

“Can I ask then, why she changed her surname to Fabroa?”

“It was because of her mother, Ritchelle’s wishes. She wanted her to take
after her surname once she reached the legal age and had the chance to decide on
her own. However, it was just her wish, as the final say would be from Clyte. It’ll
be her decision to change her name.”

“I see…” Chiel nodded then glanced at the defendant’s side. “Can you please
look at this side, and tell me who is the most familiar to you?”

Lumingon si Mommy at tumitig kay Sebastian.

“Him,” she answered coldly, then pointed to Israel who was trying to keep
his
cool.

“Mr. Israel Sebastian? Correct?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, Miss Valderama. Can you tell us how he was connected to you, to
Miss Richelle Fabroa, and Miss Clytemnestra?”

“He is Clyte’s biological father,” she answered.

I heard the whispers around the room. May mga iilang reporter at journalist
ang pinayagang makapasok sa korte para sa trial. Kalat kasi ang pagtakas sa
kulungan ng dalawang Sebastian and honestly, even if they did try their best in
this case, mababawasan lang siguro ang sentence pero makukulong pa rin.

Well, Sebastian was already serving a life sentence from my mothers, Zidney
and Ritch’s case, for decades now, and adding more to my case won’t be new anymore
but proving it in court meant justice for me and my family.

He’d be dead before he was able to serve all of those sentences but the
court, the justice system acknowledging he did us—me—wrong was a win for me.

This case… was for me.

“If Mr. Sebastian is the biological father, how did you become her guardian
instead of Mr. Sebastian?”

“I already had a trial before against Israel Sebastian.” Mom cleared her
throat. “W-when… uh, it was proven in court more than thirty years ago of his
involvement in the murder of my adopted parents, Anselmo and Thelma Lopez. Israel
threatened me. I’m sure the prosecution will be able to tell you the whole story,
but I met Ritchelle on my way to Manila, at a bus station. We became friends and I
found out about her involvement with Israel. We found out we were somehow
connected. She was his wife and she escaped from him after his infidelity and
abuse.”

“Hmm…” Tumango si Chiel sabay baling sa judge. “Your Honor, the defendant had
a prior case of abuse and assault—”

“Objection, Your Honor!” Cole suddenly exclaimed.

“For?”

“Prejudicial!” ani Cole. “The case is irrelevant!”

The judge gave Alchiel a scrutinizing observing look, his eyes questioning.

“Is it relevant, Prosecutor?” He fixed his eyeglasses.

“Yes, Your Honor,” ani Chiel. “The case is connected, and it may paint the
defendant in a bad light, but this is the truth. We will have to discuss the case
to fully understand how and why the defendant kidnapped Miss Fabroa.”

The judge stopped briefly to think, and Cole stood up.

“Objection, Your Honor! This is unfair prejudic—”

“Overruled,” ani ng judge sabay baling kay Alchiel. “Prosecutor, proceed.”

Cole closed his eyes tightly. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Chiel sabay baling
sa huli pero mabilis lang iyon at parang multong nawala sa labi niya’t naging
seryoso ulit.

Nakagat ko ang labi sabay lapit kay Crest at bulong.

“Your twin’s fucking hot,” I whispered to her.

Her eyes widened and she was about to tell me something when Dad cleared his
throat. Napaayos ako ng upo’t nilingon siya.

“What are you saying, princess?” he asked.

Dali-dali akong umiling, kinakabahan.

“Nothing, Dad,” I denied in a small voice. Nanliit ang mga mata niya. Tumawa
si Crest at kinurot ako kaya nag-init lang ang pisngi ko at sinapak ang sarili ko
sa utak.

Ikalma mo, ‘te?!

Chiel discussed the relevance of the case and how Israel, Ritchelle, and
Zidney’s fates were intertwined. I knew it already, but it was very awful to hear.
I was hurt for my mother and what she’d been through, and speaking in the court of
law and reminiscing about her past was a hard thing to do, but she did. For me.

My mother was a strong woman.

“Defense counsel, would you like to cross-examine the witness?” the judge
asked.
 “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.”

When Chiel left the stand, Cole replaced him, eyeing my mother sharply, who
was just staring back at him with a challenge, ready for anything he’d ask her.

“You forced Mrs. Ritchelle Sebastian to hand you her daughter, correct?” he
started.

“Objection! Speculation!” Chiel retorted.

“Sustained. Defense counsel,” the judge called.

Cole’s forehead creased but he nodded, obviously pissed but accepted it. He
had no choice anyway.

“Witness, you had a history with my client, correct?”

“Bad history? Yes,” my mother answered.

“Bad history…” Tumango ang huli. “I see, looking at your past connection with
Mr. Sebastian, you are obviously harboring resentment against him for decades.”

“Objection, Your Honor! Leading,” Chiel said.

“Overruled,” the judge worked against his favor, unfortunately. “Defense

counsel, go on.”

Nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi ng huli, nagyayabang na pinagbigyan

siya. Asshole.

Chiel’s jaw ticked but he let it go. Pinaglaruan niya ang pen sa kanyang
daliri at binasa ang labi, pinapanood ang cross-examination.

“So you are harboring resentment against my client, right? After you said
you’d witnessed him kill your adopted parents. Was there any other reason why you
are feeling that way, witness?”

“It was already proven in court that he had in fact, murdered my parents,
abused and hurt Ritchelle, and other cases. If there is any other reason I felt
that way, it is because after I was granted Clyte’s guardianship and adoption, he
and his accomplices are actively trying to stage an ambush for my family and
daughter.”

“Actively staging an ambush, but if he had, assuming he did, why aren’t you
hurt? Why was he never successful?”

“Don’t know… because he’s stupid?” Mom asked blankly.

I heard gasps. Miski ako ay nanlaki ang mata at natawa ang Dad at sina Tito
Iñigo kasama ang mga ibang tao sa korte at kung hindi lang pinukpok ng judge ang
gavel ay ‘di tatahimik ang mga ito.

“Order in the court!” he exclaimed. “Witness, your words…”

“My apologies, Your Honor,” my mom answered softly, a smile hinting in her
voice, but I knew for sure she wasn’t sorry.

Dad chuckled.
 “That’s my girl,” he whispered proudly.

“How could you be so sure it was Mr. Sebastian’s schemes when he was in jail
all those years?” Cole asked when he recovered.

“We’re sure. He wouldn’t do it alone, of course. That’s why he had

accomplices.” Mom glanced at their way. “Who else would do it to my daughter? We
had to move her from time to time, keep security around her to keep her safe—”

“Do you? Or are you trying to take Miss Fabroa away from her father—”

“She should be. We are her legal guardians, and even if you check her records
now after she changed her name, my daughter only listed Ritchelle Fabroa as her
mother. No records of your client because he didn’t exist to her at all.”

“Maybe…” Cole cleared his throat. “Maybe you just don’t want Miss Fabroa to
know the truth, so you tried to spin the story to your advantage. Maybe you weren’t
fatally hurt during the ambush because your family staged it and put the blame on
my client.”

I felt the pit in my stomach, remembering all the false information they had
fed me before and how it was included in their messy narrative. How I believed it
and almost hurt my family after I came back to their care.

Chiel’s jaw was clenched. His brow was in knots but weirdly enough, he wasn’t
saying his objections right now.

What were his plans?

“Wow, that’s a twist. You should be a writer,” Mom muttered. “Well, do you
have evidence against your claim, Attorney?”

Cole smirked. “Well… do you?”

It satisfied Cole when Mom just looked at her, bumaling siya sa judge na may
ngiti.

“That’s all, Your Honor,” aniya bago naupo.

“Prosecution, do you have further questions for the witness?” the judge
asked.

Chiel shook his head.

“No further questions. Thank you, Miss Valderama.”

When mom stood to leave the platform, her eyes were cold, and she wasn’t
showing emotion, but I saw the way her fingers twitched. She hid it by smoothening
her dress, but Dad knew her. Sinalubong niya si Mommy, walang salitang hinawakan
ang kamay nito at tahimik na inilusot sa bulsa ng jacket niya.

My heart melted. I saw the way Dad’s fingers moved in his pockets to caress
Mom’s and then she kissed her head and muttered, “You did great, queen. I’m proud
of you.”

My mommy smiled gently at me. I moved closer and rested my head on her
shoulder.

“Mommy, I’m nervous,” I confessed.

 “We got you, darling,” she whispered. “No matter what happens, our family,
Mommy and Daddy will protect you, hmm? I promise, Clyte.”

“I would like to address the defense counsel’s concern regarding proof.”

Bumalik ang atensyon ko kay Chiel na pumunta sa gitna. “He was inquiring if the
victim’s mother, Miss Valderama, had evidence of her claim of the defendant being
the mastermind for the ambush. Well, the prosecution wanted to call on the
witness—”

“Objection! We are not informed of the new witnesses!” Cole retorted.

Bumaling ang judge kay Chiel para magtanong kung necessary ba ang witness na
sinasabi niya. Chiel said they were connected to the case and necessary to clarify
the case kaya pumayag ang judge.

It pissed Cole but he couldn’t do anything at all. Chiel called on the

witness and when I followed the police’s direction, my eyes widened when I realized
they were the men who tried to abduct me in my supposedly new condo unit back in
Cebu!

I tensed. Crest held my hand tightly. Nagpunta ang dalawa sa gitna kung saan
sila sumumpa sa oath.

It angered Cole and his clients, but he tried keeping it cool—and miserably
failing.

Chiel asked the two regarding the case in Cebu, where once said he was their
lawyer and that the family—our family—sent them, which could actually turn the
blame to the Sandejas but it didn’t because he managed to find the mastermind who
hired the two culprits.

He was added to the stand where he confessed to the crime.

“Tell me again who paid you to hire these two to abduct Miss Fabroa? Is it
one of these people? Please point him for us.”

“Si… si Kiko Fernandez,” sagot nito sabay turo kay Kiko na suminghap at
umiling, napapatayo na sa upuan.

“I did not! Hindi ako—”

“Defendant!” the judge called strictly. “Attorney, your client!”

“My apologies, Your Honor,” ani Cole at hinawakan ang ama, may sinasabi para
ipakalma ang huli.

After Chiel questioned the witnesses, Cole came for a cross-examination,

trying his best to spin the narrative but their confession already made their
defense in shambles.

Makukulong at makukulong pa rin ang mga ‘yan.

And then, Crest was called to the stand for another witness’ testimony
because she was with me when I was taken. She was composed and confident, but her
family was tense.

I understood why. The last time they were in court altogether with Crest on
the stand, she was the victim, and it would take a lot of years to completely
forget and heal from it—if they did.

Chiel’s jaw clenched as he tried adjusting his robe to breathe. I knew he

hated seeing his twin on the stand again, but she was a necessary witness. Tito
Iñigo pulled his necktie to compose himself and Locket was in full alert.

Mas tumikas ang tindig niya at napansin ko ang bahagya at pasimple niyang
paglapit sa witness stand, sa may likod ng asawa para maging handa kung sakali mang
may mangyaring ‘di maganda’y handa siya para protektahan ang asawa.

Chiel then asked Crest about her recollection of my abduction. It broke my

heart when I heard the hurt in her voice, the memories coming back as she narrated
what happened.

“I was there, and I couldn’t do anything. She was in my grip. I was there but
I-I couldn’t do anything to save her.” Her voice broke.

I could notice Chiel’s emotion changing because he witnessed it all, too. His
eyes were glassy, trying to mask his reaction but it was slipping. He was there. He
ran after me and got shot because of me, and then I was gone.

They looked for me for years. Desperately.

“They did not hurt you because your family orchestrated it,” pinaglaban pa
ni
Cole.

“Really? Clyte is my best friend. We were together since we were little, we

played together, and we did everything together until we were adults. Do you think
I—we could do that?”

“Why not?” He smirked. “You’re probably jealous of her or something. Girls

are like that, right? You said you couldn’t do anything to save her when, actually,
you had. Even if best of friends, I’m sure there is some misunderstanding that led
you to agree to your family’s plans—”

“Objection! Opinion,” Chiel retorted.

“Sustained,” the judge agreed, and Cole stopped but a smile was on his
lips.

“I feel bad for your mindset, Attorney.” Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Crest. “You
must not have a good family to share love and hobbies with.”

Nangunot ang noo ni Cole. “Excuse me?” Lumapit siya kay Crest pero naroon na
kaagad si Locket at hinarangan siya palayo.

“Defense counsel…”

“My apologies,” he muttered and glared at her. “But I wanted to know why the
witness said that.”

“Why? Because we were like that. We are a family. Clyte’s my family and she’s
my best friend. My sister at heart. Yes, people tend to have
misunderstandings—people, not just girls. Everyone. However, Attorney, not
everyone is jealous of one another. Not everyone wants someone’s downfall. Don’t
stereotype girls. Most of us support each other, some of us share hobbies and root
for success,” she said coldly.
 “Some are families, and it does not include only blood relations but the
bond, the memories, and heart. I—we do not want any harm for her. She is family.
We protect, support, and love each other. That’s what family does, and if you don’t
agree, then, I’m so sorry if you feel that way. I hope you’ll find and make a good
family of your own soon.”

He was left astonished, tongue-tied. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Chiel sa

kambal at kinagat ang labi para pigilan ang ngisi.

Seriously, though, if Crest became a lawyer? She’d make people kneel on her
feet and kiss her shiny glittered pink Prada shoes.

Crest left the stand after the defense counsel cross-examined her. You could
really not spin the story if it was the truth. She stood and Locket went behind
her, not touching her but securing her from the back in case she fell.

Crest and my gaze met. I was so proud of her. Nahulog ang luha sa mga mata ko
at niyakap siya pagbalik niya.

“I’m here,” I reassured her. “I’m here now… I won’t be gone anymore.”

“The prosecution wanted to share another piece of evidence proving the

Sebastians’ involvement in the case,” Chiel said and clicked the remote. “Please
see the exhibit 3.2 for the proof.”

It was Jackson Sebastian.

“During the last ambush of Miss Zidney Valderama’s vehicle, we have captured
and seen Mr. Jackson Sebastian, Israel’s brother, on the act and in the vehicle.”

“I was framed! I only woke up in the van—”

“Defendant!”

“My apologies…” Muling kinalma ni Cole ang kliyente. “But my client was not
capable of hurting anyone—”

Chiel’s brow shot up.

“Mr. Jackson Sebastian was claiming he was framed, but let’s not forget he,
together with Israel, escaped prison. That alone made their defenses unreasonable,
not to add the proven case against him for the domestic abuse of his wife, Lina
Sebastian.”

I remembered that case…

“Objection! Unrelated to the case—” Chiel cut him off.

“Your Honor, if deemed necessary, we are willing to talk to Miss Lina

Sebastian, who, right now is under witness protection to testify against Mr.
Jackson.”

“No, we don’t accept—”

“Order in the court!” he demanded. “We will not add more cases in this trial
unless necessary. Now, I want to focus on the prosecution’s evidence against the
defendant’s involvement.”

And so, the trial proceeded with Chiel showing and explaining the evidence.
He was great. Professional and eloquent. Not to add his oozing charisma. He didn’t
know it yet, but everytime he’d used his serious voice with his thick accent, I was
getting turned on.

Nagkatinginan kami habang nagpapaliwanag siya ng exhibit ng mga ebidensya.

I licked my lip unknowingly. Naibitin sa ere ang sasabihin niya’t dumilim ang
tingin sa ‘kin sabay taas ng kilay. His gaze was demanding me to tell him what it
was I was thinking—or maybe he knew because his lip twitched after a moment.

“Prosecutor?” the judge called kaya natauhan ang huli napahawak sa robe niya
sabay hingi ng paumanhin at iwas ng tingin sa akin.

“Hmm… ano ‘yang landiang titigan na ‘yan?” Sinundot ni Crest ang baywang ko
kaya napatalon ako at umangil sa kanya, nag-iinit ang mukha.

“Enebe…” maarte kong reklamo pero nanigas ang nguso kong pa-pout na nang
mahuli ang nanliliit na mata ni Daddy.

“What is it, girls?” he asked.

“N-nothing—”

“Then, bakit bumabaligtad ‘yang dila mo?” he pointed out and when my mom
grinned and showed me a secret thumbs-up proudly, sumabog ang init sa mukha ko.

“What… Zidney,” Dad called out in a small voice, and Mom’s lips protruded and
hid her thumb.

“Why?” she asked innocently, as if she didn’t do a thing.

“Tss…” Dad shook his head. “Anak mo talaga ‘to, ano? Pareho kayo pumipilipit
ang dila?”

I chuckled. Mommy shrugged innocently and Dad shook his head.

“Excited na talaga akong masuntok ‘yan—”

“Ano’ng sabi mo?” Tito Iñigo overheard him and looked back at us. “Sino’ng
sasapakin mo?”

“‘Yong manliligaw ng panganay ko, bakit?” Dad asked back.

“Ano? Subukan mong sapakin ang anak ko—”

“Sinabi ko bang anak mo ang sasapakin ko?” Dad retorted. “Bakit, nanliligaw
ba siya sa anak ko? Kung oo, bakit ‘di ko alam? At saka hindi lang naman siya ang
manliligaw ng Clyte ko. Marami ‘yon sila kaya kabahan na ‘yang anak mo at choosy
ang panganay ko—”

“OMG, maraming manliligaw?” Tita Thallia mumbled and looked at my mother,

lifting her hand to cover her mouth to whisper, but well, I could clearly hear it.

“I don’t know!” my mother whispered back to her.

“Paano ang plano?” Tita asked.

“My son is handsome, smart, and responsible,” ani Tito Iñigo sabay baling sa
‘kin. “He’ll make a great choice, princess.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

 “Dad…” Mahinang natawa si Crest. “Binubugaw mo na rin ba si Chiel?”

“Apong-apo siya ulit,” sikmat ni Tito Zeij sa likod.

“No…” agap ni Tito Iñigo, iritadong umiling. “I’m not. I’m just telling
Clyte here that my son is a great man. I could assure you he loves you, if you want
to demand proof then—”

“My daughter deserves the best,” agap ni Dad.

“Well… my son is the best,” laban ni Tito Iñigo at nagtitigan silang dalawa,
walang nagpapatalo.

“Ay, shit, labanan na ng mga senior. Sino kaya unang aatakihin ng rayuma?”
ani Tito Zeijan na tsismoso sa likod namin kaya sabay-sabay na naglingunan ang mga
tanders sa kanya.

His eyes widened.

“What?”

“Shut your mouth,” ani Tito Dash sabay siko sa kanya. “Hayaan mo mag-away ang
mga Kuya.”

“Sige nga, suntukan nga kayo kung matapang?” ani Tito Zeij sabay ngisi.

“I’ll punch him if he hurts my son,” ani Tito Iñigo.

“E di goods. Kapag sinapak mo ‘ko, isabay na kita at saka anak mo para dalawa
agad check sa bucket list ko, gago,” Dad spat.

Naghagikhikan sila roong lahat, parang mga bubuyog. I tried suppressing my

laugher.

I love this family…

“Excited na ‘kong makita. Buti na lang ako safe,” ani Tito Zeij pero nabitin
ang tawa niya nang tumikhim ang judge sabay patunog ng gavel.

“Order in the court!” he called out. “People at the back, this is a court
room! Hindi ito palengke para magbulungan at magtawanan kayo r’yan sa likod. Para
kayong mga langaw!”

Natahimik ang lahat.

“Judge Sandejas, you should know better! We should respect the courtroom,” he
retorted.

“I’m… my apologies, Your Honor,” ani Tito Iñigo na namumula na ang tainga.

“Ah, napagalitan,” my father teased him silently kung ‘di lang kinurot ni
Mommy kaya napasinghap siya’t nauntog ang tuhod sa upuang kahoy sa harapan namin.

“S-shit, ‘yong buto ko.” He covered his mouth to suppress his voice.

Bigla akong nahiya. Slowly, I lowered my head, letting the strands of my hair
cover the entirety of my face, pasimpleng dumadausdos para magtago sa ilalim ng
upuan sa kahihiyan.
 Binabawi ko na… Papaampon na lang muna ako sa ibang pamilya.

Kabanata 51

Kabanata 51

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

After a thirty-minute recess, the trial resumed. I didn’t have the chance to
talk to Chiel because he was talking with his team and the police. Sina Cole naman
ay mukhang nag-strategize dahil palpak.

“The only person capable of saving will be Kiko Fernandez. Though he’d still
be jailed, he could get a lesser sentence than the other two,” Tito Iñigo
explained. “I think that’s what Cole had wanted to do. The Sebastians are a losing
case already.”

That’s exactly what happened. When the trial resumed, Cole kept on talking
about Kiko’s defense having no records of crime before. That, like the other two,
he was only framed because he’s Israel’s defense attorney.

He told the same story he told me. That Kiko, they only saved me in the car
crash, and they only took me to protect me from the Sandejas—who they were
claiming staged the kidnapping.

Then I was called. My hand trembled but before I left, my family gave me a
reassuring smile. Crest squeezed my hand before letting me go.

Chiel did not take his eyes off me until I reached the stand. He glanced at
Locket and nodded before I felt his presence closer to me.

“State your name for the court,” he said, his tone formal but his eyes
telling otherwise.

Gentle, reassuring, safe… home.

“Clytemnestra Alyona Fabroa,” I stated as the bailiff moved closer.

“Please raise your right hand,” he asked. I followed him. “Do you swear to
tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

“I do,” I agreed bago ako naupo at nagsimula siya ng tanong.

“Miss Fabroa, can you tell us about yourself? Can you tell us what your
parent’s names are?” Chiel asked.

“People often call me Clyte. I’m thirty-four years old. I grew up with the
Sandejas Family. My parents are Thorn and Zidney Sandejas-Valderama. I was under
their guardianship until I reached eighteen. I changed my surname to Fabroa for my
mother’s love and honor.”

Tumango si Chiel at binasa ang labi niya.

“So, Mr. and Mrs. Valderama are your adopted parents, correct?” he asked.

“Yes, Prosecutor.”
 “Then, can you tell us the name of your biological parents?”

“Ritchelle Fabroa,” I stated. I felt the gaze on the defendant’s side kaya
sumulyap ako roon at nasalubong ang tingin ni Sebastian. His gaze, from other
people’s perspective, would be deemed as hopeful but it was the pride and
acknowledgment in real life. He just wanted to rub to my family’s face that he was
my biological father.

“And…?” ani Chiel.

“Nothing else. I’m Ritchelle Fabroa’s daughter,” I stated while staring

directly at him, unblinking.

Tumalim ang kanyang tingin at ‘di na ako nagulat nang tumayo siya’t naging
agresibo.

“What do you mean? I am your father! You are my blood!” he exclaimed. “That
family stole you from me! They’ve brainwashed you! You are Zahrah!”

The judge called him out again that the bailiff restrained him to not cause
any further damage.

“One more and I will kick you out of the courtroom! Remind your clients,
Atty. Fernandez!”

“Miss Fabroa, let me make this clear… you’re only considering Ritchelle
Fabroa as your biological parent, correct?” I nodded. “And why is that?”

“Yes. My mother is a good woman. She died because of her love for me. She was
suffering from stage 4 lung cancer while she was pregnant with me and refused chemo
to have me. My mother made sure I’d be with a great family, one who’d take care of
me and love me for who I am. However, they weren’t perfect, as nobody is, and I
wasn’t either, but they cherished me, cared for me, and gave me a home. My Mommy
Ritch, she… she thought of me even before she died, she made sure I’ll be with the
right people.”

“And Mr. Sebastian?”

“I don’t consider him as one,” I said, looking straight at Israel’s flaring

eyes. “There is no parent who’d harm his child. I don’t consider him one after the
traumas and pain he had inflicted on my mom, my family, and me—who had
experienced it firsthand.”

“How so?” Chiel asked. “You were kidnapped, right?”

“Yes, I was,” I announced. Chiel’s jaw clenched.

I heard the commotion and the reporters whispering. Probably hearing it

directly from me was more effective.

“Can you elaborate on how you were taken?”

I told them the story. After Mama Lena’s funeral, we were on our way home. I
was with Crest and then someone poisoned our driver. I was dragged out of the car,
and I was screaming, begging them not to hurt Crest.

Sinabi kong dinala ako sa bodega, ikinulong sa madilim na lugar. All I knew
during that time was the smell of dirt, rust, and liquor. All I could hear were the
drunken voices of the goons.

I could see the way Chiel’s throat moved to swallow, anger and pain flaring
in his gaze. I shared with them how it turned into nightmares and how my memories
got washed away with it.

How I was trapped in a house for years with guards surrounding me wherever I
go, nothing much of a difference from a prison.

“Who are you with in that house?”

“My Yaya Mildred,” I said. “Some guards, Attorney Kiko and… Atty. Cole
Fernandez,” Nilingon ko ang huli.

They were stiff, but I knew they knew I’d say it anyway.

“Are you certain, Miss Fabroa?” Chiel asked. “Can you pinpoint from the
defendant’s side who was with you in that house?”

“Them.” I pointed to Kiko and Cole. “And after he escaped, I’ve met with
Israel Sebastian with them.”

“Objection!”

“Overruled,” the judge ignored his plea. “Prosecution…”

“Do you understand the oath you had agreed upon before sitting here, Miss
Fabroa?” he asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“Are you aware…” He moved closer and placed his palm on my table, his dark
blue eyes on me. “That perjury could be filed against you if you lied under a sworn
oath?”

“Yes, I do,” I repeated, not taking my eyes off his. His brow shot up.

“Do you swear you’ve seen the defendant, his accomplices, and even the
defense attorney with him?”

“Yes…” I breathed out.

He moved closer, lowering his face, trying to intimidate me but I wasn’t. I

just found him way fucking hotter that I twisted in my seat.

Nahulog ang tingin niya sa paghila ko ng skirt ko bago bumaling sa mukha ko.
His jaw ticked. Mas kumapal ang tensyon.

“Are you okay, Miss Fabroa?” he asked almost lazily… Was it just me or has it
turned hotter? “Or do you need water—”

“I-I’m fine, Prosecutor,” I answered with tension, eyeing him to warm him to
stop eye-fucking me. “I know perjury will be filed in case I lied.”

“Hmm…” he hummed. “Do you swear? Even if there’s a possibility you’ll get
jailed if we find out you lied?”

“Why would I get jailed if I was only telling the truth, Prosecutor?” I
challenged back.
 Nagtitigan kaming dalawa. My toes curled with the intensity of his eyes, and
we flirted silently with our gazes until his gaze fell on my lips as he moistened
his lower lip.

Locket cleared his throat. Nag-init ang mukha ko nang matantong kung walang
ibang tao rito, baka hinila ko na si Chiel at hinalikan.

“Prosecutor,” the judge called and Chiel cleared his throat to push himself
away from me.

“Your Honor, Miss Fabroa stated that she’d seen the defendant’s accomplices
in the house where she was taken,” aniyang parang hindi nakipagharutan sa ‘kin.

Ang lalaking ‘to! Ewan ko ba!

Umayos ako ng upo at pinakinggan ang paliwanag ni Chiel. He introduced more

proof and asked me what information they had fed me to turn me against the Sandejas
family. How I became a secretary sa kanya, kung paano ako ipinasok ni Kiko sa
opisina, at iba pa.

Chiel made it look that the police with the prosecution—he, with the team,
were undercover to make sure I was safe before they took me which was right anyway.
He pretended to be someone else to not alert Israel and finally got me.

He thought of this through.

“Miss Fabroa, even being back in the Sandejas’ care, was still haunted when
Jackson and Israel Sebastian joined hands to take her, even kidnapping Miss Meia,
the prosecution’s secretary to lure Miss Fabroa in exchange for ransom. Thank you,
Your Honor.”

Nang umatras na si Chiel ay siya namang pasok ni Cole na nagbabanta kaagad

ang tingin sa akin.

“You know that it was the Sandejas who staged a kidnapping. You were able to
escape but unfortunately got into a car crash, correct? Wherein Atty. Kiko, your
father’s lawyer, extended help and hid you from them,” he stated, like the lies he
had fed me before.

“No, I wasn’t,” I said. “Mr. Israel Sebastian kidnapped me. I escaped, got
into a crash, and lost my memories, which you took advantage of and contained me in
a house where you fed me lies about my non-existent past with him.”

“That’s incorrect. They brainwashed you,” he insisted instead.

Nangunot ang noo ko. “Who? You?” I snapped.

He stiffened. The whispers became a bit intense the judge called order again.

“Excuse me, Miss Fabroa?” Cole called out.

“Yes?”

“Let me make it clear: the Sandejas brainwashed you, correct?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I think I didn’t say it clearer. Who brainwashed and
manipulated me? I mean you, Atty. Fernandez,” I said with a smile.
 It pissed him off, and it was showing, but he relaxed his shoulder.

“Perjury is the case filed against witnesses who lie under an oath,” he
started.

Oh, God. Wala na bang iba?

“Yup, I know. I think the prosecutor reminded me enough.”

“Good. Then, you know if I proved you’re lying…”

“Go on then, prove it,” I challenged. His eyes sharpened, his jaw clenching.
“Prove it, Attorney, and let’s see who was lying between us.”

“Attorney, witness…” The judge called. “Please, this is not a playground. Be

proper. Attorney Fernandez, question your witness and no assumptions.”

“My apologies,” paumanhin ko at umayos ng upo pero nakita ko ang pagbasa ni

Chiel ng labi niya’t pagpaikot ng pen sa daliri. He gave me a side glance, his eyes
amused.

“Feisty,” he mouthed.

Cole questioned me, recalling my story and asking me to repeat it so he could

twist my words.

“Sebastian, together with his accomplices asked me to the prosecution and

become their spy after manipulating me and feeding me false information—”

“So, you meant to say you were in it, too?” he retorted. “You confessed to
being a spy. Meaning, you are an accomplice, as you were trying to say. The
prosecution could also file a case against you for leaking information and
obstruction of justice—”

“Objection! Relevance,” Chiel retorted.

“Go on, then, file a case against me,” I said before the judge could stop the
questioning.

Napatitig ang judge bago tumango at nagsalita. “Overruled. Go on, defense

counsel.”

Ngumisi ang huli bago nagpasalamat, binalingan si Chiel na iritado na at

nagtanong.

“Your witness claims to be involved in the case. She’s not fit to be a

witness when she’s in on it. You’re a culprit, too. Spying for my client, huh? Hear
that, Prosecutor?” yabang niya kaya binalingan ko rin si Chiel na natigilan sa
natanto.

“Atty. Fernandez just admitted his clients were involved and asked me to spy
for them,” I said with a smile. “Hear that, Prosecutor? I hope you got that on
record?”

Natigilan si Cole. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Chiel sabay tango. His eyes
gleamed with pride as he nodded.

“Got it, Miss Fabroa,” aniya. “It is on the record, Sir, correct?” he asked
the court reporter who nodded.
 Cole was tense.

“That…” he trailed off.

“Do you have further questions, Attorney?” Chiel asked and cocked his head.
Cole’s face darkened and he shook his head.

“No further questions,” matabang niyang sabi kaya suminghap ang mga kliyente
niya at matalim siyang tinitigan.

I left the stand with a proud look from my family. Niyakap ako nina Mommy
habang nagpapasok pang muli ng witness si Chiel.

However, there were some people from their side, testifying against me
saying
I was lying. I didn’t know most of them, but some were the guards or some maids
in
the house they put me in. Cole even mentioned the torture Sebastian went through
with my family after we caught him, but Chiel called it a bluff and threw their
own
words at them.

“Do you have proof, Attorney?” he asked, his tone neutral, and yet his gaze
was dancing with mirth because he knew they didn’t have one.

We have Yaya Mildred, even Meia, Attorney Lindsay, and Judge Marasigan for
us. I was even surprised when Lorraine testified about the port she was
investigating with Chiel. It was all against the Sebastians.

My dad even took a stand when my psychiatrist did not make it to read the
results of my psychiatric examination.

“Miss Fabroa is suffering and currently recovering from her panic disorder.
During her abduction, based on her test results, she suffered from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder, or what we call PTSD, and had early signs of depression.” I heard
the strain in his voice.

Mom’s grip on my hand tightened.

“So, Miss Clyte Fabroa… is sick in the head?” he asked.

Dad stiffened.

“Pardon, Attorney?” he asked, his voice timid.

Cole smirked. “I was asking if Miss Fabroa is sick in the head?”

The judge frowned. “Defense counsel!” he called out, but Dad was looking at
Cole with his cold gaze.

“Be careful of your words, Attorney. This is a serious matter we’re talking
about. The patient was suffering from a mental health condition. She needed care
and support. She was traumatized by everything she had encountered. Ginusto ba niya
‘yon? No. She did not ask for it. She was not sick in the head, you understand? You
could not refer to the victim or to anyone suffering from it like that. That’s not
how you call them, not to mention you’re also a professional. You should’ve known
better, Attorney.” He called him by the title, his voice almost mocking and
disgusted.
I almost smirked at the face Cole made.
 “Damn it. Thornie is so hot.” My mother giggled kaya namilog ang mata ko at
nilingon siyang nagulat din sa sinabi at nakagat ang labi niya.

“But we were able to obtain some of Miss Fabroa’s test results from her old
psychiatrist before. Unfortunately, Dra. Agoncillo was not able to make it here but
please see exhibit 5.1 for her evaluation…” Inilahad niya ang screen kung nasaan
ang result habang ang iba sa panig niya’y nagbibigay na ng mga papel na kopya.

“As you can see here, Miss Fabroa had a history of delusions and
hallucinations,” aniya.

Huh?

Nagkatinginan kami ni Deion. He gave me a frowning look, his gaze asking,

“What the fuck is that asshole saying?”

“What do you mean, Attorney?” Dad asked.

“As per Dra. Agoncillo, who was practicing for more than twenty-five years,”
he even pointed out trying to intimidate my father. “That Miss Fabroa had early
signs that she was suffering from delusion disorder. That she makes stories, and
her head and believes them to be real. It was disguised as her dreams.”

Gago ba ‘to?

“Fucking dimwit,” Mom muttered.

“That Miss Fabroa knew the truth, that it was the Sandejas who staged a
kidnapping and blamed it on his father to make her hate him. I have obtained
information that Miss Fabroa felt suffocated in the house and even went to prison
to meet her biological father to seek comfort. My client was able to save her from
the abduction with the help of Atty. Kiko Fernandez, away from further harm from
your family but when she got to the prosecution, you were able to persuade her
otherwise and brainwashed her—and because of her condition, she was swayed and
now believing in the fantasies you planted in her head.

“What can you say ‘bout that, Dr. Valderama? This is her psychiatrist’s
evaluation who has been in the field for so long. She had a lot of experience and I
doubt yours did.” He shot his brow up, but Dad was composed.

“Well, as per her new psychiatrist, Dra. Ong, who has been practicing for
more than forty-five years now, and I, who have been practicing for almost forty
years with a doctorate degree in Psychiatry… she wasn’t,” he answered with
finality.

“Oh…” I heard it around the court.

My uncles and aunts made a fuss. Ngumisi si Tito Iñigo sabay lingon sa ‘min
at thumbs-up kay Mommy.

“I told you, princess, you should’ve let me convince him to get a law degree
before.”

Mommy just grinned and blushed, proud of my dad.

“Excuse me, Mr. Valderama?” Cole snapped.

“Doctor,” my dad corrected. “Dr. Valderama, Attorney.”

 I saw that Chiel couldn’t hide his smile anymore kaya napahilamos siya ng
palad sa mukha at kunwari’y tinakpan ang bibig. It took Cole a while to recover.

“But as per her first psychiatrist—”

“We have asked for opinions from more than one psychiatrist and the results
were all the same. Miss Fabroa was not and has never been suffering from delusional
disorder. She was not sick in the head. She was not creating things in her head
because, first of all, her dreams were all about her past memories. Memories she
had forgotten after the accident. That’s all.”

Natahimik si Cole.

“Further questions, defense counsel?”

Cole hesitated, he must’ve been rummaging his head for more but failed to do
so that in the end, he shook his head.

“No, Your Honor,” sagot ng huli at nang tumayo na ulit si Chiel sa gitna at
nagpasalamat kay Dad bago nagsalita.

“The prosecution would like to hand another new evidence in court, Your
Honor.”

“Objection! We are not informed about this!” Cole called, but then the judge
asked about its importance, and when Chiel said it was important, hinayaan siyang
ipasok ang huli.

“We obtained the evidence just before the trial started, and it was stated
here that Dra. Jessa Agoncillo is not recognized as a licensed professional under
The Philippine Regulation Commission anymore due to negligence and malpractice.”

My eyes widened. Mas nag-ingay ang usap-usapan at napalunok ako, napapailing

na lang.

Cole was already a lost case, and his goal now ultimately was to reduce his
father’s sentence, if not innocent dahil sa patong-patong na ebidensya.

My kidnapping, illegal detention, ambush, attempted murder, and murder of the

two jail guards back in Cebu in a combined case was a heavy one and only a fool
would let it go.

“Thank you, Your Honor. No further questions,” ani Chiel pagkatapos niyang
gisahin ang huling witness ng defense. He was able to see loopholes even I haven’t,
making the interrogation into his advantage.

I looked around to my family’s satisfied and grateful gaze to his family’s

proud look looking at him owning the room without doing much of it.

Paano ko ba nabingwit ang lalaking ‘to? Ano bang ginawa ko sa last life ko
para magkaroon ng Alchiel Sandejas?

“Both the prosecution and the defense have now rested their cases. The
attorneys will now present their final arguments. Defense, you may begin,” the
judge called.

Paano ko ba nabingwit ang lalaking ‘to? Ano bang ginawa ko sa last life ko
para magkaroon ng Alchiel Sandejas?
 “Thank you, Your Honor. Today, you have heard the testimony of my clients,
Mr. Jackson, Israel Sebastian, and Kiko Fernandez. I would like to remind you of
some important information that you should consider in your decision. These facts
include getting framed for a crime they did not commit. First of all, Mr. Israel
Sebastian was a good man. Yes, we acknowledge the court’s decision three decades
ago of his crimes, and during the timeline of the accusation, he was serving his
sentence and definitely had no way of committing this crime or even orchestrating
it.”

My forehead creased. Israel’s lip twitched as he glanced our way, proud of

it.

“Asshole,” my mother muttered. “Did he think he could go out of this

unscathed?”

He said they acknowledged Jackson’s crime, but he was not involved in the
kidnapping, and his father, Kiko, was said to be merely working as Israel’s lawyer
and did not have any idea and was in no way involved with the kidnapping.

“Mr. Israel Sebastian, the defendant, had served his sentence and was a model
prison during his time. My client, the defendant, has changed. You also heard the
testimony from our witnesses of how good Mr. Sebastian was. How he became a role
leader before. Biliran loved him as their beloved mayor and until now, he was still
one of their greatest ones.”

“Stupid,” ani Mommy. “Minahal lang naman siya ro’n dahil namumukadkad ng pera
sa mga mayayaman na. Nobody wanted him.”

“My client, Mr. Israel Sebastian, loved her wife more than anyone but his
relationship with his beloved wife, Ritchelle Fabroa Sebastian, was tainted by the
victim’s adopted family, the Sandejas. Mr. Sebastian loved their daughter
truthfully and had wanted nothing but the best for her. He was a loving father and
I know almost everyone here was, including you, Your Honor.” Bumaling siya para
kumuha ng simpatya. “I know you—everyone here would know how hurtful it would
feel for your child to be taken from you. That’s what my client felt. He was not
given a chance to protect his daughter or even see her and he grabbed it, no matter
if it made him bad in other people’s eyes. The only thing he did was to love and
protect his daughter in his own way. Please find the defendants not guilty of
ambush, attempted murder, and kidnapping of his own daughter. Thank you.”

“Prosecution, you may proceed with your closing argument.”

Chiel stepped in front, his eyes solemn and true as he said his introduction
and the facts.

“The defendant, Mr. Israel Sebastian, and his accomplices were not innocent.
Even before, more than thirty years ago, he had managed to ruin not just one life
but a lot of lives, including his own wife, Ritchelle Fabroa. Miss Ritchelle Fabroa
had escaped her husband because of his extramarital affairs and abuse to save
herself and unknowingly, her unborn child. Miss Zidney Valderama and Miss Ritchelle
Fabroa were able to make a strong bond of genuine friendship despite only having a
short time together. They experienced the same thing and bonded that Miss Ritchelle
trusted Miss Zidney with her child’s welfare after discovering she had stage 4 lung
cancer.

“This was a big thing, how she trusted a woman she had known merely for a few
months to look after her daughter than her own husband. It showed how she could
trust someone else than a man who solemnly swore an oath in church to love and
protect her. It showed how scared she was, and how she did not trust him. Even in
her last breath, she held her daughter, Miss Clyte, and gave the Sandejas-
Valderamas legal rights to protect, love, and give her daughter a home. Which, I
strongly believed the family did perfectly…”

My eyes stung. I nodded. Mas humihigpit ang hawak ko kay Mommy na nakayakap
na sa ‘kin.

They did… Mommy Ritch, they protected and loved me. You did your best to make
sure I will have a warm home.

“You have already heard the side of the victim, who I gratefully thank for
coming back.” Nagkatitigan kami at mas sumikip lang ang dibdib ko nang kumislap ang
kanyang mga mata sa mga luha. “She was a brave woman for keeping it together.
Despite her trauma, she still fought to survive, to be able to open up and stand
here in front of you to share with us what she’d been through… the things she
suffered during those years she was gone. Miss Fabroa, thank you, on behalf of the
prosecution and the family for coming back…”

Doon na tuluyang nahulog ang mga luha ko. Nagkatitigan kami ni Chiel at mas
nadurog ako nang kumislap na ang mata niya pero ayaw na makitang lumuha siya kaya
nag-iwas ng tingin at pasimpleng hinawi ang luha.

“The defendant had shown no remorse despite what the defense was saying. Let
us not forget that he, together with his brother, Jackson Sebastian, was not
innocent. They escaped prison and were a suspect for murder and assault by the
members of our police.” His voice hardened. “That alone was contrary to their
claims of their said change. Until now, they did not show any signs of regret,
still doing and tolerating—” He glanced at Kiko. “Things that hurt and damage
other people’s lives.

I trembled and bit my lip to suppress my sobs, the pain and trauma coming
back. How much I suffered and the time I had lost.

“Things that had affected other people physically and emotionally. The
traumas they had caused to the victim’s family who have longed desperately for her
loss. To the victim, Miss Fabroa, who missed the chance to be with her family for
years. Who was illegally confined in a house in Cebu. Alone. Who was forced to do
things against her will after they manipulated her. The defense claims it was for
protection, but would you cause harm and damage to the people you love? No, I
believe it shouldn’t.”

Bumaling siya sa mga tao bago sa judge.

“Your Honor, the prosecution wanted justice to be served for the victim, her
family, and loved ones, and even to her beloved mother, Miss Ritchelle, who wanted
nothing but love and safety for her child. For her to have a normal life—that the
defendant, Mr. Israel Sebastian, had compromised. Who destroyed a beloved mother’s
last wish to protect her daughter even if she was gone. I hope our law will be able
to side with the oppressed, the victims, and their families, and to give them the
justice they deserve. To give them closure and for the culprit to be in jail. Away
from society and to not cause any harm to the innocent any longer.

“He deprived his own daughter of the liberty to live. For almost four years.
Please find the defendant and his accomplices guilty of the charge of ambush,
attempted murder, illegal detention, and kidnapping of Miss Clytemnestra Fabroa.
Your Honor, the prosecution is requesting the highest possible sentence according
to Section 267 of the Revised Penal Code for the defendant. He shall suffer the
penalty of reclusion perpetua to death. Thank you.”
 The court was quiet after that. I was just shaking and trying my best not to
sob out loud while my parents were holding me. Even the judge took some time to let
us know the dates for the announcement of the verdict, and Israel even asked if he
could speak, which he allowed.

“Zahrah…” I shivered with his voice. Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakitang

umiiyak na siya. “M-mahal kita, anak.”

“Liar,” I breathed out.

“M-mahal kita. I missed you! They did not let me see you! Mahal ko kayo ng
mommy mo…”

I shook my head, my hands trembling.

“L-lahat ng ‘yon? Lahat ng binibintang? Wala akong alam! A-anak, listen! Ako
ang ama mo! Mahal kita! Kadugo kita! Wala akong alam, Zahrah!”

“Defendant…” the judge called because he was starting to stand.

“‘Yong binibintang nila, a-anak, wala akong alam! Si… sila! Sila ang mga
gawa! Hindi ako! Wala akong alam! Si Jackson! Si Kiko—” Nagkagulo na dahil
nagsigawan na sina Kiko at Jackson para tumanggi.

The bailiff came with the police to meddle as they dragged them out of the
court.

“See?” Dad breathed out. “He threw them out of the bus.”

While everyone was busy and the judge left, while my family was talking to my
uncles, my eyes were trained on Cole looking around for an escape. I saw Meia
walking closer to Chiel na papalapit na sana sa ‘kin at may inabot.

Dere-deretso ang lakad ni Cole papalabas nang humarang sa kanya sina Zion.

“Excuse me?”

“You are under arrest, Attorney,” Locket said.

He stiffened.

“A-Ano?! I wasn’t! I was not involved!” He scoffed. “Do you have a warrant?
You can’t arrest me without a warrant!”

“Here’s your warrant, fuckhead,” ani Chiel na malamig ang tono at inabot kay
Locket ang papel.

“Thanks, Prosecutor,” ani Locket sabay labas ng posas niya at tingin kay Cole
na umaatras na pero naroon na ang mga pulis sa likuran niya.

“I-I wasn’t! Wala akong kasalanan! I was just a lawyer—”

“You have the right to remain silent,” ani Locket na nagsimula nang banggitin
ang Miranda.

“I wasn’t—no! Fuck!” he exclaimed.

Chiel was walking closer to me, his back on them when I caught Cole pulling a
gun from his suit and lifting it towards our direction—to Chiel.
 Terror washed through me.

“Watch out!” I screamed, running closer to Chiel to cover him but he knew
what I was doing and was too quick to catch me and shifted, covering me instead as
the gunshot echoed.

Para akong nabingi sa putok na iyon. Sinalo ko siya. The noise silenced and I
only heard my pounding heart as Chiel’s body became heavier on mine.

“C-Chiel?” I called shakily, my hand on his back, but his head fell, and my
shaky breath filled my ears when I lifted my hand and saw thick red blood on it.

Kabanata 52

Kabanata 52

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

My heart was racing violently I thought it’s gonna explode and lurch out of
my throat as I ran after my co-nurses and wheeled Alchiel inside the hospital to
the operating room.

I was trembling. He had lost his consciousness as the bullet pierced him. I
panicked. I didn’t know where he was shot. Was it in his arm? His back? I don’t
know!

But there’s a lot of blood! I think he fainted because of it! I don’t know!

Kung ‘di lang ako hinarangan ay nakapasok na siguro ako sa loob ng OR but I
knew I couldn’t so when they stopped me, I didn’t fight.

Hindi dapat ako ang problemahin nila. Instead of asking me to leave and me,
forcing myself inside, they should’ve focused more on Chiel. They have to save him!

I didn’t know I was shaking and panicking until I felt a soft embrace.

“Clyte-Clyte…” When I heard my best friend’s voice, a sob left my mouth.

“C-Crest…”

“He’s gonna be fine,” she cooed despite the tremble of her own voice and
embraced me tighter. “Chiel is a strong man. Mas matakot ka kapag injection ipakita
mo sa kanya—”

“I-injection-an siya, C-Crest,” I cried. “M-may anesthesia… malaki karayom

n’on.”

“Shit, y-yari…” she mumbled and cried with me.

“Girls, he’s gonna be fine.” Dad appeared and held us both. “Come on, upo
muna kayo, mga anak. Magiging ayos din ang lahat.”

He assisted us back on the couch while everyone was panicking and busy.
Locket was tensed along with Zion, kasama rin nila sina Tito Zeij at Tito Iñigo
habang si Mommy ay kausap si Tita Thallia at hawak ang kamay niya.
 Her eyes were bloodshot.

“Is Tita…” I asked Crest.

“She’ll be fine,” bulong niya. “S-she is just scared like us, but I know my
twin. He’ll get through this. I felt it. He’s gonna be fine. I swear.”

Sina Daddy at Deion ang nag-aasikaso sa amin. They were handing out water and
foods, asking us if we needed anything. Minsan ay tumutulong din sina Adi at Scira
pero ang kapatid ko’y kinailangang umuwi muna para sa anak niya.

Cole had managed to fucking escape at kanina pa siya pinaghahanap ng pulisya

at team nina Zion kaya nang lumapit sila sa amin matapos ng ilang oras para siguro
sa update ay kinabahan ako.

“W-where is he?” Tita Thallia asked, her voice strained and angry.

Locket sighed and looked at some other officers. Some of them were his close
friends and some were new to me then, he shook his head.

“W-what? No! You didn’t catch him? How about Zion’s team?” she asked again.

“I’m sorry, Tita,” Zion appeared and shook his head. “We couldn’t find him.”

“W-what? Why…” Her voice trembled. Naabot ko si Tita nang manghina ang tuhod
niya at muntik nang mabuwal. “A-ang dami n’yo na! Pero ‘di n’yo pa rin nahuli! Y-
you…”

“Tita…” I called worriedly. Crest and I helped her back on the seat.

“Mommy…” marahang tawag ni Crest pero nanginginig na si Tita at umiiyak,

pilit ikinakalma ang sarili niya.

Habang dinadaluhan ni Crest ang mommy niya ay bumaling ako kina Locket at Zy
para sana magtanong pero may sinasabi na sila sa mga kasama, umiiling.

I looked around and saw my mother talking to my dad and Tito Iñigo and
weirdly enough, Tito Zeijan wasn’t here with Tita Alyx and Bullet.

I observed and watched the other police and some members of Zion’s team
leaving and when we were left alone in the hallway, nagsalubong ang tingin namin ni
Zy.

“Where’s Tita Alyx and your wife? Where’s Tito Zeij?” I asked suspiciously.

Locket remained serious but Zion couldn’t keep a straight face. He tried
looking away, but I glared at him. Tumikhim siya at umayos ng tayo.

“What?” he asked.

“You knew something,” I pointed out, noticing the twitch in his lips then
glanced at Locket. “You, too.”

“Wala nga, Clyte—” ani Zy pero pinanlakihan ko ng mata kaya nakagat niya
ang labi.

“What is it?” ani Crest nang mapansin kaming tatlo at nang walang magsalita
ay bumaling sa asawa. “Lorcan Keith?”
 Locket cleared his throat, looking around before he stepped forward, catching
Tita Thallia’s attention.

“Where is he, Locket?” she asked, her voice broken.

“We got him,” aniya sa mahinang tono.

Umawang ang labi ko kasabay ng kay Crest.

“Huh? But you said…”

“We won’t hand him directly to the police, Clyte,” ngiti ni Zy. “‘Yon ay kung
aabot pa siya sa mga pulis? Unfair naman n’on, ‘no?”

“What…” Crest gasped sabay lingon sa ina. “Mom! You knew?!”

“Oh, not exactly,” ani Tita na inabot na ang panyo niya at marahang tinuyo
ang basa sa pisngi. “I just had an idea…” kalmado niyang sagot sabay ngiti na
parang hindi umiyak.

I blinked.

“But you cried…” I muttered.

“Oh, it’s a show since we had a few guests earlier. We wouldn’t want to be
traced if it comes to that, darling,” aniya at muling ngumiti.

“Grabe naman si Tita, o. Baka gusto mo nang mag-apply sa next soap opera ni
Mommy at pretty ghourl?” Zy teased.

“Oh, no. I’m not cut to it. I just like to watch. Good thing I learned a
thing or two from your mom,” ani Tita kay Zion na malaki lang ang ngisi.

Nakanganga lang ako.

My mother, dad, and Tito Iñigo went in our direction, and I was still
confused when Tito Iñigo spoke.

“They got Fernandez in the hideout,” he informed casually. “Does he think he

could go unscathed?”

“Mabuti po ay nahuli siya,” I mumbled but Tito just smirked.

“No, princess. We tried setting his escape up so we could get him,” he

corrected with a satisfied smile.

I just blinked, even more surprised.

It was excruciating waiting for his surgeon to go out and tell us his
condition. The doctor came out and informed us of his injuries. May daplis siya sa
likod pero ang natamaan ng bala mismo ay ang braso niya.

Good thing, no vital organs were damaged, but he had lost a lot of blood.

When it was announced his operation was a success, I was relieved. Mom and
Dad had to go home to attend to Queen Scira.

They took Chiel back in a private room, waiting for him to wake up when I
realized my clothes were still stained with blood from Chiel’s. Wala akong dalang
damit kaya sinuot ko na lang ang spare scrub suit ko sa trabaho para magpalit.
Kakalabas pa lang sa banyo ay sinalubong na ako ni Adi.

“Ate! Kuya is awake!”

Agad? But he just got out of surgery! He should still be sleeping! I was not
sure if the anesthesia has worn off!

“Is he okay?” I asked Adi while we were on our way.

“Yes, Ate, but…” she trailed off.

“But…?” I frowned. “Is he okay?”

“Yes, he’s great,” aniya. “But you’ll see…”

Mas nagtaka ako, kinakabahan, lalo na nang makarating sa may pintuan ng

kwarto niya’t makarinig ng tawanan sa loob.

The door opened and I saw Tito and Tita Thallia.

“Oh, you’re here. Chiel is awake,” Tita informed me. “He’s fine but…” There
was a smile on her lips, amused.

“Ano pong nangyari?” I asked, my eyes sneaking a peek inside, but I could
only see Crest laughing on the couch.

“Oh, he’s alright, don’t worry.” Ngisi niya. “We gotta go first.”

“Uwi na po kayo?” I asked.

“We’ll check on Zeij,” ani Tito Iñigo. “We’ll be back later. Will it be okay
for you to stay here for a while, princess? Pabantayan lang si Chiel.”

“S-sure po!” My heart raced, excited and happy. I suddenly realized I was
yelping kaya kinalma ko ang sarili at tumikhim. “Sure po, ako ang bahala,” kalmado
ko nang sabi.

Tita smiled, nodded at me, and kissed my cheek. Ginulo ni Tito ang buhok ko
bago tumango.

“Salamat, ‘nak,” aniya bago inabot si Adi at may sinabi muna bago umalis.

When we got inside, I saw Alchiel on the bed, awake, but…

“Kita mo ‘yang kamay ko? Lima ‘yan!” he blurted out, lifting his hand to show
the laughing Zion.

“What the…”

“He’s confused,” ani Dei na biglang lumitaw sa tabi ko. “Kanina pa ‘yan
tumatawa pagkagising niya.”

I blinked.

“Anesthesia?”

“Yup,” he answered and chuckled. “Everyone was worried, but he woke up early
then when the doctor asked how he was, he started reciting his republic acts…”
 Nakaawang lang ang labi ko.

“He couldn’t recognize anyone yet.”

“Lima?” ani Zy. “Naduduling ka yata. Bakit apat lang nakikita ko?”

“Huh?” Chiel asked loudly and lifted his uninjured arm up to count his
fingers. I noticed his thumb was closed underneath his palm. “One… two… three…
four…” He stopped and stared at his hand for a moment, his eyes widening. “Saan na
‘yong isa?”

Humagalpak ang lahat.

“Sabi ko sa ‘yo wala, e!” Zion scoffed.

Chiel frowned and glared at him.

“Kinuha mo ‘no?!” he exclaimed angrily. “B-balik mo daliri ko!”

Umahon siya bigla ng upo. I gasped. Everyone panicked but I was closer kaya
ako ang humawak kay Chiel bago pa siya makaupo at mabinat.

“No!” I stopped him. “Bagong opera ka pa!”

I assisted him back to the bed, gently.

“Careful,” I reminded. “Kakaopera mo lang, baka—”

“Wooow…” Nabitin ang sasabihin ko nang mapansing nakatitig siya sa ‘kin.

His hair was a mess, a handsome mess. His eyes were still sleepy, but they
radiated amazement and wonder. His mouth was parted, gawking at me.

“W-why?” I asked, confused at his gaze.

He swallowed hard then glanced at Zion.

“Gago ka ang ganda ng nurse ko,” he mumbled then gawked back at me.

My face burned. Mas lumakas ang tawanan kaya napaayos ako ng tayo, nag-iinit
ang mukha.

“I’m not your—”

“What’s your name?” he asked me, his tone groggy.

“Well… I’m not really your—”

“Of course, you’re his nurse!” I heard Crest said and elbowed me. “Say hi,
Nurse!”

“Uh, hi…” lutang at wala pa rin sa sarili kong sabi kay Chiel na nakatulala
lang sa ‘kin. “I’m Clyte. You are?”

He didn’t answer right away and combed his messy hair first and touched his
cheek as if to see if he had dirt in it, fixing himself hastily as if we couldn’t
see him.
 “I’m— What’s my name?” Nilingon niya si Zion.

“Ah, Chiel-taba!” ani Zion na pasimpleng tumatango kay Macky para ilapit ang
camera. Chiel nodded.

“I’m Chiel-taba,” he introduced, and I bit back my smile, glaring at Zion.

Gago talagang Zion ‘to. Sasapakin ko talaga ‘to mamaya!

“Nice meeting you, Chiel…” I greeted.

“Taba,” he corrected. “Kulang, ‘di mo naisama ‘yong apelyido ko.”

Fuck…

Mas umulan ng tawanan sa kwarto at nagtatakang inikot niya ang tingin at

muling inayos ang buhok niya. I even saw him frown when his hair fell back on his
forehead, but he brushed it again pero magulo pa rin ang ending.

“Shit, nakakahiya…” he cursed before glancing at me, still blushing.

I smiled at him.

Gwapo ka pa rin, Prosecutor…

“I-I’m not usually like this, promise!” he explained. “I’m usually hotter
than this…”

Fuck. Miski ako ay napatawa na nang malakas.

He looked around, even more confused, but then he joined us in laughing. He

wasn’t even aware it was him we were laughing at.

“Tatagal ba ‘yang ganyan?” ani Crest na tawang-tawa kakanood sa kambal niyang

kanina pa sulyap nang sulyap sa ‘kin.

He was obviously hitting on me—as if I wasn’t courting him yet—and he

wanted to let me know.

He had so many attempts to ask me out, but I’d end up laughing because he was
so adorable that if it weren’t for the audience, baka nahalikan ko na siya.

“Give it a few hours,” I told her. “May ganyang side effects talaga minsan.
‘Yong iba nga tumatagal talaga.”

“He’s funny,” ani Crest na humalakhak. “Tignan mo, ‘te! Nakatitig na naman sa
‘yo! Patay na patay! Kawayan mo nga!”

I looked at Chiel and winked instead.

Nahulog ang panga niya at napatakip sa bibig.

“She winked at me!” he exclaimed proudly to the boys as the laughter echoed.

“Oo na, oo na, kinindatan ka na. Crush mo?” Macky asked.

Chiel nodded like a kid.

“Oo, ganda…” he repeated then stared at me again. “I should get her number.”
 Hinampas-hampas na ako ni Crest sa may couch habang si Adi ay nakangisi.

“Ask her,” ani Macky na nakangisi. “Tawagin ko ba? Nurse—”

“Shit! Wait! Pangit pa ako…” Chiel fixed his hair again. “Sandali, mamaya-
maya mo tawagin kapag gwapo na ulit ako…”

He frowned when he couldn’t move his arm.

“Fuck, ano ba kasi ‘tong benda na ‘to? Bigat ng isang kamay ko! Wait…” he
gasped. “Naputol na ba kamay ko? Wala na akong kamay? Kaya k-kulang daliri ko—”

“Tanga, kung wala kang kamay pati daliri wala na rin,” Zion retorted at halos
mamatay na sila sa kakatawa.

Oh, God.

I could hear their wheezing. I covered my face and then glanced at him again
who just finished combing his hair with his fingers.

“Okay na, p’wede na…” he confirmed and then when Zion called me, there was
still a ghost of a smile on my lips.

“Nurse, may sasabihin daw si Chiel-taba,” ani Zy at tumayo ako para lumapit.

“Shit… shit…” I overheard Chiel whispering to himself, but I froze on the

spot when I walked closer to him, and his heartbeats spiked. Because his heart rate
was still connected to the monitor, dinig na dining iyon sa buong kwarto.

“Hoy, lakas ng tibok!” Deion cackled. “Ikalma mo!”

I heard the sudden and quick stop of his heartbeats and then he closed his
eyes and cursed more.

“Wala na! Nakakahiya na! Turn off na si crush!” he chanted. Napahawak ako sa
noo ko nang mamasa na ang mata niya’t mamaya-maya’y umiiyak na.

Inasikaso ko siya. I kept on checking his vital signs, knowing he’d be

alright but still worried, nonetheless.

He was very active and loud. Thankfully, he recovered quickly from his tears.
Nilapitan ko lang at hinaplos ang buhok, sinabing ‘di ako na-turn off at masaya na
ulit siya.

Hindi na nga maintindihan minsan ang sinasabi niya at mukhang

pinagsasamantalahan ng mga lalaki at minsan lang mag-loosen up nang ganito ang
prosecutor.

I moved closer and fixed the pillow under his head and he gasped again,
covering his mouth.

“Ganda talaga…” he mumbled then glanced at Deion smirking, hawak na ngayon

ang camera. “Picture mo kami ni ganda, dali!”

I chuckled but then moved closer to the bed and posed with the groggy Chiel.

“Here.” Ipinakita ni Dei ang picture. Chiel let out another of his amazed
gasps.
 “Ganda…” he chirped. “Ganda mo. Gusto mo pakasal na tayo?”

Crest burst out laughing.

“Grabe ka, kambal! Kasal agad, e, ‘di ka pa nga sinasagot?” Crest asked.

“Ay, ‘di pa rin sinasagot?” Zy frowned. “Hina mo naman, Chiel!”

“Well, actually, siya pa ang ‘di ako sinasagot,” I announced. Sabay-sabay

silang nilingon ako.

“What?!”

“It’s true?!” Crest gasped. “I thought it was a joke!”

“I mean, ako ang manliligaw kay Chiel,” I answered with a grin, wala nang
pakialam sa kontrata. I watched everyone’s wide eyes and slacking jaw, proud.

“Kaso…” I looked back at Chiel’s eyes almost in literal hearts. “‘Di pa ako
sinasagot ni Chiel—”

“Yes! Sinasagot na kita—aww!” Alchiel blurted out, lifting his injured hand
out of excitement, but ended up hurting himself. Napailing-iling ako.

He got tired and fell asleep after that. Umalis muna ang mga lalaki para
umuwi sa pamilya habang nagpaiwan ako para magbantay.

Crest was also here but he left with Locket to eat at nagugutom na naman daw
siya. The twins were currently with their grandparents, Locket’s family, at mamaya
raw kapag mga pahapon na’y uuwi sila para kunin na ang dalawa.

I was left with Adira. Habang inaayos ko ang kumot ni Chiel ay binalingan ko
siya na tahimik na nakasandal at nakapikit, hawak ang salamin niya at nakapatong
ang iPad sa hita. She wasn’t sleeping but I knew she was just relaxing her eyes,
kahit kasi nandito ay marami siyang ginagawa.

Kumuha ako ng tubig at lumapit sa kanya bago naupo sa tabi.

“Adi?” I called.

Napamulat siya at nilingon ako.

“Ate?” She was about to wear her eyeglasses, but I stopped her.

“It’s fine, no need. Pahingahin mo muna ang mata mo,” I reminded, handing her
the bottle of water. “Inom ka muna. Hindi pa kita nakikitang uminom ng tubig simula
kagabi.”

She pouted. “I forgot, Ate. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, but don’t do this again, huh? Mahalaga ang tubig. I know there is
a lot of work but don’t forget to hydrate yourself, okay? Paano tatakbo nang maayos
ang utak mo kung kulang ka sa tubig? Your brother,” turo ko sa kuya niya. “Fainted
and had a nosebleed a lot of times before because of it. Alam kong importante ang
work mo pero mas importante ang kalusugan mo, okay?”

She nodded, finishing at least half of the water.

 “Okay po, Ate. Sorry po ulit.”

I smiled and took her iPad.

“Do you mind? You can get it from me after you rest.”

“Okay po. Salamat, Ate.”

I smiled. Sinulyapan ko ang buhok niyang medyo magulo na dahil sa pagsandal

niya at inabot ang bag ko para sa suklay. I offered to brush her hair and she
accepted. I felt satisfied when I noticed her relaxing.

“There,” I told her. “Malalim na ang eyebags mo. Are you getting enough
sleep?”

She shook her head.

“Do you want to sleep for a while?” I inquired. “You can rest your head on my
lap. May pillow ako sa locker. I used it sometimes when I was napping.”

She glanced at me with a smile.

“Can I borrow, Ate?”

“Of course!” I nodded. “Sandali lang…”

Tumayo ako para iwan siya ro’n at kunin ang pillow sa locker ko. I was on my
way back to the room when I caught a sight of a familiar man outside of Chiel’s
room, nakasilip.

I cleared my throat. His shoulders tensed as he glanced at me.

“Yes? Do you need anything?” I asked.

“Ate,” he called.

Tumango ako.

“Hello, Ash,” I greeted back with a formal smile. “You need anything?”
Sumilip ako sa may glass sa pinto at kitang-kita roon si Adi na nakapikit ang mata
at nakasandal sa couch. “Oh, you want to talk to Adi—”

“No,” agap niya sabay iling. “I just… want to see how Prosecutor was doing.”

“Hmm… which prosecutor?” I asked. “Chiel or Adi?”

Natigilan siya at mukhang nagdalawang-isip bago sumagot.

“I mean Prosecutor Alchiel,” aniya. “I saw what happened.”

“He’s fine,” sagot ko. “He had a surgery, nadaplisan ang likod niya at
tinamaan ang braso. Luckily, he’ll be alright after a few weeks.”

Tumango siya at binasa ang labi.

“I’m sorry,” aniya. “I was supposed to be their defense counsel.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

 “What?”

“I…” he sighed. “I was asked just two days before the trial. Kakabalik ko
lang kasi mula sa ibang bansa kaya pumayag akong may kuning kaso but when I found
out it was you, against you, I rejected it.”

Napakurap ako.

“Why?” I asked. “I mean, I was glad you rejected it but why? You’re a
professional, I will understand if you’d take the case. It’s work, nothing
personal—”

“It is personal,” he cut me off. “I saw how everyone struggled with your
loss. I saw how it affected everyone. Prosecutor, Ate Crest… si Adi…” He cleared
his throat. “Just, I can’t side and protect the people who took you, so I bailed.”

Napatango-tango ako at nakagat ang dila pero kumawala pa rin ang ngiting
maliit.

“Thank you,” I told him. “This means a lot to me.”

“No worries,” aniya. “Uh, if it’s not too much, can I ask you a favor, Ate?”

Nagulat ako ro’n.

“Let’s hear it first,” sagot ko at doon ko lang napansin ang hawak niyang
paper bag.

“Can you give this to Adi?” aniya.

My forehead creased.

“What is that?”

“Just some kimchi stew,” sagot niya kaya napatango ako at kinuha iyon sa
kanya.

“Sure, anything else?” I asked.

“Can you not tell her it was from me?” aniya at nagtataka man ay tumango ako.

“Okay. Do you need to talk to her?” I asked but he shook his head and brushed
his hair with his fingers.

“No, I’m good,” aniya at muling bumaling sa salamin, ilang segundong tumitig
doon bago humakbang paalis. “Thank you, Ate Clyte. I’ll get going.”

I watched him leave and I spent a few more minutes outside processing what
happened. Sumulyap ako sa hawak ko, pabalik kay Adi na nakapikit pa rin bago
bumuntonghininga at pumasok.

I called her attention. Nagmulat siya at ngumiti nang iabot ko ang unan.

“I brought some food,” I told her. “Do you want to eat first?”

She agreed kaya kinuha ang laman ng paper bag para ihain.

“Here—” I froze when I realized she was staring at the food intently, her
eyes glassy. “Adi?” I called.
 “P-po?” she asked.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she muttered, smiling but she couldn’t hide the twitch in her smile.
“M-mukhang masarap po kasi ang pagkain. Saan mo nabili, Ate?”

“Sa may cafeteria lang,” I lied. She nodded, thanking me again, sitting on
the floor instead and lifting her spoon. She hesitated at first, I saw her thinking
if she’d do it, but in the end, she decided to go have a taste.

She hummed when the taste spread in her mouth. I watched her reaction, and my
heart fell when I saw a tear in her eyes, falling down her cheek.

Hinawi niya iyon at tumawa sabay lingon sa akin.

“I-it tastes good,” she muttered. “S-sorry, Ate. Ang sarap kasi kaya naiyak
ako.”

“You’re right,” I agreed instead of asking for more. “Patikim nga ako?”

She handed me the extra utensil and I hummed when I had the taste, glancing
at her.

“It’s great!” I said truthfully with a hint of playfulness. “You’re right.

Parang naiiyak na rin ako sa sarap!”

We both chuckled and then she continued crying, mumbling how great it tasted.
I sat beside her quietly, just letting her cry without pressuring her to tell me
why.

We were like that when Crest got inside and when she saw Adi with her
bloodshot eyes, bumaling siya kay Locket at may sinabi. Locket nodded at her and
kissed her before nodding at me and leaving.

Crest grinned at us and showed us her phone.

“Hi, girls! Guess what? My latest collection is in the market! Sold out
within the first two minutes!” she chirped, hopping closer to us and sitting beside
Adi on the floor, not pointing out her tears. “Look, Adi-babe! This one, I made a
special, limited-edition pair for you! You can wear it in your office!”

Inaliw namin si Adi. Crest and I would tell her random things, making her
laugh while she was eating and thankfully, it was effective. She fell asleep after.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Crest.

“The twins?” I asked.

“Si Locket muna pinagsundo ko. He just texted, pauwi na raw sila sa bahay.”
She sighed and brushed Adi’s hair. “I saw her eyes kasi, and… you know I couldn’t
just leave without making sure she was alright. Do you know why?”

“Maybe,” I answered.

“I saw him in court earlier,” ani Crest. “Was it…”

“Guess so,” I said in a low voice. “He was here earlier. He brought the
food
and asked me not to tell her.”

Her eyes widened.

“Really?!” She gasped and covered her mouth because of her loud voice.

I nodded and told her about him being Sebastian’s defense counsel. She was
listening, muttering her comments until our gaze fell back on the sleeping Adi.

“I still wonder why…” I told Crest, referring to Adi and Ash’s past.

“No one knew either,” aniya at sinuklay ang buhok ni Adi. “He was just…
gone.”

“What?” I scoffed. “He ghosted Adi? You mean, the Adira?” I referred to her.

She snickered.

“Yeah, unfortunately. That idiot,” she hissed under her breath, shaking her
head, irritated too.

The doctors came back to check on Chiel. Nakabalik din no’ng gabing ‘yon sina
Tita Thallia pero muli na namang umalis.

They said they got Cole. He’s in a warehouse, and I knew what they were
doing. That’s what they did to Israel, too, and I didn’t ask for more details
because right now, I was so tempted to hurt him for hurting my man. To shoot him
and make him beg on his knees to just die but I couldn’t do it yet. Not when Chiel
still needed me.

Israel was right. I was a monster, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do what I did
to him again.

When Chiel woke up, I was very worried. Thankfully, he was doing better. The
anesthesia had worn off and now, he was not speaking much to me.

I was the first one he looked for when he woke up, his gaze panicking when he
noticed I wasn’t around. Nagbanyo kasi ako no’n at pagbalik ko’y gising na siya.

He was panicking, almost hissing under his breath, demanding to see me and
when I got there and showed myself, he pulled me close and checked me. My face, my
body, he checked for any scratches and when he was sure I was alright, he let me
go.

“I’m fine. You should worry about yourself. You’re the one injured,” I told
him.

“Good,” he muttered under his breath and didn’t speak to me after that.

Dumating ang mga magulang niya nang malamang gising na siya para ibalita ang
nangyari. Chiel was enraged.

“I’ll go,” aniya.

“No, kakaopera mo lang, Alchiel,” Tita Thallia reminded. “Stay here—”

“I’m going, Mom, I’m seeing that asshole,” mariing sabi niya kaya pinagalitan
siya ni Tita pero parang lumalabas lang sa kabilang tainga ang sermon sa kanya.
 I had to go that day too to rest and change, ‘di man lang nakakausap si Chiel
at trabaho na kaagad ang inaasikaso kahit nasa kama pa siya. Pinagalitan ko,
sinabihan sina Meia na pagpahingahin si Chiel but he wouldn’t budge.

He wanted to handle the case and wait until the scheduled verdict which would
take place fifteen days from now.

May mga bodyguard pa rin ako pero mas kumonti iyon kaysa nitong nakaraan. My
family wanted me to rest but I wanted to get back to work, not to just make up to
my missed duties but to look after Chiel.

I feel bad for my co-workers. Mas dumadalas kasi ang absence ko dahil nga sa
mga nangyayari sa buhay. I knew we had enough nurses. The hospital was also owned
by the director, my dad Thorn but I didn’t want to abuse my privilege. Nagugulo rin
ang schedule dahil sa ‘kin.

I loved being a nurse. I loved helping people but these days, napapaisip na
rin akong mag-quit na lang. I used to think I’d continue training and get back to
the work I missed while I was gone but then I realized I was getting older. Maybe
I’d just focus on my mini company, manage events, and help Mommy out with our
flower shop.

Maybe spend some time traveling with Chiel? I suddenly missed our small
escapes before where we’d fly out of the city or the country to bond without the
watchful eyes.

I walked inside the room with food before Chiel got his shot for his injury.
His eyes were closed, and his back rested on the wall when I got there, sa kanyang
hita ay ang laptop.

I quietly lowered the food and took the laptop off his lap, earning a groan
from him.

“Give it back,” aniya.

“No,” I answered back. “Kumain ka muna.”

“Later—”

“You will eat,” I demanded. “You are injured, Sandejas. The doctor suggested
rest yet here you are, working.”

“I should be,” sagot niya at tumitig pabalik sa ‘kin, determinado. He looked

like a stubborn child who’d do anything to play than sleep even if his parents said
no. “I have a lot of work, Clyte—”

“Yes, but you have a team, Chiel,” mariing paliwanag ko sa kanya. “They
should be helping you. They are helping you pero ikaw itong matigas ang ulo at
inaako lahat ng trabaho. Rome is there! He said he’d take the case while you’re
resting, Meia is there to assist, and Bryce! God, you have a team to help you
investigate yet—”

“I want to handle this because I don’t just trust anyone to protect you,
Clyte!” Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. “Gusto ko ako. Ako ang hahawak, ako at
maniniguradong ayos ang lahat! Na tama ang lahat! I shouldn’t—I couldn’t just
trust anyone with your safety!”

I sighed.
 “Why not?”

“Because… because I failed a lot of times before, Clytemnestra. I failed to

protect you! I trusted someone else for you when I should’ve been with you that day
and not with just the driver! I should’ve been there—”

“You were there…” I explained. “You went after me. You got there quickly and
tried to save me but those people, they are armed, Chiel! You could save me, but
you are shot, and it wasn’t your fault! You did your best to protect me!”

Sumulyap na naman ako sa kamay niyang nanatili siyang tahimik. His jaw was
clenching, his shoulders tensed.

“Chiel—”

“I know what you did, Clyte,” mariin niyang sabi. “Don’t do it again.”

I knew what he was referring to. The reason why he was so quiet and barely
talked to me. Masama ang loob niya.

It was because of my attempt to protect him from the bullet back in the
courthouse. He knew I’d do it, so he covered me quicker than I did and got himself
shot instead.

Nasuklay ko ang buhok.

“Chiel, come on. I was just thinking of your safety! You were about to get
shot and look! You are shot!” I pointed to his arm. He snapped and glared at me.

“So, what, you’ll cover me? You’ll sacrifice yourself for me?” he accused,
and it was right. I’d protect him like he wanted to do with me.

Tumitig ako sa kanya, iritado.

“Yes, and what? I saw him taking his gun! I did that to protect you—”

“No, Clytemnestra! I won’t let you sacrifice yourself for me! What do you
think I’ll do if you get hurt again?” His eyes were flaring, desperate, and pissed.
“I would kill, Clytemnestra! If someone hurt you, I’d fucking kill them! I don’t
care if we’re in the courthouse! They could fucking jail me! I won’t even defend
myself! If someone even touched your hair, I swear!”

“I was trying to protect you!” I explained.

“Protect me?” He scoffed. “Do you think I’ll be glad if you protect me and
get hurt instead of me? You gotta be kidding, Clyte—”

“I won’t die—”

“How sure are you?!” he exclaimed. “You died in my dreams! A lot of fucking
times!”

I stiffened. My eyes started to sting when I noticed his eyes were now
glassy, almost bloodshot, desperate.

“In my fucking nightmare, I saw you! You were gone! You were taken from me
again and again! I was haunted by those corpses they were claiming that fit your
description! Every week, pumupunta ako sa morgue para tingnan kung ikaw ‘yon! Gabi-
gabi, dinadasal kong wala nang tumawag! Na sa susunod na impormasyon sa ‘yo, n-na
nakita ka na! Na ligtas ka na!” he exclaimed. “D-do you think… I’ll be glad if you
save me? No, Clytemnestra! If you die, I’d rather die with you too!”

I was clutching my chest, staring at him intently, trying to stop my tears.

“A-and… do you think if you got hurt, I won’t be? If you died, I won’t die
too?” I asked.

Hindi siya umimik at nakatitig lang sa akin, ang mga mata’y namumula na.

“Tell me…” I muttered.

“You’re stronger than me,” he answered back.

“Stronger?” I whispered. “D-do you think I’m stronger than you? Do you think
I wouldn’t like to protect you, too?”

“Not when you’ll hurt yourself—”

“I love you, Alchiel!” I exclaimed. “A-akala mo ba madali lang sa ‘kin na

nakikita kang nasa ospital? Na nasasaktan ka? Do you think it doesn’t haunt me to
sleep? Watching you getting shot? Watching you bathe with your blood?”

“But that doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice yourself—”

I stepped closer to him aggressively. My tears wouldn’t stop anymore, and I

didn’t dare to dry it off.

“So you think you could only do it and I couldn’t? Ikaw lang ba ang may
pakiramdam dito? Ikaw lang ba ang natatakot? Ikaw lang ba ang nagmamahal?” I spat.
“I know I don’t say this often. I know I was not vocal and it’s my fault, but I
love you! Mahal din kita, Chiel! N-nag-aalala rin ako sa ‘yo! Natatakot d-din akong
masaktan ka!”

We stared at each other intensely, our gazes flaring with anger and
desperation. Not wanting anyone of us to get hurt but was mad for protecting each
other.

“Gusto rin kitang protektahan! Kasi mahal kita! Kung nasasaktan kang
nasasaktan ako, p’wes, ako rin! K-kasi mahal kita! Mahal din kita! Nagagalit din
ako kapag may gustong manakit sa ‘yo! Hindi ko kayang manakit pero kung para sa mga
mahal ko, para sa ‘yo, I would not hesitate to do things worser than I did with
Sebastian! Remember what he said? I was his daughter! He said I was a monster and
yes! I could be one! I could kill anyone who hurt you! Anyone who’d dare touch even
the strands of your hair, Chiel! I could and I would!”

We stared at each other intensely, no one wanting to back down. Our chests
were heaving, our breaths quick and ragged.

I closed my fist and couldn’t take it anymore. I looked away and dried my
tears.

“K-kumain ka na. Magtatawag ako ng bagong nurse para sa ‘yo,” I muttered and
took a step away.

“Clyte…” I heard his faint, shaky voice but I was already leaving and closing
the door.

I asked a nurse to make sure he’d eat and went to have a break. Pumasok ako
sa loob ng staff room, nagpapasalamat na ako lang mag-isa at nanghihinang naupo sa
lapag, sa may gilid ng malaking table.

I dried my tears and buried my face in my knees, trying to control my sobs

from leaving my mouth when I heard the door opening.

Hindi ako nag-angat ng tingin, desididong magtago at h’wag mag-ingay hanggang

sa makaalis na iyon nang maramdaman ko ang pag-upo ng kung sino sa tabi ko.

I tensed, but then I inhaled his scent and felt his presence, the warmth of
his body when he wrapped his uninjured arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

“I’m sorry,” I heard him whisper as he placed my head on his chest. “I was
just pissed you’d get yourself hurt for me when I should be doing it—”

“I-ikaw lang ba ang nagmamahal?” I muttered.

“No,” he breathed out. “We both do, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to see you
hurting, sweetheart. I’m sorry for invalidating your feelings. I won’t do it
again.” He kissed my hair.

Tahimik lang kaming nakaupo ro’ng dalawa, walang imikan pero komportable. I
was just resting my head on his chest, his uninjured arm around me with his lips
pressed on my hair.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated.

“I only care for you,” I muttered. “Because I love you. Please don’t be mad
if I want to protect you too.”

“I won’t,” he sighed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t see you hurting. I told you I
was still traumatized by the image of you in my head.”

Inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya.

“What you said earlier, about…” I hesitated. “About the corpse, was it so
often?”

Nabakas ko ang sakit sa mga mata niya bago tuluyang tumango.

“Hmm…” he hummed. “We were looking for you. At first, you were just a missing
person, and we didn’t want to expand it further, but the police suggested we open
the possibility to… death.”

Umawang ang labi ko.

“So, we had no choice. Ayaw ko. Ayaw ng pamilya mo, ng lahat pero wala kaming
magawa. I don’t believe you’re dead, but we have to be open with the possibility
according to Locket. Tangina nga n’on, nasapak ko pa no’ng sinabi ‘yon…”

“You punched Locket?!”

“Yeah.” A smirk played on his lips. “It felt good anyway—”

“Gagong ‘to!” I smacked his arm. “He was just telling you the possibilities!
Ano’ng sabi ni Crest?”

“Hindi niya ‘ko pinigilan. She was angry, too. Nag-away pa nga silang dalawa
dahil do’n.”
 I blinked.

“Really?”

He nodded, took strands of my hair, and placed it behind my ear.

“Yeah, they fought. Well, my twin was the one doing the talking. Locket was
just listening and accepting everything then when she calmed down, he explained why
it was necessary. Later on, even if we didn’t want to, pumayag na kami. The reward
money tripled, even just a confirmed sighting of you, and we got phone calls, but
most of them were false leads. When we were asked to go to the morgue to see i-if
you… to confirm the identity of the corpse, I lost it.”

My eyes stung again.

“I wanted to refuse, na h’wag tingnan kasi alam kong ikaw iyon pero nahahati
‘yon sa isiping gusto kong makita para maipamukha sa kanilang ‘di ikaw ‘yon. Na
buhay ka, na nawawala ka lang at babalik ka. I had the courage—well, I tried to
have one and went there with your parents to confirm. Ang sama ko siguro pero
sumaya ako no’ng nakita kong ‘di ikaw ‘yon.”

My eyes softened.

“That night, after seeing the first one, I couldn’t stomach seeing more so I
tried to numb myself and got myself drunk. Literally almost killed me. I was rushed
to the hospital—”

“What the hell?!” I exclaimed and shifted entirely to face him. “You what?!”

Namula siya. “Nothing—” I jabbed him in the stomach. He groaned.

“Tell me!” I demanded. “What the fuck did you do?”

“I almost got alcohol poisoning,” aniya at napakamot ng kilay niya. “I forced

myself to drink more than what I could handle. I knew I’d fell asleep in two
glasses—”

“One!” I corrected. He frowned, ready to protest but I gave him a sharp look.
He sighed.

“Fine, one.” Mukhang napilitan siya. “So, I stupidly drank the whole bottle
without stopping.”

“Bobo!” Sinapak ko siya. He groaned and jumped.

“Sweetheart—”

“Bwiset ka, ang bobo mo!” Paulit-ulit ko siyang pinalo, nagagalit. “Sa lahat
ba naman?! Paano kung walang nakakakita sa ‘yong plakda, e di namatay ka nang bobo
ka? Prosecutor ka pa naman tapos ‘yong utak mo pampalpak na kriminal!”

“Hey!” He winced. “Kriminal talaga—”

“Oo, papatayin mo sarili mong bugok ka!” Halos masakal ko na siya sa irita ko
at tinanggap na lang niya ang iritasyon ko. “Sino’ng nakakita sa ‘yo?!”

“Dei,” aniya. “One look and he knew what’s gonna happen. He rushed me to the
hospital. I was saved.”
 “Dapat lang!” I scoffed. “Kasi kung mamamatay ka, nakakahiya. Ano’ng ilalagay
sa death certificate mo? Alchiel Verón Sandejas, cause of death: kabobohan?”

Mas humaba ang nguso niya.

“Why are you so mean, Clytey?” he whined. “I was stupid I know—”

“Buti alam mo!” I hissed. “Ano’ng nangyari? Nalaman ba nina Tita?”

“No,” he sighed. “I didn’t want them to know, but Crest found out. She cried
and I was really hurt. She even said she wouldn’t be able to take it. She’d lost it
if something bad happened to me too. It broke me so I promised I won’t do it again
kaya ‘di na ako naglalasing…”

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He rolled his eyes.

“Fine, I only drink what I could handle!”

Nanliit ang mata ko. He groaned and closed his eyes.

“Alright, you won. I only drink until I feel like sleeping. That’s it. I
don’t drink one bottle in one go. Promise.” He gave up. “And then, I tried
cigarettes. Back when Macky was still smoking, I often saw him, so I asked if I
could try one, and I liked it.”

Sinapak ko na naman siya.

“Hey…” he whined. “I was just smoking when stressed!”

“Oh, kailan ka stressed?”

“Everyday—” Kinurot ko na siya. Halos maiyak na siya at hinila ang kamay

ko. “Clytemnestra! Ang tulis ng kuko mo! Paano kapag nagkasugat ako? E di nabawasan
na ang kagwapuhan—”

“Kulang pa ‘yan!” sikmat ko. “‘Di ka nga na-alcohol poisoning na isahang

patay lang, naninigarilyo ka naman! Unti-untiin mong patayin ang sarili mo? Ang
baga mo? Ano?” I was about to smack him when he caught my hand.

I gasped when he pulled me to his lap, making me straddle him. Marahang

inilapit niya ang palad ko sa labi niya para hagkan iyon.

“I don’t smoke anymore,” aniya. “When you said you didn’t want to see me
smoke, I quit.”

“Then why do you still have your lighter?” I scoffed.

“Nothing, just keeping it in my pocket. I don’t smoke anymore, promise,” he

said soothingly, firming me in his lap.

“Good,” I snickered. “I don’t want you to die before our children could even
get married.”

Namilog ang mata niya at nangiti.

“Hmm… you could see yourself marrying me?” he asked.

“It should’ve been a question, Chiel, you know I do.” I smiled, and we stared
at each other, our breathing unsteady, and it wasn’t a shocker when our lips found
each other without a word.

We made out. In the staff room, hiding on the table while slumped on the
floor. I was—no, we both were so turned on we were humping on each other. He
almost stripped me of my uniform; who knows what could’ve happened if his arm
didn’t bleed? Baka may nagawa na kaming kababalaghan do’n.

Ako na ang nagpakain sa senyorito kong nililigawan at ayaw magpaasikaso sa

ibang nurse. When we got back, he was this Baby Chiel again, akala mo baldado kung
magpasubo ng pagkain niya! Ako pa tagapunas ng labi niya!

Hindi naman sa nagrereklamo. I liked it anyway.

I was also the one who administered his shot because well, that’s Chiel and
he’s afraid of injection. Ayaw ko siyang mahimatay at mukhang gano’n ang mangyayari
kaya ako na at nangangatog na siya.

He was like this since he was a kid. He loathed injection, lalo na kapag
malaki ang karayom? Kaya nga halatang patay na patay siya sa ‘kin para pumayag na
praktisan ko kapag may practical kami.

A week has gone by, and he was doing better. His wound was healing perfectly
at natanggal na ang sling doon. Nakauwi na siya at doon ako madalas sa unit niya
kasama siya para maglinis ng sugat at paalalahanan siya sa mga gamot niya. He was
allowed to work but was reminded not to use his other arm often at baka mabinat.

Pinaalalahanan kong sumunod. Araw-araw. Kulang na lang ay dikitan ko siya ng

sticky note sa noo para makinig pero hindi sumusunod.

I got home from work after buying our dinner. He said he’ll be working from
home today and guess what? He was nowhere to be found and I just received a call
from Zion saying Chiel was on his way back.

What did they do? Chiel went to the warehouse to beat and manhandle Cole. He
was raging mad when he got there and satisfied when he left, as per Zion.

“Don’t tell me he used his injured arm, Zion Schauffer?” I demanded.

“That’s…” He cleared his throat. “Actually, kaya ako tumawag kasi ‘di ako
pinansin no’ng sinabi ko sa kanyang dumudugo ‘yong sugat niya… Hehe?”

I cursed under my breath.

“What?! Kapag nakita talaga kitang lalaki ka, kokonyatan kita—”

“Sorry na!” he whined. “He’s fine, I promise! Nando’n ako, pinalakpakan ko

siya no’ng sinasapak niya si Fernandez—”

“You didn’t even stop him? Alam mo namang kakaopera lang ng lalaking ‘yon!”

“Ang astig, e!” he explained. “Gigil na gigil si Chiel-taba, kaya nakaka-

enjoy panoorin! Parang action star! Gagi, Clyte, sarado na ‘yong mata n’ong gagong
Cole. Si Tito Thorn sumapak sa isa tapos pinantay na ni Chiel! Gusto mo makita? Ang
funny—” Pinatayan ko na siya ng tawag, nakasimangot.

He even sent me a picture, pouting with the message: Bakit mo ko pinatayan ng

tawag akala ko ba favorite (at pinakagwapong) pinsan mo ko :(((
 I made a face and replied: Huh? Kailan ko sinabi ‘yan? Baka panaginip mo
lang
‘yan.

I heard the door opening. I was so ready to get mad at him but when I saw the
anger and exhaustion in his eyes, I melted. Ayaw ko nang dagdagan ang stress niya.

Alchiel wasn’t shocked when he saw me. Kahit wala pa akong sabihin ay
lumambing na ang pagod niyang mga mata.

“Look, sweetheart. I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I know you told me not to

strain myself and stay here today but, I left. I know you’re mad—” But I walked
closer and wrapped my arms around him.

He stiffened, confused about what to do.

“I’m honestly mad at you,” I whispered. “Ang kulit-kulit mo. Ang tigas kasi
ng ulo mo.”

“I’m sorry…” he breathed out.

“But I understand,” I whispered and pulled away, cupping his cheek. “I’ll be
like that too.”

“Bella…” Namungay ang mata niya.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s clean your wound.” I smiled and took his hand.

I pulled him to his room. Pinaupo ko siya sa kama bago kinuha ang medicine
kit sa banyo para malinisan ang sugat niya.

When I got back, pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin. His hair was messy, and even
his gray dress shirt was crumpled, very unlike the composed prosecutor people
always see.

I sat beside him and called his attention, asking him to strip off his
clothes. He followed me and I tried not to drool over his hardened abs and body.

Maglilinis tayo ng sugat, Clyte! Hindi ang magnasa sa nililigawan mo! Ni

hindi ka pa nga sinasagot!

Wait… Sinagot na niya ako, actually! He just didn’t know it because he was
under anesthesia?

Was that even valid?

I cleared my throat when I realized Chiel was watching me with amusement.

“P’wede mo namang haplusin, Bella,” he said playfully.

“Shut up,” sikmat ko kaya natawa siya at aasarin na naman sana yata ako nang
makita ko ang sugat niya.

My expression fell as I eyed him seriously. Tumikhim siya at umayos ng upo,

nag-iiwas ng tingin kaya ‘di ko na inaway at nilinis na lang nang tahimik.

Pagaling na ang sugat niya. Almost. Kung hindi ba naman bumuka ang tahi sa
kakasuntok niya! I patched his arm with a gauze and then checked on his back which,
thankfully, was better now.
 I stood after and went to the bathroom to take a wet towel. He was just
following me with his concerned and sorry eyes, smiling whenever I’d shot my brow
up at him.

“Show me your fists,” tawag ko sa pansin niya at walang pasubaling inangat

niya ang kamay para ipakita sa ‘kin. I was about to clean his hand while standing
when he pulled me by the waist and made me sit on his lap.

Hindi ako umalma, lalo na nang kunin niya saglit ang kamay kong hawak niya
para iangat ang hita ko sa hita niya. He made a sound of satisfaction when I was
fully seated across his lap.

I gave him an amused look. He gave me a tiny devilish grin and kissed my
cheek.

“Ang bait naman ng nurse ko today,” bulong niya.

“Pagod na kasi ‘ko kakasermon sa ‘yo. Lumalabas naman sa kabilang tainga,”

sikmat ko. “Pagod na akong magpaalala sa sutil.”

He chuckled softly, his other hand firming in my waist more.

“Sorry, nurse. Magpapakabait ako basta ba walang injection—”

“Oh, sorry to say, Mr. Patient, but we have to return to the hospital next
week for your shot.”

He growled and made his whiny protest.

“What about your antibiotics, ininom mo ba?” I asked. He nodded and showed me
his phone with the alarm and checklist I made for him.

“See? May check lahat,” yabang niya. “Sasapakin ko na nga sana si Fernandez
kanina nang pangmalakasan kaso biglang nag-alarm ‘yong gamot ko kaya ‘di ko muna
tinuloy ‘yong suntok. Uminom muna ako!”

He sounded so proud I laughed out loud.

“And you’re so proud?”

“Yup!” he answered, his blue eyes twinkling. “I’m a good boy, aren’t I? Don’t
you think I deserve a kiss for a job well done, baby?”

“No,” I snapped, stopping his face from stealing a kiss.

“Clyte-Clyte,” he whined. ‘Di ko siya pinansin at nilinis ang kamao niyang

pinangsuntok.

“Tsk.” I frowned when I saw the little wounds and scratches his fists had. He
probably punched him way harder that it caused him this. Kinuha ko rin ang isang
kamay niya para linisin din at nang matapos ay dinala ko iyon sa labi ko at
hinalikan.

“Damn fucking Fernandez,” I hissed. “He did this to your fists?”

He was surprised but nodded like a toddler wanting attention.

“Opo, sakit nga, e. Aww…” he winced, and I tried stopping my laughter.

“Clytey, kiss mo nga dali para mawala ang sakit.”
 I kissed it and glanced at his face, happy with the way his face brightened.

“How about that?” I asked, staring at his face.

“Kulang pa,” ungot niya sabay ngiti. “Parang masakit din iyong labi ko,
mahal…”

I just stared at him until his face feigned in confusion.

“Sweetheart?” he called. “Are you—” I kissed him.

Like always, it startled Chiel, as if everytime I kissed him felt like the
first time I ever did. He recovered and I didn’t even notice I was not holding his
hand and was already wrapped in his arms while we were kissing.

Sa bawat haplos ng labi niya’y para akong nawawala sa sarili. He rolled us

over, my back on his bed while hovering over me like a handsome beast trapping his
willing prey.

We were both catching our breaths as we stared at each other.

“Your arm…” pansin ko sa braso niya.

“It’s fine,” aniya at tinagilid ang ulo niya.

He was already topless, so I had the chance to ogle over his sexy, sculpted
chest, six-pack abs, and well-built biceps. I could see the cords of his veins
showing in his neck as he swallowed hard, watching me disheveled in his bed.

I lifted my hand and trailed my fingers from his neck down his nipple. I
looked at him, wide-eyed and begging.

“I want you,” I told him.

He let out a deep breath and nodded.

“I fucking want you so badly, Clytemnestra,” he answered and cursed loudly

when I found his nipple and rolled it in my fingers. “Fuck, if you won’t stop, I’ll
definitely spread you open and fuck you here.”

Mas napalunok ako, nagugustuhan iyon.

“Sure…” I challenged. Mas dumilim ang mata niya. “But… the contract?”

His jaw ticked. I actually broke the contract first, but he didn’t know it
yet so…

“What should we do, huh, baby?” I whispered and lifted my finger up his
parting red mouth to just play with his lips when he sucked my finger.

I gasped.

“Don’t tease me if you don’t want me spreading your legs wide open tonight,
Fabroa,” banta niya.

“Who said I don’t?” I asked. “What if I tell you that I want you to spread me
open and take me? What if I want you to fuck me?”
 He cursed again.

“You’re a tease, you know that, woman?” iritadong reklamo niya sabay iling.
“Fine. You won.”

I was so confused when he pulled away from me and stood.

“Chiel?” takang tawag ko pero hinahawakan na niya ang kamay ko palabas ng

kwarto. Sumama ako sa hila niya, nagtataka.

Binitawan niya lang ako nang may kinuha siya sa mga naka-frame ro’n sa sala
niya na ngayon ko lang napansin.

“What the hell? Was that…”

“I brought it home last night, nakita nina Deion, inaasar ako. Ang corny raw,
porket sila ‘di marunong magkontrata puro kinakain ang salita!” reklamo niya.

“Bakit ikaw, hindi ba?” Minata ko ang ginagawa niyang pagbukas ng frame pero
ngumiwi lang siya at ‘di ako pinatulan.

He took our contract from it.

“Come on…”

“Seryoso?” I called out. “What are you gonna do with the contract?” I asked
and followed but I shouldn’t have asked when I saw him take his lighter out and
smirked at me before lighting it up.

My jaw dropped.

“Fuck the contract… I’m fucking you,” he announced as the embers of the
burned paper swayed in the air.

Napaatras ako nang humakbang siya palapit, ang puso’y nagwawala na sa halong
pagkasabik at kaba.

“W-wait! Sandali! Alchiel—shit!” A loud squeal left my lips when he caught

me and cupped me by the ass, carrying me with my legs wrapped around his waist, my
arms on his nape.

“Damn, baby. Panagutan mo ‘ko.” He smiled at me, like a devil incarnate, his
vicious and evil plans dancing in his deep blue gaze.

Kabanata 53

Kabanata 53

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Finally, madidiligan na ang hardin.

We kissed ‘til we were out of breath. I could feel the flutter in my stomach;
the silly butterflies were dancing with the thought of finally doing it.

He groaned and I gasped when I felt myself fall a little.

 “Chiel?!” naaalarmang tawag ko nang mapansing napatid siya sa hagdanan
paakyat. Muntik na akong mahulog pero mabilis niya akong nasalo kaya ‘di natuluyan.
“Ibaba mo ‘ko—”

“I’m fine, sweetheart.” His sleepy pretty eyes stared at me. “Na-excite lang
ako baka ‘di na tayo abutin sa kwarto.”

I laughed but it died down when he kissed me again. I think we were just by
the edge of the stairs when he lowered me there to continue the intense kisses.

I didn’t mind it at all. He lowered his body with me, taking a few steps back
because he was so tall he couldn’t level me entirely.

Natawa ako sa iritado niyang mukha nang umisang hakbang pa.

“Sometimes, I hate being this fucking tall,” reklamo niya.

“Bakit?”

“I’m fucking horny and I still have to lower myself more to even kiss you
properly,” bagnot niyang sagot.

“Uh-huh, but I like your height, sweetheart,” sabat ko naman. “Kasi matangkad
ka kaya malaki…”

He gave me a sharp look.

“...ang puso mo!” dagdag ko at humalakhak nang hulihin niya ang chin ko at
nilakumos ng halik ang labi ko. I kissed him back, laughing with his groans of
discomfort.

Hindi pa rin kasi niya makuha ang pwesto kaya ‘di ko muna hinarot. When he
finally found the most comfortable position by the stairs, nginisian ko siya.

“Why did we even stop here on the stairs when your room’s just a few steps
away?”

“I don’t know. I don’t care,” sikmat niya sabay halik muli sa akin.

I was giggling and blushing with our deep kisses, very happy and giddy. I
threw my head back to give him access when he showered kisses on my neck, giving it
a few playful bites, his tongue trailing from my pulse to my throat.

I groaned when his fingers ran against my chest, rubbing my nipples against
my blouse. His lips fell from the gaps in between my chest until he found my breast
and kissed it despite the clothes.

“Chiel…” tawag ko at napaigtad, ang mga daliri’y bumabaon sa kanyang buhok. I

fisted his strands and called his name when his other palm reached for the buttons
of my blouse, his mouth still on my still clothed chest.

I moaned louder when he took it inside his mouth and lapped.

It made me feel so good. Ayon pa lang ‘yon! Paano pa kung ang labi na niya
mismo kapag wala na akong suot?

It wasn’t my first time making out with him and doing this, obviously, but
something felt so new; so freeing doing it with him right now.
 Maybe because I knew we would finally commit to this? That this would be more
than just our usual make-out session?

When I realized he was having a hard time fumbling with my buttons, I helped
him out, even pulling away from him and getting rid of my blouse. He helped me push
my clothes away, throwing them somewhere, his eyes feasting on my chest and the
black laced brassiere I was wearing.

He licked his lip, his gaze feasting on the rise and fall of my chest until
it fell on my skirt. My breath got caught when he pushed my legs apart, making my
skirt hitch.

“I knew it,” he muttered.

“K-knew what?”

“You’re wearing a pair,” tukoy niya sa underwear kong lace rin. His thick
finger brushed against my leg, thumbing my underwear and pushing it aside.

“Pero bakit wala kang shorts?” Sabay angat niya ng tingin at simangot sa
‘kin.

I laughed.

“So what?” I asked. “I took a shower before I left the hospital. ‘Yan lang
ang damit sa locker ko—”

“What? You wear lace in the hospital?!” He glared at my panties.

“So?” Natawa ako. “Wala namang may makakaalam na ganyan ang suot ko—”

“Wala talaga dapat,” he cut me off. “Ako lang ang p’wedeng makaalam, you
understand, Miss Fabroa?”

I bit my lip to hide my grin, nodding.

“Sure thing, Prosecutor,” I breathed out. “Ikaw lang naman talaga…”

We both smiled at each other and like we had a silent communication going on,
I found myself stripping off my skirt with him helping me out, and not a moment
later, I was spread wide open, his face was buried in between my legs.

I shivered, and my breath got shaky and quick. His tongue flicked on my core,
his finger rubbing my sensitive nub, earning a lusty moan from me.

It still felt foreign. The pad of his tongue flicked on my flesh, his fingers
running back and forth, teasing. My toes curled when he pushed his digit—and two
inside, hitting just the right spot to make me beg for more.

“So wet…” he breathed our and I made a face when he stopped. “You like it
when I eat your cunt, sweetheart?”

He lifted his face to see my reaction, his lips moist and reddish, amusement
dancing when he saw my annoyance at him stopping when I was about to come.

“Alchiel!” I warned.

“Answer me.” His grip on my leg tightened.

 “Yes.” I nodded. “Yes, I want your mouth! Now, just… just eat me bago ko
ipitin ‘yang ulo mo sa hita ko!”

He laughed, amused and to prove to him I was not kidding, hi-nead-lock ko

na.

“Damn, baby. Chill, I don’t want to die without fucking you yet.”

My cheeks blushed. He was chuckling, I could feel his laugh vibrating and
more heat rushed when he lifted my butt up in his arms to have me better.

“Careful! Your arm!” sikmat ko.

“Nah, I’m great. I like this better.”

He ate me like I was his favorite dessert and yeah, well, I guess I was
starting to believe in it because he wouldn’t stop. I called his name, chanting for
him to stop and do me instead but he didn’t.

He made me come with merely just his tongue and fingers in tandem. I rubbed
myself in his mouth, calling his name desperately to take me now.

“S-stop…” hinahapo kong tawag. “C-Chiel, fuck, stop.”

He lifted his gaze, mirth dancing on it.

“You’re giving up already, Bella?” he teased.

I rolled my eyes and pulled away, confusing him. Tumayo ako sa kabila ng
panginginig ng hita at bumaba sa hagdan. Napaayos siya ng upo sa step at mas
nagsalubong ang kilay nang mapunta ako sa harapan niya.

“Hey, baby,” he called, concerned now. “Did I do something wrong? Nasaktan ka

ba—”

His voice faded when I knelt on the step lower than him and unbuckled his
belt.

“Clyte…”

“Hmm?” Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko nang mapansin ko ang umbok. “Isn’t it
unfair? You could feast on my naked body and I couldn’t?” I unbuttoned his pants.

He cursed under his breath as I palmed his bulge, massaging it, my eyes on
his.

“Baby…” he called. “Later…”

He caught my hand but I pushed him away, moving closer to his face to kiss
him. Idinantay ko ang palad sa batok niya, minamasahe iyon habang humahalik pababa
sa dibdib niya’t inaangat ang shirt niya.

I pulled it up, urging him to strip and he followed. Bahagya siyang lumayo
para hilahin mula sa likod ang damit at tinanggal iyon.

“Careful,” I reminded. “Ang sugat mo…”

He answered me by kissing me again and I pulled away to trail kisses down his
jaw, his throat, his chest. I licked his nipple, rubbing his erection before
slipping my hand into his boxers and cupping him.
 He let out an elicit moan when I licked his abdomen down before freeing his
shaft.

I licked my lip, trying to fit my palm in gripping his cock but failing.
Inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya na madilim na ang tingin sa ‘kin.

“I told you… I liked your height because malaki,” I mumbled and before he
could protest, I took him in my mouth.

“Fucking hell, Clytemnestra!” he called out and I just winked at him and
sucked him.

He buried his long fingers in my hair, to my scalp, and fisted it, earning a
groan from me. I could feel the wetness dripping from my core as I licked the tip
of his shaft, tasting the pre-cum glistening.

“Shit…” he whispered shakily, his leg tensing as I pumped my hand, taking him
in my mouth. I still couldn’t take his entirety. He was very massive and thick that
I was suddenly worried if I could take him in.

“Sweetheart,” he called, his voice sultry. “Don’t take it all. You’ll get
hurt—shit…”

I took his length more until it hit the back of my throat.

“Ang kulit mo,” he hissed in a thick accent, fisting my strands as I bobbed

my head to suck him.

I groaned, tasting him, owning him, reveling in the fact I was the only one
who could and who would do this to him. No one else, just me.

He’s mine…

The thought made me hotter that my pace quickened making him curse under his
breath and jolting a little to thrust back.

I glanced up at him, his cock in my mouth. His jaw ticked when our gazes met,
moistening his lower lip.

“You’re gonna kill me, sweetheart,” he breathed out. “If you don’t stop, I’ll
fucking cum right now.”

I pulled away and I saw the protest in his eyes.

“Who’s stopping you, anyway?” I asked. “Go on, fuck my mouth, Sandejas.”

He wanted it. I saw the glint of excitement in his eyes but he was
hesitating.

Inabot niya ang pisngi ko at marahang hinaplos ang pisngi ko pababa sa labi
ko.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” aniya. “I might hurt you…”

“You won’t,” I reassured him. “It’s fine, really. Ito naman parang first
time—”

“I’m weirdly more fucking horny today, Clytemnestra,” he explained. “I might

not be able to control myself.”

“Oh?” Napakurap-kurap ako. “So, you were still controlling yourself before?
Paano pa kung hindi na—”

“Exactly.” He rolled his thumb on my lower lip. “I’m massive, you know?”

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. Ngumuso siya’t nagpigil ng ngisi niya.

“Ang yabang mo naman?”

“What? You said it yourself too… malaki.” Kumindat siya.

I smacked him. Nagtawanan kaming dalawa. I moved my palm a little to remind

him I was still gripping his cock in my hand.

“I’ll be fine,” I reassured him. “Go on, fuck my mouth.”

“Sweetheart—”

“I want you to, Chiel,” I said with certainty. “Please?”

Tumitig siya at mas lumaki na ang ngiti ko nang mapapikit siya, sinuklay ang
buhok niya ng daliri, at tumango.

“Fine…”

I grinned.

Tumayo siya mula sa hagdan at tinulungan ko siyang hilahin paalis ang

pantalon hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang nakahubad sa harapan ko.

He was sculpted like a warrior God, scarred from his bullet wounds before
until his recent ones but perfectly crafted. My eyes trailed off from his majestic
blue eyes, to his toned chest and arms down to the v-line, his massive length, and
his long legs.

I let out a sound of satisfaction.

“Are you sure?” he repeated and adjusted his position so he could line
perfectly on my mouth. “I am not in control right now, sweetheart.”

I nodded, my palm on his legs.

His jaw clenched. “You know I respect you, baby, right?”

I nodded. “Yes…”

“Good,” he breathed out. “Because in a few moments, I’m gonna fuck you like I
don’t.”

I blinked, repeatedly, squirming and shifting.

“Shit… parang mas na-wet ako…” I thought but stiffened when he laughed and I
realized I said all of it out loud.

My cheeks heated but there was no use denying when he was smirking at me
naughtily and he gripped my chin, urging me to part my lips.
 “Open your mouth.” He aligned his cock on my lips, and like a good girl I
was, I did.

He swallowed, controlling himself but failing. He raked my hair again.

“Good girl,” he whispered in a husky voice as he began thrusting in my mouth.

I gagged when he hit the back of my throat. That’s when I realized he was
harsher this time, as if he lost all the patience in the world like what he warned
me pero palaban ako.

“Push me away if I hurt you, okay?” he reminded me.

I nodded. I played, sucked his cock and his balls alternately, elated
whenever he’d curse under his breath and tilt his head up to whisper angrily.

He massaged my scalp, jolting and then gripping it again while the pace
became faster with every moment. He was groaning, calling my name impatiently,
fucking my mouth with no hesitations.

I was dripping wet and I couldn’t help but rub myself too with my free hand.

I moaned and looked up at him, watching his sweat falling from his forehead
down his cheek, his blue eyes like a silhouette of a predator hiding in the dark.
He hit the back of my throat. Mas pinag-igihan ko at hinawakan pa ang pang-upo niya
para sumubok na ilahat pero hanggang subok na lang.

“No,” his voice roared when I gagged and pulled away. “You are hurting
yourself…”

I shook my head, still gasping for air.

“I can,” I said competitively. “I can do it. I could take you all—”

“Next time, sweetheart,” giit niya bago inabot ang pisngi ko, ang malambing
niyang mga mata’y nasa akin. “We’ll enjoy it tonight, alright? It’s our night. I
don’t want to hurt you.”

I pouted but he was right so I opened my mouth again and sucked him, taking
as much as I could, rubbing myself until he was fucking my mouth again.

I came with my own fingers again, dripping wet with his cock in my mouth. He
tensed. I lifted my gaze again and knew he’d explode kaya mas binilisan ko ang
ginagawa. My tongue, my mouth, and my palms worked in tandem to pleasure my man.

He tensed and I was waiting for him to come when he pulled away.

“What?!” reklamo ko na pero napasinghap nang inabot niya ako at inisang

buhat, isinasampa sa balikat niya na parang sako. “Alchiel Verón?!”

“My first come should be on your cunt, Bella,” mariing sabi niya at pinalo
ang pang-upo ko.

I groaned and because I was petty, I pinched his butt.

“Fuck!” He jumped. “Clytemnestra!”

“Madaya!” I grunted. “I wanted to taste you!”

 “Later,” giit niya. “I want it inside you…”

My cheeks heated when he kicked his door closed and lowered me into his bed
like a sacrificial lamb. The room was well-lit I could perfectly see his sculpted
body, his crevices, every crack of his toned abs and…

I gasped when he spread my legs with his knees as he knelt in front of me.

“I don’t carry condoms around, Bella,” he informed me.

I blinked.

“W-wala? Why?”

He shook his head, his gaze sharp, like it was offending I was even asking
him why.

“Because I don’t fuck around, Clytemnestra,” aniya. “Ikaw lang ang kukuha sa
puri ko.”

I laughed.

“Why are you laughing?” he asked grumpily.

“Puri talaga?!” I blurted out. “Excuse me, Prosecutor, a? Pero FYI lang,
virgin din ako! Kukunin mo rin ang akin! Quits lang! Makapagsalita akala mo naman
siya lang…”

He shrugged at me. This jerk, really…

“What do we do?” he asked. “I don’t think I could go down to buy one with a
massive hard-on. It’s either we’ll do withdrawal—which is risky because it could
cause pregnancy—or two, we’ll just make out—”

“No!” I screamed. Natigilan siya. “No! No! Nooo!”

“What—”

“‘Di ako papayag, Sandejas!” Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. “We’ll have

sex—”

“Make love,” he corrected.

“Make love!” I repeated. “Tonight! Wala nang bukas! Dapat ngayon! Ang tagal
nating inantay ‘to tapos MOMOL lang?”

He moistened his lip, staring helplessly at my naked body.

“I want to make love, too, sweetheart,” aniya. “I even burned the damn
contract but I don’t have a condom and without it, there is a risk you’ll get
pregnant—”

“Ayaw mo ba?” I asked, my voice turning somber.

He shook his head.

“God, baby, not like that…” Lumapit siya at hinalikan ako. “Of course, I want
to have a child with you but I want to make sure if you’re up for it—”
 “Then, ask me.”

Tumitig siya sa mga mata ko, pinanood ang reaksyon nito. It was as if he was
looking for some hesitation, for lies.

“I don’t want to force you, hmm?” aniya. “Sex, I want to have sex with you
but only if you do—”

“Bullshit.” Hinila ko ang kamay niya at dinala sa pagitan ng hita ko. “Do you
think I don’t want to, Sandejas?”

Dumilim ang tingin niya at napasinghap ako nang haplusin niya iyon.

“No, you are fucking drenching,” he noticed and fingered me slowly before
looking again. “But we could have sex safely. Ayokong pakasalan mo lang ako kasi
may anak tayo—”

“Just ask me!” I whined. “Ask me, Chiel! Ask me!”

Muntik na akong mapasipa sa iritasyon.

“Sweetheart—”

“I want to have sex,” I chanted. “Gusto ko nang ma-experience!”

His eyes widened briefly.

“Come on, Chiel, we’re in our mid-thirties! Mamaya niyan, forty ka na, Kuya!”
He glared at me. “Gusto mo ‘yon? First sex natin kapag may rayuma ka na? Paano mo
na ma-e-enjoy kung bawat abante mo kumikirot ang kasu-kasuan mo?!”

“Stop calling me kuya…” he warned and rubbed my clit.

“Then, do me,” I challenged. “I want to make love with you, Alchiel Sandejas.
If you don’t have a condom, it’s fine with me. I want you to come inside me
anyway.”

His hand froze.

“What? Are you sure—”

“Yes, sure, one hundred percent! Padlock, tapon susi!” I lifted my hand to
show him the imaginary lock. “If I get pregnant, it’s fine. I want to have children
with you. Kung ibibigay ni Lord ang blessing, why not? Ready naman na ako, ikaw
ba?”

I saw the happiness in his eyes no matter how much he hid it. Nagliwanag ang
mukha niya at tumaas-baba ang dibdib.

“I am ready…” he answered. “Of course, baby. I am ready!” He sounded so happy

and I felt the same.

Napangiti ako at bahagyang naupo para abutin ang pisngi niya.

“Then, let’s do this.” I stared in his eyes. “I want you, Chiel. Kapag wala
pa ring dilig ngayong gabi, baka magpahulog na lang ako d’yan sa terrace mo—” He
crashed his lips on mine.

I moaned, smiling, as I parted my lips and let him in, our tongues battling
with the kiss. I was so lost in it I didn’t notice the tip of his thick and hard
length already pushing inside of me.

I gasped when I felt him, swallowing hard as I gripped his arm.

Gago, ang laki! Kasya ba ‘yan?!

My heart raced. Suminghap ako nang inalis niya bigla.

“What?” I asked.

“You looked nervous,” aniya. “What is it?”

“I-I’m not nervous!” Umiling ako. Tumitig siya at ‘di naniwala.

Hay naku, Alchiel talaga! Akala na naman niya may ginagawa siyang mali!

“Am I doing the right thing?” he asked. “I’d… push my cock inside you,
right?” he clarified.

“Yes,” I answered. “It’s not what I was worried about. I just… you know…” I
swallowed. “I wonder if kasya ba ‘y-yan?”

I eyed his dick.

“Ewan ko,” sagot niya.

I snorted. “Ewan mo? Bakit ‘di mo alam? ‘Di ba nanonood ka ng porn?”

“Clyte!” he hissed.

“What? Tama naman, ‘di ba? Nanonood ka—”

“Ikaw rin!”

“Kasi nakikinood lang ako sa ‘yo!” I exclaimed. “Sabi mo kasi noon demo! E di
demo!”

Napakamot siya ng kilay. “I don’t know. You should know, kasi ‘di ba, nurse
ka?”

Natahimik ako.

Gago, oo nga!

Nakagat ko ang labi ko at sumilip muli sa pagitan ng hita. He was still

gripping his cock, running his tip on my clit to tease me.

“I think yes?” I answered. “Kasya nga ‘yong bata, tit—”

“Clyte!” he called out.

“What?” I whined. “I was just stating the truth! Kasya ang baby kaya kasya
rin naman ang ti—”

“Nahahawa ka na sa best friend mo,” he cut me off. “‘Yong bibig mo na ‘yan

bastos na, halikan kaya kita?”

I grinned.
 “Okay…” I pouted my lips happily. He leaned in to kiss me, distracting me
because he was pushing in.

“There,” he breathed in my mouth when he noticed I stiffened. “I’ll go in,

baby.”

I nodded, kissing him again but it hurt. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kanya at
umawang ang labi ko.

“C-Chiel…”

“Sorry,” he hushed and kissed my cheek. “I’ll be gentle…”

I winced and swallowed.

“G-gago ka, alam ko ‘yan, e. Scam ‘yan!”

He pushed further slowly and I shut my eyes shut painfully. He was so big!

“Paanong scam?” he asked and kissed me again. “Baby, sweetheart, look at me…”

I opened my eyes to see the concern in his gaze.

“Sa mga…” Nangilid ang luha ko at lumalim ang paghinga. “S-sa mga libro
ganyan. I’ll be gentle pero masakit pa rin!”

He chuckled.

“Seryoso nga, Chiel,” ungot ko.

“Alright…” He smiled softly, talking to me. “Tell me about the book,

sweetheart.”

I swallowed, flinching with the foreign pain. I could feel him hitting
something.

“Clyte-Clyte,” tawag niya at hinuli ang labi ko hanggang sa magdikit na ang

dibdib naming dalawa. “Look at me. Tell me about the book.”

I stared at his eyes, the gentleness and the concern written all over it. I
smiled and nodded, telling him about the book I recently read. It was a funny one
with a lot of spicy scenes and he listened intently at me.

“Hmm, give me the title. I want to read it too,” aniya.

“But you’re busy—”

“I never was when it comes to you,” he whispered sweetly.

My heart raced the same time he pushed further in, harder than the last one
and I cursed under my breath. Nahulog na ang mga luha ko. Inalo niya ako.

“I’m sorry…” he whispered. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you…”

“I-I know,” I whispered. “I love you, Chiel.”

His gaze softened. “I love you too. I’m sorry again. I’ll be more gentle—”
 “No.” I tried moving against him to see if it was more painful. “Please
move…”

“But…”

“The pain would subside if you move,” I told him at masunurin naman siya kaya
tumango at bahagyang umulos.

I felt the pleasure but it was still painful so I held his back and pulled
him to me, whispering.

“Fuck me, Chiel,” I whispered. “It started to feel good.”

“Alright.” He kissed my ear and licked my earlobe. “Wrap your legs on my

waist, Bella.”

I followed. He thrusted inside me. Mabagal at nagtatantya lang no’ng una pero
nang mas masanay na ako’t maramdamang lalo ang ginhawa at sarap ay iginalaw ko na
rin ang balakang.

“Faster,” I chanted. “Faster, Chiel. Faster.”

And then he lost it. He fucked me, his pace slow at first until it became
quick and steady, making sure I was pleasured. His mouth claimed mine for a wet
kiss before he trailed off to my throat and my breast. He suckled and bit, his hip
crashing against mine, and the bed started to creak loudly.

“Chiel… Oh, gosh.” I trembled. “F-faster, baby. F-faster!”

“So fucking tight,” he hissed under his breath and gripped my legs, pushing
in until I felt him filling me to the core.

Parang umabot yata ‘yon sa matris ko?!

My eyes rolled at the back of my head. It felt so fucking good. I could feel
my pulse racing, my adrenaline rising, the high I was reaching almost at the edge.

“You like it, huh?” gigil niyang bulong at humawak na sa pang-upo ko para
lang mas mapwesto ang sarili. “You like my cock inside your tight cunt,
sweetheart?”

“Y-yes,” I mumbled. “Y-yes, I do. Yes!”

My toes curled with his every slam, his length filling me and then leaving me
when I was about to reach my high.

It made me so frustrated! Parang aasarin niya ako! Ipaparamdam na masarap at

nand’yan na pero ilalayo sa ‘kin!

“Stay fucking still!” I groaned and pulled him close but he caught my wrists
and caged it up above my head with one hand.

“Na-uh.” He grinned like a handsome beast. “I get to decide tonight, baby.”

“No—”
 “Do you want me to stop?” His hips moved sexily, the drip of his sweat
glistening from his messy hair down his jaw and sexy chest.

“No…”

“Then do as I say,” he hummed. “Stay still, sweetheart. Let me pleasure you.”

“Fine…” I gave up and let him do the pace. I didn’t regret it.

It was his first time yet he moved as if he was a professional. He fucked my

brains out, the pain already gone and was replaced with intense pleasure that I
think I could literally see stars.

My chest heaved, my body arched, and my toes curled when I felt the familiar
release coming.

“C-Chiel…” I screamed in a womanly voice. “C-Chiel, I’m gonna come…”

“Go on.” He hooked my legs up to his arm and angled himself better until he
was hitting the right spot.

“Fuck…” I cried. “O-oh, God…”

“It’s Alchiel,” he corrected.

I glared at him. He smirked boastfully then lowered his hand and rubbed my
clit with a satisfied grin.

“S-shit… I’m gonna…”

“Come on…” He rubbed me harder and then I felt myself explode into a million
pieces with the pleasure I hadn’t felt before.

I let out a long moan, trembling. Nanghihinang napapikit ako at mas humigpit
ang hawak niya sa hita ko.

He then gripped me harder, cupping my cheek for another deep kiss and then he
grunted against my mouth the same time I felt his warmth as he exploded inside my
womb.

Nahulog siya sa dibdib ko, malalim ang paghinga kagaya ko. I could felt his
cock twitching inside me, making me squirm. He lifted his head and when our gazes
met, we smiled at each other.

“Panagutan mo ‘ko, Miss Fabroa,” ungot niya kaya natatawang tumango ako.

“Oo nga, Prosecutor. Ikaw pa ba?” I answered and massaged his nape, watching
his handsome face relaxing with my touch.

Nanatili kaming tahimik na gano’n, pinapakiramdaman ang bawat isa.

“You like it?” he asked.

I nodded, biting my lip.

“Sarap…” sagot ko. Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa. Muli niyang hinalikan ang labi
ko bago iyon nahulog sa pisngi ko at bumulong.
 “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“Why are you thanking me?” I asked.

“Because you’re amazing,” he whispered. “You’re fucking beautiful, baby. I

love you so much.”

I softened. Niyakap ko ang likod ni Chiel at hinalikan ang panga niya.

“You are amazing too, and I love you so, so much…” I mumbled. “Paisa pa nga…”

His sexy laughter echoed in my ear like music. Hinanap niya ang mata ko at
hinuli ang chin ko.

“You want another one?” he asked.

I nodded. “Oo, sa sobrang natuyo na kasi, wisik pa lang ng dilig ‘yon…”

Humagalpak siya ng tawa kaya ngumisi rin ako, tuwang-tuwa sa tunog ng mga
tawa niya. If it’s possible to fall in love with a man you have loved irrevocably,
baka ito na ‘yon.

Mas pa.

“Alright then.” He pulled himself out. I groaned when I suddenly felt so

empty but found myself staring at our lower parts.

I was glistening from the mixture of his cum and mine. I glanced at his face,
only to see the wicked glint of his eyes. He was enjoying the view.

“Hoy, tuwang-tuwa?” I asked.

He grinned then I was confused when he elevated my legs a little by placing

it in his shoulders.

“I dreamt of this,” aniya. “Sino’ng hindi matutuwa?”

“Gago, ano, wet dream?” I hissed. He smirked at me knowingly that my cheeks

heated.

“Oh, don’t you blush at me, Clytemnestra. I know you dreamt the same thing
even before—”

“I-I did? No way!”

“Yes way, hmm…” Tumango siya. “It was before, when we watched a movie. You
were supposed to watch it with Crest. You two rented a small theater but she didn’t
make it. She called me up instead and I joined you.”

A memory flashed in my head. It was a bit blurry but then I remembered

sitting in the back part of the cinema, watching a private screening of a movie.

Actually, si Crest ang may gusto n’on. Nagandahan daw kasi siya sa trailer
kaya ‘di na niya kayang antayin sa pirated version kaya nagrenta ng private cinema
para manood kaso may biglaan naman siyang lakad.

I was ready to watch the movie alone when someone sat beside me. It was
Chiel. He got off work early because he didn’t want me to watch it alone.
 Then, we shared food and…

I stiffened when a scandalous memory appeared.

“W-what the hell…”

He smiled naughtily. “You remembered the spicy part, sweetheart?”

“S-shit…” Napanganga ako sa kanya. “Don’t tell me I…”

“Yes,” he answered proudly. “Nasa spicy part na ‘yong palabas—hilig n’yo

talagang mag-best friend sa gano’n, ano?”

“Shut up!” I hissed. He lifted my leg more and moved closer until I felt his
length running on my still sensitive clit.

“Then they kissed,” he whispered huskily in my ear. “Then there was tension.
I asked if you want to try it, too.”

While he was saying it, he was playing with my nipple with his fingers.

I remembered it. I think we fought because he was jealous of my co-worker and

I was too, with his. Hindi kami nag-usap tapos no’ng nagkita, formal lang then…
fuck.

We kissed when I agreed.

“Then, the female lead went down on her boyfriend,” he whispered, running his
dick in my slit. “I didn’t have to ask you if you wanted to try because you were
already unbuttoning my slacks and taking my dick in your palm.”

Heat gushed in between my legs.

“I-I don’t think so,” I lied even though the image was now so clear in my
head.

“Uh-huh…” He bit my earlobe. “You sure?”

I groaned. He chuckled sexily.

“I came in your fingers, remember?” he whispered. “It was embarrassingly

quick but I’m not ashamed now.”

He teased me by pushing himself in then pulling it out. Bumilis ang

paghinga
ko.

“W-what did I do, then? After?”

“You didn’t speak to me until we got home. It was awkward. I felt bad,” he
whispered and kissed my mouth. “I couldn’t sleep, thinking I went overboard. I was
guilty it felt good while you, maybe you didn’t like it—”

“I do,” I muttered. “Do you think I’d do it if I didn’t like it?”

“Hmm, but I thought you didn’t and I felt bad and sorry. Hindi ko na kinaya
kaya pinuntahan kita kaso ‘di ka sumasagot no’ng nag-doorbell ako. I texted you but
you didn’t reply. I said I’d go inside your unit if you won’t tell me you’re
alright. I was worried so I got in, only to hear some painful sounds.”
 My cheeks heated.

“I-I don’t think it was painful,” I answered embarrassingly.

“Yeah.” He chuckled huskily. “I was panicking but when I got into your room,
I saw you…”

He took my palm and then assisted it down my cunt.

“Then I saw you doing this…” He guided my hand to rub myself with it. My toes
curled. Napahalinghing ako.

I remembered myself getting shocked seeing him but instead of retreating, I

opened my legs wider and showed him. He walked to me hesitantly, his eyes flaring
with unadulterated lust.

Then he sat beside me, watching until he…

“Then I asked, may I?” he whispered, his finger trailing on my inner leg.

“Yes,” I answered. “I said yes…”

“Then, I did this…” He replaced his fingers with mine, touching and fingering
me.

“C-Chiel…” I called out, my head back on the pillow. “I think I-I’ll…”

But he pulled himself off and before I could say a word, he was slowly
pulling me up and shifting my position until my back was on him, my ass up in the
air.

“Chiel…” desperado kong tawag at idiniin ang sarili. “Please, please,

please…”

“You don’t have to say please, sweetheart.” He fisted my hair. “I’m at your
disposal…”

Then he fucked me until I reached the highest cloud, literally reaching

heaven and screaming his name with my face buried in the pillow, my fingers
clutching on the bed sheets.

I was so full, so spent, and so pleasured. He came again and he wasn’t done
yet. He pulled me up by my stomach and caged me with his arm, his chest pressed
against my back. His other palm snaked to my throat and gripped me, tilting my head
to the side so he could kiss me wetly as he jack-hammered me.

Para na akong mababaliw. I didn’t care if I was already wailing like a

fucking banshee. I felt so good, so free…

For the third time that night, he came inside me until our backs hurt.

“Fuck…” daing niya nang pakawalan ako at lumayo.

I frowned, still smiling.

“Baby, you should really start the vitamins for your joints. May gatas akong
alam pambuto—”

“Coming from you?” Sinundot niya ang baywang ko. I laughed. “E, ang sakit na
rin nga ng likod mo?”

“Hindi naman masyado kumpara sa ‘yo, Kuya,” I teased, giggling when he

peppered me with tiny kisses, commanding me to stop calling him that way but I was
stubborn.

“Okay, Kuya,” I repeated. Nadiligan tuloy ako ulit.

More! More! More!

Tuwang-tuwa naman ako kaso may kapalit talaga ang kasiyahan.

I was fucking sore. He was very worried. He cleaned our sheets because I
bled, prepared my hot bath, and washed me up. He did everything. He was strained
too dahil nagdugo ang tahi niya pero ‘di ko naman malinisan dahil ang sakit.

Ang sakit-sakit!

“I-I can’t pee,” I cried out loud.

“Fuck…” he cursed for the nth time, walking back and forth in front of me.
“H-how? Why? I mean, does it hurt?”

I nodded, my eyes teary. Lumuhod siya sa harapan ko at sinapo ang mukha ko.

“L-let’s go to the hospital,” he announced.

“No!” tanggi ko. “I don’t want to…”

“But I’ve hurt you!” he insisted and held my leg. “Please, baby, let’s go.
Baka magkaimpeksyon—”

“No!” Umiling ako. “It’s n-natural, Chiel. Minsan talaga gano’n, depende kasi
sa babae. Sometimes, after intercourse, they’re doing okay and sometimes they
aren’t. It’s natural. It’ll be over soon…”

“But I’ve hurt you…”

“No, you don’t,” I hushed him. “Pero ang laki naman kasi…” I teased but he
was just serious, mad at himself.

Bumuntonghininga na ako.

“I swear I’m great,” pag-aalo ko at parang naiiyak na rin siya.

My baby Chiel…

“You’re hurt,” maliit niyang sagot, nangingintab na ang mata. “I’ve hurt you.
I promised I won’t hurt you…”

“You didn’t. I mean not intentionally. We both wanted it and I tell you,
Chiel, masarap siya. One hundred over ten! Will repeat again!”

He pouted.

“I’m not kidding, Bella. You’re hurt! We should go to the hospital!”

“I’ll get over this in a few hours—or days,” I explained. “Masakit lang
umihi kasi bago pa lang pero ayos na ‘to mamaya…”
 Nagtitigan kaming dalawa.

“No hospital then,” he sighed. “But I’ll call a doctor. You can’t say no.”

Hinayaan ko na lang at baka umiyak na talaga siya. He cleaned me up and

changed me into comfy clothes before settling me back to his now clean bed with new
sheets. Dinalhan niya ako ng pagkain, sinusubuan pa ako.

“Seriously, Chiel.” I laughed. “Masakit ang ano ko pero ‘di ako baldado.”

“Let me,” he insisted. “Open your mouth.”

Hinayaan ko na lang. Alas-dos na ng madaling-araw nang may tinawagan siya at

‘di na ako masyadong nag-expect na may dadating na doktor sa ganitong oras kaya
nahulog ang panga ko nang makita ang mag-asawang Samaniego.

“Angelo?!” I called Chiel’s cousin, an OB-Gynecologist. He was with his wife,

Philie.

“Good day, Clyte,” he smiled. “How are you feeling?”

“A-ayos lang…” Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na nakanguso at nakahalukipkip. “Hoy,

bakit mo sila inistorbo?!” Hinagis ko ang unan kay Chiel na nakaiwas, hiyang-hiya.

“No, it’s fine,” ani Angelo. “He called to ask for help—”

“No, I didn’t,” ani Alchiel. “I asked if you knew someone—”

“Yes and they’re on duty,” ani Angelo. “I’m at home and free. I’m a doctor.
My wife wanted us to visit you instead.”

“Thank you, Philie.” Huminahon ang tono niya nang balingan ang asawa ng
pinsan na malambing ang ngiti.

“Oh, don’t mention it,” ani Philie. “We just wanted to make sure Clyte is
alright. How are you feeling?” Lumapit siya sa akin habang nag-aaway ang magpinsan
doon na parang mga bata sa daycare.

“Uh…” I closed my legs and frowned when it stung. She noticed it. Naupo siya
sa tabi ko. “I’m o-okay. You really don’t have to come. Alam kong naistorbo namin
kayo. It’s two. Paano ang mga anak n’yo? I’m sorry, hindi pa ako nakabisita sa
inyo.”

“Oh, it’s fine. We’re very sorry too hindi ka namin nabisita kaagad no’ng
nalaman naming nakabalik ka na. Also, don’t worry about the kids. Scarlett and
Sloane are sleeping,” aniya. “Saglit lang naman kaya ayos lang. May nanny naman
sila sa bahay. What happened?”

“You know,” I said in a low voice. “I find it hard to pee. It hurts.”

“I see…” She nodded. “First time?”

Nag-init ang mukha ko. She giggled.

“Ikaw naman, don’t be shy.” Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. “No shame. Ako nga
rin ano, unang ano ko palagpas na ako sa kalendaryo…”

Namilog ang mata ko at nagtawanan kaming dalawa.

 “No, I don’t want to,” I overheard the stubborn prosecutor. “I demand a new
doctor!”

“Fucking asshole. I’m an OB! I am a professional!” Angelo hissed back.

“Professional my ass, no!” he insisted.

“Tangina ka, bakit mo pa ‘ko tinawagan?!” Angelo retorted back. Tumatawa lang
si Philie sa tabi ko kaya napailing-iling ako kay Alchiel.

This man, really…

“No way. I need to talk to your wife.” Bumaling si Angelo kay Philie, biglang
umaamo. “Philie, what do we have to do?”

“Uhm, well, I am a doctor but I specialize in pediatrics so I will not be

much of a help but my husband is an OB. He could—”

“No,” agap ni Chiel. “I want another doctor.”

“Alchiel…” I called out loud.

“No, Clytemnestra,” he retorted.

“Come on.” I brushed my hair. “He is a doctor! A professional!” Turo ko kay

Angelo na tumango-tango, nakasimangot kay Alchiel na parang magwawala na.

“But…”

“Do you want to get me checked or not? Sabihin mo lang para mapauwi na natin
silang inistorbo mo pa. They have a family, you know?” Hindi siya umimik. “What?
Tell me, i-okay lang naman kung ‘di itse-check, bahala na mamatay—”

“Fine!” He stomped his feet. “Go on, check!” He glared at Angelo who just
rolled his eyes at him and showed him his middle finger.

“Fuck you, Sandejas,”

“Mas fuck you ka, Samaniego,” laban ni Alchiel na kung ‘di ko pa binato ulit
ng unan ay hindi kakalma.

Mas natawa si Philie sa tabi ko.

Angelo asked where the bathroom was to sanitize first and Philie assisted me.
Nahihiya ako at kilala ko sila, for Pete’s sake, Ninang pa ako at ninong si Chiel
n’ong panganay nila tapos…

Philie readied Angelo’s things, instructing me what to do when her husband

got back with his gloves on. Nag-init ang mukha ko sa kahihiyan.

Ang sarap talagang suntukin ni Alchiel minsan!

Angelo instructed me what to do and I followed, ashamed but had no choice.

Either way, I had to get checked bago pa atakihin sa puso ang Kuya Alchiel kong
parang nasa korte at abang na abang sa mga nangyayari.

“You have a laceration,” ani Angelo. “Thankfully, it was a minor tear.”

 I nodded.

“It was caused by—” He stopped and glared at Alchiel tapping his foot
impatiently with his arms crossed in his chest, eyeing Angelo sharply.

“For fuck’s sake, Alchiel, could you stop?” he hissed. “I can’t concentrate!”

“What? I’m not—”

“Alchiel Verón,” I called. He tensed and glanced at me. “Gusto mo palabasin

kita?” I asked.

He frowned and shook his head. “No, why would I?”

“Then behave,” I snapped. “Stop tapping your foot and sit!”

Sumimangot siya at akmang aayaw kaya tinaasan ko ng kilay at tinuro ang

couch.

“I said sit,” I repeated. “Or I’ll throw you out of the room.”

“Fine!” he agreed and adjusted the collar of his shirt, sighing dramatically
before sitting on the couch. Napailing ako.

I listened to Angelo as he explained what happened and what to do afterward.

It was a vulval tear, and it could happen for a lot of reasons. Possibly from not
enough lubrication, sex positions, or the size.

I think the latter was what caused it. Hindi naman na bago sa ‘kin dahil
naging nurse ako sa delivery room kaya alam kong nangyayari ito kahit sa mga
nanganganak.

“It’s self-healing but I would prescribe you some pain reliever,” ani Angelo
nang matapos. “You’ll get better in a few weeks but until it heals, I advise not to
have sex.”

Chiel nodded, understanding samantalang ako ang napanguso.

What?! Bawal?!

“Can I… can I ask how long does it actually take to heal?” I asked Angelo.

I saw Philie smile a little. My cheeks heated.

“I-I mean for…”

“I understand.” Angelo nodded knowingly. “Give it at least three to five

weeks.”

Shit…

I fought so hard not to make a disappointed face.

“You will feel discomfort and pain for the first few days and until it feels
okay, o kaya’y kapag wala ka nang nararamdamang sakit, p’wede na. However, take it
slow or you might get hurt again. You could visit an OB again to make sure you’re
completely healed.”

“Noted,” I answered. “Thank you, Gelo, Philie.”

 “No worries.” He smiled. “Pagaling ka.”

I embraced them before they left. Philie invited me to their home if ever I
have free time at si Alchiel ang naghatid sa kanila palabas ng building kaya naiwan
ako ro’n.

I sighed and rested my head on the pillow.

I was really exhausted but I couldn’t deny I was very happy. It hurt but
nothing compared to the pleasure I experienced.

It took Chiel a while to get back kaya nahuhulog na ang talukap ko nang
bumalik siya. I saw him holding a glass of water, sitting beside me.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I went to the pharmacy for the meds.” He extended the
water after helping me sit. “Come on, inom ka muna bago matulog.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, watching him while I was drinking it. Nakatitig
lang siya sa baso ko, nag-aalala pa rin kaya pagkababa ko pa lang ng baso sa side
table, sa kabila ng hapdi ay kumandong ako sa kanya at yumakap.

“Clyte…” he called.

“I’m okay, baby. Don’t worry,” pag-aaalo ko. “H’wag ka na sad, Chiel ko.”
Sinapo ko ang pisngi niya para titigan ang mukha niya.

He sighed, his arm snaking on my waist.

“I should’ve known,” aniya at humalik sa balikat ko. “I knew this would

happen but I ignored it.”

“How can you say that? You couldn’t predict it, sweetheart.” Hinaplos ko ang
chin niya.

“No,” he whispered, resting his chin on my hand. “This happened before.”

My forehead creased. “Huh? When?”

Tumitig siya at ngumiti. “I guess you didn’t remember it yet.”

I shook my head. “No, hindi pa. What is it?”

“We almost did this before,” he answered me, making my eyes wide. “But I
chickened out when I saw you hurting when we tried so we didn’t push through. Nag-
MOMOL na lang tayo.”

My mouth parted, and my heart was racing.

“Really?!”

Tumango siya at ngumiti.

“Hmm… we did it finally now, anyway, but I still hurt you. Sorry, baby.
Sorry.” He buried his face on my chest.

Inalo ko siya, pinapaalalang ‘di niya kasalanan. Na gusto ko rin ang nangyari
at ‘di dapat siya mag-alala. We cuddled. He spooned me with the comforter wrapped
around us.
 His room was cold but I felt otherwise with his body pressed against mine.
Ibinaon ko ang mukha sa dibdib niya at pinaraan ang ilong ko sa hubad niyang
dibdib.

“But I feel so sad, Chiel.”

“Why?” malambing niyang tanong habang minamasahe ang anit ko.

“Kasi ngayon na nga lang nadiligan, tuyot na ulit ang garden. Paano na ang
mga rosas?” I whispered and laughed when he burst out laughing.

“You naughty tease.” Hinuli niya ang tingin ko at mariing hinalikan ang noo
ko. “Ang ganda mo talaga…”

I pouted. “Ano’ng connect?”

“Wala, ang swerte ko lang na sa ‘kin ka,” he muttered. “Ang ganda na, mahal
ko pa.”

I was smiling like an idiot, kissing him. Kilig na kilig ako parang teenager!

“Ang swerte ko rin, ‘no. Gwapo na, mabait pa, mahal ko na—malaki pa.”

I squealed when he tickled me.

“Alchiel!”

“Your mouth, Fabroa,” he hissed. “You’re naughty, maybe that’s why your
pussy’s wounded.”

“Maka-wounded! Excuse me pero nasugatan ‘yan kasi malaki ang ano mo! ‘Di
naman sa nagrereklamo, gusto ko rin s’yempre, ano? Pero nakakainis kasi parang ‘di
ko kaya mag-antay pa ng weeks sa next session? Like ilang taong nag-antay tapos
delayed ulit? Saan ang hustisya?!”

He was laughing, pressing my cheek until my lips protruded then kissing my

mouth.

“It’ll be quick, don’t worry. And I asked, as long as there is no

penetration, it’s allowed to do other… pleasurable things.” He winked at me.

We stayed in his unit for a few days because I couldn’t walk that much. I
took a few days off at ‘di naman ako nahirapan. Nakakahiya na ngang humingi ng off
kaya desidido na talaga akong mag-resign na lang.

I have talked to my head nurse at malungkot siya’t halos kababalik ko lang

pero naintindihan naman niya. I was home when I sent out an email for my
resignation and kapag natapos na ako sa rendering ay malaya na ako.

I informed my parents and Chiel and they were okay with it, kung saan daw ako
masaya.

Sinulyapan ko si Chiel. He was talking to his team in the phone while

massaging my feet in the couch.

Si Alchiel ‘yong tipong ‘di mapirmi. Kahit bagong opera ‘yan, gugustuhing on
site magtrabaho but it was surprising when he stayed here with me all the time.
 Kapag may kailangan, ipapahatid niya. He didn’t leave even once and despite
him being so busy, he’d never forget to remind me with my medicine—actually, mas
attentive pa nga siya kaysa sa mismong gamot niya!

Kung ‘di sa alarm na mga ginawa ko, ‘di ‘yan iinom!

For three days, we were in his unit. Watching movies, working, eating, and
making out. However, as much as we wanted to haul ourselves into our tiny bubble,
we couldn’t.

Crest was already suspicious.

She knew I was resigning in the hospital but she also knew I was not in my
office either. Nagtataka na siya at ‘di ako—o si Chiel—nagpapakita sa kanya.

Ilang beses na niyang gustong puntahan kami sa unit at palabasin na sa lungga

pero ‘di siya natutuloy sa dami ng trabaho niya sa boutique. She thought we were
just being cozy and selfish to be with each other alone pero ‘di niya alam na ‘di
lang talaga ako makalabas nitong nakaraan kasi natuhog ako at ‘di makalakad nang
maayos!

Kaya no’ng ikalimang araw na, ‘di na kami p’wedeng magtagong dalawa.

They scheduled our monthly get-together in the ancestral house this Sunday.

“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Nilingon ako ni Chiel.

“Hmm…” Tumango ako. “I could walk just fine now. I’m not limping anymore.”

Thankfully. Mukha naman akong normal na maglakad! P’wede na iyon!

We got there together. Inalalayan niya ako pababa at mas lumaki ang ngisi ko
nang sinalubong ako ng mga pamangkin.

“Ninang!” The twins, Avery and Reese ran towards me for a hug.

“Hello, twins!” I chirped. “Here, Ninang and Ninong brought some sweets!”
Inabot ko sa kanila ang pagkain.

They kissed us. Nga lang, no’ng nagpapabuhat ang kambal ay inako ni Chiel at
baka raw mabinat ako. As if wala siyang sugat sa braso!

Pumasok kami sa mansyon at tinawag ang mga bata para sa mga pasalubong naming
pinamili.

“Ayan, finally! Lumabas na rin sila sa lungga!” Crest exclaimed, showing up

in her terno crop top and shorts, her hair curled up in a ponytail.

I chuckled. Nahulog ang tingin ko sa kambal sa braso ni Chiel na hawig sa

damit niya, kid-friendly lang at iba ang kulay.

“Kumusta naman ang wallet ng asawa mo?” I pointed out and grinned.

She giggled and embraced me tightly, kissing my cheek.

“Kaya pa naman niya,” she teased.

“Aba, dapat lang,” Chiel commented.

 “Hey!” Crest called and pouted. “Ikaw rin, ‘di ka nagpaparamdam, a! Ano’ng
ginawa n’yo? Para kayong mga multo, a?”

“Pustahan, nagmultuhan ‘yan.” Biglang lumitaw si Zion, nakasampa sa balikat

ang pangalawang anak.

I glared at him. Ngumisi siya sabay turo sa ‘kin.

“O! Umiirap! Feeling ko totoo!” I swat his hand and reached for Colt instead
to say hi at walang kwentang kausap itong tatay niyang hunghang.

“Manahimik ka nga,” sikmat ni Chiel.

“Hmm… defensive!” he muttered. “Siguro nagbinyagan na ‘yan! E di ba, sinagot

na ni Chiel-taba si Clyte?”

I stiffened. Chiel glanced at me with question in his eyes.

“How…”

I looked away.

Shit! We were just talking about the contract! Inasar ko kasi siyang siya ang
naunang sumira! Pero ako naman talaga!

“‘Di ba, nililigawan ka ni Clyte?” ani Zion na parang may battery ang bibig.
“Tapos no’ng sa ospital din sinagot mo siya. Nakita mo na ba ang video?”

“What video?” His voice hardened.

Shit, Zion! Sabi ko h’wag muna nilang ipagkalat! Pinanlakihan ko siya ng

mata.

“‘Yong video, ‘yong high ka pa sa anesthesia tapos crush na crush mo si

Clyte. Pinakilala mo sarili mo as Chiel-taba, ‘yong Taba ‘yong apelyido mo.”

“What the—”

Sumalisi na ako.

“Clytemnestra!” he called out loud but I was escaping the crime scene.

Bubusalan ko talaga ang bibig ni Zion Schauffer mamaya!

Kumalat na ang video dahil sinend na ng gagong Zion ang video ni Chiel sa
groupchat namin.

I sighed when I saw a notification from GC Ka Soho.

Zion (pinakagwapo): Guys, I want you to meet Prosecutor Chiel-taba…

Then he attached the video.

What the hell?

Binato ko ng tsinelas si Zion na humahalakhak palayo.

“Asshole!” Alchiel screamed.

 Hindi ako ma-corner ni Alchiel dahil sa gulo ng mga lalaki at tumutulong
naman ako sa kusina para sa foods namin, lalo na tuloy nang dumating na ang mga
magulang na galing pang trabaho.

“Princess,” Dad called, hugging me and kissing my forehead. “Nandito na mga

kapatid mo, ‘nak?”

“Opo, Dad.”

“Hey, sweetheart…” Mommy kissed my cheek. “How was your rest? Did you feel
better?”

I smiled at the both of them, my cheeks flushing.

“Yes po, I stayed in the condo.” Chiel’s condo. “For days, pahinga lang po
tapos ano, uh, work?”

I wasn’t looking at Dad because I could notice his observant gaze and I was
nervous he’d find out what I did.

“Great—”

“With whom?” Dad asked kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya.

“J-just me!” I almost smack my head for the obvious high pitch of my voice.

Napatitig siya. I could see the wonder in his eyes so I cleared my throat and
smiled.

“Let’s go in!” I chirped and then hooked my arms, one on my dad and the other
on Mom’s.

Nalibang ko silang dalawa. Nga lang, conscious na ako sa tingin ni Daddy. He

was smiling and chilling with the family pero nakikita ko siyang pinapanood kami ni
Chiel.

Shit… I still have to tell Daddy! Tapos p’wede na kaming umamim sa

lahat—kahit alam na nila—para i-announce na official na kaming mag-jowa!

Inaasar ng mga lalaki si Chiel kaya ‘di siya makatiyempong lumapit sa ‘kin
which was a good thing while we were in my dad’s scrutinizing gaze. Si Tito Iñigo
ay may sinasabi rin kay Dad, tumatawa sa simangot ng huli.

“No, pumila ‘yang anak mong tukmol,” I overheard him. “Maraming nakapilang
manliligaw sa anak ko. Maghirap siya.”

They caught me eavesdropping because Tito Iñigo smiled at me, lifting his
glass of orange juice while the others had their liquor.

“Ano, anak? May pag-asa ba ang panganay ko sa ‘yo?” he asked, unashamed.

“Mabait ‘yon, responsable, not to mention very handsome. Hindi naman sa bias ako,
I’m a judge so I could judge him fairly.”

“Ano’ng connect?” Dad hissed.

Tita Thallia was laughing. Mommy smirked and watched my reaction. Mas
kinabahan lang ako at inikot ang tingin.

Shit, aamin na ba ako? Hindi ganito ang imagination ko!

 “Uh—”

“Clyte-Clyte! Pa-help naman here!” I almost praised the gods when Crest
called me kaya nag-excuse ako sa kanila.

I helped Crest with some of our cousins with the food refills para ihain na
ang dessert namin at sa pagbalik namin sa table ay tumabi ako kay Dad na lumapit
para bumulong.

“Sinagot mo na ba, anak?” he asked.

It surprised me. Nilingon ko si Dad at kumurap-kurap.

I cleared my throat. “Actually, Dad, hindi siya ang—”

“Good, dapat lang,” agap niya bago pa ako matapos at nakangising sumimsim ng
alak niya, inaangat pa iyong parang nagyayabang kay Tito Iñigo na nanliliit ang
mata.

“Paano ba ‘yan, wala nang pag-asa ‘yong anak mo?” he asked in a low, proud
voice.

Oh, God… My father is hopeless…

Nagkatinginan na lang kami ni Chiel, parehong lito.

I missed Chiel. ‘Di kami nakakuha ng tiyempong mag-usap kaya nang nagpahinga
na ang mga bata, medyo lasing na ang mga pinsan at mga tanders at nagkakantahan
na’y nakakuha kami ng tiyempo.

We’ve met in the kitchen at isang tinginan pa lang ay tinalon ko na siya at

nakipaghalikan. He carried me and sat me on the kitchen counter, didn’t even care
when the utensils fell.

“I missed you…” ungot ko.

“May kasalanan ka pa sa ‘kin,” bulong niya sabay kagat ng labi ko. “But I
missed you too—”

“May pulutan pa ba?” A familiar voice echoed from the distance.

We both stiffened. Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel.

“It’s Dad!” I hissed and jumped out of the counter.

“Shit…” Umayos siya ng tayo. “D-do I look fine? I’ll talk to him—”

“No!” I gasped, panicking. Hinatak ko siya pababa, patago sa counter at

binuksan ang ilalim para ipasok siya ro’n. “Not now!”

“What the fuck,” he cursed. “Sweetheart, no. I’ll talk to him. ‘Di ako kasya
rito—”

“Kasya ‘yan! Promise!”

“Kausapin ko lang—”

“He’s drunk,” I hissed. “We’ll talk to him when he’s sober and calm! Para ‘di
ka masuntok!”

“I doubt.” He shook his head. “He’d do it. It’s fine, I could accept a punch,
baby. This won’t work. I can’t hide here. I don’t fit! Mahuhuli lang tayo, nakita
ko na ‘to noon!”

“Huh? Kailan—”

“Clyte? You here?” I stiffened.

“D-dad!” Dali-dali ako tumayo pagkatapos damputin ang kutsarang nahulog. “Y-
yes po?”

He stared at me skeptically. “What’s taking you so long?”

“U-uh… maghuhugas lang po sana ng kutsara lang.”

“Hmm…” He nodded, his gaze on the counter. “May kausap ka?” Tumaas ang
kilay
niya.

“Wala po…” Iling-iling ko, pasimpleng sinisipa si Alchiel na humahawak na sa

paa ko at naiipit na siya.

“But I heard…” He shook his head and smiled. “Can you hand me the nuts,
princess?” Turo niya sa likod kaya tumango ako, kinakabahan pang kinuha iyon at
inabot sa kanya.

I smiled awkwardly, my heart lurching out of my throat in anxiousness.

“Thank you. Are you sure you weren’t talking to somebody?” he asked again.

I shook my head.

“B-baka guni-guni mo lang, Dad?” I insinuated.

Nangunot ang noo niya at napatango-tango.

“I guess…” he mumbled. “Alright, bumalik ka na ro’n sa labas pagkatapos mo,

a?”

“Opo…” I smiled, making sure he won’t be able to see the lie in my face.

Pigil ang hininga ko habang pinapanood siyang umalis at nang mawala na sa

paningin ko ay at saka lang kumalma.

I sighed.

“He’s gone,” I informed and pulled Chiel up.

I pouted when he frowned and touched his back, whispering in pain. Ngumuso
ako at hinaplos ang likod niya.

“I’m sorry, baby,” I muttered and embraced him, tiptoeing to kiss his lips.

“We should’ve just told him,” he whispered and kissed me back. “We’re lucky
we weren’t caught. I remembered Crest hid Locket the same way and they were caught.
I thought we’d have the same fate…”
“Well…” I grinned at him. “Lucky us!”
 He cupped my cheek and kissed me again, getting lost until we heard a
clearing of throat.

“Are you?” We both stopped, shifting our bodies and my jaw dropped when I saw
my dad resting his back by the wall, his dark eyes on us while rolling his arm to
warm up.

“D-dad…”

“Mukhang may matutupad akong pangarap, a?” he taunted, grinning mischievously

as he stared at the now speechless and pale Alchiel.

Kabanata 54

Kabanata 54

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

I am fucking dead.

I stared at Tito Thorn smirking, waiting for me to succumb to my impending

doom.

“Tinitingin mo? Tara rito!” Tito called out loud, lifting his finger to
motion me to come closer, his other arm still rolling for his warm-up.

I swallowed hard and glanced at Clyte and her shocked face.

“I told you this isn’t a good idea, sweetheart,” I breathed out.

This happened before, with my twin and Locket. I knew this wasn’t a good
idea. I just knew it!

“Chiel…” she whined. “Sorry, you shouldn’t—”

“Shut up, Clytemnestra Alyona. Palapitin mo ‘yang manliligaw mo sa ‘kin

ngayon din!” Tito retorted again and I watched my girl made a pleading face at him,
but he shook his head.

“I’ll be fine,” I assured Clyte, though my heart was racing. I expected this
to happen. Fuck, I was accepting this fact for years now pero iba pa rin pala kapag
ikaw na ang nando’n, ano?

Bumaling ako kay Tito at naglakad pero isang hakbang pa lang ang nagagawa
ko’y naramdaman ko na ang yakap ni Clyte sa likod ko.

“Don’t!” she snapped, stopping me. “Stay here—”

“Sweetheart…” I called gently.

“Hoy, anong sweetheart?!” Lumapit pa sa amin si Tito, kunot na ang noo kaya
mas ninerbyos ako. “Hindi ka pa nga sinasagot ng panganay ko may call sign na
kayo?!”

“Parang sila ni Mommy wala!” I was surprised when Clyte answered. “Kwento nga
ni Mommy lowkey landian pa lang kayo noon, reyna na ang tawag mo sa kanya?!”
 “That’s…” He cleared his throat. “That’s the older generation, Clyte. Ngayon,
hindi na uso ‘yan. Dapat kapag ‘di pa nagdyo-dyowaan walang tawagan! At saka ang
bata mo pa—”

“Oh, come on, Dad, I’m thirty-four!” Clyte whined and embraced my back
tighter and I tried so fucking hard not to have a fucking boner when I felt her
tits pressed against my back.

Fuck! Ilang araw na akong nagpipigil! H’wag naman ngayon!

I swallowed and tried to wiggle away but she embraced me more, as if she
could stop me when I was way larger than her.

Honestly, I could pull myself away, but I didn’t have the heart to. Ang sarap
kasi sa yakap niya.

“Tss! Kahit na, pakialam ko! Princess pa rin kita! Baby ka pa sa paningin
ko!” he retorted.

“Dad, please,” she whined. “You’re drunk! P’wede naman nating pag-usapan
kapag ‘di ka na lasing—”

“Do I look like I am drunk?” Tito asked. “I am perfectly fine. Bitawan mo ang
lalaking ‘yan at palapitin dito—”

“Dad, he’s injured!” she fought back. “Look… look! Hindi pa magaling ‘yong
braso niya! He was hurt because of me—”

“No,” agap ko at nilingon si Clyte. “I was just hurt because Fernandez is a

fucking asshole.”

“Yes. For once, he was right,” Tito agreed kaya napangiti ako pero nahuli
niya kaya sumimangot. “Ano’ng ngini-ngiti mo?”

“Wala naman po.” Mabilis kong tinaggal ang ngiti.

“Tss… come here,” he demanded.

“Dad!” Clyte tried intervening again. “He was hurt! Paano kapag nabinat siya?
Ang braso niya! I looked after his wounds this week and he’s still not okay—”

“Huh! So magkasama nga kayong dalawa nitong isang buong linggo?!” I tensed
with his glare.

“Tito…”

“Dad! I-I was just visiting him! We basically live together—” Tito’s jaw
dropped, and I panicked.

“S-she meant beside each other,” I clarified but he was gawking at us like we
grew horns.

“Y-yes, he’s right, Dad! We lived next to each other and not together! K-kasi
‘di ba magkatabi ang unit namin—”

“Binabahay mo na ba ang panganay ko, Sandejas?!” He directed his sharp eyes

at me.
 I shook my head and raised my hand as if surrendering.

“N-no, Tito. Not like that, we only visit each other. I wasn’t… We
weren’t—”

“‘Di mo pa girlfriend, binabahay mo na?!” He hissed angrily then glanced at

his daughter. “What the heck, Clytemnestra? Hindi mo pa sinasagot—”

“I was courting him!” she confessed.

Miski ako’y nagulat sa sagot ni Clyte. Nabitawan na niya ako kaya nilingon ko
siya nang tuluyan.

“What do you mean…”

“I was the one courting Chiel and not the other way around,” she answered
with conviction, standing her ground with her chin tipping up.

I fought so hard not to smile with the defiance in her eyes.

That’s my beautiful girl…

Nakanganga lang si Tito sa kanya.

She let out a shaky breath.

“Walang makakapigil sa akin, Dad,” aniya kaya miski ako’y nahulog na ang
panga.

Wow…

My heart pounded drastically in my chest, amazed at her words I could care

less about Tito Thorn and kiss her in happiness, but it all faded when we saw Tito
take a metal spatula on the counter and lift it.

“Ikaw na bata ka, ikaw pa ang nanligaw?!” he exclaimed and ran after Clyte.

She screamed and pulled me kaya nag-panic na rin ako.

“Dad!”

“No! Ikaw na sutil ka! Bakit ikaw ang nanligaw, anong klase ‘yan?!”

When Clyte reached me the same time as Tito Thorn did, itinago ko siya sa
likod ko.

“Chiel!” she screamed, kumakapit sa likod ko.

“Tito…” I tried explaining, covering Clyte so he wouldn’t reach her.

“H’wag mo akong ma-Tito-Tito r’yan! Tumabi ka!” he hissed. “Papaluin ko ‘yang

sutil na ‘yan—”

“I’m thirty-four!”

“I don’t give a fuck! Clytemnestra, come here!” he hissed under his breath.

“No, Dad!” Mas tumili pa siya nang gumilid si Tito at muntik na siyang maabot
pero nakaharang ako kaya ako ang tinamaan.
 It hurt, of course but better kaysa siya ang tamaan.

“Umalis ka r’yan, Sandejas!” he exclaimed. “Kung ayaw mong madagdagan ang

inis ko sa ‘yong tukmol ka—”

“Tito, it’s my fault,” I covered Clyte more and when she pulled me, sumama
ako. Nagpatintero kaming tatlo sa counter nang mahuli na naman niya kami.

“Stay fucking put!” he cursed, his eyes throwing daggers.

“Dad! No! What’s the matter kung girl ang manligaw, right?! It’s normal—”

“I fucking know but not for you! That idiot should fight for you instead!”
Tinaas niya ang sandok niya at nagsermon.

“Yes, Dad!” Hinarangan ko ulit siya sa sandok ni Tito. “He fought for me all
this time kaya ako naman—”

“Fought?! Tapos may ka-dinner na babae sa restaurant?!” he hissed, and my jaw

dropped.

“That…” I tried explaining. “Lorraine was a friend—”

But then I felt Clyte pulling
While they were running away, I was
only
out for a friendly dinner pero ewan
nagpapatintero sila ng anak paikot,
naman.
away and running from her father’s spatula.
explaining Lorraine was a friend and I was
ba, ‘di niya yata ako naiintindihan at
ginagawa pa akong shield bago tatakbo na

“Napapagod na ako kakatakbo!” hinahapong sabi ni Tito sabay pamaywang.

“Clytemnestra, tara dito!”

“Dad…” she whined but moved closer. She might’ve noticed her father was now
exhausted running around. “Nililigawan ko lang naman si Chiel kasi mahal ko siya,
Dad! H’wag mo na kaming tutulan!”

I tried stopping my smiles despite my cheeks flushing. I was fucking happy.

Ang saya pala kapag minahal pabalik…

“Nanutol ba ‘ko?! Hindi! Ang sinasabi ko lang, bakit ikaw ang nanliligaw?!”

“Kasi mahal ko nga, Dad! Okay lang iyon, sabi mo nga fight for your love kaya
lumalaban ako—” She smiled awkwardly with his glare. “‘Di pa nga ako sinasagot
kaya okay lang!” Nang makita kong lalagapak na sa pwet niya ang sandok, naalala ko
bigla na may iniinda pang sakit si Clyte kaya nagsalita na ako.

“Sinasagot na kita!” I exclaimed, sober this time.

They froze. Clyte gapped at me, and Tito’s hand froze mid-air, glancing at
me.

“What did you just say, Sandejas?” he asked slowly.

My heart raced more. Swallowing, I mumbled.

“Sinasagot ko na po ang anak mo, Tito.” Sinigurado kong nagyayabang ang tono
ko, ngumisi pa para sa akin na bumaling ang inis niya.
 Nagdilim ang tingin niya’t nang ipinaling na sa ‘kin ang pansin ay unti-unti
akong umatras. I caught Clyte’s gaze. She knew what I was doing kaya umiling-iling
siya pero ‘di bale nang ako ang masapak kaysa naman mapalo siya ng sandok sa pwet.

She was still recovering from her laceration! She found it hard to walk
without limping these past few days kaya pinipilit ko siyang magpabuhat o ‘di
kaya’y ako na deretso ang bubuhat kapag may pupuntahan siya paikot sa unit ko.

Ngayon nga lang siya nakapaglakad nang maayos-ayos pero tumakbo pa at

mapapalo sa pwet!

He clicked his neck, his teeth grinding.

“Say it again…” he challenged, his grip on the spatula tightening.

“Sinasagot ko na po si Clyte, Tito,” I repeated with conviction. “Boyfriend

na niya ako.”

That’s when he exploded, and I was already running away like a coward to draw
him away from Clyte.

Hinabol niya ako habang sumisigaw, nakailang tama ako ng sandok sa pwet at
napapatalon kaya mas binilisan ko ang malalaking hakbang.

“You idiot!” he screamed loudly. “Halika ritong tukmol ka!”

I ran away, making my way to the family singing outside at napapalingon na

ang iba nang makita akong tumatakbo.

“Chiel-taba!” Zion called. Mommy shot her brow up curiously with my dad
beside her with his head on her shoulder, pumapapak ng pulutan nila. He was
confused, too, until Tito Thorn showed up.

I tensed.

“Come back here!” hinahapong singhap ni Tito, nagpamaywang pa, tila masakit
ang kasu-kasuan at inangat ang sandok niya. “H’wag mo ‘kong takbuhan. Duwag ka
ba?!”

“No!” agap ko sabay tingin sa sandok na nakailang tama na sa pang-upo ko.

When he took a step forward, I didn’t move away this time.

Natahimik ang kumakanta sa videoke. Bumitiw rin sa microphone si Tito Zeijan

at may sinabi kay Tito Dash.

“What’s happening?” I heard my father asking. Nilingon ko siya na nakatayo na

at seryoso ang tingin.

“H’wag kang makisali rito, Iñigo,” ani Tito Thorn na tinatanggal ang
eyeglasses niya’t inaabot kay Deion, mariin ang tono.

“What the—”

“Dad, it’s fine,” I stopped my father too. “I’ll be alright.”

Tito Thorn stepped closer. I masked the flinch I made by clearing my throat
when he was almost in front of me.
 There was just silence. No one talked at mukhang nakisama rin ang videoke
dahil natapos ang minus one na background music. Tanging ang paghinga ko lang at
ang mabilis na pagtakbo ng puso ang naririnig.

Pinantayan niya ang tingin ko. I was an inch taller than him, but that wasn’t
enough because he looked so scary right now, I could fold and be on my knees to beg
him to allow me to have his daughter.

I accepted my fate. I knew of his bucket list long before. I would be getting
punched, and it was fine.

Ayos lang talaga… For Clyte…

Tito lifted his spatula.

Ayan lang gagawin niya? I sighed. Good, it was easier then.

I glanced behind Tito and caught gazes with her. She looked so terrified, so
nervous and sorry and I just gave her a soft smile.

“I love you,” I mouthed.

“What the fuck? Anong I love you?!” Tito exclaimed kaya napasulyap ako sa
kanya.

What? He thought I was telling him that?

Nangunot ang noo niya sa gulat ko sabay lingon sa likod at nang mapansing si
Clyte ang nando’n ay umigting ang panga sabay matalim na baling sa akin.

My breath hitched when he threw the spatula away and fisted his palm.

“Did you just shamelessly flirt with my daughter in front of me?” he hissed.

I shook my head.

“N-no, I mean, I love you, Tito,” I said fearlessly when he stepped forward
and gripped my collar harshly closer.

Fuck. I’m dead.

“Tito—”

“Remove your fucking hands off my son, Valderama!” I heard Dad hissing.

I tried looking at him.

“Dad, I’m fine—”

“You bet I am, Sandejas,” Tito spat back.

“I fucking swear, if you touch my son I’d sue you—”

“Try then, sue my ass,” singhal niya sabay lagapak ng kamao sa pisngi ko.

“Ohhh!” I heard Tito Dash and Tito Zeijan gasp in unison.

Napaatras ako, naramdaman ang sakit sa pisngi. I winced with the pain. I
thought I’d lose my teeth right then and there, lalo na nang muli kong naramdaman
ang panibagong sapak.

This time, I lost my balance and fell on my back on the ground. I felt like
my jaw dislocated.

Tangina, ganito pala pakiramdam no’ng sinapak si Locket noon?!

“Thorn…” I heard Tita Zidney calling out.

“Valderama!” Dad hissed.

“Huh!” I heard the satisfaction in his tone when he saw my face. “Tangina,
sarap talagang manapak!” He punched me again.

I winced but did not fight. This was my initiation.

All for my girl…

“Dad!” I overheard Clyte fusing over but Deion and Locket were covering her.
Si Crest ay nakanganga lang at napatakip sa bibig niya.

“Nagpaligaw ka pa sa anak kong gago ka?!”

“W-what? Si Clyte ang nanligaw?!” I heard my mother’s scandalous gasp.

“Valderama!” Dad called again but my mom stopped him.

“H’wag ka nang makisali!”

“He was punching your son, Thallia!”

“I’m fine!” I exclaimed. “Don’t worry about me—”

“Gusto mo pang isa?!” Tito hissed at me, gripping my collar, and was about to
swing another punch when he was pulled off me by my raging father.

They stood eye-to-eye, their eyes blazing with challenge.

“I said don’t touch my son!” he hissed.

“I told your idiot son the same thing, but he touched my daughter!” Tito
exclaimed back angrily.

Dad glanced at me quickly, his eyes sharp.

“Did you fucking touch Clytemnestra without her permission, Alchiel Verón?!”
I heard the fire in his voice, and I firmly shook my head. I knew where it was
coming from.

“No, Dad—”

“I love Chiel!” Clyte screamed. “We’re together! He didn’t touch me that way!
Mag-jowa po kami—”

“Shut it, Clytemnestra!” her father roared. “Usapang matanda ‘to!”

“Uy, aware sila…” side comment ni Tito Zeij sabay bungisngis kaya sabay
siyang nilingon n’ong dalawa kaya napaatras siya sabay tago sa likod ni Tita Alyx
na napa-face palm.
 “They’re together, what’s the matter?!” Dad hissed at him.

“That’s the matter! Your idiot son let my daughter court him!” Tito hissed
kaya nilingon ako ni Dad bago bumaling kay Clyte na pilit inilulusot ang ulo niya
sa gitna nina Deion at Locket na hinaharangan siya.

“It was my decision, Dad!” Clyte exclaimed.

“See?! It was her decision! Ano naman ngayon kung nililigawan niya ang anak
ko? I raised my son to be a great man!”

I blinked. Wow, that was…

“So what? I also raised my daughter to be a great woman!” Tito retorted.

“Makapagsalita kang gago ka, akala mo luging-lugi si Clyte sa anak ko, a?!”
laban pa ni Dad. “Look at him! Look at my son!” Sabay lahad niya sa ‘king plakda sa
lapag at nasapak ang mukha.

Nag-init ang mukha ko sa itsura, mukhang ligaw na batang nadapa at nauna ang
mukha sa lapag.

“O, ano? Ano’ng meron d’yan sa anak mong mukhang na-bulldoze ang mukha—”

“Kasi sinapak mong gago ka!” Dad hissed and it happened so fast. Just as my
father was about to lift his fist, Tito Thorn was too quick and punched his face
first.

My jaw dropped when Dad’s face turned to the side because of Tito’s punch.

“What the fuck?” Tito Dash exclaimed.

Napaayos ako ng upo, nakasalampak pa rin sa lapag, lalo na nang matawa si

Tito Thorn. He clicked his neck and laughed.

“Huh, putang ina ka. ‘Di ako masaya dati no’ng sinapak kita pero masaya na
ako ngayon!” he hissed and cackled proudly.

Nanatiling nakapaling ang ulo ni Dad, seryoso ang mukha. I saw the way his
jaw ticked, and his eyes became darker.

Fuck…

Inangat ko ang kamay para ipakitang ekis na at pigilan na nila but everyone
was very quiet.

Tito Zeijan and Tito Dash were watching intently at the transformation of the
angry Iñigo Rafael.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Crest. We both shook our heads in unison.

When Dad turned his head, his fist was already up and aiming for Tito’s
cheek. Lumagapak iyon sa pisngi ni Tito at nabitin ang tawa niya.

I swallowed hard when Tito’s head shifted then turned back, the silence
after, as they eyed each other now. Tito clenched his jaw.

“Gago ka ba?!” he roared angrily and punched my father.

 Biglang nagkagulo na. I cursed under my breath when the two oldies fought and
were now punching each other.

“Deion! Help them out! Bakit ka nakangisi r’yan, tumulong ka rito!” Tita Zid
called.

“Nah,” Deion smiled. “Hayaan mo na, ‘My. Matagal nang pangarap ni Daddy ‘yan.
Pagbigyan na natin at tumatanda na.” Tumawa siya at nag-apir pa sila ni Zion.

I glared at them, but they just grinned at me like idiots.

“Jesus! This family!” Tita blurted out and massaged her temple nang mapansin
niyang muntik nang mawala sa balance ang dalawa. “What the hell?! Thorn?! Kuya!”
Tita Zidney panicked the same way as my mom did, but they wouldn’t stop fighting.

“Iñigo Rafael!” Mom called, and the sound of everyone hissing echoed as they
tried to pull away the two men, with my uncles cheering on the sidelines like they
were watching two Barbies fight.

“Ayan! Kay Kuya Raf pusta ko!” Naglabas si Tito Dash ng wallet.

“Gago, kay Tinik ako, may bucketlist ‘yan, e! Dalawa agad check!” hagalpak ni
Tito Zeij sabay labas ng bente pesos.

Nagmura na ako at pinilit ang sariling tumayo para umawat nang may tumakbo sa
akin at humatak patayo.

“A-are you okay? Your jaw…” Clyte’s worried eyes roamed my face as her palms
cupped my cheek. I shook my head and kissed her forehead.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I reassured her, pretending my jaw wasn’t fucking

hurting like hell. “I’ll be back.”

Before she could stop me, I joined the other boys trying to separate the two.
My aunties were calling them out but they’re beaming with pride.

Boys… damn, I knew sometimes you just gotta let them talk to your fist than
talk. Nagrambol ang dalawa, palitan ng sapakan.

“Dad! Tito!” tawag ko sabay hatak ng braso ni Tito Thorn.

“‘Di pa ako tapos sa ‘yong lalaki ka, a!” singhal niya’t umigkas ang kamao sa
mukha ko at tinamaan ang pisngi ko.

It was so hard I literally froze and saw stars.

“Chiel! Oh my God!” Naramdaman ko ang hawak ni Clyte sa likod ko pero dagli

akong umiling nang maka-recover, inaalo siya para ‘di mag-alala.

“I’m f-fine, sana mahal mo pa rin ako kahit ‘di na ‘ko gwapo,” tukoy ko sa
pasang paniguradong mamumuo sa pisngi ko, muling hinalikan si Clyte sa labi naman.

“Tanginang… hinalikan pa ang anak ko sa harapan ko mismo! Wala ka talagang

hiya, ano?!” Tito hissed when he caught me, trying to face me for another punch but
Dad caught his collar and punched his face.

Mas nagkagulo. Muli akong tumulong para manghila palayo.

 Tita Zidney and Mom began hissing under their breaths to try and scare the
two, but they were so used to it that it did not faze them anymore.

“Zeijan Ruais! Stop them!” Tita Alyx exclaimed to her husband having the time
of his life watching.

“Misis—”

“What? Do you want me to threaten you again with annulment—”

“Fine!” he whined and stomped his feet. “Samahan mo ‘ko, Dash-beybe—”

Sabay hatak niya kay Tito na iniwasan ng huli sabay punta sa likod ni Tita
Reah. Natawa si Tito Dash at kumaway sabay tulak sa kanya palayo.

“No, thanks. Retired na ‘ko sa ganyan, ‘di ba, babe? Good boy na ako?” Sabay
yakap niya kay Tita Reah na nakasimangot lang sa kanya.

“Ano ba ‘yan!” Tito Zeij whined, even jumping a little to show Tita Alyx he
didn’t want to, but Tita shot her brow up and he pouted, stomping his way to us.

The two still wouldn’t stop fighting.

“Tama na ‘yan, uy!” Tito Zeij called out, hindi tuluyang lumalapit at ang
hirap na umawat sa dalawa kaya hinatak ko ang braso niya palapit.

“Tito, help!” I called.

Humawak siya sa braso ng dalawa.

“Uy, tama na raw sabi ni Zidney-tot at misis ko!” malamya niyang sagot,
halatang ayaw pang matapos ang away at nag-e-enjoy pa siya.

“Zeijan Ruais…” his wife warned with danger in her voice and that’s when he
got alerted and straightened his back.

“Kuya! Tinik!” he called. “Tama na ‘yan!” awat niya sa dalawa.

“H’wag kang makisali rito, Zeijan!” Dad hissed. I wasn’t sure if nagtatamaan
pa ang sapak nilang dalawa sa isa’t isa sa dami ng pumipigil.

“Tinik! Ikaw na lang ang umintindi sa mas nakakatanda—”

“Fuck off,” Tito hissed and pulled his arm away.

“The fuck, Zeijan? Are you saying I was older?!” Dad hissed, making his face
pale. “Sinong kapatid mo sa ‘ming dalawa?!”

“H-hindi naman sa gano’n, Raf—”

Tito Thorn laughed.

“Paano ba ‘yan, Sandejas, mas matanda ka—”

“Tangina ka!” Dad swung his fist.

“Tangina ka rin!” Tito exclaimed at nagpambuno na naman ang dalawa, parang

mga toro na nasa bullring.
 Naiwasiwas kami palayo. Napaatras ako nang matapakan ni Tito ang paa ko. I
wasn’t actually sure if it was an accident or if he did it intentionally because of
his side smirk I think I saw.

Or maybe it was my imagination? Pero tumapak siya ulit kaya nagmura na ako at
napatalon-talon.

“Are you okay?!” Clyte reached for me. “Dad, stop it!” singhap niya.

I frowned and held my foot, holding my girl’s arm, watching Tito Zeijan when
he was left with them trying to stop the two.

“Tama na, hoy! Pareho lang kayong matanda! Baka mamaya niyan pagkatapos n’yo
dislocated na ang kasu-kasuan! Mga senior na ‘to nakaka-stress!” he hissed and
pulled their arms apart.

“Tangina nito makapagsalita akala mo siya hindi!” iritadong sabi ni Tito

Thorn sabay pilit na hila ng braso niya para maabot si Dad na pinipigilan ni Tito
Zeijan.

“‘Di, a? Very young and healthy pa nga ako! Tingnan mo baka mamaya makaisa pa
kami ni misis—” His voice faded, and I watched in slow-mo how Tito Thorn’s fist
landed accidentally in his cheek.

My lips parted. Natahimik ang lahat. I heard something dropping but I didn’t
dare look at it, surprised with what I witnessed.

Did he just… did he just punch Tito Zeij?

Napahawak si Tito Zeij sa pisngi niyang nasapak at unti-unti’y ibinalik ang

pumaling na ulo paharap sa kanila, nakaawang ang labi at namimilog ang mata.

“Hexcuse mehhh… did you just… did you just fucking punch me, Valderama?!”

Tito Thorn was still obviously surprised until it faded and was replaced with
a proud smirk, his eyes dancing with mirth.

“I just did, I guess,” tuso niyang sabi sabay ngisi.

“Gago ka, a?!” Tito Zeij hissed then punched him back.

Nasapo ko ang mukha nang tatlo na silang nagsusuntukan. I wasn’t even sure if
nagsusuntukan pa ba dahil nakita ko nang hawak-hawak ni Tito Zeij ang buhok nina
Tito Thorn at Dad hanggang sa nagsasabunutan na sila.

“What the hell is happening in this family?” I heard Sibyl mumbling beside
me.

“H-help them… Oh my God, Dad! Stop it! Ang kasu-kasuan mo!” Clyte hissed and
attempted to help pull them away, but I covered her.

“I would. Stay right there,” paalala ko, ayaw siyang masaktan at muling
tumulong.

I wasn’t sure how and when it happened but suddenly, Tito Dash got tangled
with the childish fight.

“Tangina nakasali na naman ako nanahimik ‘yong tao, e!” he hissed. “Yari ka
sa ‘kin mamaya, Zeijan—”
 “Enough…” I tensed when I heard Tita Zidney’s calm voice.

The four didn’t stop. They didn’t even hear her pero ako? Napaatras ako’t
alam ko na ang kasunod.

My aunties sighed and let her be.

“I said enough!” Her voice thundered and it was as if the time froze, and the
men’s grip stilled to look at her with surprise.

Tita Zid straightened her back and stared at them coldly.

“Let go. Now,” she demanded. They didn’t budge and just stared at her like
she was an apparition.

Tita Zid’s jaw clenched, her black eyes turning darker it reminded me of when
Mama Lena was angry.

“You won’t?” kalmado niyang tanong.

The four guys didn’t answer.

“Fine,” she breathed out and glanced at my mom and aunties before dragging
her gaze back to the boys. “I speak for my sisters. If you don’t stop and let go of
each other’s fucking hair right now, we will serve annulment.”

“What?!” Sabay lingon nilang tatlo sa mga asawa nila at si Tito Thorn kay
Tita Zid.

Everyone nodded at them. Sabay-sabay silang bumaling kay Tita.

“Princess!” her brother whined.

“Reyna!” Tito Thorn called.

“What?” Her cold and dangerous eyes were on them. “I am not kidding.”

“I love you, princess, okay? But no one’s gonna prepare the annulment for you
and the girls—I won’t,” Dad said proudly.

“Huh, really? You think it was only you?” Tita smirked and when I felt Clyte
behind me, pasimple akong umatras para magtago sana sa likod niya para makaligtas
pero nahuli na ako.

“Well, Chiel is also here.” Bigla ako nitong inilahad.

I stiffened.

Fuck, this is all deja vú. I knew this would happen!

“Oh, he won’t!” Dad laughed, confident, and Tito Thorn agreed.

“I’m sure he won’t, right, kid?” He threatened me with his sharp gaze.

Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad. I helplessly glanced at my girl who just

pouted and looked away. Sinulyapan ko rin si kambal na nagtatago na sa likod ni
Locket, sinasama pa si Adi na natatawa.
 Shit…

Mom caught my eyes, and she shot her brow up, warning me with her gaze and so
when I glanced at Tita Zidney and noticed how sure she was of me, parang iikot ang
tiyan ko sa kaba.

Fuck, this might just be my death sentence!

“Would you, Chiel?” Tita Zid asked with a sweet smile, but I knew it wouldn’t
be as sweet if I said no.

Umawang ang labi ko para sumagot.

“Don’t you dare, Alchiel,” Tito Thorn hissed so I rubbed my aching jaw and
glanced at Tita Zidney with a smile.

“I have the draft ready in my email, Tita,” I answered like a good kid.

I’m so sorry, Dad, and Tito, but I was more scared of my mom and Tita Zidney.

The boys groaned, pushing each other’s head away and hissed at me kaya nang
naramdaman ko ang hawak ni Clyte at narinig ang bungisngis niya ay hinarap ko na at
ngumuso.

“Would you still love me if I’m unrecognizable?” I asked Clyte, preparing her
for the fact I might get punched again for the second round.

“Aww, my Baby Chiel,” Clyte mumbled in a small tone and then pulled me close
for an embrace, her palms on my nape as I buried my face at the top of her head,
inhaling her sweet scent.

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Zahrah

Gabing-gabi na pero ang ingay pa rin namin sa living room ng ancestral house.

It was very chaotic. Ako ang nag-iikot-ikot para siguraduhing tama ang
ginagawang first aid sa mga pasa at sugat sa sapakan nila.

Nagpamaywang ako at napailing-iling. Para akong nasa emergency room

pagkatapos ng away ng mga tambay sa malapit na bar!

The boys, my father, Tito Thorn, Tito Zeij, and Tito Dash were on the couch.
Nakasalampak habang ang mga asawa’y nanenermon at ginagamot ang mga sugat nila.

Ewan ba sa mga ‘to at kung kailan naging mga senior citizen ay saka naging
mas asal bata! Tumatandang paurong!

Hinanap ng mata ko si Chiel. Malaki rin ang bangas n’on! Silang dalawa nina
Dad at Tito Iñigo ang may pinakamaraming pasa! Sugat pa ang labi!

I frowned when I saw him helping the boys take some food to serve.

“Alchiel Verón!” I called.

He stiffened and glanced at me with his bruised cheek and bloody lips.

“Yes, sweetheart?” maamo niyang tanong.

 “Did I allow you to help? Sabi ko ‘di ba maupo ka?”

“I’m fine—” I shot my brow up and folded my arms on my chest. He sighed and
scratched his nape. “Sweetheart…”

“You are bruised,” I reminded and pointed to the couch. “Sit. I will tend
to
you.”

Wala na siyang nagawa. When he walked past me, he attempted to catch my waist
to steal a kiss, but he stopped midway and pouted his lips instead.

Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nanliit ang mata kay Daddy na nakasimangot
doon sa sofa at matalim ang tingin sa kanya, nagbabantay pala.

I rolled my eyes.

“Mommy, o, si Daddy nakairap!” sumbong ko.

Mommy said something to him, and Dad whined, made a face, and rolled his eyes
at Chiel before looking at Mom.

“Upo,” utos ko na kay Chiel na sinunod naman niyang nag-iinarte at wala

siyang kiss.

Nag-refill ako ng tubig sa kusina.

“Ate, do’n ka na,” natatawang ani ni Scira na kasama pa ang asawang si

Warren. “Kami na rito sa foods. Baka atakihin na sa puso si Dad sa stress.”

“Ang arte kasi,” reklamo ko. “Tingnan mo ‘yong gulo nila parang mga teenager
na nagsasapakan sa likod ng school!”

“Tumatandang paurong,” natatawang sagot niya.

“Right?! Bangas na bangas na si Chiel. Did you see his face? God, may pasa! I
told him not his face! Paano na ‘yan kung may hearing pa siya?”

“It’s in his bucket list,” ani Warren.

“Don’t tell me you’re in it too?” I pointed to him.

He chuckled and blushed. “Well, he checked mine already. Right, Mars?” Baling
niya kay Scira na tawang-tawa na, namumula ang mukha at tumatango.

Lumabas na ako para daluhan si Chiel at linisin ang sugat niya sana nang
mapansing siksikan na sa sofa. Nagkatinginan kami ni Crest na kumindat pa sa ‘kin,
tuwang-tuwa sa nangyayari.

She said this happened with her before too kaya tuwang-tuwa yata na may
karamay na siya. Ako at ang kambal niya.

I shook my head at her and then realized there was an ongoing discussion. As
usual, it was my father and Tito Iñigo bickering about us.

“Ang kapal naman ng mukha mo. ‘Di ka na lugi sa anak ko!” Turo ni Tito Iñigo
kay Chiel na mukhang batang ligaw.

Itong mga magulang namin mas stressed pa kaysa sa aming dalawa!

 Chiel looked at me helplessly. He was a large man, yet he looked like a lost
child today. I snickered as I sashayed in his direction, noticing there was no
space left beside him.

“Nah, I just don’t think he deserved my daughter—” Dad’s voice got cut off
when I plopped myself in Chiel’s lap.

“What the fuck are you doing, Clytemnestra?!” Dad gasped.

Chiel froze, a hint of blush blossoming on his cheek, gawking at me na parang

tinubuan ako ng pangalawang ulo.

“Clyte…” he called.

“What?” I asked innocently, glancing at him back to my dad, noticing everyone

was surprised yet I saw the smile and proud grins from the others.

“W-what the heck? Tumayo ka r’yan!” ani Dad na tumayo na pero hinila ni Mommy
paupo.

“Wala nang space, Dad,” I said, inilalahad ang couch, komportableng umaayos
ng upo sa hita ng tuod na Alchiel.

“Anong walang space?” He glared at Deion beside Chiel. “Deion Rheus, tumayo
ka at paupuin ang ate mo—”

“Don’t,” I stopped Dei. “Stay there.”

He smirked. “I wasn’t planning on leaving anyway.” Sabay akbay sa asawa niya.

“Good. I won’t either,” sabat ko, ipinatong pa ang braso ko sa balikat ni

Chiel at nagngisian kaming dalawa ni Dei sabay apir.

“Jesus Christ…” Dad gasped. “Ang mga anak mo, Zidney! Ang mga anak mo,
tumataas ang altapresyon ko!”

“I told you to drink your vitamins, haven’t I? The physician said we should
monitor your BP because you aren’t getting younger,” kalmadong sabi ni Mommy.

Nagtawanan sila and my dad made a face, pinagtuturo ang mga tito.

“Makatawa kayo akala n’yo sila mga ‘di pa mga senior! May puting buhok na nga
kayo, mahiya kayo!”

While they were bickering kung sino ang mas madalas atakihin ng rayuma,
kinuha ko ang medicine kit para linisan ang sugat ni Chiel.

“Bella.” His eyes softened. “Are you sure of what you’re doing? Your dad will
be mad—”

“Why would he?” I asked and pressed the cotton in his cheek. “Ayaw mo bang
dito ako sa lap mo?”

“Of course, I want you,” dagling agap niya, ang palad ay dumadantay sa
baywang ko para pirmihin ako. “But your dad surely will be ballistic.” Sulyap niya
kay Daddy na nakikipagdiskusyon pa rin kay Tito Iñigo.

“He’s always been ballistic,” I pointed out. “Let him.”

 He stared at me intently and then smiled, shaking his head like something
amused him.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Nothing, I just…” He smiled at me. “It felt amazing being with you like
this. I was glad, still couldn’t believe you were in my lap. That I could touch you
freely now without thinking someone might see.”

My heart softened.

“Nasanay kasi akong nasa tabi lang kita tapos patagong naghahawak-kamay,
nasanay akong pinapanood ka sa malayo, minamahal ka sa malayo,” he whispered. “I
hated it when I couldn’t claim you from the men hitting on you loud and proud when
I was dying to.”

Hinaplos ko ang batok niya, ang puso’y tila sasabog sa pagmamahal sa kanya.

He’d been very patient, very understanding. He waited for me without asking
in return, and showing my affection publicly and in front of the people we both
loved shouldn’t be too much, but it was for him.

I was not vocal. I was used to dropping his hand and leaving him if it scared
me and he remained waiting, ready to accept if I came back with open arms, his
palms ready to take my hand back anytime.

“Then, you should,” I whispered. “‘Cause I’ll claim you whenever I like now.
You’re mine, remember?”

He chuckled and nodded.

“Always been yours, Bella,” he hummed. “And you’re mine…”

“Yours, always,” I whispered back and kissed his forehead.

We both giggled at each other until we heard a clearing of a throat.

“Hindi pa nga kayo, hinahalikan mo na, Clytemnestra? Pinalaki ba kitang

ganyan?” my father hissed childishly.

Ngumuso ako at nilingon siya. “Kami na, Dad. Sinagot na niya ako.”

He winced and glared at Chiel. “You gotta be kidding me. You seriously
courted that boy?!”

“Opo, sinasagot ko na po ang anak n’yo, Tito,” sagot ni Chiel sabay ngiti
niya.

Humagalpak sila sa simangot ni Dad.

“Lakas naman pala ni Chiel-taba, ano?!” ani Tito Zeij na tumatawa na ngayon
kahit iritado siya at nagdadabog kanina na nadamay sa suntukan. “Kasing-ganda ba
naman ni Clyte-ganda ang nanligaw?!”

“S’yempre, anak ko ‘yan,” Tito Iñigo said proudly despite his black eye.
Tita Thallia shook her head.

“Hay naku, Iñigo,” Tita Thallia sighed.

 “Sus, mga lalaking ‘to, ang yabang-yabang takot naman sa annulment,” Mom
hissed and smacked my pouting father.

“I just wanted to make sure someone worthy…” Sinulyapan niya si Chiel. “Will
get to have my daughter, Zid. Pinalaki natin ‘yang mabait, responsable, masipag,
maganda—”

“No offense, but I groomed my son the same way, Valderama.”

“I know,” ani Dad. “I have known Chiel since he was a kid obviously. I
watched him grow but I am a father. I’m sure you felt the same way before Crest got
married and surely if Adi chose to in the future. You’d have to see for yourself
and make sure you’d give your daughter’s hand to a man who deserved it. Bilang ama,
alam kong alam n’yong lahat dito na wala na tayong mas gusto kung hindi ang
masiguradong mapupunta ang anak natin sa mga lalaking nagmamahal ng tunay sa
kanila.

“Of course, I wanted my daughter to have a happy family with a great and
trusted partner like what we found and had in us. Alam n’yo namang ako, lumaki ako
sa pamilyang hindi naranasan ang ganitong klaseng saya. I…” He cleared his throat.
“Aside from my sister, Gwy? My parents, they did not care about me, they did not
ask what I like, what I want in life, who I loved…” Bumaling siya kay Mommy na
nanatiling nakatitig sa kanya, malambing ang mga mata.

“When I got to meet your sister, that’s when I felt like I was needed, that I
was loved, that someone wanted me happy, and when I got into your family, I’m not
trying to be cheesy and to please you but in this very house? With everyone here?
With my wife’s family, I found home.”

Nahulog na ang luha ko kaya hinawi ko iyon kaagad.

“Thorn…” Mom squeezed his hand.

“I am not perfect, you see. I fucked up a lot of times before. I’ve hurt your
sister and though, despite my bucket list of wanting to punch you all back for
doing it to me before, I was still happy and grateful you did it to me.”

“Why?” Tito Dash asked.

“Because it only showed you loved Zidney, that you are willing to protect, to
make sure you won’t get blinded by other people and prioritize your loved ones.
That you will make sure Zidney will be with a man who’d take care of her, who’d
make her happy, who’d protect her like what you are doing all your lives. Ako,
natutunan ko iyon sa inyo kaya pinangako ko sa sarili kong poprotektahan at
mamahalin ko ang asawa ko, ang mga anak ko kagaya ng nakita ko noon sa inyo.”

I saw how tears escaped my mom’s eyes and I did too. Niyakap ako ni Chiel.

“My daughter, Clyte, I was with her—we were all with her growing up. Bata
pa lang ang panganay ko, marami na siyang pinagdaanan. There were always threats
about her life, about her abduction. She didn’t have a normal childhood. I thought
I was doing my best to protect her and my family but again, I failed. S-she was
taken from us.”

“It’s not your fault, Thorn!” Mom shook her head, still crying. “It’s not
your fault…”

“D-dapat nando’n ako, reyna,” mahina niyang sabi. “Dapat ako ang
nagpoprotekta sa anak natin.”

While my mom continued shaking her head, my father glanced at everyone and
me, his eyes bloodshot behind his eyeglasses, the pain so imminent I could feel my
heart breaking.

“She was taken from my family, from us. I’m sure you know how it feels to
lose someone you love, to get someone precious to you to be taken away. My
daughter,was in p-pain for years, and I wasn’t even there. I’m her father, and I
wasn’t even there to protect her from it. I-I failed, again. So now that she’s
back, I won’t make the same mistake again. I won’t fail in choosing w-who I trust
my daughter with.”

I couldn’t take it any longer. Tumayo ako mula sa hita ni Chiel at malalaki
ang hakbang na tinawid ang pwesto nina Dad para lumuhod at yumakap sa kanila.

“D-dad…” I cried when he pulled me close for an embrace. I reached for my

mother who was the same way, her eyes bloodshot and her lips trembling. “Mommy…”

I cried, my parents did, and no one made a noise and listened, understanding
everything.

I was trembling, feeling the kisses of my parents with their nonstop

apologies even if it was never their fault. They were saying they failed but they
never did, may mga tao lang talagang halang ang bituka na kayang gumawa n’on.

“L-let’s get you seated, darling,” my mother called gently and helped me off
the floor. My eyes were still blurry from the tears when I looked around and
noticed everyone was crying, too.

My siblings were the same. Crest was quiet, and yet her hand was trembling.
Locket held it and whispered to her. Chiel was staring at me with pain and awe in
his eyes. He still couldn’t believe I was there with them now.

“I-I’m sorry,” Dad sniffed and dried his tears after pulling his eyeglasses
off. “I was overprotective of my family, my children, of my Clyte because I love
them more than life itself. Ang mga anak ko, ‘di ko hinayaang magutom, ‘di ko
hinayaang umiyak, masaktan, magkasugat. Ni h-hindi ko nga hinayaang makagat ng l-
lamok ang mga ‘yan kaya galit ako at nagsisisi sa mga pagkukulang ko… I think I
don’t deserve to be happy in this home you welcomed me to when I couldn’t even
protect them.”

“You are a great father, Thorn,” Tito Iñigo said. “Take it from me. You are
a great man. I hate your fucking guts at times because who didn’t—we bicker all
the time—but you were one of the reasons this family had stuck together.”

My dad remained silent, but I could see the tears escaping his eyes.

“Without you, who would help out Zidney while she was away from us? Without
you, who would help us if we needed advice? What do you think would have happened
to my family if you hadn’t punched and knocked senses on me before? By the way, it
hurt. Fuck you anyway.”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Dad bago sumimangot.

“Gago ka, point five lang ‘yong sapak ko sa ‘yo noon, a?”

“Point five?” I whispered, confused.

 “Hindi masaya ang dad mo sa sapak niya kaya kalahati lang daw ang counted,”
Mommy whispered.

“Whatever, anyway…” Tito cleared his throat. “I understand where you are
coming from because let’s not kid ourselves, we’re not getting younger—”

“Ay, Kuya, h’wag mo ‘ko isali r’yan,” Tito Zeij commented.

“Damn it, mister, manahimik ka nga!” Tita Alyx covered his mouth and
apologized. “I’m sorry for this idiot’s mouth.”

“Sanay na kami. It’s fine.” Tito Iñigo shrugged. “As I was saying, I
understand what you mean, Thorn. I didn’t like it when you punched my son, but as a
father who has daughters…” He glanced at Adi and Crest, then to Locket who
straightened his back. “I honestly did the same thing, right, Dmitrov?”

“Yes, Dad,” sagot ni Locket sabay tango kaya nakagat ko na ang labi at
nangiti, naalala ang sinabi ni Chiel kanina.

Nahuli rin siya sa ilalim ng counter at itinago ni Crest.

Tito nodded.

“As a father to a father, I understand but let me vouch for my son.” Bumaling
siya kay Chiel. “Alam kong pinalaki kong tama si Alchiel at nasa kanya ang boto
ko.”

“Malamang anak mo.” Dad made a face.

“Obviously, alangang boto ako sa ibang lalaki?” Tito spat then glanced at me,
his smile gentle. “I’d vouch for my son, Clyte. I’m sure he’d take care, protect,
and love you.”

He sure will…

“If he hurt you? I will be the first one to punch the hell out of his senses.
You have my word, princess,” he reassured me.

Napangiti ako sabay tango-tango, bumaling kay Chiel na namumula na at

bumaling kay Dad, pinapanood lang siya nang tahimik.

Chiel brushed his hair as if gathering strength and to my surprise, he stood,

walked closer to where we were, and knelt on the floor before us.

“Chiel…” I gasped loudly.

“Oops, I think I’ve seen this scene before,” Tito Zeij whistled, and my mom
hissed at him.

Nagkatitigan kami ni Chiel, ngumiti lang siya at tumango para ipaalam sa akin
na ayos lang siya.

He stared at my mother and father.

“Tito Thorn, Tita Zid… Sir, Ma’am, mahal na mahal ko po ang anak n’yo,” he
started. “Noon pa lang po, alam ko na sa sarili kong si Clyte lang ang gugustuhin
ko. Alam ko pong mali ang sitwasyon. Alam kong bawal, na hindi katanggap-tanggap,
at pangit sa mata ng ibang tao. Sa totoo lang po’y pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. I
tried taking my attention away from her, to try and focus on something else, with
work, anything but I failed. I’m sorry po na no’ng kami noon, hindi po namin sinabi
sa inyo.”

I heard a few whispers and when I looked around, mukhang nagulat din silang
naging kami talaga ni Chiel noon. No one knew but both of us, except for the boys
who probably felt something was going on.

“We know,” my mother answered. “And we’re against it.”

Chiel nodded. “I understand po.”

“I was…” She sighed and looked at me softly until her eyes settled back on
Chiel. “I was protecting my daughter. You know her life was very complicated and
you and her attraction to each other—I thought before, was just a phase. Na
mawawala rin. Na sa huli’y sasaktan n’yo lang ang isa’t-isa so I didn’t want it.
Her relationship with you before, I knew about it, but I didn’t want to complicate
my daughter’s life more. Sure, you weren’t blood related. Hindi naman sikreto iyan
sa atin pero ang ibang tao, hindi nila alam. What do you think they will say to my
daughter if they found out?”

“Mommy…” tawag ko at pinisil ang kamay niya, bumabalik na naman sa alaala ang
mga nangyari noon.

“I pretended not to know because acknowledging it means letting you both and
if I did, kakalat iyon. Alam ko ang usapan ng mga tao, ang mga pagmamaliit nila sa
anak ko, na sinasabing ampon siya.”

I lowered my head and remembered how many times my mother went to the
guidance to defend me from the bullies. How she stood for me with Dad and protected
me.

I recently found out about this but since I was a kid, they sued tabloids
who
poked fun at me. Tabloids and people who disrespected my Mommy Ritch, saying the
Sandejas were so good that they had the stomach to take care of a criminal’s
daughter. It was good for their image, in other people’s eyes but my family did
not
want it.

Lumaki akong may pagmamahal, sa tahanan man at sa labas mula sa kanila.

Lumaki akong ‘di naramdaman na iba ako. Na hindi ako parte ng pamilya.

“She suffered enough. Madadagdagan ng gulo ang buhay ng anak ko, kayong
dalawa. Mahal ko kayo kaya… I’m sorry, for everything. I know I was harsh to the
both of you…” She looked at us back and forth.

I shook my head. She shouldn’t be sorry.

“I understand and it’s not your fault, Tita. You are protecting Clyte—the
both of us from whatever other people will say. I did the same, I did my best to
stop—maybe not the best because I was still and always been in love with your
daughter—but it’s hard. No matter how often I tell myself no, my heart wouldn’t.
It always belonged with hers. I don’t even think there’s another for me if it
wasn’t her.

“While she was gone, she brought my heart with her. I prayed to get her home
safely, k-kahit ‘di na kami, basta ligtas siya, basta nandito siya kasama ng
pamilya niya.” My tears betrayed me again when I saw how his shoulders shook when
he lowered his face. “While she was gone, life continued but I didn’t know I wasn’t
living until I saw her again. I was barely breathing but Clyte, s-she brought me
back to life, y-your daughter brought me back…”
 I sobbed when he lowered his head more. Hinawi ko ang luha at napahikbi,
sinusulyapan si Mommy na hinahawi ang luha niya at si Dad na nakatitig lang kay
Chiel.

“I am lucky to be loved by her. It was one of the greatest treasures I had in

my life. Ayos na sa ‘king minamahal siya sa malayo noon kaya hinding-hindi ko po
sasayangin ang pagmamahal na ibinibigay niya sa ‘kin ngayon. Mahal na mahal ko po
ang a-anak n’yo. Mahal na mahal ko po si Clyte. I wasn’t the best, I know b-but
I’ll work hard to be one. I don’t deserve her, but I’ll do better to be deserving
of her, Tito, Tita. Pangako po gagawin ko ang lahat p-para pasayahin ang anak n’yo.
Gagawin ko ang lahat para mabigyan siya ng magandang pamilya at tahanan. Please,
give me a chance. I’m begging you, please, allow me to show her my love. Allow me
to prove to you this love isn’t a phase. I swear in my life, I-I’ll love her ‘til
my last breath.”

Silence filled the room. I glanced at Tito Iñigo watching his son with
pride, nakasubsob sa dibdib niya si Tita Thallia na umiiyak.

I realized it felt like we were in a telenovela or in the book climax with

the love interest proclaiming his love not just to the female lead but to her whole
family and that… was beautiful.

Sinulyapan ko si Dad. Nakatitig lang siya kay Chiel, walang reaksyon kaya
kinabahan na ako.

Don’t tell me he still doesn’t agree?

I panicked. Tumayo ako at walang salitang lumuhod sa tabi ni Chiel. Nagulat

si Chiel at mabilis akong inabot pero umiling ako sabay harap kay Daddy.

“Please, Dad, pagbigyan mo na kami! Please! Please! Please!” I chanted.

“What the hell, Clyte?!” he hissed and attempted to pull me up. “Bakit ka
lumuluhod? Stand up—”

“‘Di ako tatayo kapag ‘di ka papayag!” I said with determination.

“Clyte…” Naguguluhang inabot akong muli ni Chiel. “It’s fine, you don’t have
to—”

“M-mommy, Mommy, please?” I glanced at my shocked mother. “I love Chiel! I

want to have a family with him! This is not a phase. I am so sure of it. I don’t
think I’d love anyone else if it wasn’t him—”

“Clyte—”

“A-and I’m not getting any younger! I’m thirty-four! And mag-thirty-five na
ako this year! Paano ‘yon if gusto n’yo na ng apo ulit—”

“Ay, shit, napapangiti na si Kuya Raf! Gusto na niya ng panibagong apo!” Tito
Zeij chirped.

“Tangina ka.” Hinagisan siya ni Tito Iñigo ng unan pero natatawa at umiling.
“Come on, Tinik, pagbigyan mo na ang mga bata…”

“R-right?!” I agreed and nodded at him. “And si Chiel! Malapit na siya mag-
thirty-seven!”
 “Sa katapusan pa,” sikmat ni Chiel na nilingon ako. “You made it sound like I
am so old, sweetheart.”

“Aren’t you? Sumasakit na nga ang likod mo kapag ano—”

“Ano?” I froze at my dad’s serious voice.

“H-huh, uhm, ano kapag umaakyat sa hagdan!” palusot ko. “Sira kasi ‘yong
elevator sa building, Dad, kaya naglalakad kami paakyat! Tapos sumasakit kasu-
kasuan niya—Mommy.” Nilingon ko ang mommy na natatawa na. “Can you tell me the
milk’s name? ‘Yong pambuto para sana kay Chiel.”

“Clytemnestra!” Chiel whined and my mother was already laughing so bad she
smacked my frowning father.

“Shit, Thornik, naalala ko tayo noon,” tawang-tawa niyang sabi sabay hampas
kay Daddy. “Naalala mo pinakilala pa kita sa orthopedics?”

“Oo na, oo na.” Dad frowned, pointing at us. “Sige na at magjowaan na kayo!
Na-i-stress ako sa pinanggagawa n’yong mga bata kayo nadadagdagan na ng puti ang
buhok ko!”

“R-really?!” I gasped, my heart bursting in happiness when his face softened

and smiled. “Yehey!” Tumayo ako sabay hila kay Chiel patayo na nakatulala pa sa
narinig kay Daddy.

“D-did he…” he trailed off.

“Pinayagan na tayo!” I said happily despite the tears and embraced him. I
could hear the laughter around and the congratulatory murmurs, but my attention was
on the tension melting in Chiel’s body.

His large arms snaked on my waist and pulled me close, burying his face on my
neck as he breathed.

“I love you, Clyte,” he whispered. “I-I promise I won’t waste this chance.”

Nodding, I pressed myself closer and cried in happiness on his shoulder.

“I love you too.”

We embraced our parents. Grabe ang iyak ko habang nagpapasalamat kina Mommy
at Daddy.

“You don’t have to thank us, princess,” Daddy whispered.

“Anything for your happiness, darling,” Mommy added with a smile.

I thanked everyone. My heart was rapidly beating as Chiel talked to my family

while I made my way to his.

Sinalubong ako ng mahigpit na yakap nina Tita Thallia at Tito Iñigo, may mga
ngiti sa labi.

“Thank you po.”

“We should be the one to thank you, darling,” Tita smiled. “Thank you for
loving Chiel. Thank you for bringing him back to us.”
 Tito nodded and pinched my cheek, making my smile wider.

“I wouldn’t tell you welcome to the family because you’re always welcome to
the family. You’re our family, anak,” Tito said.

When they let go of me, I embraced my siblings, and when my gaze clashed with
my best friend waiting patiently for me to come closer, sabay kaming nagtilian at
sinalubong ang isa’t isa.

“We’re officially sisters!” Crest giggled happily and kissed my cheek,

pulling me for an embrace.

“I love you, Crest. Thank you.”

“I love you, too, BFF!” She cupped my cheek, her eyes glassy. “A-ako na ang
bahala sa lahat ng wardrobe sa kasal, a?! You can’t say no!”

That night, I was very exhausted yet very happy. Chiel and I didn’t have the
chance to speak that much again but we kissed as he took me to my room.

Maganda ang gising ko pero ang aga-aga pa lang paglabas ko sa banyo para sana
sa breakfast ay nakita ko si Crest na tawang-tawa at hinihila ako pababa.

“Why? What happened?”

“Daddy mo,” aniya sabay hagalpak. “May pinapapirma sa ibaba. Ngayon lang
nagka-energy maalala ‘yong listahan niya.”

“Huh?” Confused, I went with her and saw everyone was cackling.

Gising na ang lahat, pati ang mga bata. Amoy na amoy ko na ang ulam namin sa
agahan pero ang pansin ko ay ang pagpupumilit ni Daddy na ipahawak kay Tito Zeijan
ang ballpen.

“Gago ka. ‘Di naman ako kasali dapat!” Tito scratched his nape.

“Wala, pumirma ka r’yan. Madaya!”

“Bakit pa may pirma?!”

“Tanga, para may proof!” singhal ni Dad at nang mapilit si Tito Zeij na
pumirma ay nag-picture pa si Zion sa kanilang dalawa habang hawak ang papel.

Nakita kong ‘di na halos makahinga si Mommy kakatawa.

“He printed it early this morning! Ipapa-frame niya raw!” she exclaimed.

Frame? Ang ano?

May palad na dumantay sa baywang ko. I looked up with a smile, seeing my

handsome man, despite his bruises, smiling down at me.

“Good morning, baby.” He kissed my temple.

“Good morning,” I kissed his cheek. “How was your bruise?”

“Better,” aniya at humawak sa panga. “Gwapo na ulit ‘to next week.”

I chuckled.
 “What’s happening?” Baling ko sa mga tito na nagkakagulo roon sa gitna.

“Ah, turns out Tito printed his bucket list this morning.” He chuckled.
“Pinapapirmahan na niya with picture for proof.”

Lumapit kaming sabay roon sa katatapos lang pirmahan na papel ni Tito Zeijan
at napabughalit ako ng tawa sa nabasa sa bond paper, sa gilid n’on ay may pirma ng
nasuntok.

Thornik’s Life Goals/ Bucket List: UPDATED!!!

· Thornik’s punching guide:

√ 1. Punch Clyte’s suitor (Chiel)

√ 2. Punch Scira’s suitor (Warren)

___ 3. Punch Queen’s suitor (Coming Soon ðŸ˜�â�¤ï¸�)

_√.05 4. Punch Iñigo

√ 5. Punch Zeijan

√ 6. Punch Dash

“Shit, ang saya! Three-in-one sa isang gabi, reyna!” my father chirped and
paraded his bond paper proudly around, and I couldn’t stop wheezing.

“Hay naku, isang tanders na naman ang napagbigyan sa pangarap niya,” Deion
muttered beside me, grinning.

Kabanata 55

Kabanata 55

Zahrah

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Breaking News!

Infamous criminal lawyer, Atty. Cole Fernandez, who has been pursued by the
police and the prosecution after fleeing for being an accomplice to Israel
Sebastian’s escape and shooting Prosecutor Alchiel Sandejas, was reportedly found
dead in Bulacan Private Port. Fernandez, as per Police Lieutenant General Lorcan
Dmitrov has accidentally drowned after falling from his yacht for his escape
attempt.

Fernandez’s body was unrecognizable when locals found his remains and was
only identified by his personal belongings. Fernandez’s father, Atty. Kiko
Fernandez, together with Jackson and ex-Mayor Israel Sebastian’s final hearing will
commence at noon today for their final verdict.

Stay tuned for more updates!

My mouth was just parted. Nilingon ko ang tabi kung nasaan si Mommy.

“Mom…” I showed her my phone.

 She glanced at it and then shrugged, a knowing look in her eyes.

“Oh, I know, darling,” marahang sagot niya at nilingon si Dad na nasa

manibela. “Thorn, you’ve seen the news already, baby?”

“Iñigo said it’ll be out tonight,” ani Dad. “Drowning is it?”

I nodded and saw his smile in the rearview mirror.

“Was it really drowning?”

Dad shrugged.

“Hindi na kasi ako bumalik sa warehouse but I heard they knew he’s gonna
escape and let him try. He was good he got to the middle of the port with his yacht
when it malfunctioned. He thought they’d go after him so he jumped and tried to
swim away. Luckily, he drowned.”

Napatango-tango ako, nabibigla pero walang naramdamang kahit anong lungkot at

simpatya. Maybe I was really a monster for being apathetic to what happened to him
but who wouldn’t?

He manipulated me, harassed me, threatened me, and hurt the people I loved.
It was what he deserved.

“Are you okay, darling?” I heard mom’s worried voice, watching my expression
kaya hinarap ko siya at ngumiti, umiiling.

“I’m fine, ‘My,” I moved closer and embraced her side. “I love you, thank you
for doing this.”

She smiled and shook her head.

“You don’t have to thank me, anything for my precious daughter,” she
whispered and embraced me.

I was quite nervous when we got to the courthouse. Nasa labas pa lang kami’y
napansin kong mas marami na ang mga tao sa media ngayon kumpara no’ng trial.

Maybe it was because of the verdict? Or because Cole was found dead and they
wanted some exclusive scoop?

Dad drove to the back for us to avoid the crowd and parked there. May mga
security kaming nagkaabang paglabas. I was with Scira and Deion, Queen was left in
our house with the kids, Warren and Dei’s wife.

I texted Crest I was already here kaya sinalubong niya kami at nanguna sa
pagpunta sa courtroom.

There were reporters inside when we got there but they didn’t ambush us with
questions and just watched, taking photos and some with their laptops on.

I looked around, noticing Chiel’s seriousness.

His thick brows were furrowed, his lips firmed in a thin line, and his
shoulders tensed. Meia was beside him, waving at me at do’n na napaahon ang tingin
ni Chiel at nakita ako.
 Suddenly, the tension in his face vanished, relaxing with the sight of me. I
smiled and waved.

May sinabi si Rome sa kanya at siniko siya, halatang nag-aasar. He frowned at

him but then he was back in his handsome smile when he caught my gaze again.

“You okay?” I mouthed.

He nodded before mouthing I love you, making my cheeks burn.

Inihatid kami ni Crest sa pwesto at habang inaantay ang pagdating ng judge.

My gaze went to the defendant’s side and they still weren’t here.

“They’re on their way,” ani Crest.

When the doors opened and the police got inside, the media made a fuss.
Sinalubong nila ang mga Sebastian. Nangunguna roon si Jackson at kasunod si Kiko na
nang makita kami ay galit na sumigaw.

“Kasalan n’yo!” He screamed. “Pinatay n’yo ang anak ko!”

None of us reacted and remained staring at him. It only infuriated him that
he began screaming louder.

“S-sila!” he tried pointing at us but the police stopped him. “Sila ang
pumatay sa anak ko!” Baling niya sa mga reporter na nagsibulungan na.

“That’s a serious accusation right there, Atty.,” Tito Iñigo said before
everyone could say a thing. “Do you have proof?”

“I knew it was you! Your family!” His eyes are bloodshot were sharp. “You
killed my son!”

“He escaped, Attorney,” ani Tito Iñigo sa matigas na tono. “He drowned.”

“Liar!” He hissed at him.

The police pulled him and when he saw me, his eyes darkened even more. He
moved, on the verge of attacking me but my father was already almost in front of me
to cover me.

“You…” He hissed at me. “My son loved you!”

A bitter taste spread in my mouth.

Oh, does he now?

Tumitig lang ako ng malamig sa kanya.

“He only wanted what was best for you, Zahrah! He loved you pero anong ginawa
mo?! He was a great man! He had a great future ahead of him pero ikaw! Sinayang mo
ang anak ko!” He roared and my jaw clenched.

“No, Attorney, hindi ko sinayang ang anak mo. Yes, Cole has a great future
but I wasn’t the reason why he turned out that way.” I answered back, my gaze
intense in his. “You are. You were the reason why your son turned at that way.
H’wag isisi sa akin ang gagawan mo sa nangyari sa anak mo.”

He stiffened, his eyes widening and before he could say more, he was dragged
to the platform. Mabilis ang paghinga ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang umalis.

“Princess, follow me,” my father called, taking my hand to massage my

knuckles. “Alright, darling, breathe in… Breathe out…” I followed him, calming
myself down.

When I glanced at Chiel, he was on his way to me but I shook my head and
mouthed I was okay.

Unti-unti siyang bumalik sa pwesto niya’t muling nagbukas ang pintuan at mas
lumakas ang ingay sa media. I shifted my gaze, my jaw clenching at the sight of the
very man I loathed so much.

Israel Sebastian.

In the last fifteen days, a lot has changed from his appearance. He looked
weak before during the last trial but nothing more devastating than what he looked
right now.

Bumagsak ang timbang niya. Just two days after that hearing, he was
hospitalized. One was due to sepsis because of the legs I shot. And two? We heard
some inmates beat him up in jail after he acted like a VIP inside. Inutus-utusan
daw ang mga pulis at niyabangan ang mga kasama sa bilangguan.

They beat him up, targetting his legs and he was sent to the hospital. The
infection had already spread and the doctor had no choice but to amputate both of
his feet.

Israel Sebastian, the once high and mighty mayor of Biliran City was now a
weak and frail old man. Lubog na ang pisngi niya, maputi ang buhok, ibang-iba na
halos no’ng huling nakita ko siyang medyo masigla.

Tinutulak ng pulis ang wheelchair niya, ang paa’y may mga benda pa at
katatapos lang ng operasyon niya no’ng nakaraang linggo. He was glaring at my
father and my mother when got passed us but his eyes softened at the sight of me.

He thought he’d faze me, that it would soften me but it didn’t, it wouldn’t.
Not anymore.

“Anak…” He called and I just looked at him coldly, thinking about the things
he had taken from me. “Zahrah, anak…”

I avoided his gaze and felt my mother’s palm reaching for mine so I grasped
it, my breathing was unsteady.

“We’re here, darling,” Mom’s voice soothed.

I didn’t want to have panic attacks, but I’ve started doing better in it. I
rarely got one, after the last attack I had, thankfully, I never experienced
another occurrence.

I am doing better and I didn’t want them to bring it back again.

Sinulyapan ko si Mommy at Daddy na nasa dalawang gilid ko’t nagpoprotekta, sa

gilid nila ay ang mga kapatid kong may mga ngiting nagpapalakas ng loob ko, sa
likuran kung nasaan ang mga kamag-anak na kahit kailan ay ‘di ako inabandona.

When I was gone, some would definitely let it go–hindi naman nila ako
kadugo pero ang pagmamahal at pamilya’y hindi lang sa pangalan at dugo, nasa puso
iyan.

They were very supportive of me, they loved me unconditionally and embraced
my flaws.

My eyes found Crest who gave me the most reassuring smile and as my gaze went
to her twin, to Alchiel watching every movement I took with his intense and
calculating gaze, it made me smile.

His forehead creased and I just nod my head in assurance. Unti-unting nawala
ang tensyon sa kanyang balikat at tumango.

We all rose as the judge got inside and I felt my stomach churning as he
introduced the court clerk to read the verdict they had come up with.

“Criminal Case No. 26894-D, Israel Sebastian v. Clytemnestra Alyona Fabroa

for the violation of Republic Act. No. 1084, Section 267, kidnapping and serious
illegal detention. We will now read the verdict.”

My heart raced, my grip on my parent’s hands tightening.

“The court recognizes the evidence and statements from the witnesses. Upon
further deliberation, the court finds the defendant Mr. Israel Sebastian guilty of
ambush assault. Guilty of attempted murder. Guilty beyond reasonable doubt to the
premeditated kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the victim, Miss
Clytemnestra Alyona Fabroa as charged to the indictment.”

My mouth parted as my heart raced. Nagkatinginan kami nina Mommy na namamasa

na ang mga mata sa paambang luha.

Nag-ingay ang korte pero patuloy pa ring nagsasalita ang clerk.

“The defendant had conspired with Jackson Sebastian and Kiko Fernandez to the
abduction of Miss Fabroa and had shown no remorse during the trial proceedings. The
defendant detained the victim with the above-mentioned names for three–not
exceeding four years deprived the victim of her liberty and caused physical,
emotional, and psychological damage to the victim and her family. Therefore, the
court sentenced the defendant to the penalty of reclusion perpetua to death without
the possibility of parole.”

Tears fell. I trembled as I heard the gavel ringing and the crowd making a
fuss. Narinig ko ang hindi pagsang-ayon ng mga defendant sa hatol ng korte pero
wala na roon ang pansin ko.

I cried and embraced my family who’d been crying with me. My parent’s body
was trembling.

“T-thank you, oh, God. Thank you,” my mother cried, kissing my forehead.

“Mom,” I sniffed and glanced at my father with his bloodshot eyes. “Dad…”

“It’s all d-done, princess, it’s done,” Dad whispered.

“Ate,” my siblings came and embraced me, happy with me with tears in their
eyes.

I trembled and pulled them for a hug as Dad caged us all in his arms.

“It’s done,” he reassured us, looking at us in the eye until it settled on

my
mother’s.

Kiko Fernandez and Jackson Sebastian were proven guilty in court as Israel’s
Sebastian’s accomplice aside from the other cases filed against them that will come
up for another trial. Gano’n din si Israel na sumisigaw at nagpupumilit na lumapit
sa amin, nagmamakaawa nang madaanan namin siya papalabas ng courtroom.

“Zahrah!” he called. “P-please, anak! They were fooling you! Look at what
happened to me! They did this to me!”

“Come on, princess,” tawag ni Dad at inalalayan ako.

“You’re a liar Valderama! You brainwashed my kid!” He screamed out loud then
he’s on to me again. “Zahrah, Zahrah! Listen to me! I am your father! Please! Think
of your mother! Anong iisipin ni Ritch kapag naniwala ka sa kanila–”

I faced him this time.

“What she’d say?” I asked, looking at him straight in the eye.

He nodded. “Y-yes, anak. Mahal ka namin ng Mommy mo! Anong sasabihin niya
kung maniniwala ka sa kanila kaysa sa sarili mong ama?”

I scoffed. “I’m sure my Mom would pat me on the back and tell me I did a
great job for trusting the right people.”

His mouth parted. “You’re wrong! My wife, your mother will not say that! I am
your father–”

“You aren’t and you will never be,” I answered stiffly. “I am my Ritchelle’s
daughter. Not yours.”

His eyes turned watery as tears fell on it, shaking his head desperately.

“Anak…please, listen to me!” The police pulled his arm reaching for me but I
shook my head.

“Clyte,” Dad called.

“I’m fine, Dad,” I answered and he stared at me intently, as if reading what

I wanted to do until he nodded and let me go.

Tumango siya sa pulis kaya hinayaan nila akong makalapit para tumungo at
inilapit ang bibig sa tainga ni Israel.

“I hope you’ll get comfortable in prison because you could never step out of
it again.” The side of my lips curved. “You deserved it, Israel. You deserved every
bad thing that happened and will happen to you. I loathed you to death. I hope you
rot in jail. I hope you dreamt of the people you hurt and killed every night. I
hope you’ll suffer. What you did to us, to me… I swear you’d experience it ten-
fold, worse than we ever did. You will live your life wishing they should’ve just
killed you.”

I pulled away with satisfaction and watched his face contorted with horror.
His eyes were wide and dilated as he gawked at me and I just smiled, the sweetest
and the most conniving one as I nodded at Locket to take him away.

May humawak sa braso ko at narinig ko ang boses ni Mommy.

 “That was really badass, darling,” she whispered.

“Well, I learned from the expert,” nilingon ko si Mommy at nag-ngisihan

kaming dalawa.

I watched as the police pushed his wheelchair away, away from all of us, away
from my life, and as the door closed behind them, I hoped peace would finally open
to us.

Hindi namin napag-usapan itong lahat pero tila may secret communication na
nangyari sa amin nang maglakad kami papunta ng sasakyan ay lahat kami’y iisa lang
ang nasa isip.

“Cemetery?” Dad asked, looking back at us. Namilog ang mata ko at lumambot
ang puso nang ngumisi si Mommy.

“Of course, saan pa ba tayo? Let’s visit my BFF!” Mommy chirped happily and
Scira showed us her phone.

“I’m ordering food now, Ate, Mommy. Do you think this will be enough for us?”
She asked and tears pricked at my eyes as I nodded at my younger sister.

“Let’s fetch Queen first,” I mumbled.

We went home first to fetch Queen at sumama na rin ang mga pamangkin ko’t mga
asawa ng kapatid papunta.

I was more stunned when we got to the cemetery and there were people already
in my mommy’s mausoleum. It wasn’t as grand and big as my grandparents at dahil nga
marami kami ay crowded na roon pagdating ko.

Somehow, in a short period, the family members who did not make it to the
verdict reading earlier were already here and they had already set up a tent for
us. May upuan at mga table pa roon kung nasaan ang food.

“BFF!” Crest waved at me. Sinalubong niya ako ng yakap na para bang ‘di kami
nagyakap kaninang dalawa at humalik sa pisngi ko. “I’m happy for you! You are so
brave!”

I tightened my embrace.

“I love you, Crest. Thank you!” I kissed her cheek at nagyakap kami ng halos
isang minuto bago nagsitawanan at lumayo.

“Look!” aniya sabay lahad ng mausoleum. Lumaki ang ngiti ko nang makitang may
flower arrangement na iyon.

It was beautiful. My mother’s resting place felt like a garden in the middle
of the cemetery. Halo-halong bulaklak ang naroon pero ang pinaka mas nakakuha ng
pansin ko ay ang mga rosas na pula.

“Sinong nag-ayos?” I asked.

“Tita,” baling niya kay Mommy na nasa tapat ni Mommy Ritch at nag-i-spray ng
tubig sa mga flowers habang nagre-rearrange. “No’ng isang araw pa naming inaayos,
kaninang umaga lang dumating ang flowers galing sa shop ni Tita para daw fresh. Ang
pretty ‘no?!”

I nodded, my smile sweet and happy, grateful for this loving family, my
family.

Lalapit na sana ako kay Mommy na inuutusan si Dad at si Tito Dash na ilipat
ang iilang mga bugkos ng bulaklak sa gusto niyang pwesto nang may nahagip ang mata
ko.

My smile widened even more as my heart raced at the sight of my man wearing
his usual white dress shirt. Three buttons are undone with his sleeves are rolled
up to his elbow, showing his large and veiny arms.

I swallowed hard with the image of him manhandling me. He’d wrap that arm
around my stomach, push my back in his chest with his palm snaking on my neck to
grip, tilting my head so he could kiss me.

Napalunok ako at naisara ang hita nang maramdaman ang init doon.

My eyes whipped back to my Mommy Ritch’s tomb.

Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Mommy! I hope you’re not embarrassed of me!

“Anyway, we visited Mama and Papa Jer kanina,” ani Crest. “We brought flowers
also, pinalitan lang ‘yong mga natuyot na last week no’ng nagpunta tayo.”

“I-I’ll visit them later too,” I muttered, my eyes still on her twin who was
still oblivious.

Binubuksan niya ang likod ng sasakyan niya at kinukuha ang mga natirang
flowers na ‘di pa nailalagay.

“Hmm, anyway, I noticed you’re extra beautiful and very blooming these past
few weeks, a?” ani Crest kaya nilingon ko siya at ngumiti.

“Thank you,” I answered. “Natural na ‘yan.”

Humalakhak siya at tumawa rin ako kaya naghampasan kaming dalawa.

“Hindi, gagi!” She was still cackling. “I mean extra blooming? Like may glow?
Para kang hmm…” She looked around. “Para kang flowers na nag-bloom after
madiligan.”

Bigla akong nasamid ng laway at namilog ang mata, umuubo.

“W-what?!”

She shot her brow up at me. “Kung ‘di ko lang alam, iisipin ko kako nadiligan
ka na!”

Mas lalo akong nasamid at hinampas siya.

“C-Crest!” I hissed. “I-I wasn’t!” Mas nag-init ang mukha ko at halos sakalin
na siya.

“Hmm…” Nanliit ang mata niya. She lifted her pink shining nails to her lips,
tapping it as if thinking. “Come to think of it, you two are very weird these days.
Parang may napi-feel ako, e. ‘Di ko lang sure ano siya pero may nag-iba. May
something na nangyari! You’re very clingy to each other but these past few days,
it’s more, more intimate and very close–”

“T-that’s ridiculous,” agap ko. “Palagi naman kaming weird! Clingy naman
palagi ‘yang kambal mo parang tarsier! Kailan mo pa kami nakitang normal ni
Chiel?!”

Pero mas nanliit ang mata niya.

“Hmm…”

“Wala nga!” I scoffed. “I-if I did, you’ll be the first to know!” I lied.

She looked at me from head to toe then her eyes stayed on my skirt. Tumikhim
ako at umayos ng tayo, hinihila ang skirt.

“What?” I asked, my cheeks flushing.

“Hmm, tama na ang pagtitimpi. ‘Di uso ‘yan sa pamilya natin, BFF.”

“H-huh?”

“I mean, ‘di na tayo bumabata. Ako nga noong bago ang kambal nai-stress na
ako’t lalagpas na sa kalendaryo tapos inunahan pa ‘ko ni Chichay at wala pa akong
anak ginawa na akong lola! My God!” She referred to her dog. “So… if ever balak
n’yong mag-family ni kambal, p’wede na kayong mag-start.”

“H-huh?”

“Kasi ‘te, mahirap na honestly ang magbuntis if lagpas ka na sa kalendaryo.

Well, depends iyan sa babaeng magbubuntis but most of the time, honestly, mahirap
talaga. So, kung nagtitimpi pa kayong dalawa, no one is judging if ‘di n’yo na
napigilan. Isa pa, ‘di uso sa mga Sandejas ang timpi, sunggab kaagad.”

My cheeks flushed more as I shook my head at her.

“Ewan ko sa ‘yo, Crest Veronica,” I snarled but she kept on laughing and
teasing me na magpadilig na raw.

Bumalik ang tingin ko kay Chiel habang nagdadaldal si Crest at parang halos
ikwento na ang sex life niyang sagana, sanay na rin naman ako kaya ang pansin ko’y
na kay Chiel na nagbubuhat na.

I swallowed the lump in my throat when he effortlessly lifted in in his arms,

his biceps flexing and it reminded me of the things we did.

“Tapos, s’yempre, pabebe girl muna ako.” Hagikhik ni Crest. “Kunwari nagtampo
ako tapos, ‘te, pinasok ako sa banyo tapos doon sa shower! Ang sarap ‘te!”

Hinampas-hampas ako ni Crest, kinikilig.

Tumango-tango ako, nakatitig pa rin kay Chiel. I watched as he swiped his

tongue in his lower lip.

“T-true, masarap nga,” I agreed.

“‘Di ba?” Hagikhik niya. “Kaya i-try mo na ‘te, para kang nasa alapaap!”

“True,” I agreed. “Nasa heaven kang literal…”

My breath hitched when my gaze clashed with Alchiel’s. Tumaas ang kilay niya
at napangiti habang papalapit sa amin.
 I adjusted my stance and stood straight. Nahulog ang tingin ni Chiel sa skirt
ko at tinaasan ako ng kilay, nang-aasar.

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata at nang muling binasa niya ang labi at kinagat at
nangatog ang tuhod ko, nasa point nang uupo at bubukaka sa kanya para ialay ang
mind, body and soul ko.

My gosh! Kalandian ba ‘yan, Clyte?!

“No, sweetheart,” Chiel mused when he was in front of us. “You can’t just
eye-fucked me when you’re still sore.”

I heard a loud and dramatic gasp.

My stomach dropped as we both glanced at Crest covering her mouth, her eyes
on the verge of falling out of her socket.

“Shit…” I cursed.

“You… you…” Pinagtuturo niya kaming dalawa.

I felt Chiel testing as he cursed. “She didn’t know, Clyte?”

“N-no…” I answered shakily. “Crest–”

“O-oh my God, nagkangkangan na kayo–” I screamed and jumped, covering her

mouth to stop her from blurting it out.

“Fuck…” Chiel cursed again. “She didn’t know?”

“I didn’t tell her!” I hissed under my breath.

“Kayo hmp!” Crest struggled from my hold with her muffling words because I
covered her mouth. She pulled it away. “Kayo ha–” Muli kong tinakpan at
nagsisisigaw na siya.

“Help me!” I hissed at Chiel who panicked more, looking around to see the
busy family and without a word, he dropped the flowers on the ground and walked
closer to carry Crest in his arms while I covered her mouth.

“Hmp!” She kept on struggling pero tinangay na namin siya ni Chiel papalayo.

It was very hard to keep her mouth shut when we got to the car, she was
squealing and smacking both of us. Sinabunutan niya si Chiel na nakasimangot lang
at tinutulak ang kamay niya paalis.

Halos lumabas na ang ngala-ngala niya sa kilig, nangingisay pa nang wala na

akong choice kung hindi magkwento at kung hindi raw ay mag-iingay siya.

I ended up spilling everything, as in everything! With the embarrassing

laceration and all. She couldn’t stop laughing, wala na ngang tunog iyon at parang
nasasamid na siya.

“Damn it,” Chiel hissed. “Kaya walang makwento sa ‘yo kasi ang OA mo mag-
react!”

“What?!” She laughed. “I was amused! Grabe naman kayo, ganyan bang sobra
katuyot at madugong labanan ang naganap?!”
 I covered my ears to scream in embarrassment. Tinakpan ni Chiel ang bibig ng
kakambal, pulang-pula rin ang mukha.

“Crest Veronica!” He hissed then cursed when Crest did something to his palm
covering her mouth. “What the fuck?! Bakit mo dinilaan ang kamay ko?! Kadiri ka!”

Sabay pahid niya ng palad sa damit ni Crest na tumili rin at sinipa siya.

“You gago! Don’t! Not my dress! It’s Chanel!”

“It’s your fault!”

“Tinatakpan mo kasi ang bibig ko! H’wag mong ipunas sa ‘kin–” pero
nagsisipaan na silang dalawa at nagsusuntukan sa tabi ko.

Ang gulo-gulo nila. ‘Di ko alam kung mahihiya ako, magagalit sa kanila o
matatawa na lang at ginawang boxing ring ang sasakyan. Sapakan talaga kung sapakan.

Tumili si Crest sabay batok sa kakambal nang may kumatok sa salamin ng

sasakyan kaya natahimik ang dalawa.

Crest and Chiel froze with their hands in each other’s hair as I gasped and
lowered the window, Locket’s gray gaze on us.

“What’s happening?” he asked, confused as he looked around. “Is everyone

okay?”

“Y-yes!” I answered. “Sorry, Locket. Itong kambal na ‘to kasi nag-aaway na

naman, parang mga bata!”

Locket glanced at the two. “What is it this time? Baka mamaya niyan matuluyan
na kayong makalbo.”

“We’re fine!” the two answered.

“Ito lang kasi!” Chiel hissed then pointed at Crest. “Bastos, kadiri!
Dinilaan ang kamay ko?!”

“Tanga! S’yempre tinatakpan mo bibig ko, inabot pa sa ilong, ‘di ako

makahinga!” She hissed back.

“S’yempre ang daldal mo!”

“Kaya tatakpan mo bibig ko?! Paano ‘yon kapag ‘di ako nakahinga?! Tapos
namatay ako kasi na-suffocate? Paano na ang twins ko? Si Chichay, Chico at mga
babies nila? Ang baby penguins ko?! Si Pingu?!” Sabay turo niya kay Locket na
nanlaki lang ang mata.

“What? That’s too much, baby,” Locket chuckled.

“‘Di ba?! Paano na kapag na-tegi ako tapos ‘di pa kami nakaka-batch two ni
Locket?!” She began sniffing and I froze when I realized she was now teary-eyed.

“Bwiset na ‘to, napaka-OA,” ani Chiel sabay bitaw sa buhok ng kambal niya
pero mas nanubig lang ang mata ni Crest at tinulak ang ulo niyang nabunggo pa sa
bubong sa tangkad niya. He groaned.

“A-ako, OA?” She sniffed sadly sabay lingon kay Locket na napaayos din ng
tayo. “P-Pingu, sabi ni kambal, OA ako! OA ba ‘ko?!”
 And heck, we all panicked when she wailed and cried.

It was very unusual to her. Tumahan lang siya nang makita ang kambal niyang
tumatakbo papalapit at napagalitan naman si Chiel ni Tita Thallia at pinaiyak daw
ang kakambal.

I tried stopping my giggles because he looked like a kid getting scolded. He

narrowed his eyes at me, nanliliit ang mga mata. Kinagat ko lang ang labi at
ngumuso, nag-iiwas ng tingin.

I approached Crest when she calmed down.

“I don’t know why I cried,” she explained. “I’m very weird these days, Clyte,
you know. Nanuod ako last time ng animal planet naiyak ako kasi kinain ng lion ang
baby deer.”

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya.

“How long have you been experiencing this?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” she mumbled. “Hindi ko kasi binabantayan ang oras so I wasn’t
really sure. I felt like I was overly emotional and sensitive. No’ng last time,
maaga umalis si Locket papuntang work because of emergency, I cried because I woke
up without him beside me. I feel so sad.”

Tumitig ako sa kanya, muling hinaplos ang palad niya at tumitig.

“I’m gonna ask you a question,” I started.

“Hmm… of course, what is it?”

“When was the last time you had your period?” I asked.

She stiffened and just as her eyes widened, my smile did too.

“O-oh, my God… I think I didn’t have mine last month!”

“Do you want to check?” I asked and when she nodded, hinila ko siya.

While everyone was busy while waiting for the vigil, we both went to the
pharmacy to buy some tests for her. Nakibanyo kami sa store at pareho kaming
kinakabahan at excited habang nag-aantay ng sagot.

“P-paano kapag wala?” She asked worriedly.

“It’s alright,” I reassured her. “At least we checked, right?”

“B-but I want to know if I was pregnant with you. You know before, when I
found out I was pregnant with the twins, I was happy but there’s still something
missing… you.”

My heart softened. Niyakap ko si Crest nang mahigpit.

“It’s alright, I will be here for your next one. That, I promise you. Hindi
na ako mawawala,”

“Promise?” Her voice quivered.

 I nodded.

“I promise,” I said like an oath.

When the time was up, we were both very nervous as we flipped the pregnancy
test, our jaws dropping at the result.

“Two lines!” She screamed.

“You’re pregnant!” I screamed back as we embraced, jumping up and down in

pure glee.

We were both so happy we ended up crying again. Crest because she was
pregnant and she found it out with me and me, because she was pregnant and I was
here when she found out this time.

We decided to keep it a secret for now. She was planning to do something

special before she revealed it to Locket and her family. I promised I’d help in
planning her surprise, baby shower, everything!

Magkakapit-braso kami pagbalik sa may mausoleum ni Mommy at ang nagtatakang

mukha ni Locket at Chiel ang nasalubong namin.

Crest squeezed me before she left and went to her husband and I grinned at
Chiel when he caught my waist.

“Where have you been, Bella?” He asked and pulled me close to kiss my
forehead.

“Sa store lang,” I answered, standing on my tiptoes to kiss his jaw. “May
binili lang si Crest.”

“Hmm… then, why did you cry?” he asked, staring at me.

“Cry? No, I don’t–” he flicked my lips, making me pout.

“You’re a bad liar, sweetheart,” he chuckled.

“I’m not!”

“Hmm, I told you. I know you more than I knew myself,” he breathed and kissed
my cheek again. “What is it?”

Ngumuso ako at umiling, yumayakap sa kanya.

“Not my story to tell, sweetheart. You’ll know soon,” ibinaon ko ang mukha sa
mabangong dibdib niya.

I heard him sigh. “But it’s alright, right? No problems?”

“Nothing.” Mas niyakap ko siya. “It’s all good, I promise.”

Idinantay niya ang chin sa tuktok ng ulo ko. He swung us both gently and it
made me feel like fleeting.

“I hope it’ll always be this good.”

“It will,” I mumbled. “But that’s just life, if it didn’t then at least we
will both face it together, right?”
 “Hmm… together,” he breathed.

“Tss… kitang may misa, hinaharot mo ang anak ko?” When I heard Dad’s voice, I
rolled my eyes.

Ipinaling ko ang ulo ko at sinilip siya.

“Hello, Daddy.” I grinned playfully.

“Hello-hello ka pa r’yang sutil ka,” he frowned. “Yakap na yakap ka na naman

sa higanteng ‘yan?”

I laughed.

“Higante ka raw, Chiel,” I giggled. “Okay lang ‘yan, Dad! Kasi kapag higante,
higante rin ang…”

Chiel stiffened and my Dad’s eyes sharpened at me.

“Anong higante, Clytemnestra?” he asked grimly. I smiled. Kinurot ako ng

Chiel.

“...ang puso!” I added with a foolish smile. “Kayo, ha? Anong iniisip
n’yo–”

“Diyos ko, Zidney, ang anak mo! Ang BP ko tumataas!” He sighed dramatically
and eyed the both of us.

“Don’t mind you father, nasa menopausal age,” ani Mommy sabay tawa. Dad made
a face.

“Magbitiw nga kayo’t mahiya kay father!” Turo niya bigla sa pari na tahimik
lang na ngumunguya ng pagkain sa malayo. Nabulunan tuloy bigla.

A sacred vigil in remembrance of my mother, Mommy Ritch, took place that

night together with the celebration of us winning the case and having me back home.
I was very happy.

The mass was so warm and sacred with my whole family, the smell of flowers,
and my Mommy Ritch’s presence. I couldn’t see her but I could always feel her,
especially tonight.

“Peace be with you,”

I kissed my family, nodding at our relatives I couldn’t reach and to my

nieces. Nang matapos ako’y nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel at nang lumapit ako’y
iniangat ko ang mukha sa kanya kasabay ng pagbaba niya ng labi sa akin.

We kissed. A simple, quick one but it felt like the purest and truest for me.

“Peace be with you, Chiel,” I whispered.

“Peace be with you, Clytey. My prayers have already been answered,” he

answered me back, his eyes on me as we smiled at each other, our fingers finding
each other to intertwine, not hiding in the dark anymore.

Magkahawak-kamay kami buong matapos ang misa, pinapanuod si father na

nagsasaboy ng holy water, ‘di pinapansin si Dad na hinahampas ng pamaypay ang kamay
namin kapag nahuhuli.

“Bawal ‘yang holding hands kapag ‘di pa kasal,” bulong niya para maging
kontrabida lang.

I pouted. “Weh? Ikaw nga raw, Dad, sabi ni Mommy kahit ‘di pa kayo may pa-
kissing scene na–”

“Father, dito po,” kumaway si Dad kay father. “Pakibasbasan po ang dalawang
‘to!”

“Dad! Parang ewan–” mas humaba lang ang nguso ko at natawa si Chiel nang
mapaliguan kami ng holy water ni father.

Napapikit ako nang pumasok ang tubig sa mga mata.

Grabe, sabon na lang ang kulang!

We ate and had fun that night. My family left a few hours after the mass
ended because of their commitments tomorrow.

Nagpaiwan din ako kina mommy na inaya akong pauwi at sinabing mag-i-stay muna
ako kay Mommy Ritch. She allowed me, reminding me to take care and I wasn’t
surprised when Chiel stayed with me. He reassured my parents he’d take me home
safe.

“Clyte, i-lock ang pinto pauwi,” ani Dad sabay lingon kay Chiel. “Bawal
magpapasok ng stranger.”

“We’re not strangers, Dad. Sinagot na nga ako,” ngumisi ako. He scoffed.

“Bawal mag-sleep over kapag ‘di pa kasal!”

Mommy laughed.

“Wow, Thornie, coming from you–” binuhat siya bigla ni Daddy at isinampa sa
balikat niya.

“Shut up, reyna,” he scoffed and waved at us, tinatangay si Mommy na

humahalakhak.

“Dahan-dahan! Ang kasu-kasuan mo, naku!” She exclaimed.

When they left, I lit another candle and felt Chiel kneeling beside me to
offer his candles too. I lowered my head to utter a small prayer and began talking
to her in my head.

“Hi, Mommy Ritch. I missed you. I know I haven’t seen you before but I was
happy because you were the first person who held me while I was the last you held
in your arms. Thank you, Mommy, for showing and making me feel your love even if
you’re gone. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for entrusting me to this family,
to these people who treated me like their own. Thank you, Mommy, for guiding me.
For loving me and thinking of my future. Thank you for helping me find my way back
home and I hope, in another life, I will get to see you. I will get to embrace you
and kiss you. I love you, Mommy. Thank you for gifting me this life.”

I didn’t know I was crying if it wasn’t for Chiel’s fingers drying my cheeks.
He pulled me in and I cried in his arms, sobbing because I missed my mother and
happiness at the same time because I was with them again.
 Naupo kami sa lapag at niyakap lang ako ni Chiel, hinahayaan akong umiiyak sa
dibdib niya at hinahaplos at hinahalikan ang buhok ko.

I lifted my gaze at him, my voice low as I apologized.

“I’m sorry, Chiel,” I sniffed as I calmed down. “I’m so sorry for crying…”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about, sweetheart,” malambing niyang sagot at

hinalikan ang ilalim ng mata ko. “I understand, I’m sure Tita Ritch understands…”

“Mommy,” I corrected and reached for his collar.

“Mommy?” his forehead creased.

I nodded.

“Yeah, her soon-to-be son-in-law should call her Mom, right?” I answered
while looking straight into his eyes.

As usual, he was so surprised. His eyes were dilated, his face flushing and
before he could recover, I took his hand and placed it together with mine in my
mom’s tomb.

“Mommy Ritch, I know you knew him already. I’m sure he’s always here with
Crest visiting you while I was gone but let me reintroduce him to you, Mom. This is
Alchiel Verón Sandejas, this man is very kind, sweet, responsible, and not to
mention, very handsome…”

“Clyte…” I heard Chiel. “Ano ba… h’wag, nakakahiya kay Mommy.”

I laughed loudly and glanced at his reaction. Mas namula lang siya.

“He’s adorable, Mommy, isn’t he?” Bumaling ako ulit kay Mommy.

“Tapos malaki pa–”

“Clytemnestra!”

“Ang height!” I added. “He’s very tall, Mommy, you see! Tawag sa kanya Daddy
Long Legs kasi haba ba naman ng legs pati ano niya–”

“Isa, Fabroa, nakakahiya kay Mommy!” he pinched me. I laughed and swat his
hand.

“Anyway, joke lang, Mommy…” Humagikhik ako. “H’wag mo ‘ko paluin, a? Napalo
na ‘ko ni Daddy Thorn, e. Sakit kaya no’ng sandok niya!”

I felt the cold chills running on my skin and I looked around with a smile.

“I know you’re here, ‘My. I know you’re watching us so I will take this
chance for you to meet the man I love.” Sinulyapan ko si Chiel na malambing ang
tingin sa akin. “‘My, this man beside me? Mahal na mahal ko ‘to at papakasalan ko.”

“Clyte…”

“He’s amazing,” I muttered as I stared at his eyes. “Patient, kind, just…

wonderful. Ang swerte-swerte kong mahalin niya. Kahit ilang beses ko siyang
nasaktan at napagkaitan. Kahit ilang beses ko siyang naiwan, nag-aantay lang siya
sa akin, My. He loved me, without waiting something in return and even if he
doesn’t, I wanted you and him to know that I will not marry if it wasn’t him.”

“Sweetheart…” His eyes were bloodshot again for the upcoming tears.

“I love him so much, ‘My,” sumulyap ako kay Mommy. “I will definitely marry
this man. I hope you’ll give us your blessings.”

Nang ibalik ko ang tingin kay Chiel para sana sabihing mag-hi kay Mommy ay
nagitla ako nang tuloy-tuloy nang nahuhulog ang luha sa mga mata niya.

“Chiel? Why are you crying?”

“N-nothing,” he laughed and dried his tears with his trembling palms
carelessly. “I-I was just overwhelmed, that’s all. I’m sorry. Mahal na m-mahal lang
talaga kita, Clyte.”

My heart raced as I knelt on the ground and pushed him close to me, embracing
him and whispering my I love yous as we both cried, not because of pain this time,
but because we loved each other so much it hurts.

As we embraced, I felt the comfortable chills running down my back as if

someone else was embracing us too. I know for sure that might be my Mommy Ritch.

The weeks went on smoothly. I officially resigned from our hospital and began
planning with my sister for my mini-event organizing office’s renovation. Mas
dumadami na raw kasing muli ang mga nagpapa-book dahil nakabalik na ako.

Meanwhile, Chiel was busy with work too. Nagkikita lang kami kapag sinusundo
niya ako pauwi at kakain ako sa unit niya or sa akin tapos kinabukasan ay maaga
siyang papasok.

It was a hassle, marami rin kasi siyang natambak na work dahil nga sa
nangyari sa braso niya at ‘di siya nakapasok kaagad sa office and I don’t know but
aside from that, I think Chiel was doing something I didn’t know and he wouldn’t
tell.

Well, he could have one since I have secrets of my own–with Crest’s second
pregnancy and some surprise I was planning for him but I’m still very curious since
I noticed him frequenting our flower shop.

I sighed and went out after receiving a message from Chiel he’d stay in their
house tonight dahil may kino-consult atang case kay Tito Iñigo. Actually, pansin
ko palagi siyang nasa kanila. Anyway, nevermind.

I shouldn’t be too clingy, right? We’ve seen each other everyday! We go to

sleep together! Kahit wala pang part two ‘yong session namin at paranoid ang Kuya
Alchiel ko’t baka maospital na raw talaga ako.

I already visited an OB referred by Angelo and she said I was already

alright. We could do it but not roughly since it might still be sensitive. Iyon ang
tumatak sa utak ni Chiel kaya mag-antay pa raw kami ng mga one week!

Like no way? Isang linggo?! Tuyot na tuyot na ulit at wisik lang iyong
nakaraan!

I closed my laptop when my eyes caught the empty pot on my terrace.

It was the rose. The second one Chiel grew for me and withered. That one that
died and got flushed in the drain.

Tumayo ako at naglakad patungo sa paso para silipin iyon. I did not skip a
day to check on this, getting just enough water and sunlight in hopes of regrowing
the flower but still failed.

Alchiel saw it but did not ask or discouraged me of wanting to replant it

again and instead, kapag wala ako, siya ang nag-aasikaso at nagdidilig.

He did not stomp on my hopes and supported it but I realized, sometimes, you
just can’t force things–flowers to bloom whenever you like it. You just can’t
pluck because you like it and replant if it withered whenever you want another one
again.

Hindi gano’n ang buhay. Hindi lahat ng gusto’y naibibigay, hindi lahat ng
pamumukadkad ay napagbibigyan. It takes time and at times, it was only meant for
you once and not again so you should cherished that one chance you had instead of
wasting it.

That night, I found the courage to dig the plant with my hand and took the
withered stem out. Pumunta ako sa banyo para linisin iyon at alisin ang mga lupa
bago tinuyo ng tissue at kumuha ng maliit na frame at naupo sa gilid ng kama.

I took my things to design and stuck the stem in the frame before closing it,
smiling at the outcome.

It won’t regrow again so I would just keep it planted in me as a lesson and

try again. Try better next time.

Dinala ko iyon sa dibdib para yakapin, humuhugot ng malalim na hininga at

tinanggap na hindi lahat nabibigyan ng dalawa o higit pang pagkakataon but I did,
Chiel and my love did kaya aalagaan at poprotektahan ko iyon.

I fell asleep after texting Chiel and woke up with his large arms on me.

I thought it was just a dream because I turned to kiss him and he kissed me
back. Then it turned into a lazy and relaxed making out where we kissed and touched
each other with our naked bodies pressed together.

“C-Chiel, please,”

“You’re still sore, sweetheart, hmm…” he licked my throat.

“I’m not! Please, Chiel…”

“Uh-hmm, I’ll pleasure you in another way…” he hummed.

I know and felt when he fingered me. I came in his fingers and begged him to
fuck me but he didn’t. He lowered his body instead, spread my legs apart, and
kissed me down there, making out with my cunt until I came and my eyes gave in and
fell asleep.

When I woke up, he was gone. Again.

Napahawak ako sa sarili.

Panaginip ba ‘yon?! But I felt him, remembered his body against mine so I’m
sure he did!
 But then I saw his note along with the breakfast he cooked, saying he’ll meet
me tonight.

Frowning, I called him.

“Good morning, sweetheart–”

“Ano ‘yon, eat and run ka?!” I scoffed.

Natahimik siya. “What–”

“Pagkatapos mo ‘kong kainin kagabi tatakbuhan mo ‘ko?!”

“Shit!” he suddenly cursed and I heard something drop from the other line, my
brows furrowing as I heard waves of laughter.

“Tangina, may mukbangan naman pala kaya na-late–”

“Shut up, Salcedo!” Chiel hissed and I stiffened. My eyes widening.

“What the hell?! Am I…”

“Yes, baby, you’re on loudspeaker,” he answered.

I screamed and jumped up and down. “Shit! Shit! Shit! Sinong nakarinig?!”

“Just the boys,” he answered casually and I screamed again. His chuckles
echoed. “Sweetheart…”

“Bakit ka naka-loudspeaker?!”

“I…I was helping Chance with his art shipments,” aniya.

“Kainis ka!” I whined. “Kitang tumatawag ako!”

“In my defense, baby, I didn’t know you’d say that…” He chuckled.

“I hate you!” I hissed.

“Hmm, paano ba ‘yan kung mahal na mahal kita?” he asked smoothly, like he
knew it would make my heart race.

Natahimik ako at nag-init ang mukha, pakiramdam ay bago pa rin ang lahat.

“Enebe…” My tongue twisted, biting my lip para mag-inarte.

He chuckled. “I’m so sorry, baby. I had to help Chance, I promised him. Did
you take a bath already? I already prepared a warm bath for you and cooked
breakfast. Don’t bother with your plants anymore, nadiligan ko na. Don’t worry, ‘di
sila nalunod.”

Ngumuso ako at tumango.

“Hmm, done na. Thank you,” I mumbled. “You don’t have to do it, you know? I
can manage…”

“I know, mahal, but let me do it for you.” He said in a gentle, lovely voice.

Napahawak ako sa pisngi at tumango-tango.

 “Okay, thank you, I felt like a princess…”

“You are a queen,” he muttered. “You should be treated like one.”

When I let out a squeal, he was laughing again.

“You liked screaming so bad, my sweetheart, huh?” he asked.

“Paanong hindi e, ginagawa mong hobby magpakilig ang aga-aga?!” I exclaimed.

“It sounded lovely,” he answered. “But I liked it more when it was a scream
with my fingers, mouth, and cock on your cunt–”

I screamed again.

“Bastos ka! Bastos!”

“Ako pa?” he laughed. “Pero kapag ikaw bastos bawal ako magreklamo?”

“Kasi…” Humaba ang nguso ko. “But Chiel, how about ‘yong lakad natin mamaya?
Will you be back by then?”

“That, I will see you in the venue, will that be alright?”

Nahulog ang balikat ko.

“But…”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, I swear I’ll be there. Same location naman sa sinabi
mo kahapon, ‘di ba?”

Pouting, I nodded.

“Yeah…”

“Hmm, alright. I’ll see you later and oh, baby?”

“Yes?”

“Crest will be there in thirty minutes, just… follow whatever she wanted you
to do, hmm?”

“Huh?” I asked. “Bakit? Saan ba–”

“Bye, I love you,” he hummed and then turned the call off.

I was really confused but let it go and not a moment later, may nag-doorbell
na sa pintuan at natawa na lang ako nang makita si Crest na kumekendeng papasok at
ang kamay ay nasa invisible baby bump pa niya.

“Good morning, buntis!”

“Good morning!” She giggled and embraced me. “I’m so happy for you!”

“Uh, okay?” Nangunot ang noo ko. “Actually, I should be the one telling you
that since you’re pregnant?”

“Hmm, basta!” She answered and ate with me. “Are you done showering? We’ll go
shopping today!”

“But I have,” nahulog ang tingin ko sa phone. “I am organizing a surprise for

your twin…”

“Oh, the dinner date?” she asked.

I nodded.

“Ah, akala ko ba it’s okay na last night? Ayos na ang lahat?”

“Yes, but…”

“But?” she asked. “Come on, Clyte-Clyte, loosen up! You did your best! I’m
sure your team will be able to pull it off naman! Naayos mo na lahat kahapon, food
na lang ang need, ‘di ba? You asked Zy to cook?”

I nodded.

“But still, I have to check if may last minute changes–”

“We’ll be quick, I promise!” she added. “You have to pamper yourself and be
extra beautiful kasi ‘di ba, it’s your first every very official dinner date with
Chiel? You have to be so gorgeous he could drool on you like a dog!”

“Hoy!” natawa ako. “It’s fine, ako na lang mag-aayos. Wala namang may
pakialam sa itsura ko mamaya–”

“Oh, I’m sure you would care,” she made a face and then grinned. “Kaya no
buts! I will insist!”

Kaya ang ending, hila-hila niya ako sa boutique niya. I was even surprised
when she handed me a new red dress she designed exclusively for me!

“Crest…”

“I won’t accept a no! Quick! Mag-change ka na! Magpapaayos ka pa ng nails!”

“Nails?” I looked at my short, unpainted nails. Hindi kasi ako madalas nag-
aayos ng kuko at mahilig akong magbungkal ng lupa. “It’s alright–” but she gave
me a warning look.

“O-okay po,” mabilis kong sagot at pumasok sa fitting room para suotin ang
kulay red na damit.

It was ethereal, it had a corseted top with a body-hugging skirt, with

designs resembling the thorns and from a blooming, bloody red rose.

“Wow…” I breathed.

Crest appeared and grinned at me from the back.

“Perfect! I know you’ll look fabulous! Siguradong tulo laway ni kambal!” She
giggled.

She did my hair while someone took care of my nails and painted it red too.
Maraming instruction si Crest sa nag-aayos.

“It’s fine,” I told her. “Nails lang naman, wala makakapansin–”

 “Nah, it should be flawless! I’m sure you’re gonna kill me if it looks like a
disaster later!”

Hinayaan ko na lang.

Pasulyap-sulyap naman ako sa phone ko at humihingi ng updates sa secretary ko

sa progress ng set up namin.

“Let’s be quick,” I told Crest. “I’ll check the final output. Nagpapa-send
ako ng picture pero ‘di na nagre-reply, I’m nervous, baka may kulang.”

“It’ll be perfect! I swear!”

Hindi na ako humindi nang magpresinta siyang ihahatid ako. It was already
seven in the evening and I asked Chiel to meet with me by eight-thirty for my
surprise.

Locket drove us with the kids who were all in there cute fits. Ang sabi’y may
family date daw sila at mukhang sasabihin na ni Crest na pregnant siya.

I smiled and embraced Reese and Avery before texting Chiel again.

From: Feeling BFF

Okie dokie, Bella! I love you mwuah mwuah! Can’t wait to see you!

I sighed and touched my purse, checking if the thing was still there, and
muttered a prayer for everything to go with our plans tonight.

But then the car stopped at unfamiliar gates, stopping me.

“We’re here!”

“Huh?” My forehead creased and shook my head. “No, this isn’t the location.”

But they are already parking and leaving the car.

“What?” I asked. “Crest! This isn’t the–”

“Trust me, come on,” aniya at gulong-gulo akong sumunod.

Male-late ako!

They dragged me inside the gates while I was trying to call my team about the
progress of my surprise.

Damn it! Dapat walang palpak! This is for Chiel! This should be perfect!

But then, the moment we got inside, the floral scent of variety of flowers
attacked my senses. Napaahon ako ng tingin at umawang ang labi pagkakita ng isang
greenhouse.

My heart raced. Oh my God! I really want to have one in my future house!

“Crest?” I called. “Kaninong…kaninong bahay ‘to? Is that a freaking

greenhouse?!”

“Yup!” she chirped.

 “Oh, kanino? Sure ka ba p’wede tayo d’yan? Baka nandito ang may-ari?”

She glanced at me and grinned.

“Nandito nga,” she answered knowingly.

“Can we see him? Or her? Paalam muna tayo. But anyway, we have to go quickly
kasi ang dinner namin ni Chiel–” But she pushed the doors open and I didn’t get
to finish my words at the sight of the massive greenhouse.

It was full of life and color. The greens, pinks, blues, reds, and violets
from different plants. I caught sight of blooming roses, dahlias, begonias,
marigolds, peonies and more.

Breathtaking…

Napahugot ako ng hininga at napahawak sa dibdib.

Oh, I want to have this in my future home! I want to have a greenhouse like
Mommy!

I swallowed and looked back. “Crest?” But she was already gone.

I was confused but instead of leaving, I walked further to the greenhouse

when a soft song played in the stereo.

I jumped, clutching my chest until a very familiar voice echoed as my gaze

found a familiar setup in the middle.

My dinner date surprise.

My mouth parted when I realized it was Adira singing in the stereo with my
brother, Deion, on his guitar. Our families are on the sides, waiting for me with
big smiles.

In the middle of it all was my love, Alchiel, in his two-piece red suit and
tie, his hair brushed back handsomely.

“O-oh…” Napatakip ako sa bibig.

He gawked at me, lost at the sight of me. His lips parted a little as he took
me in, tasting every part. From my hair to my face down the dress I was wearing.

Good thing I followed Crest!

Kung ‘di lang siya sinitsitan ni Crest ay ‘di pa gagalaw. He walked closer to
me as I took a step forward in the red carpet with petals of roses scattered. Nang
magpang-abot kami ni Chiel ay kaagad na nangilid ang luha ko, ang takbo ng puso’y
‘di na masundan.

“I’m sorry I used your surprise with mine,” aniya.

“W-what do you mean?” I looked around and saw my family. Mommy and Daddy are
already in tears.

Ibinalik ko ang tingin kay Chiel.

“I was planning to surprise you today too,” aniya at namula. “But I found out
you are doing the same so… I hope you don’t get mad but I thought it’ll be great to
combine it in one.”

“Suprise? Y-you mean this greenhouse?”

“Hmm…” he nodded and rubbed my palm with his fingers. “I was building this
with the help of Scira and Warren for two years now.”

My jaw dropped and my lips quivered.

“B-but I was gone–”

“You’re back now, does it matter?” he asked, his smile soft. “I’m so sorry I
was always gone and late these days since I was asking Tita Zid for help…” Sumulyap
siya kay Mommy na umiiyak na.

“Chiel, this is…” I breathed and took everything in. “T-thank you. This is my
dream.”

“I know, sweet rose,” he whispered, placing my hair behind my ear. “I’ve read
from your slambook entry back in high school.”

I nodded and bit my lip, trying to stop my tears. Ibinaling ko ang tingin ko
sa set up kong date sana namin.

“T-this is extravagant, Chiel. I don’t think my dinner surprise was any

better,” nahihiya kong sabi pero umiling siya at pinisil ang kamay ko.

“No, sweetheart. Just you, here with me was the best–maghahanap pa ba ako
ng mas?”

I smacked his chest.

“I-I was planning to surprise you…” I bit my lip.

“I was surprised!” he blurted. “I swear I cried out in excitement when I

found out you were surprising me so I wanted the same thing kaya ayan, pinagsabay
ko na lang para sa atin.” I laughed and nodded, letting him take me in the middle
as Adira’s voice faded and Deion’s guitar strums were the only thing playing.

“I have a gift for you,” aniya at iniwan ako sa gitna para may kunin sa
gilid.

My tears fell entirely this time when I realized he was holding a flower pot
with blooming roses inside.

“O-oh my…”

“I’m sorry it took a while,” he chuckled nervously. “Alam mo namang palpak

ako sa pagtatanim kaya natagalan ang tubo nila.” Inilahad niya sa ‘kin ang paso.

“C-Chiel…” I cried and embraced the lovely flowers. “T-thank you…”

“I am having classes with Tita Zid on how to properly grow one. You don’t
have to replant the withered one, I could always plant another for you from now
on.”

I trembled, sobbing like a kid and embracing the flower pot tighter.
 “You knew?”

“I saw the frame last night,” he answered and brushed my tears off my cheek.

“Thank you…” I muttered and stepped closer to him for a tight embrace,
kissing his jaw and smiling.

Ako ang may surprise dapat pero ako pa itong nasurpresa!

“You want to take pictures, Ate? Kuya?” Sibyl appeared with a wide smile,
showing us her camera kaya tumango-tango ako, yakap pa rin ang paso at pumunta sa
gitna kasama si Chiel.

“B-baka ang pangit ko diyan?”

“Nah, you are never ugly, sweetheart,” he whispered and kissed my temple.
“You are fucking gorgeous by the way. I can’t wait to strip you off that pretty
dress tonight.”

So… may dilig ako mamaya?!

Shit! P’wede bang umuwi agad?!

My cheeks flushed, smiling at the camera as if I didn’t hear his dirty mouth,
glancing at my family and noticing they were complete.

“Wait, you brought them all for this?” I asked, my organizer horror coming to
life. “Kulang ata ang na-prepare kong foods, Chiel! Dapat…”

“I got it covered,” he reassured. “It’ll be fine. Don’t stress about it.”

I smiled again for the camera for a few more shots, my eyes falling on the
flower pot and stopping when I realized there was a plastic one in the middle.

“Chiel? Why is there a plastic one here?” Natawa ako. “Siguro ‘di ka na
nabuhayan ng isa pa, ‘no?”

“Nah,” he chuckled. “It’s just that, I swore I’ll love you ‘til the last one
dies…”

My mouth parted then closed again.

He’ll love me ‘til the last one dies…

“A-aww…” I was about to cry again when Chiel moved away and pointed at our
back and when I shifted my body, a loud scream erupted when I saw my siblings and
cousins holding pieces of letters forming the words: WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Then, Chiel went down on one knee and my screams became louder I literally
jumped up and down. I could hear our families laughing and I struggled to look
where to put my flower pot when Adi took it from me.

“Oh my God!” Sigaw ko at hinarap ulit si Chiel.

“Sweetheart, calm down…” He laughed.

“Oh my God ka!” sigaw ko na naman at inikot ang tingin, sinabunutan si Zion
na nasa tapat ko para ilabas ang kilig.
He screamed. “Aray! Aray naman, Clyte! Ang anit ko!”

“Baby…” Chiel laughed more, touching me, and then took something from his
suit and lifted the red velvet box in front of me.

I screamed more and cried. “Bwiset ka! Inunahan mo na naman ako!” I whined.

His forehead creased. “Why?”

I pouted. Still sniffing, I opened my purse, took something, and showed him
the red velvet box I got.

“What the fuck…” Chiel muttered, his eyes widening.

“Oh my God?! Is that also a ring?!” I heard the chants, the loud gasps, and
the whispers from our family.

“S-sweetheart,” Chiel called shakily. “Was that what I think it is?”

“H-hmm, but you ruined my surprise so, I’ll ruin yours too!” I hissed,
kneeling in front of him too, and opened the box.

“How…why?”

Mas lumakas ang ingay, tawanan at iyakan sa paligid nang matanto nilang
nagpo-propose kami sa isa’t-isa.

“I thought kung sinong ‘di tutupad sa kontrata ang magpo-propose kaya ito. I
broke it first and well, I liked to really ask you to kaya ‘di ako tumupad.”

“But I broke mine too,” he muttered and we both smiled at each other,
laughing at our own silliness as we tried to control our cries and asked each other
the question.

“You first,” he whispered.

I cleared my throat, dried my tears, and spoke.

“I didn’t have enough words to tell and express how much I am in love with
you. I am not good with words so Alchiel Verón Sandejas, would you let me show and
make you feel my love instead as long as we both live? Will you marry me?”

We stared at each other and he was about to speak but I shook my head.

“You should ask me first, sabay na tayo sa sagot,” I said.

“What if, ang plotwist, iba kayo ng sagot?” I heard Zion kaya sabay naming
nilingon at sinamaan ng tingin ni Chiel. He coughed and looked away.

He acted as if he was closing the zipper in his mouth.

“Clyte-Clyte ko, Bella, sweetheart, mahal…” Chiel breathed when he got my

attention. “I-I actually practiced this in my head a million times but right now,
nabablangko ako.”
 He sniffed and opened the velvet box, showing me a princess-cut diamond ring.

“I love you. I have no exact words to explain but I love you. I am deeply,
irrevocably, and helplessly in love with you.” He breathed. “Clytemnestra Alyona
Fabroa…”

“H-hmm?”

He smiled nervously.

“Will you marry me? Be a Sandejas again, sweetheart. My Sandejas,” he asked

with his hopeful, soulful eyes.

We both stared at each other as we both nodded.

“Yes,” we answered at the same time, our shaky hands finding each other’s
fingers to wear the rings and wrapping our arms in each other’s bodies.

Sunod-sunod ang ingay at sigawan nang tumayo kaming dalawa, umiiyak at

nanginginig.

“Gago, Tinik, palaban talaga itong si Clyte!” Tito Iñigo laughed and we both
glanced at him. “Gagong ‘to, umiiyak na…” He cackled and smacked my sniffing
father.

“T-tangina nito, ikakasal na kasi ang panganay ko! Ano na! Matanda n-na
talaga ako!” Daddy wailed but Tito Iñigo was unlike him who was grinning and
clapping his hand.

“Yes! May part two na! Apong-apo na naman ako!” Tito Iñigo squealed happily
and caged my father’s head in his arms para ipitin at nagsinghalan na naman ang
dalawa.

I laughed. Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel at sabay na umangat ang labi.

“I love you, Chiel ko,” I muttered.

“I am in love with you, Clytemnestra. Ikaw lang noon, ngayon, hanggang sa

susunod na habambuhay,” he whispered as his head dipped lower on mine, in front of
our loved ones to seal an immortal promise of this lifetime…

And after so long, in the center of the spotlight, the hidden, forbidden love
is finally out in the light.

Our love was kept in the dark. It grew and blossomed but without the both of
us prioritizing and nurturing it, without the light, it died. Now that it blossomed
again and we were given another chance, I promise to take care of it better for it
will never be withered again.

My eyes are glassy, unsure how life would challenge us again in this new path
but as I stared at the love of my life, I was so sure of one thing.

The roses we planted might wither but I know… our love never would.

Wakas (Part One)

Wakas (Part One)

Verón
 ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

“Oh, Sir! Salamat sa pakain, ah!” Kuya Pedro, the school guard thanked me
after I handed a plastic bag with a simple meryenda inside.

“Walang anuman, Kuya.” Ngisi ko, sinuklay pa ng daliri ang buhok at inayos
ang bag. “P’wede na ba akong pumasok?”

He nodded, sumulyap muna sa plastic at ngumiti.

“Aba’t napapadalas yata ang punta mo rito, ah? Sa kabilang building ang
college, ‘di ba?” aniya at mabilis naman akong tumango.

“Opo.”

“Oh? Bakit ka napapadaan? Si Ma’am Crest po, nandito ba?”

“Uhm…” I scratched my head, coughing a bit to think of another excuse. “Well

then, may inutos lang si Dean na ibigay sa professor sa loob, nadaanan ko rin ang
tindahan ng pagkain kaya dinalhan na kita.”

You’ll rot in hell for your lies, Sandejas!

“Ah, gano’n ba? Oh, siya, sige! Pumasok ka na, bilisan mo lang, ah? Baka
mapagalitan tayo. Bawal kasi college rito.”

I tried so hard not to let out a relaxed sigh, controlling my expression. I

think I’d do good in law!

“Sure. Thanks, Kuya.” I smiled innocently, like a good boy, kunwari ay wala
akong ginawang kalokohan ngayon… na naman.

“Sige, Sir. Ingat! Salamat ulit sa pagkain!” aniya at maliit lang akong
ngumiti at dumeretso na papasok sa building.

The moment I entered the building, I saw how stares rained down on me. Nakita
ko ang pasimpleng sikuhan ng mga senior high at ang pagngiti ng mga ito.

“Uh… hi, Alchiel!” a girl waved and called my attention.

Bumaling ako roon. I stared at her, my forehead creasing.

Do I know her?

Lumapit siya sa akin at kaagad na tumayo sa harapan ko. I looked at her and
saw her blushing profusely.

“Yes?” I asked, coldly and uninterested.

“Uh, you see… nabasa mo na?” she asked and I looked around, sumilip ako sa
may cafeteria na natatanaw para tingnan kung naroon siya.

“Chiel…”

“Hmm?” I looked at her. “I’m sorry, come again?”

“Uhm…” She licked her lower lip. “Kasi, I messaged you last time? Sa
Facebook? You know, kung p’wede ka maging date?”
 “Saan?” My forehead creased.

“Sa… prom?” She smiled. “I know there’s a lot of girls who asked you out…”

My eyes landed on the top part of the stairs in front of me and I saw her.

She was with her friends, nakangiti noong una pero unti-unting nawala nang
makita ako sa ibaba. I saw her brows shoot up, her eyes sharpening a bit like a
brat.

“But I will be brave enough to ask you this.” She tugged my uniform and I
glanced at her.

“What?” I asked.

She sighed, hindi ko nakuha ang sinasabi niya. “I said, can you be my date?
Sana ay wala ka pang—”

I saw how she rolled her eyes from above the stairs, looking so annoyed.

My forehead creased when she stomped her feet, marching away with her friends
irritatedly.

What the hell? Did I do something wrong?

“Chiel—”

“Sorry, I have to go,” putol ko sa babae at umawang ang labi niya.

“But—”

“Next time na lang,” I said, hindi na pinakinggan ang mga sumunod niyang
sinabi at mabilis na umakyat sa kung saan naglaho iyong pinuntahan ko.

Pag-akyat ay inilibot ko ang tingin. I saw the quadrangle, may nag-aayos ng

mga dekorasyon para sa program kaya bumaling ako sa ibang pwesto.

I didn’t see her. Mas nangunot ang noo ko.

“Oh, Mr. Sandejas! Good thing I saw you here!” Halos mapamura ako nang may
tumawag na naman sa akin.

I should’ve just disguised and all. Bakit ang daming may kilala sa ‘kin?

“Ma’am,” I called my former professor, flashing a timid and awkward smile.

“Well, can I take your time?” she smiled, and ayoko man, I have to say yes,
so, I nodded.

“Can you pass this to your parents? Your family’s donation helped a lot in
building our newest building,” she said.

Halos trenta minutos niya akong kinausap at tayong-tayo na talaga ako.

I was bored. I wanted to excuse myself because this wasn’t my purpose in

sneaking here, but I couldn’t do it. Pinakawalan niya rin ako matapos mag-iwan ng
certificate at ang mga sasabihin kaya ngumiti ako at nagpaalam.
 The moment I went out of the office, my smile faded.

I licked my lip and looked around, scoffing when I missed her break time.

Sumulyap ako sa relo at naglakad patungo sa quadrangle para maupo saglit

habang inaantay na baka lumabas siya sa classroom.

I waited for her for at least fifteen minutes pero walang bakas niya kaya
iritado kong kinamot ang kilay at hinila ang necktie, gumulo iyon at tiyak na
papagalitan ako ni Crest pero wala na akong pakialam sa inis.

Hinarang kasi ako!

Frowning, I stood up and was about to leave the building when I saw a
familiar back walking from the other side. Sa likod niya ay may nakasunod na
lalaki.

I saw how the boy tried taking her arm, but she refused and said something.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko at sumunod sa kanila.

I tried hiding at first, tumayo ako sa may gilid ng locker at nag-obserba sa

kanila.

“Come on, payagan mo na akong manligaw,” he muttered, but the brat rolled
her
eyes.

“I said no, bawal pa akong magpaligaw. Bata pa ako!” she exclaimed.

“Sige na, hindi naman ako makakagulo sa pag-aaral mo, ah? Perhaps, I could
help you and your family! Malaki ang kompanya namin, hindi kayo mahihirapan—”

“I’m so sorry, Rocky, but we are doing just fine,” maldita niyang sabi kaya
tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

That’s my girl!

“Pero kahit na! Sige na, payagan mo na ako—” My jaw clenched when I saw him
trying to touch my brat.

Mas kumunot ang noo ko. Kahit anong subok niyang itulak ang huli ay mas
lumapit ito.

“Come on—”

“I said no nga, e!” she exclaimed, enraged and that’s when I lost my patience
too. “Stop! Stop touching me!”

Sumugod ako, nagitla ang lalaki sa paghila ko sa kanyang uniporme at pagdamba

sa kanya.

“F-fuck!” he exclaimed.

“How dare you touch her?!” galit at iritado kong sabi.

Sinuntok ako n’ong lalaki at tinulak kaya hindi ako nagpatalo at tinulak din
siya sabay sapak.

“W-what… Oh my God! Stop fighting!” she exclaimed but I just couldn’t.

 “Gago ka, ah! S-sino ka ba? Bakit ka nanunutok bigla?!” akmang susuntukin ako
n’ong lalaki pero mabilis ang kamao ko at naunahan ko siya.

“Gago, h’wag kang mamilit ng babae!” galit kong sabi at inambahan siya.

“Oh, God! Stop!” the brat exclaimed. “Rocky! Kuya, stop!”

Hindi ako nakinig, nagpambuno kami n’ong lalaki at nagpalitan ng sapak.

Dehado lang siya dahil mas malakas at malaki ako sa kanya.

“Kuya! H-h’wag mo nang patulan!” she exclaimed, pulling my uniform.

Kuya, huh?

I gritted my teeth, my jaw ticking, mas naasar lang doon.

“Help!” she screamed. “P-patawag naman ng guards!”

“Tangina mo, a? Sino ka ba?!” He pushed me but I didn’t bulge. Mas tinulak ko
lang siya at dinamba.

“Kuya! Kuya, stop!” her voice roared but I was unmoving. Mas nananaig ang
galit ko sa nakita.

“Kuya!” she exclaimed frustratedly, pulling the collar of my uniform.

“H’wag kang makisali rito!” I exclaimed angrily.

“I said stop!” She hissed. “Bakit ka pumapatol sa bata?! Kuya!”

“Stop calling me Kuya!” I groaned and punched the boy more who had the chance
to punch my cheek.

“Kuya!” she whined pero hindi ako tumalima.

Kuya my ass! I was only a few years and months older than her! Maka-kuya
akala mo naman ang laki ng agwat! Si Crest ba tinatawag niyang Ate? ‘Di naman, a?
Bakit kapag ako?

Mas naasar ako at nang tinamaan na naman ng suntok ay pumatol.

“Shit…” she breathed out and my lips tugged with her next words.

“Alchiel! Stop fighting!” she exclaimed in an angry, womanly voice and my

grip on the boy’s uniform loosened up.

She gasped, nahila niya ang collar ko kaya napasalampak ako sa lapag at
nagsalubong ang mga mata namin.

“Stop, Alchiel, okay?!” galit niyang sita. Her intense, beautiful chocolate-
brown eyes glared at me. My lip twitched.

There you go. Fuck the kuya, huh?

“Yes, Ma’am,” I muttered, sumaludo pa sa kanya.

Like usual, napa-office ako. This wasn’t my first fiasco. I had fought
assholes before who had bullied her, and my twin kaya ‘di na bago sa ‘kin ito.
 Tahimik lang ako at pirmi ang labi habang kaharap ang guidance counselor at
nakasimangot sa akin.

“This is your second offense! What are you doing here in the high school
department anyway, Mr. Sandejas?” she hissed.

Napatingin ako sa bastos na Rocky na may pasa at may sugat sa labi. I

smirked, my gaze on him intense and dark.

“Mr. Sandejas,” the counselor demanded.

“I am not saying anything,” I answered.

The beautiful lady beside me sighed, her forehead creasing.

“Kuya…” she called and it pissed me off more.

Mas lalong ‘di na ‘ko magsasalita niyan. Bahala sila.

“You’re their senior, college ka na. You should probably know you are not
allowed to come here and punch high schoolers,” the counselor said.

She gasped beside me, hinilamos ang kamay sa mukha at napailing.

“Kuya…” she called desperately.

“Shut up, Clytemnestra,” I hissed seriously.

She just won’t quit that damned kuya thing! Mas nauna lang akong mag-aral sa
kanya! ‘Di naman magkalayo ang edad! She calls my twin by her name while she
couldn’t with me.

If I know, sinasadya niya ‘yan para asarin ako!

“Mr. Sandejas! I am talking to you. Bakit ka nanuntok ng mga bata—”

Hindi ako umimik at humalukipkip lang.

Hell, I was in the middle of getting scolded and yet I worried and got
annoyed more with this little brat calling me Kuya.

“Mr. Sandejas!”

“I have the right to remain silent,” I murmured instead.

“Mr. Alchiel Sandejas!” the counselor exclaimed, iritado na.

“I am not talking without my lawyer—” Natigil ako nang marinig ang

pagbubukas ng pinto.

“Good afternoon, Atty. Sandejas!” Biglang nagsitayuan ang mga tao sa office
at kaagad na napatingin sa lalaking papasok.

I smirked when I met my dad’s curious gaze. His eyes moved from me to Clyte
as he flashed a small wink.

“My lawyer is here,” I announced with a foolish grin.

I explained to them, with the help of Dad and Clyte, what really happened.
Rocky harassed Clyte. He forced her. It was wrong but I wasn’t innocent either. I
jumped on a damn high schooler.

The counselor said we could’ve talked it out or we could’ve reported Rocky to

the guidance office instead of punching him like that. Na hindi raw sagot ang
pisikalang away sa mga ganyan.

She has a point, but I beg to differ. If I heard and found out someone
touched or harassed the people I love, hindi ako makokontento lang sa gano’n. I’d
make sure matatamaan sa ‘kin, masasaktan talaga para mas matuto.

Because of it, I was sanctioned and suspended for three days then I had a
fifty-hour cleaning service in our damn gym.

That kid I jumped in? He was sanctioned the same but got sixty hours of
service instead.

I smirked at the glaring asshole when we got out. Pinapagalitan siya ng

parents niya pero ang tingin ko ay nasa pasa sa pisngi niya’t sugatang labi.
Meanwhile me? I got bloody lips, but it’d be fine in a few days.

Well, it’s fine though. Kung nagawa ko sa mukha ng gago ‘yon? Suspension
well-spent.

I lost my composure when I felt a loud smack on my back. I cursed loudly and
looked back, seeing a fiery beautiful goddess with her sharp gaze.

“The fuck are you doing, Kuya?” she scoffed to annoy me.

“I was protecting you,” I answered and touched my nape. “Damn it. Ang bigat
ng kamay mo, bakal ba ‘yan?”

“Protecting me? You jumped on him! Ayan tuloy, suspended ka na!”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s fine? No, it wasn’t! Sira na kaagad ang record mo! Aren’t you worried
about your good morals? You need it if you apply to law school!”

“It won’t be tainted, Clyte,” I explained. “They said they won’t put it to
record. Kaya may fifty hours—”

“Sa ngayon! E, paano kung uulit ka na naman? Pangalawa na ‘to!” Nagpamaywang

siya. “Promise me you won’t do this again.”

Hinarap ko lang siya at humalukipkip din.

“I can’t,” I answered as I straightened my back and towered her, showing my

height to try and intimidate her.

She frowned. “Wow, and you think you could intimidate me with your height,
Mr. Long Legs?”

Umayos siya ng tayo at umabot ang tuktok ng ulo niya sa may dibdib ko. I
chuckled. She glared more.

“What?!”

“Don’t worry, kid. You’d grow taller,” I reminded her. Suminghap siya sabay
angat ng kamay at hampas sa akin pero umatras ako at ngumiti sa kanya. “There are
height-enhancement vitamins, right? Maybe you should also sleep early kaysa
nagtsitsismisan kayo ni kambal tungkol sa mga crush n’yo hanggang alas-tres ng
gabi.”

“Gago ka ba?” She hissed and took a step forward aggressively. I took another
step back, my arms still folded in my chest, amused by her irritation.

Ang ganda talaga. Kahit galit, ang ganda-ganda.

“I’m telling the truth. I heard sleeping early helps with height.”

“I am tall!” she exclaimed. “Tatangkad pa ako, ano. Alam mo bang ako na ‘yong
tallest sa room namin? Maliit pa ba ‘yon?”

“Hmm…” I gave her a once-over then shrugged playfully.

She hissed and took a few more steps closer. Sa bawat hakbang niya’y pag-
atras ko. I was just smiling at her conviction and will-power.

Magandang palaban.

I stopped when my back reached the wall, and she was able to finally corner
me. Tumaas ang kilay niya nang matantong wala na akong kawala at ngumiti.

It was amused and proud. How her red, thin lips curved, and her brown eyes
danced fazed me, my heart made that very familiar jump.

Natigil ako nang mas lumaki at lumambing ang ngiti niya. Her shiny black hair
swayed with the wind. Her fair skin was still tan because of our outing last week.
When she lifted her hand and placed it on my sides to cage me, my breath hitched.

It felt like the world stopped. She was glowing. Her smile was sweet and
pretty.

“Hmm, see? You can’t intimidate me with your height!” She grinned, still
caging me as if I could not get out anytime I wanted but I wouldn’t.

Didn’t have the heart to. Dito lang ako.

I just stared at her, words not forming on my lips.

“You’ll enter law school. Promise me, Kuya,” aniya. “Promise me hindi ka na
makikipagbasag-ulo.”

Hindi ako umimik at tumitig lang nang malalim sa kanya.

“Promise me,” she demanded. “Mag-aabogado ka pa—”

“I can’t.”

“O, e di sige! H’wag ka nang mag-abogado! Mag-boxer ka na lang dali!”

I just smirked again, irritating the pretty lady more.

“Kuya!” she whined, wanting to rattle me. “Promise me you won’t do it again!
Mapapahamak ka lang! Ang good moral mo! And look, Rocky was still young—”

“Hindi na ‘yon bata. Bastos na patpatin lang,” I muttered.

 Nasapok tuloy ako ulit. I frowned.

“No! Look what you did! What if they filed a case against you? Assault?
Isipin mo nga!”

“Naisip ko na, Clytey. He deserved it,” I answered and shrugged.

She sighed. “I know but did you see his face? Wasak ang nguso. Alam mo namang
‘yang sapak mo times two—” Her breath got caught in her lungs when suddenly, with
my arms still folded on my chest, I lowered my face to her.

“That’s what happens if you touch my girl,” I whispered lowly.

Her eyes widened. Her cheeks turned crimson red as she pulled away and glared
at me.

“A-ano bang…” She cleared her throat. “Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan sa ‘yo,
Alchiel!”

“Alchiel, huh? Nasaan na ang kuya mo ngayon?” Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

“Chiel…” We both stopped when we heard my father kaya napalingon kami sa

kanya.

“Dad.”

“Tito,” Clyte called, walking closer to him para mag-bless.

“Are you alright, princess?” ani Dad sa kanya at hinaplos ang buhok niya.
“Nasaktan ka ba?”

“No po.” She shook her head. “Thank you po and sorry sa gulo. Alam ko pong
nasa work kayo kanina and please, it wasn’t Chiel’s fault. It was mine.”

Umawang ang labi ko at iiling sana para sabihing h’wag niyang akuin but Dad
spoke.

“He did the right thing,” aniya. “I wasn’t mad.”

We both sighed.

“Sorry po talaga, Tito, and thank you for not calling Mommy. Nahihiya na po
kasi ako. Ayaw kong dumagdag sa iisipin niya.”

“Bakit ka mahihiya?” ani Dad. “Your mom would gladly drive here for you.
Hindi ka dagdag sa isipin niya. Don’t think like that. If you need our help, tell
us, okay? May umaaway pa rin ba sa ‘yo rito?”

I was about to say yes but Clyte shook her head. Tinikom ko ang labi at
umigting ang aking panga.

She was so good! E, alam na nga niyang inaaway siya rito at maraming mga
insecure, pinagtatakpan niya pa rin!

I licked my lip and pursed my lips. I caught Dad glancing at me before

looking back at Clyte.

“Tell us if they’re still bothering you, hmm?”

 “Opo,” she answered and smiled.

Sabay-sabay na kaming umuwi. Ibinaba namin si Clyte sa bahay nila bago

nagmaneho si Dad paunta naman sa office ni Mommy para kitain siya. We’d fetch Crest
and Adi again later after their class in an hour at mauuna kasi ang uwi ni Mommy
kaya siya muna.

Silence filled the car when Clyte left. I cleared my throat and glanced at my
father.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I started.

“It’s fine,” aniya. “We did the same thing before with your Tita Zid. You
were just protecting Clyte.”

I sighed and nodded.

“But…” Napigil ko ang hininga at nilingon siya. “It’s your second offense,
son. Swerte mo’t sanction lang at ‘di recorded. I’m sure it won’t go that way if
you do it again.”

“But that boy harassed Clyte!”

“I know,” he sighed. “And you did the right thing, Alchiel, but you are about
to enter law school after college, correct? Gusto mo bang ‘di makapasok dahil sa
records mo?”

Natahimik ako.

“Then how… papabayaan ko lang? You know I couldn’t do it, Dad. Kapag may
naagrabyado sa atin, hindi ko alam kung kaya kong walang gawin.”

“Hindi sa wala kang gagawin. Of course, you should, but if I could, I’ll take
care of it,” ani Dad. “I understand you, and I would do the same thing, but you
have to take care of your reputation if you want to study law. Let me know if it
happens again to Clyte or anyone in our family. I’ll sue them. I’ll make sure
they’ll learn their lesson.”

Napakamot ako sa kilay at umigting ang panga.

He sighed. “Do you trust me, Chiel?”

Nilingon ko si Dad at parang ‘di ko kayang isiping ‘di manapak pero nang
makita ko ang determinasyon at assurance sa tingin niya’y tumango ako.

“I do,” I answered.

“Great.” He smiled. “I’ll tell you something I’ve learned.”

Tumango ako.

“There’s no clean reputation wherever you go, son. Not even in law. You just
have to learn how to hide the dirt,” he mused. Doon na tumaas ang sulok ng labi
ko’t napatango.

I checked my phone when it beeped and saw a message.

From: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

 Thank you for standing up for me earlier (you still shouldn’t have punched
him and made a scene) and sorry for the trouble. Sabihan mo ‘ko kapag maglilinis ka
ng gym!

I smiled.

To: BFF (Clyte)

Just tell me I did a great job.

From: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Whatever. Sabihin mo sa ‘kin!

To: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Why would I?

From: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Para bi-video-han kitang nagwawalis hahaha

To: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Sige pero I love you muna.

My back straightened. I cursed when I realized I’ve sent it. Nag-panic ako’t
mag-a-unsend sana nang mabasa na niya iyon kaya dali-dali akong nagtipa at ginamit
ang pangmalakasang pambawi.

To: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Charot.

My teeth gritted in nervousness.

Fuck! Ang tanga mo, Alchiel! Tanga! Bobo! Estupido! Why did you text that?!

I watched in horror when the three dots appeared and then stopped. It
happened again and I literally felt like choking while waiting for her response.

Sana kinagat! Sana pinaniwalaan!

I shifted in my seat. Namawis na ako nang malamig.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

Then her reply appeared.

From: BFF (Clyte-Clyte)

Haha lol

Haha lol?! Sa tagal ng reply niya, haha lol?!

Napapikit ako at napasandal sa upuan.

“You okay, son?”

 “Po?” Nilingon ko si Dad na nagtatakang sumusulyap sa akin. “Ah, yes. I’m
fine, Dad.”

Then I went back to my phone and replied.

To: BFF (Clyte)

Haha 😀

From: BFF (Clyte)

🙂�

My brows knotted.

That’s it? That’s her reply?!

Tanga, bobo mo, Alchiel! Alangan mag-reply siya e emoji ang sinend mo?!

I scratched my brow and sighed.

“Stop it,” Dad’s voice echoed, stunning me.

“Dad?” I glanced at him.

“Whatever it was you are feeling, it’s just a phase,” aniya kaya mas
natigilan ako at pakiramdam ay nahulog ang sikmura ko.

He knew?

“What do you mean—”

“You know what I meant, Alchiel,” he answered seriously, his eyes straight on
the road. “Her life’s already complicated. Don’t complicate it further. You should
know better.”

Natahimik ako’t ‘di na umimik. Ever since that day, Dad never talked about it
again like he didn’t tell me he knew. Like he forgot he ever said it and acted
normally.

I kept it cool. Medyo binawasan ko ang pagpunta-punta sa high school

department at nagmukmok na lang sa pag-aaral at kailangan kong matapos nang may
parangal para maganda ang application ko sa law school.

I was a candidate for Summa Cum Laude as long I maintained my grades or made
it higher. I need to focus. I didn’t need the distraction.

Though, it changed when the little, beautiful distraction got into college.

Even seniors are swooning over here, and I tried so hard to keep my fists
intact or I’d swing it in their fucking faces for looking at my woman.

“Nakakakilig! Did you see the harana earlier?” I stiffened, my fingers

flipping my handouts stopped midway when I heard Crest beside me.

“What?” Nilingon ko siyang may tinitipa sa phone niya.

“Harana,” she repeated. “Kay Clyte-Clyte! Hinarana siya n’ong suitor niya.
‘Di ba, Valentine’s ngayon?”

Nang ipakita niya sa ‘kin ang phone ay natigilan ako. It was really one from
her long list of suitors surprising her for Valentine’s. May pa-banner pa iyon at
naggigitara kahit pumipiyok naman.

Gusto niya ‘yon, naggigitara? Kumakanta?

I sing too—in the fucking shower!

Gitara? Marunong ako!

I looked away from Crest’s phone and returned to my notes, faking my

nonchalance.

“Ang suplado naman. Aral na aral?!” Sinapok ako ni Crest.

Itinulak ko sa kanya ang bento cake na na-bake ko kanina. I asked Zy for help
and he did.

“Eat it,” I said instead.

“Ikaw?” she asked. “‘Di ka pa kumakain, a? At saka, ano ‘to? Cake? Wow, saan
mo binili?”

“Diyan lang,” I lied.

She gasped when she saw the design and then cackled so loud.

“The fuck?”

“What?” Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Magkano bili mo?” she asked, eyeing the chocolate cake with dark
red—almost brown and green swirls imitating a rose with thorns design.

“Five hundred, bakit?” pagsisinungaling ko at napasimangot na nang humagalpak

ng tawa. “What is it?” I demanded.

“Lugi ka rito!” She was still cackling. “First time lang siguro ang nag-
design nito. Bakit ganyan?”

I was so offended I glared at her sideways.

“Bakit, ano’ng meron?” I tried not to sound so aggressive.

“Look! Kalat ang icing! Ano’ng nakalagay, Happy Valentine’s? Pero ‘di mabasa,
nagdikit-dikit ang letters! And what’s the round red color? Tae?”

“It’s a rose!” I exclaimed. “Duling ka ba?”

“Ay, rose ‘yan?!” Tumawa siya. “Gago, bakit mukhang poo?”

Sumimangot ako.

“H’wag mo na kainin! Akin na—”

“It’s fine!” she exclaimed and took it back. “Kakainin ko na! Sayang naman
ang five hundred mo! Next time, you should ask me where to buy kasi I know bakeries
na mura lang yet very professional ang pagkakagawa—”

“Are you saying it’s unprofessional?” I scoffed.

She eyed me seriously.

“Bakit ka nagagalit ba? As if it was you who baked this—” She stiffened
then her mouth parted. “Shit?”

I looked away, my jaw clenching. I saw her rummage on the box and saw the
note. She gasped.

“Don’t start, Crest Veronica,” I hissed.

“Oh my…” She gasped dramatically. “Fuck, gago, Chiel! You baked this?!”

Nangunot ang noo ko at ‘di umimik, binuksan ang highlighter para mag-label ng
kung anong salita sa handouts.

“Oh my… Chiel!” Hindi ko siya nilingon nang yumakap siya sa braso ko.
“Kambal, sorry…”

“It’s fine,” I groaned. “It’s my first time—”

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” she explained. “I swear, I thought you
bought it outside! I think you didn’t get your money’s worth kaya… Oh gosh, you
baked it! So, it should be worth more!”

“It’s fine…”

“Sorry…” Nang mapansin ko na ang lungkot sa boses niya’y kumirot din ang
dibdib ko. Umayos ako ng upo at hinarap siya.

“I understand,” I told her.

She pouted. “But…”

“I asked Zy for help. It’s my first time so obviously… but it’s true though.
Parang tae nga.” Tumitig ako sa pulang icing na malayo sa rose ang itsura.

We looked at the cake helplessly and as if we were thinking the same thing
because we laughed at the same time.

“Mukhang sipon,” we both said, referring to the green stem-like vines and
cackled like idiots.

I found myself laughing until my stomach hurt. Crest was the same until we
were smacking each other.

“You wanted to give it to Clyte-Clyte?!”

“Well, not anymore.” I couldn’t stop chuckling. “Sino’ng gustong kumain sa

icing na mukhang sipon?”

Tumitig kaming dalawa sa cake.

“You should give it to her,” aniya. “She’d like it!”

I shook my head.
 “I don’t think so…”

“You should!” aniya. “Alam mo naman si Clyte, mabait ‘yon!”

I frowned at her.

“So? Dahil mabait siya, ‘di na niya tatawanan? Tignan mo naman ‘yan, mukhang
tae. Why would she like it when she got extravagant gifts from her suitors? May
paharana pa nga, ‘di ba? Ano bang laban ng mukhang taeng cake na ‘yan?”

Tumitig siya sa ‘kin. My stomach churned with the suspicious and observing
look she was throwing at me.

I waited anxiously when I saw her mouth parted and then closed again. As if
she had forgotten what she was about to say, she smiled.

“Anyway, bakit si Clyte-Clyte, may cake? Bakit akong kambal mo sa pusod,

wala?” She pouted.

I wasn’t sure if I’d sigh in relief at her question or pull my hair in

frustration.

“Come on, I bought you that new Fendi bag, remember?” I asked. Namilog ang
mata niya.

“Gagi, sa ‘yo galing ‘yon?!” she exclaimed as if she didn’t know.

I shook my head. “Wow. No thank you, kambal?”

“Paano mo nalaman?!”

I gave her a ridiculous look.

“Mga ilang parinig ka na ba sa ‘kin? Buong linggo ko nang naririnig sa ‘yong

nagagandahan ka, na gusto mo. Tatabi ka pa para sabihing ang ganda, sana may bumili
sa ‘yo. ‘Di mo pa deretsong sinabi na bilhan kita, nahiya ka pa.”

She laughed and grinned at me, hugging my arm again.

“The best talaga ang kambal ko!” She giggled happily. “Ang mahal n’on, a?
Saan ka kumuha ng datung?”

“Allowance,” I answered. “And I worked at Dad’s firm during weekends. I have

money, you know. Pero ang mahal niyang bag mo. Ano ba ‘yon, may ginto? Isang buwan
ko nang ipon ‘yon, a?”

We bickered instead of studying. She urged me to give Clyte the cake I baked.

Hindi naman kasi mahilig iyon sa mga materyal na bagay. She wanted food
instead, cake, sweets, gums—anything sentimental. She didn’t like it when men
gifted her with bouquets. She said she felt bad for the flowers getting plucked
like that tapos nalalanta lang.

Pero wala naman siyang magagawa kung iyon ang sikat na regalo talaga. Tita
Zid also has a flower shop selling bouquets kaya nasanay na rin siya’t
naiintindihan na iyon ang purpose ng bulaklak pero I knew personally, she didn’t
like it that way.
 I once read from her and Crest’s slambook, that her dream gift would be
someone planting flowers or a rose while thinking of her. Her dream date would be
in a greenhouse with her one true love.

She wanted a home with a large garden, filled with flowers and plants.

Madalas namang ako ang supplier ng gusto niyang chewing gum. Palagi naman
siyang kasama kapag bumibili ako ng mga dessert. Unfortunately, I obviously didn’t
have a green-thumb kaya ‘di ako nabubuhayan ng bulaklak so I couldn’t do it just
yet right now and for the greenhouse?

Wala pa akong pera. I was just in college. I worked in my dad’s first as a

legal assistant at Sandejas Law Firm. May sweldo naman ako pero ‘di naman kalakihan
at training lang iyon at desidido talaga akong mag-law.

I have a trust fund and it’s not like I couldn’t ask money from my parents
pero gusto kong mag-ipon para sa sarili, galing sa pinaghirapan ko.

If I’d buy Clyte and build the greenhouse for her, it should be from my own
sweat and hard work.

Wow, Chiel, ganap na ganap? Ang imagination mo, nasa kasal na e, ni ‘di ka
nga gusto! Sa panaginip mo lang ‘yan, feelingerong ‘to!

The only thing I could offer now was the messy cake. I was contemplating if I
should give it to her and throw it in the trash.

“She’s gonna like it! I swear! Trust me!” she said positively. Hindi ako
sigurado kung maniniwala ako o hindi.

“Clyte! Clyte!” Crest chanted.

I stiffened when I saw her. Marami siyang hawak na bulaklak at may tote bag
na paniguradong puno ng regalo. When she smiled, the world stopped spinning and
when our gazes met, the familiar burst of emotion overwhelmed me.

She is beautiful…

Tila slow-mo ang paligid habang naglalakad siya, malaki at matamis ang mga
ngiti. Her hair was pitch black and shiny, her thin bangs covering a part of her
forehead.

Beautiful… So, so beautiful…

“Look, Clyte! Gusto mong cake?”

I stiffened.

“Oh, binili n’yo?” she asked.

“Uh, yes! Look,” ani Crest at nabitin ang sasabihin ko nang pagkadungaw ni
Clyte sa box ay biglang napabughalit ng tawa.

“Hoy, nagsayang kayong pera!” She chuckled. “Bakit ganyan ‘yong icing, akala
ko tae!”

My shoulders fell. Crest gasped and gave me a look. Nabitin ang tawa ni Clyte
at unti-unti akong nagpadausdos sa upuan at nagtakip ng handout sa mukha.
 Kill me. Just kill me!

She found out it was my gift. Ayaw ko na sanang sabihin at nakakahiya na but
my damn spoiled twin spilled it before leaving us both alone! May gala raw siya
kasama ang mga kaklase kaya wala na tuloy mas awkward pa rito!

I continued—well, pretended—to study. I could feel Clyte’s gaze on me as

she was eating the cake I messed up.

“Sarap,” bulong niya kaya suminghap na ako at nag-angat ng tingin.

“I told you, you could just throw it,” I snickered.

“Huh? Why would I?” she asked innocently, looking straight at me.

I noticed she had pink icing on her lower lip.

Ang kalat pa rin talaga.

I took my handkerchief, umangat kaunti sa upuan para punasan ang labi niya.

“Ang kalat mo,” I muttered, cleaning her lower lip. Our gazes clashed, and
the moment of silence that followed felt like a long time.

My eyes fell on her lips, pausing when she licked her lower lip clean, her
eyes still on mine.

“Meron pa, Chiel?”

Napalayo ako, muntik pang bumagsak sa upuan kung ‘di niya lang naabot ang
braso ko.

“You okay?” she asked worriedly.

“Y-yeah.” Tumikhim ako sabay kuha ng kamay ko. “Namanhid lang paa ko
kakaupo,” I lied.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at bumaling sa handouts, siguradong babagsak na talaga

sa exam bukas kung ‘di ako magseseryoso. Studying here with her was ridiculous
anyway. Niloloko ko lang ang sarili kong kaya ko at maiintindihan ko ang binabasa.

“Masarap nga, tikman mo!” she insisted.

“No.”

Inilapit ang disposable spoon na gamit niyang may cake sa bibig ko. Napatitig
ako roon.

“Here!”

“What? You want me to—” Pero isinusungalngal na niya sa bibig ko ang

kutsara.

Hindi ko alam kung paanong magre-react. I wasn’t even sure what to address
first. That the messy cake I made tasted better than I expected it to be or that I
used the same spoon she used.

Yiee… Indirect kiss! Kilig na kilig ka naman!

 I choked the inner Chiel.

“Masarap, ‘di ba?” she asked excitedly.

Lumunok ako at sumagot.

“P’wede na…”

Masarap kasi gamit ‘yong kutsara mo…

“Masarap kaya!” she insisted and when I didn’t react, still reeling from the
turn of events, she asked if I had water.

Kinuha ko ang bottled water ko pero nang ilahad ko na sa kanya ay naabutan

ang simangot niya.

“Walang bawas?” she spat.

“And so—”

“And so? Aral na aral ka r’yan ‘di mo naisip magtubig? Tuyot ka na niyan!”
She scoffed and took the bottle. Binuksan niya iyon at uminom bago inilapit muli sa
akin.

“O, uminom ka! Baka ma-heat stroke ka r’yan!”

“I’m fine.” But she basically forced the bottle on my mouth kaya wala na
akong choice.

Walang choice? Tanga kang marupok, gusto mo rin kasi nainuman niya na!

Hindi kami nag-imikan pagkatapos. I could see her glancing at my fingers kaya
dagli kong itinago iyon sa likod ng mga binabasang reviewer.

“Are you done?” I asked instead and glanced at her finishing the cake.

“Hmm, yup!” Ngumiti siya at pinakita sa akin ang box. “Naubos ko!” she
chirped.

It shifted something inside me, but I decided not to think further of it.

Ayaw niya lang pasamain ang loob mo, Chiel. Get over it.

“Let’s go,” I called. “Ihahatid na kita sa inyo.”

She nodded, smiling. Inabot ko ang maliit na box na pinaglagyan ng bento para
sana itapon sa basurahan pero dagli niyang napigilan ang braso ko.

Confused, I glanced at her.

“I’ll keep this! Ilalagay ko sa scrapbook!” she said, taking the messy note I
scribbled on the side and smiled again.

My heart raced. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at deretsong pumunta sa basurahan,

nagpapasalamat na medyo madilim na at ‘di niya marahil nakita ang reaksyon ko.

Tahimik na inilagay ko sa bag pack ang gamit ko at binalingan siyang

nahihirapan sa pagbubuhat ng mga regalo niya.
 I walked closer and snatched them from her hands.

“E di ikaw na sikat,” I mumbled and gritted my teeth at the sight of her

annoying flowers.

“Wow, nakakahiya naman sa ‘yo?” She scoffed at me. “Akala mo ‘di ko nakita
‘yong mga nagbibigay ng gift sa ‘yo? Ang dami nga n’on kanina!”

I frowned.

“It’s nothing—”

“Nothing? E, nagpapa-picture nga sa ‘yong mga classmate kong parang may mga
bulate sa pwet? Nangingisay pa. Heartthrob ka nga! Crush ng bayan!”

“Crush ng bayan, my ass. What’s the point if wala namang pakialam ‘yong gusto
ko?” I asked, staring straight at her, watching how her mouth parted in surprise.

Before she could even answer, kinuha ko pa ang ibang regalo sa lamesa at
naglakad na pauna.

“Chiel!” she called loudly. I didn’t look back, mentally cursing myself for
being so fucking obvious.

Kulang na lang siguro ay sabihin ko na lang sa kanya nang harap-harapan, o

baka naman magmakaawa na lang!

Katangahan, Alchiel! Kabobohan!

“Chiel!” she called. “Sandali! Bagalan mo lang maglakad! ‘Di kita maabutan!
Porket ang haba ng legs mo!”

I stopped, looking back at her running after me. She looked adorable, trying
to double her steps to keep up. Nang magtabi na kami ay inilahad niya sa ‘kin ang
kamay.

“Akin na,” tukoy niya sa mga bulaklak na dala ko. “Wala na akong dala, kinuha
mo na lahat. Hati tayo.”

“It’s fine,” sagot ko at naglakad papunta sa parking kung nasaan ang sasakyan
ko.

My eyes moved to check if there was any upcoming car. Napansin kong may
papasok kaya saglit ko siyang pinauna para maglakad sa likod niya’t pumunta sa
kabilang gilid.

“Sorry nga pala kanina,” aniya kaya nilingon ko siya.

“For?”

“For the cake. Kasi naman, ‘yong color kasi parang red na brown, akala ko
talaga—” Namula ang mukha niya. “Pero masarap siya,” biglang bawi niya.

“Tss…” I scoffed. “I told you, dapat ‘di mo na kinain. You don’t have to lie,
Clyte. The taste was mediocre, just admit it—”

“It wasn’t! I swear! Aside from the messy icing, masarap naman siya pati
‘yong loob! Promise! Natikman mo naman, ‘di ba? It’s actually my… favorite gift
today.” She said the last words in a whisper.
 My forehead creased. I chuckled nonchalantly.

“Liar, look at your gifts.” Inilahad ko ang braso na puro mga bulaklak niya’t
regalo. “These are prettier—”

“But not as special as yours,” she answered, stopping me.

Natigilan ako. She walked in front of me, facing me. Her brave brown eyes
twinkled, and I knew sincerity when I saw one. It was written all over her face.

“My gifts, of course, I appreciate them with all my heart. I am grateful for
them, but no one has ever made something while thinking of me. No one crafted or
even baked for me. It was imperfect, yes, but you made it with your heart, which
made it very special—made it perfect.”

Tumitig lang ako sa kanya.

“Don’t tell me I was lying because I wasn’t. I mean it. I like your gift. It
was the most special one I received today. You even got hurt baking it.”

Nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa kamay ko ay pasimple ko iyong itinago sa likod
ng bouquets niya. It was a burn. I was very nervous earlier that I took the pan out
without gloves. Napaso iyong daliri ko.

“Itatago pa, nakita ko na nga.” She made a face. “Come on, I’ll check on it.”

“It’s fine—”

But the beautiful distraction was already pulling me to my car and got
inside. Ibinaba ko sa backseat ang mga regalo niya bago nagtungo sa harapan at
nakita siyang hinahalukay na ang bag niya.

I smirked when I saw her mini first aid kid.

“Wow, ready ang nurse ko,” pansin ko.

“We need it in class,” aniya at ngumuso sa akin sabay kuha ng kamay ko. “Akin
na. Dapat kanina mo pa ito pinatingin. ‘Di ba masakit?”

It wasn’t but I didn’t tell her that.

“Medyo,” I answered, watching her carefully taking her ointment.

“This is a burn ointment.” She showed it to me. “Ibibigay ko ‘to sa ‘yo kasi
you need to use this—”

“Yabang ni Clytemnestra, o, parang no’ng dati lang nag-iinarte pa at ayaw

magdala ng first aid kit niya.”

Nahampas tuloy ako. I chuckled and evaded another smack.

“Kasi mabigat—”

“Kasi puro pampaganda lang laman ng bag n’yo ni kambal,” I corrected and
smirked at her.

“Hindi nga! Ikaw napakaano mo talaga, akin na nga! Palaging dehydrated na

nga, nagpapalipas ng gutom, nagpupuyat, careless pa! Alam mo baka sa halip na
maging abogado ka, maging abokado ka na lang!” I let her take my hand, smiling a
little at her rants.

I watched her closely. Habang sinesermonan niya ako ay nakatitig siya sa

daliri ko.

I flinched when it hurt slightly. Nag-angat ang nag-aalalang tingin niya.

“Masakit?”

“Medyo.” It was real this time.

She sighed and I was surprised when she gently pulled my hand closer to her
lips to blow on it.

I stiffened when her warm breath touched my skin, making my heart flutter.

Nawawala na naman ako sa sarili. Everything ceased to exist but her, her warm
breath against my skin, her worried, pretty eyes looking up at me to ask if I felt
better.

I am. I was always getting better if it was her.

It sounded weird and corny even to me, but it felt true. It was true.

Kapag wala ako sa mood, makita ko lang siya ay ayos na ako. Kapag may
masakit, hawakan at tanungin niya lang ako’y nawawala na iyon.

Ganito ba ‘yong pagmamahal?

I’ve seen it firsthand from my parents.

Everytime Dad would go home from the firm with his foul mood, makita niya
lang si Mommy, kakalma na siya at gagaan ang ekspresyon. Kapag galit siya,
bubulungan lang ni Mommy ay tila may nawawalang bigat na sa dibdib niya.

“I swear, Chiel, I loved the cake. Thank you!” Clyte smiled, and everything
started shining. The doubt and the raging jealousy inside of me seeing her gifts
and hating the fact that other men could confidently express their adoration while
I couldn’t vanished.

They could scream her name publicly, but could they have this intimate,
private moment with her?

Did they know how she liked her fruit shake? Did they know red is her
favorite color? Did they know she likes gum? Did they know na hindi ‘yan noon
marunong magpalobo ng chewing gum pero naturuan ko?

Did they know she likes to read smut? Likes watching Legally Blonde with
Crest? Likes it when her roses are planted instead of plucked? Wants to have her
own greenhouse someday?

Did they know the twitch in her lips if she was confused? The flare of her
pretty brave eyes when determined? The slight blush forming on her cheek whenever
she’s angry?

They didn’t… but I did.

So bad I couldn’t boast it because we were never meant to be.

 I understood. She changed her name when she turned eighteen because she
wanted to honor the memories of Tita Ritch. She was protected all her life, with
guards swarming on her. Ilang beses pa siyang lumipat ng school dahil sa mga banta
galing sa mga Sebastian.

Her life was already complicated. Will I make it more complicated? Like what
Dad said, I should’ve known better.

Too bad I didn’t.

Gusto ko siya. Gustong-gusto ko siya.

I watched in agony her every date and getaway with her boyfriends. It seemed
like my beautiful distraction, my sweet rose, was a playgirl.

Iba ang ka-date niya ngayon, iba na naman next week. I even saw her kissing
her boyfriend once and I asked the boys to drink with me—kahit ako naman ang
natumba kaagad.

Which was better, I admit. At least, kaunting inom lang, nakakalimutan ko na

habang natutulog pero pagkagising, panibagong iritasyon na naman.

I know she knew and felt I was attracted to her. Naisip kong possibleng
iwasan niya ako pero hindi. She was very casual, even very friendly to me—just
like before and I hated it more.

I hated how she could act so unaffected when I couldn’t even hide my
feelings. I hated it so much.

“Kumusta ang date?” natatawang tanong ni Zion sa akin.

I saw in my peripheral vision how Clytemnestra shifted her position, suddenly

hyperaware of everything, listening.

“Good,” I answered when, in fact, I quickly cut it short.

They set me up for a blind date just early this week. Said this girl was
interested in me. Humindi ako pero wala nang nagawa at nasabihan na nila ang babae.

Ayaw ko namang maging bastos kaya pumunta ako.

Lorraine was a pretty woman. She’s also soft-spoken and kind but she’s not
just it.

Kahit anong ganda ng babae, kung hindi iyon ang gusto’t mahal mo, wala
talaga.

I told her I wasn’t interested but we could be friends. I found out she was
also a law student kaya paniguradong magiging magkaibigan kami.

“I heard she’s a law student, too?” ani Macky. “E di compatible kayo?”

“So, ano? May second date ba?” ani Macky.

I chuckled and shrugged. Inasar nila ako.

I smirked and shook my head, accepting their chants and teasing.

 Akala nila’y natatawa ako sa pang-aasar nila pero hindi nila alam na dahil
iyon sa ibang dahilan. I kept on checking Clyte’s reaction whose smile faded now.

Kunot ang noo niya at ‘di na nakikinig panigurado sa kadaldalan ni Crest,

nakatitig na lang sa baso ng alak, mariin ang hawak.

“So, Lorraine, huh?” I tried hiding the twitch in my lips when I heard her.

I slightly shook the glass of liquor, listening to the ice clinking with her
heels on the tiled floor. Her sweet scent invaded my nostrils when she got beside
me, tilting her head back to watch the dark sky above us.

I felt suffocated inside, so I got out to the balcony to get some fresh air.
I wasn’t expecting her to follow me pagkatapos ng halos ilang araw naming ‘di pag-
uusap.

“You like her?” she asked.

“She’s a good woman. Interesting,” I answered instead.

She tensed. I felt it. I was always hyperaware of her reaction I hated it
about me sometimes. Mas kilala ko pa nga yata siya kaysa sa sarili ko. Mas alam ko
ang kilos niya, ang reaksyon.

Ni hindi ko nga kayang magalit dahil alam kong nalulungkot siya at ayaw ko
n’on.

“So, you’ll date her now, huh?” she asked.

“Don’t know, who knows?” I asked. “Maybe…”

“Maybe.” She chuckled a little. “Poor woman, hindi pa sigurado si Sandejas

kung liligawan siya. I heard she’s a law student, too. Why don’t you date her? I’m
sure you’re compatible—”

“Why do you even care about my damn love life, Clyte?” I asked. “You should
worry about your boys—”

“I don’t have boys!” she hissed.

I scoffed and faced her.

“Really, huh? E, ano ‘yong nakita kong kahalikan mo last month?”

“It’s a fling!” she explained. “A-and, I don’t like him that way—”

“O, tapos kahalikan mo?” natawa akong nang-uuyam.

“J-just, I tried, okay? Then, I realized I wasn’t attracted to him that

way—”

“Ah, so kailangan mo pang halikan para malaman mo kung interesado ka?” I

spat
back.

“No!” She gasped. “Hindi sa gano’n!”

I scoffed at her.
 “Ah, hinahalikan mo kahit ‘di ka interesado?” I spat and glared at her.
“Kung
gano’n, e di sana hinalikan mo na rin ako!”

Her mouth parted. My eyes widened.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!!!

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at pumikit ng mariin.

Tangina ka, Alchiel! Tangina kang bobo kang tanga ka!

Nahuhuli talaga ang isda sa bibig niya.

Tangina.

Walang umimik sa aming dalawa na literal na narinig ko na ang kuliglig. I

lifted my glass to take a sip, the bitterness spreading my mouth.

P’wede ba akong tumalon na lang dito? Tumitig ako sa ibaba kung nasaan ang
parking.

Mababalian ako o kaya’y mapipilay pero ‘di naman siguro mamamatay.

May umagaw ng baso ng alak ko mula sa kamay ko. I glanced and frowned when
Clyte brought it to her red lips and drank it in one go.

“It’s mine!” I snickered.

She sighed and glared at me.

“Ni hindi mo nga ‘to maubos!” She scoffed back and called a waiter who passed
the balcony, taking two shots and giving me one.

“O, ayan, laklakin mo!” She scoffed.

Nag-irapan kaming dalawa sabay inom ng shots. Gumuhit muli ang pait sa
lalamunan ko papunta sa tiyan.

I clenched my jaw when I felt a bit dizzy. Ibinaba ko ang shot at kumuyom
lang ang kamay.

“W-wala lang ‘yong kiss,” aniya. “A kiss is just a kiss! Hindi naman lahat
may meaning—”

Hinarap ko siya.

She tensed again and stiffened but her brave brown eyes fought with mine.

“Wala?” I asked. “Wala lang sa ‘yo ang halik?”

I took a step forward. Napaatras siya sa barricade ng balcony.

She tipped her chin up confidently, her face now flushing, and I wasn’t so
sure if it was because of the drink or if she was just blushing.

“Uso na ‘yon ngayon!” she fought. “People kiss their flings or the people
they were attracted to. Minsan nga kahit hindi pa!”

“Uh-huh?” I side-stepped at the same time her back reached the barricade. I
towered her, lowering my face to see her pretty one closely.
 Tipsy or not, she sure was astonishing. Still one of the most beautiful women
I have ever met.

“A-ano ba—”

“You kiss people like a sport, huh?” When she tried to flee, I placed my arms
in her sides, caging her in between. “You let those assholes easily kiss those
naughty lips?”

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa labi niyang kumikinang pa at namamasa sa alak na

ininom. I watched her body stiffen, her throat bobbing helplessly, and her lips
closed and parted again.

“Ang hirap-hirap mong lapitan pero ang dali lang pala sa kanilang halikan?”
Hinanap ko ang mata niya.

“No,” she muttered. “O-of course not! Do you think I’m easy to get?!”

“Of course not,” I whispered and stared at her eyes, my palms reaching for
her mouth.

Well, at least not to me. You are so hard to get, girl. If you only knew.

“H-hindi ako easy to get,” she repeated.

“Then, how come they could have access to this, huh?” I swiped her lower lip
with my thumb.

She let out a shaky breath.

“Because I let them, and d-does it matter? I mean, again, a kiss is a kiss!
Uso na ‘yan ngayon! You could just kiss anyone if they allowed you to! It doesn’t
matter. It’s just a physical thing, you could kiss someone without feelings
involved!”

It stung.

Nahulog ang tingin ko sa labi niya.

“Do they?” I asked. “Could you really kiss without feelings?”

“Yes…” she breathed out. “That’s how life is, Chiel. Wala na tayo sa Regency
Period na kapag hinalikan, ipapakasal agad. ‘Di na big deal ngayon kung walang
relasyon!”

“Lucky for you, then.” I moved my face closer to her, earning a loud gasp.

I saw the way her lips quivered, the way her chest moved up and down to run
after her breath knocking out of her lungs. Her palms were in fists.

Our lips were now inches apart and I saw it. The temptation she had felt to
tiptoe and reach for my mouth.

But I also know she wouldn’t.

She’d never dare.

And so, I lowered my face, trailed a ghost kiss on her cheek down her jaw,
and settled in the crook of her sweet neck.

“Because I couldn’t, Clyte. If I kiss someone, it will be special. For me.” I

hummed. “I don’t kiss if it isn’t the woman I am attracted to.”

I will not kiss if it’s not you…

Tension thickened. I reveled in our proximity for a few moments until I

pulled away.

“Just call me if you need me for the practical exam,” I said and without
looking at her, I turned my back and left, pulling my necktie loose to breathe.

Pagpasok ko ay ang tingin kaagad ni Crest ang nasalubong ko. Her gaze went on
me, then behind me where Clyte was, and then I saw her gaze drop on the glass of
wine in front of her, silent.

She didn’t want us together. I know.

She didn’t want us to ruin our reputation. I understood, but my feelings

didn’t. It still screamed Clyte’s name and whatever I did, I still couldn’t.

Halloween came. Nagmukmok ako sa kakaaral para maiahon ang mga nakakabaliw na
subjects. Our readings were overwhelming, not to mention the everyday recitals and
assignments. Plus, the quizzes. Sasabog na yata ang utak ko kakaaral.

Well, honestly, I did it religiously now because I was trying to avoid Clyte.
I hated the thought of seeing her with another date kaya iwas na iwas ako.

Ayoko nang mas palalimin, sasaktan ko lang ang sarili ko.

Pero ‘di ko na naiwasang um-oo dahil alam ng mga pinsan na semestral break ko
rin. Hindi rin ako makalusot na maraming readings dahil alam nilang kakatapos ko
lang nitong nakaraan.

They forced me to go to the Halloween party Clyte and Crest organized. They
invited some friends and acquaintances. Sa bar nina Zion gaganapin kaya wala akong
choice.

“I don’t have a costume—”

“You sure do!” my sister chirped happily and handed me a paper bag. “Alam
kong idadahilan mo ‘yan kaya binilhan na kita!”

Our cousins laughed. I shook my head, glaring at Crest’s wide and foolish
grin.

Wala talaga akong takas sa babaeng ‘to, ano?

“Fine…” I breathed out and stood, walking to the bathroom to change, but
cursed when I saw what was inside.

“What the fucking hell, Crest Veronica?!” I exclaimed. Umalingawngaw ang tawa
niya sa labas.

Iipitin ko talaga ang leeg ng babaeng ‘to mamaya lang!

I was the damn black Spiderman.

 They couldn’t stop teasing, taking a photo of me. Nakailang sapak ako at mura
sa kanila, sinabihan si Crest na ‘di na ako sasama at ayaw ko na pero nalungkot
siya.

“E di, h’wag,” she answered sadly. “Pinaghirapan ko pa namang hanapin ‘yan

kasi I think it’s bagay for you. Do you know it was smaller, so I fixed it up
personally to fit you, but—”

Shit…

“Fine,” I breathed out. “Alright, fine. I’ll wear it.”

Her smile brightened.

“Thank you, kambal! Bagay sa ‘yo! Promise! You’re the best kambal ever!” She
embraced me.

“Tangek, siya lang naman talaga kambal mo,” ani Zion kaya sumimangot ako sa
kanya at pinakitaan ng gitnang daliri.

Hiyang-hiya ako. I was conscious because why not? The fabric was fitted and
elastic! It fit me well, but I was sure my fucking ass was obvious, not to mention
my crotch!

“Wow, si Spiderman! Pasapot ako!” Zion squeaked. Sinapak ko nga.

“Manahimik ka, Shrek,” I spat.

“Shrek?! Hoy! FYI, ako kaya si Grinch!” He hissed, offended by my comment.

“Ay, Grinch ba? Kamukha mo kasi asawa ni Fiona,” sabat ko at bago pa siya
gumanti’y sumalisi na.

Tangina talaga nitong gagong ‘to.

I wore the damn mask. Mabuti na lang may ganito kaya ‘di kita ang mukha ko. I
looked around, seeing familiar faces from college and some lower batch in the
crowd, dancing and drinking.

“Hi, Spiderman,” a few girls called, flirting but I kindly said no and tried
leaving the dancefloor.

Nasaan na ba ‘yon?

Nagulat ako nang may bumangga sa ‘kin kaya dagli kong inabot para alalayan.

“Sorry!” She gasped loudly, startling me upon realizing it was her.

There she is. I’ve been looking for you.

Inalalayan ko siya patayo, pinagmamasdan siyang pagpagan ang suot na costume.

I realized it was, I think a waitress one? Kulay orange iyon at may black and white
checkered na apron at kwelyo. She had the same-colored heels and damn, her hair has
a shade of red now.

She colored her hair.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

 So fucking beautiful.

“Sorry! ‘Di kita napansin!” she said again, smiling brightly.

Ganyan siya kaganda ngumiti sa ibang lalaki, ano? Hindi ko rin masisisi kung
bakit nababaliw ang mga ‘yon sa kanya.

“You’re Spiderman?” she asked.

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad, nagpasalamat sa mask na suot at ‘di niya kita ang
pagkahumaling ko sa kanya.

“Hmm, kilala mo kung sino ako?” she asked. I shook my head.

Her lips protruded playfully like a tease she was. Kapag talaga ako ‘di
nakapigil, hahalikan ko ‘to.

“See!” She twirled, showing me her skirt. “No?”

I shook my head again. She sighed.

“So bad, you don’t watch the movie, ano? This is MJ’s waitress uniform in the
movie!”

“MJ?” I asked.

Natahimik siya saglit at napatitig sa ‘kin, nanliliit ang mata pero sa huli’y
tumango.

“Mary Jane! ‘Yong ka-love team ni Spiderman!” she explained. “Anyway, what’s
your name? I think your voice is really familiar—”

“Chiel!” May kumalabit sa ‘kin kaya napalingon ako.

“Lorraine?” My forehead creased.

“Hi! Thanks for the invitation! I made it here!”

What? I invited her? I did not even invite myself!

“I heard from Crest you’re wearing Spiderman so I wore this!” She showed me
her red cheongsam dress.

“Who…”

“MJ!” she answered. “I’m Mary Jane! Ikaw naman!”

My mouth parted and when I glanced at where Clyte was, she was gone.

‘Di ko tuloy magawang mag-enjoy sa event. My eyes were going back to where
Clyte was, annoyed with the boys calling her attention.

I saw her flirting back and it was a fucking eyesore. Ibinaling ko ang
atensyon ko kay Lorraine na nagtatanong ng tips para mas mapadali ang pag-aaral sa
Torts.

For the duration of the night, I was pissed. First because she was flirty,
second because she was drinking more heavily than usual, and third because I wanted
to get drunk too, but I wanted to make sure she was fine, so I was limiting myself.
 So, I thought.

I was tipsy and the night’s still young, but she was already dead drunk.
Dinala siya nina Dei at Crest sa private room namin dito sa bar ni Zy. Hindi dapat
ako sumunod pero nakita ko ang sariling nagpapaalam kay Lorraine na mauuna na.

I even drank a few more shots before wearing my mask and evading the crowd to
follow. Nahilo ako dahil sa ilaw at nainom kaya muntik pa akong madapa nang
masalubong nina Crest.

“The hell, Chiel?” She gasped loudly and held me. “You’re drunk!”

“I am not,” I mumbled.

“Bakit naka-mask ka pa? Tanggalin mo na ‘yan—”

“No! Makikita ako ng kalaban! Malalaman na ako si Spiderman!” I exclaimed in

horror.

They laughed and I wasn’t sure why.

It was real, right? Dapat tago ang identity ko!

“Lasing na,” ani Deion.

“H-hoy, ‘di ako lashing—”

“Shh… h’wag na tayo maglokohan!” Crest hissed then pulled me.

The lights started swaying. Damn, sumasayaw na pala ang ilaw rito sa bar? Ang
galing!

Dinala nila ako kung saan. Bumagsak na ang ulo ko, nahihilo.

Fuck. ‘Di ako lasing! Dapat ‘di ako malasing! Si Clyte pa!

But I was very dizzy, and I didn’t know what happened. Basta, bumagsak ako sa
kama. Nakarinig ako ng ingay, sinasabing babalikan kami mamaya-maya.

“Tanggalin mo na nga—”

“A-ayaw! Makikita ng kalaban!” I hissed, smacking Crest’s hand away from my

mask.

“Nababaliw na siya, Dei,” hagalpak niya. “Baka ma-suffocate ka r’yan! Aayaw-

ayaw pa sa Spiderman kanina tapos feel na feel naman ngayon!”

My consciousness would leave and back again. I heard the door closing and the
silence evaded the space. Pakiramdam ko ay nakalutang ako pero natanto kong ang
buong katawan ko ay nakahiga, pwera lang sa ulo kong nakalaylay sa gilid ng kama.

Kaya siguro lumulutang?

“Hmm… Hi, Spidy!” I stirred, startled, and panicked. Nahilo pa ako nang
ipaling ko ang ulo at nakita ang nakaupo sa lapag, sa tabi lang ng ulo ko.

“Clyte?” I called.
 “H-hmm, ‘di ako si Clyte! Ako si…” She tapped her chest, her dark red hair
disheveled, her cheeks red. “MJ! Mary Jane! Ako ang love life mo, Spiderman!”

Nawala yata ang kalasingan ko sa matamis niyang ngiti.

“Ako lang… ang love life mo!” she chirped. “Ako lang! ‘Yong iba… fake ‘yon!
‘Di totoong MJ!”

I just stared at her through my mask, contemplating if this was reality or

just my stupid daydreams.

Sa sobrang patay na patay ko kasi sa kanya, napapanaginipan ko na rin kaya

‘di na ‘ko magugulat kung ganito rin ‘yon.

Lasing na yata ako talaga…

“Naririnig mo ba ‘ko, Spidy?!” she asked and pointed me.

“H-huh, yeah?” I answered, still astonished.

“Good!” She giggled, her sleepy brown eyes on me. “I’m MJ! Okay? The real
one! Fake ‘yong isa! H’wag ka ro’n! Akin ka lang!”

Sa ‘yo lang naman talaga…

I smiled. “Do you have proof?”

“Hmm? You don’t believe me?!” She scoffed, her eyes flaring. “Papatunayan ko
sa ‘yo!”

“Sige nga,” I answered just to tease her but, in my confusion, she moved
closer to me and began tugging the mask off from my chin.

I swallowed hard when I felt the chill on my jaw to my lips when she rolled
the mask to expose that part of my face.

“What are you doing?” I asked, confused, couldn’t see her properly now
because I was upside down, my head hanging on the bed with her towering me while
seated on the floor.

“Proving I’m MJ,” she answered, blowing my mind when she lowered her face to
kiss me upside down.

When our lips touched, for the first time, I realized there was no turning
back. There is no moving on from you, Clytemnestra.

Wakas (Part Two)

Wakas (Part Two)

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Gano’n pala, ano? Kapag napagbigyan ka sa pangarap na matagal mo nang

hinangad, ‘di mo napapansin ang oras at panahon? You were just focused on it,
reveling in it that suddenly, it was just taken from you and then in a blink of an
eye? It’s gone.
 I should’ve known better. I should’ve taken care of it, loved it
better—protected her.

The memory still lives in my head. Her screams still echoed in my head, her
cries, her pleas, and I just watched it all happen.

Ni wala akong nagawa. Ang tanga-tanga ko.

Masyado akong nakampante. Masyado ako na-distract sa mga sunod-sunod na

nangyayari sa buhay namin, sa pamilya.

Papa Jer died, we found out about Crest’s incident, and Mama Lena died in her
sleep.

I was so overwhelmed with everything that had happened that I got distracted
and now, I lost her too.

Paano na kami nito? Paano na ako?

I have failed the people I loved. Multiple times. My girlfriend for not being
there to protect her, for letting them take her away from us. For losing her. It
was my fault. If only I drove them home personally instead.

Napapikit ako’t nahilot ang sentido, ibinababa ang tingin sa mga tip na
nakuha mula sa mga nagsasabing namataan siya.

My gaze found our family picture on my table, seeing the smiling bright face
of Crest, my twin.

My twin for not knowing what happened… I failed her, too.

It was so long. She kept it all to herself all these years, and I didn’t even
know. I didn’t even ask. Ako ang kambal niya, dapat ay nararamdaman ko kung may
mali. Dapat naroon ako kapag kailangan niya ako pero… palagi na lang akong palpak.

Wala na akong nagawang tama. Abogado pa naman ako, putang ina.

“Chiel, tara. Nagdala ako ng food. Kain ka na.” Nag-angat ako sa kambal at
ngumiti nang maliit.

“I’m full,” I told her. “Ikaw, kumain ka na? Kain ka na.”

“Kagabi ka pa walang kain, Chiel,” she said instead. “Natulog ka man lang
ba?”

“I’m fine—”

“No, you are not,” she insisted.

I smiled again. “Hmm, paano mo nasabi?”

“S’yempre, kambal kita,” she said. “Lahat ng nararamdaman mo, alam ko.”

My smile faded.

She really does know me and yet, I didn’t even know. I didn’t even ask.

“O-oh, it’s not.” She gasped loudly. “Don’t cry!”

 I blinked, surprised at her words, not realizing I was already crying if she
didn’t get in front of me, and wiped something off my cheeks.

“Crest—”

“No, let me!” She took her handkerchief and dried my cheek. When she was
done, hindi na ako tumanggi nang hawakan niya ang palapulsuhan ko at hinila papunta
sa may couch.

The tray of food she brought was already there.

“Why did you cry ba? I don’t mean it like that,” she asked worriedly.
“Chiel…”

“Nothing.” Tumitig ako sa kapatid at unti-unting kinuha ang kamay niya.

“Gusto ko lang mag-sorry ulit.”

“Sorry? Saan?” She squeezed my hand back.

“For everything, for not knowing what you’ve been through. F-for not being
able to protect you. Kambal tayo pero bakit ‘di ko nalaman ‘yong nararamdaman mo? I
should’ve known better. K-kambal ang pusod natin, e. Yet, what happened, I didn’t
even know it. You suffered all those years alone and I wasn’t there. K-kung sana,
sinamahan kita…”

“Kambal…” she called gently. “It’s not your fault.”

“It was,” I whispered. “I should’ve been the one protecting you. I should’ve
been there, d-dapat noon pa lang nalaman ko na—no, it shouldn’t have happened in
the first place if only I looked after you better. S-sana sinamahan kita sa party
mo no’ng gabing ‘yon. Sana nandoon ako…”

It still lingered in my head. My mistakes and my wrong decisions.

She went out with her ex-friends to have an after-party celebration for our
graduation. I should’ve come with her, but I had to study for my PhilSAT for law
school. I partied a bit with our cousins and then left early to haul myself into
the silence of my room to study.

Pero ano’ng nangyari? Ano’ng silbi ng pag-aaral na ‘yon para pumasa? Para
maging abogado kung ang kapalit n’on ay may nangyaring masama sa kapatid ko? Na
walang alam sa mga pinagdaanan niya?

That fucking rapist even got out and roamed freely on earth for years when he
should’ve been rooting in jail, in a hell hole if I had the chance to gut him
alive.

“Hindi lahat ng bagay kaya nating kontrolin, kambal,” aniya. “Hindi lahat
resposibilidad mo—”

“You are my responsibility, Crest! You are my twin! I love you! Ako dapat ang
nagpoprotekta sa ‘yo. Ako ang dapat karamay mo! P-pero miski iyon, wala akong
magawa, kambal. Wala…”

When she embraced me, I couldn’t stop my tears any longer.

I was trembling, out of control.

“I-I failed you. I failed Clyte. P-palagi na lang akong palpak.”

 “Shh…” She hummed and embraced me tighter. “Wala na tayong magagawa sa mga
bagay na tapos na pero sa ngayon at sa future, meron pa. What happened to me
wasn’t—will never be your fault. It was that fucking rapist’s fault. What
happened to Clyte wasn’t your fault either. It was because of that asshole
Sebastian. All of it was their fault, Chiel. Hindi ikaw.”

Hindi ako umimik, hindi kayang maniwala sa mga sinasabi ng kapatid.

“And it’s not true you weren’t there for me. Though, you didn’t know exactly
the reason, your shoulder has always been the one I was leaning on.”

She tapped my back.

“Malungkot din ako. Kagaya mo, alam kong wala tayong kontrol pero ‘di ko rin
maiwasang ‘di sisihin ang sarili nang mawala si Clyte pero ngayon, sana maalala
mong handa akong makinig, a? Na nandito lang ako, kambal, kapag kailangan mo ako.”

I sniffed and stared at her when she pulled away, her eyes bloodshot like
mine.

“Kung kailangan mo ng balikat, nandito ‘yong akin. Kung kailangan mo ng

tagapunas ng sipon, may panyo ako.” She then lifted her handkerchief. “Singa,
Alchiel.”

I snickered. “Ako ‘yong nakakantanda—”

“Hey, ako kaya ang ate sa ating dalawa,” she added. “Ako ang unang lumabas,
meaning ako ang ate!”

“No, I was the last to be born, meaning ako ang unang ginawa,” I insisted
back as she forced her handkerchief to my nose.

“Nope. I’m three minutes older kaya ako ang panganay. Makinig ka kay Ate,
Chiel, singa!”

Suminga ako at napangiti na sa kakambal, pinapangakong poprotektahan siya, si

Adi, at ang buong pamilya kahit kapalit n’on ang ay buhay ko.

I have been undergoing psychiatric therapy ever since I found out about what
happened to her. I thought I was doing better. With my medicine and sessions but
when I lost Clyte too, I entirely lost my mind. I knew I was bound to go insane.

I couldn’t function well. I fucked up a lot of cases I was called for

reevaluation if ever I was fit to still work as a lawyer.

Dad insisted I should take a break, but I didn’t want to. Hindi p’wedeng
nagbabakasyon ako habang ang girlfriend ko ay wala sa tabi ko.

During those times I was sleeping, saan kaya siya? Nakakatulog din kaya siya
nang mahimbing? Kumakain ba siya nang tama? ‘Di ba siya sinasaktan?

I couldn’t help but assume the worst and felt more terrible each morning I
literally lived in my office.

“Hindi ka na uma-attend sa sessions, Chiel.” Deion decided to talk to me

about it.

Like me, he was devastated and helping us the best he could to find his
sister but unlike me, he was more composed and calmer even if I’m sure there’s
already a riot in his head.

He also had problems of her own. About his family, his personal life. Ivy.

“I’m doing fine,” I lied.

He shook his head. “You know I won’t believe it, right?”

Hindi ako umimik.

He sighed. “Ate won’t like it if you’re like that, you know? Take care of
yourself. Paanong hahanapin mo siya kung magkakasakit ka? Paano kapag ganyan ka
kapag balik niya?”

“Dei, I am taking care of myself…”

“I understand what you’re going through, Chiel,” he sighed. “But please know
that caring for yourself does not only mean what you do physically. Taking care
means prioritizing your feelings and emotions, too. You should take care of this.”
He pointed his head. “Some might think mental health is nothing, but it is
everything.”

My parents could see the changes in me. Even my cousins, the whole family. I
became very distant and quiet. Crest would always see to it to check on me almost
every day. Kahit sabihin niyang may itatanong lang o may ikukwento, alam kong gusto
niya lang malaman kung buhay pa ba ako.

I didn’t want to worry my family. My parents had just started to do better

after Crest’s case. Ayaw kong dumagdag pa sa kanila.

Ang problema ko, akin lang. Ayaw ko nang idamay pa sila.

I met a new psychiatrist in secret to follow Dei’s suggestions. To seek help

so my girl wouldn’t stress over me if I got her back.

I was diagnosed with depression. Not shocking. I had to take countless meds
to go along with my mood, but I still had highs and lows. Sometimes, I felt better.
Sometimes, I felt like I woke up in a shit hole and was going through the worst day
of my entire life.

Depression sucks.

At times, I think and feel a lot of things and whenever I drink meds, they
all just shut down, and if you think it’s better? Not really. I just felt nothing.
No thoughts, no feelings, no whispers. Just an empty head.

It was deafening.

“Kaya advisable ang sessions along with the meds,” Dei explained when I asked
him. “Kasi, Chiel, the meds would help you feel better but talking about it and
opening up will be the main agenda. Together, it would help you feel better. Hindi
madali at agad-agad dahil proseso iyan.”

I nodded, staying silent for a while when Tito Thorn got beside me and handed
me a drink.

“Salamat, Tito.”
 “If you need someone to talk to, we’re always here,” aniya. “My clinic is
open if you want advice as a professional, and our home is always open if you want
to tell me things, as family.”

It made me smile, thanking the both of them for their concern.

We were struggling all just the same, but they were still here with us to
make sure to be present whenever we needed them.

I rubbed the ring on my finger and sighed.

Uwi ka na, sweetheart. Pahanap ka na sa amin. Miss na miss ka na naming

lahat. Miss na miss na kita, mahal.

The first time I got a call from the police station that we had to identify a
corpse, I was livid.

I have never trembled this badly in my whole life I almost crashed my car
while driving. When I arrived, my family was there with Tita Zidney and her family.

Ayaw kong pumasok. Alam kong gano’n din sila.

“It’s not my daughter,” Tita Zidney’s shaking voice echoed. “U-uwi na tayo,
Thorn…”

“Zid.”

“It’s not my daughter!” she exclaimed.

“I-I know, baby,” he called softly, his eyes bloodshot. “But we have to
confirm—”

“Bakit pa kailangang kompirmahin kung hindi naman siya? Alam ko, Thorn! Hindi
iyan si Clyte!”

“Queen—”

“She is alive!” She cried and my heart fell when her knees wobbled, and she
fell. “R-ramdam ko, T-Thorn! Buhay ang a-anak natin! ‘Di iyan ang C-Clyte ko!
Hindi!”

We waited for her to calm down until she had the courage to join us at the
hospital’s morgue to identify the corpse.

My hands were shaky. I didn’t want to see, but I wanted to prove to myself my
hunch was right that it wasn’t her, and when I saw the body, I couldn’t help but
gasp. The mixture of relief and anxiousness burned my throat.

I was relieved it wasn’t her, but I hated myself, too, for being glad it was
someone else.

I was composed when I shook my head and confirmed it wasn’t her, composed
when I reassured Tita Zidney I would not stop looking, and composed as I drove to
the bar after I called my cousins to drink with me but my heart, it was in
shambles.

Isang pagkakamali lang ay bibigay na.

They said yes without question and that night, I wanted to forget the pain of
walking to the morgue. I knew drinking myself to sleep wouldn’t be of help anymore,
so I attempted to drink the whole bottle in one go. I literally almost drank myself
to death.

If it wasn’t for Deion who saw me, baka namatay na ako. Baka wala na talaga
ako rito. Baka ‘di ko na nakitang muli ang mahal ko.

I asked Dei to keep it a secret, but Crest found out, and it broke me when
she cried.

“I am barely holding on, Chiel! A-akala mo malakas ako pero hindi! Durog na
durog din ako!” she cried. “It wasn’t only you who lost her! I lost my best friend
too! I-ikaw… ikaw na lang ang kinakapitan ko pero a-ano’ng gagawin ko? P-paano na
kung pati ikaw?”

“C-Crest…”

“W-we lost her, Chiel! I-I think I’m gonna lose my mind!” she cried. “K-kung
may mangyayari pa sa ‘yo, k-kung pati ikaw m-mawawala sa akin, paano na ako, Chiel?
‘Di ko alam kung kakayanin k-ko. Mababaliw na ako!”

I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t justify the stupidity I did. I promised my

sister I wouldn’t let anyone harm her. I wouldn’t let other people make her cry
again pero ako pa itong naging dahilan ng mga luha ng kapatid ko.

I was still weak, but I pulled her close to me instead and held her. I cried
with her.

“S-sorry, kambal.”

“K-kambal tayo, Chiel,” she sobbed. “K-kapag may kailangan ka, kapag may
nararamdaman ka, sabihin mo sa ‘kin, a? H-hindi ko nagawa ‘to sa ‘yo noon, itinago
ko kaya ang bigat. A-alam ko ang pakiramdam kaya sana, please, sabihin mo naman sa
‘kin kung mabigat na. D-dadamayan kita. Hatiin natin ang bigat na dalawa.”

I nodded.

“Kahit ano pa ‘yan, dadamayan kita. Mahal na mahal kita, kambal.”

I cried my eyes out, trembling, nodding my head.

“I-I’m sorry…” I whispered. “I’m sorry, Crest.”

“Tell me,” she pleaded. “S-sabihin mo sa ‘kin. I-iiyak tayo nang sabay,
Chiel. ‘Di ka lang mag-isa, dito lang ako…”

“‘Di ko na k-kaya, Crest.” I found myself confessing. “‘Di ko na kaya, a-

ayoko na…”

“C-Chiel…”

“J-just confine me to the psych ward, p-please,” I cried. “A-ayoko na. Ipasok
mo na lang ako, m-mababaliw na ako.”

Her help and attentiveness lightened the load somehow, but every call to
identify the corpses, every false lead, and every dead-end always put me to the
brink of my sanity. Bawat araw, mas nauubos ako.

Masaya akong patuloy ang buhay ng pamilya. A lot got married and found their
other half, my twin reconciled and had another chance with Locket. I was happy for
them, genuinely, but I couldn’t deny that while they were moving forward, I was
stuck.

I was where I had lost her. Left on the road after getting shot and failed to
run after her, failing to save her.

I breathe but I barely even lived.

In my dreams, she visits me. The memories we both made still playing like it
only happened yesterday, like I hadn’t lost her for a long time now.

I think I saw her in Biliran pero hinalughog ko na ang buong lugar ay wala pa
rin. Maybe it was a fragment of my imagination, but I still believed—wanting to
believe it was her.

Na hindi ako nababaliw at nag-iilusyon lang.

“Please, I’m begging you, bring her back to me,” I whispered.

I was not a religious person, but I found myself in the church every day,
pleading Him to bring her home to us.

“If this was my punishment for loving her, ako na lang,” I whispered. “H’wag
mo na siyang idamay. Ako na lang.”

I trembled, shut my eyes, and lowered my head more to beg, hoping to be

heard.

“K-kahit ‘di kami, ayos lang. Kahit wala kami basta ibalik mo lang siya.
Pauwiin mo l-lang siya, ‘di na ako maghahangad pa.”

I cried and nobody dared to shut me out. Lahat sila ay may dinadala, kagaya
ko. Lahat kami ay may mga kahilingang ipinapakausap kahit sa huli’y ‘di sigurado
kung mapagbibigyan man lang ba.

Chance said kneeling from the entrance to the altar a thousand times was
effective, and so, I did it religiously, desperate to be heard and to be granted.
Wishing for a miracle.

Tumayo ako at pinagpagan ang pants ko pagdating ko sa altar, dala-dala ang

kandila para magsindi at magdasal bago nagmaneho patungo sa sementeryo para
bumisita kay Tita Ritch.

When I got there, may mga bagong bulaklak na galing sa kakambal at kina Tita
Zid kaya napangiti ako at ibinaba ang bulaklak na in-order ko sa flower shop nila
at nagsindi ng kandila.

“Hi, Tita,” I breathed out and smiled. “I am still looking for Clyte. I’m
sorry if it’s taking me so long. I promise I’ll bring her back, Tita. Sana po,
habang wala pa, bantayan n’yo siya. I hope you’ll look after her and make sure she
is eating right and sleeping peacefully. I hope she has a roof above her head. I
hope she’s safe.”

I closed my eyes, uttering a prayer for Tita’s spirit, promising her I’d be
back soon and would find Clyte no matter what.

I was on my way out of her mausoleum to go and visit Papa Jer and Mama Lena
when I got across a lady trying to walk pero marami siyang dala.
 “Saan po kayo, Ma’am?” I asked when I got closer to her.

“Ah, hijo, diyan lang sa may labasan.” She smiled, and I helped her carry her
things, called a cab for her, and when she was about to go inside, she faced me.

“Hijo,” aniya at inabot sa akin ang panyo.

“Po? Hindi na po.” Umiling ako pero muling inilapit niya sa ‘kin ang panyo at
ngumiti.

She has brown, soft eyes. I think she looked familiar but not really. Mas may
edad na siguro siya kaysa sa mga magulang kung babasehan ang puti sa kanyang buhok.

“Kapag napapadaan ako, palagi kita nakikitang malungkot at umiiyak,” aniya

kaya natigilan ako. “Sige na, anak, tanggapin mo na.”

My eyes fell on the handkerchief she was extending to me, and I took it.

“Salamat po,” I muttered. “Stressed lang po sa trabaho.”

She smiled, nodding.

“Kung may hinahanap ka, hijo, makikita mo rin iyon,” aniya. “Alagaan mo rin
ang sarili mo at magbakasyon para mabawasan ang stress.”

“Ah…” Napangiti ako. “Hindi na po. Marami kasi akong kailangan sa

trabaho—”

“Maganda ang Cebu, baka nando’n na ang hinahanap mo,” she cut me off with a
motherly smile, and before I could even ask, she was already entering the cab and
vanished.

I blinked, confused and feeling weirded out but then I shrugged it off and
walked back inside to visit my grandparents when the handkerchief fell.

Inabot ko iyon at natigilan nang makita ang disenyo ng nakaburda roon.

Roses.

I totally forgot about that as life goes on. I worked harder when Dad clocked
me out and told me if I didn’t take a rest and calm down, he’d kick me out of the
prosecution.

“Take a rest, Alchiel,” Mom reminded me when we had our family dinner. It’s
been a while since we were out like this, hindi kasi nila ako mahagilap.

Tatanggi nga sana ako ngayon pero binigla nila akong binisita sa unit at
hinila kaya wala nang nagawa.

It’s relaxing anyway, I was glad they did that. Kahit papaano’y naibsan ang
bigat.

“I’m fine, My—”

“Don’t lie to me,” aniya. “You can’t. I know when you’re doing better or
not.”

Natahimik ako at binasa ang labi, tumatango.

 “Take a vacation, Kuya,” Adi said. “The prosecution will do fine. Don’t
worry.”

“I know.” I chuckled. “Nando’n ba naman ang future ace.”

Her eyes widened and blushed.

“Si Kuya naman! I’m just new! I’m still a lawyer, you know. I was just
considering if I wanted to try or what. I still don’t think I’m up to it.”

“Why not? You are, Adi. You’re tough and brave. You say what’s on your mind,
may paninindigan ba. You are just doubting what you could do but I’m sure, in the
future, even you will be amazed with the things you didn’t know you are capable
of.”

Nahiya siya lalo nang dumating si Dad kasama si Crest, narinig ang usapan
namin at tumango.

“Right? Sa case pa lang ni Ate Crest niya, ang galing-galing na?”

“Yeah, right!” ani kambal. “Like partida, a? First time niya ‘yon! First
time! Kakapasa lang sa BAR exam tapos first case panalo? Wow! Ang galing-galing ng
kapatid ko!”

“Marami pa ngang need ma-improve, Ate, e,” sagot niya at namula. “I still
think I could do better and well, speak without sounding like I’m about to cry.”

I chuckled.

“You did great, princess,” I said.

“Yes! The best! If you believe you still could do better, then go for it. At
least, you are aware and want to improve for yourself and your future cases. Basta
for me? For us? You did your very best and we are proud of how brave you are to
stand for me.” Crest smiled at her. “Basta, kami, we believe in your capability.

We all smiled at each other, startling us when I heard Mom’s gasp. Napalingon
kami sa kanya at nagtaka nang makitang nagtutubig na ang mata niya.

“Mom?” I called, alarmed.

“Thallia…” Dad called worriedly and reached for her. “What’s the matter,
baby?”

“Nothing,” she whispered and squeezed my dad’s arm. “I-I was just so happy
and proud of our children. M-mahal na mahal ko ang mga anak natin, Iñigo.”

My heart softened when Mom cried, and the girls followed. Dad smiled; his
eyes were watery too.

“Group hug!” ani Crest at tumayo para puntahan sina Mommy kasama si Adi.

I stayed rooted in my seat as Dad and Crest looked at me suspiciously.

“‘D-di ako naiiyak, a! Ikaw talaga mapagbintang!” I hissed as I felt the warm
liquid on my cheek.

Humalakhak si Crest.
 “Tanga, ‘yong uhog mo tumutulo na!” aniya kaya sumimangot ako pero hinihila
na nila ako para lumapit sa kanila.

Smiling, I embraced my family, kissing my sisters’ cheeks and my mother’s

forehead. Nagkatinginan kami ni Dad at nagtanguan, walang salita pero may pangako
ang mga tingin na poprotektahan namin ang isa’t isa kahit anong mangyari.

Mahal na mahal ko ang pamilya ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong ginawa ko sa
nakaraang buhay para maging deserving sa ganito.

It was not the first time we had an unverified tip she was seen in Samar or
Cebu kaya ‘di na kami nagugulat sa mga naririnig at nagsasabi. Some genuinely
wanted to help, and some just wanted the reward money they’d get, even just for a
piece of information. It started becoming a prank.

I was bothered and couldn’t think of the places to start searching again and
thought why not?

I told my family I’d be going on a vacation. Finally.

So they thought…

My agenda was to look, pretend to be one of them, and visit Judge Marasigan,
who, during that time, accepted a position as the lower court judge.

It was my first day. I realized I had to go to a gas station and refill my

tank, so I parked and went to a local market to ask.

May napansin akong stand ng libro malapit sa pinagparadahan ko kaya naglakad

ako ro’n habang nagtitipa ng mensahe kay kambal na papunta na ako sa rest house
namin dito.

Wala naman ito noon pero ang sabi kasi’y mas madalas kaming mamasyal sa Cebu
at dumadayo sa Sinulog kaya bumili na lang ng property at nagpagawa.

Hindi naman namin natatauhan unless dadayo kami kaya nag-hire na lang ng
caretaker.

Hindi ko pinansin ang mga tao at hinanap ang tingin ng nagtitinda.

“Miss, may malapit bang gasolinahan dito?” I asked as my eyes left the phone.

“Ah, meron sa malapit, hijo,” the old lady answered.

I saw a sudden movement just on the other side, in front of me. A woman who
tilted her head and when I saw that face, that face I have memorized even in sleep,
I felt my heart pound for the first time again.

Oh, God.

“C-Clyte?” I muttered.

My finger twitched. I was about to reach for her and cage her in an embrace
when I noticed her confused gaze.

“Sorry.” She pursed my lips and tilted her head. “Do I know you?”

My world stopped.
 She had forgotten about me? She didn’t know? Or was it her really her? Or my
imagination?

Was I daydreaming again? Hallucinating like in Biliran before?

Nalito ako. Sumabay ang malakas na kalabog ng puso sa ingay sa utak ko. My
tongue twisted with the words wanting to get out but couldn’t.

My eyes sought for her face, to her arms, to her body, taking her in,
breathing her in. I looked for any signs of wounds or bruises. Any signs that she
was hurt or…

Her beautiful brown eyes sought mine again, her gaze filled with wonder and
curiosity.

I didn’t see any bruises, but I knew she had lost weight. She had always been
fair-skinned, but now, she was pale. I thought she wasn’t that out in sunlight
often.

She wasn’t like this. Mas gusto niyang nagbibilad sa araw at nagtatanim ng
mga bulaklak niya sa initan. She would stay and talk to them all day if she could
but now? I know she barely gets out—or maybe she didn’t.

I took a step closer, stopping when she looked so alarmed and took a step
back. I saw her tremble a little while hugging her book a little tighter.

I felt the hollow in my stomach.

Was she scared of me?

“Don’t.” Umiling siya.

“I’m sorry,” I breathed out, staring at her intently, trying to say anything.
She didn’t know me. “I just thought I’ve… I’ve seen you before…”

“Oh.” She nodded, looking so nervous and confused but in her bright eyes, I
saw something I had always seen before. Recognition.

If her mind doesn’t remember me, I know, hoping that maybe her heart does.

“Maybe you’ve seen me before. Pero ‘di kita kilala, Sir. Sorry,” she added.

Thankfully, my sanity got the better of me even though I knew I was gonna
lose my mind, wanting so badly to take her home, to hold her as I took note of the
guards roaming around not too far from her.

She has a tight security and showing myself to her, unarmed and with no plans
would endanger my woman. I just can’t take her away. Hindi ko alam kung ilan ang
tauhan nila. ‘Di alam kung ilan ang guards at kung paano ko siya makukuha nang
ligtas kaya ayaw ko man ay iniwan ko siya roon.

She was sad. I saw the way her eyes lost their shine when she realized I was
gone in front of her.

And so, I planned everything. In a short period of time, I found a way to get
her without endangering her. I found a way to make sure she was safe while trying
to catch that fucking old hag, Sebastian, and his accomplice.

I played as Prosecutor Verón Castuares, and she became my secretary.

 Zahrah. She was now Zahrah Bellarose Sebastian. She introduced herself as
Zahrah Ortega.

Everything happened according to my plans. It was risky but I made sure I had
eyes on her. Meia, Bryce, and Rome happily joined me in my mission to take her
home. Napalapit na rin kasi sila kay Clyte at naging kaibigan niya rin sila.

We were able to take her home. Everyone was very happy. We celebrated, and I
was thankful my prayers were heard and answered. I just didn’t think He’d also take
my bargain.

She pushed me away. Again.

This wasn’t the first time she did that to me. I was rejected a lot of times
then we’d reconcile again kasi marupok ako. I ate it every time. Just a simple
sorry or I’ll see her jealous? Ang gago ay magkukumahog na pabalik na parang aso.

I was hurt before, but I realized it hurt more knowing she didn’t trust me
enough, knowing she had lost her memories, yet her decision will always be the
same.

To reject me. Push me away. Mas mabuting ako ang masaktan kaysa iba. Mas
mahalaga ang iisipin ng iba sa amin kaysa sa nararamdaman naming dalawa.

I was her dirty secret. I was the roses she planted and bloomed. She plucked
and admired me, but she had other flowers she loved more. I was discarded and
replanted yet it only withered and died.

Napagod ako.

God has answered my prayer and took the bargain I offered. Masakit. Parang
binigyan kasi ako ng hangin at kinuha ulit. Umasa kasi akong sa pagkakataong ‘to,
sasabihin siguro ng tadhana na para sa amin na ‘to.

Ilang taon ang nasayang at nawala sa amin. Ilang taon naming itinago ang
pagmamahal na ‘to kaya akala ko—umasa akong mapagbibigyan pero wala, e.

Maybe we were only destined to love each other and stay like that. It won’t
blossom further. It won’t have a taste of light. Sa dilim lang, tago at sikreto.

Ito naman ang hiling ko, hindi ba? Na makauwi siyang ligtas kahit ‘di na
kaming dalawa.

I traded our love for her just to be home with the people who loved and cared
for her, and I did not regret a thing. It’s just that the consequence was my broken
heart. Pero ayos lang. Para sa kanya.

I remembered a memory way back when I drove Crest and her to the jewelry shop
at may gustong bilhin ang kakambal.

Girl bonding daw at ‘di ako imbitado pero s’yempre, magpapatalo ba ako? So, I
invited myself to join.

Crest rolled her eyes at me when she saw me tailing them both.

“Doon ka sa sasakyan!” she scolded me. “‘Di ka naman invited, girl bonding
‘to!”
 I smirked.

“I invited myself,” I announced.

Tumawa si Clyte at nilingon ako para taasan ng kilay.

“Nakiki-girl ka na naman,” she teased, smiling sweetly I was tempted to pull

her close and kiss her lips.

“Right?!” Crest whined.

“I’ll behave,” agap ko. “Come on, mag-shopping na kayo. Ako na ang magbubuhat
ng mga paper bag.”

And so, I became their personal PA. Napapagod na ang paa ko kakasunod sa
dalawa pero ‘di ako nagrereklamo.

I was happy seeing the two of them bond and have fun. Habang nakatayo sila sa
estante ng mga singsing ay bumaling ako sa harapan ko para tumingin ng mga singsing
hanggang sa nakuha ng pansin ang isang nakahiwalay sa iba.

It was a classic and simple gold band ring. Ang gaan sa mata. Hindi masyadong
makapal at ‘di rin masyadong manipis. Parang bagay kay…

Bumaling ako sa kanila, kay Crest na malaki ang ngiti at hawak ang kamay ng
kaibigan at si Clyte na tumatango sa kanya, inilalahad ang kamay para hayaan si
Crest na isukat sa kanya ang nakita nilang singsing.

My eyes were on her thin, long fingers, visualizing how beautiful it would be
with my ring on her finger.

I’d love to hold and thread my fingers on hers, love to slip my ring on her
finger but it’s not an option right now. One day, I’ll be able to do all of it.
I’ll be able to hold her hand on the street.

One day…

“P’wede po itong ipa-customize ang engravings. Para sa girlfriend n’yo po ba,

Sir?” Napalingon ako sa sa ahente.

“Hmm?”

“Sa girlfriend n’yo po?” aniya sabay turo sa singsing na kanina ko pa

minamata.

“Girlfriend?” I asked, lutang pa yata.

“Yes, Sir.” Bumaling siya sa gilid kung nasaan sina Crest at Clyte. “‘Yong
naka-red po?” Tukoy niya kay Clyte.

Fuck… girlfriend?

Girlfriend-boyfriend na ba kami? Naglalandian kami, oo, pero girlfriend?

“Kami?” I asked again and even pointed at myself.

“Opo, ‘yong si miss na naka-red po, right?” she asked, confused at my

reaction too.
 “You think we’re boyfriend-girlfriend?” I asked her, trying not to sound like
a blushing and giggly idiot.

“Opo, wait, hindi po ba—”

“G-girlfriend ko ‘yan,” sabay agap ko sa maliit na boses, tumitikhim. “Paano

mo naman nalaman na ano, girlfriend ko siya?” I asked.

The lady looked confused but answered me anyway.

“Pansin ko lang po kasi ang tinginan n’yo. Kanina ka pa po nakatitig sa

kanya, Sir. Parang lahat yata ng kilos niya nakaabang ka. Kapag may titingnan siya,
titnignan mo rin. Kanina ka pa nga po pinag-uusapan sa likod kasi ang gwapo mo raw
po at gentleman. Ikaw ang may hawak ng shopping bags.”

“Oh.” My eyes fell on my arms. “It’s their shopping bags. They’re best
friends. Kambal ko ‘yong kumikinang ‘yong damit.” I smiled.

“Ang cute nga, Sir, e.” She smiled. “Kaya usapan ka kanina pa ng mga
saleslady, para ka raw po kasing model ng paper bags.”

I chuckled. “Got no choice, Miss. Kailangang bantayan ang dalawa kaya ako ang
may hawak.”

“Bagay na bagay nga kayo ni Miss, Sir,” aniya. “Kasi ang attentive mo sa
kanya. Kapag ‘di siya nakatingin, nakatingin ka tapos kapag ikaw naman ang hindi,
siya ang nakatingin sa ‘yo.”

My mouth parted.

“Really?” Sumulyap ako kay Clyte na saktong umiwas ng tingin sa akin,

nakapirmi ang labi.

“Opo, pasulyap-sulyap. Ang cute, halatang mahal na mahal ang isa’t isa.” She
giggled. “Kaya kong ako sa ‘yo, Sir, bilhan mo na si Ma’am. Bagay na bagay po ito
sa kanya…”

“Okay,” I immediately agreed with a bright smile. “Ano ‘yong pinakamahal n’yo
rito?”

“Ito po.” She pointed the one I was eyeing. “24K carat po iyan at limited
edition lang po sa buong mundo. So far, tatlo lang po ang inilabas, ito po ‘yong
huling stock. ‘Yong couples po na nakakuha n’ong dalawa sa ibang bansa,
nagkatuluyan—”

“I’ll take it,” mabilis kong sagot.

Her eyes widened and I realized nagtunog akong sobrang sabik kaya tumikhim
ako at umayos ng tayo.

“A-and it could be customized, right?” agap ko.

Her face brightened. “Yes, Sir! P’wedeng-pwede. Ano pong gusto n’yong
ilagay?”

“Bella,” sagot ko at kinuha ang wallet para ilabas ang black card at iniabot
sa kanya.

“Got it po. Thank you, Sir!” Masaya niyang sabi. “Naku, paniguradong tuwang-
tuwa niyan si Ma’am sa gift n’yo! Sigurado akong kayo ang magkakatuluyan!”

Damn right, it should be! Naririnig mo ba ‘yon, Clyte? Magkakatuluyan tayo!

“Oh, Miss, lunch n’yo na, right?” Sumulyap ako sa wristwatch.

“Opo.”

“Good, also, please order food for you and the whole staff, anything,” I
said.

Nangunot ang noo niya. “Po?”

“My treat,” I answered and smiled.

“Oh my God,” she gasped, and I literally saw the heart forming in her eyes.
“Okay, Sir! Thank you! Grabe ka talaga, gwapo na, mapagmahal pa, mabait pa! Bagay
na bagay talaga kayo ni Miss!”

“Please order in advance for the staff’s dinner too,” I added again. Halos
tumili na siya. Ngumiti lang ako.

Habang inaasikaso niya ang singsing at kinukwentuhan ako, naramdaman ko ang

matalim na tingin na parang sumasaksak sa likod ko.

I looked back and saw Clyte’s sharp brown eyes piercing on me.

“What?” I mouthed.

She rolled her eyes and looked away, annoyed.

Chuckling, I looked back at the saleslady watching us.

“Pagpasensyahan mo na,” I told her. “Selosa kasi ‘yong fiancée ko.”

Fiancée agad! S’yempre, mangangarap ka na nga lang, sagarin mo na!

Wakas (Part Three)

I’m so happy! Alchiel and Zahrah’s book is officially completed!😠Another

Sandejes Legacy book na naman ang natapos natin!

Thank u very much for your overwhelming love and support! The best kayo!
This
book has been extra challenging to write and thank u for your patience at
binuhos
ko talaga ang heart and soul ko sa kanila! I hopeeee this book will be worth
your
coins! Please stay tuned for special chapters very soon! I love you so much!

Wakas (Part Three)

Verón

ˋ� ༻�༺ ˎˊ

Those memories were one of a kind. The past I was holding onto while she was
gone and when she pushed me away.

I was glad and ecstatic we were together again, that we were able to get
past
the challenges life threw at us pero minsan talaga, kahit gaano ka kasaya, may mga
bangungot pa ring nakaamba at mananakot sa ‘yo.

“Chiel.” I felt a soft voice.

I stirred and groaned, trying to find her voice.

I couldn’t find her. I looked for her, trying to reach and take her back with
me, but I couldn’t. She was calling me desperately, asking for help.

“No,” I whispered weakly. “Clyte… no.”

I dreamt of her, getting taken away from me.

“Chiel…” Her voice echoed again as I felt someone shaking me awake. “Wake up,
sweetheart. You’re having a nightmare.”

A soft caress and a sweet kiss woke me. As I opened my eyes and saw her brown
ones, my racing heart calmed.

“Bella,” I called and rose, wrapping her in my arms.

“You’re just having a nightmare,” bulong niya at yumakap sa akin nang

mahigpit pabalik. “It’s okay, I’m here.”

“Sorry,” I breathed out, taking in her scent. “I’m still having a few.
They’re almost rare but…”

“You can tell me about it you know,” bulong niya, inilalayo ang sarili para
sapuin ang mukha ko.

“I don’t have to. I’m fine,” I told her, staring directly at her.

“Why not?” she asked. “Kapag ako naman, sinasabi ko sa ‘yo ang panaginip ko,
masama man o hindi. Bakit hindi ang iyo?”

My eyes roamed in her face as I lifted my finger and traced her cheek.

“My dreams are always about losing you,” I whispered. “I don’t have to tell
you anymore, because when I open my eyes and see you, I know it will only be a
dream.”

She leaned in and kissed me. I smiled and tilted my head, trailing my fingers
at the back of her head and pressing her nape closer to me.

I kissed her back, with satisfaction, with comfort, with love. I have always
dreamt of moments like this. Moments where I could kiss her whenever I like,
without thinking of anyone else but our feelings for each other.

I felt her moving, lifting her body, and pushing my chest a little to
straddle me before kissing me again.

“Hmm…” I bit her lower lip. “You woke up horny today, sweetheart?”

“Why not?” she asked. “Ilang linggo na akong tuyot, Alchiel.”

“But—”

“For Pete’s sake, I am healed, Chiel!” she whined. “I went to the doctor and
said we could do it.”

“Still…” My eyes fell on her legs on my crotch. “She said we have to take it
slow, but I am not sure if I could do it—”

“That was weeks ago. I’m sure we could do it fast and hard,” she fought back
and just when I was about to protest, pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata. “Ano? Isang
hindi pa talaga at hindi ka na makakatikim sa ‘kin.”

I blinked, alarmed.

“What?”

“Kapag umayaw ka, ayaw ko na—”

“Sino bang nagsabing ayaw ko?” I lifted my arm, pulled my shirt off my back,
and threw it away. “I’m ready!” I chanted.

She chuckled but I could see the excitement and lust in her eyes as she
pushed me back on the bed and stripped off her thin satin dress.

I whistled, my palms under my head when I saw her naked body, her beautiful
tits in full view.

“You like what you’re seeing?” she teased.

“I’ve never seen anything this beautiful,” I breathed out, tilting my head to
stare at her delicate skin, still couldn’t believe this was all mine. She’s mine.

“Hmm, pero natiis mo ng ilang buwan?” She made a face. “H’wag nga ako,
Sandejas!”

“You’re sore, sweetheart, that’s why,” I insisted, cursing under my breath

when she stood on the bed, each of her legs at my sides.

I reached for her ankle, but she kicked me a little.

“I don’t like foreplay today,” she said while stripping off her thongs.

My brow shot up, reaching for her ankle again.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m horny, and you know sooner or later, we’ll know we’re here,”
aniya.

“Damn,” I sighed. “I turned my phone off. You?”

“I did,” aniya. “But I’m sure they’ll know. Kung hindi man, we have to be
there on time. Ano’ng silbi ng kasal kung hindi um-attend and bride and groom?”

“Fuck, oo nga.” Sumulyap ako sa orasan at nakitang alas-tres na. “We have an
hour, max. Come on, sweetheart.”

She gasped when I pulled her feet, glaring at me when she slumped on my
stomach.

“Come on, sweetheart, ride me,” I challenged.

 Nauwi sa ngiti ang itsura niya, inilalapit ang mukha para halikan muna ako
bago in-adjust ang sarili. I held her, helped her. I held my cock, positioned it to
her entrance until she eased down, impaling herself with my dick.

We both let out a sigh of satisfaction. I watched her face, caressing her leg
to help her relax. She still hasn’t taken me all yet, but she already felt so full.

“Careful,” I reminded, reaching for her core and rubbing her clit. She felt
so warm, so wet. She gently took her time lowering herself more and I tried to
control myself not to cum just by that.

I rubbed her more, earning a womanly moan from her, her palms on my chest for
support.

“Baby,” I called. “Do you want us to change? I’ll flip us over—”

“No,” she whispered. “I could take it. I could take you.”

I nodded, held her close, and pulled her face closer to me. I kissed her,
distracting her as I helped her up, and when I felt her cunt swallowing my cock
whole, I definitely lost it.

“Finally,” she muttered in satisfaction then faced me. “I told you I could
take you.”

She sat on my dick, her legs spread with her damp cunt like a sacrificial
perfect lamb. Her eyes were glassy and sleepy, her lips parted and her hair in a
beautiful mess. She straightened her back, and as she moved up and down, her tits
were bouncing.

“Tangina…” My chest heaved, and I grabbed her legs and thrust back like a
beast finally out of my cage.

She bounced up and down my dick, my palms on her waist to help her move.

“You’re so tight,” I hissed under my breath, lifting myself a little to catch

her mouth and kiss her senselessly.

She choked my dick with her muscle control, her fingers pinching my nipples
as I rubbed her clit and sucked on her other breast.

“O-oh, God,” she wailed, working with me because we’re a team.

Naririnig ko ang malamyos niyang halinghing, ang desperado niyang tawag at

pagmamakaawa sa akin para pagbigyan ko.

I kissed her mouth, her jaw then sucked on her neck, but she fisted my hair
and pulled me away.

“Why?” I whined.

“Not my damn neck!” she scolded. “Sleeveless ang gown ko! Labas pa ang leeg
ko, Chiel!”

“Does it matter?” I asked, helplessly aiming for her neck but she pushed my
forehead again.

“No,” she snapped. “Kung ayaw mong ma-sample-an ni Daddy, ikalma mo.”
 I pouted, glancing at her delicate neck sadly, and nodded.

“Fine…” I sighed. “Pero pagkatapos ng kasal, sa honeymoon, papapakin ko

‘yan.”

“Okay, no problem.” She shrugged. “Basta papapakin ko rin ‘yong iyo.” We both
grinned like idiots and kissed again.

She fucked me—literally. I was breathing heavily in her neck, reaching for
my high when I felt her exploding. I held her back, thrusting twice as much until I
came inside her.

I felt her chest pressed on mine heaving up and down, catching her breath.

“Chiel,” she whispered.

“Yes, baby?” Ipinikit ko ang mata, nangingiti at hinaplos ang batok niya bago
humalik sa balikat niya.

“Part two, please,” she requested in a small voice.

I chuckled, reaching for her ass to slap it.

“You’re that horny, Bella?”

“Hmm… ikaw ba naman matuyot agad pagkatapos ng wisik, wala pang part two?”
she whispered and moved her hips. “Tara na, dali. Mamaya niyan, may istorbo na. ‘Di
na tayo makakaisa.”

Chuckling, I nodded.

“Alright.”

Lumayo siya, akmang aalis sana pero hinawakan ko kaagad.

“No, wrap your legs around my waist.”

She glanced at me, confused. “Why?”

I smirked wickedly. “Just do it, sweetheart. I’m sure you would like it.”

I held her back to support her weight as I stood from the bed and carried
her.

“Chiel?” she called, wrapping her arms around my nape. “Why…”

I pressed her back on the wall, smirking when her eyes widened.

“Don’t tell me…”

“Then I won’t tell you I’ll fuck you standing,” I teased. “Make use of these
long legs to pleasure you better, right?”

Her cheeks reddened and she swallowed, nodding her head and resting her back
on the wall, moving her hips to tease my still-hardened dick like the good girl she
was.

“Chiel… please.” She tried lowering herself to try and take me. Hinayaan ko
siya, inaangat ang isang hita niya.
 “Of course, Ma’am.” I smirked, kissing her and guiding my shaft back to her.

She moaned, tilting her head back with her mouth parting. I leaned in, kissed
her, and thrust my hips on hers.

“I’ll carry you now, Bella,” I informed her before hitching her other leg up
and pressing her on the wall.

I drove myself inside her, our moans and groans of pleasure echoing through
the room.

“O-oh, Chiel, fuck.” She humped on me, accepting my every thrust, her lusty
moans music to my ears. I lifted both of her legs up so I could aim better, wishing
silently we’d have a baby soon.

She was okay with it. I was too. We thought it’d be harder for her to be
pregnant if not now. Masakit na nga ang likod niya, paano pa kaya kung mas
nagkaedad pa?

I chuckled. She looked at me curiously then kissed me again.

Makapagsalita naman ako, kunwari hindi pa sumasakit ang katawan. ‘Yong edad
ko nasa trenta mahigit pa lang pero tangina ‘yong sakit ng likod ko pang-senior na
ata.

May nahawi siya o ako, hindi ko alam. May narinig kaming bumagsak mula
marahil sa gamit na nahulog na paniguradong kabibili lang namin para sa bahay.

We fucked like rabbits, done with the slow lovemaking for now because we were
so deprived, we believed we were dry and withering. This was our reward to
ourselves for not having and enjoying each other earlier, even if it’s our wedding
day today.

“Baka wala ka nang energy mamaya,” bulong niya nang matapos kaming maligo at
nagkaroon pa ng part three.

We were back on the bed, me on my back with her snuggling on my chest naked,
inseparable.

“Ako pa ba?” I kissed her head. “Para sa ‘yo, may energy ako.”

“Hmm, sabi ko kasi sa ‘yo uminom ka na n’ong gatas—”

“You should drink yours too, Lola Clyte,” I teased. “I saw you touching your
back. Ayaw mo naman magpamasahe no’ng nakaraang araw.”

“Kasi busy ako nag-aasikaso ng final touches sa wedding natin, Chiel.

Everything should be perfect! This is the most special event na inaasikaso ko, ano?
Kaya s’yempre dapat walang distraction. Baka mamaya niyan, hilot lang sa likod ang
ending, boobs ko na ang hilutin mo!”

I laughed loudly.

“They’d kill us today, sweetheart.”

“Ikaw lang.” Inangat niya ang tingin at ngumisi sa ‘kin. “Sabihin ko ikaw ang
kumidnap sa ‘kin.”
 It was partly true. Today was our wedding. We were separated yesterday and
couldn’t take it. She texted me, saying she missed me kaya tumakas ako sa bahay,
pumunta nang patago sa bahay nila at tinakas siya bago kaming tumakas na dalawa
papunta sa bahay namin.

Walang makakapagpahiwalay kaya ayon, nagtanan kami ng isang gabi.

Might as well totohanin ang pinakalat na fake news ni Zion noon.

“I was trying to be a good boy, you know?” I brushed her hair. “I was tempted
to take you, but they stopped me, saying hindi raw p’wedeng magkita ang groom at
bride sa araw bago ang kasal nila?”

“P’wede ba ‘yon e, ang tagal-tagal na nating ‘di nagkita bawal pa?” she
asked, sighing. “Kaya nga I texted you kasi I suddenly missed you. I realized I was
so focused on our wedding preparation na ‘di na kita napagtutuunan ng pansin na
naman. Sorry, Chiel ko.” She pouted and kissed me. “Sana h’wag ka magtampo, a?
Gusto ko lang kasi perfect ang wedding natin kasi deserve natin ‘yon. Kasi love na
love kita.”

“You as my bride?” I cupped her cheek. “‘Yon pa lang, sigurado na akong

perfect ang kasal.”

She blushed and before she could say a thing, a loud echo filled the whole
place.

“Hoy, mga makireng nilalang! Alam kong nand’yan kayo nagtatago! Sumuko na
kayo at napapalibutan na kayo!” Crest’s loud voice on a fucking megaphone made me
curse while Clyte laughed her ass out and smacked me.

Napagalitan ako. Ninakaw ko raw at itinanan si Clyte. Nakailang batok sa akin

si Crest, kinukurot pa ako at bakit ko raw tinakas.

“Tanan with consent kasi gusto ko rin—”

“Kahit na! Sure naman akong sabik na sabik ‘to!” Inambahan pa niya ako kaya
suminghap ako at nagtago sa likod ni Clyte.

“Clytey, save me,” inarte ko para lang mas asarin ang kambal, lalo na nang
yumakap pa sa akin si Clyte at hinalikan ako.

“Ang haharot! Nakaka-stress!” She sighed and closed her eyes. “Nasaan na
ba—Lorcan Keith, pakitangay na nga itong kambal ko at ‘di ko maaayusan ang bride
kung halikan sila nang halikan!”

They successfully pulled us away from each other and we got along with it at
nagagalit na ang kambal at nasisira daw ang makeup ni Clyte kakahalik ko.

“Ikaw na bata ka, bakit mo tinangay ang bride?!” Miski sa simbahan ay

napagalitan pa ako ni Mommy.

Our wedding wasn’t in the church but in the garden my fiancée chose.

A garden wedding. It was massive and whimsical, definitely cut straight from
a fairytale. She had been thinking about this for a while now. Dapat nga sa church
kagaya ng kasal ng halos lahat sa amin, but then I suggested that maybe she’d like
a garden wedding.

She agreed to it with no hesitation or a second to think. Turns out, matagal

na iyon sa utak niya at inantay lang akong magsalita.

So we started planning on it—well, inako niya lahat. I offered help from

time to time since our wedding was a short notice. After our proposal, ayaw na
naming patagalin pa so after three months, nandito na kami.

Our wedding wasn’t too intimate. Bakit pa kung ang tagal naming itinago at
sinarili lang ito? I wanted to show off my wife to everyone, that despite
everything we’ve been through, we still managed to find each other and get married.

I wanted to shout and let them know she was mine and I was hers. I didn’t
want us to hide in the dark anymore.

Floral din ang theme ng suot ng mga abay namin. There was no color scheme
because it’s flowers and my amazing twin, Crest, designed everything. Even the suit
I was wearing.

She made sure to give it a few floral touches to match the theme and my
fiancée’s wedding dress.

“Anak…” I looked around and smiled at Tita Zidney, helping her up to our mini
altar.

“Hi, Tita. Hindi ka pumunta kay Clyte?”

“Oh, I did,” aniya. “But her dressing room’s just near kaya mabilis lang
akong nakapunta. Anyway, I came here for this.”

Ipinakita niya sa ‘kin ang bungkos ng maliliit na bulaklak at inabot ang suit
ko. I watched her arranged the mini flowers in the front pocket of my suit, a red
rose in the middle, smiling.

“There.” She tapped my pocket. “Perfect.”

“Thank you, Tita,” I whispered and stared at her. “I know I wasn’t the ideal
man for Clyte—”

“What are you saying? You are the perfect man for my daughter, Chiel,” she
said softly. “You deserved her. You deserved each other. I am glad because she’ll
marry someone I love, trust, and know.”

My eyes stung.

“Tita…”

“Call me mom.”

I nodded. “Mom, thank you.”

“Thank you for the patience, anak,” she whispered, her eyes glassy and soft.
“I am happy for both of you. I am sure Ritch is so happy and thankful for you. I
know she’s here, smiling at us and guiding you both. I love you so much.”

When she cried, I did too. Niyakap ko si Mom at inililibot ang tingin.

Tita Ritch, if you are here, please give us a sign.

Kinuha ni Dad si Tita dahil wala pa ang wedding ay umiiyak na. Inalo niya ang
mommy at hinatid pabalik sa dressing room ni Clyte kung nasaan daw si Tito Thorn.
Bantay sarado ito at baka tangayin ko na naman ang anak niya.

I chuckled and brushed my hair.

“Naks, ang yabang!” Zion, along with Macky and Dei approached me with foolish
grins.

“Ang saya naman natin d’yan?” Macky asked.

I shrugged.

“Tangina nito ang yabang, o. Finally, ‘di na siya props,” ani Zion kaya
humagalpak ako.

“Ikakasal na ‘ko. Hindi na lang kayo ang married. ‘Di na ako best man at
groom na. Paano ba ‘yan, e di ang yabang ko na niyan?” I asked then shot my brow
up.

They laughed at me. Inayos ko ang suit para mang-asar.

“Gago, sayang-saya? Yari ka kay Daddy tinangay mo si Ate Clyte kagabi!

Nagulat siya kaninang umaga wala na sa kwarto. Baka nagwala na ‘yon kung wala lang
kayong note!” Dei hissed then laughed.

“Congratulations, man.” The three of them embraced me as their kids ran on me

para mag-bless.

“Ninong! Ninong! Congrats!” I kissed and thanked my niece and nephews,

glancing at my watch to check the time.

“They’re almost here,” ani Dei na nasa tabi ko.

The three of them were my best men. I didn’t choose only one because they
were all the best. They were my best friends. We’ve been through a lot of tough and
fun things since we were kids.

Sumaludo sa akin sina Bryce at Rome na nakapila na sa mga abay, si Meia ay

ngumisi pa at kumaway nang kumaway. Narito rin si Judge Marasigan at si Attorney
Lindsay at Lorraine.

I muttered thank you and when I saw my twin with Locket entering the
premises, I knew my future wife would be here any minute from now.

Binalingan ko sina Mommy at Daddy na nakangiti at papalapit, kasama si Adi na

nagliliwanag sa damit niyang pang-abay. She wasn’t wearing her eyeglasses today and
chose contacts. Medyo nanibago ako pero may salamin man o wala, maganda pa rin ang
kapatid ko.

I don’t even think there was ever a man who’d deserve her pure soul.

She walked closer to me and kissed my cheek.

“Congrats, Kuya ko.”

“Thank you, princess.” I embraced and kissed her forehead. “You look
gorgeous. May manliligaw ka na ba?”

She blushed and shook her head.

 “No, I have a lot of cases to look for. Do I have time with boys?”

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata pero ngumunguso na siya at pinalo ang braso ko.

“Believe me! True kaya!” she snapped. “Anyway, Kuya, I’ll go there, and Ate’s
calling me at may entrance na raw for abay. I saw Ate Clyte anyway and she looked
like a pretty garden princess.”

Umawang ang labi ko, mas lalo lang nasabik.

Adi gave me a wink, waving her hand. Sumama na rin papunta sa pila sina Dei,
Macky, at Zion kasama ang mga asawa nila para sa entrance bago lilipat mamaya sa
tabi ko.

Mommy got up and embraced me.

“Oh, my baby Chiel is so handsome.” She cupped my cheek. “Ang laki na ng anak
natin, Iñigo. Ikakasal na ang Kuya Chiel natin. Dati uhugin pa ‘to.”

I pouted. Dad laughed.

“Hindi kaya ako iyakin, Mommy,” I insisted, but Mom rolled her eyes and
chuckled.

“Sa inyo ng kambal mo, ikaw ang iyakin,” she reminded me. “Remember how hard
it was to get him vaccinated?”

“Not anymore—”

“H’wag kami, anak,” ani Dad. “I heard you fainted a lot of times during
Clyte’s practical back in college. You’re scared but volunteered and got through
it. That’s willpower, that’s love.” Tinapik ako ni Dad.

“I’m so proud and happy for you, Chiel,” Mommy smiled, and my heart felt
warmer. “I’m so happy you are finally getting married.”

“Apong-apo na rin ulit ang mommy mo,” ani Dad at iginalaw ang kilay niya.

“Hey, ‘di kaya!” she snapped at him. “B-but meron na ba?” Mom asked me
curiously.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. Humagalpak si Daddy.

“I knew it!” He cackled. “Kunwari ka pang ‘di nae-excite!”

“I was just asking, Iñigo Rafael!” she insisted. “Masama ba? I was merely
curious. Kung wala, okay lang. Kung meron, e di, happy…” Ngumuso siya’t halos
mamula na si Daddy kakatawa.

“So…?” Dad glanced at me with questions. I swallowed.

Lumalangoy pa ang mga alagad ko, Dad.

“I don’t think so,” I told them both.

“OMG, wala pa. I mean you don’t…” Lumiit ang boses ni Mommy. “Oh, God. I
didn’t mean to ask, and you can definitely not answer me if you’re uncomfy!”

I blinked then shook my head.

 “We didn’t…” I lied with a straight face.

“O-oh my.” She covered her mouth. “Why not?!”

I smiled at her. “Good boy kasi ako, Mommy.”

While Mommy was gasping loudly, she glanced at the crowd.

“Oh my God! Ang magkakapatid na ito! Bakit hinihila ni Adi ang damit niya?
Goodness, these kids!” Sabay lakad niya papunta roon kung saan hinihila ni Adi ang
damit niya at si Crest ay humahagikhik at kausap ang asawa.

Dad elbowed me. Nilingon ko siya at tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay.

“It’s bad to lie to your mother,” aniyang nakangiti.

I chuckled. “She’ll be ballistic, baka itsismis niya kay Tita Zid at isumbong
kay Tito. Ayokong may pasa sa sapak niya sa portrait ng kasal.”

Tumawa kami. Umiling si Dad at inakbayan ako.

“I’m proud of you, son,” he said. “Take care of her, alright? Clyte is a
wonderful kid. Kapag narinig kong umiyak siya dahil sa ‘yo, ako mismo ang mauunang
sasapak sa ‘yo.”

“I’d rather die than make her cry, Dad,” I reassured him.

He smirked and nodded. “Pinalaki talaga kita nang tama.”

We smiled at each other until he spoke again. “Anyway, after your honeymoon
and you’re back in the prosecution, I want you to look after your sister.”

“Adi?” My forehead creased. “Why?”

“The asshat’s back for real now,” he muttered, his voice serious.

“Guerrero?” I confirmed.

He nodded grimly.

“Oh, my ghad! Nasa simbahan pa sila, may masasamang plano na kaagad!” I

smirked when I heard Tito Zeij.

I looked back and greeted him.

“Hello, Tito Pogi,” I grinned.

“Alchiel-taba!” he chirped happily. “Ang gwapo-gwapo naman, o! Parang dati

lang buchog ka pa…”

“Ako pa ba? Wala yatang ‘di perfect sa pamilyang ‘to,” I answered. Nagliwanag
lalo ang mukha niya.

“Oh, Kuya Raf! Tingnan mo! Napalaki talaga natin nang tama itong si Chiel!”
He embraced me. Nailing ako at natawa, bumabaling kay Tito Dash na nang-aasar ang
tingin.

“Ano, ‘nak? May susunod na apo na ba kami?” he asked, mas umugong ang tawanan
at asaran.

Everyone was really happy. Finally, the only remaining firstborn of the clan
was getting married.

Sunod-sunod na naglakad ang mga abay namin papunta sa kanilang mga pwesto.
Mga pamangkin ko ang flower girls, mga pinsan ang mga abay. I was smiling and
emotional to the whole duration, still couldn’t believe this was real.

Mas lumakas ang kalabog ng puso ko nang makita ang enclosed na kalesa na
sinasakyan ng bride kasama ang pamilya niya.

“Ayan na… finally,” Zion whispered.

I nodded, impatient and nervous, when a minute had passed and the bride’s
still not out. Nangunot ang noo ko nang matantong walang bride na lumabas.

Then, the racing of my heart tripled when Tito Thorn got out of the carriage
and rushed to me.

“Tito, si Clyte—”

“Yari ka pa sa ‘kin at tinanan mo ang panganay ko pero pumunta ka ro’n sa

labas.”

I blinked. “Po?”

“Nag-iinarte si Clytemnestra, labasin mo raw! Sabay raw kayong pupunta sa

altar! Naku, ang mga kabataan talaga ngayon nakaka-stress!”

I was still gawking at him when everyone laughed. Natatawa ako nang hilahin
ako ni Tito Thorn papunta sa may entrance sabay bukas ng pintuan at tinuro si
Clyte.

My breath got caught in my lungs with the breathtaking sight of my beautiful

bride.

“Ayan ‘yong sutil. Kunin mo na at ako’y nanggigigil talaga!” Turo niya kay
Clyte na tumatawa katabi si Tita Zidney, namumula.

“Daddy!” She cackled. “I love you!”

Tito Thorn made a face but sighed.

“I love you too, princess, pero yari pa rin kayong dalawa sa ‘kin mamaya. Mga
sutil!” He tapped my back. “O, kunin mo na ‘yang pasaway at magmartsa na sa loob!”

Tita Zidney went out first when Tito assisted her, and my eyes got stuck on
my beautiful rose in her long, white, minimalist wedding dress.

“Hi, beautiful,” I greeted, astonished.

“Hi, handsome,” she answered me back with the sweetest smile.

Nanginginig pa ang kamay ko nang ilahad iyon sa kanya para alalayan siya
pababa ng kalesa.

Crest was quickly beside us when Clyte got down, fixing her veil with floral
embellishment like the flowers I had on my pockets.
 “Oh, so pretty!” She gasped loudly and then glanced at me, her smile fading.
“Ang pangit mo, Alchiel.”

I laughed and winked at her.

Hindi pa rin nakaka-move on sa pagtakas ko sa bride.

“Kung pangit ako, e di ikaw din.” I smirked. “Kambal tayo, e.”

Nasa harapan lang namin sina Tito at Tita Zidney nang maglakad sa entrance ng
venue. All eyes were on us.

My grip on Clyte’s gloved palm tightened.

“Calm down, sweetheart.” She chuckled. “Nanginginig ang kamay mo.”

“Sorry,” I muttered nervously. “Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala…” Tumitig ako

sa kanya.

Her eyes softened. She squeezed my hand back.

“Then, start to get used to it now,” she whispered. “Pangako, hindi na ako
mawawala.”

I let out a shaky breath as the song played in the background, filled with
Adira and Deion’s cold and soothing voices as they sang the song Can You Feel the
Love Tonight.

A cue that our everlasting love’s next chapter was starting now.

There’s a calm surrender

To the rush of day

When the heat of a rolling wind

Can be turned away

As we stepped into the red carpet filled with rose petals, my tears fell.
Wala pa nga ay nanlalabo na ang mata ko.

An enchanted moment

And it sees me through

It’s enough for this restless warrior

Just to be with you

Then, while walking with my love, a strong, cool wind blew, making the red
petals dance with it, and it felt like we were suddenly being rained on.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Clyte at kagaya ko’y nangingintab na ang luha niya.

We walked towards the natural green arch where the priest was waiting, the
rose petals still following us like it was destined to do so.

And can you feel the love tonight?

 It is where we are

It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

And can you feel the love tonight

How it’s laid to rest?

It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds

Our families were crying when we got there in the middle. Niyakap ko ang mga
magulang, mga kapatid.

“I-I’m so happy,” Crest cried and embraced me. “I-I’m so happy for you,
kambal.”

“Thank you, kambal. Mahal kita.” I kissed her forehead.

I went to Clyte’s family, embracing Scira and Queen then proceeding para
magpaalam kina Tito at Tita na hawak pa rin ang kamay ni Clyte.

“Mom…” Nagmano ako sa kanilang dalawa.

“You’re always welcome to the family, anak.” Tita Zidney smiled and when I
glanced at Tito Thorn, he glared at me with his glassy eyes.

“Tito…”

“A-anong Tito?” He scoffed. “Dad na!”

I chuckled and nodded.

“Okay, Dad,” I agreed and stared at him. “I swear in my life I’d cherish and
love your daughter for the rest of my life until the next.”

He was still crying as he glanced back at Clyte, his lips trembling.

“I-ikakasal na ang panganay ni Daddy,” he whispered, and I couldn’t help but

cry. Hinawi ko ang luha at pinagmasdan ang mag-ama na nagyayakap at umiiyak.
“Parang dati lang ang liit-liit mo pa at inaabutan ako ng candy tapos ikakasal ka
na… B-basta, princess, nandito lang ang Daddy at Mommy para sa ‘yo, para sa inyo.
Mahal na mahal namin kayo. H-h’wag mong kalimutan ang Daddy, a?”

She nodded, crying and as Dad finally gave me Clyte’s palm, he gave me a
deadly glare.

“Kapag pinaiyak mo ang anak ko, sinasabi ko sa ‘yo, Alchiel. Gagawa ako ng
special listahan para sa ‘yo. Marunong na ako sa baril,” he threatened me.

I smiled and nodded.

“You don’t have to because I won’t, but I’ll keep it in mind, Dad,” I told
him with a smile.

When we got to the altar, my head felt like floating. The wind was still on
it, cold and soothing and it somehow calmed my nerves but didn’t entirely do it.
 The priest started the ceremony, my hand still on my fiancée’s, noticing the
single red petal still floating and dancing with the wind.

When I glanced at my woman, she was staring at it too.

“Kanina pa ‘yan, Chiel,” bulong niya at ngumiti sa akin.

During the first part of the ceremony, lutang lang ako. Para pa rin akong
nasa panaginip, nakikinig sa pari pero halos ‘di na masundan at maintindihan ang
sinasabi niya.

Clyte, however, was very attentive and smiling samantalang ako’y parang nasa
punto na matatae sa kaba.

“Minamahal kong Clytemnestra at Alchiel, sa harap ng Diyos at ng kanyang

sambayanan, pagdaupin ninyo ang inyong mga palad at ipahayag ninyo ang mithiing
magtipan sa banal na sakramentong kasal,” the priest said.

We did exactly as he instructed and then he asked me to repeat after his

words.

“Sa harap ng Diyos at ng kanyang sambayanan, tinitipan kitang maging aking

maybahay sa hirap at ginhawa, sa dusa at ligaya,” he started.

I swallowed.

“Clyte, sa harap ng Diyos at ng kanyang sambang—” I stopped when my tongue

twisted.

“Sambayanan,” the priest repeated.

“Sambangyanan,” I repeated then closed my eyes when I heard the laughter

around.

Shit!

“Sambayanan,” Clyte repeated with a sweet smile, tapping my chest. “It’s

okay, Mr. Conyo.”

I pouted and cleared my throat.

“Clyte, sa harap ng Diyos at ng kanyang sambayanan, tinitipan kitang na

bahay—maging aking bahay—” I almost cursed. Mas umugong ang tawanan.

“House and lot pala ang gusto!” Crest said loudly and my cheeks flushed when
the teasing echoed.

“Ulit.” The priest chuckled. “Clyte.”

“Clyte,” I repeated, more focused this time, determined. “Sa harap ng Diyos
at ng kanyang sambayanan, tinitipan kitang maging aking bahay…”

I closed my eyes when I said it again that even my Clyte was hysterical and
laughing.

“Oh my God, Alchiel.” She was laughing. “Calm down! It’s maybahay…”

“Sorry… sorry, Father.” I closed my eyes tighter then glanced at the priest
with his amused face as he handed me the paper instead.

“Oh, basahin mo na nga at ano pa ang masabi mo,” aniya sabay abot sa akin
kaya umaalon pa ang sikmura ko sa kahihiyan ay binasa iyon.

“Clyte, sa harap ng Diyos at ng kanyang sambayanan, tinitipan kitang maging

aking maybahay…”

Yes! Fuck yes!

“Ayon!” they said in relief, still chuckling. I grinned proudly before

continuing.

“Sa harap at ginhawa.” They laughed again. “Hirap at ginhawa, sa dusa at

ligaya,” I corrected. “Ikaw lamang ang aking iibigin at itatanging karugtong ng
buhay ngayon at kailanman.”

I finally said it.

Clyte said the same thing and I watched in awe as her words resonated with
mine.

Mahal na mahal ko ang babaeng ‘to…

My eyes saw that one petal still swirling continuously around us. Mawawala
iyon sa paningin ko pero mamamaya-maya’y nariyan na naman. I caught Clyte looking
at it too until our gaze went to our coin and ring bearer, Deion’s son and
Clytemnestra Avery.

“Aww…” Clyte swooned and embraced the two, smiling sweetly.

Lumuhod ako para yakapin din ang dalawa, nagpapasalamat bago nag-angat ng
tingin muli sa pari at nakinig. He instructed us what to do with the ring on my
hand, ready to slip in my bride’s finger and repeating the words from him.

“Clyte,” I started while staring at her brown eyes. “Kahit kailanma’y ‘di
kita pagtatalsikan.”

She burst out laughing and my eyes widened.

Fuck! Namawis ng malamig ang noo ko.

“P-pagtatak…” Subok kong ayusin pero biglang pumiyok. “Pagtaksikan…”

“Kasal pa lang ito pero nasa honeymoon ka na yata, anak,” ani ng pari. Mas
lumakas ang tawanan kaya napapikit ako at natawa na rin.

“Oh my God!” Clyte burst out and wheezed. Umalon ang dibdib ko at malakas na
napatawa, nag-iinit ang buong mukha.

“Ikalma mo naman, Chiel-taba. Excited?” Zion blurted.

Nagmulat ako ng mata at nahawa sa malakas na tawa ni Clyte. She couldn’t

breathe, napapaupo na. She couldn’t even say her next words while I tried to say
the right words again, but I sucked.

“At least alam nating first time niya ikasal,” biro ni Father kaya mas
sumakit na ang tiyan ko sa kahihiyan at ‘di matigil na tawa, hiyang-hiya na sa
kanya at sa mga bisita.
 Bigla tuloy akong nagsising marami kaming inimbita!

My hand trembled as I slipped the ring on my love’s finger.

I have always dreamt of this, to thread my hand with hers, to be able to put
my ring on her finger for everyone to see, to hold this hand whenever I like, in
the street, in public. It wasn’t my option before but then that one day I was
looking forward to was here now.

The day was here. The day when I was able to officially tell everyone she
was
mine.

“I love you,” I mouthed.

“I love you too,” she mouthed back with hearts in her eyes.

“Maari mo nang halikan ang iyong bahay—este, maybahay,” ani ng pari kaya
nag-init na naman ang mukha ko sa tawanan ng lahat.

I straightened my back, my heart racing in anticipation. We kissed earlier,

but I was as excited as the first time.

Suddenly, as I lifted my girl’s veil to try and kiss her, the petal of the
rose went to the tip of her nose. We both stopped as warmth ran through my spine
for an invisible embrace. My eyes stung.

Alam kong ‘di lang ako ang nakaramdam n’on dahil nahulog ang luha ni Clyte,
inabot ang talulot ng rosas sa balat niya at tinitigan.

“W-well, hello there, my Mommy Ritch,” she whispered as she brought the petal
to her lips.

She sniffed and I held her until she calmed down. I felt a gaze on me from
the side kaya napabaling ako sa may exit sa gilid ng simbahan at nakita ang
pamilyar na babae.

It was the woman! ‘Yong sa sementeryo noon!

She smiled, and I was about to say something when a group of staff walked
past her, and when they got through, she was gone. Like she was just a fragment of
my imagination. Like a kiss in the wind.

Binalingan ko ang asawa na nakangiti sa akin at nasa dibdib pa rin ang palad
hawak ang talulot ng rosas.

“Mommy’s here,” she said like she could see her. “She’s happy for us.”

The priest reminded us again we could seal the promise with a kiss, and so, I
looked around to where our big, supportive family was, to my family, to hers, and
to the empty spaces in front of the church where Tita Ritch, Mama Lena, and Papa
Jer were probably sitting and watching.

I smiled confidently and proudly.

“Ayan na naman ‘yong ngising tagumpay niya,” ani Macky.

“S’yempre, ganyan talaga kapag officially, ‘di na siya props,” Dei said. I
smirked, glanced at my beautiful, beautiful rose, held her waist to tilt her, and
crashed my lips on hers.

We kissed like our lives were dependent on it. We kissed as a renewed and
stronger love rooted in our hearts and bloomed for a fruitful life together, always
in light, never to be withered again.

While kissing, I raised my other fists like a champion, like I had just won
the lottery, earning loud squeals and giggles.

I really did though, because Clyte? She was one in a million.

“Umusad na ang barko ng AlClyte!” my twin cheered as everyone followed

happily.

“AlClyte! AlClyte!” they chanted happily and when my beautiful wife opened
her brown eyes, I saw forever in it.