<center><h1>Stolen</h1></center>

<hr>
Stolen

Stolen identity.

Stolen family.

Stolen empire.

Stolen happiness.

More importantly, a stolen heart.

Stolen...

<center><h1>Prologue: And it all begins here...</h1></center>

<hr>
"You will be spending your summer vacation in Greece, Hector."

My face went blank as I stared at my mother who was sitting at the other side of
the table beside my step father who was playing with my baby sister Leighton than
time. I wished that she didn't say those words. I don't want to spend my summer
vacation at Greece with my real father.

"I don't want too, Mom. I want to stay here and play with my baby sister." I smiled
at Dad. Wilfredo Santillan is only my step father but he treats me like his own
flesh and blood. My mother married him when I was four years old. Theirs was a
whirlwind romance. They met, they dated and after three weeks they fell in love.

Instantly, I loved my step father, he was as good to me as my mom. He loves me like

I am his real son. For eight years, I am his only son and I think he's okay with
that but one day, the good news came. Mom got pregnant and nine months later, we
we're blessed with a healthy bouncing baby girl. Mom named her Leighton. We were
very happy upon her arrival. Dad called her the lucky charm of the family.

When I saw her for the first time, my heart fell for her. I felt responsible for
her every move. I vowed to protect my sister. I will do everything for her and no
one can ever take her away from the family. No one will ever hurt her.

"You have to; your Baba wants to see you." Mom looked at me. "Don't you want to get
to know him?"

"He had abandon me, Mom. He just needed an heir that's why he wants me now."
"You are twelve years old and yet you talk like you dad. Wilfredo ano bang itinuro
mo sa anak ko?" Mom rolled her eyes. Dad smiled at me and winked.

"If he doesn't want to go then let him stay here."

"Oo nga, Mom. Mas gusto kong alagaan si Leigh. Kapag nasa Santorini ako, mami-miss
ko lang siya."

"I'm still your mother. Anak, two months ka lang naman sa Baba mo. Isa pa,
kailangan mo rin siyang kilalanin."

I didn't say anything. I continued eating. It's not that I hate my real father but
the fact that he left mom while she was pregnant with me bugs the hell out of me.

Hindi rin naman ako nanalo kay Mommy. She sent me to Greece three days after. I
wasn't really having the time of my life although Santorini is a very beautiful
place, I still prefer my view of the Metro in my room and the voice of my step
father. I also missed little Leigh. I miss her baby laughter and I missed my
mother's food.

I sighed. I can't believe that I have to stay here the whole summer. My real
father's name is Hyperion Demitri - he told me that his English name is John Doe -
he had also asked about my English name and I told him that It's Hector Santillan.
He shook his head and smiled knowingly, he tapped my shoulder.

"You're in Greece, son. You are Helios, the son of Hyperion and this..." He
motioned his vast land. "Is all yours. You are my only heir. You're even richer
than that man your mother married."

I stared at him. I don't know what I should feel about this but I'm kinda glad that
he's trying to get to know me.

The days went by so fast. Baba was training me on handling his business. He's a
firearm tycoon. He sells guns - legally - and other war weapons to the arm force of
the tiger countries like The U.S.A. Russia, China and the Philippines.

"Baba, why don't you have a wife?" I asked him one night while having dinner. He
stared at me.

"I don't need that, Helios. Love is a weakness. If you love you're weak." He said.
He was serious. I just shrugged that off. We ate dinner in silence. I don't know
why he said those words but with what I saw between my parents - I know that love
isn't a bad thing.

Dumating ang araw nang pagbalik ko sa Pilipinas. Baba was with me that moment. He
wanted to personally return me to my mom and ask permission to borrow me again next
summer.

When we got to the house, I was so excited. Makikita ko na ulit si Leighton. Marami
akong pasalubong sa kanya. I excitedly entered the mansion but the silence struck
me.

"Mom?" I called out. I was only gone for two months but I felt like something has
changed. "Mom!?! Dad?!"

I heard some footsteps. I looked around and I saw my nanny walking towards me. She
was holding a bag on her hand. Her eyes were shallow and watery. Parang kaiiyak
niya lang.

"Nanny?" I called her. "Where is mom? Nasa office ba si Dad?" I was excited again.
"Si Leigh?"

To my surprise my nany hugged me. She sobbed hard. I could feel her shoulders
shaking.

"H-ector," She sobbed so hard she was almost out of breath. "Wala na ang mommy at
daddy mo. Inatake sa puso ang daddy mo, namatay naman sa car crash ang mommy mo.
Wala na sila, Hector..."

Gumuho ang mundo ko.

I was only twelve years old, too young to realize how cruel life is.

Tiningnan ko siya.
"S-si Leigh?"

My nanny shook her head.

"They took her away too, Hector."

<center><h1>1. Stolen</h1></center>
<hr>
Santorini, Greece

"How was your sister, Helios?"

Baba asked me the question I have been avoiding to hear all week. I got back from
the Philippines almost six months and I have been avoiding Baba since then. It was
a good thing Baba was busy with his work for the last six months. I don't want him
to know that I fail on getting Leighton back. I don't want him to know that the
Consunji's have defeated his mighty son Helios Demitri - the son of the armor god
of Greece - Hyperion Demitri.

"You promised me that when you get back, she'll be with you. Where is she, Helios?
I wanna see her."

I didn't answer. I just sat there thinking of the right words to use. How am I
supposed to tell my father that his son failed? I should've listened to him.

"I'll get her soon, Baba." I said to him. He sighed.

"You failed, Demitri?" He asked me. I didn't know what to say to him. Yes, I have
failed and it's all because of the Consunjis. They didn't want to give Leighton
back to me. May karapatan ako sa kanya, kapatid ko siya but the Consunjis have
erased every bit of Santillan on her. She's now a full grown Consunji and I hated
the family that took her away from me more than anything else.

My plan was perfect. I'm on the verge of taking everything away from them. I have
placed myself on the Consunji hotels. I have defeated Yto Consunji - it was a sure
win but Sandejas ruined my plan.
I have underestimated Yto Consunji - he's just like his father and because of that
I failed. Dapat pinag-aralan kong maigi ang laro niya. He plays dirty - I wasn't
ready for him. I wasn't even thinking about his plans. I was so focused on getting
Leighton back to me.

Nanghina ako at dahil iyon sa pagmamahal ko para sa kapatid ko. Baba was right -
love makes people weak.

"Son..."

"I know, Baba. I'm planning of a comeback and it will be explosive this time." I
grinned. The Consunjis don't have any idea what they were getting themselves into.
They have no idea who Helios Demitri is and what I can do. I am a powerful man -
even more powerful than Sancho Consunji himself - back in the days. Kung anong kaya
nilang gawin kaya ko rin at mas higit pa doon.

Baba and I finished eating breakfast. Nagpaalam siyang aalis at iikutan ang armory
niya. I stayed in the mansion reading the papers that need signing after that, I
got talked to some people about my comeback to the Philippines.

I spent half of my day working and plotting on a plan - a plan that would send the
Consunjis to the ground - I will break them apart like what they did to my family.
I will make their lives a living hell until I get what I want.

The night came. I was inside my room lying naked on the bed waiting for Cassiopeia
- my personal goddess - she's the woman I fuck every time I feel like fucking. When
she came inside, I told her to take her clothes off. She started pleasuring me.

Sex calms me down every time I am stressed or uneasy. Mas nakakapag-isip ako during
the act. And that night was not different at all. While I was thrusting inside of
her, the plan I was plotting became more vivid and clearer. Before Cassiopeia came
- the plan in my head was plotted neatly.

I love it when women scream my name out of pain and pleasure.

After I came on her, I stood up. She was well spent. Bago siya tuluyang makatulog
ay pinaalis ko siya sa silid ko.

I was looking at the vast darkness on my window - I was thinking about the life I
have right now and the life that I should have lived kung hindi nakialam ang mga
Consunji sa pamilya ko.

Napangisi na lang ako. Hindi na rin naman magtatagal at makukuha ko na kung anong
gusto ko. Alam na alam ko na ang gagawin ko at sisimulan ko ang paghihiganti sa
pagbalik ko. Hindi na ako makapaghintay.

Maghihiganti ako at sisimulan ko iyon kay Sheena Consunji.

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

Two months later...

"Welcome back, Demitri."

I eyed my driver and my Filipina assistant. They are all useless to me. I wasn't
even thrilled about seeing them after I got out of the airport. It was just an
ordinary day. Hindi naman sila ang gusto kong makita. I have asked my people to get
my plan in motion. Masyado nang matagal ang walong buwan na pagbabakasyon at
pamamahinga ko sa Santorini. Kailangan ko namang gumawa ng ingay ngayon.

Ngayong araw ko sisimulan ang plano. My plan - unlike the first - wasn't premature
at all. It is just right. I was sure that after today, the Consunjis will be
crawling back to me at sila pa mismo ang magbabalik sa akin kay Leighton. I
wouldn't even have to beg to them. Sila ang magmamakaawa sa akin.

I got to my car. Agad namang inabot sa akin ni Kathryna - my assistant - ang I-

phone ko. I instantly made a call.

"Dominguez, how was the plan?" I asked him. I didn't even bother asking how he is.
Why would I? I am Helios Demitri - and I don't give a damn about anything.

"We're following them, Sir."

"Good." I said. Bigla ay may naalala ako. "How was that boy - the one who got shot?
Is he still alive?" I asked. Hindi naman ako concern. I just wanted to know.
"He's well, Sir. Kasama siya ngayon sa sinusundan namin."

"Good. Siguraduhin ninyong malinis ang trabaho ninyo." Tinapos ko ang tawag at
tumahimik na lang. I'm sure that by tonight - all my plans will fall in their
proper places. The Consunjis world will be doomed. Leighton will be with me - end
of story. I will be able to live the life I have been wanted since I was very young
and naïve. Babawiin ko ang lahat ng kinuha sa akin ni Sancho Consunji. Sisiguruhin
kong pagsisihan niyang lahat ng ginawa niya. Luluha siya ng dugo sa gagawin ko sa
asawa niya.

It's like hitting two birds in one stone. Hindi lang si Sancho ang masisira kundi
pati na rin si Yto Consunji. He will be as devastated as his father. I couldn't
wait for that day to happen.

We reached my home. My house is located on the top of a hill overlooking the metro.
People like to call my home the Glasshouse on the hill.

"Welcome Sir." Bati sa akin ng mga katulong sa bahay ko. Hindi ko sila pinansin. I
went inside my room. Lie on my bed and tried sleeping. Kailangan ko ng lakas para
sa pagdating ng bisita ko mamaya.

It was almost midnight when I woke up. I guess I was just on time because when I
looked out my window - I saw a car entering my lot. I grinned. Nandito na ang
bisita ko.

Sinalubong ko sila sa labas. I was actually excited about this. Kasabay ng paglabas
nila ay may hawak rin silang isang babaeng nakatakip ng sako ang ulo. Pumapalag
siya. Nakangisi lang ako. I was actually enjoying this. Kababalik ko pa at ang
ganda ng pasalubong ko sa mga Consunji.

"Sir, heto na siya." Sabi sa akin nang tauhan ko. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa
kanya. I took the sack away from her face. Handa na ako sa makikita ko. I was
expecting Sheena Consunji but as I take the sack away from her - it revealed her
face I gasped.

"What the fuck is this?!" I looked at all of them.

<center><h1>2. Never again</h1></center>
<hr>
It was happening again. I was seeing it again. I could hear the deafening sound of
that gunshot that took the best of him that morning of the twenty-third of July. It
was almost nine months ago but still the memory of the horror I experienced after
seeing him lying on the cold pavement - unconscious and barely breathing haunted me
like a monster under my bed every night.

I knew that I was only dreaming but the dream was so real. In my dream, I have lost
him and no matter how hard I try or cry he just won't come back. In my dream, there
was the monster standing outside his room holding the gun that was used to shoot
him. In my dream he was evilly laughing - celebrating the victory he had.

It was all a dream but it seemed so real.

I opened my eyes as I catch my breath. I tried forgetting the memory in my head.

Was I thinking about it again that I actually dreamed of it? Nasapo ko ang dibdib
ko. Hindi ako makahinga. I could feel my body shaking with so much fear. Hanggang
ngayon natatakot ako sa kanya. Those piercing devilish green eyes, his demonic
grin, and his monster-like laughter - everything about him just makes me shake...

"Yza?"

The voice I heard behind me is enough to take me back to reality. I felt his arms
wrapped around me, his lips touched my temple as he took a deep long sigh. Napaiyak
ako sa takot.

"Babe, what's wrong?" No matter how comforting his voice was - the horror I was
feeling inside just won't stop.

"Yza Joan..." Tawag niya muli sa akin. Napilitan akong harapin siya.

"I had a bad dream." I sobbed. Zachary Drew sighed as he pulled me closer. I
settled my head on his bare chest. His skin was hot - but it's not enough to take
away all the bad things in my memory. I could see him as if he's here. I could
still hear the gunshot, I could feel the pain, everything. I just loathe that day
so much.

"Yza, tapos na diba?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Gising na ako. I'm a live, we're
together, and we're on my bed. I'm here. I'm never going to leave you so why be
scared?" He was kissing the side of my head as he says all those comforting words.
Pumikit ako. Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko. Tama naman si Zach - there's
nothing to be worried about. Nandito siya. We've been together for two and a half
years. He's alive, he's in love with me and he will never leave me. Iyon lang naman
ang mahalaga - iyong akin siya at walang ibang makikihati sa kanya sa akin.
"Akin ka diba?" Tanong ko pa. Humagikgik siya at saka tiningnan ako. Kumunot naman
ang noo ko. Inis na nagsalita ako. "Bakit ka tumatawa? Anong nakakatawa?"

"Last night, I heard Yto say that to Nikita. He said in a very authoritative tone:
Akin ka. Tapos ang usapan. I was just wondering, motto ninyo bang magkapatid iyan?"
Tanong pa niya na para bang inaasar lang ako. I made a face. Kasalanan ko ba kung
ayaw ko ng kahati sa kanya?

"Matulog ka na nga." Sabi ko na lang. I lay on my side of his bed again. Naramdaman
kong pumalupot sa baywang ko ang kamay niya at saka siya nagsalita.

"Sa'yo lang ako, babe. Wala namang nagbago." He assured me. I just sighed. Pumikit
ako na may ngiti sa labi. Pilit kong kinakalimutan ang takot na dala ng araw na
iyon. Ayoko nang maalala ang bagay na iyon. Kung meron man akong nararamdamang
kahit na ano para sa araw na iyon ay galit - galit para sa taong gumawa noon kay
Zach. Galit at panibugho.

Hindi ko alam kung anong oras na akong nakatulog nang gabing iyon. Kinabukasan ay
halos magtatanghali na rin nang bumangon kaming dalawa. Zach was still naked -
we'll not fully naked. He had his boxers on while I was wearing his shirt and his
boxer shorts. Wala naman kasi sa plano na doon ako magpapalipas ng gabi. We just
decided on that after watching a movie - well after making out - I blushed on that
thought.

I cleared my throat. Nahihiya ako sa takbo ng isipan ko. I was actually thinking of
Zach's lips and the way it feels on my skin. Wala namang masama sa ginagawa namin.
We're two people under the spell of love. Eventually - we are going to make love
then we'll get married and we're going to do that every waking moment of our lives
pero kapag naiisip ko kasi nahihiya ako.

I'm a virgin and I told him that. Siguro nga yata dapat ay hindi ko sinabi sa
kanya. Naisip ko nab aka kaya niya gustong i-take slow ang lahat ay dahil natatakot
siya na masaktan lang ako. Hindi naman ako masasaktan because I know that he loves
me at isa pa wala na akong ibang lalaking nakikita na pagbibigyan noon.

"Huy!" Pinindot niya ang ilong ko. "Anong iniisip mo, babe?" He asked me. Umiling
ako. Ayokong sabihin sa kanya kasi aasarin na naman niya ako. "Magbihis ka na,
ihahatid kita sa inyo. May pasok ka sa university ngayon. Finals mo na." Ngumisi
siya sa akin.

I went back to school again but this time I took up the course I wanted. After
three more months, I am going to graduate with a degree in Education. I will pass
the board exams and I will be a full blown teacher - just like what I dream about.

"Ihahatid mo ako?" Tudyo ko sa kanya.

"Oo." Bigla ay napangiwi siya. "Shit, fuck! Patay na naman ako kay Tito Sancho!"
Bigla siyang napasabunot.

"It's not like it's the first time we spent a night together." Casual na sabi ko.

"Oo nga pero kahit na. Baka isipin noon may ginawa tayo." Bulong niya sa akin.
Namula ang mukha ako.

"Meron naman. Wala lang main event..." bulong ko rin. Biglang tumawa ng malakas si
Zach. Niyakap niya ako at sabay na naman kaming bumagsak sa kama.

"Impatient ka, babe. Sabi ko sa'yo let's take things slow." Komento niya. Tinitigan
ko ang mukha ni Zachary Drew. Mula noong nabaril siya ay marami nang nagbago sa
kanya. He's not the type of guy na maghihintay na lang - he's different. He became
daring and aggressive.

He once told me that he wanted to live life without boundaries anymore. Ang akala
ko noon nagbibiro siya pero nang nakita ko ang pagbabago sa mga kilos niya ay
naniwala ako. Madali na siyang mainis ngayon. Kung noon sobrang bait niya na
willing siyang mag-give way sa iba, ngayon hindi na. Mabait pa rin naman siya pero
somehow, I knew that something inside him changed and I really don't know if it's
for the better but seeing him that way only made him more irresistible to me.

"Paano kung kaka-take things slow natin, mambabae ka?" Tanong ko sa kanya. He
laughed sexily. Napalunok ako. I really want him. Naalala ko iyong sinabi ni Nikita
sa akin dati. The feeling you feel whenever you're making love with the one you
love - napabuntong hininga na lang siya noon. She once told me that the feeling was
indescribable. And maybe Zach is right - I so want to know what kind of
indescribable feeling Nikita was talking about.

"Bihis ka na..." Sabi niya ulit. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. He was asking me to get
dressed but he's not letting me go. He started pulling me closer and not a moment
later he was on top of me, kissing my lips while his hands were reaching for the
hem of his shirt. Moments later, I was half naked beneath him. I closed my eyes
when I felt his glorious mouth on the mounds of my breasts. I wrapped my arms
around him - encouraging him to keep doing what he was doing.
"Za-ch..." I moaned when his lips reached my abdomen. He's moving with too much
urgency. I bit my lower lip when I felt like moaning again. Ayokong marinig ang
sarili ko. Nakakahiya kasi pero hindi ko naman mapigilan.

"Zach...hmnn...." I bit my lower lip. Bigla siyang tumigil. He took a deep breath.

"Seryoso na, babe. Bihis ka na. I love you." Hinagkan niya ako sa labi. We ended up
staring at each other.

"ZD ka talaga." Nasabi ko habang tawa ako nang tawa. Maya-maya ay nagbihis na din
ako. I wore the dress I was wearing last night when we went out. Lumabas ako ng
kwarto at nakita ko siyang nakatayo sa may sala - he was still half naked. Lumapit
ako sa kanya. Hinaplos ko ang malaking pilat niya sa likod. I felt him stiffened.

"Babe... tama na." Sabi niya sa akin sabay harap. "Iiyak ka na naman."

"Hindi." Sabi ko pero sa totoo lang ay namumuo na nga ang mga luha sa mga mata ko.
He shook his head tapos ay nagmamadali siyang nagsuot ng t-shirt. Matapos iyon ay
hinawakan na niya ang kamay ko at sabay na kaming lumabas ng bahay niya. We went to
his car; he opened the door for me - siya pa mismo ang nagkabit ng seatbelt ko
tapos ay umikot siya pagkasara ng pinto.

He drove away. Hindi ako nagsasalita. Naaalala ko na naman ang panaginip ko. Buong-
buo sa alaala ko iyong mukha ng halimaw na iyon. Napukaw ang pag-iisip ko nang
biglang mag-ring ang phone ko. I looked at Zach before answering it. He smiled at
me.

"Hello?" I asked the other line. It was my twin brother calling.

"Nasaan ka?" He asked. Kalmado naman ang boses niya kaya hindi ako masyadong
kinakabahan.

"With ZD. Ikaw? Pinaiyak mo na naman si Nikita. Naku! Demonyto ka talaga!"

"Yza nga." Bigla siyang tumawa. Pakisundo si Nanay sa office ni Tatay. Nasiraan
kami ni Nikita dito sa hi-way hindi ko siya masusundo."
Tumango ako kahit hindi ako nakikita ni Yto. "Okay, ingat kayo ha?" Sabi ko.
Tinapos ko ang tawag.

"Si Yto?" Tanong ni Zach sa akin.

"Oo. Babe, pwede ba nating daanan si Nanay sa office ni Tatay? Nasira iyong
sasakyan ni Yto kaya hindi niya masusundo si Nanay."

"Okay..." Bigla naman siyang ngumiwi. "Shit! Nandoon si Tito Sancho! Patay na naman
ako!" Natatawang sabi niya. Napangiti ako. Hindi ko maintindihan sa boyfriend ko
kung bakit hanggang ngayon uneasy pa rin siya kay Tatay. Nagawa nga niyang harapin
si Tatay noong araw na hiningi niya ng pormal ang kamay ko tapos ngayon na halos
dalawang taon na ang nakaraan parang may kaba pa rin siya sa dibdib. That was the
only thing that didn't change in him.

After fifteen minutes, dumating kami sa office ni Tatay. Nanay was at the lobby
waiting. Wala si Tatay. Nilapitan ko siya.

"Nay, saan si Tatay?" I asked. Tumayo siya at hinalikan ako sa pisngi. Inayos rin
niya ang buhok ko at hinaplos ang mukha.

"Hindi ka umuwi kagabi. Hinahanap ka ng tatay mo." Nakangiting sabi niya. Namula
ang mukha ko. "Mukhang kailangan ko nang sanayin si Tatay na wala ang panganay niya
sa bahay ha." Natatawa siya pero namumula talaga ang mukha ko. Huminga siya nang
napakalalim.

"Ang Yza at ang Yto ko, malalaki na talaga."

"Nanay naman..." Sabi ko na lang. "Ano... nasaan po ba si Tatay?"

"May meeting." Sabi niya. "Mamaya pa siya uuwi kasama niya si Adam. Nasaan si
Zach?" Tanong niya ulit.

"Nasa sasakyan po. Lika na." Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. I was staring at Nanay
while we were walking. Nagagandahan pa rin ako sa kanya hanggang ngayon. I remember
when I was a kid, I used to think that Nanay is a princess because she is so pretty
and then tatay came and I realized that nanay isn't a princess, she is a queen.
Tatay made her a queen.

Narating namin ni Nanay ang kotse. Nandoon si Zachary Drew. Nakangiti agad siya kay
Nanay. Pinagbuksan niya pa ng pinto si Nanay at inalalayang pumasok. Sumunod kaming
dalawa.

"Nanay..." Tawag niya sa Nanay ko. Nanay na rin ang tawag niya pero kapag kay
Tatay, kundi Tito Sancho, Mr Consunji o kaya man Sir. Natatawa ako sa kanya kapag
kausap niya si Tatay tapos natataranta siya. "Kumain na po ba kayo? Gusto ninyo
pong mag late breakfast?" He even asked. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya.

"Hindi na, Zach. Sa bahay na lang tayo, ipagluluto ko kayo." Sagot ni Nanay.
Ngumiti siya. "Nasaan nga pala si Yto?"

Ipinaliwanag ko na lang kay Nana yang nangyari sa sasakyan ni Yto. Nag-alala siya
pero sinabi kong okay lang naman sila Yto doon. Kasalukuyan naming tinatahak ang
hi-way pauwi sa mansyon. Nagha-hum pa ng kanta si Zach habang nagmamaneho.

We reached the spot na wala masyadong sasakyan. Tahimik na tahimik ang paligid.
Nag-uusap kami ni Nanay tungkol kay Yllak. Kinuwento niya sa akin na si Yllak naman
ang nag-uwi ng babae sa bahay. Galit na galit si Yvo dahil hanggang ngayon ay iisa
sila ng kwarto. Hindi nakapasok si Yvo sa loob dahil sa dalang babae ni Yllak.

"Isa lang ang alam ko." Patuloy ni Nanay. "Malaki na kayong lahat. Si Yna na lang
talaga ang baby." Natatawang wika niya. Napangiti rin ako. Talagang mahal na mahal
ng mga magulang ko si Yna kahit na hindi talaga namin siya kadugo. Losing her will
break the family apart. Kahit adopted lang si Yna ay mahal na mahal namin siya.
Siya iyong regalo ni Tatay sa akin - sa buong pamilya. Gustong-gusto ko kasi ng
kapatid na babae noon pero hindi na pwedeng magka-baby si Nanay kaya siguro nang
makita ni Tatay si Yna noon ay iniuwi niya ito sa amin.

Instantly, we all fell in love with her. She had us around her fingers when she
first smiled at us. Mahal na mahal namin si Yna na kahit delubyo ang dala niya sa
amin nitong mga nakaraang buwan ay hindi alintana ng pamilya.

We will never give her up.

I looked outside the window again. Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang isang
itim na Ford na nasa likuran namin. Alam kong simpleng sasakyan lang iyon pero
nakadama ako ng kaba. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko nang bigla silang mag-over take.
They parked the car in front of Zach's car which made him step on the break. My
eyes widened with fear when two armed men got out of the car. Walang sabi-sabing
binuksan nila ang pinto ng sasakyan ni Zach. Pinalabas nila kaming pilit.

"Nay!" I screamed. Tumakbo ako kay Nanay na hawak ng isang lalaki sa braso. "Get
your hands off my mother!" I hissed. Niyakap ko si Nanay. Nakita kong tinutukan si
Zach ng baril noong isa pang lalaki.

"Zach!"

"Diyan ka lang, Yza!" Sabi niya sa akin. I gasped when Zach held on the gun tapos
ay sinipa niya iyong lalaki sa crotch area nito. Siya na ngayon ang may hawak ng
baril. Tinutok niya iyon sa lalaki sa likod namin. Sinenyasan niya akong magpunta
malapit sa kanya. Akay ko si Nanay na nanginginig ang katawan.

Wala akong ibang maisip. I wanted to cry. But crying only means that I'm weak. I
don't want to be the weak one again. Sawa na akong laging ipinagtatanggol.

"Zach..."

"Diyan ka lang." He said again. I nodded.

"Ibaba mo iyong baril." Sabi noong lalaki. Zach grinned.

"At ano? Ako naman ang tutukan mo? Dream on dude. I can pull the trigger if I want
to." He said in a very dangerous tone.

"You wouldn't do that." The man said. Para bang sigurado siya. Zach grinned.
Itinutok niya iyong baril sa paanan noong lalaki tapos ay bigla niyang pinaputok.
Napasigaw si Nanay.

"Aalis ka, aalis kayo at hahayaan ninyo kami o sa'yo ko na itututok ito." Walang
abog na sabi niya. Napasinghap ako. Ang tapang ni Zach. Maybe it was his instinct.
Maybe he really wanted to protect me.

Unti-unting ibinaba noong lalaki ang baril niya. Itinaas niya ang mga kamay niya
tapos ay tumakbo palayo.
Iyon na iyon? Tapos na? Napatingin ako kay Nanay.

"Nay, okay ka lang ba?"

"Yza ayos lang ba kayo?" Puno ng pag-aalala ang tinig niya. Napatango na lang ako.
Lumapit si Zach kay Nanay tapos ay inalalayan niya ulit itong makasakay sa kotse.
Naiwan ako sa gitna ng daan na tinitingnan sila. Hindi ako makagalaw. Nanghihina
ang tuhod ko. Takot na takot ako.

"Yza..." Tawag niya. Palapit na siya sa akin nang bigla naming marinig ang isang
nakakabinging busina. I saw a red van approaching us. Tatabi na sana ako dahil
malapit na sila pero bago ako makatakbo ay bumukas ang pinto noon. Three guys with
guns took me. My eyes widened.

Everything was so fast that I didn't even have the chance to scream. I saw ZD
running after the car. He was pointing the gun, he shot but it wasn't enough.

"Pakawalan ninyo ako!" Sigaw ko habang papalayo kami. Napapalibutan ako ng walong
lalaking naglalakihan ang mga katawan. Lahat sila ay armado. "Pakawalan ninyo ako!"
Sigaw ko ulit.

"Tumahimik ka!" Sigaw sa akin ng isa pa. Sa inis ko ay inuntog ko ang nook o sa ulo
niya - malakas iyon. Napasigaw siya.

"Busalan iyan! Talian!" Sigaw niya pa. Palag ako nang palag pero mas lakas silang
lahat sa akin. Wala akong nagawa. Kumakabog ang dibdib ko sa sobrang kaba. Hindi ko
na alam kung anong iisipin o gagawin ko.

Makakaalis pa ba ako dito?

Bakit nila ako kinuha? Ano bang kailangan nila sa akin? My heart was beating so
fast. Nagpapalag pa rin ako. Hindi naman nagtagal ay naramdaman kong may tumusok sa
braso ko na kung ano. Nakadama ako ng panghihina at pagkahilo. Not a moment later,
everything went blank.

--------------
I woke up. I don't know how long I was asleep but when I opened my eyes, I realized
that it was night time already and that I'm in somewhere I don't know. Nakahiga ako
sa isang kama sa loob ng isang kwarto. The room looks expensive. Everything inside
looked like it was from some showroom that I see on magazines.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo. The room was dark. Napansin kong nakaawang ang pinto noon
at dinig ko mula sa labas ang dalawnag boses na nag-uusap. Kahit na nahihilo pa ako
ay pinilit kong tumayo. Iniisip ko kung nasaan ako. Iniisip ko kung anong nangyari.
Tumulo ang mga luha ko nang maisip ko na kinuha nga pala ako ng mga kalalakihan at
dinala kung saan. Naiwan si nanay at si Zach sa hi-way. Ano na kayang nangyari sa
kanila?

"I need Sheena Consunji not her!?!" Narinig ko ang boses ng isang lalaking galit na
galit. Sumilip ako sa may pinto at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makilala ko ang
lalaking nakatayo sa labas lang. It was the monster - Helios Demitri standing just
outside the room.

"Sir, sorry po. Pero namaril kasi iyong lalaking kasama nila. Nataranta kami."
Paliwanag ng isang lalaki.

"Bobo!" He even yelled. Huminga siya nang malalim. "Kung sabagay pareho lang ng
epekto. I'll start with her, I'll still break their family apart. Makukuha ko si
Leigh. Babalika ko ng Santorini na kasama siya and we'll never comeback." He said.
Nahintakutan ako. Kukunin niya si Yna? Napasinghap ako.

"Sancho will do everything in his will just to get his daughter back ang problema
saan niya hahanapin?" Ngumisi siya. Malademonyo na naman ang hitsura niya.

"Sir..." Tinawag siya noong lalaki. Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata ko nang bigla niyang
buksan ang pinto. Napaatras ako. He turned the lights on and there - I saw him -
all of him standing in front of me. He was wearing a casual jeans and shirt.
Naniningkit ang mga mata niya, nakangisi na naman siya and his green eyes were
piercing at my soul again. Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko.

"Walang hiya ka!" Sigaw ko. Sinugod ko siya at pinagbabayo ang dibdib. Hindi naman
ako nakatagal dahil bigla niya akong tinabig. Tumama ang likod ko sa dulo ng kama.

"Ama mo ang walang hiya, Consunji. Ikaw at ang buong pamilya mo!" Sigaw niya sa
akin. Tiningnan ko siya.
"If you're doing this to get Yna back, then think again! She will never love you
because you're hurting out family!"

"I'm her family. Kailangan niyang malaman iyon. I'm going to do everything in my
will just to get her back." He hissed. Tinalikuran niya ako at lumabas ng pinto. I
watched as they leave. That moment - isa lang ang pumasok sa isip ko - kailangan
kong makatakas dito.

Naghintay ako ng pagkakataon. I checked the door - naka-lock iyon. Huminga ako ng
malalim. Hindi naman sila tanga para iwan nilang bukas iyon. Maghihintay na lang
ako. I looked around. There's a big window in that room pero naka-lock din iyon.
Habang palakad-lakad ako ay hindi ako mapakali ng tunay. I need to think. Maya-maya
ay bumukas ang pinto. Pumasok ang isang babae - may dala siyang pagkain. Wala
siyang susi. Iniwan niya lang ang pagkain sa lapag at muling umalis. Ini-lock na
naman niya ang pinto. Napaupo ako. Paano ako makakatakas dito?

I thought of a plan pero dahil naka-lock ang lahat ng pinto at bintana at wala na
yata akong pag-asa. I walked around the room checking everything. I even opened the
closet pero wala talaga. Kumunot naman ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang isang maliit
na pinto sa gilid ng closet. Bukas iyon. Pinihit ko ang iyon at napanganga ako nang
makita ko kung ano ang nasaa loob. It is a secret passage.

Tumingin muna ako sa likod ko bago ako pumasok doon. Madilim. Kinakapa ko lang ang
nadadaanan ko. Narating ko ang dulo, may pinto doon - bukas ulit iyon. Muli kong
pinihit ang door knob, I pushed the door opened and get out. Naglakad ako palabas.
Nasa sala ako. Walang tao. Madilim ang paligid. Ilaw lang galing sa labas ang
nagpapaliwanag sa bahay.

The house I am in was full of glass windows and glass doors. Pati front door ay
glass din. One sided siguro iyon. Dali-dali kong tinahak ang front door pero bago
ako makarating ay may humawak sa braso ko.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?!"

I gasped hard when I recognize the monster's voice. Hinarap ko siya. "Bitiwan mo
ako! Pakawalan mo ako dito?!"

"You are staying here until I have Leighton!"

"You will never have Yna! Yna will never love you because you are a monster! You're
heartless! You don't know how to love so don't expect Yna to love you back!"
 Sa lahat ng sinabi ko ay isang matunog na sampal sa kaliwang pisngi ko ang
isinagot niya sa akin. Nakaramdam na naman ako ng pagkahilo. I felt blood gushing
out of my lip.

"Love makes people weak." He hissed. Hinatak niya ang braso ko tapos ay pilit akong
inaakyat sa hagdan. I fought hard. Kinalmot ko siya sa mukha. I wanted to get out
of here. I needed to get out of here. Kailangan kong makauwi sa bahay. Hinihintay
ako ni Nanay at ni Tatay.

"Demonyo ka!" Sigaw ko. Itinulak ko siya. Pababa ako ng hagdan nang bigla niyang
hatakin ang buhok ko. He slapped me again.

"You will never leave this house!" He yelled at me. I fought the tears. Hindi ako
iiyak. Kailangan kong maging malakas. Halos gumapang ako makalayo lang sa kanya.
Hinatak niya ang paa ko. He pushed me down. Napahiga ako sa mga baiting ng hagdan.

He pinned me down. His hands were tightly holding my wrist. I was still fighting.
He was on top of mne, grinning devilishly. "Let me go!" I screamed. Dinuraan ko
siya sa mukha.

"Fuck!" He hissed. When he looked at me again, his green eyes were darker. He
looked more monsterous. "You will never leave, Consunji and just to make sure. I
will give you a reason to stay."

He let go of my hands. I thought that he would stand up but he didn't instead, he

torn my dress apart. I gasped.

"No!" I screamed when he bent his head down to take my nipples inside his mouth. I
tried getting him off. "No! Please no!" I was crying. Hindi dapat nangyayari ito. I
feel disgusted. His lips were moving along my body like he was marking me.

"Wag! Parang awa mo na!" Iyak ako nang iyak. Sinubukan kong itulak siya. He stopped
for a while just to hit my face again.

"You asked for this." He said in a dark tone. He was looking at me. I screamed loud
when I felt him roughly entering my core. I felt - I swear I felt something inside
me ripped apart.
"Wag! Wag!" Wala akong nagawa. He thrust inside of me. He was oblivious of my
screams and pleads. I feel so violated. I wanted him to stop but he just kept on
going.

"W-wag! Please s-stop!" I said in between sobs.

Slowly things are slipping away. Like it was never meant to be mine. It was as if
holding on is not a choice anymre and letting go isn't in the option. He had took
away something that was never meant for him and no matter how I tried fighting, I
ended up just crying as he invades and conquers my whole being.

"Ahhh fuck!" He said. "How does it feel? I have deafeat a Consunji again." He
grinned as he thrusts deeper. Hinang-hina ako. Wala na akong magawa kundi ang
umiyak. Bigla na lang siyang huminto. He stood up and looked at me.

"Now, you will never leave, Yza Consunji."

I closed my eyes and let the tears fall. Wala na. I have lost something very
important and I will never get it back. Never...
<center><h1>3. Two</h1></center>
<hr>
I woke up that morning feeling good about myself. I have accomplished something
last night. Hindi man iyon parte ng plano ko but as it turns out, it is for the
better. I stood up from my bed, took a bath, fixed myself and went out of my room.
Sinalubong ako ni Kath - my secretary. Hawak na niya ang kape ko habang sa kabilang
kamay naman niya ay nandoon ang schedule ko para sa araw na ito.

"Good morning, Sir. You have an eight o'clock meeting with the board members.
Naghihintay na sila sa inyo ngayon sa office. Kailangan na nating magpunta doon. At
one in the afternoon, pupunta ka sa Consunji Hotels. Ibinilin mo sa akin iyon
kagabi so I squeezed it in your schedule."

"Where is she?" I asked Kathryna. Tumigil siya sa pagsasalita.

"You mean the hostage, sir? She's in her room."

Tinalikuran ko siya at tinungo ang daan papunta sa kwarto kung saan makikita ko si
Yza Consunji. Bukas ang pintuan ng silid na iyon kaya agad akong pumasok. She's not
in the bed. Hindi naman ako naligalig dahil alam ko at sigurado ako na hindi siya
aalis. I turned to the bathroom. May narinig akong ingay doon. I went there and I
saw Manang Bining cleaning Yza while she sat on the bath tub. Ni hindi siya
gumagalaw. Tinitigan kong maigi ang mukha niya.

"Hector..." Tawag sa akin ni Manang. "ano bang ginawa mo sa kanya?" Halos garalgal
na ang tinig niya. "Alam mong masamang manakit ng babae. Anong ginawa mo? Tingnan
mo, puro siya pasa."

"Manang, just do your goddamn job and don't ask questions." Inis na sabi ko.
Lumakad ako palapit kay Yza Consunji. Tulala lang siya. Maybe she had experienced
trauma after what I did to her last night. Wala akong nararamdamang pagsisisi sa
nangyaro kagabi.

I raped her. I'm a bad man. Ni hindi ako nakakaramdam ng awa para sa kanya ngayon.
I certainly believe that she deserves everything I do with her habang nandito siya
sa poder ko. Kung anong kinuha sa akin ni Sancho Consunji, kukunin ko rin sa kanya
iyon.

They took Leigh away from me and now I'm taking Yza away from them. I will make
sure that she will pay for every pain and every tears I shed when her father torn
my family apart.

"Pero, Hector. Mali ito." Sabi niya. "Alam kong ginalaw mo siya. Puro dugo ang---"

"Hindi ko tinatanong ang opinyon mo. Just do your fucking job!" I yelled. Walang
sabi-sabing lumabas ako ng silid na iyon. Nakita kong hinihintay ako ni Kath sa
labas ng pinto. We both walked towards the stairs. Bago ako umalis, nagbilin ako sa
mga tao ko na huwag na huwag hahayaang makalabas si Yza sa bahay na iyon kung hindi
lahat sila ay mananagot sa akin.

Ang buong akala ko, palpak ang plano ko dahil sa nangyaring pagkakamali ng mga
tauhan ko pero hindi pala. It's actually great. It's something I'm not expecting to
happen and yet it did. Mas may mapapala ako sa mga Consunji ngayon na nasa akin si
Yza. Mas mababaliw si Sancho, mas masasaktan si Yto mas maagang masisira ang
pamilya nila at mas maagang mababalik sa akin si Leigh.

I arrived at my office thirty minutes later. Ginagawa ko ang daily routine ko.
Masaya ako ngayong araw na ito at sa tingin ko lalo akong sasaya sa mga susunod na
araw habang pinapanood ko kung paano sasabog na parang bomba ang buong pamilya ni
Sancho Consunji. It's like taking his daughter away from him will lead to their
self destruction.
"Anong oras ang punta ko sa Consunji Hotels?" Tanong ko kay Kath.

"After lunch, Sir." Sagot niya. I just grinned. Pakiramdam ko, bumalik ako sa
pagkabata, maagang pamasko sa akin ang nagaganap. Hindi na nga ako makapaghintay na
makita muli ang mga taong naging dahilan ng pagkasira ng buhay ko.

At exactly, one in the afternoon, dumating ako sa Consunji Hotels. Hinanap ko agad
si Yto Consunji pero ang sabi ng assistant niya ay hindin ito pumasok ngayong araw
dahil sa isang problema. Somehow I know what problem that is. Binalingan ko si Kath
at sinabi sa kanya na kailangan naming puntahan ang mga Consunji sa bahay ng mga
ito.

"Pero sir, baka magkagulo lang tulad noon." Sabi niya pa. Tumaas ang kilay ko. I
touched her face.

"Do you wanna keep your job, Kathryna?" I asked her.

"Yes, sir..."

"Then do what I say!" I hissed at her. Wala siyang nagawa kundi tawagin ang driver.
We got in the car and she told the driver kung saan kami pupunta.

Excitement is enveloping my whole being. Hindi na ako makapaghintay sa reaksyon ng

mga Consunji ngayon na nawawala si Yza Consunji. Pupunta ako doon. Titingnan ko
sila pero hinding-hindi ko sasabihin na nasa akin ang hinahanap nila.

A little pain and agony won't kill them.

I grinned.

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

"I have my sources, Yto! Hindi ako papayag na hindi natin makita si Yza ngayong
araw na ito!"
Taas baba ang dibdib ko habang nakikipag-usap ako kay Yto Consunji. Nasa loob kami
ng private office ni Tito Sancho. Kaming tatlo lang ang nandoon at kanina ko pa
sinasabi na kailangan na naming simulan ang paghahanap kay Yza bago pa siya
tuluyang mapahamak.

"Zach, we have to wait for the kidnapper's call." Mahinahong pahayag ni Yto.

"How can you be so calm about this? God knows where she is! Baka kung ano nang
ginawa niila kay Yza!"

"Natatakot din kami, Zach." Sancho Consunji's voice echoed in my brain. "I'm so
fucking scared. I never imagined that I will lose my daughter like this. Tulad mo
gagawin ko din ang lahat mahanap lang siya pero kailangan nating mag-ingat. Her
life is on the line, Zachary Drew. We have to be careful, isang mali lang, pwedeng
tuluyan na siyang mawala sa atin."

Marahan ngunit mariing wika ni Tito Sancho sa akin. Napaupo na lang ako. I covered
my face with my hands. I feel so frustrated. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko.
Bakit ba dami ng masamang tao sa mundo, sa akin pa, kay Yza pa nangyari ang bagay
na ito?

Kung kailan magkasama na kami, saka pa siya mawawala. Hindi ako makakapayag na
mawala siya basta. Kailangan ko siyang mahanap. Kailangan kong iligtas mula sa
kamay ng kung sino man ang babaeng mahal na mahal ko.

"Zach." Yto said. "Kung ikaw ganyan ang nararamdaman mo, paano pa kami? We need to
follow the police. Kung hindi baka...."

"Ang bagal ng pulis Yto!" Sigaw ko. "Paano kung habang naghihintay tayo nahihirapan
na pala siya? Paano kung pinagsasamantalahan na nila si Yza doon?! The mere thought
of her crying out of pain and fear kills me, Yto! You don't expect me to just stay
here and wait until the police receive that call!"

"Okay!" Yto said. "Take it easy." Lumakad si Yto palapit sa akin. "We will find
her."

"Kailan?" Tanong ko. "Kung hindi ka magsisimula ngayon, hahanapin ko na siya. I

have my sources. I can do the searching on my own."
"Zach." Tinawag ako ni Tito Sancho pero hindi ko na siya pinakinggan. I stood up
and left his office. Bumaba ako ng hagdan at doon nakita ko si Nanay na katabi si
Yna at si Nikita. Yvo and Yllka were in there too. Nanay Sheena is crying. Lalo
akong nakadama ng guilt.

Kasalanan ko naman, kung agad kong nakuha si Yza, di sana siya nakuha ng mga
lalaking iyon. Kung binilisan ko ang kilos, kasama pa rin namin siya hanggang
ngayon. Gusto kong manakit. Gusto kong patayin ang mga lalaking kumuha sa kanya
pero hindi ko naman alam kung saan ko sila hahanapin.

Binalikan ng mga pulis ang pinangyarihan kahapon ng hapon. They searched

everywhere. Ang nakita lang nila ay iyong van na ginamit ng mga kidnappers. They
had abandoned it five kilometers away from the area where they got her. Lalo akong
nangigigil sa inis. Bakit sa lahat ng tao, si Yza pa ang kukunin nila?

"Zach..." Tinawag ako ni Nanay. Lumapit ako sa kanya.

"Nanay, I will find her and I will bring her home. I promise you that." Sabi ko sa
kanya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at saka huminga nang napakalalim. Nanay Sheena
just smiled at me. Kahit nakangiti siya ay dama ko pa rin ang lungkot na nasa puso
niya dahil sa pagkawala ni Yza.

Nalulungkot din ako pero mas nangingibabaw sa akin ang galit at panibugho.
Kailangan ko talaga siyang mahanap. Hindi ko na hihintayin si Yto o si Tito Sancho
o ang mga pulis. Hahanapin ko si Yza sa paraang alam ko.

Nagpaalam na ako kay Nanay Sheena, on my way out, I started making calls. I called
Yana to inform her that I'm canceling the tour. Noong una ay ayaw niya pero wala
din siyang nagawa dahil buo na ang desisyon ko. Mas kailangan kong hanapin si Yza
kaysa sa tour na iyon. Pagkatpos ng tawag kay Yana ay tinawagan ko naman ang
kaibigan ko sa FBI. He was a retired FBI agent and he happens to be in the
Philippines. I scheduled a meeting with him tonight. Manggagaling siya sa Cebu kaya
gabi na ang pagkikita namin.

Paalis na ako nang biglang may pumaradang silver na SUV sa harapan ko. Kunot na
kunot ang noo ko. Maliban sa pamilya at sa mga pulis wala nang iba pang pwedeng
pumasok sa masyon ng mga Consunji. Iniisip ko kung bisita ba ito, o kung sinuman.
Pwedeng isa sa mga pinsan nila o kamag-anak pero hindi - nagkamali ako. Mula sa
loob ay lumabas ang isang taong buong pusong kinamumuhian ni Yto at ni Tito Sancho.

Helios Demitri. He looked at my direction and grinned. He was the same man who got
me shot that day almost nine months ago.
"You are alive and well, Mr. Laundrize." He said in a very friendly tone. Naikuyom
ko ang mga palad ko.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I hissed at him. He shrugged.

"I wanted to see, Yto Consunji. I went to his office but he's not there so I came
here. I just want him to know that I am back."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Wala akong alam sa ayaw niya at ni Yto pero ang alam ko kaya
siya nandito at kaya niya ginagawa ang lahat ng pagpapahirap sa mga Consunji ay
dahil gusto niyang mabawi si Yna. Yna is the adopted child of Sancho and Nanay
Sheena. Siya ang tunay na kapamilya ni Yna pero kahit anong gawin niya ay hindi
niya mababawi si Yna dahil hindi ibibigay si Yna ng mga Consunji ng ganoon lang.

"They're busy at the moment." Mariing sabi ko. Lalong lumawak ang pagkakangiti
niya.

"I see. Kung ganoon, aalis na ako." Akmang tatalikod na siya nang bigla siyang
tumigil ay muli akong hinarap.

"By the way, how is your girlfriend Yza?"

I stared at him. There was something in his eyes and the way he talks that made me
feel like he knew something about Yza's disappearance. Kumabog nang napakabilis
ang puso ko. Gusto kong magwala, gusto ko siyang saktan.

"Nasaan si Yza?!" Mariing tanong ko sa kanya. Tumaas ang kilay niya at saka siya
tumawa.

"Ewan ko. Nagtatanong nga ako sa'yo, hindi ba? Isa pa ikaw ang boyfriend niya bakit
sa akin mo siya hinahanap?"

Inilang hakbang ko siya. Halos magkapantay lang kami ni Helios Demitri. Abot na
abot ko siya. Hinatak ko ang kwelyo niya papalapit sa akin at nakipagtitigan ako sa
kanya - mata sa mata.
"The moment I find out that you have her, Demitri, I will fucking kill you with my
bare hands and I won't even blink."

Something in his green eyes changed. Pilit niya akong tinitulak palayo. Hindi ako
bumitaw.

"Wala kang ebidensya." He said in a low tone.

"Sa ngayon. Pero ipinapangako ko sa'yo makakahanap ako ng butas at kapag nangyari
iyon, magtago ka na. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi bumabalik si Yza sa akin."

I let him go. Nakipagsukatan siya sa akin ng tingin. Sa huli, ngumisi siya.

"That is, if she's ever going to come back to you."

Napatiim ako ng bagang. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin habang papalayo ang sasakyan
niya sa akin. My gut was telling me that I should go and have him checked. I have a
feeling that he knows something about this mess we're in right now. Hindi naman
siya pupunta dito kung wala talaga siyang alam.

Nasa kanya si Yza. Sigurado ako doon. Ang kailangan ko na lang ay ebidensya para
tuluyan na siyang mawala sa buhay namin at para mabawi ko na ang babaeng mahal ko.

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

"Hija, kumain ka. Kailangan mo nang lakas."

Naririnig ko siya. Nakikita ko siya. Alam ko kung anong nangyayari pero ayokong
gumalaw. Paulit-ulit kong tinatanong sa sarili ko kung totoo bang nangyari ang
nangyari kagabi. Ilang beses kong pinakiramdam ang sarili ko at dama ko sa sakit na
dulot nang pagpilit niya sa akin ng kanyang sarili noong nakaraang gabi.

I just feel so violated. Ilang beses akong umiyak pero wala na ang mga luha sa mga
mata ko. Para bang pati iyon ay kinuha niya sa akin.
"Iwan ninyo na lang ako." Sinabi ko sa matandang babaeng nasa harapan ko. Kagabi ko
pa siya kasama. Siya ang nakakita sa akin s amay hagdan matapos akong iwan ng
halimaw na iyon. Siya ang tumulong sa aking bumalik sa silid. Ginamot niya ang mga
pasa ko, nilinis niya ang katawan ko pero pakiramdam ko kahit na anong gawin niya
ay hindi na mawawala ang bakas ng maduming labi ni Helios Demitri sa buong katawan
ko.

Nakadama ako ng panibugho para sa lalaking iyon. Hindi pa sapat na sinusubukan

niyang sirain ang pamilya ko. Kailangan niya rin bang sirain ang buhay ko?

"Hija, kung gusto mong makatakas dito, kailangan mong kumain. Kailangan mong maging
matatag."

Tiningnan ko ang babae. Ang pagiging matatag lang talaga ang magagawa ko ngayon.
Walang ibang tutulong sa akin kundi ang sarili ko. Kailangan kong makabalik sa
pamilya ko at kay Zachary Drew kahit na hindi na ako buo.

Hindi na ako buo. Nakadama ako ng galit at panghihinayang sa dibdib ko. I have been
reserving myself for the man I love and that is Zachary Drew and never in my life
have I imagined that a monster would take it away from him.

I loathe him. I hate him so much that I wanted to kill him for robbing my virtue. I
swallowed hard. Tuwing pumipikit ako ay naaalala ko ang ginawa niya sa akin. It was
as if he's on top of me again, forcing himself inside my core until he felt that
muscle ripped apart inside of me.

I could still feel the warmth of his body, his touch. I could feel every inch of
him inside of me and it makes me vomit. I disgust him.

"Kumain ka." Tiningnan ko ang babae sa harapan ko. Kinuha ako ang platong hawak
niya at nagsimulang kumain. Tama siya. Kung gusto kong umalis sa lugar na ito at
makabalik sa pamilya ko kailangan ko ng lakas.

Walang ibang tutulong sa akin. Ako lang. Kung manghihina ako, lalong hindi ako
makakabalik. Hindi ako susuko, hindi ako dapat makaramdam ng pandidiri sa sarili
ko. Hindi ko kasalanan at hindi ko kagustuhan ang nangyari kagabi.

Nang matapos ko ang pagkain ay lumabas na ang babaeng tumulong sa akin. Naiwan
akong mag-isa sa silid. Tumayo ako at sinubukan kong lumakad pero muli akong
napaupo nang maramdaman ko ang pagkirot sa pagitan ng aking mga hita.

"I hate him." I mumbled. I tried getting up again. This time I walked slowly.
Pumunta ako sa may pinto. I turned the door knob and I realized that they didn't
lock the door. Ganoon na ba sila katanga? Lumabas ako ng silid at naglakad ako
pababa ng hagdan.

The view outside was remarkable. Nasa gitna yata ng isang burol ang bahay na ito. I
have a beautiful view of the metro. Habang nakatitig ako sa labas ay lalo akong
nakaramdam ng kagustuhang makabalik.

Tumingin ako sa paligid - walang tao. Walang bantay. Kahit masakit ang buong
katawan ko ay sinubukan kong tumakbo palabas ng bahay na iyon. Nasa garden na ako
nang mapansin kong bumukas ang malaking gate at pumasok ang isang silver na SUV.
Mula doon ay lumabas ang halimaw. Titig na titig siya sa akin. Inilang hakbang niya
ang pagitan naming dalawa at hinablot ang braso ko. Madiin ang hawak niya. Bumabaon
sa mga buto ko.

"Where the hell are you going, Consunji?" He asked me.

"Bitawan mo ako?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Nakatuon ang mga mata ko sa gate na hanggang
ngayon ay bukas pa rin. Kung tatakbo ako nang napakabilis, makakawala ako sa kanya.
Makakalabas ako at makakahingi ng tulong. Makakabalik ako sa pamilya ko at kay
Zach.

Sinubukan kong kumawala pero kinaladkad niya ako papasok sa loob ng bahay.

"Bitiwan mo ako!" Nanaig ang boses ko sa loob. "Bitiwan mo sabi ako! Ano pa bang
gusto mo?! You violated me already! Whatever you do right now might hurt pero hindi
na ganoon kasakit!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "You raped me! Nakuha mo na ako, pakawalan
mo na ako!"

"Tumahimik ka!" Ibinalya niya ako sa sahig. Tumama ang baywang ko sa mga sofa na
nandoon. Narinig kong sumisigaw ang isang babae.

"Hector tama na!" Sigaw niya. Tumingin ako. Iyong babaeng tumulong sa akin ang
umaawat ng pilit kay Helios pero bakit niya tinatawag na Hector si Helios Demitri?

"Wag kang makialam, Manang Bining!" He yelled.

"Hindi ka aalis dito! Kapag umalis ka dito, sasaktan ko isa-isa ang mga kapatid mo.
Kanino mo ba ako gustong magsimula? Kay Yto, kay Yvo o kay Yllak? Or would it be
more dramatic if I hurt your mother first?" He flashed his devilish grin at me.

"Huwag mong sasaktan ang pamilya ko!"

"Oo nga. Ikaw na lang ang sasaktan ko!" Bigla ay hinaltak niya akong muli. Halos
kaladkarin niya ako paakyat sa hagdan, papasok sa silid na pinanggalingan ko
kanina. He pushed me to the bed. Napatingin ako sa kanya.

My eyes widened when I saw him taking off his belt. He was also unbuttoning his
shirt. Lahat ng luhang ayaw lumabas sa mga mata ko kanina ay naguunahang umalpas
ngayon.

"H-uwag.... Please t-tama na..." Mahinang wika ko. He took his shirt off and threw
it away. Pati iyong pants niya. He got naked in front of me. Alam ko na kung anong
gagawin niya. He will punish me again for trying to leave by molesting me.

He climbed the bed.

"Tama na!" Sigaw ko.

Hinatak niya ang paa ko. He hiked my skirt up and spread my legs. He ripped my
underwear apart. Napahagugol ako. Bakit ba sa akin nangyayari ito?

Again, I felt him forcing and entry. I screamed so loud. "Ahhhhhh, please stop!" I
was crying. He started moving again. Hilam na hilam na ang mga mata ko ng luha.
Paos na ang boses ko sa kakasigaw. Nagmamaka-awa ako sa kanya na itigil na niya
ito.

Hindi pa siya nakuntento. He wrapped his left hand around my neck. He was choking
me. Lalong hindi ako makahinga. I could feel the pain down there whenever he's
moving in and out I find it so hard to breath. Pilit kong inaalis ang kamay niya sa
leeg ko pero masyado siyang malakas.

Finally, he stopped. I felt something warm inside of me. Inalis niya ang kamay niya
sa leeg ko at saka ngumisi.
"Remember this, Consunji. Sa tuwing tatakas ka, hahablutin kita at dadalhin sa
kama. So don't try running away or else..." He grinned. He touched my abdomen. Alam
ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"What do you think your father would say if you bear my child? Matutuwa ba siya?"

"Demonyo ka!" I hissed.

"I have been called names, Yza and you calling me that doesn't really affect me."

Tumalikod siya. Isa-isa niyang kinuha ang mga damit niya. Bago siya lumabas ng
silid ay binalingan niya ako.

"Fix yourself. We'll have dinner."

Umiling ako. Niyakap ko ang sarili ko at saka umiyak nang umiyak...

"Zach...."
<center><h1>4. The inner Consunji</h1></center>
<hr>
"How are the Consunjis? Are they losing their minds yet?"

I grinned at Johnny Dupree - he's the head security of the Consunji family. Little
did they know that he's working for me too. Madali lang namang sumuhol ng tao.
Dupree used to be a loyal security officer of the family but when I offered him
money, when I promised him things that I know he wouldn't get if he keeps on
working for them, the tables have turned. Siya ang mata at tainga ko sa loob ng
mansyon. Tiningnan niya ako. We were inside my car. Nasa loob lang din kami ng
exclusive village kung saan nakatira ang mga kaaway ko. I called him that afternoon
because I wanted to hear some news.

"They're losing their minds, yes, Sir but I'm telling you. Mas lalo ninyong
pinatatagal, mas lalong nagagalit ang mga Consunji. Nakakatunog na si Sancho, may
mga bagay na siyang ginagawa na hindi niya ipinapaalam sa akin."
"How can you say that?" Bigla akong napaisip.

"Ipinatawag niya ang dating head of security ng pamilya, Sir. Hindi na rin nila ako
masyadong isinasama sa paghahanap nila kay Yza."

Napatiim ako ng bagang. Tumanaw ako sa labas ng bintana at saka bumuntong hininga.
Hindi pwedeng matalo na naman ako sa larong ito. Ako na ang nagsimula ngayon, ako
ang dapat manalo, ako lang. Hindi pwedeng mauungusan na naman ako ng mga Consunji.

"Sir, I'm not being negative, but you don't know who you're dealing with here.
Hindi ninyo pa nakikita kung paano magalit ang isang Sancho Consunji, isama mo pa
ang mga kapatid niya. He's very angry right now. I have a feeling that they already
knew who took Yza. They're not really counting in the police anymore. They are
actually doing their own investigation. Isama ninyo pa ang boyfriend ni Yza. He's
moving too. Sir, huwag ninyo nang hintayin na masukol nila kayo. I hate to think
about this, but if and when they find out that you have her, you will be dealing
with the devils and I'm not exaggerating."

I looked at him. Am I really hearing all of this from him? I grinned. He's
chickening out. Isang bagay na pinaka-ayoko sa lahat. Hinablot ko ang kwelyo niya
at inilapit siya sa akin.

"Natatakot ka na ba?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "Kanino ka mas natatakot, sa akin o sa

mga Consunji? Hawak ko ang pamilya mo." I gritted my teeth. He took a deep breath
as he looks at me.

"Pinapaalalahanan ko lang po kayo, Sir." Mabilis niya sagot.

"Kung pinaalalahanan mo ako, at gusto mo talagang maging maayos ang lahat ng plano
ko, gawin mo ang lahat para hindi nila ako matunton! You're with them 24/7, do
something! Hurt them! Basta siguraduhin mong hindi masasaktan si Leigh!"

Lalo siyang namutla. Binitiwan ko siya at huminga ako nang malalim. Hindi ko
kailangan ng isa na namang kapalpakan lalo na ngayon kung kailan nasa akin na ang
alas na magpapabagsak sa kanilang lahat.

"Leave." I ordered him. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na lumabas ng sasakyan ko si

Dupree. Napailing ako. Mahinang klase pa rin ng tao ang nakuha ko. Simpleng utos
lang hindi pa niya magawa. Mukhang kailangan ko na namang mag-isip ng panibagong
plano. Kung tama ang sinabi niya na alam na ng mga Consunji na ako ang kumuha kay
Yza, hindi malayong pinamamanmanan na nila ang bahay ko ngayon. Malaki ang
posibilidad na makita nila si Yza kung matutunton nila ang bahay ko sa burol.

"Take me to St. Rose." I told my driver. We drove off. Lumiko siya. Malalim akong
nag-iisip. It's a good thing I took Yza to at the hill, kung sa town house ko lang
siya itinago malamang nakuha na siya sa akin ngayon.

I was thinking deep when I noticed a familiar figure walking at the sidewalk. Si
Leigh. "Stop the car." Paghinto ng sasakyan ay lumabas ako. Sinalubong ko si Leigh
na naglalakad patungo sa direksyon ko. Hindi siya sa akin nakatingin. She was
looking down the pavement. Bakas sa mukha niya ang kalungkutan. She was even wiping
her tears. Natigil siya sa paglalakad nang mapansin ako. Dahan-dahan siyang nag-
angat ng mukha.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" She gasped loudly after asking me that. I know that love
makes people weak just like what Baba taught me while growing up pero hindi ko
naman pwedeng itanggi ang pagmamahal na nararamdaman ko para sa kapatid ko.
Napahikbi pa siya.

"Sabi ni Kuya -"

"I am your Kuya."

"Hindi..." Mariing sabi niya. "Si Kuya Yto ang kuya ko. Kahit kailan hindi niya
sinaktan ang kahit na sino sa pamilya ko."

"I am your family."

"If you are my family then you shouldn't have taken my sister away from us." Mahina
ngunit mariin ang bawat katagang binitiwan niya sa akin. Parang kutsilyo ang mga
salita niya. Pilit na sinusugatan ang puso kong matagal nang nagdurugo dahil s
apangungulila sa isang masayang pamilya.

"You have her. You took her away. It's not a question, Helios. I heard Tatay told
Kuya Yto."

Umiling ako. Lumapit ako sa kanya at hinablot siya sa braso. Pilit ko siyang
isinakay sa kotse.
"Bitawan mo ako! Hindi ako sasama sa'yo!"

"Shut up, Leigh!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Hindi ako si Leigh! Ako si Yna Johanna Ybarra - Consunji!"

"You are Leighton Santillan!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Binalingan ko ang driver. "Sa St.
Rose. And make it fast!"

Halos paliparin ng driver ko ang sasakyan. Leigh sat there; she's quiet now
although she's still crying. Wala siyang sinasabi. Hindi siya nagsasalita at kahit
yata subukan kong hawakan siya ay hindi ko rin magagawa. Alam kong papalag siya.

Dumating kami sa St. Rose Memorial Shrine, fifteen minutes later. Ayaw niya bumaba
ng sasakyan. I had to carry her just so she would get out. Hinatak ko siya papasok
sa loob ng mausoleum kung nasaan ang mga magulang namin.

"Let me go, you monster!" Itinulak niya ako. Humahagulgol siya habang pilit na
kumakawala sa akin. Pilit ko siyang hinarap sa puntod ng tunay niyang mga magulang.

"Do you see them?" I asked her. We were both looking at the tombs in front of us.
Umiiyak pa rin siya. Umaalog - alog ang mga balikat. "They are your real parents,
Leigh. This is what Sancho Consunji did to our family. He killed Mom and Dad."

"Tatay didn't kill them!" Sigaw niya.

"Kailan mo ba makikita na ang mga taong minamahal mo ay ang mga taong sumira ng
buhay mo!" Singhal ko sa kanya. She slapped me. My eyes widened.

"Kung may naninira ng buhay dito, ikaw iyon! You are trying to torn my family
apart! Kung kapatid nga kita tulad ng sinabi mo, hindi mo sasaktan ang mga taong
nagmahal at nag-alaga sa akin! They didn't do anything bad to me! They loved me,
they treated me as their own!" Iyak siya nang iyak habang sinasabi niya ang mga
katagang iyon na tumatatak sa puso ko.

Sinasabi niya sa akin na ang mga taong sumira ng pamilya namin ang mas nagmahal sa
kanya. Kung hindi naman sinira ni Sancho Consunji ang buhay ng pamilya ko,
mararamdaman rin ni Leigh ang pagmamahal ng mga tunay naming magulang. Hindi niya
kailangan makiamot sa ibang tao ng pagmamahal dahil alam ko at sigurado akong
mamahalin siya ni Mama at ni Daddy

"Paano naman ako?" I asked. She gasped hard. Hinawakan ko siya sa magkabilang
braso. My hands were shaking. "Paano ako, Leigh? Ako iyong mag-isang naiwan, ako
iyong nasaktan, ako iyong nangulila, paano ako?"

"Paano rin ako?" She looked at me. "Paano si Yza? Hindi mo man aminin, alam kong
totoo iyong sinasabi nila. You took her."

"I didn't." I lie. She shook her head again. "I didn't, Leigh! I didn't take her."

"Uuwi na ako." Wika niya pa sa akin. Pinahid niya ang mga luha niya at saka
tinalikuran ako. Gusto ko siyang pigilan. Gusto ko na siyang iuwi sa bahay. Iyon
naman ang plano. Nandito na siya, bakit ko pa siya pakakawalan? Pero hindi ko
ginawa. Mas lalo niya akong kamumuhian kung pipilitin ko siya. Gagawin ko na lang
ang plano ko. If I do that, hindi ko na kailangan mamilit, kusa siyang sasama sa
akin.

I watched her as she leaves. Before she could even get out of the mausoleum, she
stopped and faced me again.

"If you hurt, Yza. I will never forgive you."

Her words marked my skin. Pakiramdam ko nagkapeklat ako dahil sinabi niya. Hinayaan
ko na siyang umalis. Ni hindi na siya nagpaalam sa akin. Hindi na niya ako
tiningnan.

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

"Bakit hindi po naka-lock iyong pinto?"

Iyon ang unang tanong k okay Manang Bining nang makalabas ako ng silid kung saan
ako ikinukulong nang halimaw na iyon. Manang Bining looked at me. May hawak siyang
tray ng pagkain. Siguro, dadalhin niya iyon sa kwarto ko.

"Ang sabi ni Hector, hindi ka naman na daw tatakas." Nakangiting sabi niya. Tumaas
ang sulok ng bibig ko. Akala yata ng lalaking iyon ay natatakot ako sa kanya. Halos
isang linggo na niya akong kinukulong sa bahay na ito. Nagpapasalamat na lang ako
sa itaas dahil matapos ang gabing iyon na sinubukan kong tumakas muli ay hindi na
niya ako sinaktan o nilapitan kahit na tiningnan.

"Bakit ba tinatawag ninyong Hector ang halimaw na iyon?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hector ang tunay niyang pangalan. Alaga ko na siya noon pa, Yza. Mabait siya.
Natatapunan lang ng galit ang puso niya."

"Mabait?" I was sarcastic. "Alam ninyo naman siguro kung anong ginawa sa akin ng
halimaw na iyon." Galit na sabi ko. "He... He..." Bumangon ang galit sa dibdib ko.

"Anak, hindi niya sinasadya iyon."

Tiningnan ko siya. "Hindi sinasadya?!" Sigaw ko. Humakbang ako palapit kay Manang
Bining. Sa galit ko, tinabig ko ang hawak niyang tray. Sumabog ang lahat ng laman
noon sa sahig. "Kailan pa hindi naging sadya ang rape, Manang?! The only reason why
I'm still alive right now is my love for Zachary Drew and my family!"

"Hija, humanahon ka." Mahinang sabi niya. Tinulak ko siya.

"Hinahon?! You want me to calm down while that son of a bitch molests me?! How can
I come down! Kung kayo ang pagsamantalahan ng halimaw na iyon, hihinahon kayo?!"
Halos mamaos ako sa kakasigaw. Manang Bining is now on the floor looking up at me.
Hindi ko na maintindihan ang sarili ko. I'm not like this. I used to be calm and
compose but right now, I don't want to be calm and compose. I want to hurt that
monster; I want to kill him with my bare hands.

"Manang Bining!"

I looked up and I saw the monster's secretary. Tinulungan niyang tumayo si Manang
Bining habang. Kitang-kita sa mukha niya ang pag-aalala.

"Ano bang ginawa mo?!" She yelled at me.

"Anong karapatan mong sigawan ako?!" I yelled back. "You don't have the rights to
raise your voice at me, bitch! You're nobody!"
 "What the hell is this?"

My body shook with fear when I heard his demonic voice. Nakatayo siya sa likod ng
babaeng iyon at ni Manang Bining. Kunot na kunot ang noo niya. Madilim ang mukha at
tiim ang bagang. My initial reaction is that I would be scared of him because he
did bad things to me but right now, I don't want to be scared. I looked at him.
Nakipagsukatan siya ng tingin sa akin.

"Iwan ninyo kami. Kathryna, dalhin mo si Manang sa quarters. I'll deal with her."

Umalis ang babae at si Manang Bining. He looked around us and he saw the spilled
food. Lumapit siya sa akin. Hindi ako tuminag. Hindi ko kailangan matakot sa kanya.
Demonyo siya. Ang mga tulad niya ay dapat nasa impyerno.

"What did you do?" He asked me.

"I did what I had to." I said in a strained voice.

"You scared Manang---"

I don't know what happened. Bigla ko na lang siyang sinampal sa kaliwang pisngi.
Bumiling ang mukha niya pakanan at nanlalaki ang mga mata niya. Iyon na yata ang
pinakamalakas na sampal na ibinigay ko sa isang tao. When he looked at me again,
his eyes were dark and he seemed really mad. He grabbed my arm and pulled me
closer.

"No one ever gets to slap me and gets away with it!" He hissed.

Hindi ko na maintindihan ang sarili ko. I should be scared at him pero hindi naman
iyon ang nararadaman ko. Kung may nararamdaman man ako sa kanya - iyon ay pandidiri
at galit. Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya. I've been dealing with ruthless men all my
life and somehow that made me not scared of him. Mas pa siya sa Tatay at sa mga
tiyuhin ko - isama na rin ang kakambal ko pero alam ko na hindi ko kailangan
matakot sa kanya.

Kung paiiralin ko ang takot at panginginig sa tuwing malapit siya sa akin,

mamamatay ako dito at hindi na makakabalik sa pamilya ko. Kailangan ko ng solidong
plano para makalaya ako mula sa demonyong ito. Wala pa akong naiisip. Sa ngayon, I
just have to deal with his evilness.
"No one ever messes with a Consunji and gets away with it." I said to him. I didn't
even blink. Suddenly, my reflexes and my instincts took over my being. Gumalaw ang
mga braso ko, inilapat ko iyon sa dibdib niya and then, I pushed him - hard. He
lost his balance. The next thing I knew, I was watching him as he fell down the
stairs. Ni hindi ako kumurap. Pinanood ko lang kung paano mahulog sa dalawampu't
tatlong hagdan na iyon.

I found myself smiling as I looked at him. I loved the expression on his face na
para bang nasasaktan siya. Siguro kung hindi siya kumapit sa railing sa gilid,
nagtuloy na siya hanggang sa ibaba - and maybe if that happens, mas malaki ang
injury na matatamo niya. Kung tutuusin, kahit na mamatay pa siya ngayon sa harapan
ko, kulang pa rin iyon sa ginagawa niya sa akin at sa pamilya ko.

"You!" He hissed. Nakangiwi siya. Siya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Kulang pa iyon, Demonyo ka." Sabi ko. I flashed him my evilest grin. I turned
away. I went inside the room and closed the door - I even locked it. Hindi ko alam
kung ano talagang nangyayari but I guess the Demon outside just released my inner
Consunji.

The next day, I woke up. I was disappointed to know that I was still in the same
room, inside the same house where the monster lives. Pakiramdam ko na-trap ako sa
isang morbid fairytale. Iyong tipo ng fairytale ni Cinderella - iyong totoong
sinulat ng Grimm Brothers - the one with the morbidity and pain - the one where
happily ever after doesn't really exists.

I got up and I saw some paper bags on the sofa in front of my bed. Kunot noong
lumapit ako doon at binuksan iyon isa-isa. Damit ang nasa loob. Bigla ay kinuyom ko
ang mga palad ko. Kinuha ko ang mga paper bags at lumabas ng kwarto. I was relieved
nang mabuksan ko ang pinto. Ang buong akala ko kasi, kinandado na naman niya mula
sa labas. I went downstairs; I looked for the monster who's keeping me inside this
beautiful mansion. I found him the dining room. He's being fed by his secretary
because his right arm is casted.

"Sir..." Itinuro ako ng assistant niya. He looked at me.

"Disappointed ka ba na napilayan lang ako?" Mariing tanong niya.

"Oo. Kahit mamatay ka, disappointed pa rin ako." Wika ko sa kanya. Pagkasabi niyon
ay ibinato ko sa kanya ang mga damit na iniwan niya sa kwarto. "Kung inaakala mo na
maibabalik ng mga suhol mo ang kinuha mo sa akin pwes nagkakamali ka! Kahit magsuot
na lang ako ng basahan, hinding-hindi ako tatanggap ng kahit na ano galing sa'yo!
Demonyo ka!"

Bigla siyang tumayo. Napansin kong hirap siyang gumalaw pero kahit ganoon ay
sinubukan niya pa ring tumayo.

"Why can't you just be thankful that you now have clothes to wear?!" He asked me.

"Should I be thankful to the demon who molested me?!"

I heard his assistant gasped loud. Tiningnan ko siya. "Don't act so surprised miss!
I'm sure this man is also doing to you what he did to me!"

"I'm not that kind of person!" He hissed at me. I grinned.

"Hah! Siguro dahil hindi ka naman tao! Hayop ka!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Kahit mamatay
ka ngayon at tamaan ng kidlat hindi pa rin sapat iyon dahil sa ginawa mo sa akin!"

Hindi siya sumagot. He just stared at me after a while he walked away. Iika-ika
siyang maglakad. Usually, maaawa ako sa tao lalo na kung alam kong ako ang may
kasalanan ng nangyari sa kanya pero kay Helios Demitri - imbes na makadama ako ng
awa, natutuwa pa ako dahil nahihirapan siya.

"I am going to make his life a living hell." I whispered as I watched him.

<center><h1>5. Without him knowing</h1></center>

<hr>
I don't know why that monster named Helios Demitri lets me roam around his four
hectares piece of land but he is letting so I am taking advantage of it. Mas mabuti
na rin ito kaysa ang buong maghapon akong magkulong sa silid na iyon habang siya
nagpaplano kung paano niya sisirain ang pamilya ko.

Hindi ko pa alam sa ngayon kung paano ko siya lalabanan but I'm getting there. I
remember what Tita Laide once told me - I had to embrace the blood in my veins. I
have to be a Consunji because no matter how I try to turn it down - babalik at
babalik pa din sa akin ang dugong nananalatay sa ugat ko.
Iyon ang mantra ko tuwing pagkagising ko at matatagpuan ko sa sarili ko sa loob ng
silid na iyon sa piling ng demonyong halimaw na si Helios Demitri. Galit na galit
ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung paano nawala ang takot ko sa kanya. Hindi na rin
nangingnig ang buong katawan ko tuwing nasa paligid siya. Galit at panibugho na
lang ang nararamdaman ko.

Minsan, iniisip kong bigla na lang siyang saksakin habang tulog but that would be
too easy for him. Gusto kong pagbyaran niya ang ginawa niya sa akin. Gusto kong
gumapang siya sa hirap.

I am a nice person but being nice right now isn't going to be effective. Hindi
kailangan ng isang halimaw ng kabaitan. Dapat sa halimaw, pinupuksa, pinahihirapan
at saka itatapon sa pinakamalalim na parte ng karagatan at ganoon ang dapat gawin
sa kanya.

"Yza."

Dahan-dahan akong lumingon nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. Nakita ko ang assistant
ni Demitri - si Kathryna. In my head I have labeled her bitch - a bitch who likes
to suck power from that demonic monster that does nothing but ruin the lives of the
people around him.

"Anong kailangan mo?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko.

"Tinatawag ka niya." Mabilis niyang sagot. Lalong tumaas ang kilay ko. I crossed my
arms and looked at her from head to toe.

"Siya ang may kailangan, siya ang lumapit." I turned around after that. Nagpatuloy
ako sa paglakad. Nang tingnan kong muli ang assistant niya, nakita kong papasok
siya sa bahay. Napailing na lang ako. Paano kaya nakakatagal ang mga taong iyon sa
lalaking sagad sa buto ang kaitiman ng budhi?

Nagpatulog ako sa paglakad. I'm missing my family so much. I really want to go

home. I would give everything just to get my freedom back but right now, I'm having
second thoughts. Yes, I wanna go home but I also want to make Demitri pay for what
he did to me. Gusto ko siyang gumapang sa sakit, sa hirap. Gusto ko siyang lumuha
ng dugo. Ayoko siyang mamatay basta because that would be too easy for him. A
monster like him deserves to be punished. Hindi kinakaawan ang mga tulad niya. I
took a deep breath.

Iniisip ko si Zach. Bigla na namang tumulo ang mga luhang ilang araw ko nang
itinatago. Sa tuwing naiisip ko siya, nanghihina ako. Palagi kong tinatanong sa
sarili ko kung pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito ay matatanggap pa rin niya ako.
Nanghihina ang buong katawan ko, pati na ang kaluluwa ko sa tuwing naiisip kong
malaki pa rin ang posibilidad na makabalik ako sa pamilya ko, sa kanya pero hindi
na ako buo.

I love Zach and I know that he loves me too but this thing that happened to me is
just too overwhelming - so big that I'm actually scared that he won't be able to
stomach the fact that I was ruined by some monster.

Bumalik ako sa bahay matapos kong maglakad-lakad. Hanggang ngayon wala pa rin akong
solidong plano kung paano ko siya mapapantayan. Ang alam ko lang hindi ako
magpapatalo sa lalaking iyon.

When I got inside, wala na sa kahit saang lugar si Kathryna at si Demitri. I just
shrugged. Maybe they're fucking now, I don't care. They can actually die doing each
other and I won't even give a damn.

Pumunta ako sa kusina para kumuha ng maiinom. I was about to get a glass of water
when I notice a phone near the sink. Matagal kong tinitigan iyon. I swallowed hard.
I wanted the phone. I need that to be able to make a call. My heart beat fast. I
looked around and when I saw that no one is around, I took the phone and dialed
Zach's number.

Alam kong dapat pamilya muna ang tawagan ko pero mas gusto kong marinig ang boses
ni Zach. I would feel better if I hear his voice, if I talk to him. My whole body
shook as I waited for his answer. My tears started falling when I heard the other
line ringing. I waited anxiously for him to answer.

"Come on, babe, pick it up!" I gasped. I thanked all the angels above when he
answered after six rings.

"Hello?" Something inside me leaped after hearing his voice.

"Z-zach..." I mumble his name.

"Yza?" He exclaimed. "Yza, nasaan ka? Yza! Yza! Yza nasaan ka? Oh god! Nasaan ka?!"
I could imagine him jolting up after hearing my voice. I covered my mouth with my
hand.

"Are you okay, Yza?" Tanong niya pa. "Tell me where you are, baby! Yza! Yza
magsalita ka, mahal na mahal kita." Sabi niya pa.

For the first time in two weeks, I felt an overwhelming wave of happiness inside my
chest. Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ng nangyari sa akin, ang ginawa ni
Demitri, ang sakit na nararamdaman ko tuwing maiisip kong hindi na niya ako
matatanggap, ang lakas na nararamdaman ko kapag naiisip ko siya. Ang dami-dami kong
gustong sabihin sa kanya pero sa dami ng tumatakbo sa isipan ko, isa lang ang
namutawi sa labi ko at sa tingin ko ay iyon ang pinakamahalaga.

"I love you, ZD." I told him. He sighed.

"Baby, where are you? I know Helios took you. Nasaan ka?" Halos naiiyak na rin
siya. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang biglang may humablot ng telepono sa kamay ko. I
turned around and I saw the monster staring at me.

He's half naked. He was only wearing his Muai Thai shorts. He's sweating; he looked
as if he just got out of the gym. Ang dilim ng ekspresyon ng mukha niya. Galit na
galit ang mga mata niya pero hindi ako natatakot sa kanya.

"Sinong tinawagan mo?" He asked in a murderous voice.

"Wala kang pakialam."

"You can't just use the phone, Yza! I kidnapped you! You'll be staying here or
else---!"

"You'll rape me again!" Tinaasan ko ang boses ko. "Akala mo ba natatakot pa ako?
You can have my body again and again, Demitri but that won't make me feel any less
of a woman! Oo, kinuha mo ako, pero hindi ako magpapakababa dahil lang doon! I will
keep on fighting you until the moment I get out of here - alive and I will make
sure that you will regret the day you ever hurt me!"

Biglang umigkas ang kamay niya. He is going to hit me. I didn't blink. I didn't
even bother avoiding him. Instead, I looked at him - eye to eye.
"You're going to hit me?" I asked him. "Sige lang! Dagdagan mo ang dahilan ko para
pahirapin ang buhay mo, demonyo ka! Tandaan mo, the more you hurt me, the more that
Yna will hate you." Sagad ang pagkamuhi ko sa lalaking nakatayo sa harapan ko
ngayon.

Bigla niyang ibinaba ang kamay niya.

"Go to your room!" He hissed. I smirked.

"You don't get to tell me what to do, Demitri!" Kinuha ko ang baso ng tubig na
kanina ay hawak ko at saka isinaboy iyon sa mukha niya. Hindi na siya nakahuma.
Nagmartsa ako paalis sa lugar na iyon. I went up to the room I was using. I locked
the door and I started pacing.

Narinig ko ang boses ni Zach. Ang sabi niya mahal niya ako. Ang tagal ko nang
gustong marinig ng boses niya at ngayon na nagawa ko, hindi naman ako mapakali. I
found myself crying again. I want to go back but how? I don't even have a solid
plan in mind. I gasped hard. I wanna be with my Zachary again.

I sat on the bed. I really need to think of a plan. Something that will hit Helios
at his weakest point - like Achilles in the Trojan war, like Aeneas in the Odyssey.
Kailangan kong malaman ang kahinaan niya.

I was biting my lip when I remembered something - something that he said.

Love makes people weak.

"Love..."

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

"AH Fuck!"

Nasabunutan ko ang aking sarili habang pilit na tinatawag muli ang numerong ginamit
ni Yza. I have to know where she is. Alam na ng mga tao ko na kinuha siya ng gagong
iyon - ang kulang na lang ay ang location kung nasaan siya. Hindi na ako
makapaghintay ng susunod na araw pa, kailangan ko nang makita si Yza.

I closed my eyes. Hearing he voice only added fuel to the fire I feel inside of me.
Mas lalo ko siyang kailangan mabawi ngayon. I missed her so much. Isa pa, nag-
aalala ako sa mga bagay na pwedeng gawin sa kanya ng lalaking iyon. Its good to
know that she is okay, alive and still very much in love with me.

I took my keys and headed out paglabas ko ng unit ko ay nasalubong ko naman ang
kapatid ko. She was looking at me with that ridiculous expression on her face.

"Kuya, saan ka na naman pupunta?" She asked with that tiring tone. I have to stop
and talk to her for a while.

"I have to go and find Yza." Sabi ko sa kanya. Napailing na lang siya.

"Kuya." Pinigilan niya ako. "Umuwi ka muna sa bahay. Hinahanap ka na ni Mommy." She
said in a low voice. I took a deep breath. I know that my family is worried about
me, about Yza and the Consunijis. Nagpapasalamat naman ako dahil dinadamayan nila
ako but right now, I don't need any distractions. I have to find Yza before its too
late.

"Audrey, I have to go." Sabi ko sa kanya. She let me go. I ran and headed out of
the building. I got to my car. I have to go and see Yto. I need to speak with him.
Thirty minutes later - thanks to the traffic - I was inside their mansion, talking
to him and his dad.

"She called me."

Tito Sancho's eyes widened with surprised. Tumayo siya. "Did she tell you where she
is?"

"Hindi, bago niya pa masabi, naputol ang tawag. I tried calling her again but it's
unattended, Sir." Nagulat ako nang biglang suntukin ni Tito Sancho ang table niya.
Nabasag iyong salami. Yto seemed to be shocked to.

"Tay..."

"I am going to kill that son of bitch with my bare hands!" He hissed. Galit na
galit ang mga mata niya. Tiningnan ko si Yto - this is actually the first time I
saw my best friend speechless. Namumutla siya habang nakatitig siya sa Tatay niya.

"Tay, sa dami ng papatay kay Demitri, I doubt kung pati kaluluwa niya mase-save
pa." He was trying to lighten up the mood but when Tito Sancho looked at him with
those deadly dark eyes, natahimik si Yto. Napakamot siya ng ulo.

"I'll call Jun, Tay." Sabi na lang ni Yto.

"Better do that, Yto Jose."

Yto turned away and left the room. Naiwan ako doon. Binalingan ako ni Tito Sancho.

"Kapag nakita ang pinagtataguan niya kay Yza, sumama ka. I need you there to take
her because I don't know if I can control myself if and when I see that bastard who
took my daughter." He gritted his teeth. Mukang sa mga oras na ito ay talagang
galit na siya.

Makalipas ang ilang sandal ay bumalik si Yto sa private office kasama si Jun at si
Yvo. Yvo is holding a Mac while smiling ear to ear.

"What's that?" I asked him. Inilapag niya ang Mac sa table ni Tito Sancho.

"Kuya, Tay, I have found a way on how to infiltrate Demitri's armory without him
knowing."

Ipinakita niya ang database systems ng AlphaDelta Armory - Demitri's company. He

started explaining the things he had discovered. Lahat ng negosyo ni Demitri ay
legal pero kahit ganoon, nakahanap si Yvo ng gusot.

"I will infiltrate their database, tay. Alter their stock, I can even take money
from them without them knowing. Malalaman lang nila if they do a background check
but it's too early for that so, this thing might work. Kaya kong kunin ang company
niya little by little. Ganti sa ginagawa niya sa pamilya natin ngayon."

Yvo's plan is brilliant. Tinapik ni Tito Sancho ang balikat niya. Yto is also
looking at his brother with so much pride in his eyes. Nakangiti rin ako.
"Now, all we have to do is find Yza and we'll take Helios Demitri down." I
commented.

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

"Hector..."

Huminga ako nang malalim matapos kong marinig ang boses ni Manang Bining. I was
standing on the balcony, smoking a cigarette. I'm rying to think of a way on how to
get Leigh again. Sa tingin ko mahihirapan akong makipag-deal sa pamilya nila. I was
thinking of taking Yza back but I want Leigh in exchange for her.

"Herctor..." Tawag niyang muli sa akin. Bumaling ako sa kanya. Si Manang Bining ang
kasama ko habang lumalaki. She's the closest thing I have to a family. I meet her
in Greece. My father hired her to take care of me - a nanny - pero kahit nanny lang
siya, siya lang ang nagpapakita sa akin ng malasakit.

Even my own father lacks of that.

"Hector, ibalik mo na lang siya. Nasasaktan siya sa mga ginagawa mo." Sinubukan
niya akong hawakan pero umilag ako.

"Ngayon pa ba kung kalian malapit ko nang makuha ang kapatid ko?" I asked her.
Itinapon ko ang sigarilyo sa kung saan. "I'll take her back but as long as Leigh
isn't with me, she'll be staying here."

Tumalikod ako. Narinig kong napasinghap si Manang Bining. Alam ko kung bakit. I was
half naked and my back was against her. Nakikita na naman niya ang mahahabang pilat
sa likuran ko.

"Hector, ayaw mo bang ipaalis iyan?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya sa akin. I took my
shirt and wore it. I took a deep breathe and faced her again.

"The scars remind me of what I had to go through before getting where I am right
now, Manang. Hindi ko ipapaalis iyon kahit kailan." Tinalikuran ko siya. I found
myself walking around the house again.
I just feel so empty, so cold. Iyong lamig na nanunuoot hanggang sa mga buto ko.
Lamig na hindi maiibsan ng kumot o ng kung ano pa man. I sighed. I went upstairs.
Hindi ako makatulog. Kailangan ko nang ipahinga ang isip ko. Bukas na lang ulit ako
iisip ng plano. I was about to go in my room when I looked back at her room.

I wondered if she's asleep right now, or if she is not, anong ginagawa niya. She
intrigues me. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. I thought that she is weak, a
nobody, but after what she did to me, I realized that she is far different from
what I have in my mind. I took a step towards her room. Hindi naka-lock ang pinto
niya. I went inside. Binuksan ko ang ilaw. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong
wala siya sa kama.

"What the! AWWW!" Napadaing ako nang maramdam kong may kung anong pumalo sa likuran
ko. I looked back and I saw her - Yza Consunji - holding a baseball bat and she's
aiming at me again.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"What the fuck are you doing here?!" She hissed. "You're going to molest me again,
asshole?!" Halos mamaos ang boses niya. Hindi agad ako nakasagot. I noticed that
her body is shaking. Bigla akong ngumisi.

"You're scared. Still scared of me." I said. I walked towards her. Umurong siya.
Wrong move. She is now trapped between my body and the wall behind her. I looked
in her eyes. She had a pair of almond shaped brown eyes - very much like her
brother's but hers is more expressive. I could actually see fear and her need to
fight me. Inilagay ko ang kamay ko sa baywang niya she stiffened.

"Whether you like it or not, Yza Consunji, I am your first. Forced or not, I am the
first man in your life and you will forever remember me." I said those words while
looking at her eyes.

Natigilan ako nang makita kong nag-iba ang tingin niya sa akin. I don't know what's
with her eyes that made me think of something happy - I suddenly remembered my
parents - their love for each other - my mom, holding Leighton in her arms - all of
those things flashed in my mind just because I looked at her eyes.

Lumipat ang tingin ko sa mga labi niya. Her lips were pale pink and quivering -
maybe out of fear. She looked silly still holding on to her baseball bat. I knew I
have to walk away right now, but something's telling me to stay and keep my
distance.
"You are a demonic monster and I loathe you."

I was looking at her lips while she said those words. She blinked, her lips
quivered, she licked her lower lip and something got to me. I held her closer,
tilted her head and kissed her.

Of course, she fought hard to push me away but I was bigger than her, stronger so
in the end, she stopped fidgeting as I kiss her savagely. I was actually savoring
the moment something I wasn't supposed to do. Why would I savor it? Galit ako sa
pamilya niya and yet here I am kissing her like my life depended on it.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla niyang kagatin nang madiin ang labi ko. Bigla
akong lumayo sa kanya. Pinadapo niya ang mga kamay niya sa mukha ko.

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" Sigaw niya sa akin. "You don't have any rights of touching
me or even looking at me! You're a fucking demonic monstrous asshole who ruined my
life!" Sinampal niyang muli ako. "You don't get to touch me! You don't get to kiss
me! You don't deserve the Consunji Mark you, fucking asshole!"

Kumunot ang noo ko. What is the Consunji Mark?

<center><h1>6. A past so dark</h1></center>

<hr>
"What are you doing here?"

Galit na galit ako kay Helios Demitri dahil sa ginawa niyang paghalik sa akin nang
nakaraang gabi. He doesn't have the right to kiss me! He's a friggin' asshole and I
really want to kill him for that. Ang kapal pa ng mukha niyang pasukin na naman ang
silid ko kung saan niya ako inilalagak. Ang kapal ng mukha niyang ngisihan ako na
para bang normal lang sa amin ang lahat. Ang kapal ng mukha niya!

"Get up, we'll have breakfast." He said to me. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I stared at
him. Does her really think that I want to eat with him? Kinamumuhian ko siya at
ayoko siyang makita hangga't maaari tapos aayain niya akong kumain kasama siya?

Kahit baliktarin ko ang buong mundo pati na rin ang baluktot na niyang ugali,. The
fact that he forced me will never change. Sa tuwing naaalala ko ang
kalapastanganang ginawa niya sa akin noong gabing iyon ay tumutulo ang luha ko na
para bang wala nang bukas. The only thing that I would ever give to the man I love
was taken away from me by this monster and I really loathe him for that. Kulang ang
salitang "hate" para ilarawan ang pagkamuhing nararamdaman ko sa kanya.

He had broken my apart and now he had the balls to stand in front of me and smile
at me like that? How thick could he get?

"I don't have all day, princess. Get up and eat with me!"

"Kung makautos ka akala mo pag-aari mo ako! Anong pakiramdam mo sa sarili mo?

Hari?!" Halos lumitaw na ang litid ko sa leeg. He grinned again.

"Yes, baby, I am the King. Now, get up and eat with me or else." Tumigil siya sa
pagsasalita at tinitigan ako. Something crept inside of me as he stares at me like
that. Bigla ay parang kinabahan ako pero hindi ko ipinakita sa kanya. His green
eyes were piercing through my skin. Pakiramdam ko hinuhubaran ako ng mga titig na
iyon.

"Stop looking at me like that." I hissed at him. He grinned again. He climbed my

bed and moved closer to me. Napuno ako ng kaba. Biglang nanumbalik sa akin ang araw
na iyon. Naluluha na naman ako.

"Don't budge." His voice is deep and clear. "I'm not going to hurt you, Consunji."
He said. Bigla ay hinawakan niya ako sa baywang at saka inihiga sa kama. Hindi
magkada-abot-abot ang hininga ko. Pakiramdam ko hihikain ako. To my surprise, bigla
niya akong inangat. He carried me, bride style then we went out of the room.

Alam kong kailangan kong magprotesta. He's holding me like he owns me. Hindi niya
ako pag-aari. Si Zach lang ang nagmamay-ari sa akin at sa buong pagkatao ko and yet
I couldn't do anything to push him away.

My heart... my heart is beating so fast - hindi ko alam kung dahil sa natatakot ako
sa kanya o dahil malapit na malapit siya sa akin. We reached the breakfast nook, he
made me sit on the chair. Tapos ay siya naman ang naupo sa tabi ko lang. I couldn't
concentrate.

I kept on thinking about that night when he robbed my virtue. Paulit-ulit kong
sinasabi sa sarili ko na galit ako sa kanya. Na hindi tama na nakakadama ako ng
kahit na ano para sa kanya maliban lang sa galit. Hindi magbabago ng halik na iyon
ang nararamdaman kong galit sa kanya.
Si Zach pa rin at walang iba. Si Zachary Drew pa rin. I took a deep breath as I
remember the mornings I used to spend with him. He's so sweet. He's the perfect
gentleman and he loves me damn too much. Mahal na mahal ko rin naman siya. Boses
niya ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy kong nilalabanan nang lalaking ito.

Mula nang marinig ko ang boses niya noong patago akong tumagawa noong nakaraang
araw, lalong lumakas ang loob ko. Gusto ko na siyang makita. Hearing him say that
he loves me makes up for every pain that I have been through these past few weeks.
Pinalalakas ng mga alaala ni Zach ang loob ko. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit hindi
ako sumusuko.

"Eat." He ordered me. Tiningnan ko lang siya tapos ay nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I saw
him shook his head tapos ay ngumisi. "You are such a princess. I wonder if Leigh is
as bratty as you are." There was amusement on his voice. Tiningnan ko siya. For the
first time since he took me, I saw him smile - kung ngiti ngang matatawag iyong
nakataas lang iyong dulo ng labi niya.

"Kung si Yna lang pala, why bother do all of these?" I found myself asking him. He
took one piece of toasted bread and spread some cream cheese on it. He took a bite
and chewed it slowly. Para bang dinadama niya ang bawat nguya. Nakadama tuloy ako
ng gutom.

He grinned. "It's not just about Leighton, Yza. Although she's the main point of
all these, it's just not about her."

"Tungkol ba saan ang lahat ng ito, Demitri?" I asked him. I wanted to cry. "You
ruined my life! You... you..." Ni hindi ko masabi ng buo ang mga bagay na ginawa
niya sa akin. I just sat there clenching my jaw while I look at him.

"Kapag natapos ang plano ko, ibabalik kita sa boyfriend mo." He smirked. "That is,
kung siya pa rin ang pipiliin mo."

Napatuon ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Talagang si Zach pa rin ang pipilliin ko.
There's no question about that. Anong inaasahan niya? I'll fall in love with him
habang tinatago niya ako dito sa hellhole na ito? He must be losing his mind.

Hindi ko kahit kailan ipagpapalit si Zachary Drew sa kung sinong demonyo lang. I
have him - Zach and he's the best for me. He loves me, I owe him my brother's life
and I love him deeply. Ang sakit-sakit isipin na hindi ko siya nakakasama sa araw-
araw at iyon ay dahil lang sa demonyong nasa harapan ko ngayon.
"What the hell are you even thinking?" I asked him. Gusto ko na naman siyang
saktan. I was about to hit him when one of his bodyguards entered the nook and
called his attention.

"Sir, nandito sila. Natunton na nila ang babae."

My eyes widened after hearing what the man had just said. Nandito sila? Ibig niya
bang sabihin may mga taong nagpunta dito para kunin ako? Napatayo ako. I was about
to run but thn Demitri grabbe my arm. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa akin.

"Bitiwan mo ako?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Get the chopper ready, aalis tayo." Utos niya sa lalaki. Hindi. Nanlalaki ang mga
mata ko. Hindi kami pwedeng umalis. Nandito na sila. Makakauwi na ako. Makakasama
ko na ang pamilya ko. Makikita ko na si Zach.

Napasinghap ako nang makarinig ako ng putok ng baril.

"Oh! Fuck!" I heard Helios Demitri said. Hinatak niya ako, patakbo kaming umalis.
Pilit akong kumakawala sa kanya.

"Bitiwan mo ako!!!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Pakawalan mo na ako!"

"Tumahimik ka! Hindi ka aalis dito sa tabi ko. Dito ka lang!" Sigaw niya.

"Yza!" Natigil kami nang marinig namin ang sigaw na iyon. I looked back and I saw
him. Bumukal ang mga luha ko.

"Zach!" Sigaw ko. Pilit kong hinahatak ang sarili ko paalis kay Demitri. "Zach!
Zach nandito ako!" Sigaw ko nang ubod nang lakas. Nakatayo siya sa may nook kung
saan kami kanina. Itinulak ko si Helios. Napamura siya nang makakawala ako. Agad
akong tumakbo patungo kay Zach. Puro putok ng baril ang naririnig ko. The gunshots
were coming from Helios' guys. I really don't care as long as I could see Zachary
Drew, okay ako.

"Zach!" Sigaw ko. Naiiyak ako. Gusto kong hatakin ang lupa makalapit lang ako sa
kanya. He looked at my direction and smiled when he saw me.
"Yza..." He mouthed my name. Tumakbo na rin siya papunta sa akin but as I'm about
to take his hand bigla na lang may humapit sa akin palayo. I was, again around
Helios Demitri's arms and he's taking me away from the love of my life.

"Yza!" Zach yelled. I gasped hard. Pilit akong kumakawala mula kay Helios pero ayaw
niya akong bitiwan. He ran away. I was crying.

"Bitiwan mo ako! Zach!" Sigaw ako nang sigaw. Hinahabol kami ni Zach pero
naharangan siya noong mga guards ni Helios.

"Yza! Yza!"

Iyon ang pinakahuli kong narinig. Ipinasok ako ni Demitri sa loob ng chopper. Hilam
na hilam ng luha ang mga mata ko. Sumakay na rin siya at inutusan ang piloto na
ilipad na kami. I was crying. Sinusubukan ko pa ring kumawala. Tatalon ako. Wala
akong pakialam kung mamatay ako kaysa naman mamatay ako na kasama ang halimaw na
sumira sa akin.

"Shut up, Yza!" He hissed. "Magpapakamatay ka ba?!"

"Mas gugustuhin kong mamatay na lang kaysa ang makasama ka pa!" Sigaw niya sa akin.
He stared at me.

"All of these because of that boy?" He asked in disbelief. "He's not even man
enough, Yza. Hindi siya bagay sa'yo."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit naumid ang dila ko. Pinaghahampas ko siya sa balikat. "How
dare you!" I yelled at him. Paulit-ulit kong ginawa iyon. Hindi siya nagsasalita.
Nakangiwi lang siya. Muli ko siyang hinampas, may naramdaman akong kung ano sa
aking palad. Tiningnan ko iyon, nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko ang dugo sa
palad ko.

Nasugatan ba ako? Iyon agad ang tanong ko sa aking sarili. Wala naman akong
kakaibang nararamdaman. I looked at Helios and I saw his shoulder bleeding. My eyes
widened. Kitang-kita ko iyong kulay ginto na nakapasak sa balikat niya.
He was shot.

Iyon ang rason kung bakit siya nakangiwi.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed.

"Just shut up!" Sigaw niya sa akin. Nanginig ako - hindi dahil sa takot sa kanya
kundi dahil sa nangyari sa kanya. He was shot for crying out loud!

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

Hindi ko na naman alam kung nasaan kami. All I could see is a huge part of the
ocean. Nasa gitna kami ng dagat, isang isla na sa tingin ko ay pag-aari ni Helios.
Noong una, akala ko ay kaming dalawa lang ang naroon pero hindi naman nagtagal ay
dumating si Manang Bining at ang assistant niyang si Kathryna na dala yata ang
buong opisina ni Demitri.

Nagkakagulo sila dahil sa nangyaring pagsugod sa bahay nito. Sa narinig ko, naroon
si Yto at si Tatay, sila ang mga kasama ni Zach. Kukunin na nila ako pero hindi
nila nagawa dahil naitakas na naman ang ng demonyong iyon. Nakadama ako ng pag-
aalala. Ano na kaya ang nangyari kay Zach? Kay Tatay at Yto? Nasaktan din kaya
sila?

"AHHHH!!!" Nagulat ako nang marinig ko ang isang malakas na sigaw. Agad kong
tinungo ang lugar kung saan nanggaling ang boses na iyon. Nakita ko si Helios sa
kusina, nakaupo sa silya habang si Manang Bining ay may hawak na kung ano at may
inilagay siya sa plangganang naroon sa mesa.

Blood started gushing out if his shoulder. Nakangiwi siya. May kagat siyang puting
twalya sa bibig. Namumula ang buong katawan niya.

"Anak, bakit ba ayaw mong pumunta sa ospital? Baka kung anong mangyari sa'yo..."

"If I go to the hospital, they will take her and I will lose my chance." He said.
"Fuck that bastard who shot me." He even hissed. "May araw din sa akin si
Consunji."
Sinong Consunji? Si Tatay ba?

Natigilan ako nang makita kong nakatitig siya sa akin. "Happy now?"

"Si-sinong bumaril sayo?" Tanong ko. Napalabi siya.

"Iyong kapatid mo." Sabi niya. "He was there at the attic and he shot me. Daplis
lang pero sinisiguro kong magsisisi siya."

"Kailan ka ba titigil?!" Sigaw ko. "You shot Zach!"

"I didn't." He said. "I didn't shot your boyfriend."

"Hindi?!" I exclaimed. "You were there! Yto saw you! Isa sa mga tauhan mo ang
bumaril sa kanya!"

"I was there. I saw everything. Iyong tao ko, may dala siyang baril because he was
trying to shoot the man who did that to your boyfriend. We chased him around but we
lost him. Hindi ako ang nagpabaril sa boyfriend mo. I may be a lot of things but
I'm not a murderer."

Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaksyon ko sa sinasabi niya. Should I believe
him? Kung hindi siya ang nagpabaril kay Zach, sino? Sinasabi lang niya iyon dahil
niloloko niya ako.

But then... I looked at Manang Bining and I saw her wiping her tears.

"Hector, mahiga ka na..." Sabi ni Manang Bining. Dahan-dahan siyang tumayo. He was
half naked that time, he turned his back on me and my eyes widened with so much
horror.

"What?"I gasped hard. Mukang naintindihan naman niya ang nais kong itanong. He
immediately wear his shirt and left the kitchen. Naiwan kami ni Manang Bining doon.
She wiped her tears. "Hija, sana maniwala ka na hindi niya magagawa ang mga bagay
na iyon, Yza. Napakabait ni Hector."

Napakabait? PInagsamantalahan niya ako tapos sasabihin niyang mabait? Umiling ako.
Umakyat ako sa silid na pinaghatiran ni Manang Bining sa akin kanina. Naupo ako sa
kama at saka hinayaang lumabas ang lahat ng luhang itinatago ko. Sinusubukan ko
lang namang maging malakas pero ang totoo, mahina ako. Nanghina ako nang makita ko
si Zach. Gustong-gusto kong sumama sa kanya.

Hindi ako nakatulog nang gabing iyon. Hating gabi nang punuin ng isang malakas na
tinig ang buong kabahayan.

"AHhhhh!!!!! Stop!!!"

Tumayo ako at lumabas ng silid. The voice was coming from Helios' room. Nang
dumating ako doon ay nakita ko si Manang Bining. Humahagulgol siya habang
tinitingnan si Helios na nakahiga sa kama at nagwawala. I thought he's awake but I
realized that he was sleeping when I moved closer to him.

He's having a nightmare.

"Baba! Baba tama na!" He kept on saying. Sinusubukan siyang yakapin ni Manang pero
masyado siyang malakas.

"Manang anong nangyayari?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She just looked at me.

"Hector, gumising ka..." Sabi ni Manang pero nagwawala pa rin siya. Naawa ako kay
Manang Bining. I climbed on his bed and slapped him - hard until he wakes up.

Tumigil siya. He opened his eyes and when he saw me, bigla na lang siyang napahiga.

"Nightmares again, huh." I knew he was talking to Manang Bining. I bit my lower lip
while I was looking at him, I realized that Helios Demitri had gone through
something bad...
A past so dark he finds it hard to forget.
<center><h1>7. A Consunji never breaks a promise</h1></center>
<hr>
Hindi ko na alam kung anong araw na. Kung sabagay, I have forgotten to count the
days ever since that monster took me to this island. I was again, sitting on the
big rock adjacent the vast ocean thinking again. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako o
kung parte pa ban g Pilipinas ang pinagdalhan sa akin. Ang alam ko lang malayo ako
sa mga taong mahal ko at sa araw-araw na dumaraan, lalo lang lumalakas ang
kagustuhan kong makaalis sa lugar na ito.

I don't even know what time is it now. I was just looking at the ocean reminiscing
the moments I have spent with my family. I missed being a kid. Noon kasi madali
lang ang problema. Madadapa lang ako, iiyak tapos darating si Nanay, patatahanin
ako sa pamamagitan ng yakap at halik. Sana ganoon na lang kadali ang lahat. Sa
tingin ko, hindi kaya ng yakap at halik lang ang mga nangyayari sa akin.

I wiped the tear that escaped my eye. I missed my family so much. Iniisip ko
hanggang ngayon kung anong nangyari kay Yto at Tatay. I want to know if they're
okay, kung may nasugatan ba sa kanila tulad noong nangyari kay Demitri.

I sighed. Ilang araw din siyang nilagnat nitong huli. Sa tingin ko ay epekto iyon
noong tama ng baril niya. He didn't want to be rushed to the hospital. He kept on
thinking that if he's rushed to the hospital, aalis ako o tatakas. Gagawin ko
talaga iyon. Kapag nakahanap ako ng pagkakataon, tatakas talaga ako at hindi na
babalik sa kanya.

Again, a tear escaped from my eye. I remembered Zach's face when he tried saving
me. Napangiti ako nang maalala ko iyong happiness na nakita ko sa mga mata niya
noong magtama ang mga tingin namin. I knew that moment that he really loves me.
Iyon naman talaga ang totoo, mahal ako ni Zach at mahal na mahal ko siya kaya nga
gusto kong makaalis dito, gusto ko nang bumalik but the monster is making it hard
for me to comeback.

I took a deep breath as I climbed down the rock. Tapos na ang sunset, gabi na naman
pero hindi ko pa rin alam kung anong araw ngayon. Naglakad ako papasok sa loob ng
bahay na iyon. Napansin ko lang na napakahilig ni Demitri sa salamin. The house on
the top of the hill was designed with glasses and revolving doors, itong bahay na
tinutuluyan namin ngayon ay ganoon din. Halos walang ipinagkaiba. The only
difference between the two is the view and the furniture inside of it.

Umakyat ako sa itaas para magkulong sa silid. Ayokong makipag-usap kahit na kanino.
Habang naglalakad ay narinig ko si Manang Bining na kausap ang assistant ni
Demitri. They were - I think - talking about him. Puno ng pag-aalala ang boses ni
Manang.
"Hindi ko na alam, Kathryna. Kapag hindi pa siya nagpadala sa ospital baka kung
anong mangyari sa kanya."

"Okay na yata siya, Manang. Nagtatrabaho na kami kanina. Although nilalagnat pa

rin."

They were outside his room. Nakadama ako ng kaba. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin
siya okay? Sa tingin ko naman ay hindi malala ang tama ng bala sa balikat niya.

"Ayokong mag-isip. " Sabi ni Manang Bining. "Kailangan madala ni Hector sa ospital,
Kathryna, kung hindi..."

Natigil sila sa pag-uusap nang mapatingin sa direksyon ko. "Nandyan ka pala. May
kailangan ka ba?" Tanong niya sa akin. Umiling ako. Tumalikod akong muli para
pumasok sa silid ko. Naupo ako sa kama at saka napabuntong hininga. Habang
tumatagal ay lalo akong natatakot na baka hindi na ako makabalik.

I sighed again. Lahat ng plano ko habang nandoon ako sa bahay niya sa burol ay
nagback-fire. Hindi ako makatakas. Tuwing gabi kasi ay may mga guards na umaaligid
sa buong kabahayan. May mga hawak silang baril. Sa labas naman ng silid ko ay may
isnag lalaki rin na hindi umaalis doon hangga't hindi nag-uumaga. Paano pa ako
makakatakas?

I only have one plan left but I really don't want to do it. It involves my heart
and my feelings. Hindi ko kayang magkunwari ng ganoon. Namumuhi ako sa kanya at
kahit kailan hindi ko makita ang sarili ko na sinusubukan siyang paibigin.

That's my last resort. To make him fall in love with me, pero ayoko. I can never
fake my feelings. I hate Demitri for taking advantage of me. Napaluha ako. Every
damn time I remember those two nights, pakiramdam ko dahan-dahan akong namamatay.
Iniisip ko kung paano si Zach kapag bumalik na ako. Kung naaawa ako sa sarili ko
mas naaawa ako sa kanya.

He took care of me, he respected me, he lift me high - kulang na lang ay sambahin
niya ako pero anong nangyari sa akin? Sa amin? Every night I pray that he will find
the strength to accept me again after what happened to me. Hindi ko naman ginusto
iyon. Hindi ko kasalanan. I tried fighting but I just lost the will. He's too
strong. Wala akong nagawa. Hindi ko man lang naipaglaban ang para kay Zach.

Bigla ay nayakap ko ang sarili ko. I was crying again. I wanted to scream because
of too much frustration. I wanted to hurt Demitri. Gusto ko siyang magdusa. Gusto
kong maramdaman niya ang lahat ng sakit na naramdaman ko.

"Hector!"

Napatingin ako sa may pinto nang marinig ko ang sigaw ni Manang Bining. Agad akong
tumayo para lumabas ng silid. Tinakbo ko ang distansya ng silid ko at ng silid
niya. In there, I saw Manang Bining trying to embrace Demitri. Nanginginig ang
buong katawan nito. Namumula ang mukha at halos parang hindi na makahinga.

"Manang kailangan na nating dalhin si Sir sa ospital!" Sigaw ni Kathryna. Nakatayo

siya sa tabi ng kama kung nasaan si Demitri.

"A-ayoko." He said in a low voice. I gasped. Parang hirap na hirap na ang tinig
niya. "D-dito lang ako."

"Pero Sir!" Sigaw ni Kathryna. "Sir, your life is on the rocks. Iisipin ninyo pa ba
si Yza? Sir, paano ninyo mababawi si Leigh kung nanghihina naman kayo?"

So this is all about me again. Ayaw niya talaga sa ospital dahil tatakas ako.

"Anak, makinig ka naman sa amin." Nagmamaka-awa na si Manang Bining. Naglandas na

ang mga luha sa mga mata niya habang pilit na kinukumutan si Demitri. He shook his
head and closed his eyes again. I bit my lower lip. I wanted to cry too. Mukhang
hirap na hirap na siya. Kung tutuusin, dapat lang na maghirap siya. Dapat kong
isipin na tama lang sa kanya iyon, na dapat na siyang mamatay pero kahit na anong
gawin kong pangungumbinsi sa sarili ko, hindi ko magawa.

Kahit sagad sa buto ang galit ko sa kanya, umiiral pa rin sa akin ang pagpapalaki
ni Nanay. Nanay raised me to be a kind-hearted person - isang taong may awa sa
lahat. Naaawa ako sa kanya. Kaya ko siyang labanan, iniisip ko na iyon pero hindi
sa ganito. Hindi ko gustong makita siyang nahihirapan.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng silid niya, Natahimik si Kathryna. Tiningnan niya lang ako.
"How can you take him to the hospital? We're in the middle of an island."

"Sa chopper, pero ayaw niya."

"Get it ready. Baka mamatay siya." Sabi ko sa assistant niya. Nanlaki ang mga mata
niya sa akin. "Ano? Hindi mo ako narinig?! Get it ready!"

Nag-atubili siyang umalis. I sat on the bed next to him. He's really weak. Maputla
na ang mukha niya pati na rin ang labi niya. My head was telling me to let him
suffer but my heart is telling a different story.

Kusang gumalaw ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. He's so hot. "Kailan pa po
siya nilalagnat, manang?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She looked at me.

"Dalawang araw na. Noong gabing binangungot siya, hanggang noong madaling araw.
Malakas lang talaga ang resistensya niyang alaga ko kaya lang ayaw niya talaga sa
ospital." Maluha-luhang pahayag niya. Tumango na lang ako. I looked at Demitri.

"Gumising ka diyan. Dadalin ka namin sa ospital." Simpleng sabi ko sa kanya.

"Tumayo ka kasi hindi ka namin kaya."

Hindi siya kumibo. He opened his eyes and again, I was able to see those darkened
green eyes. My mouth parted.

"I'll stay here. I'd rather stay ill than seeing you run away from me." He said.
Napalunok ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganoon na lang ang lakas at ang bilis ng
tibok ng puso ko. I was just looking at him. Alam kong seryoso siya. Hindi siya
magpapadala sa ospital dahil alam niyang tatakas ako.

I just stared at him. His green eyes hunting me, getting the best of me. I sighed.

"I won't leave. Just let me take you to the hospital."

He didn't say a word. I took that as a yes. Maya-maya ay pumasok ang ilan sa mga
tauhan ni Demitri sa loob. Dahan-dahan nilang inalalayan si Demitri. Itinayo nila
siya, nalaglag ang kumot na itinakip ni Manang Bining sa katawan niya. He was half
naked again - the only piece of clothe he's wearing is that pair for jeans.
Napasinghap ako nang makita ko ang mahahaba at malalaking pilit sa likod niya at sa
likod ng mga braso niya. I bit my lower lip.

I never thought I'd see the man who ruined me this hopeless and weak. He couldn't
even walk straight. Sumunod kami ni Manang Bining sa kanila. They took him to the
chopper, sumakay na rin ako. I sat beside him, tapos si Manang sa kabilang side.
Nasa gitna namin siya. He seemed so weak and my conscience just couldn't take this
anymore. I looked out the window.

Tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung bakit ako naaawa sa kanya. Suddenly, I felt his
head on my shoulder. Napatingin ako sa balikat ko. He's right there, his eyes were
closed and his mouth was a little bit parted. I closed my eyes. I fought the urge
of pushing him away. Iniisip ko na ibang tao siya - oo siya si Helios Demitri -
pero sa ngayon hindi siya iyong nanira sa akin. Siya si Helios with a little spark
of the boy Manang Bining calls Hector.

He's Hector.

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

I watched Hector as he lies on the hospital bed. Nakabenda ang parte ng balikat
niya na natamaan ng bala. Tumupad ako sa pangako ko. Iyong kahit may pagkakataon
akong tumakas at umalis dahil nasa kabayanan na kami ay hindi ko pa rin ginawa. No
matter how bad he is of a man, I think I have to stay true to my words. A promise
is a promise and a Consunji never breaks a promise - so I stayed.

He's still asleep. The doctor said that he was suffering from an aftermath. Dapat
kasi noong nabaril siya ay dinala na agad siya sa ospital. May nabulok na mga
tissues sa braso niya and that started the infection. Hindi nga rin ako
makapaniwala na ang isang tulad niya ay tinatablan din ng sakit.

"Here..." I looked up at Kathryna. She was handing me her phone. Napaawang ang labi
ko. "It's the least thing I could do. I can lose my job for this." She sighed.
"Just promise me you won't tell anybody where you are and please don't tell him
that I gave you the phone."

Tumango ako sa kanya at kinuha ang I-phone niya. Lumabas ako ng silid. Itinago ko
ang telepono sa bulsa ko. Tiningnan ako ng masama ng isa s amga guards ni Hector
pero hindi ko naman iyon pinansin. Nagpunta ako sa ladies room at doon tinawagan ko
si Tatay. I don't know why, I just really need to hear his voice.

Unknown ang number na gamit ko kaya hindi ko inaasahan na sasagutin niya agad ang
tawag ko but when he did, tears started falling down again.

"Hello?"
I closed my eyes when I heard his voice. Napaigik ako. "T-tatay..." I said the
words like a kid lost in the darkness.

"Yza!" He called my name. Lalo akong napaiyak.

"Tatay, okay ka lang ba?" Tanong ko. "Si Yto? Si Z-zach?" I was crying now. Oo
mahina talaga ako. Wala akong lakas ng loob kaya heto ako ngayon, nakasandal sa
pader habang nanginginig ang buong katawan. Gustong-gusto ko nang umuwi.

"Yza, calm down, princess. Nasaan ka? Sabihin mo kay Tatay kung saan ka dinala ng
hayop na iyon."

Lalo akong napaiyak. Kahit sinusubukan niyang maging kalmado, alam kong galit na
galit na siya. He is Sancho fucking Consunji and he's a monster too. I know him, he
will do everything just to get me back even if that means killing Hector.

"Tatay, okay, okay ka ba?" Tanong kong muli. Bumuntong hininga siya.

"I'm okay, baby. But where are you?"

Gusto kong sabihin. Pero nangako ako. I kept my mouth shut. Iyak ako nang iyak.
Tama na muna sa akin ang marinig ang boses niya sa ngayon. I covered my mouth.

"Tatay, please tell Nanay I love her. Mahal na mahal ko kayo, si Yto si Yvo si
Yllak at lalo na si Yna."

"Yza, ano bang sinasabi mo?! Nasan----"

I ended the call. I let my tears fall. Hinayaan ko ring humagulgol ang sarili ko.
Kung ako lang naman ang tatanungin, gusto ko na talagang umuwi, pero nangako ako.
Mabigat na salita ang isang pangako. Kung hindi man ako sa ngayon uuwi, alam kong
darating ang panahon na makakaalis ako dito at makababalik sa pamilya ko. Sa ngayon
kailangan ko munang tuparin ang ipinangako k okay Hector.

Pinahid ko ang mga luha ko at lumabas ng ladies room. Bumalik ako sa silid niya.
Nasa pinto pa lang ako naririning ko na siyang sumisigaw. Nagmadali ako sa
pagpasok. Nadatnan ko siyang nakaupo sa kama habang sinsigawan si Kathryna.

"I told you to keep an eye on her! Paano kung hindi na siya bumalik!"

"Nandito ako." Nilakasan ko ang boses ko para tumigil siya. He immediately stopped
and looked at me.

"Where have you been?" He asked me. I just shrugged.

"The ladies room." Kaswal na sabi ko. Naupo ako sa sofa at nagkunwaring nagbabasa
ng magazine. I could feel his eyes piercing through me. Ano bang meron sa titig
niya at sa tuwing titingnan niya ako pakiramdam ko hinahalukay niya ang buong
pagkatao ko?

Inilipat ko ang pahina ng magazine. I gasped hard when I saw Zach face. He;s half
naked on the picture. Alam ko itong ad na ito. This is his denim jeans campaign na
he really looked good on it. Dahan-dahan kong hinaplos ang mukha niya sa magazine
na iyon. I really missed him.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang biglang hablutin ni Kathryna ang magazine sa akin. She
threw that away.

"What?!" I exclaimed. She looked apologetic.

"Sorry, sabi kasi niya."

Nang muli kong tingnan si Hector ay nakatitig pa rin siya sa akin. Kunot na kunot
ang noo niya.

"You're not allowed to look at any other men, Consunji." Nakipagsukatan siya ng
tingin sa akin. "Except for me. I'm all you have right now."

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

What the hell is wrong with this man?!
<center><h1>8. Stay still</h1></center>
<hr>

"Wala bang paraan para matunton kung saan itinago si Yza?"

Magkaharap kami ni Yto nang araw na iyon. Kasama namin si Jun at ang FBI connection
ko. I was really saddened by the fact that we didn't succeed on getting Yza Joan
out of that monster's claws. Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko. Every time I remember
her face that day, nasasaktan ako, pakiramdam ko nabigo ko siya. Hindi ko siya
nailigtas. I knew that she's counting on me and yet I failed her. I wanted so much
to save her. But how can I do the saving if the monster kept on taking her away
from me.

Nandoon na. Kaunting hakbang na lang.

"Sa ngayon wala. We need to find the place where Demitri hid her." Seryosong sabi
ng tao ko. I took a deep breath again. Yto looked so mad right now. Dama ko sa
paligid ang tensyon niya. He was shaking his head while playing with the pencil on
his hand.

"I should've killed him." Seryosong sabi niya. He clenched his jaw. "I'm about to
shoot him pero kinuha niya si Yza. I'll kill him next time." Sabi pa niya.

"Not if I get him first." Seryosong sagot ko. Tahimik na tahimik ang buong
conference room ng Consunji Hotels. Lahat kami doon ay nag-iisip ng paraan kung
paano mahahanap si Yza. Nag-aalala na ako sa kanya at lalo akong namumuhi kay
Demitri.

"Can't we just give him Yna?" Biglang tanong ko kay Yto. Yto glared at me. Bigla
niya akong hinigit.

"Are you crazy?! Yna is our sister! Demitri will never have her!"

"Anong mas gusto mo, Yto? Iyong lahat tayo hindi makatulog just because you don't
want to give him what he wants? Yza's life is in danger and yet you choose to be
selfish! Ano lang ba iyong kaunting sakripisyo para lang sa kanya?!"
Tumayo si Yto. Kinuwelyuhan niya ako at saka sinuntok sa mukha. I gritted my teeth.
I punched his face too. I don't know how he can be so calm about this. Kaunting
sakripisyo lang naman ang hinihingi ko sa kanya pero hindi niya magawa! Hahayaan na
lang namin si Yza sa lalaking iyon?! God knows kung ano na ang ginawa ni Helios kay
Yza at sa oras na malaman kong meron nga siyang ginawa, papatayin ko siya!

"It's just a little sacrifice Yto. Hindi mo naman talaga kaptid si Yna." Mariing
sabi ko. Yto shook his head and punched me again. Noon biglang bumukas ang pinto.
Sinundan iyon ng malakas na pagtawag ni Niki kay Yto.

"Yto ko!" She exclaimed. Agad siyang pumagitna sa aming dalawa.

"Sa tingin mo ba gusto ni Yza na ibigay si Yna sa lalaking iyon!"

"Ewan ko Yto! Pero gagawin ko ang lahat makuha lang ulit si Yza!"

"Hindi si Yna ang sagot sa problema mo!" Sigaw niya sa akin. Umiling ako. Ano pang
sagot? Iyon na nga iyon. He took Yza because he needed Yna. Kung ibibigay si Yna
ibabalik niya si Yza. Hindi ba pwedeng ganoon na lang ang gawin namin kaysa
nahihirapan kaming lahat? It's just one person in exchange for the other.

Alam kong hindi sasaktan nI Demitri si Yna dahil kapatid niya ito pero si Yza -
galit siya kay Yza because she's a Consunji and he believes that Yza's family is
the reason why he doesn't have his own family now.

Mas masisikmura kong ibigay si Yna sa kanya kaysa ang habambuhay na mawala si Yza
sa akin.

"Yto ko tama na..." Wika pa ni Niki. I looked at her. She was touching Yto's face
as if trying to calm him down. Yto slid his arm on the side of her waist and pulled
her closer. Lahat iyon ginagawa niya habang nakikipagsukatan ng tingin sa akin.

"Hindi mo kasi ako naiintindihan, Yto. Hindi ka naman nawalan, diba?" Sarkastikong
sabi ko. Before he could react, tinalikuran ko na siya. Kung hindi talaga siya
gagawa ng paraan para maibalik si Yza, ako na lang ang gagawa noon. Hindi naman
kasi nararamdaman ni Yto kung anong nararamdaman ko.

I just feel so worthless. Gusto kong lumaban, gusto kong ipaglaban si Yza pero
paano ko gagawin iyon kung hindi ko naman alam kung saan magsisimula? Pakiramdam ko
wala akong kwenta, na ang tanga-tanga ko. I should be her knight in shining armor
pero hindi ko naman siya nailigtas.

Wala akong nagawa para kay Yza at ngayon inis na inis ako sa sarili ko.

Habang naglalakad ako papunta sa elevator ay nakita ko si Yna na nakaupo sa waiting

area sa gilid ng conference room. Tulala siya. Siguro ay napansin niya ako kaya
tiningnan niya ang direksyon ko. She was biting her lip.

"Kuya..." Tawag niya sa akin. "A-ano bang pwede kong gawin?"

I stared at her.

"He's your brother, Yna. Figure it out."

I turned away and left.

I miss Yza. I wonder how she is right now, what she's doing and where she is. I
just really need her back - so bad.

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

Nailabas na si Hector sa ospital pero naka-cast pa rin ang kamay niya. Hindi ko
alam kung anong naisip ko at hindi ako tumakas sa kanya. Somehow, I wanted to keep
my word. I don't know why but I just can't see myself leaving him yet. I have a
feeling - I don't know where I got that feeling - that he needed someone to be
with.

Wala pa rin namang nagbabago. Namumuhi pa rin ako sa kanya pero nakakaramdam din
ako ng awa. Nahahabag ako kapag nakikita ko iyong mga pilat niya sa likod. Gusto
kong malaman kung anong nangyari doon, kung bakit siya meron noon? Naaksidente kaya
siya dati?

"Yza, nandyan ka pala..."

Nginitian ko si Manang Bining habang nakatayo siya sa kusina. She was preparing
Hector's lunch - I guess. Mukhang masayang-masaya siyang ginagawa iyon. Sabi niya
sa akin dati mula noon pa ay alaga na niya si Hector at mukhang hindi rin siya
natatakot dito. What amazes her more is the fact that Hector seems to listen to
Manang Bining.

"Para sa kanya ba iyan?" Tanong ko. Ngumiti si Manang.

"Oo. Iinom pa siya ng gamot." Ngumiti siyang lalo. "Natutuwa ako, Yza. Ngayon ko na
lang kasi naalalagaan iyang si Hector. Mula nang hawakan niya ang kompanya ng Baba
niya, hindi ko na siya naalagaan. Mainam rin na nagkasakit siya at nang mapahinga."

Hindi ako sumagot. Pinanood ko lang siya. I could see that she loves Hector very
much. She cares for her. The only question is, does he care for Manang Bining?
Selfish kasi ang dating sa akin ni Hector.

Kinuha ni Manang Bining ang tray ng pagkain at inaya akong sumama sa kanya. We went
to the balcony. I saw him there sitting on the recliner, looking at the ocean while
sighing. Tahimik siyang tao, sa tingin ko nag-iisip siya ng malalim.

"Hector, anak, kumain ka na." Tinawag siya ni Manang Bining. Inilapag ni Manang ang
tray sa mesa. Tiningnan niya ang tray at saka huminga na naman ng malalim. He
looked at me tapos ay lumabi siya.

"Iiwan ko muna kayong dalawa." Sabi ni Manang sa amin. Sinundan ko lang siya ng
tingin tapos ay lumapit ako sa mesa kung saan nakita ko si Hector na sinusubukang
sumubo ng kanin.

Hirap na hirap siya. Kanang kamay kasi ang naka-cast sa kanya. Kaliwa ang kamay na
hindi injured at sa tingin ko, hirap siyang gamitin ito.

"Fuck!" He hissed. Nalaglag ang tinidor sa sahig. Kunot na kunot naman ang noo niya
habang pilit na kinukuha ang tinidor sa sahig. Nakahalukipkip ako habang
tinitingnan ko siya. He seemed so frustrated. I found myself smiling evily.
Natutuwa ako kapag nahihirapan siya.

"What are you smiling about? Nahihirapan na nga ako natutuwa ka pa?!" He hissed.
"Kulang pa kasi iyan sa ginawa mo sa akin." Malamig na sabi ko. Nginisihan niya
ako.

"Kulang pa rin iyon kumpara sa ginawa ni Sancho sa mga magulang ko." Mas malamig
ang boses niya. He tried getting the fork again. Napabuntong hininga ako. Anak
talaga ako ni Sheena Consunji dahil kahit na anong subok ko ay hindi ko magawang
hindi mahabag sa sitwasyon niya.

Pwede ko naman sigurong ipagbaliban ang paglaban sa kanya. Hihintayin ko na lang

siyang gumaling. I sighed. Ako na ang pumulot ng tinidor niya. Itinabi ko iyon
tapos ay kinuha ang kutsara para subuan siya.

"Ahhh." Sabi ko. He looked at me like he was seeing a ghost. Hinawakan ko ang baba
niya at saka pinanlakihan siya ng mga mata. "Sabi ko ah!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Wala
sa loob na ibinuka niya ang bibig niya at isinubo ang kutsarang hawak ko.

"Why are you being nice to me?" He said while chewing.

"Don't talk while your mouth is full. Wala ka bang manners?" Inis na sabi ko sa
kanya.

"Manners?" He grinned again.

"Ah!" Sabi ko ulit. He shook his head. Nakita ko na naman siyang ngumiti. Kung
ngiti ba talaga iyong tumaas lang iyong dulo ng bibig niya. I kept on feeding him.
Maya-maya ay binigyan ko siya ng tubig. Pati iyon ako na ang humawak. I took a
napkin and wiped his mouth and fed him again. Twenty minutes later, he's done
eating.

Inayos ko iyong pinakainan niya. I knew that he was watching me but I don't really
care.

"Manang," Sigaw ko. "Iyong gamot po. Salamat." Sabi ko na lang. Maya-maya ay
nandoon na si Manang. Dala na niya iyong gamot ni Hector. Akala ko siya iyong
magpapainom pero iniwan niya ulit ako. Napapailing na binasa ko na lang iyong
instructions tapos ay isa-isa kong ibinigay sa kanya iyong mga gamot niya.

Napakagat labi ako nang mabasa kong kailangan na may i-inject sa braso niya para sa
mga tissues. Kinuha ko iyong syringe tapos ay humarap ako sa kanya.
"Saan ito tutusok? Sa puso mo?" Nang-iinis na tanong ko.

"Very funny." He said. "It will take more than that to kill me."

"Saan nga ito? Sa lalalamunan mo?" Tanong ko ulit. He shook his head.

"Dito." Itinuro niya iyong braso niya. Lumapit ako sa kanya at saka sinubukang kong
iturok iyon sa kanya nang hindi siya hinahawakan pero hindi ko kaya. Ayoko sana
siyang hawakan. Kahit naman baliktarin ko ang mundo, siya pa rin ang sumira sa
akin. If I touch him, it might trigger the memory of a month ago.

"Damn it!" Sigaw ko. "Fuck you! Hector, stay still!" Inis na inis na sabi ko.
Tiningnan niya ako. I could feel my cheeks were turning red. "Stop looking at me,
you monster!" I hissed. "Isasaksak ko ito sa gilagid mo!"

"Hawakan mo kasi." He said to me. He took my hand and put it on his shoulder. My
eyes widened. Bigla akong inatake ng kaba at pangingnig at hindi ko alam kung dahil
ba iyon sa takot ko sa kanya o kung anuman.

"Touch me, Yza." He said. "Mas madali kapag nakahawak ka sa akin."

Nanginginig man ang kamay ko. I tried so hard to do what I had to. Mas mapapadali
ang lahat kung matatapos na ako. I was biting my lip while I was vaccinating his
shoulder.

"Damn." He said. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Siguro dahil sa karayom na tumusok sa
kanya. Binilisan ko ang kilos at nang mawalan ng laman ang syringe ay agad akong
lumayo sa kanya. Sa pagmamadali ay nawalan pa ako ng balanse.

"Shit!" I said. Akala ko babagsak ako sa sahig but then Hector got me. He wrapped
his arm around me and pulled me closer to him. Napakabilis ng mga pangyari. One
moment, I was trying to get away from him, a moment later, I was on top of him and
my head was resting on his chest. I could literally feel his heartbeat.

My eyes widened when I realized our positions. Agad akong lumayo pero kasabay ng
pagtayo ko ay ang pagsama ng recliner sa akin. The next thing I knew, my back was
on the floor and Hector was on top of me.
My eyes widened. Lalong tumibok nang malakas ang puso ko. "G-get off me!" I hissed.
Natatakot na naman ako sa kanya. Paano kung... I bit my lower lip. I wanted to cry.
Paano kung gawin niya ulit sa akin iyon.

"Please..." Sabi ko. Ayokong ipakitang natatakot at naliligalig ako sa kanya pero
napaka-imposibleng gawin iyon. He's on top of me again and he might think of that
bad thing again.

He spoke. I was shocked when I heard the sincerity on his voice. "I won't hurt
you." Parang na-magnet ang mga mata ko sa kanya. His green fiery eyes were
searching my soul again.

I find it heart to breath. "Y-you have a heart." Bigla kong nasabi dahil naalala
kong narinig ko ang tibok ng puso niya kanina. I just couldn't believe that a bad
man like him has a heart.

"How do you think I live, Yza?" He asked. Napalunok ako. He grinned at me. Hindi ko
alam kung bakit pero kailangan na talaga niyang tumayo. Hindi ako komportable na
nararamdaman ang buong katawan niya sa ibabaw ko. I want him gone.

Suddenly he traced my lips with his thumb. Slowly, his head is coming down on mine.
I know what he's going to do.

"W-wag..." Sabi ko. I tried avoiding him. I pushed him away but he caught my arm
with his free hand.

"Stay still, Yza." Sabi niya sa akin. My eyes widened when I felt his hot lips on
mine. I don't know what to think anymore. His kisses were shallow and slow. It's
just pure lips - no tongue - unlike the first time he kissed me. I found lost
somewhere in space while he was kissing me.

I tried so hard not to kiss him back. Hindi tama. Ang lahat ng parte ng katawan ko
ay pag-aari ni Zach.

Hindi naman nagtagal ay tumigil din siya. He looked at me. Slowly, he stood up.
Inalalayan niya rin akong tumayo. Tatalikod n asana ako nang bigla niyang hatakin
ang kamay ko. He pulled me closer again and looked me in the eyes. He grinned.
"One day, Yza, you'll kiss me back."

I shook my head.

"My heart, body and soul belong to Zach." I said confidently. "He owns me, Hector.
I am his."

Binitiwan niya ako. I walked away. Nang makalayo ako sa kanya, noon ko lang
naramdaman na hindi pala ao humihinga.

My knees were shaking and now I'm sure that this isn't about me being scared at
him.

"I'm playing a game and this doesn't involve you. So stay still." I said while my
hand is in my chest
<center><h1>9. Dapat</h1></center>
<hr>

"What with this place? You're always here."

I let threw the shells I have in my hand after hearing Hector's voice. Pahapon na
noon at nakaupo na naman ako sa malaking bato sa may dalampasigan. Tinatanaw kong
pilit ang papalubog na araw. Napapangiti ako tuwing naiisip ko na iisang himpapawid
lang ang tinitingnan naming dalawa ni Zachary Drew.

"Why do you care so much, Hector?" I asked him. He sat beside me. Marami na akong
hindi naiintindihan sa mga nangyayari ngayong sa pagitan namin. Sometimes I think
that he's actually putting a distance between us. Isang bagay na pinagpapasalamat
ko dahil hindi ko kailangan maging malapit sa kanya. Pero kung minsan ay hinahanap
ko naman siya. Kinakabahan ako kapag hindi ko siya nakikita.

He looked at me. "Anong course ng kapatid mo?" Tanong niya sa akin. Kumunot ang noo
ko. "Si Yvo."

"Management. Just like Yto and Tatay. Next year he'll fly to Germany to have his
masters." I told him. Napabuntong-hininga ako. Na-miss ko bigla si Yvo. Noong hindi
pa kami nIi Zach at nasa London pa si Yto, si Yvo ang instant driver ko. I sighed
again.

"He robbed millions from my company." Biglang sabi niya sa akin. Napanganga ako.

"What?!"

He grinned. "I admire your brother for doing that. I lost two hundred million
because of him. He's a smart ass."

"He won't do that, Hector."

"He already did, Yza. Because of what he did, kailangan kong bumalik ng siyudad to
fix the mess that he started."

Kumabog ang dibdib ko. Babalik? Sa Metro? Ibig sabihin. "Kasama ka pero hindi pa
rin kita ibabalik. I will never give you back hanggang nasa akin na ang gusto ko."
Muli niya akong nginisihan . Hindi ko maintindihan. Mula nang dalhin niya ako dito,
marami na akong hindi maintindihan.

Iba-iba kasi ang pinakikita niya sa akin. Right now, the person I'm talking is
Helios - not Hectorbut most of the times, si naman si Hector. Ilang beses na bang
ganoon ang nangyayari? Na nalilito ako kung mamumuhi ba ako sa kanya o hindi. Dapat
lang na makadama ako ng galit sa kanya pero sa tuwing titingnan ko siya habang
kausap niya si Manang Bining o si Kathryna nakikita ko na hindi siya masama at
hindi ko alam kung bakit.

"Bakit ba hindi mo na lang ako ibalik? Hindi mo rin naman makukuha si Yna kung
nandito lang tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya. Umiling siya.

"Makukuha ko siya, Yza. Maghintay ka lang." He said knowingly. Hindi ko alam kung
bakit pero kinabahan ako lalo. Kung babalik kami sa siyudad malaki ang posibilidad
na makatakas ako. Mas madali dahil mas gamay ko ang lugar at mas alam ko kung saan
ako pupunta kaysa naman dito na hindi ko alam kung nasaang lupalop kami ng
Pilipinas.

Hindi na siya nagsalita matapos iyon. Tahimik lang siyang nakaupo sa tabi ko. Dama
kong bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko pero sinaway ko ang sarili ko. Mali iyon.
Nararamdaman ko lang ang mga bagay na iyon tuwing nasa tabi ko si Zach. Natutuwa
ako kapag naiisip kong magkikita kami - every time he calls me, may butterfly na
umiikot sa tyan ko. Iyong kaalaman na malapit na siya, enough na iyon para huminto
ang mundo ko.

"You're thinking about him." He said to me. Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Gaano ka
kasigurado na mahal ka pa rin niya pagbalik mo?"

Tumaas ang sulok ng bibig ko. "Hinahanap niya ako. Hindi niya gagawin iyon kung
hindi niya ako mahal."

"May nangyari sa atin." Namuo ang galit sa dibdib ko. Hinarap ko siya.

"Binaboy mo ako." Mariing wika ko.

"Kasama iyon sa plano." Nakangising sabi niya. Itinaas ko ang palad ko at isinampal
iyon sa kanya. Naluluhang tumayo ako at iniwan siya. My tears are falling again.
Ilan beses kong ipinangako sa sarili ko na hinding-hindi na ako iiyak dahil lang sa
nawala sa akin.

"Hindi pa tayo tapos, Consunji!" Hinatak niya ang braso ko. I pushed him away.

"You ruined my life because it's a part of your plan?! Naiintindihan kong galit ka
sa pamilya ko! Yes my father took Yna away from your family but that didn't give
you the right to torn my family apart! Hindi ba ang selfish mo lang?!" Halos hindi
na ako makahinga. "My parents took good care of Yna!"

"That doesn't change the fact that they took her away from me?!" He hissed. Lalo
akong napaiyak. I run away from him. Pumasok ako sa bahay at nagkulong sa silid.
Maghapon akong hindi lumabas. Ayoko siyang makita. Nasasaktan ako. Nang sabihin
niya sa akin na parte ng plano ang ginawa niya sa akin ay gumuho ang mundo ko. Tama
ang hinala ko, masamang tao si Helios. Wala siyang puso. Bakit ba naisip ko pa na
mabait siya?

Hindi siya mabait. May puso man siya pero para lang iyon mag-pump ng dugo. He's a
heartless monster and I hate him - really hate him.

Hindi nagtagal ay may narinig akong kumatok sa pinto. Bumukas iyon at nakita ko si
Kathryna.
"Halika na. Babalik na tayo ng Metro." She told me. My heart beat fast again.
Tumayo ako at kinuha ang iilang mga gamit kong galing kay Kathryna. Siya ang
nagpahiram sa akin ng mga damit dahil ayokong tanggapin ang bigay ni Helios sa
akin.

Yes, I'm back on calling him Helios again. He's a monster, and his name fits him.
Nang bumaba kami nI Kathryna ay nandoon na ang chopper sa garden. Napakaingay noon.
Nakita ko na si Manang Bining at si Helios na nakaupo sa loob, parang ako na lang
talaga ang hinihintay nila.

Sumakay ako doon. I feel so bad right now. Ayoko siyang tingnan. Pinili ko na lang
ipikit ang mga mata ko at ihilig ang sarili ko kay Manang Bining. Tahimik akong
umiyak. Nandidiri ako sa kanya at naiinis ako sa sarili ko for trying to give him
the benefit of the doubt.

Wala naman kasing duda, he is a bad person.

He ruined my life and he won't stop ruining my family until he gets what he wants.
All of these because of Yna.

I just hope that Yto is taking a good care of her...

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

"How big is the damage of my company?"

That was the first thing I asked my people that morning after coming back from my
long vacation. I couldn't believe that in just two months, the Consunjis have taken
over my date base without my people knowing about it.

Hindi pa man nagsisimula ay mainit na ang ulo ko. I want to puch them one by one
because of what the carelessness they showed while I was away.

"Sir, we didn't see it coming." Paliwanag sa akin ng isa. Tumaas ang dulo ng labi
ko.
"It's because you all are impotent!" Ibinato ko ang folder na ibinigay sa akin ni
Kathryna kanina. Pati siya ay nagulat. "I was away for two months and suddenly my
company started falling apart?! Mga pabaya kayo! Walang silbi! Mga inutil!"

"Fix this mess or else all of you are fired!" I walked out. Dapat may board meeting
na magaganap pero dahil hindi nila maipaliwanag sa akin kung paano na-infiltrate ni
Yvo Consunji ang database ng company, nag-init ang ulo ko. Marami pa akong papales
na kailangan tingnan. I'd rather be in my office than be in that boardroom. Maiinis
lang ako.

"Tell everyone I'm busy, Kathryna."

I told her. Pumasok ako sa office ko at doon tumayo ako sa glass window. I have a
good view of the Metro. From here, I could see everything - it's like I own the
world and I'm their master. Down there, they are all working, living and serving
for me. I'm their lord. I own everyone but the sad truth is, I just wanted to own
one thing - and that it my sister's trust and love.

I grew up not having her beside me. Leighton is the light that sheds my dark life.
Life in Greece isn't easy especially if you have a father who hits you and treats
you like a slave.

I clenched my jaw with the memory of him whipping my back as I was tied up. He does
that every time I defy or do something wrong. My father doesn't have room for
mistakes or disappointments or whatsoever. I hated him and he loathed me. He only
needed me because I'm the sole heir pero sinuguro niya nab ago niya ibigay sa akin
ang lahat ay mahihirapan ako at gagapang sa lupa bago ko makuha ang para sa akin.

Naranasan kong matulog sa ulanan dahil lang sa hindi agad ako nakasagot sa tanong
niya. I was thirteen and abused. Only Manang Bining was there to show me some
mercy. On my twenty-first birthday, my father shot me with a customized gun. He
shot my leg. He said the gun was for me and for good luck, the first ever bullet
should be shot to the owner - so he shot me.

I thought I was going to die that moment. Good thing Manang Bining took me to the
hospital. Right after that incident, my father told me that he had found Leighton.
Two weeks later, I went home to the Philippines to look for her.

I saw her with a family. I knew that they had taken a good care of her. I should be
thanking them but when I found out that the man who adopted her is the same man who
bought my step father's company which caused his heart attack - I loathed him.
Naisip ko na kaya niya inalagaan si Leighton ay dahil nakokonsensya siya sa ginawa
niya sa pamilya ko.

I went back to Greece and worked hard to get my father's trust and when I did, I
formulated a revenge plan to get Leighton back.

Hindi pwedeng nagdusa ako buong buhay ko dahil nawala si Leigh sa akin tapos ang
pamilya ng taong gumawa ng masama sa pamilya ko ay masaya. Hindi patas ang laban.

"Sir."

"WHAT KATHRYNA! I TOLD YOU NOT TO DISTURB ME!"

"Sir, sorry, may naghahanap sa inyo at alam kong gusto ninyo siyang makita."

Kumunot ang noo ko. I faced Kathryna. Niluwagan niya ang bukas ng pinto at mula
doon ay pumasok ang isang taong matagal ko nang gustong makausap.

"Leigh..." Hindi ako makapaniwala.

"Anong kailangan kong gawin para lang ibalik mo si Ate?" Tanong niya agad sa akin.
I stared at her. I don't have the time to deny the fact that Yza is with me. Ano
pang kwenta noon? Alam na niya, alam na ng buong Consunji.

"Kung sasama ako sa'yo..." A tear escaped her eye. "Ibabalik mo ba si Ate?"

"She's not your sister. You're no one of them." Lumapit ako sa kanya. I tried
holding her but she took a step back. I sighed. Kung sasama siya sa akin dahil lang
gusto niyang ibalik ko si Yza, hindi ko magagawa iyon. Ayokong sumama siya sa akin
na napipilitan lang. I want her to come with me because she wants to know me not
because she just wants to trade herself for Yza.

"Do you wanna see her?" I asked. Napatingin siya sa akin. Biglang nagkaroon ng
kulay ang mukha niya. Siya pa mismo ang humawak sa braso ko.
"Pwede? Please..."

"Pero hindi mo pwedeng sabihin kahit na kanino."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. "P-pero..."

"Fine. Forget what I said." Sabi ko.

"No! Promise, hindi ko sasabihin." She even raised her left hand. Ngumisi ako.

Hindi naglipat ang sandali ay hinatak ko ang kamay niya. We went down to the
parking lot and got in my car. Kasama ko na ring umalis si Kathryna. Fifteen
minutes later, nasa loob na kami ng mansyon.

Sinalubong kami ni Manang Bining.

"Hector..."

"Sino si Hector?" Biglang tanong ni Leigh sa akin.

"I am." I took a deep breath. "Si Yza?"

"Nasa kwarto niya." Sagot sa akin ni Manang. Agad kong isinama si Leigh sa silid ni
Yza. Hindi naka-lock ang pinto kaya pumasok na lang ako. I saw her sitting on the
bed looking out the window. Tinabig ako ni Leigh at pumasok na siya sa loob.

"Ate!"

Yza seemed to be alarmed when she heard her voice. Tumayo siya at humarap.
Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya nang makita niya si Leigh.

"Y-yna! Anong ginagawa mo dito?!" She exclaimed. Yumakap si Leigh sa kanya. Ang
akala ko, matumba sila. Yza's gaze met mine.

"You monster!" Saglit siyang lumayo kay Leigh para lapitan ako. Pinagbabayo niya
ang dibdib ko. "You monster! You kidnapped her too! Sasaktan mo rin siya! Hindi ka
pa nakuntento na nahihirapan ako! You just had to take her too!"

Iyak na naman siya nang iyak.

"Ate, tama na! Sumama ako sa kanya dahil gusto kitang makita!" Pinigilan siya ni
Leighton. Natigilan naman siya at saka binalingan ang kapatid ko.

"B-bakit?"

"Ako iyong kailangan niya diba? Ako na lang ang papalit sa'yo. I'll make him
promise to let you go. I'll stay here."

What Leigh was saying sounds music to my ear. She'll be staying with me. She had
finally chosen me.

"Nababaliw ka na ba? What do you think Tatay will do if you stay here then I'll
come back?! The damage has been done, Yna Johanna! Dapat hindi ka nagpunta dito!"

"Pero..."

Binalingan ako ni Yza. "Ano pa bang gusto mo?"

"Wala akong hiningi sa kanya. Siya ang kusang nagpunta sa akin." I told her off.
Napakamot ng ulo si Yza.

"Stay here." She told my sister. Lumakad siya papalapit sa akin at saka hinatak ako
palabas ng pinto.

"What?!" I groaned.
"Pauwiin mo si Yna." Utos niya sa akin. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

"Why would I do that?" I asked her. "Nandito na siya, bakit ko pa siya pauuwiin?
She's my sister, Yza. MAs may karapatan ako sa kanya."

"My mother will be heartbroken if Yna doesn't come home tonight, so please just let
her leave." Naiiyak na naman siya. Sa dalawang buwang kasama ko si Yza Consunji,
alam na alam ko na kung kailan siya iiyak at kung kailan hindi. Right now, her nose
is turning red, her lips are quivering and she's gasping for air. I know that any
moment from now, her tears will fall and there's this nagging feeling inside of me
that tells me not to make her cry.

"Please, Helios..."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"I'll do anything." She said in a low voice.

"You will?" I asked. Her gaze met my eyes. I was grinning.

"Y-yes..."

Tumango ako. I snaked my free arm around her waist and pulled her closer. I could
feel the softness of her body, I could smell her natural woman scent. I nuzzled her
neck and licked it up to her earlobe.

I felt her stiffened. Alam kong pinpigil niya lang ang sarili niyang itulak ako.

"I am going to kiss you, Consunji and I want you to kiss me back. If you do that,
I'll send Yna home."

Gumapang ang mga labi ko patungo sa mga labi niya. I kissed her. She didn't kiss
me. I took a deep breath.
"Manang, pakiayos iyong guest room. Yna---"

Hindi ko naituloy ang sinabi ko. Hinatak niya ako pabalik at siya na mismo ang
humalik sa akin. I grinned hard. I kissed her back. I dominated her lips. Yza's
lips were sweet and warm and very sinful. I couldn't get enough of it. I darted my
tongue inside her mouth, she gasped hard but she didn't turn away.

My free hand started roaming around her body. I pulled away.

"Push me away and Yna will stay here."

Napakagat labi siya. I know that she's going to cry. Bago pa mangyari iyon ay muli
ko siyang hinalikan. Ibinalik ko ang kamay ko sa baywang niya and I just focused on
kissing here again.

She was kissing me back again and I found myself lost in space.

"Ay! Juicemio! Hector! Baka mamaga ang labi ni Yza!"

Itinulak niya ako nang malakas nang marinig namin ang boses ni Manang Bining. We
both looked at her. Nag-sign of the cross pa siya.

"Ang mga kabataan talaga! Dapat sa kwarto ninyo iyan ginagawa!"

Bago pa ako makasagot ay tumakbo na si Yza papasok sa silid niya. Binalingan kong
muli si Manang.

"Istorbo ka, Manang. Alam mo iyon?"

<center><h1>10. Fall</h1></center>
<hr>

"Ate can you please stop phasing? Sabi naman ni Kuya Hector, uuwi ako ngayon."

Hindi ako mapakali sa mga nangyayari. May mali kasi. Alam ko naman na hindi
sasaktan ni Helios si Yna, kapatid niya si Yna, mahal niya si Yna pero ang
pinagtataka ko lang ay kung bakit tuwing ikawalang araw ay nandito siya. The first
time she came here - it was enough for me. Masaya na ako na makita siya at marinig
mula sa kanya na okay ang buong pamilya namin kahit na hinahanap pa rin ako nila
Yto. Helios made her promise not to tell anybody where I am or else, hindi na siya
makakapunta dito. I don't know if I should be thankful for that. Iyon ang dahilan
kung bakita kinakabahan ako.

He's up to no good.

Kunsabagay, kahit naman kailan, wala na siyang ginawang mabuti - lalo na sa akin.
Wala akong balita kung maayos na ba ang kompanya niya. Ilang linggo na mula nang
sinabi niya sa akin na nawalan siya ng two hundred million dahil kay Yvo. Hindi pa
rin ako makapaniwala hanggang ngayon.

"Ate, sa tingin mo kailan matatapos ang lahat ng ito?" She asked me. "Kuya Zach
said that if I come with Kuya Hector, he'll take you back."

Nanliit ang mga mata ko. "Hindi ka sasama kay Helios. Sa bahay ka lang! Dapat nga
wala ka dito! Why do you keep on coming back ba?!" I yelled at her. Nag-blink si
Yna ng tatlong beses tapos ay tumingin sa labas.

"Hindi ka naman ganyan sa akin dati. Bakit mo ako sinisigawan?" Tanong niya. I
sighed again.

"Hindi mo kasi naiintindihan ang point ko! One visit is enough! Paano kung
mapahamak ka? Paano kung umiral na naman ang kademonyohan niyang Helios na iyan at
hindi ka niya ibalik?!"

"I may be a lot of things, Yza. But I make sure that when I say something. I will
keep my word." Natigilan ako nang marinig ko ang boses niya. I looked at my left
and in there I saw him with his signature Versace black ensemble. He looked
devilishly good. His green eyes piercing through my soul again.

"Yna, leave us." Sabi ko sa kapatid ko. She reluctantly left the gazebo. Tiningnan
pa siya ni Helios tapos ay nakita kong tumaas na naman ang dulon ng bibig niya.
Minsan gusto ko na siyang tanungin kung para sa kanya ay ngiti iyon.

"What the hell are you doing, you monster?!" I screamed at him. Nilapitan ko siya
at pinagbabayo sa dibdib. "Why are you allowing Yna here? Ganyan ka na ba kasama?
Why can't you just let my family be?!"

"I want her to see that I'm not a bad person."

"But you are! You raped me!" Tumulo na naman ang mga luha ko. He grinned.

"That can be arrange, Yza. I am a very good lover. I can make you scream." He said
with that cold voice. Nahigit ko ang hininga ko. Bigla akong bumitiw sa kanya at
lumayo. "I can turn your traumatic experience to a good memory and I can make you
want for more."

"Tumigil ka!" Sigaw ko. I closed my eyes and thought of that one thing that makes
my heart leap and makes me keep my sanity - si Zachary Drew.

"I can make you forget that boy." He even said. I opened my eyes again.

"He's not a boy. He's my man."

"I can be your man." He pulled me closer to him. Kinilabutan ako. Ano bang
pinagsasabi niya? Is he really doing this to me? He's making me want him. Kahit
kailan hindi ko gugustuhing makasama ang isang tulad niya sa buhay ko o kahit na
saan pa - lalo na sa kama. Hindi pa ba sapat para sa kanya ang ginawa niya sa akin?
Pilit ko siyang itinulak pero lalo niya akong ikinukulong.

"Stop fighting, Yza!" He hissed at me. I glared at him.

"I won't!" Hindi ko man gusto ay napasinghap ako. "I won't stop fighting you until
you get tired of me!"

"I will never get tired of you, baby." He said in a low voice. Halos napasinghap na
ako. Kung anu-anong ginagawa niya sa akin. Ano bang gusto niyang mangyari?

"Ate - ay!" Bigla akong binitiwan ni Helios nang marinig namin ang boses ni Yna.
Hindi ko na namalayan na lumabas na pala siya sa silid kung saan ako tumutuloy.
Nginisihan lang ako ni Helios tapos ay binalingan niya si Yna.

"How's your day, Leighton?" He asked her. Ligh beamed in happiness. Nagulat ako
nang bigla niyang yakapin si Helios at hinalikan sa pisngi.

"Okay lang kuya. Ikaw?" Akmang sasagot si Helios nang hatakin ko si Yna papasok
muli sa silid. I looked at her.

"Anong ginagawa mo?! You're dealing with the devil!" My eyes widened when she
rolled her eyes at me.

"Ate, like what Ate Hera said, behind every man's fall is a woman. I'm just
applying the principle, Ate. Kung hindi ako magiging mabait kay Helios, hindi kita
makikita."

Tinitigan ko siya. Kung iisipin kong maigi, may punto siya sa sinasabi niya. Kahit
anong sabihin ng kahit na sino at kahit baliktarin ko ang mundo, mahal ni Helios si
Yna dahil kapatid niya ito. He will do everything just to please her and one of
those things is letting Yna see me.

"Ate, think like a Consunji. You can make him do the things you want him to do.
Sabi nga ni Tita Laide, every man's weakness is a woman. Just like Tatay when it
comes to Nanay."

I stared at her. Yna might not be a Consunji by blood by she's a Consunji by heart
and by mind. Pareho sila ni Yto ng way ng pag-iisip. She just smiled at me. I bit
my lower lip. I know what to do, I actually started it but I got scared because
every damn time he's near me, may nararamdaman akong iba at alam kong hindi tama
iyon.

"Ate, set ZD aside. Mas mahalaga iyong mapasunod mo siya. Akala mo ba gusto ko
siya? Kahit na sinasabi niyang kapatid ko siya, ayoko pa rin sa kanya. He's trying
to ruin the family. I will never forgive him for that." Tiim ang bagang na sabi
niya sa akin. Ngumiti lang ako.

Paulit-ulit sa isip ko ang sinabi niya sa akin.

Set ZD aside...
-------------

I was standing outside the Consunji mansion, smoking myself to death, when I
suddenly got a glimpse of a white SUV. Nag-park iyon two blocks away from the
house. Kunot na kunot ang noo ko habang nakatingin sa sasakyang iyon. I don't know
why but something inside me is telling me that the car is up to no good.

My eyes widened when I saw Yna got out of the car pero mas lalong nanlaki ang mga
mata ko nang makita kong lumabas sa kabilang side si Helios Demitri. Nakadama ako
ng galit. Ngumiti si Yna sa kanya tapos ay niyakap pa nila ang isa't-isa.

Agad na pumasok si Helios sa kotse at umalis. Si Yna naman ay naglakad palapit sa

direksyon ko. May ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Itinapon ko ang upos ng sigarilyo
tapos ay nilapitan ko siya. Hinigit ko ang braso niya.

"K-kuya Zach..." Mukhang nagulat siya nang makita ko. I looked at her from head to
toe. Suot niya pa rin ang uniform ng university. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya habang
titig na titig sa akin. She even swallowed hard.

"Where is she?" Tanong ko. Pilit siyang kumakawala sa akin.

"Hindi ko alam, kuya." Sabi niya.

"Alam kong alam mo! You're with Helios! Alam mo kung nasaan si Yza! Hindi ka ba
naaawa sa lahat ng tao dito? We're losing our minds cause she's not here! Ikaw alam
ko kung nasaan siya pero ayaw mong sabihin!"

"Hindi ko nga alam! Why can't you just accept the fact that Ate is gone! Babalik
siya - oo - maghintay ka na lang!" Naiiyak na sigaw niya. Nasabunutan ko ang sarili
ko.

Bakit ba lahat sula gusto na maghintay lang ako? Kung bawat araw na wala si Yza sa
tabi ko ay kutsilyo na tumutusok sa puso ko, siguro matagal na akong patay.
Napaluha ako. I need Yza to go on with my life. I love her.

Napaupo ako sa pavement. I know Yna is there and she's looking at me. Kaaawa - awa
siguro ang hitsura ko pero wala na akong pakialam. Ano pa bang mawawala sa akin?
Wala na si Yza. Siya ang lahat sa akin.

Tumayo ako at saka lumakad palayo.

"Z-zach! Saan ka pupunta?" Narinig kong tanong ni Yna sa akin. "Zach?!"

"Wala kang pakialam!" Sigaw ko pabalik. Tumalikod akong muli. Wala akong pakialam
kung sinusundan niya ako o hindi. Wala akong pakialam talaga. Gusto ko nang matapos
ang lahat. I feel so desperate.

"Zach!" Tawag niyang muli sa akin. I stopped walking and faced her. Nasa tapat kami
ng park. She was approaching me. Tear were falling in her eyes.

"Mahal ka ni Ate, bakit ba hindi mo kayang panghawakan iyon?"

"Hindi sapat na mahal niya lang ako. Gusto kong kasama ko siya. Kung wala si Yza,
walang Zach, Yna. Mahal na mahal ko si Yza at kahit anong mangyari, siya pa rin. I
promised your father. If ever anything bad will happen to her, I'll take her back,
I'll love her. She's my life and everything." I gasped. "So please, tell me where
she is..."

Yna looked at me. Matagal niya akong tinitigan. Humakbang siya palapit sa akin.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. I know that she's going to comfort me, pero akala ko
lang iyon. Bigla na lang niya akong hinatak papalapit. She placed her lips over
mine and kissed me - passionately.

My eyes widened. Bigla ko siyang naitulak.

"Ano bang ginagawa mo?!"

"Zach, gusto kita..."

<center><h1>11. Fallen</h1></center>
<hr>
"Set ZD aside."

I looked in the mirror that morning - still thinking about what Yna have said.
Kayak o ba? Can I really zet Zach aside para sa kalayaan ko? I know I can really
make Helios do whatever I say kung sakaling gagawin ko rin ang gusto niya pero kaya
ko ba? Masisikmura ko ba siya? I hate the man for what he did to me so can I really
do the things in my mind?

Napasinghap ako nang may marinig akong pagkatok sa pintuan. Agad akong lumabas ng
bathroom at binuksan ang pinto. I saw Helios standing outside my door. He was
wearing that silky blue bathrobe again while holding a cup of coffee. He looked as
if he just got out of bed. His hair was disheveled; tapos may five o'clock shadow
pa siya. His eyes still look sleepy, tumingin siya sa akin.

"Good morning, baby." His voice was husky and sexy. Gusto kong ngumiwi. Gusto kong
isara ang pinto. Ayokong tinatawag niya ako ng ganoon.

Set ZD, aside.

Behind every man's fall is a woman.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit naririnig ko pa rin ang boses ni Yna sa isipan ko. Para
bang sinasabi ng isip ko na gawin ko ang dapat kong gawin pero paano?

Ngumisi siya sa akin. "Get dressed, we'll go out today. Masyado ka nang maputla."
Napaawang ang labi ko. Bigla ko siyang himapas sa dibdib. "Sinong may kasalanan?
Ako?" Inis na inis na tanong ko. He grinned again. Iyong kamay kong nakalapat sa
dibdib niya, hinawakan niya at bigla niya akong hinapit papalapit. Nanlaki ang mga
mata ko. I got scared for the coffee spill. Mainit iyon, baka mapaso ako pero
parang mas napapaso ako sa tingin ni Helios as akin. He put his thumb on my lips
and traced it slowly. Lalong napaawang ang bibig ko.

"If I have other choice, Yza. I will lock you up inside this room and make you want
me all day."

"You can't." Mariing sabi ko. "I belong to someone else." He just grinned again.
Inilapit niya pa ang mukha niya sa akin - our faces were only an inch away - alam
kong hahalikan na naman niya ako. Alam kong ilalapat niya ang labi niya sa akin at
alam ko ring mali pero natagpuan ko ang sarili kong naghihintay para sa kanya.

"Hmnn, if I kiss you, I want you to kiss me back, baby." He said. I shook my head.
I closed my eyes. I started thinking about Zach. Mahal ko siya pero heto ako at
natutukso - oo natutukso ako sa taong sumira sa akin. Hindi ito tama.

Dapat siya ang tinutukso ko. Tama naman si Yna. Kaya kong paikutin si Helios kung
gugustuhin ko. I have my ways. I'm the freaking daughter of Sancho Consunji - his
blood runs in my veins all I have to do is to just let it out.

"I can make you forget him, Yza. He's a boy and you don't need a boy. You need a
man. I can be your man..."

He placed his hand on my waist. Para akong napaso. Dama ko ang init ng palad niya
sa ilalim ng manipis na dress na iyon. I reluctantly put my arms around his neck
and opened my eyes. I saw him just looking at me. Walang kahit na ano sa mga mata
niya. He was just looking at me with those piercing and fiery green eyes.

"You are such a tease..." He whispered before finally kissing me. I let myself be
kissed by him. In my head I was telling myself that this is all a part of the plan
- totoo naman iyon. He said that love makes people weak and if I make him fall,
he'll weaken and I can do everything I want with him.

Lalong lumalim ang halik na ibinibigay niya sa akin. His lips were like hot
chocolate on mine - it's sweet yet very hot - smoking hot. How can a monster like
him have such sweet lips? I ran my fingers on his hair. He moaned.
"Fuck!" He whispered. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla niya akong buhatin. He
closed the door using his feet. Inilapag niya ako sa kama at muling hinagkan. I
closed my eyes again - I closed my eyes not because I like what he was doing to me
but because I need to fight the urge of pushing him away.

I felt his lips went down to my neck. He ripped my dress apart. Napadilat ako.

"He-hector!" I called him. He looked at me.

"Just stay still." He said. Walang kahit na anong galit o pagmamadali sa tinig
niya. He just asked me to stay still but I can't. I really can't. Itinulak ko siya.

"What the hell, Yza?!" He groaned. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I was fighting the
tears. Ayokong umiyak. Kinagat ko ang labi ko. Hindi ko kaya - hindi ko talaga
kayang ibigay ang sarili ko sa kanya matapos ng ginawa niya sa akin.

I may not be as pure as I used to be but I still believe that my everything belongs
to one man only and that is the love of my life.

"Si Z-zach..." Mahinang wika ko. Napamulagat ako nang bigla siyang magmura.

"Why can't you see, Yza? Hindi kayo bagay!"

"At ikaw ang para sa akin?!" Nang-uuyam na tanong ko. "After all you did to me?
Gusto mong tanggapin kita para sa sarili ko?!" Halos mamaos na ako kakasigaw. He
just stood there. Napapailing siya.

"Magbihis ka. Aalis tayo."

Iyon lang at iniwan na niya ako. I was left alone inside that room. Nayakap ko ang
sarili ko. I really want to go back to my family and to Zach. Sila ang dahilan kung
bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin bumibitiw ang katinuan ko at ang pag-asa kong
isang araw, makakauwi ako sa kanila.

Inayos ko ang sarili ko. Hindi naman nagtagal ay muling may kumatok sa silid ko.
Agad kong binuksan iyon sa pag-aakalang si Hector ang makikita ko pero hindi.
"Yza, aalis na kayo. Hinihintay ka na ni Sir sa baba." Nakangiting wika sa akin ni
Kathryna. I just nodded. Lumabas ang ng silid at bumaba sa hagdan. Natagpuan ko si
Hector na nakaupo na sa loob ng kotse. Tumabi ako sa kanya.

He was wearing a black shirt and a pair of faded semi fitted jeans. May raybans
siyang suot. I couldn't really see his eyes because of his glasses but there's no
doubt about it, he looks hot.

"S-saan t-tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko sa kanya. He slowly turned his head on me.

"Gusto mo na bang bumalik sa inyo?" He even asked me. Napaawang ang labi ko.
Ibabalik na niya ako?

"Huh?"

"Sleep with me, Yza. After that, I'll take you back."

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

I couldn't believe what happened last night. Things were so fast I had forgotten to
breath. Nakaupo ako sa sofa sa tapat ng kama habang tinititigan si Yna Johanna na
nakahiga sa kama ko. She was still asleep. Hindi ko masyadong matandaan kung bakit
ko siya inuwi dito. Ang alam ko lang, galit ako sa kanya for hiding the fact that
she knows where Yza is.

Napakamot ako ng ulo. Pakiramdma ko lalong naging complicated ang buhay ko dahil sa
sinabi niya sa akin. She said she likes me, hindi ko alam kung totoo iyon or she's
just saying that to divert my attention.

She stirred. Napatuwid ako ng upo. Maya-maya ay pupungas-pungas siyang bumangon at

saka tumingin sa paligid. Her gaze caught Yza's portrait - which was hanging in the
middle of my wall. Napaawang ang mga labi niya.

In the picture, Yza was smiling very wide. I remember that photo, I took that the
first morning that we woke up together. She was wearing my shirt. He hair was all
over the place - she just woke up but she managed to still be pretty.

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Wala." Mabilis kong sagot. "Ayaw mong umuwi. Iyak ka nang iyak. Sunod ka pa nang
sunod. Inuwi kita dito. Pero walang nangyari at kahit kailan walang mangyayari.
Tumayo ka diyan at ihahatid na kita." Sabi ko sa kanya. I stood up. I was about to
leave the room when I felt her hug me from behind.

"Zach totoo lahat ng sinabi ko kagabi. Gusto kita." Sabi niya ulit. "Gusto kita
noon pa. Bago ka pa man mahalin ni Ate. Hindi naman siya dapat para sa'yo. Diba si
Xander ang unang gusto niya."

Kinalag ko ang kamay niyang nakapalupot sa akin. "It doesn't matter, Yna. Si Yza
ang mahal ko." Mariing sabi ko. Tears started falling in her eyes again.
Napapailing na lang akong lumabas ng silid. I went to my other room and took some
clothes. I took a shower - still thinking about Yza.

I feel so helpless. Kailangan ko na siyang mabawi dahil kung hindi baka mapatay ko
si Demitri sa oras na magkita kami. Maski wala akong ebidensyang pwedeng magpatunay
na hawak niya si Yza, baka mapatay ko siya at wala akong pakialam kung anong
mangyari - I just need to save her from that monster.

After taking a shower, I started fixing myself. Iniisip ko na rin kung anong
dahilan ang ibibigay ko kay Yto at lalo naman kay Tito Sancho sa oras na tanungin
nila ako kung bakit nasa akin si Yna.

Paglabas ko ng bathroom ay parang nanlaki naman ang ulo ko. I found Yna on the bed
- totally naked while waiting for me. She looked at me with that ridiculous look on
her eyes.

"I can give you everything, Zach." Mahinang wika niya. Kulang ang sabihing
napanganga at nagulat ako. It's way more than that.

"A-ano bang ginagawa mo?!" Singhal ko sa kanya. "Magbihis ka nga!" Tumalikod ako.
"God, Yna! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Natigilan ako ng muli niya akong yakapin. I can feel her nakedness on my back and
it's creeping me out!
"Yna, let go! This is wrong in so many ways!"

"Bakit ba si Yza ang gusto mo? Wala naman siyang ginawa! She hurt you! She almost
chose Xander! Second choice ka lang naman ni Ate, nandito ako, ikaw para sa akin
ang first choice ko sa lahat ng bagay. Zach, akin ka na lang!"

How can she be so desperate about this? Muli kong inaalis ang mga kamay niya.
Madilim ang mukhang tiningnan ko siya.

"Magbihis ka!"

Bahagya ko siyang itinulak. I left the room - as if on cue, may narinig naman akong
mahinang pagkatok sa pinto ng unit ko. Doon ako tumuloy. I opened the door and
Yngrid Katigbak entered.

"Zachy, Yana is wondering what is happening with your buhay. Like Oh my gosh! We
know you're nahihirapan because Yza isn't around but baby---- Why is there a naked
woman in your living room?"

"Shit!" I said. Bumaling ako at nakita ko nga si Yna na hindi naman magkamayaw sa
pag-alis sa living room. Hindi siguro niya inaakalang may darating na ibang tao.

"Are you cheating on Yza?!" She growled.

"Hindi?! Argh! Yngrid! This is not a good time! Leave!"

"Ayokong mag-leave! I'll make sabunot the naked girl! Oh my gosh! Yza is so kawawa,
she's like na-kidnap and you're making her loko! I'll make you sampal after I'm
done in making ngudngod that malanding girl!"

"Just leave, Yngrid! Kakausapin na lang kita kapag okay na!" Pilit ko siyang
tinutulak palabas. Hindi naman nagtagal ay umalis na siya. Binalikan ko si Yna sa
kwarto, bihis na siya pero namumugto ang mga mata.
"Niloloko mo ba si Ate?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Kasi kung oo, I will hate you."
Humihikbing sabi niya.

I just shook my head. "I'll just take you home, Yna. Let's go."

And we did. I took her home that morning. Hindi na ako bumaba para makipagkita kina
Yto. I drove away the moment she got out of the car. Habang nasa byahe ay may
narinig akong kung anong tumunog. I looked around and I found Yna's phone on the
side of the driver's seat. There's a message for her. I took the liberty of reading
it kahit mali.

From: Hector Demitri.

Message: I'll take her to Sylvana Heights. If you wanna see her come tonight. Spend
the night with her. Love you, Leigh. - Kuya Hector.
<center><h1>12. Free</h1></center>
<hr>
We arrived at a certain Sylvana Heights. Hindi ko alam kung saan eksakto ang lugar
na iyon but the place is beautiful. Hindi iyon tulad ng mga pangkaraniwang housing
village. Sylvana Heights is a little bit of everything - may mga puno, may mga
bahay, and from where we are - tanaw na tanaw ko ang dagat. Gusto ko sanang i-
appreciate pa ang buong paligid kung hindi lang paulit-ulit kong naiisip ang sinabi
ni Helios sa akin kanina.

I looked at him. He was sitting beside me - we were still in the car. Tahimik lang
siya sa buong byahe at hindi naman ako nag-abalang magtanong o magsimula ng usap sa
kanya. Ayoko siyang makausap. Namumuhi ako sa kanya - galit ako sa mga bagay na
gusto niyang gawin at mga bagay na alam kong pinapalano pa lang niya. Naiiyak ako
sa katotohanan na baka hindi ko matanggihan ang gusto niya dahil gusto ko na
talagang makalaya.

He turned to me. "Are you thinking about my offer?"

"Gaano ako kasigurado na tutupad ka sa usapan?" Mahinang tanong ko. Tumaas ang dulo
ng bibig niya.

"You are actually thinking about it." He said to me. Oo pinag-iisipan ko talaga.
Alam kong mali pero ano pa ba ang mawawala? Nakuha na niya. Kung anong mangyayari
pagkatapos noon, hindi ko alam at walang kasiguraduhan - heto na siya at
ipinapangako sa akin ang kalayaang ilang buwan ko na ring gustong makamtan -
tatangi pa ba ako?
I looked out of the window again and just sighed. Am I really thinking about it? I
wanted to cry. Tuwing naiisip kong pumayag, naiisip ko rin si Zach - if I agreed, I
will cheat on him. Iyong naunang dalawang pagkakataon na may nangyari sa amin ni
Hector, hindi counted dahil pinilit niya ako, but this time, he's giving me a
choice.

It's him, versus my freedom and I'm choosing my freedom pero paano si Zach?
Mapapatawad niya pa kaya ako? Matatanggap? Hindi ko alam. I feel pressured right
now.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang biglang huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng isang
malaking bahay. I knew the house is Hector's. Napansin kong mahilig siya sa glass
windows. Iyon ang pagkakapareho ng lahat ng bahay niya.

Nauna siyang bumaba sa akin. Sumunod ako. Kasabay ng pagbaba ko ay nakita kong
bumaba na rin sa van sina Manang at Kathryna. Ngumiti sila sa akin. Tumango lang
ako.

"Yza. Come." I looked at Hector. He was offering me his hand. I reluctantly took
it. Lumakad kami papasok sa mansyon niya and my eyes widened. Everything inside
look expensive. My eyes widened with awe. Ang daming antique pieces sa loob. The
one that caught my attention was the Greek Painting hanging on the wall. It is a
painting of a Hero. I looked at him.

"Si Achilles." Sabi ko sa kanya. He just nodded. "Why?"

"He's strong."

"He's weak." Sabi ko. "Sa ankle. Nanghina siya for trying to save a woman." Sabi ko
sa kanya. "In every man's fall lies a woman, Hector. Even Hercules fell for Minerva
and he weakened. Superman has Louise Lane and he---"

"What are you trying to imply, Yza?" He walked towards me. His hand settled on my
cheeks. Sinubukan kong titigan siya nang mata sa mata. "Are you trying to tell me
something?"

"If..." I said in a weak voice. "If you fall for me, you'll be weak." Finally I was
able to say that. Helios smiled at me.
"We'll... baby, that the risk I'm ready to take anytime." Walang sabi-sabing bumaba
ang bibig niya para hagkan ako. Mainit ang mga halik ni Helios - mas mainit pa
kaysa sa kanina. Para bang may nais siyang patunayan sa akin sa pamamagitan ng mga
halik na iyon at kahit na anong gawin ko, hindi ko siya maitulak palayo.

Suddenly he stopped. Inayos niya ang kanyang sarili at saka ngumisi. "Let's go.
Ipapasyal kita."

Muli niya akong hinatak. Hindi ko alam kung saan niya ako daldalhin. Hinayaan ko na
lang na tangayin niya ako. Sa ngayon wala na akong naiintindihan. I'm torn between
my freedom and my hatred for him. Ano bang dapat kong unahin? Gusto ko nang
makaalis and if he's offering me that option already, kaya ko nga bang tumanggi?

I found myself standing inside a nipa hut in the middle of a lake. Naroon din si
Helios. He was holding a fishing rod. Nakaupo lang ako doon habang pinagmamasdan
siya. He doesn't look like a monster at all. Siguro may mga times na nagiging
halimaw siya tuwing ipinapakita niya sa akin kung gaano siya ka-ruthless, but right
now, he's Hector.

Napailing ako. "Bakit Helios Demitri?" Biglaang tanong ko. He cleared his throat
before looking at me.

"It's my Greek name." He said. Napangiti ako bigla. Tumayo ako at tumabi sa kanya.
Now were sitting side by side. I tried to watch what he's doing closely. "And you
like fishing?"

"It clears my mind." There's a hint of smile on his face. "Why do you want to
know?" He even asked me.

"Wala lang." I sighed. "What is it like growing up in Greece?"

"Fine."

"Just fine?" Tanong ko.

"What is it like growing up and having a complete and happy family?" Biglaang
tanong niya. Nagka-ideya ako na baka hindi masaya ang nangyari sa kanya noon. He
looked as if he was waiting for an answer. I took a deep breath.
"Happy." Bigla akong ngumiti. "I was seven when I met my dad." Sabi ko sa kanya.
"Yto and I grew up with just Nanay by our sides. She's a very loving mom, tapos mas
sumaya noong dumating si Tatay, then a year later, si Yvo, then si Yllak and
everything became perfect when Tatay came home one night with Yna."

I smiled at the memory. "He still took everything away from me."

"Yes he did, but we treated her well. Can't you see? Mahal na mahal si Yna ng mga
magulang ko. Hindi nga makatulog si Nanay kapag hindi siya nahahalikan. Mas mahal
pa siya ni Nanay kaysa sa amin ni Yto."

"And that is a bad thing?"

"Hindi." I smiled again. "It's never a bad thing. We love her very much. Alam mo?
Kung makikipag-usap ka lang kay Tatay. Sigurado akong makikinig siya sa'yo."

It's my good side talking again. "Why would I do that?" He said. "I have you. I bet
Sancho Consunji is going crazy now."

Hinampas ko ang bibig niya. "Ang sama mo." Bulong ko.

"Oo, Yza. Masama ako. Demonyo, halimaw, pero anong magagawa ko? This is me, hate me
or love me, this is me." Tiim ang bagang na sabi niya. Tumango na lang ako at
nanahimik. Maya-maya ay napansin kong gumalaw ang fishing rod na hawak niya.

"I got something." Sabi niya. Pilit niya iyong hinatak niya ang rod pataas at
nakita kong may nahuli siyang tilapia. Napasigaw ako.

"What?" He asked.

"Gumagalaw!"

"Natural gagalaw yan, Yza! Buhay pa eh!"

Napanganga ako nang bigla siyang humalakhak. Napatitig ako sa mukha niya. He's face
definitely lit up as he laughed out loud. Para bang nag-iba ang hitsura niya. What
I'm seeing is a genuine smile from the monster - and he doesn't really look like a
monster.

He looks like a human being.

"What?" Nakangiti pa ring tanong niya. Nakangiti siya ngayon - hindi iyong basta
lang niya itinaas ang dulo ng bibig niya. He's smiling, labas pa lahat ng ngipin.

"Wala lang." Sabi ko. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at saka nag-iwan ng tingin. I swear
tumibok ng mabilis ang puso ko. Maya-maya ay umupo siya sa tabi ko. Hawak niya sa
kamay niya ang tilapia, pinakawalan niya iyon.

"Why did you do that?" I asked him.

"Because, I need to let it go for it to realize what it really wants."

Hindi ko naintidihan ang sinabi niya pero alam kong may iba siyang gustong sabihin.
Matapos ang insidenteng iyon ay muli na namang bumalik iyong halimaw. Cold na naman
siya at distant. Sayang, mas gusto ko talaga kapag nakikita ko si Hector - iyong
alaga ni Manang at hindi iyong malademonyong version niya.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko ulit nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"Wala lang. Let's go." He said again. We spent the whole afternoon walking around
his vast land. Maganda ang lugar, malamig kahit na may araw. Tahimik lang siya
habang magkasama kami - ni wala akong nakikitang kahit na anong reaksyon sa mukha
niya. Basta tahimik lang siya. He was just holding my hand and we're walking
around.

Maya-maya ay tumigil siya.

"Yza, about my offer---"

"Yes." Biglang sabi ko. His green eyes fixed at me. "You told me that you always
keep your word. Payag ako, Hector. Basta pagkatapos nito, palalayain mo na ako at
hindi mo na guguluhin ang buongh pamilya ko. It's like I'm sacrificing something
for the family. Isa pa, ano pa bang mawawala? Nakuha mo na diba? So it's not really
a big deal anymore."

Tahimik na lang akong nagpasalamat dahil hindi pumiyok ang boses ko. Naiiyak talaga
ako. Biglaang dumilim ang mga mata niya. Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko.

"Fine. I'll be at your room at six pm. Wait for me."

Walang sabi-sabing tinalikuran niya ako. My knees were shaking.

Para sa kalayaan ko...

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

Sylvana Heights.

Kanina pa ako paikot-ikot pero hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin nakikita ang bahay
ni Helios Demitri sa lugar na iyon. Ang tanga-tanga ko. Dapat bago ako sumugod,
inalam ko muna ang eksaktong lugar kung nasaan siya at nang mabawi ko si Yza.

Huminto ako sa tapat ng park at naiinis na pinaghahampas ko ang manibela. I hate

it! Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tinawagan si Jarvis. Whether I like it or not, I need
his expertise. Kailangan kong mahanap ngayon na ngayon si Helios at babawiin ko si
Yza no matter what happen.

"Hello, Jarvis. I need you to find the exact location of Helios Demitri's house in
Sylvana Heights. I need it now."

Iyon lang at tinapos ko ang tawag. Wala akong pakialam kung masyado na akong
demanding, o kung anuman. I just really need to see her. Wala akong dalang kahit na
ano kundi ang sarili ko lang. Ni wala akong dalang depense. Kung sakali man na
mapahamak ako ngayon, wala akong magagawa, ipagdadasal ko na lang n asana bago
mangyari iyon ay kasama ko na siya.
Sana ako pa rin ang mahal niya.

Napaluha ako bigla. I shook my head. Why the fuck was I thinking that? Yza loves me
no matter what. I believe and I trust our love for each other. Things will never
falter between us. She loves me at kahit na anong mangyari mamahalin ko siya.

I sighed again. Tumunog ang phone ko. I looked at the screen - it's an unknown
number. Kahit naiinis ay sinagot ko iyon.

"Hello?" I asked the other line.

"Zach it's me." I sighed hard when I heard Yna's voice. "Wala ka sa unit mo.
Pinuntahan kita. Nag-aalala ako sa'yo."

"Wala kang pakialam sa akin so back off Yna!" Sigaw ko. This is so frustrating.
Hindi ko alam kung anong problema ni Yna at kung bakit niya ito ginagawa. Alam
niyang si Yza ang mahal ko kaya alam rin niya na kahit ilang beses pa siyang
maghubad sa harapan ko, walang mangyayari because my heart belongs to Yza and that
will never change no matter what happens.

Tinapos ko ang tawag nang marinig ko ang mahinang hikbi sa kabilang linya.
Ipinatong ko sa dashboard ng sasakyan ang phone at muling nag-ikot. Maraming bahay
sa Sylvana - alam kong isa doon ay pag-aari ng demonyong iyon.

I'm worried about Yza. Baka kung paano lang siya tinatrato ng lalaking iyon. Kapag
sinaktan niya ang Yza ko, magkakamatayan kami.

Tumunog muli ang phone ko. I saw Jarvis' name so I answered.

"Sir, 410, Dolloar Street, Sylvana Heights."

"Got it, Jarvis. Thanks."

----------------
"Ready?"

I had goose bumps when I heard Helios' voice. Ni hindi ko naramdamang bumukas ang
pinto ng silid ko. I looked at him. He's wearing a silk gray robe. His green eyes
were dark and cold.

Nakaupo lang ako sa kama. Ni hindi ko pa nahuhubad ang damit na suot ko kaninang
umaga. Mula nang bumalik ako sa silid na ito, hindi na ako nakatayo o gumalaw mula
sa kinalalagyan ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Kanina, umiiyak ako, tahimik
akong humihingi ng tawad kay Zachary Drew. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabing ginagawa ko
ito para sa kalayaan ko para mawala ang guilt pero hindi pa rin. Naiiyak ako. Gusto
kong magback-out pero kapag nangyari iyon, lalong hindi ako makakaalis.

"What are you still doing there, Yza?" He asked in a sensual tone. Lalo akong
kinabaha. What the hell is he doing to me? Natatakot ako. Will it be just like the
first time he touched me? Will he force me again? Just thinking about that makes my
body shake with so much fear. Natatakot na naman ako. Naiiyak.

He sat beside me. He put his hand over my shoulder. Bigla akong lumayo.

"Remember our deal." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"I will." Ngumisi siya. Hinawi niya ang strap ng dress ko. I gasped. His palm was
warm against my cold skin. Hinapit niya ako papalapit sa kanya at saka sinimulang
hagkan. I was shocked by the way he's kissing me. It's hot and yet he's very gentle
- his hands around my body feels good. I know I shouldn't be feeling good, I
shouldn't be feeling anything at all and yet I couldn't help it.

"Helios..." Tinawag ko siya. He looked at me. He caressed my hair and smirked.

"It's Hector, Yza." He kissed my lips after that. Para bang ninanamnam niya ang
aking mga labi at natatangay ako. Unti-unti ay sinasagot ko ang bawat hagod ng
kanyang labi sa labi ko. Naging malikot ang kamay niya sa katawan ko. Ibinaba niya
ang zipper ng suot kong dress. Hindi ko na nga alam kung paano niya iyon naalis sa
katawan ko pero naramdaman ko na lang na wala na akong suot.

I'm almost naked - almost because my undies are still in my body. He made me lie on
the bed and smiled again.
"I will make this night the unforgettable for you, Yza. I will ruin every man in
the world, especially that boy." He told me.

"It will always be him, Hector." Nangangatal ang mga labi ko habang sinasabi ko
iyon sa kanya. Ngumisi lang siya at muli akong hinagkan. He unclasped my bra. His
put his palms over my breasts and started kneading it. His lips were against mine,
making me feel the things I never really thought existed.

Bumaba ang halik niya sa leeg ko, it went down again to the sides of my breasts,
down to my abdomen. He licked the mid part of my stomach, up to my cleavage to my
already hardened mounds. I was biting my lower lip to keep myself from calling out
his name.

I just closed my eyes. I could feel him down there. "Stop fighting, Yza. I know you
want me too." He, then licked my earlobe which made me moan.

"Ahhhh...hmmn.. Stop..."

"It's your freedom, Yza. You really want me to stop?" He sucked my left nipple. I
had to clutch the sheets to keep myself from moaning again. His tongue travelled
down there. I felt his fingers around my panties. My mouth parted when I felt him
bit my panty garter and pulled it down using his mouth.

"Oh god!" I exclaimed when I felt his lips on the middle of my core. I was biting
my lip. Whatever he was doing down there felt so good. Ayokong makaramdam ng kahit
na ano pero heto ako kahit na anong saway ko sa sarili ko ay nararamdaman ko ang
init na dala ni Hector sa buong katawan ko.

"Ahhh, Hector... Oh shit!" I screamed when I felt his thumb inside of me.
"Hector... Hector, wag, please... ahhh. Oh my... ahhh!"

My moans couldn't be contained anymore and I guess he knew that because he kept
doing what he's doing. He's using his mouth, his tongue and his finger on me and
all I could do is moan in delight.

I wasn't really thinking anymore. I was just lying there while he pleasures me -
tama - that's what I'm feeling right now, he's pleasuring me and I didn't know that
being pleasured like this would feel so so good.
He stopped. I moaned in disapproval. He kissed my lips again. I could taste my
essence from his hot mouth and that only added fuel to the fire.

"I'm going to put it in, baby." He said hoarsely. Hindi ako nagmulat ng mga mata. I
waited for it. "I'll be gentle. Wrap your legs around me, baby." He said and I did.
I wrapped my legs around him and that was when I felt him entered my being. Nanlaki
ang mga mata ko.

"Ma-masakit..." Sabi ko sa kanya. He bent down and sucked my breasts alternately.

Kahit paano ay naiibasan na iyong sakit. He moved slowly in and out. My mouth was a
bit parted, I could feel every inch of him inside of me, filling me up, stretching
me, making me feel hot.

"H-hector... ah..." I bit my lower lips again. Para bang nahihiya ako sa sarili ko
dahil tinatawag ko siya pero hindi ko naman mapigilan. His phase changed, dahan-
dahan ay bumilis ang kanyang paggalaw. Napayakap ako ng maghigpit sa kanya. His
lips were against mine, his tongue on my tongue, taunting it, making sure that the
pleasure I feel will be doubled.

Suddenly I felt something wonderful inside me exploded. I could see rainbows and
fireworks.

"Damn girl." He said. He moved faster and faster until he said:

"Baby, I'm coming!"

And he did. I felt something warm gushing inside of me. The feeling is very
different from the other times that he claimed me. It was something else, something
beautiful and although I knew that it is wrong, I just couldn't help it. It damn
feels good.

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

I woke up in the middle of the night still with Hector on the side of the bed. His
eyes were closed and his arms were wrapped around my waist. I could still feel the
soreness in the middle of my legs. I bit my lower lip when the memory of what
happened earlier hit me. I couldn't believe that I was able to give myself to him
over and over in exchange for my freedom.
I did all of these because of my freedom. I want it back and I want it soon.

I sighed as I take his arm off my waist. Dahan-dahan akong bumaba ng kama para
pumasok sa bathroom at mag-shower habang nasa ilalim ako ng dutsa ay paulit-ulit
kong naiisip si Hector at ang mga mata niyang nakatitig lang sa akin habang
ginagawa namin iyon. There was something different in his eyes - something I
haven't seen before and it only appeared now. Para bang nagkakaroon ng emosyon ang
mga mata niya - isag bagay na bago sa akin.

Matapos iyon ay inayos ko ang aking sarili. Suot ang isa pang dress na ipinahiram
sa akin ni Kathryna ay lumabas ako ng bathroom. Tulog pa rin siya. Hindi ko alam
kung anong gagawin ko. Ayokong tumabi sa kanya. Naisip kong maglakad muna sa labas.
Bahala na mamaya, ang alam ko tutuparin niya ang pangako niya sa akin.

I found myself roaming around the garden - thinking about what I did. Suddenly
tears started falling down. Naiinis ako sa sarili ko. I thought about Zach and
guilt washed over my whole being.

Napaupo ako sa isang bench doon. I wiped my tears. I hated myself. How can I give
myself to a demon over and over while the man I love was out there looking for me.
I bit my lower lip. Wala na akong excuse ngayon sa sarili ko dahil hindi naman ako
pinilit ni Hector. He gave me a choice. And I chose to be free. I gasped hard.

I silently prayed for Zach to still accept me no matter what happens. Sanan ganoon
iyon, naniniwala ako sa kung anong meron kaming dalawa. No matter how crucial the
situation is alam ko at naniniwala akong siya pa rin ang para sa akin.

I walked around again. Nakarating ako sa may gate. I stared outside thinking about
leaving while he's still asleep. Nakatingin ako sa kawalan nang matigilan ako dahil
unti-unting nag-materialize sa harapan ko ang lalaking nasa isipan ko.

"Z-zach..." Tawag ko sa kanya. My heart beat fast. "Zach..."

He's here. I swear he's here.

"Zach." Napaiyak na naman ako. He was looking at me. There were tears in his eyes
too. Pilit niyang binubuksan iyong gate.

"Yza, open the gate. I'll take you out."

Lumapit ako sa gate. Kinakabahan ako. Paano niya nalaman kung nasaan ako? Bakit
siya nandito? Makakalaya na ba ako? Sasama ako sa kanya pero makakaalis ba kami?

I tried opening the gate but it's locked. Ang alam ko remote controlled ang gate na
iyon. Lalo akong napahagulgol.

"ZD..." Tinawag ako siya. He took my hand.

"Iuuwi kita, Yza. Just hold on. I love you." He said I nodded.

"I love you still." Sabi ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla kong naalala si Helios
nang sabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon. I looked back. I was afraid that he might
see us pero wala.

"Yza, can you climb?" Tanong niya sa akin. Can I? For my freedom, I will do
everything.

I was about to climb up when suddenly the gates opened. Nanlaki ang mga mga mata ko
but then I didn't care because finally, I was in Zach's arms.

He hugged me so tight I found it hard to breathe but I didn't care. Umiiyak ako.
Umiiyak din siya.

"Let's go, baby." He kissed my temple. Napapaikit ako. He called me baby... He

called me baby. I am his baby. I'll be his baby forever.

Habang paalis kami ni Zach, tumingin ako pabalik sa bahay. I thought I saw Hector,
standing in the balcony looking at us pero alam kongt pinaglalaruan lang ako ng
imahinasyon ko.

Kung nandoon siya gagawa siya ng paraan para makuha ako.

"Baby, are you okay?" I looked at Zach. "Don't be scared. Nandito na ako."
"I'm not scared." I said. Muli akong lumingon. He's still there. I can see him
because of the lights around the house. He's really there but why isn't he doing
anything to stop me.

Isinakay ako ni Zach sa kotse. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naluluha ako. Masaya akong
makaalis pero bakit nakakaramdam ako ng lungkot.

"I love you, Yza." He kissed my hand. I looked at him.

"I love you, still. Zach."

<center><h1>13. Safe</h1></center>
<hr>
I opened my eyes and felt a sudden urge to scream when I found myself in an
unfamiliar room. I was about to scream when a figure sat beside me. I looked at my
left and I found Zach sitting beside me, looking concerned. Bumangon ako at agad
siyang niyakap. He was caressing my back, making me feel as if I am safe. I know
I'm safe. He's with me, isa lang ang ibig sabihin noon.

Malaya na ako.

"I'm here. Don't be scared." He said to me. I nod my head as he touches me.

"Zach, gusto ko nang umuwi." Sabi ko sa kanya. I want to see my family. I want to
hug my parents. I wanna see my brothers and my twin brother. I want the life I used
to have back kahit na alam kong may isang bagay nang hindi maibabalik sa akin.

"Kakain muna, baby." He said. I nodded. Lumayo ako nang bahagya sa kanya at
ngumiti. Naluluha pa rin ako. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nandito na siya sa tabi ko.
Pagkatapos ng halos dalawang buwan naming pagkakalayo, nandito na siya. Napahikbi
ako nang maalala ko kung anong ginawa ko kapalit ng paglaya.

"Zach..." Tawag ko sa kanya. "Zach, I'm sorry."

"For what?" He asked. He held my hand. "I should be apologizing. Hindi kita
nailigtas agad." Mahinang wika niya. Napakagat labi ako. Iniisip ko pa lang na
sasabihin ko sa kanya ang totoo ay nanginginig na ang tuhod ko sa takot. Hinaplos
niya ang mukha ko.
"Gusto kitang iuwi sa inyo kagabi pero nagbago ang isip ko. I want you here by my
side kahit isang gabi lang. Sa oras na ibalik kita, mahihirapan na akong makuha ang
atensyon mo."

"Zach..." Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang nangyari sa akin. Para isnag bagsakan na
lang. Alam kong masasaktan siya pero kailangan kong sabihin dahil iyon ang tama. He
cupped my face and kissed me again.

I kissed him back. I never realized how much I missed him until I have felt his
lips against mine. I pulled him closer. My tears started falling again. How? How
could I? I did that for him, for us, para magkasama kami, pero bakit kapag naiisip
ko na ginawa ko iyon - kahit alam kong kaya iyon nangyari ay dahil lang sa
kagustuhan kong makalaya ay nasasaktan ako.

His lips travelled to my cheeks up to my forehead down to my nose. Pinagdikit niya

ang mga noo namin tinitigan akong mabuti.

"Mahal na mahal kita." Sabi ko sa kanya. Ngumiti ako. OO, mahal ko si Zach. Mula
noon hanggang ngayon, siya pa rin. Kahit na ano pa man ang nangyari sa akin, kay
Hector, sa aming dalawa, si Zach pa rin. He owns my heart, and that will never
change. Ngumiti lang siya sa akin at saka pumikit.

"Ang sarap marinig." He inhaled my morning scent. "Iuuwi na kita. I know how much
Tito Sancho misses you."

Tumango lang ako. Bago kami tuluyang umalis ay insikaso muna ako ni Zach. He made
sure that I will eat that morning. He even waited for me as I get dresses. After
that, we walked hand in hand to his car. He's very attentive to me.

Habang nagbabyahe pauwi ay hindi mawala ang kaba ko pero kahit paano ay naiibsan
iyon nang panaka-nakang paghaplos ni Zach sa kamay ko. It was as if he's telling me
that everything will be okay and I hope that it will be. Alam kong hindi sa paglaya
ko natatapos ang lahat.

Matapos ang ilang minuto ay nasa labas na kami ng masyon. Lalong tumindi ang kaba
ko. Alam kong matutuwa ang mga magulang ko sa oras na makita nila ako pero anong
sasabihin nila? Alam ko ring tatanungin nila ako, kayak o bang sagutin ang lahat ng
iyon.

"Baby come..." He called me. He took my hand and pulled me pero hindi ako gumalaw.
"ZD, natatakot ako." Sabi ko sa kanya. He sighed. He faced me and cupped my face.

"I'm here. You don't have to be scared." He said. Kahit paano ay naibsan ng mga
salita niya ang kaba ko. Nagpatianod ako sa paghatak niya sa akin papasok sa loob.
When we entered, I saw a lot of men in uniforms with guns on their side. Tiningnan
nila si ZD. Tinanguan niya ang mga ito tapos ay nilagpasan. Wala pa man ay umiiyak
na naman ako.

"Yza, calm down." Natatawang sabi niya. I nodded my head.

Binuksan ni Zach ang front door ng bahay at sabay kaming pumasok. Tahimik na
tahimik ang kabahayan na tila ba nakikiisa ito sa pagkawala ko.

"You're home, Yza." He said to me. I smiled at him.

"Si Nanay..." Sabi ko. Bumitiw ako sa kamay niya at saka umakyat sa itaas. Alam
kong kasunod ko pa rin siya. Hinahayaan niya lang akong sugurin ang kabahayan. Ang
una kong pinuntahan an gang silid ni Nanay at Tatay. They never lock the room so it
was easy for me to get in. I found them still on bed. Tatay's arms were wrapped
around Nanay Nanay was resting her head on his chest.

My tears flowed. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. Lumundag ako sa kama at
ginigising sila just like how I sed to wake them up when I was still little.

"Nay! Nay! Nay! Nanay!" Sabi ko. Iyak ako nang iyak. Nanay stirred. She slowly
opened her eyes. Her gaze darted on me and I just lost it. Yumuko ako at niyakap
siya. Humiga ako sa gitna nila ni Tatay.

"Nay! Nay!"

Para bang hindi siya makapaniwala na nasa tabi na niya ako. I looked at Tatay.
Nakakunot ang noo niya pero nakangiti.

"I-I'm home po..." Sabi ko. Nanay hugged me so tight I find it hard to breath.
Nanay gave me butterfly kisses while Tatay tapped my back. Bumaling ako sa kanya.
"My princess is back." He whispered. He kissed my cheeks and touched my face.
Naiiyak ako.

"Pero paano? Hindi ka ba nila sinaktan?" Nagtatanong ang mga mata ni Nanay. Hinanap
ko si Zach.

"Zach saved me..." I whispered. I was still in tears. Tatay kissed my temple. Maya-
maya nakita kong nakatayo na si Yto sa likod ni Zach. Taas - taas ang buhok niya
tapos ay pupungas-pungas. Mukhang hindi niya pa ako nakikita.

Tumayo ako at tumakbo papunta sa kanya. I don't have favorites but I love Yto so
much because he's my twin brother and we have a connection that only the two of us
can understand. Halos bumalya kami sa pader nang yakapin ko siya.

There are no words to say. He just hugged me. I knew that like me he was crying
too. I could feel it. What made me cry the most is when I heard nanay said to
tatay:

"Kambal na ulit sila, Sancho."

I smiled. I am back with my family and it feels so good. So good.

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

I had been back for two days pero kita ko na talaga iyong nagbago. Sa lahat ng
iyon, pinaka-napansin ko si Yna. Hindi na siya bubbly tulad ng dati sa akin.
Kinakausap niya ako pero matipid, kung hindi tango ay ngiti lang ang isasagot niya
sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung nakikipagkita pa rin siya kay...

I sighed.

I couldn't even say his name in my brain and I don't know why. It's as if my whole
being is trying to forget what happened while I was with him - parang gusto ng puso
at isipan ko na kalimutan siya - lahat ng ginawa niya sa akin lalo na iyong
nangyari noong gabi bago ako makalaya.
"Yza, I need to talk to you."

I bit my lower lip after hearing Tatay's voice. Sinenyasan niya akong sumunod sa
kanya sa loob ng office niya. Nang makarating doon ay pinaupo niya ako sa sofa,
tumabi siya sa akin. Akala ko ay kami lang pero hindi nagtagal ay pumasok na rin si
Nanay sa loob. She has this worried expression on her face. Para bang hindi siya
mapakali.

"Ano poi yon? Kinakabahan po ako."

"Anak, may itatanong lang si Tatay." Ngumiti si Nanay. Tila ba pilit niya akong
kinakalma. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at ngumiti muli. Tiningnan niya si Tatay. He
sighed.

"What happened, Yza?" He asked in a cool voice. "Helios Demitri took you. We all
knew that. Ipakukulong ko siya. Kailangan lang sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo."

"Yza, if that man hurt you."He said. "We will do everything to make him suffer."
Hindi ako nakasagot. Sasabihin ko ba kung anong ginawa niya sa akin? Gusto kong
sabihin. Gusto kong malaman nila na binaboy ako, na nahirapan ako na kahit na
nakabalik ako ay hindi naman na ako buo pero sa kabila ng lahat nang iyon, naiisip
ko si Hector. Hindi si Helios kundi si Hector.

Masyado akong mabait o kung tanga man ako hindi ko alam. Ang ayoko lang masaktan
dito ay si Yna. Kahit anong gawin ko, o ng mga magulang namin hindi naman magbabago
ang katotohanan na magkapatid pa rin sila.

"Yza..."

"Nay, pwede wag muna ngayon?" Tanong ko sa kanila. I saw the disappointment on
Tatay's face. "Yes, he took me, he hurt me, tay." Bigla akong napasinghap nang
makita ko ang galit ni Tatay.

"Fuck!"

"Sancho!" Nanay hissed at him.

"At ano? Uupo na lang ako matapos kong malaman na sinaktan niya ang anak ko?!
Sheenalyn!"

"Sancho, we can take this in a calm way."

I shook my head. "Umupo ka." Sabi ni Nanay. Tatay sat beside me again and faced me.

"Did he do anything else?" He asked me. I bit my lower lip. "Yza Joan."

"W-wala po..." Sagot ko. Hinawakan ni Nana yang kamay ko. "Wala po, Tatay..."

Tatay nodded. "Sige, magpahinga ka na."

Tumango na lang ako at umalis. I stood by the corridor and let the tears fall.
Gusto kong sabihin pero natatakot ako, natatakot ako para sa isang bagay na hindi
ko naman alam kung ano...

"Yna, saan ka pupunta? Gabi na!"

Natigil ako sa pagluha nang marinig ko ang boses ni Yllak sa kabilang hall. Lumakad
ako papunta sa kanila. I saw Yllak wearing his most comfy shorts and shirt habang
nakapamaywang siya sa tapat ng silid ni Yna.

"May research kami ng classmates ko. Just get off my back!"

"Aba!" Yllak said. Lumabas si Yna sa silid niya. May dala siyang overnight bag.
Napatingin siya sa direksyon ko. Kumunot ang noo ko ng makakita ako ng guilt sa mga
mata niya.

"Ate, bawalan mo nga ito. Gabi na eh!" Reklamo pa ni Yllak.

"Nagpaalam ka ba kay Nanay?" I asked her.

"O-oo. Uhm, sa classmate ko lang ako. May study kami." Sabi niya sa akin.
Magtatanong pa sana ako nang bumaba na siya sa hagdan.

"Yna!" Halos magkapanabay naming tawag ni Yllak.

"Damn! Ang tigas ng ulo niya, Ate."

"Mana sa'yo." Sabi ko. "Sundan natin."

Inabutan naming si Yna na nakatayo sa main door ng bahay. May kausap siya sa phone.
Tinawag siya ni Yllak pero hindi siya lumingon, sa halip, binuksan niya ang pinto
para lang matigilan.

A smile formed on my face when I saw my prince charming standing outside the door,
looking so dashingly charming.

"OH, Yna, bakit para kang natanga diyan?!" Sigaw ni Yllak.

"Ha?"

I swear I saw her tear up.

"A-aalis na ako."

"Yna!" Sigaw ko. Bigla ay hinapit ni Zach ang bewang ko.

"I missed you." Bulong niya sa akin.

"Naku!" Sabi ni Yllak. "Nanadiri ang mga tao dito. In love lahat. Patis si Yvo.
Ewan ko sa inyo!"
Nagkatawanan kami ni Zach habang pinagmamasdan si Yllak na umakyat na naman sa
itaas. He looked at me.

"What is wrong with your brother?" He asked. I shrugged. I kissed his cheeks.

"Bakir nagpapapogi ka? May babae ka?" Tanong ko. He grinned.

"Yup. She's in my arms right now and I missed her so much."

My heart melted. "Labas tayo. I have a surprise for you."

Tumango ako. We walked together. Nasa baywang ko pa rin ang mga kamay niya. Lumabas
kami para sumakay sa kotse niya. Zach opened the door for me. I was about to get in
when my eyes caught a glimpse of a silver Bentley parked two houses away from ours.

Nakababa ang bubong noon at kahit madilim, damang dama ko ang mabibigat na titig na
na nangaggaling sa taong nasa sasakyan na iyon. My heart beat fast. Nanuyo rin ang
lalamunan ko.

"Baby?" I looked at Zach. "Let's go..."

"Oo nga. Let's go..." Sabi ko sa kanya. I got in the car and settled myself. We
droves passed by the silver Bentley. I couldn't help but look. Napasinghap ako nang
malakas nang makita ko kung sinong nandoon.

Si Hector...
<center><h1>14. The supposed to be enemy</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't help but think about Hector that night while I was with Zachary Drew. I
knew that I shouldn't be really thinking about him. Kailangan ko na siyang
kalimutan - iyon ang pinakatamang gawin sa buhay ko. He had done bad things to me,
he abused me, he took advantage of the fact that I wanted to be free - I should
condemn him for that and yet here I am thinking about him again.

I sighed. I looked at Zach who was very busy with his food that moment. Napapangiti
ako. Gustong-gusto ko siyang pinapanood kumain. Akala ko kanina kung saan kami
pupunta. He took me to a very expensive restaurant; he had rented the roof top. He
wanted to surprise me and I was very surprised. Pagdating naming, sinalubong ako ng
violin and the floor was full of rose petals. He is such a romantic boyfriend.

"Hmn, ayaw mo ng food, baby?" He asked me. Umiling ako.

"I just...." I sighed. "I missed you." He smiled at me. Inabot niya ang kamay ko.

"I missed you too." He grinned. Natawa naman ako. "Bakit ba kanina ka pa tawa nang
tawa?" Nagkibit balikat siya pagkatapos. "Kung sabagay, okay iyon. I talked to
Xander's dad at sabi niya, iyong pagiging masaya mo ay isang bagay na dapat ikatuwa
ko. Iyong ibang kidnap victims kasi, takot silangt makipag-mingle o lumabas. Ikaw,
I guess you're fine, baby."

Ngumiti lang ako. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit pero pakiramdam ko talaga wala akong
dapat ikatakot sa paligid. Hector isn't around. Walang mananakit sa akin. Zach is
here and he will protect me. I'm very thankful that he had come that night and took
me away. Kung hindi siya dumating hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari.

I bit my lower lip. I remembered what happened that night. I got scared. I'm having
doubts now. Kailangan kong sabihin kay Zach ang totoo, pero kung sasabihin ko anong
magiging reaksyon niya? Tatanggapin niya pa ba ako?

"Baby, what's wrong?" He asked again. Umiling ako. Tumayo ako tapos kumandong ako
sa kanya. I put my arms around his neck and stared at his eyes.

"Gaano mo ako kamahal, ZD?" I asked him. He held my waist and pulled me closer. He
rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Mahal na mahal, Yza." He looked at me. I nodded. Sa akin sapat na iyon. Alam kong
kailangan ko na talagang sabihin ang totoo. Sasabihin ko naman pero hindi pa sa
ngayon. Ayokong masira ang gabi naming dalawa.

We continued eating. I have missed him so much. Hinayaan ko siyang magkwento nang
magkwento. Marami akong hindi nasaksihan sa buhay niya nitong nakaraang dalawang
buwan. I want him to update me.

"Kamusta si Yngrid?" Biglang tanong ko. Ngumisi si Zach.

"Miss ka na niya. She likes you, hindi nga lang niya pinapahalata. You know how she
gets. Even Yana misses you. She was worried about you, baby."

I swallowed. Sa tuwing tatawagin akong baby ni Zach, may iba akong nakikita. I
could see a pair of piercing green eyes and a devilish grin in my head. Ipinilig ko
ang ulo ko. Hindi ko siya pwedeng alalahanin. Kailangan ko siyang kalimutan ngayon.

Our date ended. Magkahawak kamay kaming umalis ni Zach ng restaurant. He opened the
car door for me bago ako sumakay ay nagpalinga-linga pa ako sa paligid. I was
looking for a silver SUV pero wala akong nakita. Hindi ko alam talaga but I just
couldn't shake the feeling of being followed.

"Baby?" Zach called

"Yeah, I'm going in." Sabi ko pa. He smiled. Sumakay ako sa kotse niya and we
drove. He was just holding my hand.

"Masaya ka ba?" He asked me.

"Yes, Zach... Thank you."

"I love you, baby." He even said. I just took a deep breath.

"Ca...can you...uhm..." I sighed. I paused for a while and looked at him. "Can you
not all me baby?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "May problema ba?"

"Wala... I just..." I looked at him. "Zach please, call me something else but don't
call me that..."

Hindi siya kumibo. I saw him clenching the stirring wheel. Bigla siyang pumreno.
"Zach!"

He turned to me. His eyes were as cold as eyes.

"Bakit? Iyon ba ang tawag ni Helios Demitri sa'yo, Yza Joan?"

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

"Why, Yna?"

I looked at Leighton while she was standing beside me at the balcony of my home.
She texted me earlier that morning saying that she wanted to spend the night in my
home. Binalingan ko siya. Nagkibit-balikat siya.

"Wala na si Yza dito. Why did you come back?" I asked her again. She just sighed.

"Bakit? Akala mo ba the only reason I'm here is because of that?" She asked me
back. Her brown eyes were piercing through my soul. "At first oo, nandito ako dahil
kay Ate kasi mahal ko siya, kasi nag-aalala ako sa kanya but along the way I
realized that I'm also here for you. Tama ka, ikaw ang kapatid ko. I love my
Consunji siblings but I have also learned to love you..."

Nagyuko siya ng ulo. Napapikit naman ako. Ngayong naririnig ko mula sa kanya ang
mga salitang noon ay ipinaglalaban ko, hindi naman ako makaramdam ng saya. Masaya
ako dahil nandito siya at nakuha ko na ang loob niya. I have made her realize that
behind all the evil things I have done in my life, I have a heart that loves her
dearly.

She wiped her tears. "Bakit ka umiiyak, Leigh?" I asked her.

"Wala lang, Kuya." Sagot niya. "Masaya na sa bahay. Nandoon na si Ate. Nanay is
happy." She looked at me. "Nanay is a very loving person, Kuya. Si Tatay ganoon
din, if only you would talk to them, sigurado naman ako na magkakaintindihan kayo.
Kuya Yto is a good person. Sa una lang naman matigas iyon."
Ngumiti lang ako. Napansin kong natulala siya pero saglit lang iyon. She smiled too
and shook her head.

"I can't believe that a devil can smile so charmingly. Nginitian mo ba ng ganyan si
Ate habang nandito siya?"

Hindi ako sumagot. Ginulo ko ang buhok niya at saka nagpaalam na. I wanted to be
alone for a while. I wanted to drown myself in the loneliness and emptiness I have
in my heart. I went inside my empty room. All I could see is that empty bed in the
middle of the room. I took a bottle of scotch from my private bar and poured it in
my glass. I have been like this since she left and I don't know why.

I shouldn't be missing her but I am. I shouldn't be following her around I am.
Isang linggo pa lang siyang wala sa tabi ko, hinahanap ko siya na para bang noon pa
lang ay kasama ko na siya.

Last night, I found myself lurking inside the room she occupied. Pagpasok ko pa
lang, sinalubong na ako ng amoy niya. Mas lalo akong nangulila. Hindi ko alam kung
anong meron kay Yza na hinahanap-hanap ko. Noong nandito siya, hindi naman ako
ganito , pero noong umalis siya, nagsimula ang mga anxiety ko.

I thought it was just normal. Matagal ko rin naman siyang kasama, pero nang
maisipan ko siyang silipin sa kanila, alam kong hindi na normal ang lahat. Mas
lalong umigting ang pakiramdam na iyon noong gabing makita ko siyang kasama ang
lalaking iyon.

Alam kong mas may karapatan siya kay Yza but I keep on asking myself why is she
with that boy. He is just a boy. Merely a man, hindi siya nararapat para kay Yza.
Yza needs a man who can take care of her.

I can take care of her. Sinaktan ko siya noon, pinilit pero hinding-hindi ko na
gagawin iyon. I can be the man for her.

I grinned. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko iniisip ang mga bagay na iyon. I won't
accept defeat. Alam ko kung bakit ako nagkakaganito pero hindi ko matatanggap.

I don't want to be weak.

That night, I stayed up until dawn just thinking about her. I was asking myself if
there's a possibility that she is indeed thinking about me and if she is, anong mga
naaalala niya?

"Kuya!"

"Sir, sinabi kong huwag siyang pumasok sa room ninyo!" Sigaw ni Kathryna nang
umagang iyon. Pumasok si Leighton sa silid ko. Her sunny smile is all over her
face. Ngumuso siya.

"Naku ha. Ako iyong kapatid kaya okay la na nandito ako, eh ikaw?"

Tumaas ang dulo ng labi ko. Yna is very much like YZa. Ganoon din siya kay Kathryna
noon. I just sighed.

"Kuya, hatid mo na ako sa bahay. I have to be there before Tatay goes to his
office." Tumango lang ako. I didn't even bother changing clothes. Suot ko pa rin
iyong office attire ko yesterday. Sumunod ako sa kanya palabas ng silid. I told
Kathryna to clear my schedule for this day. I don't feel like going to work today.
I just wanted to stay home.

"When are you going back to Greece, Kuya?" Leigh asked me. Her calling me "Kuya" is
like music to my ears. Ngumiti ako. "Napapadalas iyang ngiti mo. I wonder kung
dahil ba yan sa akin o kay Ate." Bigla niya akong hinawakan sa balikat. Pasakay na
kami sa kotse noon.

"Alam mo ba na may magic si Ate?" Biglang sabi niya. Pumasok siya sa sasakyan.
Umikot naman ako para maupo sa driver's seat. Ihahatid ko siya sa bahay but I'll
park two blocks away from the house para walang gulo at walang makakita sa akin.

"What magic?"

"She has the power to melt the ice on someone's heart - just like what she did with
yours. If it weren't for her, hindi ko makikita iyong totoong ikaw. You're a good
person."

"Sinabi niya ba iyon sa'yo?" Umiling si Leigh. May kung ano akong naramdaman sa
puso ko. I shook my head. I shouldn't be feeling like this. Ano naman sa akin kung
hindi sinabi ni Yza kay Leigh na mabuti akong tao? Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi
ako mabuti - I am a bad person. I'm a devil, I'm no good. Lahat ng taong haharang
sa daan ko, kaya kong alisin magawa ko lang ang gusto ko. I'm a criminal. I'm a bad
man and Yza have seen the worse. Hindi ko siya masisisi kung kakalimutan na niya
ang bangungot na dinanas niya sa akin.

Pero ako, alam kong hindi ko siya makakalimutanj and I have no idea how long I will
be like this.

"I really should be seeing a shrink." Napapailing na sabi ko.

"Why? Is there something wrong?" She asked me.

"Wala lang." I took a deep breath. After twenty minutes, narating na namin ang
village nila. Leigh was still talking about her childhood and how much the
Consunjis loved her. She had a great childhood - unlike me, I had a nightmare while
I was still in Greece pero hindi na niya kailangan malaman iyon.

I parked the car in front of the park. Malapit na iyon sa bahay nila. Kaunting
lakad na lang. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan. Sumunod si Leigh.

"Dito na lang ako. Ayokong magkagulo. Baka makita ka ni Tatay. Mainit iyon ngayon
kasi nga nakabalik si Ate. I have no idea if she had told them about you."

"She will." I said to her.

"I don't think so." Ngumiti siya. "Malay mo umiral ang pagiging mother Theresa
noon." Humagikgik siya pagkatapos. Sumandal ako sa kotse.

"Uuwi na po ako." Masayang pagpapaalam niya. Tumango ako. Nabigla ako nang yakapin
niya ako. "Thank you, Kuya."

"Yna!"

Bigla siyang kumalas sa akin nang may sumigaw ng pangalan niya. I saw one of Sancho
Consunji's son walking towards me. Galit na galit ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito.
"Kuya Yvo..." Bulong niya. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang hatakin niya si Leigh. "K-
kuya! Nasasaktan ako!"

"Masasaktan ka talaga! You spent the night with this asshole! How could you!"

"Hey!" I said. "She's my sister."

"She's my sister! Wala kang karapatan sa kanya, not after what you did to my
family!"

"You took away two hundred million dollars from my company, I should have you
arrested, Yvo Consunji." I grinned. He just shook his head.

"After what you did to my sister? I should have you arrested. You will rot in hell,
Demitri."

"Ang tapang mo." Itinulak ko siya.

"Kuya no!" Leigh said.

"Huwag kang makialam!" Halos magkapanabay naming sigaw.

"Yvo!"

Something inside me melted right after hearing that voice. Natigilan ako. Nagagalit
ako kanina pero nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon, kumalma ako maski ayoko. I
looked passed right at Yvo's shoulder and I saw Yza approaching. She was wearing a
sweat pants, a sleeveless top and a cardigan, her hair was freely falling on her
shoulders.

"Yvo..."

"Ate no!" Agad na dinaluhan ni Yvo ang kapatid niya. Mas matangakad si Yvo kaysa
kay Yza but no matter how he tried to hide her from me, huli na, dahil nagtama nba
ang aming mga mata.
"Ate let's go! Yna!"

"No..." Sabi niya. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Her voice broke. "May usapan tayo! Yna
bakit ka sumasama sa kanya?!"

Frantic na ang mga sigaw niya. "Yna umuwi na tayo!" A little while later, Yza broke
down on her knees. She looked so scared. "Umalis ka na!"

I wanted to calm her down. I wanted to comfort her pero wala akong magawa kundi ang
tingnan lang siya. For the first time since I became Helios Demitri - I had no idea
what to do, or feel. I am lost again and it is all because of a woman named Yza
Consunji - the supposed to be enemy...
<center><h1>15. I still do</h1></center>
<hr>

"I told you to stay home! Umalis ka rin pala!"

Umaalingangaw ang boses ni Yvo habang papasok kami sa bahay. He was holding my
hand. I couldn't really react that moment. I was shaking, I was so scared but more
importantly, I was really overwhelmed by seeing Hector.

Hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa kanila ni Yna. I know for a fact na hindi naman
talaga siya pwedeng mawala sa buhay ni Yna dahil ito ang kadugo niya. Kaya lang, sa
ngayon, ayoko talaga siyang makita. Hindi ko siya gustong makita at ayokong maging
parte siya ng buhay ko.

Tama na iyong panahon at oras na nasayang noong magkasama kami. Tama na iyon. Hindi
naman para sa kanya ang mga oras na iyon pero kahit ayoko, sa kanya ko pa rin ito
nasayang at hindi ko na maibabalik iyon.

I have to avoid him - not just avoid but bury him to the back of my mind where I
couldn't and wouldn't dare to think about him again. Ayoko na siyang isipin - ayoko
na talaga.

"Ate, okay ka lang? Hindi ka naman dapat lumabas doon." Yvo said to me. "Fuck!
Mapapatay ko talaga iyong lalaking iyon!"
"Huwag mong siyang saktan, Kuya..." I heard Yna. "K-kapatid ko siya."

"Ano? Sasama ka na sa halimaw na iyon! He hurt Ate! He took her away from us! Bakit
napakadali para sa'yo ang tanggapin na kapatid mo siya samantalang ngayon mo lang
naman siya nakilala!"

"Yvo tama na." Hinatak ko ang balikat ni Yvo pero iwinaksi niya ang kamay ko.

"Ang problema sa'yo, Yna masyado kang madaling magtiwala! Ano ipagpapalit mo na
kami sa kanya?! Masamang tao si Demitri!"

"Yvo ano ba?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Tiningnan niya lang ako.

"Iyan eh! Ang tigas ng ulo!"

"Yvo, please." Sabi ko na lang. Huminga siya nang malalim at saka iniwan kami ni
Yna na nakatayo sa sala. She was crying. I know that I have to comfort her but
seeing her with him makes me feel irritated. Nagsinungaling siya. Ang sabi niya
kagabi ay pupuntahan niya ang kaklase niya tapos ngayon makikita ko siyang kasama
ang taong dahilan ng lahat ng kaguluhan sa pamilya ko.

"Bakit ka umiyak kanina ate? Hindi mo ba gusto si Kuya?" She asked me. Nanlaki ang
mga mata ko.

"Ano bang sinasabi mo?" I asked her.

"You kissed him while you were still with him. That means you like him. Mas mahal
mo nab a siya kaysa kay Zach?" Tuloy-tuloy na tanong niya. Napasinghap ako. "Tell
me, may nangyari sa inyo, diba? Are you breaking up with Zachary? Tell me ate... I
need to know..."

Hindi ako makasagot. Bigla na lang bumalik sa akin ang lahat at para bang hindi na
ako makahinga. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang mga tanong niya sa akin. Hindi
malinaw, hindi ko makita ang katuturan niyon - ang alam ko lang, hinuhusgahan niya
ang nararamdaman ko.

"Bakit ka pa kasi bumalik?" Biglang tanong niya. "Demitri can take care---"
Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. I slapped her. I know that she is going to tell
me that Demitri can take care of me and that appalled me. Anong karapatan niyang
sabihin ang bagay na iyon? Hindi niya alam kung anong nangyari sa akin doon.

"How can you talk to me like that, Yna?" I whispered.

"Totoo naman! You had sex with him!"

"He raped me!" My voice is shaky, automatically my tears feel down. Remembering the
horror of that night made me feel the things I thought I have forgotten. "He raped
me, Yna! I just didn't go to bed with him! He raped me! He took advantage of me! He
ruined me, Yna! How can you say something like that to me?"

My knees were shaking again. Suddenly, I remembered the conversation I had with
Zach last night. I have told him everything and his reaction - I understood where
he was coming from and I wasn't really hoping that he would accept me after
everything I have told him.

"Now tell me, Yna. Do you really think he can take care of me?" I asked her again.
She shook her head. Natigilan ako nang mapadako ang mga mata ko sa hagdan - in
there I saw Nanay standing - she was looking at me with tears in her eyes. I gasped
hard.

"N-nay..."

Bigla na lang siyang tumakbo paakyat. Hinabol ko siya. Ayokong isipin ang mga
susunod na mangyayari. Pumasok siya sa office ni Tatay, hindi pa man ako
nakakalapit ay narinig ko na ang boses ni Yto at ni Tatay, they were talking.

"Sancho!" Nanay's voice broke. She was crying. Nakita kong tumakbo siya kay Tatay.
Yumakap siya dito.

"Nay, anong nangyari?" Yto asked.

"Sheena?"
"Sancho si Yza..." She gasped. Tatay's eyes flew to mine.

"What happened?" His voice is cold. "Yza, anong nangyari..."

Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko. Nanginginig ang mga tuhod ko. Hindi ako makahinga.
Nakita ko si Nanay na hinawakan ang kwelyo ni Tatay.

"Yza..." Yto called me. I looked at him. My tears fell down as I stood there. I
knew that I had to tell them. Hindi ko naman dapat ipagtanggol ang lalaking nanakit
sa akin.

"I was..." I gasped. Not a moment later, Yto is beside me. "ra-raped..."

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

"Zach I'm sorry..."

"What are you saying sorry for? Tinatanong lang kita kung iyon ang tawag niya
sa'yo!"

I don't know what came over me that night but it really felt like something has
changed. Yza isn't the same anymore. When did I realize that the woman who used to
love me with all her heart has changed? Hindi ko rin alam - ang malinaw lang sa
ngayon ay ang katotohanan na may kulang na sa aming dalawa.

Something is missing.

I know that she loves me but why do I feel like she doesn't love me the way she
used to love me?

"Zach, please..." She took my hand. I looked at her.

"Where is my ring Yza?" I asked her. Bigla siyang natigilan. Tulad ko ay napatingin
rin siya sa kamay niya. She bit her lower lip. Dahan-dahan niyang inialis ang kamay
niya sa braso ko. Nakita kong umiiyak na siya ngayon. I never wanted to make her
cry of hurt her in any way pero kung nasasaktan siya, mas nasasaktan ako.

Oo, magkasama kaming dalawa pero pakiramdam ko malayo pa rin siya sa akin. Hindi ko
alam kung paano nagsimula iyong pangamba ko na nabawasan na ang pagmamahal niya sa
akin. Pakiramdam ko ay dahan-dahan at unti-unti na siyang nawawala sa akin. Hindi
ko alam kung paano ko pipigilan ang bagay na iyon. Hindi ko kayang mawala si Yza.
Siya ang buhay ko.

Hindi ko makita ang sarili ko na may kasamang iba. "Zach, sorry..."

"Putang ina, Yza Joan!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Kanina ka pa sorry nang sorry! What the
fuck are you saying sorry for?!" Gigil na gigil ako. Humagulgol siya. Kahit na
gustong-gusto ko siyang yakapin at suyuin tulad nang palagian kong ginagawa noon ay
hindi ko magawa. I feel like she's hiding something from me. I feel like there's
something - a detail that I should know but she refuses to let me know.

"Zach...." She called me again. Napailing ako. I got out of the car. Pilit kong
kinakalma ang sarili ko. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang galit na nararamdaman ko
para sa kanya. OO, sa ngayon, galit na galit ako kay Yza. May iba akong
nararamdaman.

Sa dalawang taon naming magkarelasyon ay ngayon ko lang naramdaman ito. Para bang
wala nang kasiguraduhan ang mga bagay sa pagitan naming dalawa.

"Zach!" Bigla na lang niya akong niyakap mula sa likuran. I gasped. I wanted her to
do that pero hindi ko hinayaan. I pushed her away.

"Sasabihin mo ba o hindi?" Tiim ang bagang na tanong ko. "What the fuck is wrong
Yza?!" Sigaw ko. "Hindi tayo matatapos kung iiyakan mo lang ako!" Hilam na hilam na
sa luha ang mga mata niya. She looked away. Then she looked at me again.

"I...." She took a deep breath. "I.. He... he raped me, Zach."

Halos bulong nang lumabas iyon mula sa bibig niya. Nagulantang ang buong mundo ko.
Hindi ako makahinga. Here was the woman I have taken cared of for years telling me
that her abductor raped her.
The woman I love...

She was standing in front of me, crying her heart out.

"Ilang beses?" Tanong ko.

"Zac...Zach please tama na..."

Inilang hakbang ko siya at hinawakan sa braso. "Ilang beses, Yza! Tinatanong kita!"

"Dalawa!" Sigaw niya sa akin habang iyak siya nang iyak.

"Putang ina!" Binitiwan ko siya. Sinabunutan ko ang sarili ko.

"Zach, sorry...." Bulong niya. Muli ko siyang hinarap.

"Why are you saying sorry? Bakit nagustuhan mo ba iyong ginawa niya?" I was hoping
that she will say no... I was praying so hard for her to shake her head and tell me
that she disgusted everything that Demitri did to her.

"No...no..." She said. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

"Then why are you saying sorry?"

"Because..." She gasped again. "I slept with him for the third time in exchange of
my freedom..."

That was when my world starting to fall apart.

She slept with him in exchange for her freedom. Did she lose her faith on me? Hindi
na ba siya nakapaghintay sa akin kaya niya biglang naisip na gawin ang bagay na
iyon? Lumakad siya papalapit sa akin. She was still crying. Hinawakan niya ang
kamay ko.

"Sorry, Zach..."

"You slept with him..." I whispered. "Is that the reason why you dislike me calling
you baby? Iyon ba ang tawag niya sa'yo habang ginagawa ninyo iyon?!" Sigaw ko.
Napahagulgol siya. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang balikat niya. "Sabihin mo sa akin,
Yza! Masarap ba?!"

Sinampal niya ako. Maybe I deserve that. Maybe I have gone too far, mali ba iyon?
Nasasaktan ako. Iba iyong usapan ng rape at iyong usapan na ginawa niya iyon with
Helios Demitri na may consent!

Magkaiba.

"Zach, intindihin mo naman ako."

"Sa relasyong ito, Yza, ako ang palaging umiintindi dahil ayaw kitang masaktan!
Ayaw kitang ma-disappoint! Taps sasabihin mo sa akin na intindihin kita?! Kailan ba
kita hindi inintindi?!"

Lalo siyang humagulgol. I know that she's hurting right now. I am too. But the pain
I am feeling is far more painful than her pain.

Hindi ko alam kung anong naisip ko. Hinatak ko si Yza papasok sa sasakyan. I drove
fast. Wala na akong pakialam sa kahit na ano ngayon. I am a man in pain. I took Yza
home.

Bumaba ako sa kotse at pilit siyang hinatak palabas. Hindi naman siya kumibo o
pumalag man lang. We went inside my house, diretso sa kwarto. I pushed her to bed.
Her tears were still falling.

I started taking my clothes off. Wala na. I lost it. I lost the will to think. All
I know is that I want to erase Demitri's mark on her body. I want her to realize
that she's still mine.

"Zach please no..." She begged. I climbed the bed. I pinned her arms over her head
and started kissing her. I kissed her lips, down to her neck, to the mid-part of
her breasts. I started unbuttoning her dress - I even took off her bra. Now, she's
almost naked in front of me.

"Zach...." There was panic in her voice pero hindi ko pa rin pinansin. I bent my
head down and sucked her breast. I played with the other one using my hand. I want
her to moan for me. It may seem desperate but I want to take away Helios Demitri's
mark on her.

I pulled her panties down and touched her core.

"Zach!" She screamed. I looked at her face. Gone was the panic on her voice, I
couldn't even see the uncertainties in her eyes, but still, the tears were there. I
played with her core. I am turned on, I want her badly but as I kissed her all
over, I suddenly thought of her lying on bed while Demitri was doing her.

I stopped. I sat on the edge of the bed. Sapo ko ang ulo ko. Hindi ako makahinga.

"Zach.... I'm sorry..." Muling wika niya. Tumayo ako. Ni hindi ko siya tiningnan.

"Magbihis ka. Ihahatid na kita."

I was looking at the ceiling, lying on the bed, still thinking about Yza and what
happened that night. Alam kong dapat akong magalit sa kanya. She had lost her faith
on me, pero sa kabila nang lahat ng nangyari, hindi ko maitanggi sa sarili ko na
mahal na mahal ko pa rin siya. Na kahit ganoon ang nangyari, ako pa rin ang
gagapang pabalik sa kanya dahil hindi ko talaga kaya na wala siya sa tabi ko.

"Zachy!"

It was Yngrid's voice. I was sure of that.

"O my god!"

I looked at the woman beside me. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na tumayo siya hatak ang
kumot na tumatakip sa katawan niya. She ran to the bathroom.
"O my god! You slept with someone else?!" Nakakairitang sigaw ni Yngrid. Hindi ko
alam kung kailan siya matuto. I just looked at her. I'm naked but I don't care and
Yngrid doesn't seem to mind. Bakit pa ba? She had seen me naked a couple of time
while we were still in New York.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in a dark tone.

"Get dress, Zach!" She screamed. Ngumisi lang ako.

"Bakit pa? Nakita mo naman na ito dati? You even gave me a head. You wanna do it
again?" I asked using my husky voice. Her mouth fell.

"O my god! I'm so gonna make sabi this to Ate Yana!" Sigaw pa niya. Lumabas ang
babaeng hindi ko na matandaan ang pangalan. All I know is that I met her last night
at the bar and we ended up in bed together.

"And you!" Yngrid looked at the girl. "I will make you sabunot until you are kalbo
na, bitch! Nakita kong nilapitan niya ang babaeng iyon. Sinabunutan nga siya ni
Yngrid. I just looked at them, I stood up, took my robe and left the room.

I went to the living room and took my phone. I dialed Yza's number, but she wasn't
answering. I just sighed. I called her again but still she wasn't answering so
instead of calling her, I sent her a message.

"I'm sorry, Yza. Can we talk. I love you."

I love her, I still do and I will love her forever.

<center><h1>16. Lucky one</h1></center>
<hr>
"Love will make you weak, Helios. You're my son, you should be strong, cold and
heartless!"

I had that dream again - iyong panaginip na kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas ay
hindi ko pa rin malimutan at pilit pa rin akong hinahabol. Iyong bagay na pilit
kong kinakalimutan, bumabalik sa akin na para bang multo ng kahapon. I stood up and
went out of my room. The house is very quiet. Silence filled the entire mansion and
here I am, awake in the middle of the night looking for something I know I will
never have.
I never thought I'd want something I had been declining all my life. Lumaki ako sa
Santorini nang nag-iisa. Kasama ko si Baba pero kahit kailan hindi ko naramdaman na
pamilya ko siya. He only wanted me because he needs an heir, kung wala ako, walang
magmamana ng lahat. Anak niya ako pero hindi ko naramdaman iyon. All I needed and
wanted all my life is a family of my own. A group of people who will love me and
accept me for who I am and will never leave me, pero saan ko pa sila hahanapin? I
have a sister pero ko siya pwedeng makasama. Hindi ko siya pwedeng kunin.

Iyon ang plano - ang kuhanin si Leigh pero hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari.
Siguro tama si Baba. Naduwag ako. Bumahag ang buntot ko dahil lang...

"Hector, bakit gising ka pa?" Narinig ko ang boses ni Manang Bining. Hindi ko
namalayan na nakatayo na siya sa likuran ko. I was standing on the balcony feeling
the wind on my face, wanting freedom so much. I want to break free from the
darkness.

Masama akong tao pero sa ngayon, ayokong maging masama - isa lang ang gusto ko pero
hindi ko rin pwedeng makasama.

"Hector..."

"Iwan ninyo ako." Utos ko sa kanya. Gusto kong mapag-isa. Gusto kong maramdaman ang
kalungkutang ako rin ang gumawa. Kung wala akong isang salita, sana hindi ko na
lang siya pinaalis. The house seemed to be emptier now that she's gone. Aaminin ko
na sa sarili ko, nangungulila ako sa presensiya ng kaaway. Hindi dapat pero iyon
ang nararamdaman ko. Alam ko kung bakit pero ayokong pangalanan dahil kapag ginawa
ko iyon, ako ang matatalo sa huli, ako ang manghihina.

Hindi pa tapos ang laban. Hindi ako dapat manghina dahil hindi ko pa nakukuha si
Leigh pero sa tuwing iisipin ko si Yza at ang kanyang mga mata - ang ngiti sa mukha
niya noong kasama niya si Zachary Drew - iyong ngiting gusto kong makita sa kanya
pero hindi ko nakita - nanghihina ako. Nasasaktan. I could feel the pain throbbing
in my heart like there's no tomorrow.

And I know the reason why I'm feeling like that I just don't want to admit it
because I don't want to be weak.

I spent the next couple of hours standing on the balcony waiting for the sunrise. I
was thinking about her. I thought a lot about that last night I was with her. Hindi
ko naman na itutuloy iyon pero pumayag siya. Nasaktan ako dahil ipinakita niya sa
akin na gusto na talaga niyang umalis. I just made the most out of those last
moments with her. Ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko na siya guguluhin matapos
ang gabing iyon. Hindi ko na siya lalapitan at pakakawalan ko na siya pero nang
mawala naman siya sa landas ko, hinahanap-hanap ko siya.

I started following the boy around. Hindi naman kasi siya halos lumalabas ng bahay.
I was thinking that maybe she was still scared. Marahil ay iniisip niya na kukunin
kong muli siya at hindi na ibabalik. Kung pwede lang gawin iyon - kung tutuusin ay
kaya kong kuhanin siyang muli - pero pinipili kong panindigan ang sinabi ko sa
kanya noon na kahit kailan ay hindi ko na siya guguluhin.

But I really couldn't help it. There's a force that keep on pulling me to her. Sa
ayaw at sa gusto ko may koneksyon na kami ni Yza Consunji at kahit kailan ay hindi
na mawawala iyon.

I was staring at the sunrise. I smiled a bit. The sunrays somehow reminded me of
her. She was like a breath of fresh air - the ray of sunshine which tried so hard
to peek inside my life. Kahit sa sandaling panahon, nagkaroon ng liwanag ang buhay
ko - isang bagay na kapag nalaman ni Baba ay ikagagalit niya.
At exactly seven in the morning, I fixed myself. Tuloy ang buhay kahit pakiramdam
ko ay may nawalang kung ano sa akin.

"Good morning, Sir!" Kathryna greeted me. Hindi ko siya pinansin. I went straight
to my car and told the driver to take me to the office. Kathryna was at the other
car. Convoy kami araw-araw pagpasok sa opisina.

"Sir, dadaan pa po ba tayo sa mga Consunji?" Biglang tanong niya. Napatingin ako sa
kanya. I shook my head. Ilang beses ko pa lang naman ginawa ang maghintay sa labas
ng bahay nila para makita siya - tama ana ang mga pagkakataong iyon. Kailangan ko
nang kalimutan ang lahat ng bagay na nangyari dahil alam kong ganoon din siya -
sinisimulan na niya akong kalimutan.

I was busy reading some of the papers Kathryna left at my car last night nang bigla
na lang huminto ang sasakyan ko. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ko ang isang itim
na ford na nakaharang sa tapat ng SUV ko. Bumaba ang driver ko. Nakita kong
nakahawak kaagad siya sa baril na nakasabit sa baywang niya. Bahagya kong binuksan
ang bintana. Kinapa ko ang baril sa gilid ng upuan at inihanda iyon. Masama ang
kutob ko sa mga nagaganap.

"Shit!" I cursed when I saw three men emerging from the car. They were pointing
their guns to my driver. Hindi nagtagal ay gumalaw na rin ang iba pang kasamhan ng
mga lalaking iyon. Bumaba siya sa kotse at pinalibutan ako. Ang isa ay binuksan ang
pinto ng sasakyan ko para pilitin akong bumaba. Nanlaban ako. I pointed the gun at
him but he shot my leg.

"Sir!"

"Fuck!" Wala sa loob na daing ko. Tinutukan ko ng baril ang lalaki. I shoot him.
Tinamaan siya sa balikat. Lalayo na sana ako nang bigla akong makaramdam ng kung
anong tumama sa batok ko. I lost everything, I have forgotten what I should be
thinking about. I lost it.

--------

"Hi..."

Hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko habang nakatayo sa harapan ko si Zachary

Drew. May dala siyang bouquet of red roses habang ngiting-ngiti sa akin. Hindi ko
alam kung kayak o pa siyang pakiharapan. Sa tuwing naaalala ko iyong nangyari noong
gabing iyon.

"Hello..." I sighed. He took a deep breath too. I don't know why but I feel like
something in him have changed - hindi ko lang mapin-point kung ano. Sigurado lang
ako na may nagbago sa kanya. He smiled again. Pilit niyang inaabot sa akin iyong
mga bulaklak na dala niya. Hindi pa rin ako gumagalaw. Hindi kasi ako makapaniwala
na nandito siya sa harapan ko ngayon.

"Yza..." Tawag niya sa akin.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. Parang bulong lang ang lumabas sa bibig ko.
Napakagat-labi pa ako. Zach took my left hand.

"Apologizing." He whispered. Nag-unahan ang mga luha ko. Bigla akong yumakap sa
kanya. Nabitiwan niya ang mga bulaklak. He hugged me tightly.

"Bakit ka nag-a-apologize? Ako iyong mali. Ako iyong may kasalanan. I cheated on
you. I...I..."
"It doesn't matter. I love you, Yza. Iyon lang iyong mahalaga. Kahit ilan beses ka
pang magkamali, tatanggapin kita. Oo, magagalit ako. Hindi naman ako perpekto, pero
I'll find away to forgive you and accept you because that's how much I love you.
Yza mahal na mahal kita."

Tumango na lang ako. Wala akong masabi dahil nauunahan ng paghikbi ang mga salitang
gusto ko sanang sabihin sa kanya. Paulit-ulit sinasabi ni Zach sa akin kung gaano
niya ako kamahal. Hinahaplos niya ang buhok ko. Mahigpit ang mga kamay niyang
nakapaulpot sa akin na para bang sinasabi niyang hinding-hindi niya ako iiwan kahit
kailan.

I looked at him. I finally had the guts to just face him and say: I love you, Zach.
You, just you. It will always be you. No matter what happens, it will always be
you."

He smiled and nodded. Muli ko siyang niyakap. I will never let him go. He's my one
and only, my heart belongs to him. I am his and he is mine. Walang in between. Wala
nang kahit na ano pang mamamagitan sa aming dalawa dahil siya lang talaga at wala
nang iba.

Siya lang talaga dapat.

"Kumain ka na ba?" I asked him after all the tears.

"Yza..." Pinisil niya ang kamay ko. "Mag-usap muna tayo, pwede?" Tumango ako.
Kailangan naman talaga naming mag-usap. Pinapasok ko siya sa loob ng bahay at
hinatak sa gazebo. Doon naupo kami nang magkaharap at saka nagsimulang mag-usap.

Alam kong may nagbago na pero kahit na ano pa iyon ay tatanggapin ko. Ibibigay ko
ang lahat kay Zach. Dapat lang naman dahil mabuti siya sa akin at mahal ko siya. He
took my hand again.

"I'm sorry for trying to force you to do that. I was just blinded by anger, Yza.
You have to understand---"

"Naiintindihan ko, Zach." Agaw ko sa sasabihin niya. "And I'm sorry. I never lost
faith in you. I just really wanted to be free so that I could come back to you -
kahit hindi na ako buo - kahit na may nawala. I was scared of telling you because I
don't want to lose you...."

"You will never lose me, Yza." He assured me. "But..." He paused. "Have you
told..." Nakita kong nagkuyom ang isa niyang palad. Tumango ako.

"Tatay and Yto knew. Sinabi ko na." Napahikbi ako. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be. Hindi mo naman gusto iyon." Mariing sabi niya. Saglit akong
natigilan at tinitigan siya. His eyes were clouded, his face is dark and yet I
could feel the intensity of his love for me. Nakadama ako ng kaba dahil ngayon ko
lang nakikitang nagkakaganito siya sa akin. Hindi ko rin naman siya masisi - alam
kong may nagbago na.

"Ah..." Sabi niya bigla. "I have something."

Nakita kong mula sa bulsa niya ay may inlabas siyang guitar pick. Napakunot ang noo
ko. Nakangisi siya sa akin.

"Naaalala mo pa ba si Zanyjao?" Tanong niya. Ayoko man ay gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi
ko. "Ano kaya iyon? Ngingiti tapos iiyak." He wiped my tears. Hinubad niya iyong
dog tag niya. Pinanood ko siya habang inilalagay niya iyong pick sa dog tag at
bumaling sa akin.

"This is for you. A sign of our new beginning." He put the dog tag around my neck
and kissed my cheek. Hinawakan ko iyong pick at tiningnan iyon. Noon ko lang na-
realize na may nakasalat na mga salita doon.

It says: Mine alone.

Tumingin ako sa kanya.

"You are mine, Yza. Mine alone."

I stared at ZD. I silently asked myself if I like this change and I realized that I
do. He had always been vocal about his feelings for me, walang bago doon pero itong
ginagawa niya sa akin ngayon, iba, kakaiba at hindi ko alam kung bakit ko
nagugustuhan iyon.

Kinuha niyang muli ang kamay ko para hagkan iyon.

"Date tayo?" Tanong niya ulit.

"Sige... I missed dating you." Tudyo ko sa kanya.

"Sus... nang-uuto." Nagtawanan kami. Lumipat na siya sa tabi ko. Inihilig ko naman
ang kalahati ng katawan ko sa kanya para muling damahin ang tibok ng puso niya. He
was playing with my hair while I was listening to his heartbeat. Ganito lang naman
kaming dalawa. Kuntento na ako na magkasama kami at ang saya-saya ko dahil sa
kabila ng lahat ay tinanggap niya ako.

Muli kong tinanong ang sarili ko - alam kong mahal ko si Zach. Iyon ang
nararamdaman ko. Gusto kong magalit sa puso ko at sa utak ko for doubting my
feelings.

"Saan mo gustong magpakasal, Yza?" Tanong niya bigla. Napabalikwas ako ng bangon.
Ilang beses ba akong papaiyakin ng lalaking ito?

"Sis-sigurado ka ba?"

"Bakit hindi?" Malumanay na tanong niya. "Ilang beses ko bang kailangan patunayan
sa'yo na mahal kita? Haharap ulit ako kay Tito Sancho, Yza. Remember what I told
him? I'll make you fall harder than the first time. Alam kong may doubts ka ngayon
para sa nararamdaman mo at sa kung anong meron sa atin at sa nangyari sa inyo ng
demonyong iyon, pero sa tingin mo susuko ako basta? Akin ka, habambuhay ang
ipinangako ko sa'yo at iyon ang ibibigay ko. Mahal na mahal kita."

Wala akong nasabi. Niyakap ko na lang siyang muli. I silently thank the heavens and
the gods above for giving me Zach.

"I love you, ZD..."

<center><h1>17. Hindi matanggap</h1></center>
<hr>
I woke up in a very dark room. I wasn't tied up and all but I could feel the
gunshot in my leg aching like there's no tomorrow. I don't know if I should be
thankful for still being alive or if I have to regret that I'm still alive. Alam
ko, kung sinuman ang gumawa nito sa akin hindi siya titigil hangga't humihinga ako.
I heard some footsteps. Hindi nagtagal ay bumukas ang pinto ng silid na iyon at
lumiwanag ang buong paligid. I was sitting on a chair in the middle of the
abandoned gray room. I looked up and there I saw three Consunjis in a three piece
suit - both devils, both looking at me like they wanted to skinned me alive.

Sancho, Lukas and Adam Consunji.

"So glad you're awake." Said Lukas. May hawak siyang baril at titig na titig sa
akin. Adam Consunji had a very dark expression. Alam ko na lahat sila ay isa lang
ang gustong mangyari - ang mawala ako sa mundo.

"Sancho, we'll leave you with him." Adam Consunji said. Sancho Consunji looked at
his brothers. Lukas gave Sancho the gun he was holding and the two left the room.
Naiwan ako sa loob ng silid na iyon na kasama si Sancho Consunji, nakatali sa silya
at dumudugo ang sugat.

"I had been dreaming about his moment,. Demitri." He said like he was about to pull
the trigger of the gun he was holding. Hindi ako natatakot, kung mamamatay ako
ngayon, so be it. Mas gusto ko pang mawala na lang basta kaysa ang makita ang taong
nagturo sa aking magmahal na kasama ng iba.

"Are you going to kill me?" I asked. I was catching my breath.

"For what you did to my little girl, yes I will!" Bigla na lang niya akong sinuntok
sa pisngi. Pumutok ang labi ko. I wanted to stand up and fight him. I was trained
by my father. I am a Greek soldier by blood and by beliefs.

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" Sigaw pa ni Sancho sa akin. "Galit ka sa pamilya ko then
you should've come to me! But why did you have to hurt Yza?!" He was very mad.
Hindi ako nagsasalita. It was never my intention to hurt her. I did that - I raped
her because that moment all I had in my mind was to get even. His father took
something away from me and I wanted to take something away from her - baluktot na
paniniwala, oo pero ang gusto ko lang ay gumanti at ang makasama ang isang taong
alam kong kaya akong mahalin at tanggapin.

Pero hindi ko nagawa. Instead of winning the war I started - I ended up losing just
because I fell. My baba was right - love can make a person weak. Hindi naman
mangyayari sa akin ito kung hindi ako nahulog.

I sighed. Muli akong sinuntok ni Sancho sa mukha. The next thing I knew he pointed
the gun at me.

"I could kill you with my own hands, Demitri. For hurting my little girl, for
trying to kidnap my wife and for trying to break my family apart." He said in
gritted teeth. I sighed. I closed my eyes waiting for him to pull the trigger - I
was waiting for my end and as I wait for my demise - a face flashed in my brain.

It was hers.

In my mind she was smiling. In my mind she was slowly materializing. Suddenly, I
can hear her voice. She was calling me.

Hector...

I've always like the sound of my name from her lips. Kapah siya ang tumatawag sa
pangalan ko, iba ang epekto sa akin. Para bang nasa tabi ko lang siya. Tuwing
naaalala ko ang mukha niya - at ang mga ngiti niya - isang bagay na kahit kailan ay
hindi niya naibigay sa akin ay gumagaan ang loob ko. With her in my mind I'm able
to remember the things I thought I have forgotten already.
With her, I realized that I am a human being capable of feeling. I'm not some cold
hearted animal. I'm not a demon. I maybe one - people thinks that I am a demon,
that I should go to hell and just live there and be the king but I'm not. Kahit
gaano ako kasama - I was able to realize that I am a human being because of her.

Ang nakakatawa lang sa mga pangyayari, I realized those thing because of a Consunji
- a person I should be hating but instead - I fell.

Right now as I was standing in front of Sancho Consunji - I am giving a name and
accepting the fact that I have feelings for her - not just feelings - I am in love
with Yza Consunji. I loved her and I don't know why. I just fell - it's not because
she stayed with me and endured all my cruelness, it's not because she made me
realized that I'm still human. I guess it's just a simple case of falling in love.
I have fallen deeply in love with the daughter of my enemy. I still hate the
Consunji's for taking Leigh away from me but I love Yza - I love all of her even
the fact that she's one of them.

"Pull it." Mahinang sabi ko. "Pull it. Para matapos na." Mas gusto ko pang mamatay
ngayon kaysa harapin ang katotohanan na kahit kailan ay hindi ako mamahalin ni Yza.
She's in love with that boy. At kahit kaya kong gumawa ng paraan para mabawi siya
at para paibigin siya - alam kong hindi ko gagawin dahil may isang salita ako. I
maybe a lot of things but I have my dignity. I'm staying true to my word.

"I won't." Ibinaba ni Sancho ang baril. "Akla mo ganoong kadali? I will make sure
you suffer first before killing you. Just like what you did to my daughter."

Sancho Consunji walked away. I was just watching him. I don't know if I have to be
thankful because he didn't kill me. I closed my eyes again. My mind and my heart
travelled to a faraway place, a place where I can be with her - and that is in my
imagination...

Only in my imagination.

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

Sitting here wide awake

Thinking about when I last saw you
I know you're not far away
I close my eyes and I still see you
Lying here next to me
Wearing nothing but a smile

I was smiling as I watch Zach sing on the stage. Nag-iiba talaga ang vibes ng
boyfriend ko - I mean fiancé pala kapag nasa stage siya. He's eyes were closed as
he plays his guitar and sing. Napapangiti ako habang hawak ko iyong guitar pick ni
ZayJoan - iyon ang gitara na gamit niya ngayon. The guitar was old and yet he
prefers to use it because of me. I gave him that guitar on his fourteenth birthday.
Sa akin galing iyon - kaya kahit gaano kaluma ay hindi niya magawang itago - dahil
sa akin.

Naisip ko na kung nagawa ni Zach na ingatan ang isang bagay na galing sa akin ay
kailangan ko ring gawin iyon para sa kanya. Kailangan kong ingatan ang pagmamahal
na ibinibigay niya sa akin. He knows already what I did - what Helios did to me -
and yet he's here with me. Sometimes when I think about it, parang hindi ko desrve
lahat ng pagmamahal na mula sa kanya dahil sa ginawa ko. I regret that night I
spent with Helios - pero kung hindi ko naman ginawa iyon hindi ko naman makakasama
si Zach.

"Yza! Oh my gee you're nandito pala! My gosh! I'm so maligaya you're here!"

Napangiti ako nang yakapin ako ni Yngrid. Yngrid is one of Zach's best friends.
Matagal na silang magkasama. Yngrid knows Zach like the back of her hand.

"Kamusta na you?! My gosh! Yana and I are so stressed because of Zach when you were
gone. He was like nagwawala. Hindi siya ma-reach! One time I found a naked woman on
his apartment, then seven nights ago, I caught him sleeping---"

Kumunot ang nook o. I know Yngrid was about to tell me that she caught Zach
sleeping with some girl. Bigla ay para akong kinabahan. Tumingin ako kay Zach.
Nakita akong kunot na kunot ang noo niya habang nakikipag-usap ako kay Yngrid.
Tinapos niya agad ang set tapos ay bumaba siya mula sa stage. Lumapit siya sa amin
at hinawakan ako sa balikat.

"What are you two talking about?" Kunot noong tanoong niya.

"Wala lang." Mabilis kong sagot. "Yngrid here was just entertaining me." Sabi ko na
lang. Kitang-kita kong nagbago ang hitsura ni Zach. Binalingan niya si Yngrid.

"Mag-usap tayo." Sabi niya. Kinabahan ako sa tono ng pananalita ni Zach. Kakaiba.
Parang may tinatagong galit. Hindi tulad noon na malumanay lang ang pangungusap
niya. He's mad. He grabbed Yngrid's arm tapos ay bumaling sa akin.

"I'll be back, baby." He said. Ngumiti siya - isang pilit na ngiti. Pinanood ko
sila habang papalayo sila sa akin. Hindi ako nakatiis, sumunod rin ako. I saw them
standing outside of Zach's dressing room.

"Anong sinabi mo kay, Yza?" Tanong niya pa. Namaywang si Yngrid.

"I just told--- oh! I just realized. Sister ni Yza iyong first girl na nakita ko sa
apartment mo na naked! Oh my goodness, Zach! I'm going to sampal you and make sipa
iyong eggs!"

Sister ni Yza...

Si Yna? Yngrid saw her naked on his apartment? My whole body shook with pain. Hindi
ako nakaramdam ng galit. Sadyangt nasaktan lang ako. May nangyayari ba sa kanila ni
Yna habang wala ako? Did he really looked for me? Did it took him that long to find
me kasi nahihirapan siya o dahil ayaw niya na lang talaga akong makita?

Alam kong wala akong karapatang magalit. He slept with someone else - matatanggap
ko iyon. Hindi niya ako niloko noon - ginawa niya siguro iyong after finding out
what happened to Hector and I. I wanted to cry. Ganoon siya kagalit sa akin dahil
sa nangyari?

"Yza..." Tawag niya. Pinilit kong ngumiti kahit na gusto ko nang magwala.

"Okay lang ako. Just take your time." I smiled at him. Tumalikod ako. Hindi ko alam
kung hinahabol niya ako o hindi. Wala akong naririnig na kahit na ano nang mga oras
na iyon. Ang gusto ko lang ay makalayo. Iniisip kong gusto kong magalit sa kanya
pero sinasampal ako ng katotohanan na wala akong karapatang magalit dahil ako naman
ang naunang gumawa ng kalokohan. I slept with Helios kahit na commited ako kay
Zach. I did that despite the fact that we're together. I wanted to break down and
cry.
I took my phone out and called Nikita. Hindi ko kayang makausap si Zach ngayon.
"Hello?" I heard Niki's voice on the other line.

"Are you with, Yto?" Iyon ang una kong tanong. Ayokong makita ng kapatid ko ang
pag-iyak ko.

"Yes, Yza. He's asleep. Why?"

"Niki, I need my best friend." I told her. Nikita sighed.

"Where are you? I'll pick you up right now, Yza. Don't move!" She exclaimed.

"I'm outside Skyland, Nikita. Please be fast."

I ended the call and stood outside. Fifteen minutes later, Nikita's pink hello
kitty car parked in front of me. Walang tanong, sumakay ako. I sat on the
passenger's seat and looked at her. Her hair was a mess and she's wearing Yto's
shirt and boxer's.

"God, Nikita!"

"What?" Pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata. "Hello? Sabi ko diba as fast as I could,
alangan naman na mag-as fast as I could ako tapos magde-dress! Siyempre hinablot ko
na lang sa sahig iyong damit ni Yto ko! Here oh, smell mo pa! Ang bango talaga ng
Yto ko!"

"Too much information!" Sigaw ko. Natawa si Nikita. Napangiti naman ako. Kahit
paano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam ko. Seeing Nikita and being with her makes me forget
the thought of Zach and Yna. She drove fast again. Dumaan kami sa isang convenience
store. Bumili siya ng isang gallon ng cookies and cream at muling bumalik sa
sasakyan. We drove again. I realized that Nikita will take me to our place again.

May secret place kami. The hill overlooking the city. Nang makarating kami doon ay
bumaba si Nikita dala ang ice cream.

"Ice cream is always good after sex." Walang habas na sabi niya.

"You do realize that it's my twin brother we're talking about so please, Nikita,
stop." Wika ko. Natawa siya sa akin. Binuksan niya ang ice cream at binigyan ako ng
kutsara.

"Spill, Yza. What with you and ZD." She sighed. "He's looking a bit sinister the
past few days and he made you cry. Magsisisi nab a ako at siya ang naging manok ko
noon?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Dapat ba si Xander?" She asked again. I sighed.

"He slept with another woman and I think he's having an affair with Yna." Mahinang
wika ko. Nikita stopped whatever she is doing. She looked at me.

"Hatakin ko kaya iyong ngalangala ni Zachary Drew! Yza!" She called. Bigla akong
napahagulgol. Niyakap niya ako. "Yza, wag kang maging weak! Ang problema sa'yo
masyado kang mabait! Awayin mo si Zach!"

"Hindi pwede." Humahagulgol na sabi ko. "Niki, hindi pwede."

"Ate bakit hindi? Ano iyon? Fiesta?! Kung si Yto kapag tumitingin sa ibang babae at
ngumingisi nanginginig ang kalamnan ko, si Zach pa kaya! Tatakan sa noon g Consunji
Mark! Shit! Nangigil ako! Wag ka ngang umiyak! Kakalbuhin ko si ZD!"
"Hindi pwede, Nikita." Sabi kong muli. Lumayo ako sa kanya. "Ako naman ang nauna."

"Anong ikaw ang nauna?" Her eyes widened. "You slept with someone else?!" Sigaw
niya.

"It's wasn't like that." I held back the sobs. "He..." I took a deep breath. "I was
raped, Nikita."

Nikita gasped. Napaiyak din siya tulad ko.
ako. "Hindi niya sinabi! Yza..." She tried
the third time - I gave him myself because
exchange of my freedom. Zach knew that. He
Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Niki ang sakit."
"Alam ba ni Yto?" Tanong niya. Tumango
hugging me but I distanced myself. "But
I wanted to be free. I slept with him in
said he forgave me but still..."

Niyakap niya ako. Hinayaan niya akong umiyak lang nang umiyak. Wala akong
karapatang magalit kay Zach dahil ako ang unang nagkamali. Kahit masakit, hindi ko
siya tatanungin, kahit na anong gawin niya ngayon hindi siguro ako pwedeng magalit.
Ako ang may kasalanan kung bakit nagbago si Zach.

"Kakausapin ko si ZD."

"Huwag." Umiiyak pa rina ko.

"Anong wag! Dammit, Yza! Ano iyan? Papanoorin kitang masaktan? Kaibigan mo ako! If
you could stand up for me in front of your own twin brother - I will stand up for
you in front of him and I will fucking kill him - or rather - ask Yto to kill him
for me. Masisira ang mga nails ko."

Umiling ako. "Don't ever tell, Yto."

As if on cue biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Nikita. Nahagip ng mata ko ang

pangalan ni Yto. She put him on speaker.

"Nasaan ka? Sabi ko ayokong nagigising ng wala ka." Galit si Yto. Napangiti ako.
Nikita shook his head.

"Ang hard mo, Yto ko. I just needed some ice cream. Uuwian kita, matulog ka na
ulit, okay?" Hindi na pinatagal ni Nikita ang phone call. She ended the call and
looked at me.

"Yza, what will I do to you. Come here..." She hugged me again. Hinayaan lang ako
ni Niki na umiyak sa balikat niya. I was so scared. Ayokong mawala si Zach. I was
biting my lip. Ngayon pa lang, alam na alam ko na - our relationship is on the
rocks and I wanted to save it. I want him to be with me...

Ilang sandali ay tumigil na rin ako. I asked Nikita to take me home. Nang mai-park
niya ang kotse niya sa tapat ng mansyon ay binalingan niya ako.

"It'll be better." Ngumiti siya. I kissed her cheek tapos ay bumaba ako. Nikita
drove away. Papasok na ako ng bahay nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. I saw Kathryna
standing near the tree.

"Anong ginawa mo dito?" I asked her. Lumapit siya sa akin. Humahangos at mukhang
alalang-alala.

"Yza. Kinuha nila si Sir."

My mind raced. Kinuha? Sinong kinuha?

"Si Hect-Helios..." Sabi ko. Kath's tears fell.

"Your father took him. Binaril ng mga tao ng tatay mo si Sir."

My world crashed and I know why - just like that - I know why...

Mahal ko na si Hector - mahal ko siya at iyon ang totoo. Pero hindi ko matanggap.
<center><h1>18. Let me be the one</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't get over my realization. I lie awake that night still thinking about my
feeling for Zach and Hector - I couldn't even call him Helios anymore. Para bang
hindi na kayang tanggapin ng puso at ng isipan ko na siya si Helios - the man who
violated me. I love him pero hindi ko matanggap. Ilang beses kong tinanong ang
sarili ko kung bakit ko nagawang mahalin ang taong lumapastangan sa akin. Pero
kahit anong isip ko, wala na. I have fallen in love with him. And I couldn't do
anything about it but cry and let my feelings hurt me.

Mahal ko si Hector pero nasasaktan ako dahil ayoko siyang mahalin. Ayoko. Hindi
tama. Nandidiri ako sa sarili ko dahil sa pagmamahal na nararamdaman ko sa kanya.
Ayoko. Ayoko.

Pero kasabay ng pandidiri ko ay ang hindi maipaliwanag na pag-aalalang nararamdaman

ko. The moment Kathryna left I let my tears fell. Kanina pa ako iyak nang iyak at
hindi na ako makahinga. Iniisip ko kung paano nawala na lang basta ang pagmamahal
ko para kay Zach? Wala namang ipinakitang mabuti sa akin si Hector pero bakit mahal
ko siya? I wiped my tears. I heard some footsteps. Agad akong tumayo. Malakas ang
pakiramdam ko na si Tata yang dumating nang oras na iyon. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at
nakita ko siyang papasok pa lang sa room nila ni Nanay.

"Tatay!" I called him. He stopped and faced me. His expression softened. Tiningnan
niya ako nang may ngiti sa labi. He walked towards me and kissed my forehead.

"Bakit gising ka pa, dalaga?" He asked me. I just smiled. Paano ko tatanungin kung
nasaan si Hector? Alam kong may ginawa si Tatay sa kanya. Knowing him and him
knowing what really happened while I was with Hector somehow tells me that I
shouldn't ask questions pero nag-aalala ako.

"Tatay..." I bit my lower lip. Magsasalita pa sana ako nang bigla kong narinig ang
boses ni Yna. She's frantic.

"Bakit mo iyon ginawa?!" Sigaw niya. We both looked at her. She was crying.
Nakasunod sa kanya si Yllak at si Yvo - galit si Yvo habang si Yllak ay mukhang
nag-aalala. Nilapitan ni Yna si Tatay. "Bakit mo iyon ginawa?!"

"Yna!" Sigaw ko.

"Sinaktan mo si Kuya! Bakit? Wala ka ba talagang puso! Kapatid ko siya!" Sigaw ni

Yna kay Tatay. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Hinatak ni Yvo ang braso ni Yna.

"Wala ka sa lugar! Wag mong sisigawan si Tatay!" Sabi pa ni Yvo. Pilit kumawala si
Yna sa hawak ni Yvo.

"Wala naman nakakaintindi! Kapatid ko si Hector! Mahal ko siya pero sinasaktan

ninyo siya para lang sa babaeng iyan! Ano bang ginawa ni Kuya? He raped her? Iyon
lang! Paano kayo nakaksiguro na hindi gusto ni Yza iyon!"

Lahat kami ay nagulat nang biglang sampalin ni Tatay si Yna. Natigagal siya.
"Sancho!" I looked at Nanay. Kalalabas niya lang ng silid. Dinaluhan niya si Yna na
iyak nang iyak nang mga sandaling iyon.

"Totoo naman!" Sigaw pa rin niya. "Kahit kailan si ate lang ang pinapaboran sa
bahay na ito! Noon tahimik lang ako, iniisip ko na kapatid ko siya pero noong
nalaman kong ampon ako, everything became clear. I'm crap. Kapag nandyan siya, wala
ako. Kahit ba kailan may nakaisip sa inyo na tanungin ako kung anong gusto ko?"

"We have given you everything, Yna. Isn't that enough?" Malungkot na tanong ni
Nanay. Yna just looked at her.

"Material things aren't e enough. Kahit na anong gawin ko hindi ko naman makukuha
ng buo ang pagmamahal ni Tatay, Nanay. He never looked at me the way he looked at
ate." Naluluhang sabi niya.

"Yna..." Tawag ko.

"Yna tumahimik ka na!" Sigaw ni Yllak. Umiling si Yna.

"Aalis naman na dapat kami ni Kuya Hector. Uuwi na kami sa Greece. Doon kaming
dalawa. Mabait naman siya tatay, sana pakawalan ninyo na ang kapatid ko. Aalis
kaming dalawa at hindi na manggugulo pa."

Humahagulgol na sabi niya. Napaiyak na rin si Nanay. Tumalikod siya para pumasok sa
loob ng silid. Sinundan ko siya. I saw her sitting on the bed wiping her tears.
Nilapitan ko siya at saka niyakap. Humagulgol si Nanay - isa sa mga bagay na
pinaka-ayoko sa lahat. Mahal na mahal ko si Nanay at kahit kailan hindi ko
nagustuhan ang pag-iyak niya.

"May mali ba, Yza?" She asked me. "I loved Yna with all my heart. Mahal rin siya ng
Tatay mo pero bakit nangyayari sa pamilya natin ito?" She was asking me. I'm sure
she was questioning her faith again. I caressed her back. I wanted to comfort her
but I just wasn't sure how.

"I- I just don't want to lose her..."

Ako din. Ayokong mawala si Yna. Hinayaan kong umiyak si Nanay. Hindi nagtagal ay
pumasok si Yvo sa silid at tinawag ako. Siya naman ang tumabi kay Nanay. Sabi ni
Yvo, gusto akong makausap ni Tatay. I went to his private office and in there - I
saw him puffing a cigarette. I cleared my throat to get his attention. Ngumiti siya
sa akin.

"Tay..." Tinawag ko siya. He took a deep breath.

"It was my idea to take him Yza." Panimula niya. "Hindi ako papayag na basta na
lang siya makulong - I can do that - you know how ruthless I am. I can have him
behind the bars in just a nick of time pero ayoko. Gusto ko siyang maghirap
hanggang sa siya na mismo ang humiling sa akin na patayin ko na lang siya." Tatay
paused. Bigla siyang umupo. I gasped when I saw a tear escaped from his eye. I bit
my lower lip.

Tatay never cried. Ito iyong unang pagkakataon na nakita ko siyang umiyak. Ang
tahimik na paghikbi ni Tatay ay napalitan ng paghagulgol. Napaiyak na rin ako.

"I just... I just couldn't accept the fact that I couldn't do anything for my
little girl." He was sobbing hard. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.

Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi ko magawang tanggapin ang pagmamahal ko
para kay Hector. Hindi na lang naman ako ang nasasaktan ngayon kundi pati na rin
ang mga magulang ko.

Dahan-dahan kong nilapitan si Tatay at niyakap. He just kept on apologizing to me

and I just stood there. My whole body was shaking.

"Tay!" Tatay wiped his tears when he the door on his office flung open. Iniluwan
niyon si Yllak. "Tay, si Yna. She left."

My mouth parted. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses kong kailangan masaktan sa loob ng
araw na iyon. I had three heart aches today - first is when I found out that Zach
slept with another girl, second is when I realized that I'm in love with Hector and
the third one is, seeing my parents cry.

I actually don't care about Yna right now - I'm worried but I'm more worried about
Nanay. She'll her heart broken and she'll be sad.

Tatay didn't say anything. I just heard him sigh, minutes later, I heard him
talking to his phone.

"Release him."

I bit my lower lip.

Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito.

Malaya na si Hector pero wala na sa amin pati si Yna.

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

"Zach, don't you even remember my name?"

I wasn't really paying attention to the woman who was giving me a head. She was
biting her lip. I was looking at her but I'm seeing Yza. Si Yza - I really love her
but things just can't fall into places right now. The woman in the middle of my
legs opened her mouth again and put my length inside of her wet mouthy. I shook my
head. I tried to concentrate. Sex used to calm me down - but right now - it just
doesn't work.

I wanted to see Yza. Gusto ko siyang habulin kanina pero hindi ko nagawa. Yngrid
kissed me and things got messy. Dumating iyong asawa niya at nasapak ako. I was
really pissed dahil hindi ko nasundan si Yza at hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari
sa kanya.

"Stop." I ordered her. Tumigil siya. She looked at me. I stood up and pulled my
pants up. I looked at my watch - it's two thirty in the morning and I'm still
wondering where the hell is my girlfriend. Umuwi ako na siya ang nasa isip. Hindi
ako nagsasalita. Hindi ko rin alam kung anong iisipin ko. Gusto kong tanungin kung
anong iniisip niya at kung bakit siya umalis. Ano ba kasing sinabi ni Yngrid sa
kanya? I sighed when I realized that there was a big possibility that Yngrid told
Yza what she saw - maybe she told Yza that she saw Yna and knowing Yza, baka kung
ano na ang inisip noon.

I stopped dead when I saw a figure standing in front of my door. It's two thirty in
the morning and I never realized that she'll be here.

"Zach..." Tawag niya sa akin. She walked towards me and hugged me tightly. I closed
my eyes and hugged her back. Yza - my Yza - my life - my happiness. I don't ever
want to lose her again.

"Baby, I'm sorry." I whispered to her. Yza nodded. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at
pumasok kami sa loob ng unit ko. She was still holding my hand. Naupo kami sa sofa
at saka siya muling humilig sa akin.

"Ayoko sa bahay." She said. "Ayoko talaga." She was crying again. I just sat with
her and played with her hair.

"I never slept with Yna." Bigla kong sinabi. Hindi siya nagsalita. "Naghubad siya
sa harapan ko, Yza. Yngrid saw her but nothing ever happened to me and her. Para ko
na siyang kapatid."

"Hindi... hindi naman ako nagtatanong." Mahinang wika niya. Hindi na ako nagsalita.
We just sat with each other and waited for something to happen. Masaya na ako sa
ganito. Iyong magkasama kami - iyong katabi ko siya at tahimik kami. Kahit ilang
beses siyang magkamali ay tatanggapin ko siya - kahit ilang beses siyang magduda sa
pagmamahal ko para sa kanya, tatanggapin ko siya dahil siya ang buhay ko at mahal
na mahal ko siya.

"I love you, Yza..." Sabi ko sa kanya. What she said next shocked me.

"Zach, make love to me."

Slowly, I tilted my head to her. She was looking at me with so much intensity in
her eyes. Naghahanap ako ng pagdududa sa mga mata niya pero wala akong nakita. She
slowly bent her head forward.

"You heard me. Make love to me, Zach." Naiiyak na sabi niya. "Take me..."

My mouth parted. I didn't even need to think. I just had to move. I pulled her
closer to kiss her and she kissed me back with the same passion. Her hands went
straight to my buttons and started unbuttoning my shirt. Yza's kisses were fiery
hot - I just missed how she kissed me like she was actually afraid of losing me.

I missed her being like this to me - aggressive and demanding - iyon ang Yza ko. I
held her waist. I made her lie on her back and started undressing her. Bawat haplos
ng kamay ko ay sinusundan ko ng halik. In my head - I wanted to erase Helios' mark
on her body. I wanted her to know that she's mine and no matter what happens -
we'll be together - no matter how fucked up our relationship will be.

A moan escaped from her lips as I took one of her nipples in my mouth. My hand
travelled down her. Her mouth parted a bit when she felt me caressing her sacred
part. I was just looking at her as I do all those things to her. I want her mine.

I want her so much.

"Zach, ohhh..." She was moaning. I was really happy. She was moaning and groaning
my name. Mine alone. Walang ibang lalaki. Ako lang. Akin siya at kahit kailan ay
hindi na mababago iyon.

I pulled my pants down and positioned myself in the middle of her. I held her
waist.

"Baby, I love you." I told her as I entered her. She gasped a bit. "I love you,
Yza. So much. I love you, baby."

"Baby..." She whispered. I saw tears coming down on her eyes. She bit her lower
lip. Hinanap kong muli ang intensidad na nakita ko kanina sa kanyang mga mata pero
wala na iyon, napalitan na iyon ng iba at ayokong bigyan ng pangalan.

I kept on moving. I was really happy. Finally, I'm doing this with the woman I love
with all my heart. She's no virgin but for me it's still the same. Her virginity
won't ever define the way I love her. I love her and that was all that matters.

I love her. I really do.

I felt her release. I wanted to keep still but I just couldn't anymore. I thrust
hard and let myself come inside her. After that, I kissed her passionately. She
kissed me back but I felt like it lacked emotion.

I looked at her.

"Please, Yza... Let me be the one..."

<center><h1>19. Turn myself</h1></center>

<hr>
I woke up. Yes I did. It wasn't a dream. I woke up and I'm still alive. The men who
abducted me left me in the middle of nowhere with my wounds still bleeding. Maybe I
really deserve this - I am a demon and being hurt like this suits me. Alam kong
hindi ako mapapatawad ng mga Consunji lalo na ng ama ni Yza dahil sa ginawa ko sa
kanya. I know for a fact that he wanted so much to kill me at hindi ko alam kung
ikatutuwa ko ba ang katotohanan na binuhay at pinakawalan ko kahit na hindi ko alam
kung nasaan ako.

Lumiko ako at paglabas ko ay napansin ko ang pagdami-daming sasakyan. I am in the

city again. I know I look like a creep but I don't care. I needed to get back. I
needed tro call someone but I don't have anything with me right now. I have myself
but that wasn;t enough. I kept on walking, I was losing my breath. Pakiramdam ko sa
bawat hakbang na kukunin ko ay mamamatay ako. Napasandal ako sa pader. I closed my
eyes and tried to catch my breath. As if on cue - I closed my eyes and I saw her
face again - Yza's face and the way she looks at the boy - it hurts so much - more
than the fact that I have been held captive by her father and her uncles for days.
Mas kaya ko pang tanggapin na lang ang kamatayan kaysa ang katotohanan na kahit na
gaano ko siya kamahal - yes I do love her. If I were a wizard of Oz character - I'd
be the tin man - the one without the heart - and I grew my heart not because of the
witch but because of Yza Consunji and no matter how comforting that thought is:
it's just not enough.

I love her and the most painful part of loving someone is seeing them happy with
the person they love.

"Kuya!"

Wala na akong maintindihan. Naririnig ko ang mga boses na iyon - boses ng mga
batang hindi ko alam kung saan nagmula pero alam kong nilapitan nila ako. Nakaupo
na ako ngayon sa sidewalk at pilit humihinga kahit pakiramdam ko ay unti-unti nang
kinakapos ng hangin ang puso ko.

"Mama, okay ka lang?!"

"Tulong! Tulong!"

Iyon ang mga salitang naririnig ko. Unti-unti ay humihina ang tunog sa paligid.
Para bang nakakatulog ako. Para bang hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupunta o kung
anong mangyayari sa kinabukasan. Hindi ko na talaga alam - ang tanging malinaw lang
sa akin ay ang katotohanan na ang mukha niya at ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya ang
tanging bagay na maaaring maging dahilan ng susunod kong buhay pero ang pagmamahal
na nararamdaman ko sa kanya at ang pagmamahal na nararamdaman niya para sa iba ang
papatay sa akin sa buhay ko ngayon.

I just wished I could go back and changed the way I treated her. I should've been
more careful. I should've been more respectful. I should've been a much better
person - siguro kung ganoon nga ang nangyari o kung ganoon ang ginawa ko p- mas may
tsansa ako sa kanya - para sa kanya - para sa aming dalawa pero wala.

I can never change the way I treated her. I have violated her and I don't know what
to do to make the wrong things right again.

I know but I don't know how to or where to start...

If only I could.

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

I woke up that morning and I realized that it wasn't a dream. She's with me - by my
side sleeping like a little kid while I look at her. Masaya ako dahil siya ang
kasama ko. Masaya ako dahil alam kong ako ang pinili niya - masaya ako. I kissed
her forehead, I kissed her cheeks. I wanted to wake her up - I want her to see me -
I want her to realize that I am the one for her - the only one - walang ibang
choice - walang ibang tao - ako lang.

Gusto kong ma-realize niya na si Yza Joan ay para lamang kay Zachary Drew - that
first love lasts - that no matter what she did or what happened - she will always
be my dear Yza - the one who made me feel the things I never though existed before.
My first love and my last.

She stirred a bit. Dahan-dahan niyang ibinukas ang kanyang mga mata. Ngumiti ako.
"Good morning, baby." I told her. Yza gave me a weak smile. She looked around the
room and sighed.

"I need to go home, Zach." Mahinang sabi niya. Napangiti na lang ako. Gusto ko pa
sanang mag-usap kaming dalawa. Gusto kong magkalinawan kaming dalawa pero kung
hindi pa siya handa - hindi ko siya pipilitan. I will be patiently waiting for her
to get ready. Alam kong nakakaramdam siya ng inhibitions pero gusto kong iparamdam
sa kanya na ang nangyari sa amin ay walang kaso - what happened last night was very
special. I loved every moment of it.

I have slept with other women before but I never felt what I felt last night. It
was as if a big hole in my heart had been closed and that is all because of her.

Dali-dali siyang tumayo. Pinulot niya ang kanyang mga damit at saka pumasok sa
bathroom. Nagbihis na rin naman ako. Naghintay ako sa kanya. Hindi nagtagal ay
lumabas na siya ng bathroom. She's good as new .

I smiled. "Let's go..." Nakangiting sabi ko. Nakatungo si Yza na inabot ang kamay
ko. Malamig iyon - marahil Kinakabahan siya. Lumabas kami ng unit ko. Hawak ko pa
rin ang kamay niya. Gusto ko siyang kausapin pero dahil hindi siya nagsasalita ay
hindi na rin ako nagsabi.

Sumakay kami sa kotse. Napakatahimik ng buong byahe. Alam ko - nararamdaman ko na

hindi na siya ang Yza ko. Hindi na siya sa akin at alam kong malalim ang iniisip
niya. Gusto kong malaman kung anong nasa utak niya. Iiwan na ba niya ako? Kung
iiwan na niya ako bakit? Hindi pa ba ako sapat para sa kanya? Mahal ko siya. Alam
kong mahal niya ako. May mga bagay lang na nangyari na naging dahlia ng pagkalito
niya pero alam kong mahal niya ako. Mahal pa ako ni Yza.

"Mahal kita." Mahinang sabi ko. Inihinto ko ang kotse sa tapat ng bahay nila. She
didn't say a word. I looked back at her. Nakita kong nakakuyom ang mga palad niya
at mula sa kanyang mga mata ay may tumulong mga luha.

"Yza..." Tawag ko. Dahan-dahan siyang lumingon sa akin. She was biting her lip.
Hilam na ng luha ang kanyang mga mata.

"Z-zach..." She started. Kabang-kaba ako. "Zach I'm sorry." Noon ay nagtuloy ang
pag-iyak niya. Natulala ako. Parang isang libong punyal ang tumusok sa dibdib ko.
Three words pa lang ang nasasabi niya ay gumuho na ang buong mundo ko.

"Zach, I'm sorry.,"Napahikbi siya. Napahawak ako sa manibela - mahigpit. Damang-

dama ko sa dibdib ko ang sakit.

Paanong ang babaeng minahal ko ng buong puso ko ay hindi na ako ang mahal ngayon?

"I tried... I did... I promised I tried but I just couldn't anymore..." Muli na
namang siyang humikbi. "Mahal kita...."

"Pero hindi na sapat para makalimutan mo siya?" Malamig na tanong ko.

"Hindi na sapat..." She said. I don't know if her honesty is making things hard or
easy - I just couldn't think straight anymore.

"Putang ina, Yza." I whispered. "BINABOY KA NIYA! BINABOY KA NIYA pero nagawa mo
siyang mahalin! PAANO MO MAMAHALIN ANG ISANG TAONG NANAKIT SA'YO AT SA PAMILYA
MO?!"

"Hindi ko alam! Maybe because I have seen his good side! I have seen him with Yna!
He's a good brother! He's a good man for loving Manang Bining and the people around
him!"

"He is cruel!"

"I know..."

"Yza bakit?" Mahinang tanong ko.

"Gustuhin ko mang sagutin pero hindi ko kaya." Mahinang wika niya. "Maybe we're
just not meant to be..." Suminghap siya.

"Hindi." Matigas na sabi ko. "Ibig sabihin lang noon, mababaw ang pagmamahal mo sa
akin."

"Kung mababaw, bakit ko ibinigay ang sarili ko sa'yo?" Tiningnan niya ako. "I did
that because I wanted to make sure that I still love you pero---"

"Tang ina! Wag mo nang ituloy!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Mahal kita, Zach--------"

"Kung mahal mo ako, mahal mo ako, walang tanong, walang duda, ako ang pipiliin mo
kahit na gaano karaming beses ninyo pa ginawa ni Helios ang bagay na iyon! She
fucking raped you!"

"He did! Akala mo ba tanggap ko?! Hindi ko matanggap!" Paos na sabi niya. "Pero
ayokong masaktan ka. Tama na iyon. Mahal mo ako at ito na lang ang tanging magagawa
ko para sa'yo... ang palayain ka. I owe that to you, Zachary. I'm sorry."

Yza opened the door and left. Naiwan ako sa loob ng sasakyan. I was watching her -
my life as she leaves. Unti-unti akong namamatay.

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

Hindi ko alam. Pero ang pagpapalaya kay Zachary Drew ang pinakatamang gawin sa mga
oras na iyon. Ayoko nang makasakit. Ayoko na siyang masaktan. Alam kong hindi na
tama ang pagmamahal ko para sa kanya kaya kahit alam kong makakasakit sa kanya ay
ginawa ko - pinalaya ko siya - dahil iyon ang tama at dahil gusto ko siyang masaya.

I don't deserve him or Hector. I don't deserve Zach because I fell out of love with
him. I don't deserve Hector because he violated me - I realized that I don't
deserve any man at all. I just wanted to be happy now. Kung paano ako magiging
masaya ay hindi ko alam pero isang paraan doon ang pagpapalaya kay Zach.

"Yza..." Bumukas ang pinto ng aking silid at mula doon ay pumasok sa silid ko. She
was wearing a pink dress and a matching light pink shoes. Lumapit siya sa akin at
hinagkan ako sa pisngi.

Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas nang mangyari ang nangyari kay Zach at hanggang
ngayon ay wala akong lakas ng loob para harapin ang lahat. Gusto ko munang mapag-
isa.

"Yza..." Tawag ni Niki. She sighed. "Yza magsalita ka naman."

"Paano ko nagawang mahalin si Hector, Nikita?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She sighed.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"You lived in an artificial world, Yza. Siya lang at ikaw - kahit na gaano siya
kasama - hindi pa rin mapipigilan ang attachment na mararamdaman mo sa kanya. You
are attached to him - you're not in love."

"I am attached to him." Sabi ko. "And I'm also in love with him."

"You're not."

"Yes I am." Napahagulgol ako. Ilang araw na akong iyak nang iyak dahil lang sa
katotohanan na mahal ko si Hector at kahit anong gawin ko ay parang hindi mawawala
iyon.

"Yza..."

"I slept with Zach, Niki, para malaman ko kung mahal ko pa siya pero wala." Umiyak
ako. "Ni wala akong naramdaman." I put my hands over my mouth. "I wanted to feel
something but it's empty. Nothing's in there anymore and I wanted so much to have
something pero wala. Anong gagawin ko?

"Yza..."

Nikita hugged me. "Anong gagawin ko?"

"Kung mahal mo si Demitri, then you know what to do. You have to forget him."

I looked at Nikita. She was crying too. I looked at her eyes and I know that she's
right. I have to forget Hector. Wala siyang maidudulot na maganda.
--------------------------------------

"Kuya, kailan tayo aalis at pupunta sa Greece? I have never been in there."

Ngumiti ako habang nakatingin kay Leigh. She was peeling the apple off. Hindi ko
masyadong matandaan ang kwento kung paano nila ako nakita sa ospital. Leigh knew
about the abduction - Kathryna told her. Hinanap daw nila ako sa lahat ng ospital
ang luckily, she found me.

Sa akin na siya nakatira. I got what I wanted anyway - my sister and she loves me
now. Kung noon nangyari ito - siguro nagtatalon ako sa tuwa pero sa ngayon kahit na
nandito si Leigh sa tabi ko - isa lang ang naiisip ko - si Yza pa rin.

Halos ilang araw na ang nakalipas pero ni hindi ko sinusubukang makibalita sa

kanila. Leigh didn't want to talk about her foster family - sabi niya ay galit siya
sa mga ito. Hindi ako kumibo. Wala akong karapatan para dagdagan pa ang galit na
nararamdaman niya para sa mga ito.

The Consunji's treated her well. I know that. Yza never forgot to remind me. And
seeing her now, I know that she is a good person. Her parents did well in raising
her.

"Kuya..." Tawag niya sa akin. "Hmp, iniisip mo si Yza no? Wag mong isipin iyon.
Masaya iyon kay Zach." Sabi niya sa akin. Ngumisi lang ako. Hindi ko alam kung tama
pa bang masaktan ako. Mahal ko naman si Yza pero wala akong karapatan para
manghingi o umasa. Kahit kailan ay hindi ako aasa.

"Kuya!"

"Leigh, aalis muna ako." Paalam ko sa kanya. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. Kinuha ko
ang baston ko - masakit pa rin kasi ang binti ko hanggang ngayon dahil sa baling
tumama sa akin noong kunin ako ng mga Consunji.

"Saan ka pupunta? Anong oras ka babalik?" Sunod - sunod na tanong niya. I just
smiled. Tumayo ako at humarap sa kanya. Ginulo ko ang buhok niya.

"While I'm gone si Manang muna ang bahala sa'yo. Aalagaan ka noon." Sabi ko.
Ngumuso siya sa akin.

"Kung magsalita akala mo aalis nang matagal. Bumalik ka agad ha? Magluluto ako para
sa'yo, Kuya!" Masayang sabi niya. Tumango ako. Tuwing tinatawag niya akong kuya ay
ganoon na lamang ang paglukso ng puso ko.

Hindi na ako kumibo. Tumalikod ako at lumabas ng silid. Naiwan si Leigh doon.
Sinalubong ako ni Kath na lumuluha pati na rin ni Manang Bining. I just smiled at
them. Manang Bining hugged me.

"Take care of her, Manang, please." Sabi ko.

Iniwan ko silang lumuluha. Kasunod ko ang dalawa kong tauhan.

"Sir?"

"Doon muna." Mahinang utos ko. Tiningnan ko ang orasan ko. It's two thirty in the
afternoon - traffic pero hindi naman ganoon katagal Lumipas ang ilang sandal ay
nakarating na kami sa village kung nasaan ang mga Consunji. Gusto ko lang naman
siyang makita bago ako tuluyang umalis.

At mukhang umaayon sa akin ang tadhana dahil nakita ko kaagad siya sa village park,
nakaupo at tila nag-iisip. Ipinahinto ko ang sasakyan. Dahan-dahan akong bumaba.
Gusto ko siyang makita ng malapitan.

Hindi pa man ako nakakalapit ay tumingin siya sa direksyon ko. Hindi ko alam kung
nakita ba niya ang pangungulila sa mga mata ko. Kung halata ba niya ang paghahanap
ko sa kanya.

Tears started falling in her eyes. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong niya sa akin.
Ano pa nga bang sasabihin ko?

"Yza..." Tinawag ko siya. Nabigla ako nang tumakbo siya sa akin at yumakap. Iyak
siya nang iyak. Nanginginig ang buo niyang katawan.

"Take me away, Hector. Just for once, please..." Halos nagmamakaawa ang boses niya.
Hindi na ako nag-isip. Isinakay ko siya sa kotse at mabilis na inutusan ang driver
ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong balak ni Yza o kung anong tumatakbo sa isipan niya
pero kung nais niyang kunin ko siya ay talagang gagawin ko - makasama lang siyang
muli.

Natagpuan ko ang aming mga sarili sa loob ng isang silid sa isang five star hotel.
The need to be with her and the urge to be inside her again just like the last time
we were together enveloped my whole being. I missed her and the taste of her lips,
I missed her and the warmth of her skin. I missed her and her moans and the way she
calls me:

"Hector..." She was biting her lips as I thrust inside of her. I was just watching
her. Her eyes are on mine and she was smiling. My heart melted. She finally gave me
a smile - a smile that is for my eyes only. A smile that I will take as one of my
good memories.

I felt her release and mine came after that. We lied on the bed. Not talking to
each other - just feeling the warmth of our nakedness - just being contented with
what we have.

"I love you..." I finally had the courage to say. I looked at her.

"Mali ito." Sabi niya.

"Alam ko." Mabilis kong sagot. We just eyed each other. I hugged her closer. I was
just eyeing her as she falls asleep. I stared at her face - memorizing everything
for I know that this will be the last time I'll ever see her.

Nang masiguro kong tulog na si Yza ay saka ako tumayo para magbihis. Muli akong
lumabas ng silid.

Nakita ko ang driver at body guard ko sa labas na naghihintay sa akin. "It's time."
I told them. Tumango sila parehas at inalalayan ko. Sumakay muli ako sa kotse.

"Pagkatapos nito, balikan ninyo siya at ihatid sa kanila. Make sure that she's
safe."

Iyon ang unang sinabi ko matapos huminto ng sasakyan. Hindi sila kumibo. Ngumiti na
lang ako.

"It's nice working with you."

Bumaba ako ng kotse at dahan-dahang lumakas papasok sa isang lugar na kahit kailan
ay hindi ko iniisip na pupuntahan ko.
"Good afternoon, sir." Bati sa akin ng lalaking naka-kulay asul na uniporme.
Ngumiti siya sa akin. Tumango ako.

I took a deep breath. "I'm here to turn myself in." Malinaw na sabi ko. "I commited
a crime, officer, at nandito ako para sumuko."
<center><h1>20. It will</h1></center>
<hr>
Three months later.

My heart is throbbing so fast. I couldn't even find the air I need to breath.
Nakaupo lang ako sa isang mahabang bangkito habang naghihintay . Dama ko ang tingin
sa akin ng ibang tao sa loob ng lugar na iyon. Hindi ko alam kung dahil kakaiba ako
o kung dahil nakilala nila ako. I stood up right after seeing him walking towards
me. Nakasuot siya ng kulay dalandang damit - those shirts the prisoners wear.
Nakakunot ang noo niya habang papalapit siya sa akin. Naikuyom ko naman ang mga
palad ko.

In front of me is the man who has stolen everything away from me.

"Zachary Drew." Binanggit niya ang pangalan ko na para bang may galit na namuo sa
kanyang lalamunan. Napangisi ako. Bakit siya magagalit? Kung tutuusin ako ang may
galit sa kanya. Kinuha niya sa akin ang pinakaimportanteng bagay sa buhay ko - ang
dahilan kung bakit ako humihinga.

"Bakit ka nagpunta? Are you enjoying the fact that I am behind bars?" Sarkastikong
wika niya. Huminga ako ng malalim. Hector Santillan or Helios Demitri or whatever
he wanted to call himself - but for me he's just the devil who stole the love of my
life - was found guilty without reasonable doubt. Habambuhay ang sentesya sa kanya.
Masaya ako sa kaalamang iyon pero ang totoo - parang pareho lang kaming nahatulan -
sa kanya pagkakakulong, sa akin ay kamatayan dahil hindi ko na maibabalik pa si
Yza.

"Yes I am." Mahinang wika ko.

"Take a picture, it will last longer." Wika pa niya. Umiling ako.

"Kulang pa ito sa ginawa mo, Helios." Inis na sabi ko. "Ninakaw mo ang lahat sa
akin. SI Yza, ang pagmamahal niya at ang buhay ko. Hindi pa sapat ang habambuhay na
pagkakakulong sa'yo."

"Oo, ninakaw ko si Yza. Pero kung matalino ka at kung mahal mo siyang talaga,
gagawan mo ng paraan ang lahat. If something got stolen, will you do everything
just to take it back?"

He said those words as if he was challenging me. I stood up. Kinuwelyuhan ko siya.
Napatingin sa amin ang mga pulis at ang ibang naroon na dumadalaw lang sa pamilya
nila.

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo, demonyo ka!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Make her fall in love again, Zach." He said while gritting his teeth. Naramdaman
ko ang mga kamay ng isang pulis sa balikat ko. May humawak na rink ay Helios.
Pinaglayo kaming dalawa. Hindi pa rin ako tumigil.

"Even if you didn't say those words. I'll do it! I'll make her fall for me! Just
like what I promised to her father!" Gigil na gigil na sabi ko. I looked at him.
Walang ekspresyon ang mababanaag sa mukha niya. "Hindi mo alam kung anong
pakiramdam ng nawalan!"

"Do you hear yourself, Zach?" He started. "I could've been happy living in Greece
by now. I could've done something to take Yza with me pero nasaan ba ako? I'm in
jail paying for what I did to her. My father once said that love makes a person
weak - and he's right. Love makes a person weak. Yza is my weakness but she is also
my strength. She made me who I am. She made me remember who I was and she made me
realize who I want to be. Kaya kung sinasabi mo na nawalan ka, mas malaki ang
nawala sa akin. I lost my chance with her that night I violated her. You have your
chance, Zach - you never lost it - all you have to do is wait - kahit gaano ka
katagal maghintay, nandyan siya. Samantalang ako, kahit na gaano ako katagal
maghintay wala na. She will never be with me. She'll never be mine."

Hindi ako nakakibo. He looked at the police officer behind him. "Pakibalik na ako.
If ever he visits again, wag ninyo na lang akong palabasin."

Tinalikuran niya ako. Gustong-gusto ko siyang saktan pero naisip ko na wala na rin
namang kwenta dahil lahat ng sinabi niya ay tama. He will never have Yza, he lost
his chance at him at ako, malaki ang pag-asa ko. Mahal ko si Yza at kahit gaano ako
katagal maghintay - maghihintay ako para lang makasama siya.

Umalis ako sa kulungan at dumiretso sa sasakyan. Halos paliparin ko iyon patungo sa

mansyon ng mga Consunji. Doon, hinanap ko si Yza. Gusto ko siyang makausap. It's
been three months since I last talked to her. Huli ko siyang nakausap noong araw na
bumaba ang hatol kay Helios. Everyone was shocked because he was found guilty. I
guess the statement of Manang Bining helped a lot. Marami akong naririnig noon -
bakit daw nag-witness si Manang Bining samantalang halos anak-anakan na nito si
Helios.

I found Yza sitting inside the gazebo - para bang malalim ang iniisip niya. "Yza."

She looked back at me. She smiled. Her eyes were the same as before. Wala na iyong
kalungkutan, wala na iyong emptiness. My Yza is back.

"Hello, Zach." She greeted me. I took a deep breath and sat beside her. Inabot ko
ang kamay niya. Walang nagbago, mahal ko pa rin siya. Siya pa rin noon, ngayon at
alam kong siya pa rin sa hinaharap. Hindi na iyon mababago, nakasulat na kaming
dalawa sa tadhana.

"I love you." Iyon agad ang lumabas sa bibig ko. She took a deep breath. Binawi
niya ang kamay niya sa akin.

"Zach..." Her voice was a bit shaky. "What I told you before, hindi nagbabago
iyon."

My heart broke again. "I set you free. I owe that to you and I won't even ask you
to be friends with me. Just go on with your life, Zach. You don't deserve me. I
don't deserve you. May ibang tao pang mas nakakahigit sa akin - iyong taong
mamahalin ka ng hindi nalilito." Ngumiti siya. Nakita kong nag-unahan na naman ang
mga luha sa kanyang mga mata.

"Pinipili mo pa rin siya kahit na binaboy ka niya." Inis na inis na sabi ko. "How
can you love someone like him!"

"I do love him, Zach. But after all that happened, sa tingin mo pipiliin ko pa rin
siya?" Mariing wika niya. "I'm setting you free. That is enough. I'm sorry."
Mahinang wika niya sa akin. Natulala ako. How can one person break my heart over
and over again?
Tumayo ako. I left the mansion. I never even bothered looking back at her. Right
now my heart is breaking at hindi ko alam kung kailan titigil iyon.

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

"So hanggang kailan ka sa Prague?"

Nginitian ko si Nikita. Inaayos namin ang mga gamit na dadalhin ko sa Prague. I'll
be leaving tonight. I'll start from there. Kailangan ko na kasing gumalaw.
Kailangan ko nang kalimutan ang lahat ng bagay na nangyari sa akin dito. Hindi
magiging madali ang paggalaw kung dito lang ako. I needed a change of scenery.

"Hindi ko alam, Niki. Baka magtagal ako. Doon ko na tatapusin iyong degree ko."
Malumanay na sabi ko sa kanya. Tinigilan niya ang pag-eempake ng damit ko at
humarap sa akin.

"Wala na ba talagang Yza at Zach?" Tanong niya sa akin. Tumigil rin ako. I
swallowed hard tapos ay ngumiti.

"Wala na." I took a deep breath. "I love him pero kailangan ko na siyang palayain.
I owe it to him. Kung para sa kanya unfair, para sa akin hindi. This is the right
thing to do."

"Paano si Helios? Sabi mo mahal mo siya." Mahinang wika niya. Alam kong hindi
tanggap ni Nikita ang nararamdaman ko para kay Hector. "Paano mo ba minahal iyon,
Yza? Ang sama ng ugali noon!"

"I don't know, Niki." I just said. "Maybe I fell in love with him unconsciously
that moment when I saw the boy Manang Bining calls Hector. Iyong moment na mahina
siya, nag-iisa at napaka-vulnerable. I loved him that moment - I realized that he's
a human being - that he just wanted to be loved. He loves Yna too - he's a good
person."

"May third eye ka ba? Bakit nakikita mo ang mga bagay na iyan samantalang ako,
hindi?" Hindi na lang ako kumibo. Kinuha ko ang cardigan ko at inilagay iyon sa
maleta. Nikita spoke again.

"Yza, buntis ako."

Nanginig ang buong katawan ko. I looked at her. She was smiling. Nakahawak siya sa
abdomen niya. She was even biting her lower lip. "Hindi ko pa nasasabi kay Yto,
gusto ko kasi ikaw ang unang makaalam. So, ayun nga, buntis ako, two months." She
was smiling. Masayang-masaya rin naman ako para sa kanya. Niyakap ko siya at saka
hinalikan sa pisngi.

"Kailan mo sasabihin?" Tanong ko.

"Balak ko, the night before the wedding pero may honeymoon pa kasi so the day after
the honeymoon na lang!" Humahagikgik na sabi ni Nikita. Napailing na lang din ako.
Kitang-kita ko naman kung gaano niya kamahal si Yto at kung gaano siya kamahal ni
Yto.

Minsan naiisip ko na gusto ko rin ng ganoong klase ng pagmamahal. Iyong pagkatapos

ng lahat ng hirap at sakit ay may happy ending na naghihintay. I want something
like that but I know, deep inside of me, hindi ako handa. Hindi pa ako handa.
Pagkatapos ng lahat ng nangyari sa akin, hindi ko alam kung kailan ako magiging
handa. I guess I have to find myself again.

Iyong sarili kong palaging nakangiti - iyong sarili kong masaya lang. I want to
meet the seven year old girl who believed that her teeth was just caught in
traffic. Gusto ko ulit maging si Yza Joan at hindi si Yza lang. Gusto kong maging
dating ako at magagawa ko lang iyon sa oras na malayo na ako sa lahat.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto ng silid ko. Iniluwa niyon si Yto. He was obviously
looking for Nikita. Nakakatuwa silang tingnan, they're wearing a pair of matching
red v-neck shirts.

"Yto ko!" Nakangiting bati ni Niki. She stood up and kissed Yto. Yto wrapped his
arms around her.

"I missed you." Yto said.

"PDA much?" Nang-aasar na sabi ko. Inirapan ako ni Yto. Yto just shook his head.

"May gustong kumausap sa'yo." Sabi niya sa akin. Tumaas ang kilay ko. He looked
back and I saw Yna standing outside my door. She was wearing a blue knee-length
dress. Umalis si Yto at si Nikita. Nikita winked at me as if telling me that things
will be fine.

"Yza..." Tinawag niya ako. Nahigit ko ang aking hininga. Hindi na niya ako tinatawa
na ate. Hindi ako nagsalita. Isinara niya ang pinto at saka huminga ng malalim.

"Aalis na ako." Wika niya. "Nagpunta lang ako para magpaalam kay Nanay at Tatay.
Para huming nga tawad kay Tatay at sa'yo." Pahina nang pahina ang boses niya.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Tanong ko.

"Sa Greece. Sabi ni Kuya, doon na ako. Ibinilin niya ako kay Manang Bining. He owns
a piece of land in there - a winery. Doon na ako titira."

"Kaya mong iwan siya?" Tanong ko. Yna shook her head.

"I want to stay but every time I visit him, sinasabi niyang umalis ako. He wants
me to start a new, pero gusto ko siyang makasama pero hindi naman pwede."

Iyak nang iyak si Yna habang nakatayo sa harapan ko. Gusto ko siyang yakapin pero
binawalan ko ang sarili ko. I want her to realize something.

"Ate, I'm sorry." Biglang niyang nasabi. Huminga ako ng malalim. Tuwing iiyak si
Yna ay nasasaktan ako. I grew up with her. I took care of her most of the times.
Mahal na mahal ko siya at sa tuwing iiyak siya ay parang gumuguho ang buong mundo
ko.

"For everything. For the words I said, for trying to take Zach away from you." She
gasped. I didn't take my eyes off her. Nagpatuloy siya. "Mahal ko si Zach, ate pero
mahal ka niya. I think you did a pretty messed up decision by picking Kuya Hector.
How can you pick Kuya over ZD?"

"I didn't choose Hector." Sabi ko. She looked at me.

"He loves you, that's why he's in jail."

Napalunok ako. "It's his decision, not mine." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Sumuko siya.
Pero ayokong isipin na para sa akin. Ginawa niya iyon para sa sarili niya dahil
alam niyang nagkamali siya. I didn't ask him to turn himself. He did because he
realized something."

Malumanay na sabi ko. "Kung hindi siya sumuko, idedemanda mo siya?" Humihikbi si
Yna. Ngumiti ako. Matagal ko nang pinag-isipan ang bagay na iyon.

"Oo." I looked away. "No matter how much I love him, gusto ko pa rin ng hustisya,
Yna. "

Hindi siya nakakibo. Sa tingin ko ay ayaw na rin niyang magtanong. Tumango na lang
siya at umalis. Huminga ako ng malalim. Muli akong nag-ayos ng gamit. Pilit kong
iwinawaglit sa isipan ko ang mukha ni Hector noong araw na sinabi niya sa aking
mahal niya ako.

Sinabi niya rin sa akin iyon noong araw na bumaba ang hatol sa kanya. He came to me
and he said:

"I love you, Yza..." There was hope in his eyes. I shook my head. "Look me in the
eye and tell me you love me, because I know. I can feel it."

I looked at him pero hindi iyon ang mga salitang binitiwan ko.

"I don't love you, Helios. I never did and I never will. It's all a part of the
plan. I won, I'm free, I got the justice I want and you are going behind bars -
that's all I wanted."

Kitang-kita ko ang disappointment sa mga mata niya. I wanted to tell him something
else, pero hindi ko nagawa. Sa tingin ko, mas mabuti na rin iyong ganito - iyong
hindi niya alam kung anong totoo kong nararamdaman.

Nang maayos ko ang mga gamit ko ay bumaba ako. Nakita ko si Nanay na naghahanda ng
hapunan para sa lahat. Tatay was talking to Yllak and Yvo while Yto and Nikita were
helping nanay at the dining table. This is the last family dinner I'll have with
them, starting tomorrow, wala na ako sa bahay na ito at magsisimula na ako ng
panibago - na ako lang mag-isa at walang ibang tao.

"Let's eat!" Sabi ko. Tumawa si Tatay. Isa-isa kaming nagsiupuan sa mesa at doon
nagkwentuhan at kumain. Ibang-iba ito sa mga naunang family dinner - wala si Yna,
wala si Zach pero kahit ganoon ay masaya ako dahil unti-unti, nararamdaman ko nang
bumabalik ang dati kong sarili - ang Yza na masayahin, ang Yza na walang bakas ng
kalungkutan. Unti-unti nabubuo ko ang aking sarili.

Natapos ang hapunan. Tulad nang dati ay tinulungan naming ni Yto si Nanay. Yto
washed the dishes while I dry the plates. Si nanay naman ay isa-isang inililigpit
ang mga platong natuyo na. Binitiwan ko ang hawak kong basahan at saka siya
niyakap. Natatakot akong mapalayo pero hindi ako papatalo sa kaisipang iyon.

"I love you, nanay." Sabi ko. Nanay hugged me back.

"I love you, too, kulet." She said. Yto hugged us both.

"Just like before." Mahinang sabi niya. I kissed nanay and Yto. Tama si Yto, tulad
lang noong dati - noong kaming tatlo pa lang.

Matapos ang tagpong iyon ay naghanda na ako. Alas - nuebe ang flight ko, kailangan
nasa airport na ako bago mag-alas nuebe.

"Yza, let's go!" Narinig kong kumatok si Yto sa pintuan ko. I sighed. Nakaharap pa
ako sa salamin habang hawak ko sa aking kamay ang isang bagay na alam kong magiging
simula ng pagbabago ng lahat.

I looked at it again.
Two lines.

Positive.

I sighed.

"Yza!"

"Nandyan na! Impatient ka masyado." Sabi ko na lang. Inilagay ko sa bulsa ko ang

bagay na iyon at saka lumabas ng bathroom. I took my luggage and opened my door.
Nakita ko si Yto na naghihintay sa akin. He was smiling pretty wide.

"Niki's pregnant!" Sabi niya bigla.

"Akala ko di niya pa sasabihin." Natatawa ako. He made a face.

"Kahit di niya sabihin, alam ko iyon. Peak niya noon eh, di hindi ko tinanggal."
Nakangising sabi niya. I rolled my eyes.

"Too much information, Yto!"

He kissed my forehead.

"A baby will change everything, Yza. I'm so happy."

A baby will change everything...

Napangiti ako. He's right. He's definitely right because right at this moment, I
knew that my life had changed and it's all because of thos two pink lines.

I never thought that finding me will end this soon. I caressed my belly.

"It will change everything... It will.

Hector changed everything.

<center><h1>Epilogue: This is who I am</h1></center>
<hr>
Five years later...

"I, Gabriel Consunji, take you, Maria Clara Crisostomo as my wife. I promised to
love you and take care of you through good times and bad, in sickness and in health
- only death can take us apart."

I was silently watching Gabriel as he puts on the ring on his wife's hand.
Nakakatuwa dahil matapos ang roller coaster ride nilang dalawa ay sa simbahan din
pala ang tuloy nila. I was actually surprised after receiving an invitation na
sinasabing magpapakasal na si Gabriel. Tinawagan ko kaagad noon si Nikita - who was
very much married to my twin brother and very much in love with their five year old
little girl - si Hyacinth. Tiningnan ko silang dalawa. Yto carried Hya inm his
arms, he even kissed her cheeks habang si Hya naman ay pilit inaabot ang buhok ng
mommy niya. Yto kissed Nikita too.

It's just heartwarming to see them and their happy family. Umikot muli ang mga mata
ko at nakita ko si Nanay at Tatay, they were holding hands. Kung may epitome ng
lasting love masasabi ko na iyong ang mga magulang ko iyon. Nakakatuwa kung iisipin
na hanggang ngayon ay parang hindi nababawasan ang pagmamahal nila sa isa't-isa.

"By the power vested in me by the Catholic Church of the Philippines, I know
pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Everyone stood up after seeing Gab and Mara kissed each other. Napangiwi ako. The
kiss lacked something - parang walang spark. Parang walang pagmamahal. I rolled my
eyes. Humarap silang dalawa sa aming lahat. Gab was smiling habang si Mara ay
nakatungo lang.

"Bakit ganoon, Yzang?" Nilapitan ako ni Niki pagkatapos ng kasal. "Parang kulang.
When Yto and I got married, when he kissed me, everything around became happy and
colorful, pero iyong kay Gab and Mara it something else."

"Girl talk at its best." Napangiti ako nang marinig ko si Yto. Karga niya pa rin si
Hya.

"Tita Yza..." Tinawag ako ni Hya. She wanted to come to me pero natigil kaming
lahat nang may marinig akong tumawag sa akin.

"Mama! Mama!"

A wide smile formed on my face. I stared at my kids while running towards me. Kids
- I had twins - a boy and a girl. Kasunod nilang naglalakad papalapit sa amin si
Yvo. Nakapamulsa siya habang ngiting-ngiting nakatitig sa kambal ko.

"Ang kukulit ate. Si Hyron, palaging inaayaw si Hyan." Natawa ako. I know, my kids
names are mouthful but I loved it. Hyron and Hyan - those are their names. Si Hyron
ang lalaki - hes two minutes older than Hyan. Hyan walked towards me and hugged my
leg.

"Mama, Hyron said he doesn't love me." She said. She was very sad. Her green eyes
were about to tear up. Nakita kong nilapitan ni Yto si Hyron.

"You said that?" Ginulo niya ang buhok nito.

"I was just kidding! Of course I love her! She's my sister!" Hyron's mischievous
green eyes met her sister's gaze. "I love you, okay? Nibibiro lang kita." Ngumuso
pa siya.

I smiled. Maya-maya ay tinawag na ang lahat para sa picture taking. I watched Mara
as she takes pictures with Gab. Hindi siya masaya. Her eyes were telling another
story.

"Congrats, Gab!" Bati ko sa kanya. He just grinned. Napailing ako. Parang hindi ko
rin gusto ang reaksyon ni Gab dito.

Matapos ang picture taking ay isa-isa nang umalis ang mga bisita para sa reception.
I took my kids hands and we started walking outside the church.

"Mama, kailan darating si Papa? Ang tagal naman niya." Tanong sa akin ni Hyan. She
was long up at me.

"Baka nadelay lang ang flight. He'll be here. He promised, remember?" Hinagkan ko
sa ulo si Hyan.

"Papa said, we'll go track racing with Unlce Yto when he comes back. Sana bago tayo
bumalik sa Prague mama."

"When Papa, promised, ginagawa naman niya, so you don't have to worry." Nakangiting
sabi ko. Habang papalabas kami ng simbahan ay may naaninag akong isang pamilyar na
bulto ng isang lalaking nakatayo sa may gilid. He was wearing a blue polo shirt.
He's hair was a bit messy but I knew that smile.
"Zach!" Tawag ko sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa akin at saka niyakap ako. I missed him.
I have forgotten the last time I saw him pero iyong huling pagkakataong iyon ang
masasabi kong naayos ang lahat sa aming dalawa. We're friends and we managed to set
aside everything that ever happened to us.

"I missed you!" Sabi ko. Natawa siya. Ginulo niya ang buhok ni Hyron at saka
nginitian si Hyan.

"Ang laki na ng mga anak mo. Nasaan si Hector? Hindi ba siya darating?" Nakangiting
tanong niya.

"Darating. Baka na-delay lang ang flight. Pupunta ka nab a sa reception?" Tanong
ko.

"Yup. Convoy na lang tayo." Sabi niya sa akin. Tumango ako at saka naghiwalay na
kami. Isinakay ko sa kotse ang kambal at saka umikot para sumakay na rin.

Life in Prague did me good things. Doon ko mas lalong naintindihan ang sarili ko,
doon ko natanggap ang mga bagay na nangyari sa akin at doon ko isinilang ang
dalawang regalong iniwan sa akin ng taong bumago ng buong buhay ko.

Hyron took Hyan's hand. Palagi niyang ginagawa iyon kapag nagba-byahe kami. I'm
trying to be a good mother to them. Gusto ko silang palakihin sa paraan kung paano
kami pinalaki ni Nanay noon. Hindi naman mahirap dahil nandyan si Hector para
tulungan ako. He's a good man and I love him so much. I'm sure that he feels the
same. He's a good father to our children and a good husband to me.

Narating ko ang reception venue. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan at inalalayan ang dalawang
makababa na rin. Zach helped me get the kids down.

"Masaya ka ba, ZD?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang pababa ang dalawa. He looked at me.

"I still love you pero hindi na pwede. Kasal ka na." Nakatawang sabi niya. "Tanggap
na tanggap ko na. Masaya ka kay Hector, mahal ka niya at nakikita ko kung paano ka
niya alagaan. Iyon lang naman ang gusto kong mangyari, Yza." He even took a deep
breath. "Kahit hindi ako ang nakapagbigay ng happy ending mo, at least nakuha mo
iyon sa iba at masaya akong masaya ka."

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Zach had proven to me so many times that he loves
me pero hindi na kasi pwede. Ayoko naman siyang umasa. I still believe that setting
him free that day is the best decision I ever made.

"Mama, una na kami sa loob. Nitatawag kami ni Tatay Sancho!" Sigaw ni Hyron. Natawa
na lang ako. My kids doesn't call Tatay Lolo. Nakasanayan na kasi nila na Tatay din
ang itawag sa kanya - hindi ko na rin naman naitama. Nakita ko si Tatay na
kinakawayan kaming lahat.

I loved my father for loving my children despite the fact kung paano sila nabuo.
Tumakbo ang kambal sa kanila ni Nanay. Kinarga ni Tatay si Hyan at saka pumasok sa
loob. Binalingan ko si Zach.

"Thank you, Zach."

"You're welcome, Yza. Pasok na ako." Sabi niya sa akin. Nakangiting sinundan ko
siya ng tingin. Nang mawala na siya ay saka lang ako gumalaw. Isinara ko ang
sasakyan at saka naglakad papasok sa venue nang saglit akong matigilan.

My heart throbbed faster. My body shook with I don't know what. I stopped walking
and looked at the man standing near the silver SUV. He was wearing an all white
ensemble, his green eyes full of longing while looking at me.

Hindi ako makahinga.

It's Hector.

Ngumiti siya sa akin at lumakad papalapit. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko.
Dama ko sa puso ko ang kaba.

"Mama!"

He was a meter away from me when he stopped. Napatingin siya kay Hyron. He was
smiling at me.

"Mama, nandyan na si Papa!" Masayang sabi niya. "Kausap na siya ni Uncle Yto!"
Sigaw niya sa akin. Hyron loves his father so much kaya alam kong masayang-masaya
siya ngayon na nandito na ang Papa niya. Bumaling si Hyron sa aming harapan. Next
moment, nakikipagtitigan na siya kay Hector. Their green eyes met each other.
Hector's eyes were full of confusion. He looked at me, then back to Hyron, then
back to me. I managed to stay expressionless and emotionless.

"Come baby, your father is waiting." Ngumiti ako.

"Mama, the man has the same eyes as mine." Sabi niyang bigla. Tumango na lang ako.
Tinalikuran ko si Hector at pumasok sa loob. Doon nakita ko si Hector Ituralde, my
husband. The man who helped me fix my broken self back in Prague - the man who
manage to break the ice I built around me - the man who made me fall.

"Love..." Ngumiti siya sa akin. I hugged him back.

"How was your flight?" I looked at him. His blue eyes were beaming as he looks at
me. Naramdaman ko iyong goosebumps na palagi kong nararamdaman kapag magkasama
kami.

"Wag kang ganyan at kinikilig ako." Natatawang sabi ko. He kissed my cheeks again.

"I just missed my wife." Natatawa ring wika niya. "The flight is excruciating. Wala
ka saka iyong mga bata. Dapat sumabay na ako noong isang araw. Damn work, love."
His hands snaked around my waist. Bumulong siya sa akin. "I missed you so much..."

"Hector..." I blushed.

"Ay naku! PDA much?!" Narinig kong sumigaw si Nikita. Nagkatawanan kaming tatlo.
Hector just winked at me tapos ay kinuha na niya si Hyan at si Hyron. I watched
them as they mingle with my family.

I am truly happy right now. Seeing him with the kids makes me feel that I really
did a great job picking up the pieces of my life. I've met him, he loved me, I
loved him back and he loves my excess baggage. He made me realized the things I
thought I will never feel. He made me a whole again. He made me who I am today.

And as for the Hector standing outside the venue - I just don't know. I just hoped
that he had a good life. I somehow know that Yna is taking a pretty good care of
him - and maybe that was the reason why he's here. Nandito si Yna - maybe he's
waiting for her.

I sighed. I remembered the way he looked at Hyron. I knew that he already knew.
Pero hanggang doon na lang iyon.
"Yza, come here, let's take a picture." Nakangiting tinawag ako ng asawa ko. I
smiled pretty wide. Lumapit ako sa kanya.

"Ready, love?"

"Ready."

I posed for the camera and smiled. This is who I am now. Yza Joan Consunji -
Ituralde. A changed woman, a much stronger one and even though I hate to admit it,
I owe it all to him - to Helios Demitri -the one who have stolen my everything.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 1</h1></center>

<hr>
"How's the boy?"

There was a hint of smile on my face while I ask that question to my sister Leigh.
Just like what she usually does every Sunday, she visits me and has lunch with me.
She says she misses me and I miss her too - every waking moment of my life that I'm
not by her side - I miss her.

She looked at me and shook her head. "You know, you don't owe him anything. It's
her choice - not yours. She was the one who decided to break things off with him,
hindi ikaw, Kuya kaya wala kang dapat ipag-alala kay Zach." Ngumiti siya sa akin.
Umiling na lang ako.

I've been inside the prison I put myself into. Leigh - my only sister - looked at
me with amusement in her eyes.

"What?" I asked. I gave her a hint of smile.

"Effective iyong magic ni Yza. Tao ka na." May lungkot sa mga salitang binitiwan
niya. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Ayokong tanungin siya ng kahit na anong tungkol kay
Yza Joan. It's been a year and a half and I haven't heard anything - ni hindi niya
ako nagawang puntahan at bisitahin. She never even told me how she really feels. I
have put my heart on my sleeve for her and yet - I got nothing.

Kung sabagay ay hindi naman ako umaasa. After what I did to her - loving me is too
much. I deserve the hate she feels for me. Up until now, I don't know if she can
ever forgive me. Hindi ko alam kung sapat na ipakulong ko ang sarili ko mapatawad
niya lang ako.

"Kuya, alam mo ba na---"

"How was school?" Pag-iiba ko ng usap. Leigh sighed. She looked at me and smiled
again.

"Good. Kath is helping with everything. In-orient na rin niya ako para sa company
mo. Pinapabasa niya sa akin lahat bago ko pirmahan. Ipinakilala niya na ako sa
board." Ngumiti na lang akong ulit. I tried focusing on the fact that I am
interested on her school. Interesado naman ako pero hindi ko itatanggi na iniiwasan
kong pag-usapan ang nag-iisang babaeng minahal ko.

Leigh and I talked for another hour. She was as enthusiastic as ever. Ngumingiti
ako sa tuwing may sasabihin siyang masaya pero sa loob ko, naaalala ko ang ngiti ng
babaeng umiwan sa akin. I wonder how she is now, is she even thinking about me?
Naka-move on ba siya? Masaya ba siya?
I want her to be happy - she deserves all the happiness in the world. After what I
did to her - all I want for her is happiness.

"Santillan."

Lumingon ako nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. I got used to using my real surname -
I'm not Helios Demitri anymore - I am Hector Santillan - a human being - a man with
a broken heart.

"May dalaw ka pa." Sabi ng bantay. Kumunot ang noo ko. Binalingan ko ng tingin si
Leigh. Tulad ko ay nagtataka rin siya. Nakita ko ang panlalaki ng kanyang mga mata
nang pumasok ang isang lalaki sa visiting area. The man was wearing a signature
Armani coat and tie. Leigh's mouth parted. I saw that their eyes met and I saw
longing on my sister's eyes.

"T-tatay..." She even whispered. She stood up. I remained on my seat while eyeing
the mini-reunion of my sister with her foster father. I know that she was about to
cry.

"Leigh Santillan." Sancho Consunji spoke her name like it was the dirtiest word in
history. I saw the hurt on her eyes, Nagyuko siya ng ulo.

"K-kuya, aalis na ako." She bid her goodbye at nagmamadaling umalis doon. I just
took a deep breath. I don't want to lose my cool. No matter what I do - Sancho
Consunji will always be the father of the two women I love the most.

"Hector Santillan." Naupos siya sa harapan ko. I eyed him. Sancho Consunji will
always be the devil in the corporate suit. No matter how old he is or how old he
gets - he will always have that certain power I can never understand.

"Why are you here?" I asked him. Ayokong magmukhang kaawa-awa sa harapan niya. He
grinned at me.

"Gusto kong makita kung paano ka sumadalak sa lupa." He smiled so wide. "Nakuha mo
si Leigh pero hindi ka naman malaya. How was that?"

"You waited for a year before coming here just to tell me that?" I couldn't help
but be sarcastic. I grinned at him. Lumiit ang mga mata ni Sancho Consunji. He
grinned too. He seemed to like the fact that I am talking back.

"No matter what you do, you're still worthless, Santillan." He told me without even
blinking. I didn't say anything. I just sat there thinking of the reason why he's
here. He took a deep breath and faced me again.

"I have said this before, no man is ever good enough for my little girl. You have
taken her away but this time I'll make sure you won't have her. She's a Consunji."

Out of nowhere, he said those words. Lalong hindi ako nakakibo. Anong sasabihin ko?
Bigla kong naalala iyong araw na dinalaw ako ni Sheena Consunji dito sa loob. She
had a very different approach with me. She was kind and warm. She gave me a smile
that made me regret what I did to her family. Yza was just like her - noong
nakausap ko siya noong araw na iyon pakiramdam ko nasilip ko ang kahit kaunting
meron si Yza.

I remember exactly what she told me.

"She gave birth."

My mouth fell. "She's married, Hector. Hindi ako nagpunta dito para saktan ka pero
gusto kong malaman mo ang mga bagay-bagay na nangyari sa loob ng isa't kalahating
tao."

"Hindi ko po alam ang sasabihin ko." I said truthfully. Sheena Consunji reached for
my hand.

"Do you love my daughter?" Hindi ako lalong nakapagsalita. How can she be so
straight with me? Yes I do. I love Yza with all my heart. For others, it must be
the shallow kind of love but it's not. When Yza came to my life - I was blinded by
revenge, but slowly, she gave me light and I saw things - LIFE in a different
perspective. What's not to love about her?

"Be honest, Hector."

"Yes I do." I finally answered. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin. Ngumiti siya.

"I don't like you for my daughter. You have hurt her. You took her away from us."
Malumanay ang pagsasalita niya. "So if you really love her, please, promise me that
you will never run after her."

What she's asking me is too much. Gusto niyang mangako ako na hindi ko lalapitan si
Yza kahit na anong mangyari, katumbas na rin noon ang pagbawi niya sa buhay ko.
Alaala na lang ni Yza ang meron ako, babawiin pa ba niya iyon?

"She deserves a life, Hector - a life away from you." Wika niya pa. Natitigilan
ako. Hindi ko namalayan ang pagbagsak ng mga luha ko. Sheena Consunji gasped.

"If you really love her, please let her be happy."

"Kaya ko siyang pasiyahin."

"How?" she asked again. "How can she be happy kung makikita ka niya? You violated
her. Inilayo niya ang sarili niya para makalimot."

Ang sakit. Ganito kaya iyong sakit na naramdaman ni Zach noong panahong kapiling ko
si Yza at ako ang nasa isip niya? Ganito ba kasakit ang mawalan? Minsan na akong
nawalan pero hindi naman ganito kasakit pero ang isipin na habambuhay nang mawawala
sa akin si Yza, hindi ko kaya.

"Mangako ka..." Sheena Consunji said again.

I looked at her and despite all the pain and the tears - I didn't think was
possible - I found myself nodding ate her.

"Promise..."

I took a deep breath as Sancho looked at me. I shook my head. I maybe a lot of
things but I always stay true to my words.

"If this is about surnames, Sir, then you were right. I'm not good enough for her.
And I'm staying true to my words - the words I told your wife. I'll never run after
Yza.

Mukhang nagulat siya ngunit sandali lang iyon. I stood up and turned my back on
him. I have to leave again. Ayokong makita niya ang sakita na dulot ng mga sinabi
niya sa akinb. Leigh was right - dahil kay Yza naging tao ako. Dahil sa kanya mas
madali para sa akin ngayon ang masaktan at umiyak - isang bagay na hindi ko naman
gusto pero hindi ko naman mapigilan. I was always crying when it comes to her -
she's my weakness.

Baba was right - Love can make people weak.

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

Five years later

"Mama, the man with the green eyes on Uncle Gab's wedding, he's my father right?"

I was caressing Hyron's face as I watch him sleep. I sighed. Hindi ko alam kung
ituturing kong blessing ang pagiging matalino niya. The kids - the twins knew that
Hector - isn't their real father. Sinabi ko sa kanila iyon dahil iyon naman ang
totoo - kahit naman alam nila na hindi si Hector ang ama nila ay walang pagbabago.
Hector loves my kids like their his own and the kids love him unconditionally but
right now, I wasn't sure about anything else.

I kissed Hyron's forehead and left his room. Pumasok ako sa kwarto naming mag-asawa
and in there I found Hector sitting on the bed with only his robe on while reading
a book.

"Hey," He greeted me. He put his book down and faced me. Naupo ako sa tabi niya.
"When are we going back to Prague?" He asked me. Umiling ako. Ayoko pa sana pero
dahil sa nangyari kanina sa reception, parang gusto ko nang bumalik sa lalong
madaling panahon.

"Soon..." Humilig ako sa balikat niya. He kissed my cheeks.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Wala naman." Matamlay na sagot ko. I tried smiling. "I'm just tired, Hector..."
Tumingin ako sa kanya. Alam kong namamalik-mata lang ako pero nang bigla ko siyang
lingunin ay parang si Helios ang nakita ko at hindi si Hector Ituralde - ang asawa
ko. I just sighed again.

"Goodnight, hon." I told him. Humiga ako at saka tumagilid. Hindi ko alam kung
makakatulog ako tulad ng dati sa tuwing katabi ko si Hector - ibang Hector ang nasa
isip ko ngayon - iyong Hector na hindi ko dapat mahal - iyong hector na dapat
kamuhian ko pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko kayang kamuhian.

I don't know how long I was up. I just found myself walking around the kitchen
thinking of things to do - just to shrug off the feeling of emptiness in my chest.
Naupo ako sa counter at saka pumangalumbaba. I found myself smiling with the
thought of Hyron and Hector Santillan together.

I was always dreaming of the day when my kids will be with their father pero hindi
ko pa alam kung anong magiging reaksyon ng lahat kapag nangyari iyon. Iniisip ko si
Tatay. Ayoko siyang masaktan. I knew how disappointed he was when I told him that I
was pregnant with Helio's children - he was hurt - at matagal bago ko napatawad ang
sarili ko dahil doon. I don't want to hurt my family again.

I sighed. I don't really know what to do.

"Mama."

Napatuwid ako ng upo nang marinig ko ang maliit na boses ni Hyan. I turned to her
and smiled. Kinukusot pa niya ang kanyang mga mata habang naglalakad papunta sa
akin. I carried her and kissed her cheeks.

"Bakit gising ka pa?" Tanong ko.

"I'm hungry, Mama." She told me. Napangiti lalo ako. Iniupo ko siya sa counter top
at saka sinabing huwag siyang magulo. I got her some oreos and a glass of milk.
Pinanood ko siyang kumain. Napapabuntong-hininga ako tuwing naaalala ko si Helios
sa mata ng kambal ko. Of all the things na makukuha nila sa kanya ay ang mga mata
niya pa. Walang araw na hindi ko siya naaalala dahil sa mga bata.

"Mama, sabi ni Hyron may man daw sa wedding that has the same eyes as ours. Is he
our father?" Walang abog na tanong niya. Hinaplos ko ang mukha niya.

"Yes." What's the use of hiding the truth? Hindi naman nila makikita si Helios at
hindi naman siya mangugulo kaya bakit ko pa kailangan itago ang katotohanan?

"Then why didn't he talk to us?" Her wide eyes were full of questions.

"It's because he didn't know you two existed."

"Kailan niya malalaman, Mama?" Tanong niya sa akin. Parang sinasaksak ang puso ko.

"Sa tamang panahon, baby girl." Mahinang sagot ko.

"Sana malapit na kasi gusto ko siya ma-hug."

Tango lang ang nasagot ko sa kanya. I sighed. Why are my kids so intelligent?
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 2</h1></center>
<hr>
I took a deep breath as I smile at my husband and kids that morning while having
breakfast in our temporary home. My heart is always melted by the fact that Hector
loves my kids so much that he actually treats them like his own. I love him more
for that. We've been married for almost six years and the love he feels for my
children is enough to make me stay.

"Mama is looking at Papa in a very funny way." Hyron spoke before putting a
spoonful of cereal inside his mouth. Hector smiled at me.

"You okay, love?" He asked me. I nodded. Nagpaalam akong mag-aayos ng gamit sa
silid naming mag-asawa. I need to put his dirty things away. Dadalhin ko pa iyon sa
laundry shop. As I was cleaning our room, I exorcise the thoughts of Hector
Santillan and Hyron together. Hindin tama - hindi ko pwedeng sabihin sa kanya ang
totoo. I know being selfish is wrong but I want to be selfish. I want to keep the
kids away from him for I know that it's a bad thing to do but I can never face the
fact that my father will get hurt again.

I sighed. Pinulot ko ang coat ni Hector, napatingin ako sa sahig nang may mahulog
doon. Kumunot ang noo ko at saka pinulot ang papel na nalaglag. It was a note. I
got curious so I read it. It says: Thank you for last night - although you're not
mine anymore. -V

My hands shook.

"Hon - Yza!"

I turned to him. I saw guilt in his face. "Nakikipagkita ka na naman sa kanya?" My

voice was deep and mean. I felt that nagging pain in my chest while I look at him.
Naisuklay niya ang kamay niya sa kanyang buhok at saka nagpalakad-lakad sa aking
harapan. I was still holding his coat and the note on my hand while he couldn't
even look at me.

"I can explain."

"Ilang beses na, Hector?" Tanong ko sa kanya. My voice is strain and dark. Hector
avoided my eyes. "How long have you been cheating on me again?!" I couldn't help
but yell.

"Yza, I can explain."

Binato ko sa kanya ang damit niya pati ang sulat. "Four years, Hector! Hanggang
ngayon ba?!" Galit na galit ako.

"Yza, please listen." He tried holding me but I pushed him away. The feeling of
being unworthy envelope my whole being. Nangyayari na naman iyong nangyari noon. I
hate it. He's cheating again. I did everything just to keep this family together
tapos sisirain na naman niya.

"Yza..." Muling tawag niya.

"Huwag muna ngayon, Hector. Kailangan kong mag-isip!" Sigaw ko. Nang magpunta ako
sa kusina ay nakita ko doon ang kambal ko. Hyron was looking at me - his eyes were
wide with so many questions. He looked worried.

"Mama, did you and Papa had a fight? I heard you yelling."

"Mama, don't you love Papa anymore?" Hyan asked me. I took a deep breath.

"Let's go see Nanay and Tatay. I'm sure they miss you." Ngiti na lang ang naisagot
ko sa kanilang dalawa. I took the two of them by the hand and we walked towards the
door. I saw Hector standing near our door looking at the three of us. I shook my
head with so much disappointment. I wanted to yell at him again and yet I couldn't
- not while the kids are here.

I drove my car to our old home. It was always nice being home with my parents and
my brother Yllak. Si Yllak na lang ang nasa bahay ngayon, Yvo is in Germany with
his girlfriend Fauna. Matagal ko na rin siyang hindi nakikita. Huling kita ko sa
kanya noong kasal ni Gab - that night umalis din siya dahil tinawagan siya ni Fauna
saying she needs him home.

Napailing na lang ako. How can the bitch call Germany Yvo's home? I shook my head
again.

"Nanay!" Hyan screamed when she saw Nanay walking down the stairs. Nakangiti kaagad
siya nang makita ang mga bata. Nanay was always warm with my children. Agad na
yumakap ang dalawa sa kanya.

"Hi, Nay." I smiled at her.

"Nasaan ang asawa mo?" She asked me. Ngumiti na lang ako. Ayokong pag-usapan ngayon
si Hector at kung ano ang ginawa niya kagabi o noong mga nakaraan araw. I don't
know how long he's been seeing someone else. Sabi sa sulat V - I have a feeling
that it's still the same person - iyong lover niya pa rin six months after naming
ikasal noon.

"He's busy. Ang tatay po?" Tanong ko. Nanay smiled at me.
"Kasama niya si Lukas at si Adam, nag-golf sila. Sana isinama mo si Hector. Kahit
naman busy iyon, alam kong sasama siya dito. Kumain na ba kayo?"

Ngumiti lang ako kay Nanay. Inutusan niya ang kambal na maglaro muna sa labas.
Naiwan kami ni Nanay sa sala. Pinakatitigan niya ako.

"What's wrong?" She asked. I shook my head. Kailan ba ako matututong magtago ng
problema kay Nanay? All my life she had always been there for me. Kahit na noong
mga panahon na sinusubukan kong tumayo mag-isa - at nagawa ko naman - palagi niyang
ipinapaalala sa akin na nandyan siya at kung kailangan ko siya isang tawag lang ang
layo niya sa akin - pero ako mismong ang tumatanggi.

"Yza... si Hector ba? May nangyayari na naman ba?"

"W-wala, Nay. It's just that he's very busy." Ngumiti ako sa kanya.

"Madalas ding busy ang tatay mo noon but he always makes time for the family
especially for you and your brothers. He was always there."

"Hector is always with us."

"But is that enough, Yza Joan?"

I cleared my throat. I can never tell my mother my problems with Hector. Noon pa
lang naman ay sinabi na niya sa akin na 'wag kong gawin, na huwag akong magpakasal
kay Hector just because I want to give my children a family. My mother had always
told me that my children had their own father - and that no matter how bad of a man
Hector Santillan is or was - he's still the father of my kids and that he should
know about their existence - pero hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kayang sabihin sa kanya
ang totoo. Maraming masasaktan - si Tatay, si Yto, ang buong pamilya ko ang
nakasalalay sa desisyon kong sabihin sa kanya ang katotohanan.

I can never bear the fact that I'm going to put my family in pain again. I can't.
It will always be my family before anything else.

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

"Isn't Papa home, Mama? The unit is so quiet."

I just smiled at Hyan. Kakauwi lang naming galing sa mansyon. Idinaan ko ang mga
bata sa ice cream shop para kahit paano ay malimutan nila ang narinig nila kaninang
umaga. I knew that I should've never yelled at Hector. Madalas naman kaming mag-
away na dalawa lalo na kapag nababanggit niya ang taong iyon - ours was a marriage
of convenience - but I did everything to make things work. Mahal ko ang pamilya
naming - mahal ko siya, mahal ko ang mga bata pero hindi ko alam kung hanggang saan
ko kayang tiisin ang ginagawa ni Hector. Hindi naman ako martir, pwede ko siyang
iwan at lumayo na lang ng tuluyan pero masyadong maraming masasaktan kapag nangyari
iyon.

"Mama can I ask?" Hyron spoke. I smiled at him. I fixed his little bow tie and
kissed his cheeks. Naupo ako sa sofa at kinandong si Hyan habang umupo naman siya
sa aking tabi.

"Mama, is it true? Our real father is a bad man?" Lumabas ang tanong na iyon sa
bibig niya na para bang iyon ang pinakanatural na sabihin sa lahat. Napasinghap
ako. I eyed Hyan. She was just looking at me - as if she was waiting for the
answer. I couldn't even look at my children.

"Tito Yllak said that our dad is a bad man - that's why you never want to tell him
the truth about us - that's exactly what he said. Is it true, Mama?"

I swallowed hard. Hinaplos ko ang mukha ni Hyron. "No, baby. He's not a bad man..."
Hindi ko alam kung paano lumabas ang mga salitang iyon sa bibig ko. Remembering
what he tried to do with my family and what he did to me - still I think that he's
not a bad man - oo masama siya - minsan - but the latter part of our - what was the
word I was looking for...

Relationship - kung pwede ko ngang tawaging relationship iyon. He's not so bad - i
fell for him because he's a good man, he has dignity, he stays true to his word,
he's cruel and yet he's very loving - I saw how much he cares for the people around
him - somehow - in a very twisted way - I felt that he cares for me too - and maybe
that was the reason why I fell for him.

I once opened up to Nikki about that and he told me that I'm weak. Kung ang
pagmamahal ko noon ay Hector Santillan ang nakakapagpahina sa akin, ibig bang
sabihin noon kailangan ko siyang bitiwan ngayon?

Saglit akong natigilan. Why am I thinking of holding on - of STILL holding on? Wala
naman akong dapat maramdaman sa kanya. I shook my head to exorcise those thoughts.

"Your real father is not a bad man. Don't ever think about that, kids." I kissed
the both of them.

"Then when am I going to hug him, Mama?" Hyan asked me. I dreaded that question.

"Soon, baby. Now let's wash up and we'll go to bed."

"Are we not going to wait for Papa?" Hyron looked at the door as if any moment ay
papasok si Hector.

"He's busy at the moment - I guess. Let's go!"

Inasikaso ko ang mga bata, pinakain, binihisan at pagkatapos ay pinatulog. I was

the one who styed up so late waiting for Hector, muntik na akong madukdok sa coffee
table nang marinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto ng unit. I saw him come in. He was
looking straight at my eyes.

"Where have you been?" I asked him. "Nakipagkita ka ba sa kanya?"

"Yza, wag ngayon please."

"At kailan?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "Kapag nasasaktan na ulit ako?" I hissed at him.
He tried getting a hold of me. "Bitiwan mo ako."

"Yza sinusubukan ko naman. Di pa ba sapat iyon?"

I took a deep breath. I wanted to cry out of frustration.

"I'm going to tell him about the kids." I start off. His eyes widened. He stared at
me.

"Why? Ganti mo ba ito for what I did with V?" Hinawakan niya ang braso ko. "Yza,
wag naman. Paano ang family ko? Alam nila na ako ang ama ng kambal."

"Kahit kailan hindi ko pwedeng ipagkait sa mga bata ang totoo."

"Paano ako, Yza?" Tanong niya sa akin. I shook my head.

"I'm trying my best to make this work, Hector but if you're just going to bounce
back every damn time we're happy, then I don't know how to answer that, Hector. I'm
doing this for my children not because I'm mad for what you did."

I turned my back on him. Tumuloy ako sa silid ng kambal ko. I lie beside Hyan and
hugged her closer. I took a deep breath. I let the tears fall - for the nth time -
I don't know how many times but I crying over this marriage and Hector and the life
we have. How am I going to make this work?

How?
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 3</h1></center>
<hr>
"What? Are you freaking kidding me?!"

Yto's voice boomed. I was facing him. His expression is priceless - galit siya,
frustrated at higit sa lahat para bang hindi siya makapaniwala matapos niyang
marinig ang lahat ng sinabi ko. I looked at him - straight in his eyes - I didn't
even blink. I stood there, motionless and emotionless.

"You heard me, Yto. Ipakikilala ko ang kambal sa ama nila."

"At bakit? Nasisiraan ka na ba ng bait?! Helios Demitri is a bad man! He took away
Yna from the family!"

Tumayo na rin ako para pantayan siya. Kung noon natatakot ako sa oras na sumigaw si
Yto ngayon hindi na. It's my decision, it's my children involved and just like what
my mother had done before - I am going to do everything to make my children happy.

"News flash, Yto. Desisyon ni Yna ang sumama kay Helios at hindi sa akin o sa kahit
na kanino. Kung anuman ang nangyari noon - labas ang mga bata. Hindi ko kailangan
ng opinyon mo o ng permiso ng kahit na sino. I'm in the right age. I can do what I
want. Now if you will hate me after this, I don't care. I care more about my
children's happiness not what other people will think."

I turned my back on him. Hindi ko na hinintay ang sasabihin pa ni Yto. Alam kong
mamaya ay sasabihin din niya kay Tata yang totoo - ang desisyon ko pero hindi ako
natatakot. Gusto kong gawin ito, I owe it to my children. I wanna make them happy.
I wanna see Hyan hug Hector Santillan, I wanna see Hyron looking at his dad's eyes
again.

I want my kids to have a moment with their dad.

Kung mali iyon, we'll hindi ko na alam kung anong tama. I walked in the middle of
the corridor. I wasn't really paying attention to the people around me. Alam kong
narinig ng mga empleyado ang sigawan naming ng kakambal ko, pero wala naman silang
pakialam. I made my decision. I really want to do this.

Narating ko ang parking lot. Bago ako sumakay sa kotse ay kinuha ko ang phone ko at
saka tinawagan si Yna. I still keep in touch with her - she's still my sister after
all. Hindi man madalas pero sinisiguro ko na palagi ko siyang nakakamusta sa tuwing
may oras ako.

"Ate, kamusta?" She greeted me on the other line. I couldn't help but smile.

"Bukas. Kailangan ko siyang makita bukas." Alam kong alam ni Yna kung anong
sinasabi ko. Natahimik siya sa kabilang linya. Naghintay naman ako at maya-maya ay
kaagad siyang nagsalita.
"Agad, ate? Pwede ko ba siyang i-ready?" Tanong niya sa akin. Gusto kong matawa.
Sinong hindi handa? Si Hector Santillan? I have always known that he's ready - he
will always be the man who stole my everything kaya hindi ako naniniwala na hindi
siya handa.

"Ikaw ang bahala." Sabi ko sa kanya. "But I need to see him tomorrow, Yna. Good
luck." I ended the call and get inside the car. I took a deep breath before driving
away.

Bahala na bukas. Gagawin ko ito dahil ito ang tama. Para sa mga bata.

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

"Good morning, Kuya! It's a good day today, isn't it?!"

Kumunot ang noo ko habang pababa ng hagdan nang umagang iyon. Sinalubong agad ako
ni Leigh ng isang ngiti. Nagtataka ako dahil hindi siya nakabihis ngayong araw. I
know that she has to go to work. Tumaas ang kilay ko.

"Why are you still here?" I asked her. Tumabi siya sa akin at saka ipinalupot ang
kamay niya sa braso ko.

"I didn't go to work today, Kuya because I wanna be with you!" She said in an
energized tone. Natawa ako. Naglalambing na naman ang kapatid ko.

"What do you want? You have all my money. Go waste it. Go shopping." I teased her.
We walk side by side to the gazebo where Manang Bining and Kath were. Kath was
reading something while talking on her headset while Manang Bining was fixing my
coffee.

"Morning, Manang. Ate Kath!" Leigh is too happy today. Kinakabahan ako, baka mamaya
may sasabihin siya sa akin. Baka mamaya sabihin niya sa akin na mag-aasawa na siya
- that is my biggest fear right at this moment.

"What is it, Leighton?" Hindi makatiis na tanong ko. She took a deep breath before
sitting beside me.

"We have to go somewhere today, Kuya pero don't worry. I know you'll be happy.
Let's just say ipapasyal kita kasi alam kong na-miss mo ang labas habang nandoon
ka. I'll make you happy today."

Napailing na lang ako. "Fine, whatever you want, Leighton. Kumain ka na." Sabi ko
na lang sa kanya. Habang nag-aalmusal ay iba ang pakiramdam ko habang nakatingin
ako sa kapatid ko. I feel like she knows something that I don't and that makes me
feel uneasy. I want to ask but I also have a feeling that she will never tell me
that something she knows so I just decided let it slip away and wait until she
decided to tell me.

After breakfast, she told me to take a bath and get ready. I still have no idea
what I will happen after this but I'm kinda excited. Pakiramdam ko may mag-iiba
mamaya - may magbabago pero anong pagbabago?

"Kuya, let's go!" I heard her scream. I took one last look in the mirror. I was
wearing a blue shirt and a pair of jeans. I look okay. I didn't want to be extra -
ordinary because the extra-ordinary man is Helios Demitri - I don't want to be him
anymore. I wanna be Hector Santillan - the ordinary human being - iyong hindi
mahirap mahalin. Iyong TAO kung tawagin ni Leighton.
"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!"

Leighton keeps on singing that song inside the car while we're travelling. "Excited
ka ba, Kuya? Kasi ako super!" Tawa siya nang tawa. Umiling na lang ako. I have a
feeling that she will be introducing to me the guy that she's dating. I readied
myself. Iniisip ko pa lang gusto ko nang sapakin iyong taong ipapakilala niya.

"Stop na kuya!" Utos ni Leighton sa driver. I looked outside the window. We were in
a park. Tumingin ako sa kanya.

"Why are we here?" Tanong ko. She just smiled.

"I wanna make you happy, Kuya. And today marks the day of your genuine happiness."
Makahulugang sabi niya sa akin. Bumaba siya ng kotse. Sumunod naman ako. Nagsimula
kaming maglakas ni Leighton. Sinusundan ko lang siya - hindi ko alam kung saan kami
pupunta pero habang tumatagal lalong bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Hanggang
ngayon kapag nararamdaman ko ang tibok ng puso ko, nagugulat pa rin ako - may puso
ako - hindi ako bato.

"Leighton -"

"Mama, look the kite is flying!"

I was about to ask Leighton something when a little voice caught my attention. My
eyes flew to my right - inside the cottage was a little girl in a blue dress and
with pigtails. She was looking up the kite, but what caught my attention the most
were her eyes - her piercing green eyes - just like the boy I saw with Yza that
afternoon at her cousin's wedding.

"Mama, can you teach me how to?"

My eyes followed the eyes of the little girl. She was looking at a woman beside
her. I caught my breath for the woman beside her is none other than my Yza - I
wanna call her that. She was never mine and yet I want her to be.

She was wearing a pink lacey dress, her hair was freely falling on her shoulders.
She was smiling - iyong ngiting kahit kailan ay hindi niya naibigay sa akin.

"Kuya..." Untag ni Leighton. "Halika na, kanina pa nila tayo hinihintay." Sabi sa
akin ni Leigh. Noon ko lang naintindihan kung anong nangyayari.

Slowly, Yza's eyes turned to our direction. Wala akong makuhang reaksyon mula sa
kanya. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin.

"Ate!" Leighton greeted her. She finally smiled. Leighton kissed her cheeks.
Kinakabahan ako. Ako lang ba ang nakakaramdam ng ganito? She doesn't seem to be
affected by my presence - hindi katulad noon.

"Hector." She said my name. I caught my breath again. The way she spoke - the way
she calls my name - it still has the same effect - iba pa rin.

"Iiwan ko muna kayo." Paalam ni Leighton sa amin. She tapped my shoulder. Naiwan
ako doong mag-isa. She was still sitting on the long chair inside the cottage -
eyeing me. I felt so bare and vulnerable under her gaze. I was actually feeling
scared.

"Kamusta ka na?" She asked me afterwards. I couldn't find the right words to say.
I'm just... So in love with her - after five years - I'm still right where she left
me - in prison and I don't have any idea when is she going to set me free?
"Maupo ka." Sabi niyang muli. Sumunod ako. She took a deep breath. I looked at her
left finger - there's no ring. But Leigh told me that she's married to a certain H.
Ituralde.

"Where's your ring?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I left it." She answered me. "You don't get to ask questions, Santillan." Bigla
niyang sinabi. "You are here to listen. I will do all the talking."

"S-sure." I wasn't certain. She again took a deep breath.

"I have two beautiful kids." Panimula niya. Gusto kong umalis. Ano bang dahilan at
nandito kami? Ipamumukha niya ba sa akin na masaya siya? Hindi ko kayang makita na
masaya siya sa piling ng iba. Gusto ko sa akin siya masaya because no matter how
bad I treated her - the fact that I still wanna be with her after all that happened
doesn't change.

I love her so much. I wanna make her the center of my universe.

"I know that." I looked at the little girl playing beside her. I saw her looking at
me with a certain smile on her face. "H-hello..."

Bigla siyang tumakbo kay Yza. "Mama, he has the same eyes as mine! Are you going to
tell him? I wanna hug him!" The little tiny voice bugs my being. Why is she asking
Yza those questions? Anong ibig sabihin nito.

"Mama, did you see the kite I flew?! It got stuck on the tree---"

There was the little boy again - the one I saw in the party with her.

"Oh hey there..." The boy greeted me. "Mama?" Nagtatanong ang mga mata niyang
tumingin kay Yza.

"Hector." Tawag niya sa akin. Inakbayan niya ang batang lalaki. She looked as if
she was about to cry. "Hector, meet Hyron and Hyan, my kids," she took a deep
breath.

"Your kids."

My world stopped revolving. My body shook. Mas malakas pa ang yanig nang sinabi
niya sa akin kaysa sa lindol na naganap sa Bohol noong nakaraan.

"Your kids."

I saw the little girl walked towards me.

"I told mama that if she finally tells you, I'm going to hug you. Can I please hug
you?" She asked me. I looked at Yza. This is all too much - although I had a hunch
- I never realized that this all will be true.

"Go on, Hyron. Hug your real father." She even said to the boy. Just like what the
little girl did, Hyron walked towards me and hugged me - sabay silang dalawa. Hindi
ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko.

I just feel... COMPLETE.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 4</h1></center>
<hr>
"Hindi mo ba siya pupuntahan?"

I looked at the policeman standing beside me as I look at Hector Santillan behind

bars. Oo, nandito ako sa kulungan kung saan siya nakalagak. I came home - nobody in
my family knew - not even my husband - that I came home from Prague just to look at
Hector Santillan. Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa isip ko. Nakalayo na ako.
Nakabangon pero ako pa rin mismo ang bumabalik.

I just wanna see him and I don't know why...

Maybe because of the kids.

Just because of the kids.

I was smiling - I don't know why - pero habang tumatagal at tinitingnan ko ang mga
bata at si Hector ay para bang gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko. They were in the middle
of the park playing. Tumatawa si Hyron habang takbo nang takbo si Hyan naman ay
nasa balikat ni Hector. Hindi lang ito ang unang pagakataon na nagkita ang mag-
aama na kasama ko. I never let them out of my sight - alam kong sa mata ng pamilya
ko ay hindi tama but right now I want the kids to be happy - hindi ko muna iisipin
ang pamilya ko - ang mga bata lang ang iniisip ko. Gusto ko silang maging masaya.

"Ate..." I looked behind me and I saw Yna approaching me. She was wearing a red
corporate dress habang tumatagal ay lalo siyang gumaganda. Lumilipas ang araw
lalong nagiging kamukha ni Yna si Hector - no doubt - sila ang magkapatid. Yna has
the same eyes as Helios Demitri.

"Kanina pa kayo?" She asked me. I shook my head.

"Kararating ko lang din. Hector took the kids. Buti hindi sila nag-abot ni Hector
sa unit." Malumanay na wika ko. Yna took a deep breath.

"How is your husband?" Biglang tanong niya. I just sighed. I don't know if Yna knew
what is really happening between me and Hector.

"We're good." I answered. I sighed again. Tumabi sa akin si Yna at tulad ko ay

tinanaw niya ang mag-aama. She was smiling ear to ear.
"Kuya's happy." Sabi niya bigla. Napangiti naman ako.

"My kids are too." Huminga na naman ako nang napakalalim. "Hindi ko alam kung
bakit, Yna pero mas nagging masaya ang mga bata ngayon na nakilala nila si Hector.
Mabait sa kanila si Hector - he treated them as their own but somehow - they are
more alive right now."

"Kahit naman si Kuya." Yna said. "There are nights when I'd wake up tapos makikita
ko sa balcony or sa garden. Nakatayo lang siya, ate, nag-iisip. It seems like he's
thinking a lot." She looked at me. "He's thinking of you. He loves you, you know."

Hindi ako nakakibo. I just looked at my kids.

"Ate, mahal ka ni kuya."

"I just want my kids to be happy, Yna." Wika ko. Narinig ko siyang nagbuntong
hininga.

"Ikaw, masaya ka ba?" She asked me again. Bigla akong sinalakay ng mga doubts sa
puso at isipan ko - doubts sa sarili, sa kung anong meron kami ni Hector Ituralde
at sa kung anong meron sa amin ni Hector Santillan. I asked myself again, why am I
with Hector Ituralde. Isa lang ang sagot - mahal ko siya - minahal ko siya noon -
hindi lang basta bilang kaibigan kundi bilang siya. I loved him, I really did. He
saved me from the misery I was in. We started out as friends. Siya ang kasama ko
noong inilabas ko ang kambal sa mundong ibabaw - siya ang karamay ko sa lahat. Siya
ang nandoon noong unang hinawakan ni Tatay ang mga anak ko - despite the fact that
Helios Demitri is their father.

Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanya. Hindi niya ako hinayaan basta. He was my best
friend. Kaya noong siya naman ang nangailangan ng tulong - hindi ako nagdalawang
isip. I gave in. I needed to return what he did for me.

"Masaya ako. The kids are with me, Yna. Masaya ako." I looked at my sister again.
She was eyeing me. Parang may gusto siyang sabihin pero naudlot iyon nang magsalita
si Hyan.

"Mama! We're so pagod na!" Natatawang sabi niya. Ibinigay siya nI Hector sa akin.
Kinuha ko si Hyan - our hands touched. Nakita kong natigilan siya at saka mabilis
na lumayo. He took a deep breath pagkatapos ay ginulo niya ang buhok ni Hyron.
"When are we going to fly the kites again, Dad?" Hyron asked him. Iyon kasi ang
ginawa nila buong araw - nagpalipad lang sila ng saronggola.

"Kapag pumayag ulit si Mama ninyo na maglaro tayo."

Hyron's gray eyes looked at me. There's pleading in his eyes as he was eyeing me.
"Mama, can we do it again next week?"

"But next week, we're going back to Prague." Mahinang sabi ko. Nakita kong tumingin
sa akin si Hector. He was dumbfounded.

"I thought we're going to stay here for a long time?" Dismayadong tanong ni Hyan. I
just smiled.

"Mama and Papa need to work, baby. So next week we're going back. But I'll let you
spend another day with your f-father again." Ngumiti ako. Tango na lang ang sinagot
ng magkapatid sa akin.

"Punta na sa kotse. Uuwi na muna tayo. Say goodbye to your f-father." Hindi ko alam
kung bakit sa tuwing sasabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon ay kumakabog ang dibdib ko.
Parang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ma-digest ng buong pagkatao ko na si Hector
Santillan ay ang ama ng mga anak ko.

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang kambal. Hyron took Hyan's hand as they walk together.
Minsan napapangiti ako dahil parang nakikita ko kaming dalawa ni Yto sa mga anak
ko.

"I'll go now." Paalam ko sa kanila. I took one last glimpse at the two. Nakahawak
si Yna sa kamay ni Hector na para bang kinakalma niyang pilit ang kapatid.

"Kuya, wag muna." She said. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Iwam mo muna kami." He said. Malamig ang boses niya. My body shook with fear pero
hindi ako nagpahalata. Bakit ako matatakot sa kanya?
I am a Consunji and a Consuji never gets intimidated by anyone.

Humarap ako sa kanya. This is the first time we're ever going to talk alone and
yes, my body is shaking but I made sure na hindi niya makikita iyon.

"You're going back to Prague." He said to me. He sounded so disappointed. I looked

at him.

"May problema ba?"

"Ilalayo mo na naman sa akin ang mga bata?"

"Shouldn't you just be thankful that I did this? Magpasalamat ka na lang Helios."
Matapang kong sabi. He took a deep breath.

"Nagpapasalamat ako, Yza pero sana hayaan mo akong maging ama sa mga anak ko kahit
saglit na panahon pa."

"Meron ka hanggang sa susunod na linggo. We're going back to Prague and this is
final." I flipped my hair as I turned my back on him. Nakita kong naikuyom niya ang
kanyang palad pero hindi ko na iyon pinansin. Tumalilis ako papunta sa sasakyan at
doon ko inilabas ang hiningang kanina ko pa pinipigil.

"Mama, are you okay?" Hyan asked.

"Yes, baby."

"I'm sad, Mama. I can't believe we have to go back. Paano si Daddy?" Hyron spoke.
Hindi ako makasagot. Kung minsan ay hindi ko maiwasan na namana niya kay Helios ang
ugali niyang iyon. I know the Consunji men are ruthless and strict but Hyron - I'm
sure - is more difficult than the Consunji men combined - he got that from his
father.

"Let's just go home."

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

"Hyan, what are you doing in there?"

It was a very rainy Wednesday afternoon. Nakita kong nakatayo si Hyan malapit sa
balcony. Nasa loob lang kami ng unit maghapon dahil maulan at ayokong palabasin ang
kambal. Wala si Hector. I don't know kung nasaan siya o kung saan siya pumupunta
nitong mga nakaraang araw. He just seemed so lost. Alam kong iniisip niya ang
ginawa kong desisyon sa pagpapasok kay Helios sa buhay naming pamilya.

"Mama, hindi ko ba pwedeng makita si Daddy? Two days ko na siyang hindi nakikita.
Gusto ko siyang makita." Naiiyak na sabi niya sa akin. Napakagat labi naman ako.
Paano ko ba sasabihin na hindi ganoon kadali. I am aware that my kids are missing
his presence. Hindi ko nga maintindihan - kapag kasama ni Hector ang mga bata -
hindi ko maaninag ang Hector na nakilala ko noong una.

"Mama, di ba talaga pwede? Gusto naming siya makita ni Hyron." Nakangusong sabi
niya. "Di ba siya pwede magpunta dito? Mama, please..."

I took a deep breath. Paano ko matatanggihan ang ganito? My heart melted right
away. I kissed her forehead and took my phone out. I texted Yna just to say that
the kids needed to see their father. Agad naman siyang nagreply para sabihin na
pupunta si Hector.

The thought that he will come here tonight makes me want to hide myself. Hanggang
ngayon ay nakakaramdam pa rin ako ng takot - hindi dahil sa ginawa niya sa akin
noon - I have moved on - but I'm still scared. Natatakot ako sa sarili ko -
natatakot ako sa disappointment na mararamdaman ng pamilya ko, ni Tatay, ni Yto.
Ayoko nanang makasakit.

"Pupunta ang Daddy ninyo. Mag-wait ka lang." Nakangiting wika ko. Agad na lumiwanag
ang mukha ni Hyan. Tumakbo siya papasok at sinigaw ang pangalan ni Hyron.

"Hyron! Darating si Daddy!"

"What?" Agad na lumabas si Hyron mula sa silid nila. Mukhang napasaya din siya ng
balita. I sighed. I really want them to be happy. I want them to feel what I felt
when I met Tatay. I want them to be complete - just like what I felt back them.
Ayokong magkaroon sila ng tanong kaya pilit kong inaayos ang lahat sa ngayon.
I was in the kitchen preparing for dinner when I heard a knock on the door.
Automatically, my heart beat faster. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa pinto.
Nanginginig ang mga kamay ko nang buksan ko iyon. Not a moment later, I saw a pair
of green eye staring back at me. My breathing became irregular. Ayoko ng ganitong
pakiramdam.

"Hi." Iyon lang ang nasabi ko. I looked at him from head to toe. He was wearing a
three piece gray suit. Nahigit ko ang aking hininga. Pakiramdam ko hindi si Hector
Santillan ang kaharap ko kundi si Helios Demitri - he was looking more tenacious
than ever.

"Can I come in? Where are my kids?" Binigyan diin niya ang salitang MY.

"They are mine, Hector." Sabi ko.

"We'll, they're mine too - it means we have to share, Consunji." His voice was cold
and scary. My body shook again. Umiling ako. "And by the way, I want to change
their surnames. From Ituralde to Santillan or better, Demitri."

Walang sabi-sabing nilagpasan niya ako. Nakadama ako ng takot. Ano bang sinasabi
niya? Nagsisimula na ba siyang kunin sa akin ang mga anak ko?

Kinabahan ako. I know what he was capable of doing. Kapag ginusto niya, makukuha
niya. Wala siyang bagay na hindi ginusto na hindi niya nakuha. Baka... baka...

"He-c-hector!" I mumbled. Tumakbo ako papasok sa silid ng mga bata. Natagpuan ko

siya doon na nakikipaglaro sa mga anak namin. He looked at me.

"Hector mag-usap tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya. Binalingan niya ang mga bata at nagpaalam
saglit. Muli niya akong nilagpasan.

"Anong sinasabi mo?" I asked again. "I'm not letting you take my kids away from
me."

"Wala akong ginusto na hindi ko nakuha."

"Nakakalimutan mo ba na ginusto mo ako?" Tanong ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung
saan nanggagaling ang lakas ng loob ko para sagutin ang bawat ibinabato niya sa
akin. Ang alam ko lang ay kailangan kong ipaglaban ang karapatan ko. Mas may
karapatan ako sa kanya sa mga bata.

"Sinabi ko ba na tapos na ang laban? I'm not through with you yet. I haven't given
up, Yza. I can still take you away - steal you - just like what I did almost six
years ago."

Tumayo ang lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan. His eyes were piercing through my soul.
Kinilabutan ako. Sinasabi niya ba na hindi pa rin tapos ang lahat?

"Anong ginagawa ng lalaking iyan dito?" Kulang na lang sabihing natakasan ako ng
kulay nang marinig ko ang boses ni Hector. Nakita kong nakatayo siya sa may pinto
at galit na galit ang mga mata na nakatitig kay Helios at sa akin.

"Hindi ka pa ba masaya na inaagaw mo ang mga bata sa akin, pati ba naman si Yza?
What are you doing here you fucking asshole!"

"Hector!" Sigaw ko. "The kids can hear you!"

"What a lovely mouth your husband have, Yza. Siya ba ang nagpalaki sa mga anak ko?"
Galit na tanong ni Helios sa akin.

"Iwan mo muna kami, please." Sabi ko sa kanya. Mukhang ayaw niya pang umalis pero
wala rin siyang nagawa. He went inside the kids' room. Nang kaming dalawa na lang
ni Hector ay saka ko siya binalingan.

"What are you doing?! Bakit ganoon?"

"Dinala mo pa talaga ang lalaking iyon dito!" He hissed at me.

"The kids wanted to see him." Malamig na sabi ko.

"Mga bata lang ba, Yza? O baka naman pati ikaw? Baka nakalimutan mo na kung anong
ginawa niya sa'yo! He raped you! Gusto mo bang ipaalala ko----"
I slapped him - hard. Tumaas baba ang dibdib niya. Natigilan kami pareho. He stared
at me.

"Never ever give that to me again, Hector. Alam mong ayaw kong pag-usapan iyon!"
Naiiyak kong sabi. Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko at saka tinitigan siya. "All I
want is for this marriage to work and yet you keep on breaking us apart!"

"Ako ba?!" Sigaw niya. "Hindi ba't ikaw rin!"

"I never slept with Hector or any men while we're married! Ikaw ilang beses mong
ginawa iyon! I thought you loved me!"

Naging maamo ang mukha niya. Parang hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin niya
ngayon.

"Yza, I'm sorry." Bumaba ang kanyang tinig. "Alam mong ayaw kong nagkakaganito
tayo. Yza, please..."

"Isa lang naman ang gusto ko, Hector. I wanna make this marriage work, but for us
to work, kailangan mo ring gumawa ng paraan."

Natigilan kami parehas nang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ng kambal. Mula roon ay
lumabas si Hector Santillan. He eyed the two of us.

"Ako, isa lang din ang gusto ko." He said to me. Sa akin lang siya nakatingin. His
green eyes were fiery and confident. "I wanna make you mine again, Yza Consunji."

"Helios please..." Pilit kong pinuputol ang sinasabi niya.

"He was never yours to begin with, Santillan." My husband said.

"Still, I'll make her mine, by hook or by crook, I'm going to make you mine. Even
if it means that I have to steal you away from your husband or family. I'll make
you mine - even if you put me back to jail again, Yza. I'll make you mine.
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 5</h1></center>
<hr>
"I won't give you up just like that, Yza Consunji."

I kept on thinking that while sitting inside my SUV looking at Yza who was at the
parking lot of their temporary home. She was holding two grocery bags. Nakita kong
bumaba mula sa sasakyan si Hyron - agad akong napangiti nang makita kong pilit
niyang inaabot ang dala ni Yza. Hyron loves his mom so much - kapag magkasama kami,
si Yza ang palagi niyang ikinukwento sa akin. Isang bagay na gusto ko rin naman
dahil gusto kong makaalam ng mga bagay na naganap sa kanya nitong huling limang
taon.

I am interested in everything. I wanna know what happened to her back in Prague. I

wanna know why she married Hector Ituralde. I wanna know everything because I'm
really determined in taking her away again - this time - I'll make her fall.
Itatama ko ang lahat ng mali - para sa pamilyang matagal ko nang pinapangarap.

"Sir, hindi po ba kayo bababa?"

Lumipad ang mga mata ko sa driver na kasama ko. I took a deep breath before opening
the door. Mula noon hanggang ngayon iba pa rin ang epekto sa akin ng mga Consunji -
lalo na ni Yza. She just makes everything around me slow down. I was shaking my
hands as I took steps towards her and Hyron.

"Mama si Daddy!"

I grinned right after hearing my son. Nakita agad niya ako. His green eyes lit up
as he runs towards me. Napahinto naman si Yza at humarap sa aking direksyon. She
was wearing a white lacey knee-length dress. Her hair was freely falling down her
shoulders and her lips - I missed kissing those lovely lips of hers - pouted a bit
as she stares me down.

"Anong ginagawa mo ditto?" She asked me. Her voice was stern and cold. Malamang ay
galit pa rin siya hanggang ngayon dahil sa nangyari noong isang gabi. Pero wala
akong pakialam.

I say what I say because I want too and because I am Helios Demitri and I can do
whatever I want. I never thought I'd be like this again. Akala ko nawala na ang
Demitri sa akin but Yza managed to bring my dark side back. I guess this is me
dealing with the fact that she's about to take away my kids. Hindi ako papayag.
Kung wala sigurong Hyron at Hyan - hahayaan ko siya at tutuparin ko ang pangako ko
kay Sheena Consunji pero dahil may mga bata at dahil gusto kong lumaki sila na buo
ang pamilya at masaya gagawin ko ang lahat makuha lang ang mag-iina ko.

"I'm here to see the kids." Malamig ding sabi ko. She sighed. She looked away.
"What? Are you scared of me?" Tanong ko.

"Masyado kang arogante. Kailan ba ako natakot sa'yo?" She asked me back. Hindi ko
mapigilan ang mapangisi.

"Kung hindi ka takot sa akin, then you'll let me in your unit again so that I can
play with my kids and eat lunch." Ngising-ngisi ako habang titig na titig sa kunot
na kunot na noo ni Yza.

"Yes, mama! Please, let dad eat with us. I'm sure, Hyan will be happy to see him!
She's missing Daddy, Mama. Let him play with us! Papa doesn't play with us anymore.
He's always busy."
Yza gasped. Lumipad naman ang tingin ko kay Hyron na nakahawak sa kamay ko. Hector
Ituralde never plays with them anymore and I wonder why. Does it have something to
do with me? Malulungkot ba ako? But then - that would be my advantage.

Malaki naman talaga ang lamang ko sa taong iyon - I am the father of the twins. No
matter what he does - he could never ever change that fact.

"Please, Mama!" Hyron pleaded again. Yza bit her lower lip. Naikuyom ko naman ang
palad ko. What the hell is she doing?

"Fine." She finally gave in. "But you have to leave before my husband comes home."
I know that I should do what she said but I don't know what came to me. I just
really wanted to be with her and my kids. Lumapit ako sa kanya para kunin ang mga
pinamili niya. Nauna siyang pumasok sa loob ng building kaysa sa akin. Kasunod niya
si Hyron. I was just looking at her - thinking about the lost years that passed by
between us. I was wondering if she ever - kahit sandaling pagkakaton lang - did she
ever loved me?

The last day we had together - that moment in the hotel, five years ago - I wanna
know what she was thinking. I wanna know what she thought when I told her I love
her. I wanna know what she felt when she woke up alone and I wanna know what went
through her mind when she found out that I turned myself in.

Ang dami kong gusting itanong sa kanya - mga bagay na akala kong hindi na kailangan
ng kasagutan pero heto ako at nag-iisip pa rin.

This isn't me. Being Helios Demitri doesn't include being vulnerable. I'm a strong
man, a ruthless business tycoon, an ex-convict but here I am and my heart is almost
out of my chest.

"Daddy, what do you wanna eat? Mama will make some chicken pasta. It's my
favorite!" Hyron spoke. I just smiled at him. Nakita kong binubuksan na ni Yza ang
pinto ng unit na tinutuluyan nila. Nilakihan niya ang awing ng pinto para makapasok
ako. Hyron came in running. Tinatawa niya ang kakambal niya.

"Hyan! Nandito si Daddy!"

Mula sa silid ay lumabas ang babae ko. She was smiling from ear to ear.

"Daddy!" Tumakbo siya papalapit sa akin at dahil hawak ko ang mga grocery bags ni
Yza ay hindi ko siya nayakap agad.

"Manang..." Narinig kong wika ni Yza. "Pakidala na po sa kusina iyong groceries ko.
Salamat."

Maya-maya ay may lumapit sa aking babae. She was in her fifty's, I guess. Kinuha
niya sa akin ang mga pinamili at saka tumalikod na. Naiwan kami apat sa sala. Yza
remained standing while I sat on the couch with the kids. Hinalikan ako ni Hyan sa
pisngi at saka ngumiti nang malaki.

"Daddy hindi na tayo nagpalipad ng kite..." Matamlay na sabi ni Hyan sa akin. I put
my arm around her and pulled her closer. Tuwing titingnan ko si Hyan at si Hyron ay
hindi ako makapaniwala na galling sila sa akin.

How can a monster like me create something as beautiful as them?

"Sa kitchen lang ako." Napatingin ako kay Yza. She turned her back on me. I felt
the urge of calling her name but I stayed silent. Instead of calling her back, I
contented myself with the kids. I played with them but no matter what I do - I just
can't get Yza of my head.

"Where's the kitchen, son?" I know that it was the dumbest question ever asked.
Hyron smiled at me and pointed me to the kitchen. I stood up and walked to the
kitchen. In there, I saw Yza - she was busy cooking - ni hindi niya ako napansin.
Nakatuon ang buong atensyon niya sa kanyang ginagawa. Nakatayo lang ako doon at
pinagmamasdan siya.

I could feel my heart slowly melting down. How can a woman like her melt away then
ice around my heart? Ni wala siyang ginagawa. Pero nagawa niya akong baguhin.

Because of her, I grew a heart - a heart that is now my weakness.

I cleared my throat. She looked back. Agad na kumunot ang noo niya nang makita niya
ako.

"Anong ginagawa mo diyan? Do you need anything?" She asked me. Of all the words in
the dictionary - all I could say was this:

"I missed you."

Her mouth parted, she, then shook her head. Tumawa siya - sarkastikong halakhak na
nagpasakit sa puso ko.

"How dare you, Helios." She said. Her voice was as cold as ice. Tumarak sa dibdib
ko ang malayelong tinig niya. Ako lang ba ang nakakaramdam ng pangungulila.

"How dare I?" I couldn't help but ask.

"After what you did to my family, you have the guts to say that you missed me."
Bakas ang galit sa tinig niya. Hindi ako agad nakakibo. Ang gusto ko lang naman sa
ngayon ay ang maging akin siya, masama bang isipin iyon? Tinitigan niya ako ng
mariin. "Wala kang karapatan sa akin, Demitri. The only reason why you're here is
because of the kids."

I looked at her eyes. There was something in there - something that she didn't want
me to see - something I know would benefit my side.

"I hate you, Helios."

"You do?" I asked her. I took one step towards her. She took a step back. I moved
closer. Paulit-ulit lang hanggang sa lumapat ang baywang niya sa kitchen counter.
Wala na siyang pupuntahan.

I know how wrong this is but for Yza Consunji - I am ready and I am willing to do
every wrong move just to make her mine.

Umangat ang kamay ko. I touched her face. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya pero hindi
naman siya lumayo. She stood there staring at my eyes. I could see something on
those hazel brown eyes but then - I don't want to hope. All I know is that I wanted
to be with her now.

"I did miss you." I whispered again. Iniwas niya ang mukha niya sa kamay ko.

"Kung makapagsalita ka akala mo may pinagsamahan tayo."

"Do you want me to make you remember that last night we were together? Aren't the
twins enough to remind you what I can do to you?" I gritted my teeth. She tried
pushing me away.
"Helios please!" She whimpered. Hindi ako nakinig. I wrapped my left arm around her
waist and pulled her closer. I could smell her sweet scent. I closed my eyes and
buried my head on her neck. I inhaled her scent. I could feel her hands on my
shoulders she was trying her best to push me away but I just couldn't let her go -
not like this and not right now - not ever.

"Helios, ano ba..."

"Wag, Yza..." I spoke. "Kahit ngayon lang." I looked at her. Her mouth was a bit
parted. I touched her lower lip. I moved closer and just a moment later, my lips
were against her and we're in deep, deep paradise - or I was in paradise.

Kissing her and holding her like this was enough to make me feel complete again.
There and then I realized that Yza is the missing piece of my life puzzle and I am
willing to do everything just to have her back in my life.

Everything.

"Yza!"

Yza pushed me away right after hearing that voice. We both turned around and I saw
Hector Ituralde standing in the kitchen. Galit na galit ang ekspresyon ng mukha
niya.

"What the fuck are you doing, Yza!" He yelled. Inilang hakbang niya si Yza at
hinatak niya ito palayo sa akin. All I could do was watch but before he could take
my Yza away from me, hinawakan ko ang isa niyang kamay ay saka pilit na inilalapit
sa akin.

"Bitawan mo si Yza." I said. I wanted to murder this guy.

"She's my wife. She's mine. I have all the rights."

"We'll I love her. That's enough reason for me to make her mine."

"Ang gago mo pala!"

Binitiwan ni Hector si Yza at saka lumapit sa akin. He was about to punch my face
pero inunahan ko siya. I punched him. Dumugo ang ilong niya.

"Helios, ano ba?!" Frantic na sigaw ni Yza. Umiling ako.

"Kung may isang walang karapatan kay isa dito - ikaw iyon Ituralde! I own her since
that moment she kissed me back. I own her everything - even her soul - she doesn't
know it yet but she's mine - everything about her is mine."

"Helios, tama na!" Sigaw muli ni Yza. I looked at her. "Leave, okay! Just let us
be!"

"Tandaan mo ito." I said to her. "I'll claim you, again and again until you have no
choice but to surrender."

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

"Why are you here?"

Agad akong bumaba ng sasakyan nang makita ko si Yllak Consunji na nakatayo sa labas
ng gate ng mansyon. He looked frustrated but that faded away right after seeing me.
Napalitan ng galit ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.

"Demitri." He said my name like it's the dirtiest word he had ever learned. Inilang
hakbang niya ako at saka kinuwelyuhan.

"You took everything away from my family!" He hissed at me. Nanlalaki ang mga mata
niya sa galit. "Ang gago mo! Sinira mo ang pamilya ko!" I felt his fist on my left
cheek - kasabay noon ang pagbukas ng gate at ang pagsigaw ni Leighton.

"Y-yllak! Kuya! Shit! Ano bang ginagawa mo!"

Agad siyang pumagitna sa amin. Leighton held my hand and looked at me. "Are you
okay? Dammit, Kuya! You're bleeding." Pagkasabi noon ay hinarap niya si Yllak.

"Diba sabi ko umuwi ka na! Why do you keep on bothering me?! Kahit anong gawin mo
hindi na ako babalik! I'm Leighton Santillan now, Yllak. So just please let me be!"

"Ganoon na lang kadali iyon para sa'yo?" Yllak sounded so desperate. Leighton
sighed.

"Pumasok na tayo, Kuya Hector. Gagamutin ko ang sugat mo."

"Mas pinipili mo siya kaysa sa amin nila Yvo? Kaysa sa akin?"

I looked back. "What the hell is going on, Leigh?"

"Don't mind him." She sighed. Isinara niya ang gate at muli akong dinaluhan. Dama
ko ang kalungkutan ni Leighton. Habang naglalakad papasok ng bahay ay tahimik siya.
Nang makarating naman kami sa loob ay agad niyang inutusan ang isang kasambahay na
kumuha ng yelo para ilapat sa pasa ko.

"What happened?" I asked her.

"Wala iyon. Gust-to lang niya akong bumalik kay Nanay."

I know how much Leigh loved Sheena Consunji. Ngumisi ako. "Gusto mo ba? You can go
home to them, Leigh basta babalik ka ditto every once in a while."

"Ayoko. Okay na tayo, kuya. We're happy. I'm happy here. Isa pa, I can always see
Nanay if I want to or Kuya Yto -we'll galit pa rin siya sa akin but I know he cares
for me." Nakangiti siya habang sinasabi ang bagay na iyon.

"Kamusta iyong mga pamangkin ko?" She asked again.

"They're okay." Matipid kong sabi. Tinitigan ako ni Yna.

"Ang ate ko, kamusta?"

I just sighed. How can I tell my little sister that I have failed upon claiming the
woman I love again? Alam ko naman kung gaano kamali ang ginagawa ko. Yza's married
but I just can't settle with that. I want her and the kids in my life.

"Kuya, may asawa na ang ate." Sabi pa ni Leigh sa akin. "Move on kuya. Maging
kuntento ka na lang na kilala mo na ang kambal."

"Gusto kong maging masaya, Leigh. I can never be fully happy kung wala si Yza sa
tabi ko. Siya ang bubuo sa buhay ko. I know how wrong I was five years ago kaya nga
pipilitin kong itama ang lahat sa ngayon."

"Paano? Kasal na si Ate."

I looked at Leigh. "Yes, she is married. But is she happy?"

"Kuya..."

Kumunot ang noo ko. I realized that Leigh knows something. Probably about Yza and
Ituralde.

"What is it, Leighton?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"Wala akong karapatang magsabi kuya." Mahinang wika niya. Tumayo siya at saka
tumalikod. I shook my head. Pareho lang kami ni Leighton, matigas din ang ulo niya.

I couldn't sleep that night again. Tulad noong mga nakaraang gabi ay si Yza na
naman ang laman ng isip ko. I was thinking of ways of making her mine. I sighed
again. How can I ever make her mine? Alam kom kung gaano kaimposible ang iniisip
ko. Tama si Leigh, kasal si Yza pero kahit ganoon hindi maalis ang iniisip ko na
hindi siya masaya.

Hindi siya masaya - I could see it in her eyes. Dalawang beses ko pa lang siyang
nakikita kasama si Ituralde pero alam ko na hindi siya masaya. There was something
wrong in the way he looks at her - para bang kailangan niya lang si Yza dahil sa
isang bagay na hindi ko maintindihan.

I decided to go out that night. Bago umalis ay sinilip ko muna si Leigh sa kwarto
niya - she was sleeping like a little kid. I kissed her forehead before finally
leaving her room.

I drove around the city - exorcising my thoughts of Yza Consunji pero kahit anong
gawin ko ay balik pa rin siya ng balik. It's like she's a virus inflicting my whole
being. I couldn't breathe without her. I spent the last five years of my life in
jail thinking about her - she's a virus and my strength and my weakness all at the
same time.

Huminto ako sa parking lot ng isang hotel. I don't know why I stopped there, but I
did. Maybe I could use a drink or anything just to get her off my mind. I got out
of the car. I was walking towards the hotel entrance. I was oblivious of everything
oo so I thought.

Dumako ang mga mata ko sa elevator na nakabukas sa kaliwang bahagi ng lobby -in
there I saw Ituralde - hindi ako magkakamali dahil alam na alam ko ang hitsura ng
taong umagaw ng lahat sa akin. He's holding hands with someone. He looked
frustrated. Napangisi ako. Sumara ang elevator. Agad naman akong pumunta sa
receptionist ng hotel.

"Good evening sir." She greeted me.

"Can I have Mr. Hector Ituralde's suite number?" I asked. Nagbabakasakali lang ako
kung pwede nga ba niyang ibigay sa akin kung hindi gagawa ako ng paraan - I'm good
at making things possible for my own good.

"Are you one of his guests?"

My forehead knotted. Ituralde is having a party. "Sure."

"Okay, sir. Suite number 4976. Enjoy the party, Sir. Be safe." Kinindatan ako ng
receptionist. Agad naman akong sumakay sa elevator para hanapin ang suite ni
Ituralde.

Moments later, I saw the suite number. I thought that it would be locked but the
door is open. Para bang nakikiayon ang tadhana sa akin. Tumayo ako sa harap ng
pinto. Slowly, I pushed the door opened and inside I saw something I thought I
would never ever see in my life.

I saw two men, kissing passionately - naked. They were touching each other. And one
of them is Hector Ituralde.
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 6</h1></center>
<hr>
"Why are you smiling like that, Kuya Hector?"

I gave Leigh my happiest smile ever. We were at the gazebo that morning having
coffee. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang sayang nararamdaman ko nang araw na iyon. Alam
kong dahilan niyon ay ang nalaman ko nang nakaraang gabi - hanggang ngayon ay hindi
ako makapaniwala. Naniniwala ako sa nakita ko pero sa pagkakataon at sa tadhana ay
hindi ko magawang maniwala. Pakiramdam ko ay umaayon sa akin ang buong mundo. It's
as if the universe wanted me to be with the woman I love.

Iyon ang dahilan kung bakita nakita ko ang nakita ko nang araw na iyon.

Now, I have all the reasons to fight for Yza.

"I'm just happy, baby. Are you happy? This is such a good day."

I saw Leigh shaking her head while looking at me. Para bang hindi niya ako
maintindihan. Para bang iniisip niya kung nasa katinuan ba ako o hindi. I just
winked at her. As long as I know the truth about Ituralde - Yza is mine. Hindi na
matitinag iyon.

"How's the company, Leigh? I heard you were building an empire. Are you tryong to
beat the Consunjis?" I joked. Leighton just shrugged.

"We're fine, Kuya. Don't worry about it. I can handle it na. Plus si Kuya Yto lang
naman ang kalaban ko. He's not a pain in the neck." Ngumisi rin siya sa akin.
Napailing na lang ako. I gave everything to Leigh. I made sure she knows every
single thing about the ins and outs of my armory before finally letting her handle
everything. Right now, nakikipagsabayan siya sa mga kapatid niya sa pagpapabagsak
at pagkuha ng maliliit na kompanya sa Metro para idagdag sa imperyong binubuo niya.
I have no idea why she was doing that - but as long as she's having fun - hindi ako
makikialam.

All I could say is that: Sancho Consunji trained my sister well. She's as ruthless
as the Consunji men and I am proud.

"Anyway, Kuya." She looked at me. "I have this thing on Friday. A dinner party.
Wanna be my escort?"

Umiling ako. I can't be with her on Friday. I want to spend my Friday with my kids
and with Yza - I'll try making her mine again and this time I'll give my two
hundred percent.

"May date with the kids?" Leigh playfully asked me.

"Sure, you can say that." I grinned. Just thinking about Yza and my chance iof
being with her is enough to make my day. Nagkwentuhan pa kami ni Leigh. We talked
about her work, the company and her friends. I wanted to ask her about Yllak
Consunji but I had a feeling she doesn't want me to ask her about that so I just
let it slip away.

I didn't have anything to do that morning but I really wanted to dig deeper on
Hector Ituralde so I called in one of my trusted people and asked him to dig
deeper. That morning, I drove around the city again - nauwi ako sa tapat ng condo
building nina Yza. I parked my car in front of the building and did what I have
been doing for the past weeks.

I waited for her to get out. Just the sight of her is enough to make me contented
with what I have with her now. But right at that moment, hindi ako kuntento na
naroon lang ako at nakatungo. I want to be with her so I got out of my car and went
up to her unit.

After ten minutes - I reached the door. Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago ako
kumatok. After three knocks, the door opened and next thing I knew I was looking at
a pair of hazel brown eyes - they were staring right at me. I smiled. Yza frowned.
Kitang-kita ko ang galit sa mga mata niya. As usual, she's not happy to see me -
but I don't care.

This is me fighting for her.

"The kids are with my parents. Bumalik ka na lang bukas." She was about to close
the door but I stopped her. Tumingin siya sa akin. "Huwag mong ipagpilitan ang
sarili mo, Hector. Alam mong hindi maganda ang resulta niya."

"This is me fighting for us."

"Walang us, Hector." Sabi niya sa akin. I shook my head.

"I want you to call me Helios, Yza. Para alam ko na ako nga ang tinatawag mo hindi
ang lalaking tinatawag mong asawa."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Baliktarin mo man ang mundo, I'll always choose Hector
Ituralde. He's a better man than you are ever to me!"

"He's gay!" I hissed. Hinablot ko ang braso ni Yza. Hinatak ko siya papasok sa loob
ng unit nila. "He's gay, Yza! Alam ko na! Tapos sasabihin mo sa akin na mas
pipiliin mo siya kaysa sa akin?! He's not even man enough to man up for you tapos
siya pa rin ang pipiliin mo?!"

"He's man enough to stay with me!" Yza screamed. Natigilan ako. "At least Hector
had the decency to stay with me habang ikaw, you chose to leave!"

"I left so I can have your family's forgiveness for what I did to you. I did that -
I turned myself in because I want to give you the justice you deserve. I did that
for you."

"We'll I didn't ask you too. Iniwan mo ako." She told me. "Alam mo ba kung gaano
kasakit iyon?! I chose you!"

"You never told me you loved me!" I yelled back.

"I'm glad I didn't because if I did - mas masakit ang pag-iwan mo!"

I saw tears running down her eyes. Tumalikod siya. I was dumbfounded. I didn't
realize she was thinking this way. I wanted so much to comfort her but how? I
wasn't aware of that - akala ko ginawa ko ang tama but then...
"Yza... what are you trying to tell me?" I already have a hunch but I just wanted
to be sure.

"Just leave, Helios." She spoke with that cold and stern voice again. "Hindi kita
kailangan. You can have the kids but you can never ever have me."

Muli niya akong tinalukuran pero sa ngayon binuksan niya ang pinto. Pareho kaming
natigilan nang makita ang nakatayo sa kabila noon.

Si Sancho Consunji.

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

"Tay..."

"Anong nangyayari dito, Yza?"

Mariin ang tingin ni Tatay kay Helios. Kumakabog naman ang dibdib ko at hindi ko
alam kung anong gagawin. I looked at him - wala ang kambal - hindi niya kasama ang
mga bata. Anong ginagawa ni Tatay dito? I took a deep breath. Tatay looked at
Helios from head to toe. Hindi talaga ako makahinga. I was silently praying for
Helios to just disappear.

"He's about to leave." I finally found my voice. Tiningnan ako ni Tatay. Tumaas ang
kilay niya. Helios smirked.

"Hanggang ngayon, ganito pa rin. Fine." He said. "I'll leave but I'll be back to
claim my kids and the woman I love, Mr. Consunji."

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang umalis nang tuluyan si Helios. Pumasok sa loob ng
unit ko si Tatay at saka tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Anong nangyayari, Yza? Why is he here? Akala ko ba mga bata lang ang kailangan
niya, bakit nandito siya ngayon?"
"Tay, I didn't know he'll be here. I'm so sorry." Mahinang wika ko. Huminga siya
nang malalim at saka tinitigan ako.

"Kaya kong tanggapin ang mga anak mo, pero kahit kalian hindi ko matatanggap si
Helios, Yza." Hindi na ako nagsalita. Ilang beses nang sinabi sa akin ni Tata yang
bagay na iyon at naiintindihan ko siya kaya nga kahit na anong mangyari o nangyari
o kahit na ano pang nararamdaman ko hindi ko pinaglalaban dahil alam ko ang
mararamdaman ng buong pamilya ko.

I only wanted a peaceful life and if I listen to whatever my heart is telling me -

I will never have that. Ayos na ako sa ganito. Kuntento na ako sa kung anong meron
sa amin ni Hector Ituralde. Paulit - ulit kong ipaglalaban ang kasal naming kahit
na paulit- ulit niya rin akong ipagpalit kay V. I will never let Ituralde go
because that's what's best for my family.

Kaya kong talikuran ang lahat para sa pamilya ko kahit na sarili kong puso kaya
kong kalimutan.

I sighed. I looked at Tatay again. "I'm so sorry, Tay."

"It's okay, Yza. Ayoko nang mauulit ito. PInagbigyan na kita, pero alam mong
ayokong maging parte ng buhay nating lahat ang lalaking iyon. He had stolen many
things from our family and I will not let him steal my grandchildren away."

I nodded. I looked away. I guess this - what I am feeling for Helios Demitri will
forever be hidden - because up until now - many years may have passed by - no
matter how much he had hurt me I couldn't deny the fact that I love him - only him
and no one else.

I'm in love with the demon who stole my away from my family and from everything
else.

I'm in love with him.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 7</h1></center>
<hr>
"Hindi na naman siya umuwi."

I bit my lower lip as I smiled at myself. I was on the phone with Nikita that
night. Naghihintay ako kay Hector habang pasilip-silip sa silid ng mga bata. It was
already one in the morning and I'm still awake, waiting for my husband to come
home. I'm already worried. Kanina pa siya hinahanap ng mga bata. Nakatulugan na nga
ni Hyan ang paghihinta sa Papa niya. She missed her Papa Hector. Nakakatuwa naman
iyon para sa akin dahil kahit na nakilala na niya ang tunay niyang ama ay hindi pa
rin nababawasan ang pagmamahal niya sa Papa niya.

"Nasaan na naman ba?" Narinig kong naghikab si Niki sa background. I smiled again.
"Yza, matulog ka na." Sabi niya pa. "Kung uuwi iyan, uuwi iyan, kung hindi di wag!"

"Kahit ba minsan, hindi ginawa ni Yto sa iyo ito?" Mahinang tanong ko.

"Hindi. Subukan niya lang." Tumawa pa si Nikita. "You know how your brother gets
but every time na may away kami he stays at home - hindi siya pumapasok sa office,
we sit down and we try to fix things - that's why I love him more each day."

Tumango lang ako. I really want my marriage to work. I want my marriage to be like
my parents and Nikita. I want it to be happy. Masaya naman kami noon, nagsimula
lang naman muli ang problema nang umuwi kami ng Pilipinas para sa kasal ni Gabriel.
Doon nagsimula. Sa tingin ko ay kasalanan ko rin dahil mula nang malaman ni Hector
na nagkita kami ni Demitri ay saka nagging komplikado ang lahat.

He started the change. Bumalik na naman kami sa dati - iyong nangyari noong nasa
Prague pa kami. I thought it will never happen again but then, it happened now and
it's just so sad. Kaya nga ganoon na lang ang pagpipilit ko na bumalik kami ng
Prague para maayos na namin ang lahat pero bakit ganito - I keep messing things up
and I hate myself for it.

"Hahanapin ko siya, Nikita."

"At bakit?! Yzang! Hanggang ngayon makulit ka pa rin! Paano ang mga bata?!" Tanong
niya.

"Tatawagan ko si Yna. I'll ask her to come here."

"Tapos?!"

"Basta, Niki. I have to find Hector." Sabi kong muli. I ended the call and dialed
Yna's number. I wasn;t sure if she's still awake but I'll wake her and make her
come here. Kailangan ng mga bata ng kasama. I thanked all the gods of Olympus when
Yna answered her phone.
"Ate?" She spoke.

"Nasaan ka? Can you come to my unit?"

"Why? I mean sure. Kasama ko si ZD. Can I take him?" Wala na akong ibang sinabi.
Basta ibinilin ko na bilisan niya dahil hindi na talaga ako mapakali. I need to
find Hector fast before I lose him again. Nagpalakad-lakad ako sa gitna ng living
room. Twenty minutes later, narinig kong may kumatok sa pinto. Mabilis ko iyong
binuksan at nakita ko nga si Yna. Ikinakunot ng noo ko ang hitsura niya.

She was wearing one of Zach's shirts - I was sure of it. Lumipad ang tingin ko kay
Zach. Parang alam na niya kung anong iniisip ko. Agad niyang itinaas ang kamay niya
at mabilis na nagsalita.

"It's not what you think! Sinundo ko siya doon sa ---"

"Zach please..." Yna mumbled.

"Basta sinundo ko siya doon, Yza. She called me, she was ---"

"I wasn't crying! I'm going to hurt you, Laundrize!" I just shook my head. Kinuha
ko ang bag ko at nagpaalam umalis sa kanila.

"Isama mo si ZD, ate. Kailangan mo ng driver." Sabi pa ni Yna. Nakita kong umiling
si ZD.

"Driver na lang talaga ako ngayon." He smiled at me. "Let's go, baby?"

"Zach..." Tiningnan ko siya.

"I just missed calling you that." Tugon niya. Napailing na lang muli ako. Tiningnan
ko si Yna at sumenyas na aalis. ZD walked with me. PInaglalaruan niya sa mga kamay
niya ang susi ng kotse niya. Tahimik lang naman ako. Hindi ako komportable sa
pinapakita niya sa akin. Hindi naman siya dating ganito.
"You've changed." I whispered.

"You did too, Yza. But it's a good thing we're still friends." Mahinang sabi niya
din. Sumakay kami sa elevator.

"So... why are you with Yna?" I asked again. He just smiled.

"There are things better left unsaid. Isa pa, si Yna ang tanungin mo." Ngumuso na
lang ako. Napapailing lang talaga ako ngayon kapag naririnig kong magsalita si ZD.
He sounds very differen and he looks different - gone was the boy I first fell in
love with - all that was left is a man - a man behind those boyish smile and
playful stares. He matured.

Lumabas kami ng elevator. Ipinagbukas niya pa ako ng pinto at saka dumiretso kami
sa parking lot. "Saan?"

"Just drive around. May hahanapin lang ako." Nakatingin ako sa labas ng bintana. Si
Zach naman ay pinaandar na ang sasakyan. Halos paikot-ikot lang kami. I asked him
to take me to the bar capital dahil baka nandoon si Hector. I didn't see his car,
so I asked ZD to take me to the chains of hotels around the Metro. I was hoping to
NOT see him there. Kahit saan ko na lang sana siya makita, huwag sana doon at kung
makita ko sana siya, sana siya lang mag-isa. Ayokong makita siyang kasama ni...

"Stop the car!" Sigaw ko. Kumabog ang dibdib ko nang mahagip ko ng tingin ang isang
lalaking hindi ko pwedeng maipagkamali kahit na kanino. Biglang huminto si Zach.
Napapreno siya. Walang sabi-sabing lumabas ako ng sasakyan at saka tinahak ang daan
patungo sa entrance ng five star hotel na iyon.

I was hoping that I'm wrong - na hindi siya ang nakita ko but when he turned
around, I knew it already. It's him with V. They hugged each other, - he even
kissed his lips.

"Putsa!" Sigaw ni Zach. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong tinakbo ni Zach si
Hector at saka sinuntok. Napasigaw ako.

"ZD!" Halos mamaos ang tinig ko kakasigaw para lang tumigil siya.
"Ang gago mo!" Sigaw ni ZD. Binalingan niya ako. "Yza! The fuck! Your husband's
gay!"

Hindi ako nakakibo. Tumulo ang luha ko nang makita kong dinaluhan ni V si Hector at
pilit itinatayo.

"Yza! Say something!" Ulit ni Zach. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. Nakita ko na
lang ang sarili ko na lumalakad papunta kay V. Nang magkapantay na kami ay saka ko
siya sinampal.

"How dare you ruin my family!" Natigagal siya. He looked at me. V also known as
Victor San Agustin is a shipping magnate. He's name is all over in Prague.
Nagkakilala sila ni Hector noong high school sila. They had been sweethearts since
then but when Hector's family found out about their relationship, nagalit ang daddy
ni Hector at ipinadala siya sa Prague - doon naman kami nagkakilala. He married me
because he needed to prove to his father that he has changed and yet two months
after our wedding, I caught him sleeping with V - in our own bed.

He never touched me - I was okay with that but still! I caught him cheating. We
tried to make things work at noong akala kong maayos na kami ay saka siya muling
babalik sa dati niyang ginagawa.

"How dare you too!" It was V's voice. "You promised to take care of him, pero wala
kang ginawa kundi ang saktan siya!"

"At hindi ako nasasaktan sa ginagawa ninyo?!" Sigaw ko. "You keep on coming back to
him when you already promised me that you will never bother my family!"

"I love him, Yza!" V, said. "One thing you can never give him. Love. Ako mahal ko
siya. At kaya niyang panghawakan iyon. Ikaw ba, mahal mo siya?"

Hindi. I bit my lower lip. I love Hector as a friend. He's my instant companion -
we're better than what we are pero nasasaktan pa rin ako at nasasaktan ko rin siya.

"Yza, umuwi ka na. Ang mga bata." Napatingin ako kay Hector. Dumudugo ang labi
niya. I looked away when I felt a tear rolling down my left eye. "Mag-uusap tayo
bukas, just please. I need to be alone."
Hindi na ako kumibo. I walked out. Narinig kong tinawag ako ni Zach. Sumakay ako sa
kotse niya at doon inilabas ko lahat ng luhang kanina pa gusting kumawala.

Bakit ba hindi ako maging Masaya? Ito ba iyong karma ko for leaving Zach years ago?

"Yzang..." He called me. I faced him.

"I'm sorry. You didn't have to see that." I said. He sighed.

"Tatawagan ko si Yto." Sabi niya. Umiling ako.

"Yto doesn't know. My family doesn't know. Please."

"But, Yza! You're a mess! You need someone." Untag niya pa. He sighed again.
"Gustuhin ko man pero hindi ako ang taong pwedeng maging someone para sa'yo ngayon.
I wanna ease your pain away but someone - another human being in this world, needs
me to be her someone tonight and I really wanna be with her." Bulong niya pa. "I
have hurt her so much and right now..."

"I know, I understand." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Just take me home." Sabi ko. Zach drove.
Tahimik lang kami sa buong byahe. Hindi siya nagsasalita. Panaka-naka ay nakikita
ko siyang nagtetext. I don't know who it was but I had a feeling it was that
someone he was talking about. I just sat there, thinking about what happened to the
parking lot.

Napaluha na naman ako, mas pinili pa ng asawa ko na umuwi kasama ang kabit niya
kaysa sa akin. I wiped my tears. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin kasi ang pagtulo ng luha ko.
Hindi ko makalimutan ang sakit. Damang-dama ko iyon sa puso ko. Nasasaktan ako
dahil ganito pala ang nararamdaman ng ipinagpalit.

Ganoon din kaya ang naramdaman ni Zach noon? I sighed again.

Napakunot ang noo ko nang mapansin kong lumagpas kami sa condo building na
tinutuluyan ko. I looked at Zach.

"Lagpas na." Sabi ko pa. He shook his head.

"Hindi pa. Malapit na tayo." Ngumiti siya sa akin. Kinabahan naman ako. Hindi
nagtagal ay huminto ang kotse ni Zach sa tapat ng isang coffee shop. Bumaba siya
kaya napilitan akong sumunod at sa labas ng coffee shop, nakita ko ang isang taong
ayoko sanang makita ngayong gabi. He was looking at us. Itinapon niya ang hawak
niyang sigarilyo at saka lumapit sa amin.

He's eyes we're piercing right through my sould. I find it hard to breath. Wala pa
man din siyang sinasabi ay nanghihina na ako. Ni hindi niya pa ako nahahawakan.

"Hector..." Bulong ko. He grinned.

"As much as I love the sound of my name on your lips, my love, I don't want you
calling me by that name. I prefer Helios." Niluwagan niya pa ang tie niya at saka
tiningnan si Zach.

"Good thinking, boy." He was smiling ear to ear. He even tapped ZD's shoulder.

"Take care of her." Wika ni Zach at saka tumingin sa akin. "Alis na ako, Kulet.
Bye!" Sinenyasan niya pa si Hector. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin. Hindi ko
maintindihan kung anong nangyayari.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng biglang kunin ni Hector ang kamay ko. "What are you
doing outside at a time like this, my love?" He kissed my hand. Nakadama ako ng
boltahe ng kuryente. I tried moving away but he caught my waist.

"I was looking for Hector ---"

"Why would you? I am all the Hector that you need, Yza. Hector Santillan or Helios
Demitri - whomever you prefer - you have both our hearts in your hands."

And just like that, his lips met mine and for the second time in five years, I felt
my heart beating - not just to pump blood - but to make my whole world move...
<center><h1>Stolen- Untold # 8</h1></center>
<hr>

I don't have any idea where Helios is taking me but right now, I really don't
care. All I know is that I have to be away - I have to be with him. I was sitting
on the passenger's seat. He was driving and he's free hand was over my left hand.
He was playing with my fingers. Panaka-naka akong tumitingin sa kanya. I know how
wrong this is but I don't want to think about that right now.

No matter how dark our past is, I couldn't change the fact that Helios makes me
hapy. He really does. Kahit na iniwan niya ako noon, alam kong siya lang talaga ang
makapagpapasaya sa akin. I was in deep hell - Hector makes it bearable for me dahil
friends kami but right now, I don't know kung anong itatawag sa amin. We're not a
couple, we're not even friends now so I'm not really sure.

Naramdaman kong dumampi ang labi ni Helios sa palad ko. "Eyes on the road, mister."
I said to him. He grinned at me and suddenly I felt the urge of kissing him. Ang
tagal kong tiniis ang sarili kong kaligayahan. For the last five years I have
thought nothing but my family's happiness. Isinantabi ko iyong kaligayahan ko para
sa pamilya ko. But right now - being with Helios - all I want to do is be happy and
be with him.

I wanna be with him.

"Don't you wanna know where we're going?" He asked me out of nowhere.

"Nah..."

"What? Why?" His voice was deep.

"I don't really care, Helios. As long as we're together."

I was staring at him. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. I saw tears coming down from his
eyes. He looked away. I didn't know what to say. He was crying - no - I made him
cry and I don't know what to do.

Magsasalita pa sana ako nang mapansin kong bigla na lang niyang inihinto ang
sasakyan. I was surprised when I saw where he took me.

He took me to the glass house where he held me as captive five years ago.

"Helios..." Nakababa na siya ng sasakyan. Binuksan niya ang pinto para sa akin
pagkatapos ay inilahad niya ang kanyang kamay. May kung anong kabang lumukob sa
buong pagkatao ko. Naghalo ang nararamdaman ko. I was feeling scared yet excited
and happy.

"He-helios..." I looked up at him.

"Let's go home, Yza..." He said. What came out of his lips calmed me down. I
remembered that I wanted to be happy and my happiness is here - in front of me.
Bakit ipagkakait ko pa iyon sa sarili ko?

I took his hand. He held me close. Sabay kaming humakbang papasok sa masyon. "Are
you scared?" He asked. I shook my head.

The warmth o his hand was enough to calm my nerves. His voice, his stare -
everything about him only signals my happiness. Ito na iyon. Sasaya na ako. Bakit
pa ako tatanggi? I took a deep breath again.

Helios opened the door. Pumasok kaming dalawa. Saglit akong natigilan nang
mapatingin ako sa hagdan sa kaliwa ko. My whole body shook. Humigpit ang hawak ko
sa kamay niya. I suddenly remembered what happened there that night when he took
me. My tears fell.
"Love..." He called me. I looked at him. I was biting my lip. "F-forgive me."

"I already did." Mahinang sabi ko. "The moment I saw Hyron his eyes - it reminded
me of you. I have forgiven you that day I gave birth to your children Helios. I
just - we'll I was just mad because you left me."

"I did that because I wanted your family to forgive me for what I did to you..."
Mahinang sabi niya sa akin. He sighed again.

"Anong gusto mong gawin ngayon, Yza?" Lumayo siya sa akin. He sat in the couch
while looking at me He's eyes were a bit darker. He looked so sad and unsure.

Paulit-ulit ko na ring tinatanong iyon sa sarili ko. Ano nga ba ang gusto ko?
Palagi ko na lang sinasabi na gusto kong maging masaya pero sa tuwing lumalapit na
sa akin ang kasiyahang hinahanap ko ako pa mismo ang tumatakbo. I wanna be happy
with my kids and with the man I love. I wanna be with Helios. I wanna start a life
with him.

Helios Demitri is my happiness and I will never let him go - I should have never
let him go in the first place. I took a deep breath again. Hindi ko na alam kung
ilang beses ko nang ginawa ang bagay na iyon.

"I wanna be with you, Helios."

Biglang lumiwanag ang mukha niya. Inilang hakbang niya ako at saka hinapit palapit
sa kantawan niya. I melted against his body. His lips crushed mine. He kept on
kissing me like his life depended on it. I wrapped my arms around him. I don't want
to let go. I wanna be with him for tonight and the next night and the next night
till the last night of my life.

"I love you so much..." He whispered against my ear. Gusto kong sabihin na mahal ko
siya - na mula noong araw na iyon - nang pakawalan niya ako - nang hinayaan niya
akong sumama kay Zach - nang araw na iyon alam kong iba na ang lahat. He had stolen
me away from everything that I thought mattered to me. He made me realize so many
things - he made me realize that love isn't always perfect - that a love story
doesn't always begin with a happy moment - that no matter how dark it is or how
badly I was treated at that time - forgiving is the key to falling in love with
him.

I have forgiven him and that was the start of my heart falling for him.

My eyes widened when I felt him unbuttoning my dress. "I have waited so long for
this." He said. I bit my lower lip.

"Na.. natatakot ako." I voiced out. He looked at me.

"Don't be my love. I'll be Hector Santillan - a real man - not----"

"SHHH!" Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Napuno ng halakhak ni Helios ang kabahayan. I

missed his laughter.

"I know, my love." He kissed me again. I let my body go with the flow. His kisses,
his touch, the feel o his burning palm against my skin - all of it was enough to
send me to frenzy. Inihiga niya ako sa couch. He looked at me - there was this
ridiculous look on his face. Iyon na naman na parang hindi siya makapaniwala
Hinawakan niya ang dulo ng dress ko pagkatapos ay hinila niya iyon pababa.

I was naked underneath him. I was only wearing my silk panties. Helios started
unbuttoning his shirt - moments later he's naked too.

He started kissing me again. Wala akong ibang iniisip kundi ang nangyayari ngayon
at ang kaming dalawa lang. Right now, I know what I really want now.

I'm fighting or Helios and my happiness. Hindi lang naman para sa akin kundi para
sa mga bata.

"Ohhhh.." I moaned loud when I felt his lips down there. I opened my eyes and I saw
what I thought I will only see on movies or read on books. He was giving me too
much pleasure. I guess he's making up for the lost years. I bit my lower lip. I
don't want to scream pero wala rin - I ended up screaming his name loudly.

Suddenly he stopped. He sat up then he took both of my hands and made me straddle
him. That was the moment when I felt him enter my being. He held my waist and
helped me move. I noticed that he was looking at me. Fire and passion were on his
eyes - his staring at me like I was the only thing that mattered to him that
moment.

"Don't.... ahh.." I bit my lower lip again. "Helios shit!" I took a deep breath.
"Don't leave me, ah fuck!"

He kissed me again. All my inhibitions faded away.

"I love you, Yza. We are one now..." He said before I felt that lovely warm feeling
inside of me..

It' just so beautiful - I found myself crying out o happiness.

It's good to be with the man you love with all your heart.

I am fighting for him. No matter what.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 9</h1></center>
<hr>
I opened my eyes when I felt a warm something on my face. I was greeted by the
sunshine coming from the window near the bed I was in. Disoriented pa ako. Hindi ko
alam kung nasaan ako. The fisrt thought that came in my mind were my kids. I wonder
if they're awake already - and that was when I realized where I was and where my
kids were. Hindi ko sila kasama ngayon dahil hindi ako umuwi dahil kay Helios...

I looked around the room - how the hell did I got in here? Sa pagod ko ay hindi ko
na alam kung anong nangyari nang gabing iyon - ang alam ko lang kasama ko si
Helios. He completed my life and my happiness but where is he now?

I stood up. I realized that I was still naked. Kinuha ko iyong kumot at ibinalot
iyon sa sarili ko pagkatapos ay lumabas ako ng silid ni Helios. I took a deep long
sigh as I walk in the middle of the hall. The place just brings back so many
memories - good and bad - both unforgettable - both memories made me who I am
today.

I went downstairs. Kinakabahan ako. What if Helios left again? Paano kung ginawa na
naman niya ang ginawa niya sa akin noon? What am I going to do? Hindi ko alam kung
kaya kong magalit muli sa kanya. I love him to death. My blood sings for him and I
know that if he leaves again - I'll only end up waiting for him - wanting more.
I'll long for him just like how I longed for him five years ago...

I reached downstairs - I was still looking around trying to find any sign of him
but he's not around. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko.

"He-helios... Helios!" I called him. "Helios Demitri!" I was standing in the middle
of the living room. Hindi naman nagtagal ay nakita ko siyang halos patakbo papunta
sa akin. His face was priceless. Para bang takot na takot siya. When he got near me
he held both my hands and looked at me closely.

"What's wrong? Nasaktan ka ba? Are you okay? Are you sore?"

My eyes widened with his last question. Hinampas ko siya sa dibdib. He was only
wearing his boxer shorts. I could very well see his body - a body of a Greek god.

"I woke up..." I said in a small voice.

"And?"

"We'll you weren't there so I got scared..." I looked away. Kinakabahan ako. His
green eyes were piercing right through my soul. Bakit ba hanggang ngayon ay hindi
ako ma-immune sa mga matang iyon. My kids' eyes has the same effect on me - lalo na
ang mga mata ni Hyron. Katulad na katulad ng kay Helios ang tingin niya. He seemed
to have inherited a lot from his father. I had always known that but experiencing
it first handed gives me a different feeling.

"I just..."

"What?"

"I thought you left again..." I looked down. Narinig ko siyang nagbuntong hininga.
Hindi ko alam kung tama na sinabi ko iyon. Pero iyon naman ang nararamdaman ko.
Gusto kong iparating sa kanya na ayoko siyang umalis, na hindi na niya ako dapat
iwan kasi ako hindi ko na siya iiwang mag-isa.
We're in this together.

I am fighting for him.

I'm willing to face my father just to be with him. Alam ko kung anong ginawa ko at
alam ko kung anong mangyayari sa oras na humarap ako sa pamilya ko nang kasama ko
siya at lahat iyon kaya kong tiisin basta hindi niya lang ako iiwan.

It's him and me against the world.

"I won't leave." He said in a low voice.

"Is that a promise?"

"You want me to say promise?" He looked at my eyes. "I was never good in keeping
them, Yza." Sabi niya. "But if it will make you feel better - I will never leave
you." He smirked.

"Bakit kayo ng anak mo hindi marunong ngumiti?" Biglang naitanong ko. Kumunot ang
noo niya. "We'll its true. You and Hyron has the same face expression. Lahat, sa'yo
minana."

"That's a good thing. Kaysa naman magmana siya doon sa bak---"

"Helios ha!" Sabi ko na lang. "Hector is a good man."

"If he is, hindi ka niya sasaktan." Wika niya pa. Tumaas ang kilay ko.

"You've hurt me."

"That's the difference, Yza. I'm a bad man. A bad man who's willing to do good just
to be with you."
I made a face. Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. "Ang pangit mo!" I giggled. Masaya ako.
Kagabi pa ako Masaya dahil kasama ko siya. I feel so alive. If I knew that it will
be like this, sana noon pa lang ginawa ko na - pinalaya ko n asana ang sarili ko
noon pa lang.

"Pangit ako?" Pinagalaw niya ang mga kilay niya. I found myself laughing - this is
the side of Helios that I never got to know - bago pa lang kasi ay umalis na siya.
Bigla akong napasigaw nang hawakan niya ang magkabilang baywang ko. He started
tickling me. Nagpupumiglas ako.

"Helios! Ayoko na! Damn! Stop it!" I was giggling. Hindi na ako makahinga pero ayaw
niya pa ring tumigil. Maya-maya ay hinapit niya akong bigla at saka binuhat - bride
style.

"I'm going to feed you, woman, then we'll make love again over and over today until
you're sore!"

Tumakbo siya habang karga ako. We went to his kitchen. I saw pancakes and bacons in
there. Mukhang kaya siya umalis ay dahil nagluto muna siya. He sat on a chair. I
was still on his arms. He made me sit on his lap, the he started feeding me.

"Tell me about the kids..." He said to me. Tumingin ako.

"We'll Hyron is as stubborn as you are, si Hyan mainitin ang ulo, parang ikaw din.
Madalas silang mag-away but then, si Hyron palagi ang nagbibigay. I thought him to
be like Yto." Sabi ko. Lumamlam ang mga mata niya.

"It's a good thing, Helios." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Yto loves the kids." I touched his
face. "We'll fix the trouble with my family right after this. I'm fighting for us."

Napatingin siya sa akin. Hindi ko na naman mabasa ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.
Mukhang hindi naman siya galit pero hindi rin naman siya masaya - para bang naiiyak
siya.

"Three years in jail and you become soft?" Tatawa-tawang tanong ko.

"You are my weakness." He whispered to me. "Kung nandoon pa ako ngayon at

nabalitaan kong bumalik ka, I'll break out, Yza just to see you."
"Oo na. Alam ko na!" Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. Kinagat naman niya ang kamay ko.
"Masakit ha!" Biglay ay sumeryoso ang mukha niya.

"Walang nangyari sa inyo ni Ituralde tama?"

"Why do you sound so sure?" I grinned sheepishly.

"Yza, he's gay." Matiim na sabi niya.

"So? It doesn't mean..." My mouth parted when I felt his grip tighten over my
wrist. Napangiwi ako. "He-helios... aw..."

"Did he ever touch you?" His voice was dark and mean.

"No..." Lumuwag ang hawak niya sa akin.

"Good. Hindi ako makakapatay." Huminga siya ng malalim. "Kumain ka na." Hindi ko
alam kung matatakot ako kay Helios o kung matutuwa ako sa ipinapakita niya sa akin.
A part of me wanted to be scared pero mas malaki iyong nakakaramdam ako ng
kasiyahan.

I have been surrounded by ruthless men all my life and I'm used to the fact that
some of them would want to break rules just to get what they want. My father is
like that, my brothers too, even my uncles and also my aunt. Halos lahat pala sila
ay ganoon - even Hera. Kahit na si Nanay ay may parteng ganoon. Iyon siguro ang
dahilan kung bakit hindi ako natatakot kay Helios - kahit na noon pa man.

"Si Nanay Bining?" Tanong ko.

"She's with Leigh." He sipped his coffee.

"Yna's with the kids." Lumipad ang tingin niya sa akin. "I called her last night,
Zach took her to me."
"Zach?" Kunot na kunot ang noo niya. "The boy? Your ex - boyfriend?"

"Yes. They were together last night."

"They were together last night?!" Halos lumuwa ang mata ni Helios sa sinabi ko.
Bigla ay tumayo siya. Buti ay nakahawak ako sa mesa kundi nahulog na din ako. He
took his phone. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkain. Maya-maya ay naririnig ko siyang
sumisigaw. I find it amusing.

"What the hell were you thinking? Why were you with Laundrize?!!!"

"I don't care Leighton! You're not allowed to date yet!"

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang telephonesa kanya.

"Yna? How are my kids?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Ate? Oh oh my god! You're with Kuya! Oh my god!" She started yelling at the other
line. "This is so great! Finally! Oh my god! Oh my god! Kuya and Ate! Oh my god....
Kuya Yto!" Kumunot ang noo ko. I was trying to calm Helios. Magtatanong pa sana ako
pero ibinaba na ni Yna ang phone. Binalingan ko si Helios.

"What were you thinking? You don't get to yell at Yna."

"She's dating Zach." Inis na sabi niya.

"Sinabi niya ba?"

"Hindi." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Iyon naman pala. Ang init ng ulo mo." Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "Can you just
stop thinking about things and be with me again?" Inilapit ko ang ulo ko sa dibdib
niya. I felt his breathing. Nag-iba ang way ng paghinga niya.
"Yza..." He sounded so stern. I grinned. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Sabi mo we'll make love?" Ngumuso ako. "Kalma na, Helios..." I planted a kiss on
his chest. My lips travelled up to his neck. I was teasing him. I don't know what
came over me but I wanted to tease him until he couldn't take it anymore. Lalong
lumawak ang ngiti ko nang hapitin niya ang baywang ko. He carried me again and made
me sit on the counter top. I was biting my lip. The tension between us is too thick
I could slice it with knife. He spread my legs wide. Inililis rin niya ang kumot na
nakabalot sa akin.

"Kiss me, Helios..." I whispered and he did. He crushed his lips on mine. He gave
me an honest to goodness French kiss. I have missed his lips. Actually I have
missed everything about him. I wanted to so much to tell him how much I love him
but I guess words weren't enough to justify what I feel for him. His kisses turned
fiery. His hands roamed all over my body. I am again, consumed by the heat coming
from his body. His lips travelled down my neck, he nibbled that sensitive part
again and a moan came out of my lips. I imitated what he's hands were doing to my
body. I kept on caressing his back. My mouth was a bit parted. I was sighing in
delight. Naramdaman ko na lang na nahulog na sa kitchen floor ang kumot na
tumatakip sa katawan ko. Helios held my left thigh. He wrapped it around him. His
mouth found its way to my breasts and he started nibbling my taunted mounds.

"Ahhh, fuck." I heard him mumble. He was giving me pleasure again - just like what
he didn't last night. I didn't know how many times I came down last night - I
wasn't counting. I have a feeling that I had counted it - I will lose track because
he kept on giving me that miraculous feeling.

"You taste so good." He muttered. My eyes widened when I felt him entered his
magical fingers in my core. He was giving it to me again. I couldn't breathe. I
felt my cheeks turning red. Nakahawak lang ako sa balikat niya. I bit my lower lip.

"Scream my name." he ordered. I shook my head. He thrust faster this time.

"Ahhh! Helios! Ahhh! Oh god!" I felt my whole body shiver. I was savoring that
feeling again, I couldn't take it. Mas lalo tumindi ang nararamdaman ko nang
maramdaman ko siya. He's inside of me again. Thrusting slow, feeling me, and
stretching my being until all I could see were stars and rainbows.

Helios has completed that missing part of me and I will never let him go...
----------------------

"Saan ba kita ihahatid?"

All good things must come to an end. Iyan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. We were about
to leave his hill home. Nakasakay na ako sa kotse niya habang nag-iisip kung saan
nga ba ako papahatid. I wanted to go home and hug my kids. I wanted to tell them
that we're okay. That I could finally give them the family they wanted pero parang
mas gusto kong harapin ang lahat ng problema naming dalawa ngayon.

I looked at him. "Kay Tatay."

"Are you sure?" Tanong niya.

"Yes. Let's end this now, Helios. Whatever he says, I'm not leaving you. Gusto ko
nang sumaya. Madalas sabihin sa amin noon ni Nanay, happiness is a choice and I'm
choosing you because I want to be happy."

"We will be happy, love." Hinagkan niya ang kaliwang kamay ko. Saglit siyang
natigilan nang mapatingin sa wedding band ko.

"Shit! I have to deal with Hector pa." Nasabi ko na lang. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko
nang biglang hatakin ni Helios ang singsing ko at itinapon iyon sa labas ng
bintana.

"Wag ka nang magreklamo. Ibibili kita, mas maganda." Kinindatan niya ako.

"Kahit naman wala, basta wag mo na akong iiwang mag-isa."

"Never, Yza." He kissed my forehead.

Nagsimula na siyang magmaneho. Nakakaramdama ko ng kaba. Iniisip ko pa lang na

haharapin na namin si Tatay, kasama ang buong pamilya ko ay kinakabahan na ako.
Alam ko kung anong magiging reaksyon ni Tatay. Isama pa si Yto. I was just praying
n asana wala si Uncle Adam at si Tito Luke sa bahay sa mga oras na ito. They'll
give me a hard time.
I took my phone out and called Yna. I asked her to bring the kids to the mansion.
Marami siyang tanong pero hindi naman na siya nagreklamo pa. I also called Nikita -
I asked her kung nasaan si Yto. Sinabi naman niya na nasa mansion nga daw ito
kasama si Yvo at si Yllak.

"You okay?" Tanong niya matapos kong ibaba ang phone.

"We'll, they were all in there. Kinakabahan ako." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Bakit? Nandito naman ako. We're in this together. For the kids, Yza. For our
happiness."

Tumango ako sa kanya. Hindi naman nagtagal ay narrating na naming ang mansyon. I
saw Yna's car outside. Natatakot akong bumaba. Helios got out of the car to open my
side of the door. He held my hand as we walk together. Nanginginig ang buong
katawan ko.

Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi: I am choosing happiness.

Bumukas ang gate. Hinatak ako ni Helios papasok. "Yza, don't be scared."

"Easy for you to say." Bulong ko. I saw him shaking his head. Nauuna pa siyang
lumakas kaysa sa akin. Nang malapit na kami sa pinto ay huminto ako.

"Yza Joan!" Sigaw niya.

"Fine!" I took a deep breath. This time ako na ang naunang pumasok. Nakita ko agad
si Yto na may kausap sa phone. He was smiling - he only smiles like that when he's
talking to Nikita on the phone. Napatingin siya sa akin. Nagpaalam siya kay Niki
tapos sa akin ngumiti.

"Yza---" Nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya nang makita niya si Helios sa likod
ko.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Dumagundong ang boses ni Yto sa buong
kabahayan. As if on cue, naglabasan ang lahat. I saw Yvo rushing. Si Yllak naman ay
halatang kagigising lang at pababa pa lang ng hagdan. I was praying na sana wala pa
si Tatay.
"What are you doing here, asshole?! Why are you with my sister?!" Hinatak ako ni
Yto palayo kay Helios.

"Yto, nasasaktan ako!" Hinawakan ako ni Helios sa braso.

"You really like stealing things away, Demitri." Yllak said out of nowhere.

"I didn't steal anything from this family. I was only claiming what's mine."

Akmang susuntukin ni Yllak si Helios nang bigla akong sumigaw - at hindi ako nag-
iisa. Yna rushed from the kitchen to our side.

"Don't you dare hurt my brother, Consunji!" Sigaw niya kay Yllak. Yllak's mouth
parted.

Ibinaba ni Yllak ang kamao niya. "Leave!" He said to Yna. "Take your brother with
you and never comeback!"

"Leave, Yna..." Yto said in a cold tone.

"Kung aalis sila, aalis din ako, Yto." Napasinghap ang lahat. "Isasama ko ang mga
bata, because I'm choosing him. I love him. There, I said it. I love him, Yto, Yvo,
Yllak. Nandito ako para ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko sa inyong lahat. I don't want
to be the weak one anymore. I'm choosing my happiness. Hindi naman pwedeng lahat
kayo masaya tapos ako nakukuntento sa isang bagay na nakakapagpasaya sa inyo."

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Helios.

"You heard her." Malamang wika niya. Lahat sila ay hindi makapagsalita. Tahimik na
tahimik ang buong kabahayan and from that silence - rose the voice of the man whom
I am about to have a talk with.

"Yza." I closed my eyes before facing him. Nasa may hagdan siya. He was on his
usual three piece black suit. Makisig pa rin siyang nakatayo habang titig na titig
sa akin.
"In my office now." He said. He turned away. I looked at Helios. I'm not scared. I
have him with me. Walang dapat ipag-alala.

I'm choosing happiness.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 10</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't breathe...

"When I grow up, I wanna be a princess."

"You really want to?" Tatay held me in his arms. "But you're already my princess."
He even kissed my forehead.

"I am?" Tatay nodded at me.

"One day, Yza, you'll find someone who'll make you his queen, just like what I did
to Nanay and when that time comes, tatay will cry a river."

"Why?"

"Because I love you so much, and I don't think I'll let go of you that easy."

I was already crying. Hindi ko kayang pumasok sa loob ng private office ni Tatay
nang ganito ang sitwasyon ko. Hindi ko siya kayang harapin. Hindi pa ako tapos sa
mga kapatid ko, now I have to deal with Tatay. Bahagya akong nagulat nang
maramdaman ko ang pagdampi ng labi ni Helios sa aking noo. He hugged me and he
whispered to my ear.

"Nandito lang ako, Yza."

Napangiti ako. Kahit paano ay nawawala ang kaba ko. I took a deep breath. He wiped
my tears as he looked at me intently. Dahan-dahan kong inabot ang doorknob upang
pumasok na sana nang bigla kong marinig ang boses ni Hyan.

"Mama!" I looked at my left and I saw her running towards me. She was wearing that
lavender cotton dress I bought for her back in Prague. Kasunod naman niya si Hyron
na nakakunot din ang noo pero nagliwanag ang mukha niya nang makita ang ama niya.

"Daddy!" Tulad ni Hyan ay tumakbo rin siya papalapit sa amin. Sabay silang kinarga
ni Helios at iniharap sa akin.

"Mama sabi ni Aunt Yna, magkasama daw kayo ni Daddy." Wika ng maliit na boses ni
Hyan. I was just looking at them and I couldn't help but to remember that same
scene where I ran towards my own father, the he picked me up - he picked us up -
Yto and I - and carried us to his arms. Lalo akong napaluha.

"Mama, why are you crying?" Hyron asked. "Did you make her cry, Daddy?"

"Of course not, son." I smiled at him. "Napuwing lang si Mama. I'll take to Tatay.
You stay here with your dad."

"I'll come with you." Sabi pa niya. Umiling ako. "But Yza!"

"I'll come out alive, Helios. He's my father. Things will be okay. I just have to
deal with him. Remember what I told you last night, whatever happens I'm choosing
you. I love you." I touched his face and smiled. I kissed my children. Noon, dalawa
lang ang source of energy ko, ngayon tatlo na sila. It's easier now.

I got inside and I saw my father sitting on his chair looking outside the window.
Dumako ang tingin niya sa akin at saka pinakatitigan ako. Bigla siyang tumayo tapos
ay inilang hakbang ako. I got the biggest shock of my life when I felt his palm
over my face.

He slapped me. I gasped. Agad na tumulo ang luha ko. Nasapo ko ang pisngi kong
nasampal ni Tatay. I couldn't stop crying. I realized that I won't be dealing with
my father today. I'll be dealing with the devil in the corporate suit.

"How could you, Yza? What were you thinking?!" His voice boomed.

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

"Kuya, maupo ka nga!"

"How can you be so calm?" I asked her. I was pacing around her former room. Dinala
niya ako dito dahil hindi siya mapakali sa mga tinging ibinibigay sa akin ng mga
Consunji - lalo na ni Yto Consunji. He looked as if he was going to murder me. Kung
tatalikod siguro ako ay sasaksakin na ako ni Yto dahil sa ginagawa ko sa pamilya
niya ngayon.
"I'm calm because I know Sancho Consunji. Kung sasaktan niya man si Ate, hindi
masyado."

"What?!" I yelled. Napatingin ako kay Hyan na naglalaro ng mga manikang inilabas ni
Leighton kanina. "I'm sorry, baby." Bumalik siya sa paglalaro habang si Hyron naman
ay nakatulog na sa sofa. Naupo ako at sinapo ang ulo ko.

"I have to be there." Sabi ko sa kapatid ko.

"You can't. It's Consunji versus Consunji. Ate can take care of herself." Sabi niya
pa. Para bang sigurado siya sa lahat ng lumalabas sa bibig niya. Kumunot ang noo
ko.

"Just like Ares and Yllak Consunji. Consunji versus Consuji, eh, Leighton
Santillan?"

Leigh rolled her eyes. "Bahala sila. Basta ako, I'm going to make an empire using
you Greek name." She even sighed. "I wish I have a Greek name, Kuya."

"You do. You're Selene Demitri - Selene is the goddess of the moon." I smiled at
her.

"Ay bet!" Bigla niyang naiusal. Nagtawanan kami. Although I was laughing with her,
I couldn't take Yza off my mind. I wanted to be with her at this time. I don't want
her facing her father alone. Ang gusto ko lang naman ay makita ni Sancho Consunji
na mahal ko si Yza at malinis ang intension ko sa kanya. No matter how dark we
started, my intentions for her are as pure as the angels in heaven.

Natigil ako sa pagtawa nang bumukas ang pinto. Mula doon ay pumasok si Sheena
Consunji. Kasama niya si Yllak. Ngumisi ako nang makita kong iniirapan na naman
niya si Leighton.

"Yna, can you leave us for a while?" Mahinang wika niya. Tiningnan niya ako. Yna
stood up.

"Come, baby girl. Let's go play outside." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Hyan at
pinababa sa kama. Binalingan naman niya si Hyron. Akmang kakargahin niya ito nang
hawakan ni Yllak ang kamay niya. She stepped back. I watched them. I felt amused
with the way Leighton is acting.
"Ako na." Malamig na wika ni Yllak.

"Whatever, Consunji."

They both left the room. I was left alone with Sheena Consunji. She was as calm as
ever. I took a deep breath. I was waiting for her to talk.

"What are you doing, Helios? Nakalimutan mo na ba ang pangako mo sa akin? You're a
man with honor, why are you breaking that promise now?"

"I made that promise not knowing about the existence of my children. Misis
Consunji." Malamig na wika ko. I stood up. I felt powerless with her. Hindi ko
naman pwedeng saktan o kalabanin ang babaeng nagmahal at nag-aruga sa mga babae sa
buhay ko.

"Pero Masaya si Yza kay Hector." Mahinang wika niya.

"Talaga bang Masaya siya? Do you even look at her when she's with him? I have only
seen her with him twice but I knew that she's unhappy. Ituralde only married Yza
because he doesn't want his family to know that he's hiding a lover. He's gay,
Sheena." Wika ko. Wala na akong pakialam kung may karapatan ba akong sabihin iyon o
wala. Lahat gagawin ko makasama lang ang mag-iina ko.

Sheena Consunji's gaze flew to me. "W-what?"

"She married Hector to make this family happy, Sheena. Ipinagpalit niya ang
kasiyahan niya para sa kasiyahan ng lahat. Now she's suffering. Now she's
miserable."

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

"How can you do this to the family?"

Tatay asked me over and over. Kanina pa kami nakatayong dalawa at kanina pa rin ako
hindi makapagsalita. I keep asking myself if this is what I get for wanting my
happiness. I was biting my lower lip.

"I gave you everything, Yza! How can you choose that man who violated you?!"

"Because of love." I whispered. I was weakened by the fact that he had slapped me.
Thirty years of my life, ngayon lang ako nasaktan ni Tatay ng ganito. Naiintindihan
ko kung bakit niya nagawa iyon pero sana intindihin din niya ako.

"Love?! Aren't you in love with your husband?!" Sigaw pa niya. Bahagya akong
napaigik. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Hindi ko kayang harapin ang galit
ni Tatay pero kapag sumuko ako ngayon, mawawala na naman sa akin ang masayang
pamilyang nais ko.

"Hector's gay, Tatay. We married each other for convenience. I married him to make
you happy. To assure you that I will never go back to that dark path I took when I
fell for Helios. But no matter what I do, I keep on coming back to where I was. I
love him Tatay. Just like how you love Nanay."

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakukuha ang mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig ko.
Tinitigan ko ng mataimtim si Tatay.

"Remember what you told me? When a Consunji loves, we love with all our being - not
just with our hearts. We love because that person becomes the center of our lives -
ganoon ang nararamdaman ko kay Helios, Tatay. I love him. He's the center of my
life - him and the kids and if I lose him now, hindi ko na alam. Matagal na akong
nagtitiis sa kalungkutan, Tatay. I guess now is the time for me to take a leap and
be happy, don't you think?"

My father leaned on his table. He was still looking at me. I was still crying.
Hinjdi maampat ang mga luha ko. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin sa oras na
sabihin ni Tatay na hindi niya matatanggap si Helios para sa amin ng mga bata.

"Where did I go wrong?" He asked himself. "I had loved you with all my heart, Yza.
I have showered you with everything I own. But why do you keep on escaping my turf.
Una si Yna, pagkatapos ikaw. I hate Demitri for taking away my girls. My little
girls."

"He didn't take anyone away from you, Tatay. Yna might have left but she's still
here. You just keep on pushing her away because you hated the fact that she chose
to be with Helios than be with us. But I think it's for the best. Look at her now,
she's completely happy. She's happier now that before dahil kompleto na siya at
wala na siyang hinahanap."

Inilang hakbang ko si Tatay. "Gusto ko ring maramdaman ang kasiyahang nararamdaman

ni Yna, Tatay. I wanan be complete. And... and last night, while I was with him, I
felt that the pieces of my puzzle were slowly being completed. Nabubuo ako. Hindi
lang ako kundi pati ang mga bata. Hector loved them, yes, tatay but it's different
with Helios because he is their own flesh and blood. Helios might be a bad man, but
tatay, he loved me and the kids so much - there's no question with that."

I took a deep breath. "Hindi mo lang siguro makita, Tatay but Helios is just like
you." His mouth slowly parted.

"I never violated your mother." Mariing sabi niya.

"Yes, you didn't. At oo, iyon siguro ang malaking dahilam mo kung bakit hindi mo
siya mapatawad pero tatay, I have forgiven him. If It weren't for him, I won't have
two little green eyed monsters with me. I have forgiven Helios the moment I have
laid eyes on Hyron - just like what nanay felt when he saw us - she had forgiven
you for what you did to her - although she wasn't really that angry - she was just,
we'll she can explain that to you but the point is - I have forgiven him. So if you
think about it, you can forgive him too. Hindi man ngayon, pero sana sa mga
susunod. It took me years before finally forgiving him. Hindi ko naman hinihingi na
agad-agad, Tatay, pero sana don't close your heart."

I wiped my tears. Finally, nakalapit ako sa kanya. I took his hand.

"If nanay hadn't forgiven you that night you've hurt her, do you think we'll be
here?" Mahinang tanong ko. "I'm not questioning your love for nanay, or her love
for you, but please, put your feet in my shoes and try to understand."

Tatay fell silent. He looked away and when he finally looked at me, his tears were
falling. He cupped my face.

"I couldn't let you go that easy, princess."

"You don't have too, because I'm not going anywhere, tatay." Niyakap ko siya. I
wept like a little girl. Dama ko ang pag-alog ng balikat ni Tatay. Hindi ko naman
agad hinihiling ang pagpapatawad niya sa akin at kay Helios, at mas lalong hindi ko
hinihingi na tanggapin niya kaagad ang lalaking mahal ko, I just want him to
understand my situation.

"I love you, princess. I don't want anyone hurting you."

"He's not going to hurt me, Tatay. He won't."

I heard a knock on the door. Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap kay Tatay. Nakita kong
bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon si Nanay. She was teary eyed. Sa likod niya ay
nakita ko si Helios. He's expressionless. Mukhang inip na inip siya.

"Helios Demitri." He said to him.

"Sancho Consunji." He spoke. Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. "I mean, Mr. Consunji."
I wanted to laugh.

"I still hate you with all your guts. You're still an asshole."

"Sancho!" Sigaw ni Nanay.

"I still feel the same. But because I love your daughter, I'll try hard not to show
it."

I rolled my eyes. Kahit na ganito, Masaya na ako. At least naiintindihan na ako ni

Tatay at wala na akong pangamba. I held Nanay's hand. She smiled at me. Puno ng
kasiyahan ang mga mata niya.

I sighed. I only have to deal with one thing and that's Hector Ituralde.

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

"I'm glad we came out of the mansion alive."

Narinig kong wika ni Helios. We were in his car again. Matapos ang pakikipag-usap
kay Tatay ay kaagad din kaming umalis. I left Hyan and Hyron at the mansion with
Nanay. Bukas ko na lang sila kukunin sa oras na maayos na ang gusto kay Hector.
Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari sa aming dalawa sa oras na magkaharap kami pero
buo na ang desisyon kong iwan siya.

Gustong-gusto ko nang matapos lahat ng ito ngayon. Gusto ko nang magsimula ng

panibago kasama si Helios at ang mga bata. Gusto ko nang bumawi sa kanya. I wanna
make up to him - iyong panahon na magkalayo kami noon, iyong mga gabing hindi kami
nagkasama, lahat iyon balak kong bawiin sa kanya.

He parked the car in front of our building. Pagbaba ko ng sasakyan ay kaagad na

gumala ang mga mata ko para hanapin ang kotse ni Hector at hindi naman ako nabigo.
I saw his car parked in there. Nagmamadali akong pumasok sa loob. Nasa likod ko si
Helios. Nang makapasok kami sa elevator ay hinaplos niya ang balikat ko.

"You looked so tensed. Let me ease your stress away." Bulong niya. Walang anu-ano'y
hinagkan niya ako sa labi. I gave in. I missed kissing him. Alam kong buong
magdamag na kaming magkasama pero parang kulang pa rin. I made a mental note that
when all of this is over, I'll ask him to take me to an island so we can have each
other all day and all night. I blushed at my thought. Ano bang nangyayari sa akin?

His kisses became deeper and hotter. He was demanding to be kissed back - just like
the way he was kissing me and so I did. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him
like my life depended on it. His body started roaming around my body. I am feeling
hot and uneasy.

I want him.

"God! Helios!" Those words came out of my lips when his mouth travelled down my
neck. His left hand caught my right breast and he fondled it. I could feel the
intensity in his every touch and brush of his lips.

Ting!

Natigil kaming dalawa nang bumukas ang elevator. Helios cursed. Inayos niya ang
damit ko at saka kinuha ang kamay ko palabas. I grinned sheepishly.

"Lagot ka sa akin mamaya." I even heard him. I don't know why I felt excited
hearing that but I did.
We reached my unit. Nanginginig na naman ang mga kamay kong binuksan ang pinto.
Hindi ko alam kung anong madadatnan ko kaya napanganga ako nang makita ko ang mga
suit cases ni Hector sa sala. He was sitting on the couch na para bang kanina niya
pa ako hinihintay. Nang makita ako ay tumayo siya.

"Oh good! You're here!" He said. He sounded so happy. Yumuko siya at saka kinuha
ang isang long brown folder. Habang naglalakad siya papalapit sa akin ay
tinititigan niya si Helios na para bang may kung ano siyang iniisip.

"Hector, let's talk." I said to him.

"Hindi na kailangan, Yza." Wika niya per okay Helios pa rin siya nakatitig. "I'm
sober and I'm okay. I'm giving you your freedom back."

My mouth parted. I took the folder and opened it. A tear fell down when I saw the
divorce papers he already signed.

"Is this for real?" Mahinang tanong ko. Hindi siya sumasagot. Nag-angat ako ng
tingin at nakita kong titig na titig siya kay Helios. "Hector!"

"What?!" He asked.

"Fuck it!" Narinig ko si Helios. Kinuha niya ang folder, hinawakan ang kamay ko at
bumunot ng ballpen sa bulsa niya. "Just sign the goddamn papers Yza!"

"Fine!" I said. I signed the papers. Nang matapos iyon ay ibinalik niya ang folder
kay Hector tapos ay nilagpasan niya ito. Siya na mismo ang naglabas ng mga gamit ni
Hector doon at nanlaki pa ang mga mata ko nang halos kaladlakarin niya si Hector
Ituralde palabas ng unit ko.

"Helios!" Sigaw ko. He shut the door and looked at me.

"Did you see the way he looked at me? It's so creepy!"

I smiled at him. "He likes you."

"Shut up, Yza!" Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya.

"We'll it's true! He's gay. He must've fancy you." Humagikgik ako. Nagdilim ang
mukha ni Helios. Tumahimik ako. "Pikon."

Hindi siya nagsalita. I was standing in the middle of my living room. Helios was
near the door. He slowly walked towards me. His expression was unreadable. My eyes
widened when he started unbuckling his belt. Palapit siya nang papalapit. He threw
his belt away, the he unbuttoned his shirt, threw it away just like the belt. From
where I was standing, I could see his glorious Greek body. Moments later, he was
walking towards me, naked and proud.

I swallowed hard when I saw his huge member. I haven't really seen him this naked.
I have felt him, yes, but seeing him like this is different.

Finally he reached me. Ni hindi ako gumalaw. Hinawakan niya ang dress ko, tapos ay
hinatak iyon. He wreck my dress, my panties and my bra.

"Helios!" My voice was shaking.

"You're mine now, Yza." He said. Itinulak niya ako paupo sa sofa. He kneeled in
front of me, and spread my legs - wide. Not a moment later I felt his lovely lips
inside my core and I found myself sighing as he gives me that feeling again.

He stopped and looked at me. "I knew it from the start, when you arrived at my
home. I have taken the wrong person but I have stolen the right one for me. I'll
never let you go now, my love. Forever till the end."

All I could do was nod that moment. I'm too emotional to even speak. In one day,
all our troubles were settled and we just have to wait till the end of eternity.

We have all our live to spend with each other.

A lifetime with him.

<center><h1>Stolen - Untold - Epilogue</h1></center>
<hr>

It is a good day for the Consunjis. Another year has passed by and everything in
their life were slowly falling into places. Nothing had changed - if there were
some changes, it is definitely for the better.

Lukas Consunji was sitting in the middle of the first line beside his ever witty
wife Apollo Consunji - beside them were their children, Hera, Hermes and Ares who
was very busy looking around him. Ares Consunji is an eligible bachelor - a very
intelligent lawyer - a renowned one. He could definitely have everything her ever
wanted - be it money, fame, women - everything - but he keeps on wanting something
he knew he could never have.

He knew it so well and yet he couldn't help himself.

"Aw!" Ares looked beside him. He saw Hera raising a brow at him. Hinampas siya nito
sa balikat.

"Kung saan-saan ka nakatingin! Umayos ka nga!"

"The wedding will start any minute from now, be civil!" Pinanlakihan naman ni
Hermes ng mga mata ang mga kapatid niya. He shook his head. He doesn't have any
idea what was happening to his brother - he doesn't really care because right now
he has to deal with issues in his life. He took a deep breath. He closed his eyes
and he saw the face of that woman who hated him. Wala siyang pakialam but every
damn time he remembers how much she hates him it feels like he's having a
nightmare.

Lukas looked at his children. He shook his head as he watches his flesh and blood
sitting beside them. Binalingan niya ang asawa niya at saka kinuha ang kamay nito.

"Huh?" Apollo looked at him. He kissed her hand. He couldn't believe the amount of
love he has for this woman. Kulang ang mga bituin sa langit para sukatin ang
pagmamahal na mayroon siya para kay Apollo Consunji.

"Nothing. I just love you so much." He said to her. Apollo touched his face. "At
alam kong patay na patay ka talaga sa akin."

"Ang kapal mo pa rin hanggang ngayon, Luke!" Her laughter filled his ears and till
now, that sound has the same effect on him - Thirty years later, he IS still so
much in love with the woman who tried to take away his inheritance.
At the other side of the line, Adam Consunji was there with her beloved Aura. They
were holding hands - Aura's head was resting on her husband's shoulder -
contentment is written all over her face. Gabriel Consunji was looking at them. He
was thinking - hard while watching his parents. Ang daming tanong sa isipan niya.
Bakit masaya ang mga magulang niya? How did they keep their marriage work like
that? How his father could love his mother like that? How could he make things work
between him and Mara? How can he fall in love with Mara despite the fact that he
hates her?

How? He looked up when he felt someone tapped his shoulder. Kumunot ang noo niya
nang makita niya si Gianna. "Hey, Gab!" His cousin greeted her. "Where's your
wife?"

"Shut up, Gianna." Sabi niya dito. Gianna rolled her eyes. "Where's Aunt Laide?"

"With Ate Yza, inside the hotel." Gianna sat beside Gabriel. "I can't believe this
is happening. I mean Demitri - Consunji nuptials. How I wish Uncle Sach is as calm
as the sea in front of us right now..."

"Oh, and Yto." Gianna giggle. Gabriel just shook his head.

It is a good day for everyone but as everyone would say - there's always an
exception. For Sancho Consunji - it is his most dreaded day - the day when one of
his little girls will be taken away from him again.

He was inside the hotel suite - trying to fix his tie but he couldn't really
concentrate. All he could think about was the fact that his first born will be
marrying today. It was hard that first time Yza married Ituralde - and now she's
marrying Demitri - it's even harder.

"Let me..." He tried to calm his nerves when he heard his wife's voice. He faced
Sheena. She was smiling at him - she was wearing that beautiful lavender dress
fitted for the occasion.

"Iiyak ka na naman..." Malumanay na wika nito sa kanya. He looked at her. She had
this ridiculous smile on her face. "You are the most ruthless man I've ever known
but when it comes to your daughters you are very powerless, Sancho."
"Is it my fault?" He whispered. Tinapos muna ni Sheena ang pag-aayos ng tie niya
bago sumagot.

"I loved you more for that, honey." She answered with all her heart. Sheena had
only loved one man since she was sixteen - si Sancho lang iyon. Kung minsan ay
hindi niya maisip na totoo ang lahat ng ito. She sometimes think that she's only
dreaming and the moment she wakes up - everything will go back to the way it was
pero hindi siya nagigising kaya alam niyang hindi lang ito basta panaginip.

This is her reality - a lifetime with Sancho and their children.

"Nay!"

Sancho and Sheena both looked at the door. Yllak came in. He was holding his tie.
"Nay, can you fix my tie?"

Sheena rolled her eyes. "Mana sa ama, pati ba naman ito?" She was giggling.
Idinantay niya ang kanyang ulo sa balikat ni Sancho.

"Nay! Oh my god!" Yna came running in. Sancho smiled when he saw his youngest
daughter. She was wearing that lavender maid of hone dress. "Nay, have you seen
ate? She's so..."

Leighton stopped speaking when she saw Yllak looking at him like he was seeing an
apparition.

"Ayan na ang kapatid mo. Sa kanya mo na lang paayos iyan." Bilin ni Sheena kay
Yllak.

"She's not my sister!" Yllak hissed. Leighton rolled her eyes.

"Yllak! That's impolite!"

"Nay, Tay!" Nikita's voice filled the room. "Oh, nandito pala ang lahat? Where is
Yvo? Kanina pa siya hinahanap ni Yto ko."

"Si Yza?" Sheena asked her daughter - in - law.

"Ready na tayo, nay. Si Yvo na lang ang wala! My goodness!"

Sheena faced Sancho.

"Are you ready,Tatay? You're giving away your daughter to the man she loves?"

Sancho stared at Sheena's face. He took her hand. "As long as you're with me,
honey."

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

What would I do without your smart mouth

Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

Helios Demitri was standing at the other side of the aisle. He was wearing an all
white suite - though his tie is black - it doesn't mean anything at all. He's very
happy - finally - the best day of his life came.
The day when everything between him and the love of his life will become official -
his wedding day.

He looked over his right and he saw the boy - Zachary Drew singing. He nodded at
him.

Nagkaroon na sila ng pagkakaintindihan - hindi sila magkaibigan - pero hindi rin

sila magkaaway. They had this thing - tanggap niya na minsang nagging parte si
Zach ng buhay ni Yza at hindi niya mababago iyon. He should just be thankful
because in the end of everything Zach was the one who brought Yza back to him.

It's funny because he once stole her away from Zach, but Zach was the one who
brought her back. He calls that destiny.

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, of you...

He took a deep breath. He smiled when he saw his children walking down the aisle.
Hyron looked like a little business magnate in his suit while Hyan look like a
little queen. He suddenly wondered what Yza will look like.

Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makita niya si Leighton na naglalakas. Leigh is one of
Yza's maids of honor. She looked so pretty while walking down the aisle. Nang
malapit na ito sa kanya ay bigla na lang itong tumakbo at niyakap siya nang
mahigpit.
"I'm so happy , Kuya!"

Natawa siya habang tinitingnan ang kapatid na bumalik sa pila. He caught a glimpse
of Yllak Consunji looking at him and Leigh. He knew already what was going on his
mind and his heart. Hindi niya lang alam kung alam ba ni Leighton ang mga
nangyayari.

Next in line were Yto and Nikita Consunji. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin niya
nakukuha ang approval ng kakambal ni Yza - but that doesn't mean he isn't trying.
He wanted to have all the Consunji's approval. It meant a lot to Yza kaya
importante rin iyon sa kanya.

Suddenly, everyone stood up. The song changed and his breathing became hard.

Am I giving enough?
Is it all that should be?
When water gets rough
Will you still swim with me?
So afraid to come close
And maybe too soon
And maybe too much
For you to consume

Then, he saw the most beautiful thing that he ever laid his eyes on in this world.
The love of his life - the woman who completed his happiness - his life - si Yza
Joan Ybarra Consunji - Demitri.

A tear rolled down his eyes when he saw her coming down. Natatakpan ng vail ang
mukha nito. Beside her were her parents - Sancho and Sheena Consunji. He felt like
his knees shook. He wanted to fast forward the time because he wanted so much for
them to start their eternity together.

And I wanna know if I

Can live inside your world
And I wanna know if I
Can give it to you girl
You know that I want you say it
You know that I need you say it
You know that I love you say it
Our love just goes on and on and on
 You know that I want you say it
You know that I need you say it
You know that I love you say it
My love just goes on and on and on

Finally, Yza stopped in front of him. He took a deep breath. Inabot niya ang kamay
nito. Sancho Consunji took his hand. Napilitan siyang tumingin dito.

"I'm giving you one of my treasures, Demitri. Take care of her."

Ngumiti siya. He gave his father - in - law a genuine smile. "I will, Sir." Tinapik
niya ang balikat nito. Binalingan naman niya si Sheena. Sheena was looking at her
daughter, her tears were falling as she hugs her and gives her away.

Not a moment later, yumakap naman si Yza sa kanyang Tatay. Matagal, mahigpit and he
just stood there, patiently waiting for her. Finally, Sancho let go.

"I love you, little girl." He even heard him whispered.

"I love you, Tatay. Thank you." Yza's voice was shaking. She finally faced him. He
took her hand. Iniharap na niya ang nag-iisa - oo nag-iisang babaeng minahal niya
sa altar.

Of all the bad things he had done in his life - he stole, he avenged, he even
violated this woman - ngayon niya naisip na napakaswerte niya dahil nagawa siya
mahalan, patawarin at tanggapin nito nang paulit-ulit. Hindi na siya makakahanap ng
katulad pa ni Yza.

Yza Consunji is one of a kind. Wala na siyang katulad - at wala na rin siyang
hahanapin pa.

He grew up in a dark world - his biological father abused him. Hindi niya kilala
ang kasiyaha but that thing changed when this woman beside him entered his life.

"Dearly beloved." The priest started the ceremony. The wind blew. Hawak niya lamang
ang kamay ni Yza. "We are gathered here today to join this man - Hector "Helios"
Santillan - Demitri and this woman - Yza Joan Consunji."

He couldn't really understand any of the words coming out of the priest's mouth. He
was just standing there, waiting. Naiinip na siya, bakit ang tangal matapos nito?

Finally - the rings came in. They faced each other. He took Yza's hand and put the
ring on her finger.

"Yza Joan Consunji - Demitri - what a nice name you have now."

Nagtawanan ang mga tao sa paligid nila habang nakikinig sa vows niya.

"I don't really know what to say. Leigh told me that vows should be written weeks
before the actual ceremony - I didn't write mine. Don't get mad!" Inunahan na niya
ito. "I told her, that no adjective in this world can even describe the amount of
love I have for you. You changed my life, you made me the man I am today and that
is enough for me to stay in love with you till the next eternity. I am just excited
to spend my life with you and the kids and the football team I have in my mind."

Hinamapas ni Yza ang balikat niya. Natatawang hinuli niya ang kamay nito at
hinagkan. It was now Yza's turn. Her hands were shaking.

"Helios, I hated you the first time I ever laid eyes on you." Everyone fell
silent. "But that was the first time and I don't really remember that now, all I
could remember was that moment I felt I fell for you the first time. I once heard
that Consunjis always fall for the forbidden one - and you're the forbidden one,
Demitri. I fell for you like how Eve fell for that sinful apple. Ikaw iyong apple.
I took one bite and I couldn't get enough. I defied everyone I know - my family -
just to be with you - and now as we both stand here, I realized that it is all
worth it. You are WORTH it. You have completed my life, my being and I love you so
much, it damn hurts just being away from you kahit segundo pa lang. I love you
like a love song, baby."

Everyone laughed again. Yza continued. "But seriously, I love you, Helios. I'll
love you till my last breath. Forever and eternity."

Madamdamin niyang tininingnan si Yza at saka ngumiti. The priest called their
attention again.

"By the power vested in me by the Catholic church of the Philippines - I know
pronounce you man and wife. You man now---"
Hindi na niya pinatapos ang sinasabi ng pari. He pulled up Yza's vail - and kissed
her lips. He kissed her like those men kissed their leading ladies in an old
Hollywood film. He kissed her with all his power, with all his might. He kissed her
like there's no tomorrow and she was kissing her back with the same passion and
intensity.

It is now over.

He had completed the stealing.

He had stolen not just his flesh and blood but also the heart of Yza Consunji.

It is now the beginning of a new life for her and him.

Just the beginning of their lifetime with each other.

Everyone clapped their hands together. Sancho was wiping his tears while Sheena was
calming him down. Laide Dela Monte stood beside his older brother feeling so
amused. She looked at Julian - his husband and held his hand.

Leighton on the other hand was also wiping her tears - hindi niya alam kung para
saan ang mga luhang iyon but she's very happy. Happiness was overflowing her
system.

"Yna."

She sighed when she heard Yllak's voice.

"Yllak please, not on my brother's wedding!" She made a face. Hinawakan bigla ni
Yllak ang kamay niya.

"Yllak!" She hissed. Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman niya ang isa
pang kamay na humawak sa kanang kamay niya.

"Leighton."
She found Ares Consunji standing beside her - staring at Yllak intently. The tow
Consunjis were having a stare duel.

"Oh please!" She yelled.

Pilit niyang binawi ang mga kamay niya at lumayo.

For everyone, it is just an ordinary day with a special occasion - but for Leighton
Santillan - Demitri - it is HELL.

=========

*Songs used

All of me - John Legend

Say it - Voices of Theory