Warming the Ice Queen's Tears

Prologue
Please be aware that some scenes in this story are not suitable for young readers.

The first few chapters of this story are confusing. They were made for that so
continue reading to understand the twist.

THE BULLY

I was wrong...

I have hurt her. I caused her pain. I treated her like trash. I hurt her both
physically and mentally in every single chance I got.

I was mad at her. I blamed her for our loss. I didn't deserve to be her brother.

Now that she's gone, could I ever find forgiveness?

THE JERK

The pain of losing her became harder and harder to bear. Everyday this guilt is
eating me alive.

I couldn't live without her anymore. I was wrong to hurt her. I was wrong to ignore
my love for her.

They say to choose friendship over love because it's permanent and love is
temporary but all I got was temporaty happiness and permanent guilt and pain.

Now that she's gone, How would I manage to live my life if she took my reason to
live with her?

THE ICE QUEEN

I was wrong.

I was wrong to show them love. I was wrong to care for them. All they did was to
show me pain every single day. They beat me, they treat me like trash. They broke
me!

I was a trash, the dirt, the good-for-nothing bitch, the pathetic-excuse-of-a-

sister, the bottom of the food chain, the murderer.

They made sure that I felt worthless but that was before.

I threw and left everything I had. I shut myself with those emotions that could
make me weak. Care, sympathy, happy, sad, guilt, Love.

Now that the old me was dead and gone, I will make sure that they'll all feel what
I felt. I will live to see their pain. I will get them one by one and made sure to
leave them nothing. I will break them like they've broken me but a hundred times
worst.

She was gone and I'll do the revenge for her. Nothing can stop THE ICE QUEEN.

Nakatagilid siya sa amin at nakatingin sa salaming pader while playing with her
fountain pen. The general manager of the financial department was explaining his
reports in front of us while she kept her blank face staring at nowhere. Parang
wala siyang pakialam sa mga nasa paligid niya. Lahat kami ay nakikinig maliban sa
kanya. The intimidating woman sitting on the center was non other the CEO herself.

"For our sales report. Our fourth quarter sales thisyear is 10% higher compare to
our previous thus giving us a total of 31.8M this quarter and a total of 104.2M for
our annual gross. As you can see in the slide-"

Natahimik ang lahat nang medyo malakas niyang binagsak ung fountain pen na
pinaglalaruan niya. Nakatingin parin siya sa labas at blanko ang tingin pero sa
simpleng galaw lang niya ay napapahinto ang lahat sa ginagawa nila.

Damn this woman! How could a beautiful woman like her had this effect on
everyone---especially me. Every action she did made my senses go wild. Since the
day I met her, everything about her fascinates me.

"10% Mr. Aravello? Are you sure?" Mukhang hindi na kailangan ng aircon dahil sa
lamig palang ng boses niya, sapat na para palamigin ang buong paligid.

"Y-yes Ms. Raine." Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa mga board member and I'm
definitely sure that Mr. Aravello isn't the only one shivering and nervous right
now.

"The sales growth between the second and third quarter was 11%. What happened?" She
shifted her position to face Mr. Aravello so her back was facing us but it was
covered with her long raven hair falling straight behind her.

"Well the s-sales of the s-second and third quarter was ---"

"I am not asking for our previous sales. Now, what happened to this quarter's sales
and it's a percent less?" mukhang hindi na alam ni Mr. Aravello ang sasabihin niya
dahil binubuklat niya ung hard copy ng reports niya kahit na ang lahat ng 'yon ay
nasa presentation na.

"It was just a percent so--" she lifted her right hand signaling Mr. Aravello to
stop.

"Get back to your seat." The poor Mr. Aravello followed her command and sat next to
me. I was three chairs away from her so I got the chance to have a better view of
her angelic face and a goddess body.

Her red as a blood lips, her perfect cheekbone, her pointed nose, those thick
eyelashes and her captivating grey eyes. Everything about her is perfect.

Hinarap niya kami at tinignan isa isa. When our eyes met, I was lost. I didn't know
what happened but I wanted those eyes only looking at me and nothing else even
though those eyes shows pure coldness and void.

"Sa palagay niyo ba hindi mahalaga ang 1%. That a single digit is equivalent to
worthless?"

"We didn't think like that Ms. Raine but that 1% didn't have any effect on the
company." Pangangatwiran ni Mr. Santiago, general manager of sales and marketing
department. Since siya ang may hawak ng sales, all the blame goes to him.

She leant back, cross her feet and brushed her thumb on her lower lip. I
involuntarily bit my lower lip because of her action. Damn! How I would love to
kiss those lips. I would replace her cold words with my name while she moans.

"Maybe your right. But let's test if your theory's correct." One corner of her lips
raised and she stood up making us more unconscious and nervous but mine wasn't
because what she might do next. It's because of her long and sexy legs that could
go forever. I would love to feel those legs wrapped around me. F*ck! Just by
thinking that brought my body in pure heat.

"These are your hierarchies." Tinignan ko ang sinulat niya sa white board. Mga
pangalan naming walong naririto sa meeting maliban sa kanya. May numero ito at pang
pito ako. What is this for?

"By the end of the next year's first quarter, three months from now, If the sales'
percentage would be lower than the previous, one of you will be stripped from your
position starting with you Mr. Santiago. The assurance of your position is based on
our quarterly sales."

Napuno ng bulung bulungan ang buong kwarto. Lahat kami hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi
niya. Dahil sa 1 percent ay tatanggalin niya kami sa trabaho? Lahat kami hindi
mapakali maliban nalang sa kanya na hindi nagbabago ang expression. Is she like
that in bed?

"Hindi naman tama 'yan Ms. Raine." Agad na sabi ni Mrs. Rivera.

"I agree with Margarette. Your term is quite unfair to all of us." Sumang-ayon
naman si Mr. Elizalde sa kanya. Halos lahat ng ng tao rito sa loob ay nakatayo na
at nagproprotesta kay Ms. Raine

"Yeah it's quite unfair." Medyo huminahon ang karamihan sa sinabi niya. "Instead of
every quarter, I'll make it every month. Meeting adjourned." She immediately left
the room followed by her secretary.

Agad akong tumayo at hinabol siya.

"Ms. Raine baka pwedeng magbago ang isip mo." Huminto siya at nilingon ako.

"Fine!" then she faced her secretary. "Write his name on the fifth spot." Hindi ko
gaanong naintindihan ung mga sinabi niya dahil nakatingin lang ako sa mga labi
niya. She didn't even throw me one last look and walked away leaving my gazed
locked in her swaying hips.

I knew I was in deep sh*t of danger when she left not because my position in this
company was in danger. It was because my deep crave for her was increasing and me
wanting her became more and more harder to held back. I made a decision. From this
day, I won't hold myself back anymore.

You will be mine someday My Ice Queen.

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

Uunahan ko na kayo guys. Baka mabagal ang update ko dito pero sana suportahan niyo
to hanggang huli.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1

1 month before the event

Kakagaling ko lang sa shower room ng university namin. I'm on my first year in

college but I already experienced hell since day one because of my brother and his
friends. I'm their target since our high school days with my brother on their lead
here in Saint Mary's academy in L.A.
Everyday torture. Everyday pain and it didn't just stop in this school. Even at
home. Hindi sila tumitigil na pahirapan ako. Si kuya at ang bestfriend niya. We
migrated here since I was 6 years old. Our parents died when I was 8 and my brother
was 12. He blamed me for that and it's pretty obvious because I just had eggs
thrown at me at cafeteria at kapatid ko ang pasimuno. He's the king in this school.
The quarterback and the captain of football team with his bestfriend as co-captain.

"Al! Al!" I turned around to see Vernice, my only friend running after me. I
stopped on my tracks and looked at her with blanked expression. "Are you alright?
My god Al. Your face! It's bruised." I saw how concerned she was in her blue eyes
through her glasses. She has a short blond hair that only reached her shoulders.
Her eyes were covered with big glasses and she has braces. Yes she's a geek but
she's the only friend I had.

Hinawakan niya ang noo ko pero inilayo ko ang mukha ko nang makaramdam ako ng sakit
sa paghawak niya.

"I'm fine. I'm always fine." I smiled at her pero mukhang hindi siya kumbinsado sa
sinabi Ko. Malungkot ang expression ng mga mata niya at mukhang naluluha na siya.
We were friends since high school kaya siguro alam niya ang tunay kong
nararamdaman.

"I'm sorry! I wasn't there. I was never there to help you. Sorry for being a
coward." She said while crying. Nilagay niya ang kanyang dalawang kamay para takpan
ang mukha niiya.

"It's fine. I'm happy that you're not or they'll make you a target too." I held
both of her shoulders habang nakatingin sa kanya. Pilit kong tinatago ang
kalungkutan ko sa likod ng mga ngiti ko.

"I'm sorry! I'm really really sorry! I don't deserve to be your friend." Sabi niya
pa habang patuloy na umiiyak. Niyakap ko siya to assure her that everything was
alright. I guess.

"What are you even sorry for? It's enough that you're here. Don't worry yourself
too much okay and stop crying. You'll turn ugly." She giggled and I felt her arms
circled my waist to hug me back.

I was the one who told her to stay away from me in times like this. Yung binubully
ako sa loob ng school. Pag nakita kasi ng kuya ko at ng mga kabarkada niyang
malapit siya sa akin, baka siya ang gawing target nila at madamay pa siya. I will
never let that happen. She's the only friend I had. I needed to protect her. Kung
ako lang ang masasaktan, okay lang sa kin. Sanay na ako. Wala nang bago doon.

Siguro naging manhid nalang ang buong katawan ko sa physical attacks nila. It
started when my brother became distant a year after our parents died. When he
reached highschool, the bullying starts. We were so closed before that tragic
incident and everything went upside down in our relationship. He was caring and
sweet. He never failed to show me love pero bumaliktad ang lahat. Ang dating
pagmamahal na binibigay niya ay naging poot at galit. He and his bestfriend Azel.

Ganoon din kami ni Azel. Magkaibigan kami dati. Lagi nila akong inaalagaan.
Prinsesa ang turing sa akin noon pero hindi na ngayon. Isa na akong basura sa
paningin nila.

"Are you going home?" humiwalay ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. Umiling iling siya
habang pinupunasan ang mga luha niya using the back of her hands.

"Not yet. I want to be with you." She smiled that showed her full braces. She
always has this huge smile that made you no choice but to smile back.

"I'm just gonna get my things from the locker and they might see you with me."
Seryoso kong sabi sa kanya. Kahit uwian na, baka kasi nandito pa sila sa loob ng
school. Mahirap na.

"Then I'll come. Don't worry I saw them left the school."

"Fine then. I'll never win over your stubbornness."

Naglakad kami papunta sa loker area pero sabi ko sa kanya, dumistansya siya ng
kaunti. Pumunta ako sa locker ko at siya naman sa locker niya. Medyo magkalapit
lang kasi ang locker namin. Pagbukas ko ng locker ay napangiti ako nang may makita
akong note at isang bar ng chocolate.

Hi Angel!

Always wear a smile. Seeing your smile makes my day even brighter than yesterday.

From the man that adores you.

"Hey what's that?" nagulat ako nang biglang sumulpot at nagsalita sa likod ko si
Vernice..

"Nothing!" I said while quickly putting the note between the pages of my history
book.

"Oohh! Someone has an admirer." Pang-aasar niya na ikinapula ko.

"Leave me alone Vernice." . Ibinaba ko ung bangs ko para matakpan ang pamumula ng
mukha ko.

"Ha! See you're blushing and you're doing that thing with your bangs to cover your
blush. You're like an overripe tomato." Dahil sa sinabi niya, pati leeg at tenga ko
ay namumula na. Sinarado ko ang locker ko at mabillis na naglakad at iniwan ko
siya. "Wait! I just want to lighten the mood. Wait Al!" Pabulong na sigaw niya.
Baka kasi may makarinig sa kanya at makita kaming magkasama.

We took our separate ways and went home. She offered me a ride but I refuse. It's
better this way. She drove away while I took the bus then walked a couple of blocks
from home.

"Hi Princess! You freshen up yourself. I'll set up the table and I cooked your
favorite."

"Yes Auntie."

Tatlong kwarto ang pagitan ng mga kwarto namin ni Kuya Aiden. Nasa dulo ng pasilyo
ang kwarto ko. Dahan dahan akong naglakad at pinakiramdaman ko muna ang kwarto niya
kung andon siya bago ako naglakad.

"What are you doing trash?" My body stiffed at hindi ako makagalaw nung marinig ko
ang boses ng taong gusto kong iwasan sa likod ko. He has the same grey eyes as me
but his own hold anger in them every time it landed on me. He stands 6 feet in
height and has a muscular body that he got from his everyday routine from gym and
football field that girls swoon over. His clean cut raven hair only emphasizes his
perfect face structure.

"Turn around and answer me you stupid piece of sh*t!" Nanggigigil niyang sabi.
Halatang halata sa pananalita niya na nagpipigil siya. Marahil dahil sa nasa
malapit lang si Auntie Therese. My hold on my books tightened over my chest and I
slowly turned around.

"N-nothing Kuya Aiden. P-papunta lang a-ako sa room ko." nauutal kong sagot sa
kanya habang nakayuko at nakatingin sa sahig.

Naramdaman kong lumalapit siya sa akin at dali-dali akong napatingin sa kanya. Nag
aapoy sa galit ang mga mata niya. My feet involuntarily stepped back trying to stay
away from him. I dropped my books when his hands firmly gripped my left arm.

"What did I tell you huh? Ang sabi ko huwag mo akong tawaging kuya hindi ba. Put
this on your useless brain that I don't ever, I mean never ever address me like
that." Sabi niya habang dinuduru-duro ng kaliwang hintuturo niya ang kanang sintido
ko.

"Y-yes. I'm s-sorry." Sagot ko habang sinasalubong ang matalas niyang titig. He
evilly smiled at marahas niya akong tinulak sa dingding. Tiniis ko ang sakit ng
pagkakabangga ko sa pader at nanatiling nakatayo.

"Hmm. I think you should change something here." He said while smiling wickedly.
Nilagay niya ang dalawang kamay niya sa bulsa ng pantalon at tumingala na parang
may iniisip. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga dahil kinakabahan ako sa maari
niyang sabihin. Lahat ng sinasabi niya sa'akin ay mga bagay na nagpapabigat ng
pakiramdam ko. Na tila bang ginagawa niya 'yon para masira ako ng tuluyan.

He looked at me and smiled but his smile held a malicious motive. He picked up my
books and scanned to its pages then brought his gaze to meet mine. "Call me sir."
Bahagya akong natulala sa sinabi niya. Ganyan nalang ba ang galit niya sa akin para
itakwil niya ako bilang kapatid.

"W-what?" tanong ko nakinakunot ng noo niya. Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya at
matalas na tumingin sa akin.

"Would you like me to repeat that b*tch?" isinara niya ang libro gamit ko habang
hindi tinatanggal ang paningin sa akin.

"No s-sir." Nakita kong inangat niya ang kamay niyang may hawak ng libro ko kaya
agad kong iniharang ang mga braso ko sa mukha ko. Tinamaan ako ng libro pero
nakaharang ang mga braso ko kaya hindi gaanong masakit.

"Good b*tch. Now! Get away from my door." Agad akong kumilos at pinulot ang ibang
librong nasa sahig. Lumayo ako sa kanya at sa kwarto gaya ng iniutos niya. Hinintay
ko muna siyang makapasok bago mabilis na pumasok sa kwarto ko.

I immediately wiped the tears from my eyes and leaned on the door. I threw my
things on my queen sized bed and took my diary under the pillows. My diary was my
escape. I always use my diary to bring out all the emotions I've been struggling to
keep inside. I've been doing this since my parents died. I had almost 60 diaries so
far and I've been keeping them in my cabinet secured with a lock.

Hindi tumitigil sa pagtulo ang mga luha ko habang nagsusulat ako. May mga pumatak
pa sa pahina ng diary ko pero hindi ko ito binigyan ng pansin. I was more focus on
expressing myself using a pen and a blank page that is now starting to be filled
with my writings.

Another page has been stuffed with all my emotions from another tormenting day. I
closed my diary and placed it back under the pillows. Humiga ako at pinakalma ko
ang sarili ko. Huminga ako ng malalim at ipinikit ang mga mata ko. Binabalikan ang
mga pinagdaanan ko ngayong araw. Since the time I was tripped on my math class, the
time when someone pushed me that sent me to the ground and the time on the
cafeteria where every student threw eggs at me but one simple moment brought a
smile on my face. Tumayo agad ako at kinuha ang history book ko.

I scanned the pages and sigh in relief nang makita ko ang note na natagpuan ko
kanina sa locker ko. Buti nalang hindi ito ung binato ni Kuya Aiden kanina.

Lumawak ang ngiti ko nang basahin ko ito ulit. At least maliban kay Vernice, may
isang taong nag-aalala sa akin sa school. Kinuha ko sa cabinet ang isang box kung
saan nakalagay ang ibang note na galing sa kanya. It's started on my first week in
college then continued every day. Different messages every day from the same
person. I knew because his handwriting was the same as the other note.

The only thing that kept me strong and positive in all these sh*ts that been
happening to me. Hindi ko inaasam na makilala siya. Kuntento na ko sa ibinibigay
niyang sulat.

But if the time comes and we meet face to face, my only wish is that he would
accept me even if everyone else calls me trash.
Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2

3 Weeks Before the Event

Bigla akong nagising nang may malambot na bagay na malakas na hinampas sa katawan
ko. Kusang umangat ang dalawang kamay ko at iniharang ko sa ulo. Naullit pa ito ng
ilang beses. Nakabaluktot lang ako habang tinatanggap lahat ng hampas niya. I knew
who's doing this. I took a peek and saw my big brother - Kuya Aiden hitting me with
one of my pillows. Seconds later he stopped and I remained in the same position
but, I was wrong.

I felt him grabbed my left foot dragging me off the bed. My body met the floor with
a loud thud.

"Ahhhh!" I hissed in pain nang maumpog ang ulo ko sa sahig.

"Get your lazy fat ass off the floor and go down. Aunt is expecting you downstairs
for breakfast." I heard him said using his sweet voice but I knew better. His tone
held threats behind being sweet.

"Opo Kuya Aiden." Kahit masakit ang ulo at katawan ko ay pinilit kong umupo. Bigla
siyang lumuhod at pumantay sa akin then he harshly cupped my face using his right
hand. Like always, his eyes were blazing with anger but I just stared at him
blankly. Sa tinagal tagal ko nang nakikita ang mga matang 'yan. Nasanay na ako.

"What did you just say?"

"Y-yes sir." Ngumiti siya at marahas na binitawan ang mukha ko. Hindi pa siya
nakuntento at nagbanta pang ihahampas sa kin ung unan. Palabas na siya ng bumukas
ang pinto at dumating si Aunt Therese. Napahinto siya sa paglalakad habang si Aunt
Therese ay papalit palit ng tingin sa amin.

"What happened? I heard a loud noise from here." Nagaalalang tanong niya kay Kuya
Aiden.

"Nothing Auntie. Just bonding with my 'lil sister. We got carried away then she
fell off her bed." Palusot niya habang hawak pa niya ang unan at rinig na rinig mo
na masaya siya dahil sa boses niya. Siya lang naman ang nagsasaya sa bonding na
sinasabi niya habang ako, laging may pasa at galos dahil sa kanya.

"She fell? All away from there?" May pagtataka sa mukha ni Aunt Therese na para
bang hindi siya naniniwala sa sinabi ni Kuya tapos ay bumaling siya sa akin. "Is it
true prince-- Oh my God! What happened to your face? Are you okay?" mabilis na
lumapit si Aunt Therese sa akin. Lumuhod siya at pumantay sa akin. She cupped my
face examining my face and gently touching the bruise on my forehead from
yesterday.

"It's just a scratch Aunt Therese. Nothing big." Sagot ni Kuya. He even laughed
after pretending that we had fun.

"Aiden! You should always take care of your little sister. Look what happened to
her pretty face. Oh princess." I looked at Kuya Aiden and I saw how angry he was.
His fists were tight closed, gritted teeth, jaw locked, eyebrows were down and
together and his eyes were glaring at me. He looked like he wanted to kill someone
and that someone was me.

Napalunok ako dahil sa kabang naramdaman ko nang makita ang itsura niya. Mukang
madadagdagan na naman ang mga pasa ko.

"It's nothing Aunt Therese. I just bumped into some lamp post at school. Just me
being clumsy, no biggie." Then I flashed a fake smile.

Mukang naniwala naman si Auntie sa sinabi ko kaya lumabas na sila ni Kuya pero
hindi nakalimutan ni Kuya na bigyan ako ng masamang tingin.

While eating, we talked about our upcoming birthday exactly one month from now. My
auntie was planning a big celebration since it was my eighteen birthday. I wanted
the party to be discreet but my loving brother approved my auntie's suggestions. My
auntie said not to think so much about it because she'll be planning the whole
celebration.

My brother pretending to be my lovely brother offered me a ride to school.

Nagdadalawang isip ako pero wala akong magagawa. Sumakay kami sa kanyang black
Lamborghini pero huminto siya sa unang kanto.

"Get out." mahina pero madiin niyang sabi.

"Pero malayo pa ung school kuya." I hugged my bag tight while looking down after
saying that.

"I said GET.THE.F*CK.OUT!" bawat salitang binitiwan niya ay matatalas. Natakot ako
kaya mabilis akong bumaba sa sasakyan niya.

The school was 20-minute drive from home and it's gonna take me almost an hour of
walking. Pawis na pawis akong nakarating sa school and it made me 20 minutes
earlier for my second subject.

Dumirestso ako sa locker para ilagay ung mga gamit ko. Ang akala ko wala nang tao
sa paligid because it was almost our second subject but I spoke too early. What I
saw didn't shock me but it placed me in an awkward situation.

Leaning near my locker was Azel devouring Cindy's-the school slut and head
cheerleader, mouth like a hungry dog. Nahuli ako ni Azel na nakatingin sa kanila
kaya napayuko ako pero hindi parin sila tumitigil sa ginagawa. Azel switched their
position so his back was facing me.

Dahan dahan akong naglakad papunta sa locker ko which was two lockers from their
spot. Maingat kong binuksan ang locker ko dahil ayokong makaha ang atensyon nila.

Parang nawala lahat ng nerbyos at napangiti pa ko dahil nakakita na naman ako ng

sulat at chocolate bar galling sa kanya. Nawala ang pake ko sa dalawa dahil
nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa asul na papel.

As the sun rises at east

As the sun sets at west

I only rise to see you

And my heart's set just for you.

I giggled after reading this more than I could count. Isinarado ko ang locker
matapos iipit ang sulat sa libro ko at kinuha ang tsokolate.

"What are you laughing about freak?" Said Cindy using her high pitched bitchy tone
that sounded like scratching nails on the black board.

"N-nothing."

"Babe. Don't waste your time in that ugly trash and let's continue our little
play." Ipinulupot ni Azel ang braso niya sa bewang ni Cindy at hinalik halikan ang
balikat nito. She just answered with a flirtatious giggle and kissed him torridly.

Biglang tumingin sa'kin si Azel habang naghahalikan pa sila at nag-iwas ako ng

tingin. Humigpit ang kapit ko librong hawak ko sa dibdib pero nagulat na lang ako
nang bigla akong tinulak ni Cindy at malakas na tumama ang likod ko sa mga locker.

"Are you seducing my man you freaking slut." Nanggigigil na sabi ni Cindy.

"N-no." biglang umingay ang buong paligid ng sinampal niya ko ng buong lakas na
nagpabagsak sakin sa sahig.

"You dare lie to my face." She spat. "Azel might be your fiancé but he is mine now.
We are perfect for each other so why won't you get up, turn around and make your
little ugly butt away."

Oo tama siya. Azel is my fiancé. Dati palang pinagkasundo na kami ng mga magulang
namin. Noong namatay sila Mom and Dad, akala ko mawawala na ang engagement namin
pero lalo pa kaming pinilit sa isa't isa ng mga magulang niya at pumayag naman si
Auntie. Kung gaano kagaling umarte si Kuya Aiden ay ganoon din siya pag nasa harap
kami ng mga magulang niya. Everyone thought of him as my prince but they didn't
know that he's the dragon in my story.

Hindi na ko tumingin sa kanila at nagmadali na kong pulutin isa isa ang mga gamit
kong nagkalat. Masakit ang pisngi ko pero tiniis ko muna. Pinipilit ko ring pigilan
ang mga luha ko. I was sure they'll do more than this if I acted like that.

Nadaanan ng paningin ko ang isang pamilyar na asul na papel. Nagmamadali ko itong

kunin but someone picked it up before me. It's Azel. He read it then plastered a
smirk. He kneeled down and glared at me. Umiwas ako ng tingin pero hinawakan niya
ang mukha ko para hindi makagalaw.

"Ang akala mo ba may nagmamahal sayo? What pathetic little creature you are. No one
will ever want or love you. Isa ka lang kalat. Who in the right mind would ever
love you? Not even your brother. This!" inangat niya ung papel. "This is just a
pigment of your imagination and your dreams and I'm going to tear this to pieces."

Pinanood ko lang si Azel na unti unting pinupunit ang tanging nagbibigay sakin ng
pag-asa. Pag-asang may isang taong nasa paligid na nagmamahal sa'kin. Nakangisi
siya while Cindy's just watching and laughing behind arms crossed.

Hindi ko na napigilan at tumulo na ang mga luha ko habang silang dalawa ay

nagtatawanan sa nangyari sa'kin. Pinulot ko isa isa ang mga piraso nito.
"Salamat dito ah!" hindi pa siya nakuntento at kinuha pa ung tsokolateng kasama ng
sulat.

The bell rang signaling that the class had ended and I fixed all my things. They
left while laughing with Azel's arms wrapped on Cindy's shoulders.

I decided not to attend all my classes to cry myself out in the school garden.
Nakasubsob ang ulo ko sa mga tuhod ko habang umiiyak. Siguro nga tama siya. Tama
silang lahat. I'm just a trash and nobody will love me. Miserable ang buhay ko at
manantili itong miserable hanggang sa mamatay ako.

Ano bang pumasok sa isip ko at nag-ilusyon pa kong may taong magmamahal sakin
maliban kay auntie Therese. Even my fiancé and my brother whom I share the same
blood turned their backs on me.

Tumigil ako sa kakaiyak at kumuha ng dahon. Idinikit ko ito sa mga labi ko at

lumikha ng tunog. Ang huling bagay na tinuro ni Mama sa akin.

Masama bang umasa? Masama bang isiping kahit anong hirap at dilim ng buhay ko at
mayroong magliligtas sa'kin? Ang tanging nagbibigay sa'kin ng konting liwanag
nawala rin kanina nang dahil sa kanila. Siguro parusa na to sa kin dahil sa ginawa
ko. Sabihin man nilang isa lang akong bata noon, hindi mababagong kasalanan ko
parin ang lahat. Kung bakit wala na sina Mom and Dad at ganito ang buhay ko.

I stood up para pumunta ng library. Balak kong doon nalang magpalipas ng oras.

Napahinto ako at nagtago sa mga halaman when I heard the voices of Kuya and Azel's
friends. Baka kung ano ang gawin sakin ng mga 'yon. Kung minamalas ka nga naman
dahil naupo pa sila sa bench malapit sa'kin.

"Bro are you sure that we're going to do it?"

"Of course, there's no backing down. Aiden ordered it." Biglang naging alerto ang
mga tenga ko nang marinig ang pangalan ng kapatid ko. Sumilip ako at tatlo silang
nakita ko. Si Drake, Louie and Cris. Mga kasama ni Kuya sa football team.

"Isn't it too much? I mean, it's his sister were talking about." Chris said.

"Don't be such a coward. It's going to be fun and don't worry, we'll just gonna
cover her face, throw her in the back seat and take her to his brother. Simple as
that." Si Drake ung nagsalita.

Anong ibig sabihin non? By the sounds of them, they're planning to kidnap me and my
brother ordered them to do it. Alam kong galit sakin si Kuya pero hindi naman
siguro aabot sa ganon ang gagawin niya para parusahan ako. Hindi ba?

"Yeah dude and Aiden assure us that our names won't come out if things get out of
hand." Louie assured.

"Fine! But we're not gonna use my mom's car or I'll be in deep sh*t."

"Sure momma's boy." Sabi ni Drake at tinapik ang balikat ni Chris.

Inantay ko muna silang makaalis bago ako tumakbo palayo. Naguguluhan at natatakot
ako sa mga pwedeng mangyari sa'kin. Hindi ko na hinintay na matapos ang buong klase
at tumakas na ko ng school.

Nanginginig na ko sa takot dahil sa mga narinig ko. Anong balak ni kuya sa'kin at
san nila ko dadalhin?

Ang mas malaking problemang naisip ko,

kelan nila balak gawin ang mga pinaplano nila?

Chapter 3
Chapter 3

2 Weeks Before the Event

Aunt Therese (Therese Grace McClarence)

"I'm worried about Ally. Something's wrong with her." I said to my second husband.

My first husband died long years ago. Long before the accident that took my half-
brother and his wife's lives. Kaming dalawa ang tumatayong legal guardian nila
Aiden at Ally. After the accident, I became their second mother. I'm pure American
but I learned Tagalog to understand the siblings more.

"I know Hon but you know her. She's quiet and shy." He said taking a sip of his
coffee. Nasa labas kami and I'm sorting the invitations for Ally's birthday.

Alam kong may problema siya ngayon. Hindi lang ngayon. Matagal ko nang napapansin
yon but I didn't want to put her in an uncomfortable situation. I wanted her to
tell us personally para hindi siya mabigla. She was once a bundled of joy and a ray
of sunshine but she changed because of that tragic accident. Hindi naman niya
kasalanan. It was an accident at alam kong sinisisi niya ang sarili niya.

"I know but the only conversation that we always have in the morning is her saying
Hi and Goodbye before going to school." I said frustrated. "I can't take this. I'm
going to ask her when she gets home. Wait! She should be here right now and she
hasn't come back."

"Don't stress yourself Hon. She'll be here don't worry. She might be in the library
getting herself drown with homework." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko para huminahon
ako. I'm so thankful that I married him. I didn't know what to do without him.

"You're right." I said squeezing his hand. "I'll just bring this to her room."

Pumasok ako sa kwarto niya para ilagay ang ibang invitation. I placed the
invitations on top of the side table when I saw something peeking under her
pillows. Kinuha ko tinignan. It's a blue thick notebook. Binuksan ko ang unang
pahina at nakita kong nakasulat ang pangalan ni Ally sa gilid. I knew it's her
diary because it also indicated on the first page.
I scanned the pages before I read one. I knew it's not right 'cause I'll be
invading her privacy but I really wanted to know what's on her mind. Nagdalawang
isip ako pero nilakasan ko ang loob ko at binasa ang isang pahina.

Few pages were about her and Vernice. Kilala ko ang batang 'yon dahil nagpupunta
minsan 'yon dito. What shocked me were the other pages. It was her life being---
bullied. Hindi ko inaasahang binubully siya sa eskwelahan. Binabato ng itlog,
tinulak tulak, kinukulong sa CR at ang masama pa, they're hurting her physically.
Napatakip ako sa bibig ko dahil sa sobrang gulat. I thought it was all but few last
pages broke my heart. I couldn't even finish the whole book because of that.

It's Aiden. He started all the bullying. He's the one initiating all the attacks on
her and she's keeping it a secret. Napaupo ako sa kama niya dahil sa sobrang gulat
at tumulo na ang mga luha ko. How could they do this to Ally? His only sister and
his own flesh and blood and Azel. She's his fiancé! Kaya pala hindi niya masabi
sakin dahil sarili niyang kapamilya ang gumagawa nito. Our poor princess! How could
I help her?

"Hey useless trash. I want---"

The door suddenly barged open and I looked up to see a shock face of a devil. All
the warm feelings I felt towards this guy disappeared and replaced with
disappointment. I didn't know how to treat Aiden starting now.

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

Simula noong marinig ko ang pag-uusap ng mga kaibigan ni Kuya, I became aware of my
surroundings. Maaga akong umaalis ng bahay at late na ko dumarating. Ginagawa ko
ang lahat para maiwasan ko sila kuya at ang mga kaibigan niya.

Sa bahay naman, umiiwas din ako kay kuya. Sa hapag-kaninan lang kami nagkakasama
and I was avoiding eye contact. Tapos na ang lahat ng klase at nagsiuwian na rin
halos lahat ng mga estudyante pero narito parin ako sa loob ng school. Inside the
janitor's closet to be exact. It became my new sanctuary and my new study room.
Being here for almost three to four hours a day with nothing but buckets, maps and
broom would send me straight to boredom that's why I kept a couple of books in
here. After all, I have to keep my straight A records.

Sa loob ng isang linggo, nakakakuha pa rin ako ng tsokolate at sulat sa locker ko.
Ang pagkakaiba nga lang, hindi ko na binabasa ang mga nakalagay don. Tanggap ko na
sa sarili ko na ako lang ang nagmamalasakit sakin. Na ako lang ang karamay ko
hanggang dulo. Na sarili ko lang ang makakatulong sa akin. The whole world will
laugh at you and you will weep alone. I was always stopping myself not to open and
read the notes because I didn't want to have false hope but I still keep them in my
boxes together with all my hopes and dreams. Starting from now, it's only I who's
capable of loving me.

Kinuha ko ang isang pink and light blue invitation card sa bag ko. Ibibigay ko to
kay Vernice. She's the only friend I got. Alam ko namang puro kaibigan ni Kuya at
ni Azel ang darating. At least kahit isang tao lang na mahalaga sakin maliban kay
Auntie ang dumating masaya na 'ko.

I carefully touched this fancy piece of paper. 'The time when dreams of a little
becomes the reality of a woman'.

I Alonna Gabrielle Faustino together with my family cordially invite you to

celebrate a very special moment of my life.....
It's funny how these words didn't give me anything but depression. The dreams I
have were shattered and my reality was hell.

Tinext ko si Vernice kanina na makipagkita sa'kin sa isang malapit na coffee shop.

Doon kami minsan nagpapalipas ng oras. Ibibigay ko sa kanya tong invitation.
Nakiramdam muna ko sa paligid bago maingat na lumabas tapos ay sumakay ako ng taxi
papunta sa meeting place. Agad ko siyang nakita at bigla akong umupo sa harap niya
na ikinagulat niya pa.

"Hi!"

"God Al you scare the hell out of me." She said with her hand over her heart. I
grinned and she giggled. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"This." Inabot ko sa kanya ung invitation. "I want you to come."

"Of course I'll go. It's a very special moment what made you think I won't? Gosh Al
you're turning 18 in 3 weeks and I bet this party will be the talk of the century.
Of course it will, you're a Faustino. I so, so envy you." Umorder kami nang may
lumapit na waiter. Mocha frappe at isang cheesecake ang sakin habang kay Vernice ay
Chocolate milk shake and a slice of boston cream pie. "On second thought, keep it
because your brother's enough to change my mind."

Mapait na ngiti ang ibiigay ko sa kanya. "I'll tell you something but promise me
you'll keep it."

Confusion took over her expressions. "What about?"

"You have to promise me first. I need to hear it from you."

"I have a weird feeling about this but...sure I promise. Not a single soul." Sabi
niya habang nakataas ang kanang kamay.

I had to do it. I needed to tell her and I trust her so I told her the whole story.
Noong narinig ko ang mga kaibigan ni Kuya na nag-uusap tungkol sa tangka nilang
pagdukot sa'kin. Ang sabi naman nila ay dadalhin nila ako kay Kuya. Maybe they
wouldn't do anything to harm me but I was still afraid. Hindi dahil sa gagawin nila
kung hindi dahil sag alit ni Kuya Aiden.

"What? We have to tell someone. They're out of line. Tell your aunt she can help
you. No. I'll tell her. Let's go to you--"

"No we can't tell her."

"Why? She can help you. This needs to stop. They're ruining your entire life and
you're letting them. You have had enough punishment to some accident from your
brother and Azel. I can see that they have cracked you and they're near to breaking
the entire you. We need to do something Al. Please for your safety. Tell your
aunt." Sabi niya habang nangingilid ang mga luha.

"You don't understand." malungkot na sabi ko. "Don't you think I didn't try to tell
my Aunt about this." Mariin akong tumingin sa kanya habang pinipigilan ko ang
pagtulo ng luha ko. "Every single day of my life I wanted to tell her. I wanted her
to know all of this because I know she care too much. That I could finally get out
of this sh*tty life. I really wanted that but what the payment of my relief?"
huminto ako at huminga ng malalim. "It will stop but it will also break the life of
my remaining family and their relationship...."
"...How my aunt sees my brother will be different. My brother will hate me more
until he asks to God that I die. I don't want to see them looking at each other
with anything but love and care for family. Do you know what that means? I'll be
saving my life but in exchange, it'll destroy theirs."

Nang tumigil ako, basang basa na ang mukha ni Vernice dahil sa kakaiyak. Kumuha ako
ng tissue sa kabilang table dahil naubos na ung sa table namin. Tinignan niya ko na
parang awang-awa siya sa akin. Hindi ko narin napigilan ang pagtulo ng luha ko pero
pinipilit ko paring maging matatag. Tumingala ako para at pinunasan ang mga luha
ko.

"Al! I w-want to h-help you b-but I d-don't know h-how." She said between sobs.

"You don't have to do anything. Just be a friend and keep your promise okay." I
gave her a weak smile before I stood up. "I need to go. It's getting late."

Patakbo akong lumabas sa coffee shop. Takbo lang ako ng takbo at hindi iniintinda
ang mga nabubunggo ko hanggang sa mapagod ako at huminto. Umupo muna ako sa isang
bench at tinignan ang langit. Hindi ko namalayan na gumabi na pala. Masarap
pagmasdan ang mga bituin pag gabi lalo na ang buwan. Nanatili lang akong nakatingin
sa kanila kaya hanggang sa di ko namalayan na medyo matagal na pala akong nakaupo.
I fished my phone in my pockets to look at the time but the battery's dead.

When I stood up, I saw a man standing still just looking at me. Bigla akong
kinabahan at kinilabutan because how the man looked at me was totally creepy.
Hinigpitan ko ang hawak ko sa mga libro ko dahil sa takot at naglakad palayo sa
lalaki.

I could hear footstep behind that made my pace faster. I looked over my shoulder
but saw nothing. Para akong nabunutan ng tinik nung di ko siya nakita. Siguro
paranoid lang ko dahil sa mga nangyayari sakin. Kung anu-ano tuloy ang naiisip ko
simula nung marinig ko sila Chris.

Naglalakad ako papauntang bus stop. Kailangan ko nang umuwi agad dahil baka nag-
aalala na sila tita at isa pa baka hindi ko maabutan ung bus. Patakbo akong
naglakad dahil gusto kong maabutan ang bus. Malayo layo kasi ang subdivision na
tinitirhan namin dito.

Napadaan ako sa isang eskenita at may biglang di inaasahang pangyayaring dumating.

May biglang humigit sa braso ko papunta sa loob ng madilim na eskenita dahilan para
mahulog ang mga gamit ko sa sahig.

Pumalag ako at nanlaban pero malakas siya. Bigla siyang may itinakip na panyo sa
mukha ko at may naamoy akong masakit sa ilong. Alam ko kung ano ang mangyayari at
kinabahan ako ng todo. Someone was trying to kidnap me at isa lang ang pumasok sa
isip ko. Si Kuya at Azel.

Pilit akong nanlaban at inaabot ang mukha niya. Nakalmot ko siya sa mukha at
napadaing siya sa sakit. Kahit medyo hilo ako ay mabilis akong tumakbo palayo pero
napahinto rin dahil may isang lalaking nakaharang sa daraanan ko. Medyo maliwanang
dahil sa lamp post kaya bahagya kong nakita ang mukha niya.

Hindi siya isa sa mga kaibigan ni Kuya at ni Azel. He's not even an American. He
looked like a Chinese or Japanese or Korean. I was not sure because they sometimes
looked the same and there's no enough light around.

"Where are you going little girl?" he smirked then took a step closer that made me
step back.
"P-please let me go." Pagmamakaawa ko.

"No can do. I love to but my boss won't be so happy about that."

"W-who?" he stopped and was about to open his mouth to talk pero isang panyo na
naman ang tumakip sa bibig ko. Unti unti akong nanghina at nandilim ang paningin ko
hanggang sa tuluyan na kong mawalan ng malay.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4

A Week Before the Event

Aiden

"Why'd you do that Aiden? I couldn't believe you would do such thing. You and
Azel." She asked in a low voice. By the way she asked me, I know what she's talking
about. It's about the things we did to that trash. Tss! Nagsumbong siguro siya. She
couldn't even keep her mouth shut.

Kasalanan niyang lahat. Kasalanan niya kung bakit nawala ang mga magulang namin. If
she didn't acted like a spoiled brat things would be so much better now. Pero hindi
at dahil sa ginawa niyang yon hindi ko siya mapapatawad.

"Because it was her fault. It was her fault I lost Mom and Dad. I will never
forgive her. She should be the one dead and-"

*pak*

Nagulat ako nang masampal ako ni Auntie Therese. Unang beses niya ko mapagbuhatan
ng kamay at isang mabait at maalagain na tao si Auntie Therese.

"You're blaming her? You're blaming a six-year old child for an accident. How could
you?" I saw how disappointed she was while looking at me. Napayuko nalang ako dahil
sa sobrang kahihiyan.

"What's happening in here?" Biglang dumating si Uncle Ben at sinusubukang

pakalmahin si Auntie Therese.

"You're weeping for your lost but you're not the only one who lost them. Alonna
also lost them and you didn't even try to understand her. You weren't even there
but I was and it was an accident. Every single day she's blaming herself for your
parent's death and every single day she was asking about how you were but all you
did was put salt all over her wound and hurt her more all over again. You pretended
to care and love her. It was all just an act. You of all people. Her brother!"

"I-I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be saying that to me. Say that to Alonna." She said before storming
out of Alonna's room and Uncle Ben followed her.

Mabilis akong pumasok sa kwarto ko. I was facing back and forth in front of my bed
thinking all the mess I did.

"F*CK!!" Napaupo nalang ako sagilid ng kama and buried my face on my hands.
Binalikan ko lahat ng ginawa ko sakapatid ko. Napahilamos ako nang mapag-isip sip
kong tama nga si Auntie Therese. Hindi lang ako ang nawalan at nagluluksa hanggang
ngayon. Nakalimutan kong may kapatid ako at laking pagsisisi ko. Nakalimutan kong
hindi lang ako ang nasasaktan dahil sa mga nagyari. Dalawa kami ng kapatid ko.

Hindi ko dapat ginawa iyon. I should've blame her for our loss and be a brother I
needed to be for her but instead, I made sure to make her life miserable and I
forced Azel to do the same.

Napakalaki kong tanga. Ang dami kong kagaguhang ginawa sa kanya. I regretted the
things I've done to her. I hurt her in every chance I get. Tinanggap niyang lahat
'yon at hindi man lamang ako ginantihan kahit isang beses. Hindi ko siya nakitaan
na nagalit siya sa'kin o tinignan ako ng masama.

I paid her love with pain and I regretted it so damn much.

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang isang personalized birthday card sa drawer.

Happy Birthday my dear brother. I love you.

Your little sister,

Al

She gave this to me when I was seven. Kinakain ng konsensya ko ang buong pagkatao
ko ngayon. Ngayon ko lang narealized ang mga nagawa ko sa kanya.

"I'm sorry Al." I whispered as tears staring to leak out from my eyes.

I needed to say sorry and I'll make sure to do it when she got home. Babawi ako and
be the brother you never had.

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

Alonna

"Wake up little girl. We're here."

Bigla akong nagising nang may humigit ng kanang braso ko at hilain ako palabas ng
sasakyan. Nakatali ng lubid ang dalawang kamay ko sa likod. Agad na bumalik ang
kaba ko at hindi ko na napigilang maiyak. I wished that all of this was just a
dream. Na maya maya ay bigla akong hahampasin ni Kuya ng unan para magising ako.
Ngayon ko hinihiling na sana saktan na ko ni Kuya para magising ako.

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa paligid. Ang daming barko. Nasa pier ako kasama ng
dalawang dumukot sa'kin.

"Move!" tinulak pa ko ng taong nagpatulog sakin. Sa tingin ko pareho sila ng

nationality noong isa. Hawak hawak naman ng isa ung braso ko. Hindi ko alam kung
san nila ako dadalhin.

"They're here." Sabi nung may hawak sakin. Nakita kong papalapit kami ng papalapit
sa mga lalaking nag-abang samin.

Lahat sila nakaitim at alam mong hindi gumagawa ng mabuti. Lalo akong kinabahan at
hinahatak ang sarili ko palayo sa lugar. Sobrang kaba ang nararamdaman ko ang my
tears won't stop falling.
"P-please l-let me g-go." Pagmamakaawa ko habang nanlalaban.

"Sorry little girl but he already paid us." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Talagang may
nagbayad sa kanila para gawin sakin to. Pumasok na naman ang pangalan ni Azel at ni
Kuya sa isip ko.

Sila kaya? Si Kuya kaya? H-hindi! Hindi n-nila maga-gawa sakin toh.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pag-iyak habang kinakaladkad nila ko. Huminto kami nung nasa
harapan na kami nung limang kalalakihan.

"Here!" Inabot nung lalaking nasa unahan ang isang briefcase sa lalaking nagpatulog
sakin at binuksan ito.

"Oohh! More money." He took a bundled and inspected it. He smiled and nodded at the
man holding me.

"She's all yours!" sabay tulak sakin papunta doon sa mga lalaki. Tatakbo na sana
ako pero may biglang pumulupot na braso sa bewang ko.

"Ahhhh! Somebody HEEELLLPPPP!" nagsisigaw ako pero tinatawanan lang nila 'ko.
Nakatakas ako sa gapos niya nung malakas ko siyang tinapakan sa kanang paa at
tumakbo ako palapit sa mga kidnapers ko.

"N-no! No! P-please I'll do a-anything. J-just don't give m-me to them. P-please."
Pagmamakaawa ko habang umiiyak sa lalaking nagtulak sa'kin.

"I told you. We're paid already." Naaasar niyang sagot . "Just be a good girl and
go with them."

"W-who paid you! Is it my b-brother?" I asked.

"Yeah! Yeah! Your brother!" walang pakialam niyang sabi habang nagbibilang ng pera
na ikinagulat ko. Malakas niya kong tinulak kaya napaupo ako.

Malakas ang kutob kong sila kuya ang may gawa pero iba pala ang impact sayo kapag
nakumpirma na. Nakasalampak lang ako sa sahig at tulala. Ganito na ba kalaki ang
galit niya sa'kin na kaya niya kong ipadukot at mukhang nabenta pa'ko.

Wala akong ibang ginawa kung hindi intindihin siya. Ang isipin ang mararamdaman
niya. Kahit saktan nila ko okay lang. Kaya kong tiisin pero I never thought that
they would do this to me. I loved them. I cared for them so why?

Naramdaman ko nalang na may humila ng braso ko at itinayo ako. I saw my kidnappers

back walking away from us. A guy suddenly cupped my face with one hand and I was
forced to look at him.

"Aren't you a beauty!" he said examining my face then smiled.

"P-please don't h-hurt me!" Once again I pleaded for my life when he let go. He
just smirked and nodded to the others. "W-where are you t-taking----.. "

Naputol ang pagsasalita ko nang biglang may tumakip sa buong ulo ko. Nagsisigaw ako
at pumapalag sa hawak nila sakin. I felt myself being lifted and someone's carrying
me like a sack. Nakarinig akong may isang pinto ang binuksan. Parang malakki at
gawa sa metal. Ibinaba ako at pilit na pinaupo tapos at itinali sa kung ano ang mga
kamay ko. I was crying and my breathing became ragged. Narinig kong sumarado ulit
ung pinto. I became aware of my surroundings when I heard several sobs.
"H-hello?" nauutal kong tanong. Gusto kong makasiguro kung may kasama ako dito. "Is
a-anybody here?" lumkas ang iyak na narinig ko. "W-where are they t-taking us?"

"I-I don't know!" I heard someone said. Nagpalingon lingon ako kahit walang
nakikita. "What's your name?" tanong niya.

"I'm A-Alonna." Bahagya akong kumalma ngayong may kausap ako. I wanted to talk
someone to keep me sane. Ito lang din ang pinanghahawakan ko na hindi ako nag-iisa
sa sitwasyong ito.

"I'm Rainne."

Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman kong gumalaw ang paligid. "Are w-we moving?"
natataranta kong tanong.

"Yes. They're shipping us somewhere." Ano? Ibig sabihin nasa barko kami at dadalhin
kami sa kung saan.

Bumalik ang takot at kabang naramdaman ko kanina. Hindi narin maayos ang paghinga
ko at humahagulgol na ko ng iyak. Hindi lang ko, marami kaming sabay sabay na nag-
iiyakan dito sa loob.

"Hey! Hey!" tawag ni Rainne sa'kin. "Keep calm okay! Crying's not gonna help you.
Keep in mind that you're still alive. Every moment passed means you're still
breathing so don't waste your energy on something useless and calm down. I know
it's not the right time but think happy thoughts." she said calming me.

Sinunod ko naman siya at pinakalma ang sarili. Nag-isip ako ng mga masasayang bagay
at unang pumasok sa isip ko ay sina Mom and Dad. Noong panahong nabubuhay pa sila.
Ung pagpunta namin sa amusement park, ung tinuturuan ako ni Mom na magbake at ung
binigay sakin ni Daddy ang manika ko noong 6th birthday ko. Sumunod si Vernice na
lagi kong karamay at si Uncle Ben at Auntie Therese na laging nakangiti habang
kumakain kami ng agahan.

My smile suddenly vanished when my brother and my fiancé invaded my thought. Those
two! They're not satisfied to what they did to me back home and at school. They did
this to me and I'll never forgive them.

Hinayaan ko ang sarili kong umiyak ng tahimik hanggang sa makaramdam ako ng pagod
at nakatulog ako.

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

Nagising ako nang maramdamang gumagalaw ulit kami. Alam kong wala na ako sa barko
at sa tingin ko, nasa sasakyan kami. Huminto saglit ang sasakyan at bumusina ng
dalawang beses. Maya maya pa ay umandar na to.

May nakatakip parin sa mukha ko at nakatali parin ang mga kamay ko. I heard the
door opened together with a lot of whimpering around me. Hindi ko alam kung gaano
katagal ang naging byahe namin ang alam ko lang ay gutom na gutom na ko. The last
time I ate was when I was with Vernice.

Hindi ko na alam kung anong mararamdaman ko. Kinakabahan ako pero ayoko nang
umiyak. Napagod at nagsasawa na ko sa kakaiyak. Ang tanging hiling ko lang ay
makaligtas ako dito at hindi ako mapahamak pero sa nararamdaman ko, mukang Malabo
'yon.

Gusto ko nang umuwi at tikman ang luto ni Tita. Gusto ko nang umuwi para makasama
si Vernice na siyang tangi kong kaibigan. Higit sa lahat, gusto ko nang umuwi para
ipamukha sa mga demonyong 'yon na hindi na nila ako kayang apihin. Gusto kong
ipakita sa kanila na kaya ko nang lumaban sa kanilang lahat. Lalo na kay Aiden at
Azel.

Nasilaw ang mga paningin ko at napapikit muli nang tanggalin nila ung nakalagay sa
ulo ko. Ang liwanag ng buong paligid. I adjusted my eyes to the light before
scanning the whole room.

Ang laki ng buong paligid at mukhan itong isang malaking mansion. I looked up to
see a big crystal like chandelier. Everything screamed elegance, expensive and
fragile inside this room.

Isa isa kaming tinanggalan ng tali sa kamay habang nakatayo at nakahilera. There
were 10-15 girls like me in this room including me. Iba't iba ang lahi ng mga
nakikita ko. May Asian, may American, French, Mexican at iba pa. Hindi ko alam kung
may iabng lahi ung iba gaya ko.

Men around us held guns and they looked like trained military agents with they're
stance. Sseryoso ang mga mukha nila at alam kong hindi sila magdadalawang isip na
gamitin ang mga hawak nila sa'min.

Ayoko nang umiyak pero hindi ko napigilan nang maisip kong mamamatay na ko sa mga
panahong ito. Nagpadagdag pa ng takot ko ang pag-iyak din ng ibang kasama ko pero
may isang babaeng kumuha ng pansin ko.

Lahat kami ay nag-iiyakan maliban sa kanya. Blanko at seryoso lang ang itsura niya
at hindi mo nakikitaan ng kahit anong emosyon. Gusto ko siyang gayahin at maging
matatag pero hindi ko yata kaya.

Biglang bumukas ang malaking pinto at pumasok ang isang lalaking nakasuit.
Nakangiti siyang lumakad sa harap namin kasama ng dalawang bodyguards niya.

Isa isa niya kami dinanan at tinignang mabuti. Para kaming mga art works na
iniinspeksyon ng bibili. Bawat hakbang niya papalapit sa'kin ay ang lalong pagbilis
ng puso ko. He looked at me from head to toe then looked at my eyes. Agad akong
umiwas ng tingin at ngumiti naman siya.

"Her and her!" mas lalong tumulo ang luha ko nang makita ko ang daliri niyang
nakaturo sa'kin tapos ay agad siyang lumabas.

Napuno ng ingay mula sa mga kababaihan ang buong lugar nang sapilitan silang
ilabas ng kwarto. Hindi ko alam kung saan sila dadalhin pero iniwan nila ako dito
sa loob. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko maliban sa pag-iyak.

Tinignan ko ung kasama kong naiwan. Siya ung babaeng blanko lang ang ekspresyon
kanina. Hindi rin nagtagal at hinila narin kami at inilabas sa kwarto.

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

Chapter 5
(Dedicated to TrixieKryzia. As promised...para sa'yo to. Salamat sa suporta... :D)

Chapter 5
Her Turning Point

Aiden

Ilang araw nang nawawala si Alonna at nag-aalala na kaming lahat. Everything

changes the day she went missing. I found myself unable to sleep peacefully. Every
single time guilt comes clawing in my mind like it comes with the air I breathe.
Every day, I kept blaming myself. It's my fault and damn! Bakit ngayon ko lang
narealize ang lahat ng ito.

I lost my sister and I think I'm starting to lose my aunt too. Minsan pag nakikita
ko siya, nag-iiwas siya ng tingin. Sinusubukan ko siyang kausapin pero tipid na
sagot lang ang ibinibigay niya. She was disappointed and depressed because she had
no choice but to see me every day and my sister was still missing. Sometimes, I
could hear her cries kapag napapadaan ako sa kwarto niya. Buti nalang andyan si
Uncle Ben para alalayan siya. Sila na ang tumayong magulang namin mula noon at alam
kong mahal na mahal ni Auntie si Alonna.

My sister. How I wish that I could turn back time. Ipapadama ko sa kanya ang dapat
na pagmamahal na ibinigay ko sa kanya. But it's impossible. Hindi na sana siya
nawala at hindi sana lahat nagdurusa.

Nung araw na hindi umuwi si Alonna, nagpaimbestiga kami nung gabi ding 'yon. Alam
naming hindi kikilos ang mga pulis dahil wala pang 24 hours kaya ang mga tauhan na
namin ang inutusan ni Auntie. We knew she was kidnapped but had no clue where they
took her.

Hindi parin kami tumitigil at tumutulong narin sina Tito Romeo at Tita Clarissa.
Azel's parents.

Nakayuko kami habang ikinukwento ni Auntie Therese sa mga magulang ni Azel ang
nangyari. Lalong dumagdag ang bigat ng nararamdaman ko nang muli kong marinig ang
mga ginawa namin mula kay Auntie. Umiiyak siya habang kinukwento ito sa mag-asawa.
We closed one of our restaurants just to have a meeting with them. I have no Idea
kung sino ung isang babaeng umiiyak na kasama namin dito but I heard her name was
Vernice.

"Dad I'm so--" Azel apology was cut off when his stood up and shouted.

"YOU B@STARD!"

*bogsh*

Lahat kami ay nagulat at napatayo nang malakas na sinuntok ni Tito Romeo si Azel.
Bumagsak sa sahig si Azel pero nanatili itong nakatingin sa sahig dahil sa sobrang
kahihiyan at pagsisisi.

"Wala kang kwenta!"

"Romeo" agad na nilapitan ni Tita Clarissa si Tito at pinapakalma. Nakahawak siya

sa dibdib nito para pigilang lumapit kay Azel.
"Hindi ko alam na may anak pa la kong demonyo!" he screamed.

"Tito it's not his fault. I'm the one who---" Agad siyang humarap sa akin and I
could see how angry he was. Nakakatakot.

Alam kong gusto niya rin akong sigawan at saktan pero pinipigilan niya lang ang
sarili niya dahil alam niyang wala siyang karapatan pero ibang usapan na pagdating
kay Azel.

Agad akong umiwas ng tingin at siya naman ay ibinalik ang nanlilisik na tingin kay
Azel.

"You are a disgrace to be a Madrigal." Humarap siya kay Auntie habang tinutulungan
naman ni Tita Clarissa si Azel na tumayo. "I'm sorry Therese but I want to end
your niece's engagement to this kid."

"But dad"

"Shut up Kurt Azelro. You did this."

"Romeo sigurado ka ba?" kalmadong sabi ni Tita Clarissa na sinagot naman ng tango
ni Tito. Napaharap sila nang biglang sumingit si Auntie Therese.

"It's fine. I was about to suggest the same." Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Auntie.
Hindi ko siya masisisi kung sasang-ayon siya but I need to help Azel. I knew he
wanted this engagement to continue since the start but. He had hurt Alonna because
I forced him. Ipinamukha kong mas mahalaga ang pagkakaibigan kesa sa iba. Lalo na
pagdating sa mga babae and he believed me.

"Auntie please don't do this. It's not Azel's fault. I forced him to do that."

"No. I will not let him or anyone hurt Al again." She said with her stern voice
while Vernice and Uncle Ben were beside her.

I just looked with sincere apology pero pilit na ngiti lang ang nakita ko sa kanya.

"I'm really sorry for everything Therese. We need to go." He said. Tumalikod siya
at umalis. Sumunod naman sa kanya sina Azel at Tita Clarissa.

Pinanood ko lang silang umalis. Alam ko namang may ginampanan si Azel sa

pagpapahirap kay Alonna pero pinilit ko lang talaga siya. I knew how much he valued
our friendship and I used that to control him.

"Vernice! Please tell me. Did Al tell you anything before this happened?"

Humarap ako kayla Auntie na ngayon ay nakaupo na katabi si Uncle at kaharap si

Vernice. Medyo kalmado na sila. Umupo ako sa tabi ni Uncle para makita kong siyang
mabuti.

She had blonde, short curly hair and eyes blue as a sea pero nahaharangan ng
makapal na salamin. Sadness was visible to her eyes and there were also dried
tears on her face.

"Ahh... Y-yes Mrs. McClarence."

"Tell us please Vernice." Auntie said eagerly. Tumingin muna sakin si Vernice pero
saglit lang yon. Mukhang nagdadalawang isip ito at napansin yun ni Auntie. "What's
the problem? Is it bad?"
She nodded while still looking at her hands on her lap. She was biting her lip to
stop herself from crying.

"I'm s-sorry Mrs. McClarence b-but I promised her n-not to tell."

"But she is my niece. Please Vernice. We need to know everything. Please."

Desperation was obvious in Auntie's voice. She was pleading for her to tell what
she knew.

"Can you just tell us please." I asked. I also wanted to know what my sister told
her.

Vernice looked at me shocked. Nanlaki ang mga mata siya na para bang hindi siya
makapaniwala na ako ang humihingi ng pabor.

"Not a single soul. That's what I promised my bestfriend and I won't break that."
Mukha namang nadismaya si Auntie sa sagot nito. Napabuntong hininga na lamang siya.
Hinawakan naman ni Uncle ang kamay ni Auntie. Kung ganon siya pala ang bestfriend
ni Alonna. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita. "But Mrs. McClarence there's a way." Our
ears became attentive dahil sa mga sinabi at sasabihin niya. Muli ay humarap siya
sakin pero galit ang itsura niya. "She has a diary and she's keeping the latest
under her mattress. The others are locked in her drawer but I don't know where she
hides the key."

"Yes I know. I found one under her pillows. That's how I discovered how miserable
her life is." Bigla na namang bumuhos ang kunsesnya sa buong sistema ko dahil sa
narinig.

"If you want to know what she told me, you need to read her last week's entry."

That's what she said before leaving but not forgetting to give me a death glare.
Why? What happened last week?

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

Alonna

"Remember what I told you two. Mr. Rovough won't tolerate mistakes. He wants
everything to be neat and perfect." Pinasadahan niya kami ng tingin na para bang
kinikilatis kami. She snapped her fingers before a girl wearing a maid's uniform
gave us each a set of clothes.

Kasama ko parin ung babaeng naiwan gaya ko. She just stared blankly at the girl who
I think was in her twenties then took the clothes. Nakayuko siyang ibinigay sakin
ung damit at mas lalo akong kinabahan nang makita ko ang pasang nagkukulay ube sa
may pisngi niya.

Nanginginig kong kinuha ung damit na kamukha ng suot niya. Magiging katulong ba
kami dito? Sana naman yun lang!

"You! What's your name?" I became stiffed when she pointed her fingers to me.

Mas lalo nagig strikto ang itsura niya because of her pointed eyeglasses. She's
brunette, tall, slim and an american at base sa obserbasyon ko, siya ang namamahala
sa mga trabahador sa buong mansyon. Halata ring takot ang mga ito sa kanya.
Napalunok ako dahil sa talim ng titig niya sakin.
"A--Alonna" I almost whispered.

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko na napatingin sa akin ung kasama kong babae. Agad
akong napayuko at agad naman niyang tinanong ung pangalan nung babae.

"Rainne" gulat akong tumingin sa kanya. Kung ganon siya ung kausap ko kanina sa
barko. A part of me felt relief because I was here with her. At least we already
talked and bonded before we ended up here.

Ms. Wills. Yan ang pangalan niya. Sinabi niya kung ano ang ganap namin sa bahay na
to. Ako ang taga serve ng pagkain ni Mr. Rovough, isang british businessman pati
narin ang tagadala ng tsaa at kape nito. Si Rainne naman ay magiging personal maid
niya. Kinakabahan ako dahil gusto daw kaming makita nito mamayang pagdating niya
pero itong kasama ko parang walang kinakatakutan. Sana kagaya niya ko.

Naririto kami ngayon sa loob ni Mr. Rovough. Nakatayo habang hinihintay siya. Hindi
ako mapakali habang tumatagal ang paghihintay namin. I was restless and uneasy and
it became worst nang bumukas ang pinto. Pumasok ung lalaki kahapon na pumili
sa'min.

Mukhang nasa fifties na siya pero kahit ganoon, alam mong pinapahalagahan niya ang
katawan niya. Medyo malaki ang katawan at maganda rin ang tindig niya. His ash
brown hair was neatly done and he's eyes were blue.

Kagaya noon, tinignan niya kami mula ulo hanggang paa. Napayuko ako dahil naiilang
ako sa tingin niya. Nagulat ako at nanigas sa kinatatayuan ko nang hawakan niya ang
baba ko at itinaas ang mukha ko.

"Such beauty especially your eyes." Binitawan niya ko at napakagat naman ako sa
labi dahil sa takot. "I'll be seeing you girls tomorrow and I hope you'll enjoy
your stay under my roof. But I think I'll be enjoying more."

Matapos niyang sabihin 'yon ay inilabas na kami ng mga tauhan niya at dinala sa
tutulugan namin.

Isang linggo na kaming naririto at isang linggo na kong umiiyak gabi-gabi. Iniisip
kung bakit nangyayari sa'kin to. Napag-alaman rin namin na nasa China kami. Hindi
ko sure kung saan dahil hindi naman kami lumalabas. Nasa loob ako ng silid namin ni
Rainne. Tumutulo ang luha ko habang hinahaplos haplos ang namamaga kong braso.
Ibinato kasi sakin ni Mr. Rovough ang tasang pinaglagyan ng kape niya na sobrang
tamis daw.

"Huwag kang umiyak. Walang maitutulong 'yan" Napatingin ako kay Rainne. Hindi ko
namalayan na pumasok pala siya.

Isa lang ang dahilan kung bakit daw kami pinili ni Mr. Rovough at dahil daw yun sa
mga mata namin. Pareho kasi kami ng kulay ng mata. Kulay abo. Ang pagkakaiba nga
lang, ang mga mata ni Rainne ay laging blanko at walang emosyon samantalang sakin
ay laging dinadaluyan ng mga luha.

Isang half-Filipino half-German si Rainne. Yun lang ang alam ko sa kanya.

Ikinuwento ko ang tungkol sa akin at sa pamilya ko pero siya walang sinabi sakin.
Pati ang ginawa ni Azel at Aiden kinuwento ko rin pero wala daw siyang pakialam.
She said its better not to give your name or rather your true name in a situation
like this. And she also said I'm pathetic to tell stupid stories like mine. Yes
she's cold but she's the only one I got right now. Ang pakilala niya sa kanila ay
Rainne Samuels at Alonna Reyes ang sakin. Pareho kami ng height na 5'7. She has
long straight hair pero laging nakatali. Maganda siya pero matapang ang itsura niya
at mas lalong gaganda siya kung ngingiti siya.
"Anong nangyari sa mukha mo?" tumayo ako para hawakan ang pisngi niya pero tinabig
niya ang kamay ko.

Her left cheek was swollen and red. Siguradong sinaktan din siya ni Mr. Rovough. My
job was better if it would be compared to Rainne's. At least ako minsan ko lang
makita si Mr. Rovough siya kasi lagi. Isa pa, naiilang ako sa mga tingin ni Mr.
Rovough. Minsan ay nahuhuli ko siyang malagkit ang tingin sa'min ni Rainne at
ikinatatakot ko talaga yon. There were times that he would accidentally brushed his
hands over mine and I saw him touched and looked at Rainne with lust which scared
me even more for the both of us.

"Wala to. Mr. Rovough said to bring him a coffee." She said in monotone then left.

Sumunod ako at pumunta ng kusina para magtimpla ng kape. Naalala ko tuloy si Uncle
Ben dahil gusto niyang laging matamis ang kape niya. Don nga minsan naiinis si
Auntie sa kanya dahil baka daw magkadiabetes sya. Malungkot akong napangiti dahil
sa naalala ko hanggang sa makarating ako sa tapat ng opisina ni Mr. Rovough.

Kakatok na sana ako nang may marinig akong kalabog kasabay ng ingay na parang may
nabasag. Agad kong binuksan ung pintuan at nagulat ako sa nakita ko. Mr. Rovough
was above Rainne's almost unconscious body while rocking back and forth.

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

Third Person POV

"How are they?" Inspector Chen asked the doctors who's tending the two girls he
saved inside Mr. Rovough's mansion.

Inspector Chen was assigned to investigate Mr. Maxwell Rovough's case. He was a
notorious drug lord and human trafficking all over the world. Ilang taon niya ring
inimbestigahan ito at sa wakas ay nakakuha na sila ng ibidensya noong nakaraang
linggo. Nagbigay ang asset nila ng mga pictures kung asan may mga babaeng
inilalabas mula sa pier. Ang asset nila ay nagpapanggap na trabahador sa nasabing
pier. Ang sabi nito ay mula sa iba't-ibang parte ng buong mundo ang mga babae at
ibinebenta sa mga kliyente ni Mr. Rovough.

Kagabi lang ay sinugod nila ang mansion ni Rovough. Nanlaban ang mga tauhan nito
kaya hindi na sila nagdalawang-isip na gumanti. Naging madugo ang laban at hindi
maiiwasang may mamatay mula sa grupo niya.

His comrades' deaths were worth it because Rovough was shot and died on their
encounter.

Nanlumo naman siya nang pumasok siya sa opisina ni Rovough. He found two
unconscious girls with blood all over them. One of the girls' face was badly beaten
and her clothes were torn. Ganoon din ang isa pero maayos ang itsura nito pero
dumudugo ang ulo niya dahil sa pagkabagok. Agad siyang tumawag ng tulong at dinala
ang dalawa sa ospital.

"They're still unconscious and one of them is
injuries. An internal hemorrhage occurred and
The doctor said. "The other girl has 2 broken
her arms and a fractured leg but the worst is
surgery just to fix it."
in critical condition due to head
she needs to undergo surgery fast."
ribs. She also has bruises all over
her face. She needs reconstructive

Inspector Chen couldn't do anything except to pity both girls. Kung dumating lang
siguro siya ng mas maaga, siguro hindi sila hahantong sa ganito.

Samantala, unti-unting dumilat ang mga mata niya. Nasilaw siya dahil sa liwanag
pero agad siyang nakapag-adjust. Nilibot niya ang paningin niya pero puro puti lang
ang nakikita niya. Narinig niyang sumarado ang pintuan pero hindi niya alam kung
may lumabas o pumasok.

Sinubukan niyang igalaw ang katawan para umupo pero daing lang ang nagawa niya
dahil sa sakit ng katawan.

Unti unting bumalik sa ala-ala niya ang mga nangyari at wala siyang nagawa kung
hindi ang mapaluha. Napansin naman niyang parang bumigat ang mukha niya at may
nakabalot. Mas lalo siyang humagulgol ng iyak nang hawakan niya ito. Her entire
face was wrapped in bandages except for her eyes and lips.

Ilang araw nang lumipas pero hindi parin nagsasalita ang babaeng nakabalot ang
mukha. Walang makuhang impormasyon si Inspector Chen sa kanya. Laging nakayuko ito
habang nakaupo at blanko ang tingin. Inspector Chen just sighed in frustration and
defeat when he couldn't get any answers from her. Kahit ang pangalan nito ay hindi
pa niya alam.

Tinuon niya nalang ang pansin sa TV na kasalukuyang ibinabalita ang tungkol sa

kasong hinawakan niya. Nagflashsa screen ang mukha ni Mr. Rovough tinignan niya ang
reaksyon ng babae. Her eyes shed tears. Naawa siya sa babae kaya nilipat niya ang
channel. Bigla namang bumukas ang pinto at tinawag siya ng kasamahan niya kaya
lumabas muna siya saglit. Nag-aagaw buhay daw ung isang babaeng dinala dito kasama
niya.

Hindi naman naialis ng babae ang paningin sa TV. Ang blanko niyang mata kanina at
napalitan ng galit sa nakita at naririnig.

"We're still looking for her and we won't stop until we find my sister. 10 Million
Dollars for those who could give us information on her whereabouts."

"If Alonna's listening right now, what would you say?" tanong ng isa sa mga
reporter.

"Alonna if you're listening, we're still waiting for you. Please come home or at
least contact us. We will never stop finding you even if it takes forever. Me,
Uncle Ben and Auntie Therese, we miss you and we love you so much." Umiiyak na sabi
ni Aiden bago magfocus ang camera sa reporter.

Mapait naman na napangiti ang babae pagkatapos.

"Hindi niyo na siya makikita dahil kasalukuyan siyang namamatay ngayon kaya huwag
na kayong umasa. She will forever be gone. Hindi ka naman siguro magagalit kung
gaganti ako para sa kanya diba? Aiden?"

Chapter 6
WARNING: SPG

Chapter 6

After

Third Person POV

Inspector Chen was reviewing the data of his new case inside their headquarters
when his partner, Inspector Wang came inside and approached him with gloom. Nagtaka
naman si Inspector Chen nang mapansin ang malungkot na itsura ng kasamahan.
Kadalasang masaya at palabiro ang katrabaho kaya hindi niya maisip kung bakit
ganito ang ipinapakita niya.

"What happened to you? Did your wife decline you last night?" natawa pa siya ng
bahagya pero hindi man lang nagbago ang mukha ng kasama.

"You know it's very impossible to happen." He paused "I got an update about the two
girls we rescued last month."

Agad na sumiryoso ang mukha ni Inspector Chen. Hindi na nila hawak ang kaso pero
nakikibalita parin sila sa mga nangyayari lalo na sa dalawang babaeng nasagip nila
tatlong linggo nang nakakaraan.

"What is it?"

"The one who got a brain surgery's recovering but half of her body's paralyzed.
They weren't able to get anything except for their names. "

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"For us yes. The other girl was transferred to a psychiatric ward. She became
aggressive and ended up hurting the nurses and doctors in duty. She kept on
shouting and trashing all the things she came contact with."

"She's in trauma." Mahinang sabi ni Inspector Chen. "What are their names?"

"Rainne Samuels and Alonna Reyes but I'm not sure which one is who and here's the
worst part." Napakunot naman ang noo ni Inspector Chen. Mukhang napakabata pa nila
na para bang hindi lalagpas ng dalawanpu ang edad nila para makaranas nng ganito.
He's wishing for them to get better para maiuwi na sila sa kanilang pamilya. May
sasama pa ba sa napagdaanan ng dalawa?

"They were both r@ped and one of them is three weeks pregnant."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Inspector Chen sa sinabi ni Inspector Wang. Sobrang awa ang
naramdaman niya para sa dalawa lalo na sa babaeng inilipat sa psychiatric ward.
Labis na trauma ang nangyari sa kanya na pati ang pag-iisip niya ay naapektuhan na.

"Who?" malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ni Inspector Wang.

"The girl who got transferred in psychiatric ward."

Six Years Later

Kurt Azelro 'Azel' Madrigal POV

"Sir, ito na po ung mga reports para sa client meeting for this weekend." Sabi ni
sekretarya ko na si Tin.

"Thanks Tin. Pwede ka nang umuwi." Sabi ko bago siya lumabas ng opisina ko.

K.Azelro Design Studio. Ang kumpanyang pinaghirapan kong mabuo sa loob ng anim na
taon. Maliit na kumpanya lang ito para sa landscaping at ako ay isa sa mga
architect. For the past six year after our graduation, I set and strive myself to
be where I am now. Kung hindi nagalit sakin si Dad noon, ako sana ang president ng
kompanya pero ibinigay niya ito sa nakakabata kong kapatid na si Keith Axel.

Mas matanda ako sa kanya ng dalawang taon. Simula noon, Dad's treatment to me
change. Mom's still the same but I knew that she's just being a mother. A mother
that kept on supporting her son even though he did something unforgivable and I was
grateful to her. I still visit them sometimes and my mom's always warm to welcome
me but my dad always remained casual.

Si mom ang laging matanong sa mga pangyayari sa buhay ko habang si dad ay tahimik
lang. Hindi niya parin kasi matanggap na nasira niya ang pangako niya sa kaibigan
na alagaan ang isa sa mga anak nito. Si Alonna.

Sa loob ng anim na taon, hindi tumigil sa paghahanap sina Aiden sa kanya. A week
after her disappearance, they caught the men who kidnapped her. Hanggang ngayon ay
nakakulong pero hindi nila masabi kung nasan si Alonna.

Ibinenta daw nila si Alonna pero hindi nila masabi kung anong nangyari o kung san
siya dinala ng mga pinagbentahan nila.

Aiden wanted to be a doctor but he dropped the course and took business management
course instead. Kailangan kasi ng katulong ni Auntie Therese at Uncle Ben sa
kompanya nila. Pabalik balik siya dito sa Pilipinas pero sinisigurado niyang hindi
niya pinababayaan ang kaso ni Alonna.

Maraming nagtangkang nagpapakilala bilang si Alonna pero wala ni isa sa kanila ang
nakalusot sa imbestigasyon. They looked like her and successfully faked the DNA
test but Aiden hired the best investigator to dig their history.

I migrated here in Philippines but the guilt and pain of losing her never left. I
was devastated at naging laman ako ng bar every night. Babae, alak at sigarilyo
ang araw araw kong bisyo. Walang gabing hindi ako umuwi ng lasing at may kasamang
babae hanggang sa makilala ko siya.

"Knock Knock!" napalingon ako mula sa pagrereview ng reports nang marinig ko ang
malumanay niyang boses. "Hi babe!"

"Riza. I told you I'll fetch you." she giggled. Hearing her sweet melody made me
peaceful and calm.

Agad akong tumayo at mabilis na hinalikan ang mapupula niyang labi. Bakas sa mga
mata niya ang kinang ng kasiyahan. I looked at her grey eyes and I felt like all
weight I'm carrying disappeared. Her kind and jolly aura just made me contented to
my life. Kuntento ako at payapa kapag kasama siya.

Nakilala ko siya sa isang exhibit at isa siya sa mga painters don. Nang makita ko
ang maamo niyang mukha, nakita ko si Alonna sa kanya lalo na nung tumingin ako sa
kulay abo niya mga mata.

They have the same eyes as her. Not only that. They have the same brown curly hair,
how gentle her face, her kindness towards others and how her sweet voice sounded.
They all reminded me of her. Of Alonna, my first love.

Alam kong hindi tama ang ginagawa ko dahil lumalabas na panakip butas ko lang si
Riza pero ito siya lang meron ako kung saan ko nararamdamang malapit ako kay
Alonna.

I loved Alonna and I cared for Riza. Kay Riza ako bumabawi para kay Alonna. I don't
love her yet but I'm getting there. I wouldn't make the same mistake I did to
Alonna. She's my everything now at siya na ang buhay ko.

I caressed her face using my thumb while looking directly at her grey eyes wishing
that she's the Alonna I loved.

"You're sad. Why?" she asked concerned in her eyes.

Hindi ko maiwasang magsisi sa mga nangyari. Kung hindi sana ako nagpakontrol kay
Aiden siguro mas masaya ko ngayon kasama siya. Naging mahina ako at natakot akong
mawalan ng kaibigan. Bros before hoes. Lintek na kasabihan 'yan. 'Yan ang dahilan
kung bakit miserable ako ngayon at tanging si Riza lang ang pwede kong kapitan.

"Nothing. I just missed you." sabi ko na nagpangiti sa kanya.

Nang makita ko ang mga ngiti niya, hindi na ko nagdalawang isip na halikan siya.
Ipinulupot ko ang kanang baso ko sa bewang niya at ang isa sa likod niya para mas
lalo pa kaming mapalapit. Her hand found its way at the back of my neck as her
fingers got tangled on my hair.

I felt her lips formed a smile as our kiss became deeper. Our lips became locked as
our tongue wage war on each other. Pareho kaming naghahabol ng hininga nang matapos
kami at niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit.

"I love you." Sabi niya at mas lalong hinigpitan niya ang yakap sakin.

"I love you too." Alonna. My thoughts ended that statement.

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

"Stop! No Please." She said while crying and begging for him to stop.

He was pinning her down with her hands on the side of her head while kissing and
assaulting her body. Tinulungan niya ang kaibigang halos mawalan na ng malay sa
ilalim ng katawan ng lalaki pero siya ang napagbalingan ng galit at init ng katawan
nito.

Pilit siyang nagpupumiglas at nanlalaban na ikinagalit ng lalaki and that made him
punched her stomach. She grunted in pain that made her weak as he continued
dirtying her body. She saw her friend silently coming closer to them with a vase
and without a second thought, smashed the vase on the man's head.

"F*ck! You B*tch!" Agad na tumayo ang lalaki at malakas na sinampal ang kaibigan na
nagpabagsak sa kanya. Hindi pa siya nakuntento at sinipa niya pa ito ng isang
beses.

Nakita niya kung paano manghina ang kaibigan. Unti unti siyang bumangon pero
bumaling sa kanya ang lalaki at marahas siyang sinabunutan at hinila patayo.

"You two bitches will pay." He said while gritting his teeth.

"Rainne!"

"Rainne!"

Kristoff dela Vega POV

(Brazil)

"Rainne!"

"Rainne!"

Nagising ako nang marinig ang boses ng babaeng katabi ko. I looked at her and it
seems that she's having a nightmare. Hinawakan ko ang balikat niya at inalog ko
siya para magising.

"Rainne! Wake up baby."

"Rainne!"

Nilakasan ko ang pag-alog sa kanya at laking ginhawa ko nang magising siya. Unti
unti niyang minulat ang kulay abo niyang mata at tumingin sakin. Pinagpapawisan
siya at hinihingal. Sa loob ng apat na taong magkasama kami, madalas siyang
binabangungot. Lagi niyang tinatawag ang sarili niyang pangalan. May alam ako sa
istorya ng buhay niya pero konti lang.

"What happened?" Malamig niyang sabi.

"You were saying your name again."

Pinunasan ko ang noo niya gamit ang mga palad ko pero hinawi niya rin ito agad.
Hindi na siya umimik at bumalik sa pagkakahiga. She's always acting like this. Cold
and distant to everyone. Kung ano nga ang tinatawag sa kanya ng iba. Heartless, the
careless witch, cold at kung ano pa pero and pinakasikat ng tawag sa kanya ay Ice
Queen.

Daig mo pa nasa antartica kapag nasa paligid niya. Wala syang pakialam sa iba kahit
na sa akin but I'm trying my best to make her fell the warmth kahit na saktan niya
pa ko.

Humiga ako sa tabi niya at niyakap siya. I moved my left hand up and down her bare
back and pulled her closer as we both felt the combined warmth from our naked
bodies.

Nakilala ko siya 5 years ago when we both went to college. The first time I saw
her, I already fell in love with her. Ginawa ko ang lahat para pansinin niya ko
kahit na magmukha akong tanga. She was too distant and didn't have a single care to
anything and anyone.

Then one time I discovered something about her and used that to get close to her. I
offered her my help and she took it. Alam kong ginagamit niya lang ako pero wala
akong pakialam. Gamitin niya lang ako kahit kelan niya gusto basta nasa tabi ko
lang siya.

Alam kong hindi niya ko mahal at maraming nagsasabing hindi siya marunong magmahal
but I'm on a mission to change that. Hindi man niya ko mahal ngayon, sisiguraduhin
kong mamahalin niya rin ako.

Bahagya akong nagulat nang hawakan niya ang pisngi ko at hinalikan. I responded and
it didn't take a couple of second until our kiss got deeper. She shifted her
position and went on top before grinding that made me hard fast. I wanted to pin
her down and attack every inch of her body but I knew she wouldn't like that. She
always wanted to be on top of everything. I mean everything.
I reached down and pulled both her legs up that ended up in a straddle. We
continued our tongue war at unti unti akong bumangon at umupo.

I pulled away at ibinaba ang mga halik ko sa panga niya hanggang sa leeg pababa. My
left hand found its way to her breast while I continued kissing her down until my
mouth attacked the other. Lumiyad siya to give me more access at nagpakawala ng
mahinang ungol.

Ilang beses na naming ginawa ito sa loob ng limang taon pero mga mahihinang ungol
lang ang natatanggap ko sa kanya. I wanted her to scream my name as loud as her
beautiful voice could handle but a moan was all she could give me. I felt myself
getting harder as she grind her hips hotter and sexier than the usual.

"Ahhhh....Sh*t... Rainne." I said panting as my body turned hotter than a boiling

lava. Marahas niya kong itinulak para mapahiga at pumusisyon siya sa ibabaw ko.
"Rainne. " I moaned and she kissed me aggressively. I responded with the same
intensity.

"Shut up." She coldly ordered. Para kong sasabog when she kissed me down my jaw
line to my neck while she's grinding her lower body to mine. Sinunod ko ang gusto
niya at nanahimik. Her kisses went lower to my chest and felt the need to take her
when she licked and sucked my nipples.

Her mouth left them and travelled lower to my stomach down to my groin. I held her
head as I felt her licked that part of my body. I groaned in ecstasy as she took me
inside her mouth. Her warmth breath covered my buddy while she bobbed her head up
and down. I felt something stir below me and I know I'm near to release.

"Rainne!... Baby... I'm n-near." Nahihirapan kong salita. Bumilis ang paggalaw niya
and in the last second, she stopped and stopped me from jerking off. Tinukod ko ang
mga siko ko at tiningnan siya. She smirked habang ako naman ay bitin na bitin at
namumula dahil sa pananakit ng puson. "What the.."

"That's your punishment for ruining my sleep." She said in monotone.

Hindi ko na kinaya ang sakit kaya pumasok agad akong tumakbo sa banyo ng kwarto ko
at don ko nilabas ang hindi nalabas kanina.

Bakit niya ko paparusahan? Ginawa ko 'yon dahil binabangungot siya. Damn it! Hindi
ko talaga mabasa ang babaeng to. She's so unpredictable. Nagawa niya na to sakin
minsan pero matagal na. Every time na maaasar siya, which I didn't know when
because she always had the same expression, isa ito sa mga parusa niya. Grabe ang
sakit.

Pagkatapos ko ay lumabas na ko at hindi ko na pinansin kung nakahubad man ako.

Nakita ko siyang nagsusuot na ng sapatos. Inabot ko ang isang pares ng sapatos niya
na malapit sakin.

"I'm going to Philippines."

"What? When?" gulat kong sabi niya. Unpredictable

"6 AM." She said while checking her phone. I checked the time and it's already 4AM.
Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. Siya ang tipo ng babaeng gagawin ang
gusto niya at alam kung ano ang gusto niya at isa yan sa nagustuhan ko.

"Susunod ako." I said while putting on my underwear.

"No need. Mind your fiancé not me."

"I don't have a care for that woman and I don't love her." Agad kong sabi. Yes! I
have a fiancé but I don't care about her. It was arranged for God's sake. Bahala
sila sa gusto nila basta hindi ko papatulan ang trip nila.

"Neither am I to you." May kung anong tumusok sa puso ko nung sinabi niya yon. Alam
ko naman 'yon. What we have right now is nothing to her. Pero gaya ng sabi ko
kanina, wala akong pakialam basta kasama ko siya. I whipped but I don't care.

"Bakit ka pupunta 'don?" The end of her lips curved up to form a smile. There's
something about her smile that made me shiver. It's wicked and I don't think I'll
like what she's thinking.

"I'll chase some mouse at don sila nagtatago." Yan ang mga huling salita niya bago
lumabas ng condo ko.

Alam ko ang ibig sabihin niya. Ganyan rin ang binitawan niyang salita five years
ago nang makita namin si Cindy. Kung balak niyang pumunta ng Pilipinas para gawin
ang balak niya, kailangan ko siyang sundan. Tutulong ako gaya dati at alam kong
tatanggapin niya ulit ang tulong ko.

I searched for my cell and called my assistant.

"Nelson! Get me a flight to Philippines ASAP."

"Yes sir." Binaba ko ang telepono at bumalik sa pagkakahiga.

Sana lang ay matapos nang lahat ng ito. Masyado nang matagal ang hinintay niya para
dito. Kahit ano man ang kalabasan, tutulungan ko parin siya.
Chapter 7
(Dedicated to Lovely Mhay a.k.a parkjiyeon_Lkim dahil sa walang tigil na
pagsuporta, pagvote at pagcomment. This is for you. :D)

Chapter 7

The Client

Azel

It's a day before weekend and I have a meeting to a potential client in Palawan. I
wanted to relax even for a day kaya nag-aayos na ko ng gamit papunta'don. Tinawagan
ko muna si Tin para bilinan.

"Tin, Ikaw muna bahala sa opisina. Kapag may naghanap sa'kin, schedule them a
meeting." I flatly said.

"Yes sir."

'Yan lang ang sinabi ko at sunod na tinawagan si Riza. She wanted to come peor
gusto ko munang mapag-isa. I wanted to relax and experienced peace alone. Ito kasi
ang anniversary ng pagkawala ni Alonna. This day would be the 7th year of her
disappearance. Riza didn't know what happened at wala akong balak ikwento sa kanya.
Sapat na ako lang ang makaramdam ng bigat ng pagkawala niya.

"Morning sunshine. Paalis na ko and I'll be gone for 4 days. I'm missing you
already."

"Bakit di mo nalang kasi ako isama babe? I'll behave I promise."

"Ayokong maboring ka 'don. It'll be pure business and I don't want you to feel
neglected." Paglalambing ko. Narinig ko siyang bumuntong hininga sa kabilang linya.

"Fine." I smiled at her response. "Pero dalhan mo ko ng pasalubong ha." She said
with full of excitement.

"Of course. The most special thing for you."

"Thanks babe. See you in four days. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye!" pagtatapos ko sabay putol sa linya.

7am palang ay umalis na ko ng condo ko sa Makati papuntang airport. I wanted to

maximize all my time to enjoy this day and the flight would just take an hour or
two to get there. Naghihintay ako sa flight ko nang biglang tumunog ang phone ko.
It's was an unknown roaming number.

"Hello? Sino 'to."

"Azel dude." Naboseshan ko agad ang boses niya. Mag-iisang taon ko naring hindi
nakausap ang taong to kaya medyo nagulat ako nang tumawag siya.

"Aiden? Bakit ka napatawag." Nagtataka kong tanong.

"Wow dude. We haven't talked to each other for a long time tapos hindi mo manlang
ako kinamusta." I could imagine him smirking right now. Sa ilang taon kong naging
kaibigan si Aiden, alam kong hindi tatawag 'yan para lang mangamusta.

"Okay fine. How are you? Happy? Alam kong hindi ka tatawag just to catch things up
so what's the news?" deretso kong sabi at nakarinig naman ako ng malakas ng tawa
mula sa kanya.

"Ypu really know me dude." Biglang tumahimik ang kabilang linya at rinig kong may
seroso siyang kinausap. Narinig ko rin ang boses ni Auntie Therese, Uncle Ben at
mukhang may ibang tao silang kasama. Agad namang napakunot ang noo ko. May nangyari
kaya?

Narinig ko namang tinawag na ang flight number ko kaya tumayo na ko papunta sa

departure area pero hindi parin nagsasalita si Aiden.

"Aiden? May flight ako so spill it."

"We received a call from authorities of Japan. They said they rescued some women
nung ni-raid nila ang isang mansion ng kilalang drug lord 6 months ago." He went
silent again and I heard Auntie Therese crying.

"Aiden ano bang nangyayari? Naririnig kong umiiyak si Auntie Therese? Pano kayo na-
involve sa kaso?" sunus-sunod kong tanong. My curiosity went higher when I heard
multiple voices na para bang may pinagtatalunan sila.

Malapit nang lumipad ang eroplano at pinagsabihan na kong i-off nag phone ko.
Humingi muna ko ng ilang minuto sa stewardess at nandyan lang siya sa tapat ko
habang hinihintay na ibaba ko ito. Hindi ko na pinansin na nakatitig at nakangiti
siya sakin dahil gusto kong malaman ang sasabihin ni Aiden. Maya maya pa ay
nagsalita na siya.

"Someone's claiming to be Alonna at isa siya sa mga nasagip nila. She's under their
care at pupunta kami sa Japan para i-check." Malungkot niyang sabi.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya at biglang kumabog ng mabilis ang puso ko
nang maisip kong maaari kong makita si Alonna ulit.

"Bakit parang dismayado ka?"

"Wala silang ibang sinabi samin that's why Auntie Therese hired some investigators.
Ang sabi nila totoo daw na may narescue, masama daw ang lagay niya. Nawasak daw ang
mukha niya at dahil 'don kailangan niyang sumailalin sa reconstructive surgery
dahil sa sobrang lala. Inilagay din siya sa psychiatric ward dahil sa sobrang
trauma. Gusto na naming makita si Alonna pero hindi ko inaasahan na baka siya nga
yon at ganon ang naging lagay niya. There's part of me praying na hindi siya si
Alonna but we're desperate to find her. It's been seven years."

Nawalan ako ng lakas sa sinabi nya at ibinaba ko ang telepono. Iniisip ko kung
ganoon ba talaga ang nangyari sa kanya. Sa kabilang banda, I've set my mind na
huwag umasa. Maraming nagsasabing sila si Alonna at ayaw kong madisappoint ng
paulit ulit. Huminga ako ng malalim at isinang tabi ang pag-asang makita ko siya.
Isa pa, hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko kung totoong ganun ang sinapit
niya.

Almost 10am ako nakarating sa El Nido and the place was amazing. Ito ang kailangan
ko para makapagrelax at ayoko munang mag-isip nang kung anong makakasira sa plano
ko. Nagcheck-in muna ko sa hotel at lumabas. I was wearing a khaki shorts, light
blue roll-up sleeve, sling flip flops and aviator.

Bumaba ako para maghanap ng makakinan para sa agahan. I wore my aviators to protect
my eyes from sun rays at nilibot ang paningin ko. I took in this beautiful scenery
and I felt calm as I let he breeze hit my entire body. Nakakawala ng pagod at
nakakapayapa ng isip.

I continued walking until I found this simple open restaurant. The entire place was
made of bamboos. I decided to eat there dahil makikita mo parin ang kagandahan ng
paligid habang kumakain.

Papalapit na ko nang may marinig akong musika. That caught my attention at agad
kong nilibot ang paningin ko para hanapin ang pinagmulan nito.

That melody was so familiar and it was near. Agad na dumapo ang paningin ko sa
nakaupong babae sa isang bench sa di kalayuan. I watched and observe her back as
the wind danced with his brown and wavy hair. Itinaas ko ang aking aviator at
nilagay sa ulo ko para mapagmasdan ko siyang mabuti.

Hindi pwede to. Bakit ganito ang nararandaman ko habang pinagmamasdan siya? Malakas
ang tibok ng puso ko ang gusto ko lang gawin ay makita ang mukha niya. Lalong
lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko at manginginig na ang kamay ko sa sobrang kaba nang
mapagtantong sa kanya galing ang musikang iyon.

Ang laging tinutugtog ni Alonna noong bata pa kami. Pareho rin sila ng bulto ng
katawan and I could feel something stirred from my inside pulling me to her and
urging me to reach for her. Habang lumalapit ako ay ramdam ko ang kaba habang
lumalakas sa pandinig ko ang musikang itinuro sa kanya ng mama niya gamit lamang
ang dahon. Gusto ko siyang tawagin pero hindi ko alam ang itatawag ko sa kanya.

"A-Alonna?" I said stuttering. Hindi ko alam kung bakit iyon ang lumabas sa bibig
ko pero ang gusto ko lang ay makuha ang atensyon niya.

Biglang siyang tumigil sa pagtugtog at napansin kong ibinaba niya ang kanyang
kanang kamay at tumayo. Nakatayo ako medyo malayo sa kanya pero sapat na para
makitan ko siya ng malinaw.

She's wearing a light yellow flowery dressed 3 inches above the knee that
emphasized her flawless white skin of her arms and long legs. Unti unti siyang
humarap sa akin and for a second, I felt my heart skipped it's beat that I couldn't
even breathe.

I could see how perfect and angelic her face as she smiled at me. She had pink
cheeks with perfect cheekbone, pointed nose and a heart shape thin lips that's
covered with pink lipstick. The thing that really captivated me was her thick
eyelashes protecting her eyes. Her eyes were full of life and sunshine. They were
grey just like her.

Inipit niya ang ilang buhok niya sa tenga na inililipad ng hangin gamit ang kanang
kamay na may hawak na dahon. Hindi siya kamukha ni Alonna. Sobrang layo ng itsura
niya sa isa't isa. Mukhang maamo si Alonna habang siya naman ay medyo matapang ang
itsura because of her perfectly arched brows.

She's not her but I could feel something strange from her. Hindi ko alam kung ano
but my curiosity just reached it's maximum. Siguro dahil sa balitang narinig ko kay
Aiden. Humakbang ako ng isang beses palapit sa kanya na ikinabago ng reaksyon
niya..

Unti unting nawala ang mga ngiti niya and her eyes also changed. Nawala ang liwanag
dito at napalitan ng kadiliman. Her face became dark and her gazes became cold na
para bang ang tingin niya sakin ay isang kaaway. Ramdam ko ang lamig at galit niya
kaya napahinto ako. Nakatingin ako sa labi niya at akmang may sasabihin siya kaya
naghintay ako.

"Azel?"

Napalingon ako nang marinig ko sa likod ang pangalan ko.

"Cindy? Cindy Hawksworth?" Ngumiti siya nang banggitin ko ang pangalan niya.

Mabilis siyang lumapit sakin pero lumigon ulit ako para makita ung babae pero wala
na siya. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko pero hindi ko siya nakita.

"Hey babe. Long time no see. I missed you." lumingon ulit ako sa kanya pero nagulat
ako nang bigla niya kong halikan sa labi.

"What the hell Cindy!" I said creasing my forehead and wiped my lips.

"What? I just missed you." she flirty said then she giggled and winked at me.

Cindy was my girlfriend before graduating in college. She didn't change much with
her long blonde hair and blue eyes. Typical American Barbie and bimbo. I broke up
with her seven years ago before graduation and I haven't seen her since.

"Why are you here anyway?" I asked putting no care on my words.

"Don't be hard on me babe. My father expanded our business here and I took care of
something so here I am, enjoying life and having a vacation. Good thing you're here
'cause I really need a tour guide and it's my first here in Philippines."

"Then good luck finding one." Sabi ko at umalis na pero hinawakan niya ang mga
braso ko kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

"Oh c'mon Azel. You're acting like we never shared something special before. We
even shared the same bed more than we can count." Malandi niyang sabi habang
nakahawak ang isang kamay niya sa dibdib ko.

Napakunot naman ang noo ko dahil ayoko nang maalala ang mga bagay na'yon.
Kinalimutan ko na ang mga 'yon at ayaw ko nang bakilan.

"C'mon Azel for the sake of old times. I haven't eaten breakfast and I'm really
hungry. Eat with me please." She said battling her eyes.

Napabuntong hininga ako at walang nagawa kung hindi ang pumayag. Ang akala ko sa
breakfast lang kami magkasama pero hindi niya nako tinantanan. Hanggang sa
magtanghalian ay dumidikit parin siya sakin.

I decided to stroll the beach after lunch and of course, Cindy was following me
like a dog. Nakabulupot ang braso niya sa braso ko. Ayaw kong marinig ang matinis
niyang boses kaya pinabayaan ko nalang siya kesa umangal siya.

Napahinto ako nang makita ko ang babaeng nagbababad sa araw. She's wearing a pair
of black bikini and a bug-eyed shades. Agad na nag-init ang katawan ko habang
pinagmamasdan ang halos hubad niyang katawan. Siya ung babae kanina.

"What are you looking at babe?" hindi ko pinansin ang sinasabi ng katabi ko at
pinagmasdan siya.

Her body was gorgeous under the sun habang nakahiga sa kulay asul na malong.
Napansin kong hindi lang ako ang tumitingin sa kanya dahil halos lahat ng lalaki ay
nakatutok ang paningin sa katawan niya. Toned and slender stomach and her bust
wasn't so big like Cindy's but enough to put every guys mind to pleasurable
thoughts.

Napansin ko nalang si Cindy na lumalapit sa kanya habang siya ay nagbababad parin.

I felt something bad's gonna happen. Before, Cindy always threatened any girl who
came near me or even looked at me. I remembered when he used to pushed Alonna kahit
na sa harap ko pa pero wala akong ginawa at pinanood lamang siya. Gaya nalang
ngayon.

Cindy immediately kicked sand that splashed on the girl's chest and stomach.

"Get up you b*tch." Sigaw ni Cindy. "How dare you seduce my boyfriend!" dagdag niya
pa and that caught everyone's attention.

Tumayoo naman ang babae at tinanggal ang shades niya. Hindi ko alam kung anong
nangyari but I heard Cindy gasped loud dahil sa gulat.

"Oh.My.God. Rainne? I'm so sorry." Agad na sabi ni Cindy habang pinapagpag ang
buhangin sa katawan ng kausap.

Rainne? So that's her name. Habang natataranta si Cindy ay wala ka namang

makikitang kahit anong reaksyon kay Rainne. Parang wala siyang pakialam na
pinagtitinginan siya ng lahat ng tao dahil kanina ay mukhang nageeskandalo sila.

Nang matapos si Cindy ay humarap siya kay Rainne, nagbeso at ngumiti habang ganoon
parin ang tingin ni Rainne sa kanya.

"What brings you here Rainne? Are you on a vacation too?" she cheerily asked.

"Business." Tipid niyang sagot. Nagulat ako sa lamig ng boses niya. Mainit ang
paligid pero kinilabutan ako sa lamig ng boses niya.
"I'm really sorry for what I did. You know me! Sometimes it's my way to say hi to
friends."

"It's fine."

"Do you want to join us for dinner later. I'm with Azel. I'll introduce you to
him." Sabi niya sabay turo sa'kin.

Napaharap naman si Rainne sa'kin and I swear I could feel her cold gaze on me that
made the hair at the back of my neck stood up. Biglang lumakas ng tibok ng puso ko
at parang naestatwa ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Ano bang nangyayari sa'kin? What is she
doing to me?

"I don't want to. I have business tomorrow." Ewan ko pero parang nadismaya ako sa
sagot niya.

"If that's what you want. I'll call you tomorrow night okay. Enjoy yourself here.
Bye." Sabi ni Cindy pero bago pa ito tumalikod ay tinawag siya ni Rainne.

Hindi lang ako at mukhang lahat ng tao ay nagulat sa ginawa ni Rainne. Sinampal ng
ng pagkalakas lakas si Cindy nan nagpabaling sa mukha niya sa kanan. Agad akong
lumapit kay Cindy at hinawakan siya sa balikat. Galit namang tumingin si Cindy sa
kanya pero saglit lang 'yon.

"That's my way of saying hello. You know I always pay double." Then a side of her
lips lifted up. Ibang iba ito sa ngiting nakita ko kanina. She's so intimidating
that I could feel Cindy getting tense. "Enjoy your stay."

"T-thanks... Y-you too." She walked away after hearing Cindy's reply.

What happened? Matapang si Cindy that's why I never thought that she'll surrender
to Rainne this easy. Kakaiba siyang babae.

Napako naman ang paningin ko sa bandang bewang niya. Mayroon siyang tattoo doon.
Isang blue tulips with thorns sa tankay and blood dripping from its bud. Kalahati
ng bulaklak ay pula dahil sa dugo at kalahati naman ay asul. That made me remember.
Alonna's favorite flower was blue tulips.

Pinagmasdan ko lang si Cindy habang mini-murder and slice ng strawberry cake. Galit
na galit ito habang tinutusok tusok ang pagkain.

"That b*tch. Who does she think she is? Slapping and humiliating me like that. I
swear the first change I got; I'm going to make sure that that f*cking b*tch will
get what she deserves." She snarled. "I can't believe she did that. Ugh!" dagdag
niya pa sabay marahas na binaba ung tinidor.

"Who is she and it's very unusual for you not to fight back." I said taking a sip
of my mango shake.

"You know our society. In business world, you need to stick to somebody higher and
stronger than you. It's not that my family's weak. It just so happens that she's on
top. She's a very powerful woman and she single handedly managing her multi-billion
business. I think she could even top Aiden's family. Yeah I know it's impossible
but that b*tch is that powerful." She said with her arms crossed.

"Who is she? How come I didn't know a thing about her?"

"Because she's very discrete about herself and she's very distant to other's. She's
mysterious and that made almost all the men around her dream of her and swore their
undying love for her. If I know she's just doing that just to get attention. What a
sly whore she is." She smirked. "And because of her cold, heartless and that I-
don't-care-about-anything attitude of her, she was called The Ice Queen by the
entire student in campus. She didn't even know how to cry, smile, laugh or show any
emotion. That's how popular she was despite of her numbness. She even stole the
Queen Bee crown from me during her first year. Could you believe that? I met her
because of Kristoff four years ago in Brazil. She had nothing back then. Just a
penniless trash but out of nowhere, she just became super rich a year after. I bet
she sold herself to some dirty rich old men just to have money."

Tahimik lang akong nakikinig sa mga reklamo niya sa buhay habang iniisip ko parin
si Rainne. She's right. Napakamisteryoso at kakaiba si Rainne. She even caught my
attention the first thing my eyes landed on her. But she's not emotionless; I saw
it in her eyes when she smiled at me this morning. Or am I mistaken?

"Enough about her 'cause I don't want my entire stay here to be ruined." She said
and her eyes changed in an instant. She was looking at me with lust and
flirtatiously smiled at me. "What are your plans for tonight?" She asked putting
her hands above mine. Agad kong tinanggal ang kamay ko.

"I plan on sleeping early because I have an early business meeting tomorrow
morning." I plainly said.

Bumusangot naman ang mukha niya at halata ang pagkadismaya sa sagot ko.

"And you're going to meet who?" she asked. Hindi ko gusto ang pagiging mausisa niya
pero sinagot ko nalang. Siguro hindi naman niya kilala ang makakausap ko dahil
miski ako ay walang alam sa profile niya. All I knew was her name and she's just
going to call me tonight for the exact venue here in Palawan. I wanted to gamble on
this meeting because we need this kind of big project. She wanted to build a
subdivision and my company would have a big opportunity with this.

"Her name is Ms. Algraven. Luna Algraven to be exact and that's all I know. She's
gonna call me tonight for the venue tomorror." She gasped and shocked was painted
all over her face beside her thick make-up. "Why?" agad kong tanong.

"Well, this is your lucky day because you just met her earlier." Napakunot ang noo
ko sanabi niya.

Isa lang naman ang nakilala ko maliban sa kanya and it's Rainne pero iba ang
pangalan niya. Hindi kaya siya yon?

"She's the b*tch that had slapped me. Luna Brianne Algraven. Everyone calls her
Rainne or Miss Rainne in business but she's more famous as The Ice Queen."
Chapter 8
Chapter 8

Payment

Time flew fast and I decided to go back to my hotel room to prepare for tomorrow.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ko dahil sa sinabi ni Cindy but I
wanted this meeting to go smoothly. Ni-review ko ang mga reports na ipreresent ko
sa kanya para sa paghahanda ko. It's already 8 pm and I found myself anxiously
waiting for her call.

Ngayong alam kong siya ang ka-meeting ko bukas, hindi ko maiwasang medyo kabahan.
Cindy said, it's hard to please and get Rainne's approval on everything. Kaya nga
nag-aayos na ko ng mga sasabihin at gagawin para bukas.

Another hour had passed at hindi parin tumatawag si Rainne. Hindi kay nagbago ang
isip niyang kunin kami para sa trabaho? Did she realize that there were others that
are capable of doing the work better?

Hindi naman siya siguro basta basta nalang magdedesisyon na hindi sakin sinasabi
diba? Pero bakit wala parin hanggang ngayon?

Naisipan kong maligo muna para mabawasan ang pag-iisip ko. Nakatapis akong lumabas
ng banyo at sakto namang tumunog ang cell phone ko. Hindi ako nagdalawang isip na
sagutin ang tawag nang rumehistro ang pangalan ni Ms. Algraven.

"Hello?"

"Meet me at Mary's tomorrow. 7AM." Agad kong narinig ang seryoso at malamig na
boses ng babae sa kabilang linya. I knew it was her voice. I could still feel the
chills as she spoke every word.

I said nothing else but hello dahil agad niyang pinutol ang linya. Ngayong tumawag
na siya, mas lalo ata akong ninerbyos para bukas but I needed this job and tomorrow
needs to be perfect.

Napagalaman kong ang meeting place namin na Mary's ay ung open restaurant na
kinainan ko ng agahan kahapon. Malapit kung saan ko siya unang nakita.

Nauna akong dumating sa venue at hindi ko maiwasang maya't maya ay tumingin sa relo
ko. Nakaupo ako sa pag-apat na upuan habang naghihintay na mag-alas siyete. Medyo
maraming tao rito at mukang sikat talaga ang lugar. I became uneasy and restless
every time the hands of time move.

Napadako ang tingin ko sa pintuan nang pumasok ang babaeng hinihintay ko. She
walked like a model with her colored-printed long dress that reached down 2 inches
above the ground. Isang manipis na tali ang nakapulupot sa leeg niya mula sa damit.
May suot din siyang summer hat, shades, bracelet at white sandals for her footwear.
Nakalugay ang mahaba niyang buhok and she wore light make up. Her shoulders were
exposed and everyone could see how porcelain her skin was. Was it also smooth as it
seems?

Huminto siya at tumingin tingin sa paligid hanggang sa mapunta ang paningin niya
sa'kin. She removed her shades and placed it inside her bag over her shoulder. She
walked with poise and her chin up like she owned the place. Hindi ko namalayang
nakatitig lang ako sa kanya hanggang sa huminto siya sa harap ko at nagsalita.

"Mr. Madrigal?" she said without a trace of any emotion from her voice. I stood up
and cleared my throat.

"Ms. Luna Algraven. It's a pleasure to meet you." I smiled and offered my hand to
shake but she just ignored it and sat in front of me. Ibinaba ko nalang ang kamay
ko at nagtanong habang umuupo. "Would you like to order and eat before we talk
about business?"

"An apple juice and pancakes." Tumango ako at tumawag ng waiter. Inorder ko ang
gusto niya at umorder ako ng bacon with egg and rice at orange juice para sakin.

"I would like to say how thankful I am because you chose us." Sabi ko nang makaalis
ang waiter.

"Save it. I haven't approved of you guys yet at gusto ko munang kumain."
Napaka straight forward niyang sumagot pero hindi ko inaasahang marunong siyang
magtagalog dahil sa itsura niya. Mukha siyang may lahing brazillian o Australian.

We ate in silence at hindi ko maiwasan ang maya't mayang pagtingin sa kanya. I met
different types of women and I never needed to analyze them first. They usually
come to me and not the other way around but this time it's different. I needed to
impress her. Gusto kong obserbahan ang ginagawa niya para alam ko ang approach na
gagawin ko sa kanya pero mukhang sa iba napupunta ang pagoobserve ko.

I couldn't help myself but to think how attractive this girl in front of me was.
Una palang alam kong may kakaiba sa kanya pero hindi ko alam na ganito siya sa
malapitan. Those lips, her skin, eyes, face and her body. She's every man's
fantasy. Including me.

"Stop staring." She said habang nanatiling nakatingin sa paubos na pancakes.

Agad naman akong nag-iwas ng tingin at napainon ng juice ko. Ang laki ng pagpipigil
kong hwag tumingin sa kanya hanggang sa kinuha na ng waiter ang mga pinagkainan
namin.

Inihanda ko lahat ng soft and hard copied reports ko at inumpisahan na namin ang
pag-uusap tungkol sa business. I proudly introduce my company and told her what we
could do. Daldal lang ako ng daldal habang siya ay pinagmamasdang ang napakagandang
tanawin.

Pakiramdam ko ay hindi niya ko pinapakinggan at halatang nasa ibang bagay ang

atensyon niya. I stopped but she didn't realized what I did. Hindi siya nakikinig
sakin at medyo nakaramdama ko ng asar ng dahil 'don. Hindi lang ako ang
pinagsasawalang bahala niya kundi pati narin ang kompanya ko and that bruised my
ego a bit.

"Ms. Algraven?" Tinawag ko siya pero nanatiling nakapaling ang mukha niya sa kanan
habang iniikot ang straw ng juice niya. "Excuse me Ms. Algraven, but do I have your
attention in this meeting?" binitawan niya ang straw at nangalumbaba pero hindi
parin siya tumitingin sakin.

"This place is beautiful. I think I made a right decision to leave all my works for
a while to take a vacation."

Kusang kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. Vacation? Diba nandito rin siya para sa
meeting namin at sa business? Lumalabas lang na wala talaga siyang interes na
makipag-usap tungkol sa business o tanggapin kami para sa trabaho.

"Pero ang iniisip ko ngayon ay kung ano na ang lagay ng kumpanya ko. Kung nanatili
parin ba ang paglago at pagpasok ng pero in every second that passes. Were my
employees doing their work properly? Dapat lang because if they didn't, I'll make
sure to leave them jobless and no any other company would hire them." She smirked
then looked at me finally. "And if you're asking me if you had my attention for the
past 10 minutes, then you haven't."

I was stunned. The things I assumed were correct and Cindy was correct for saying
that this woman was numb and heartless. Dahil sa sinabi niya, alam kong wala nang
patutunguhan ang pag-uusap namin. It's a big project at malaking pagkakataon ang
pakakawalan ko pero alam kong makakakuha parin kami ng ibang magandang proyekto.
She didn't care and couldn't trust us so this thing was pointless.

"Then I think this meeting has ended." Inumpisahan kong ayusin ang mga gamit ko
pati narin ung folder na binigay ko sa kanya kanina.
"Ganyan ka ba talaga Mr. Madrigal? Madali kang sumuko." napatingin ako sa kanya ng
bigla siyang magsalita. "I'll tell you a secret of mine." She leaned forward a bit
and I couldn't stop myself to look at her cleavage as I also move closer. "I
learned psychology by myself and I love reading people." Naramdaman ko na naman ang
epekto ng malamig niyang boses. I looked at her and noticed how close our faces
were to each other. My eyes automatically landed on her luscious lips.

"W-what?" damn! She could even make me stutter.

"Do you want me to read you?" She smiled a bit at agad akong napaayos ng upo ko.
Kung kanina ay hindi diya makatingin sakin, ngayon naman ay mukhang ayaw niyang
allisin ang tingin sakin. I couldn't help but to stare back at those beautiful grey
eyes that help no emotions at all.

"Sa palagay ko wala nang patutunguhan ang pag-uusap na to." Sabi ko na pilit
tinutuwid ang boses ko at nagpatuloy sa pag-aayos.

"Madali kang kontrolin at pasunurin." Napahinto ako at muling napatingin sa kanya.

"You sometimes let people to control you without realizing it."

"W-what are you saying?"

"Why are you tense Mr. Madrigal?"

"I'm not." I immediately said but my body automatically shivered as I felt her hand
accidentally touched mine nang hawakan niya ang folder na hawak hawak ko. I
realized that what she said was true. I was tensed and stunned with just a simple
physical contact with her.

Napatingin ako sa mga kamay naming nakahawak sa folder and all I could think was to
feel her hand.

"Now you have my attention." Hindi ko namalayan na kanina pa pala ako nagpipigil ng
hininga. I signed and drank my juice while she kept herself busy reading the file.
Hindi umabot ng tatlong minuto nang sinarado at ibalik niya ung folder.

"I want you for my project." Mabilis niyang sabi.

Agad niyang kinuha ang wallet niya at nag-iwan ng pera sa lamesa bago tumayo at
umalis. Naiwan naman akong tulala dahil 'don. Hindi ako makapaniwalang ganon siya
kabilis gumawa ng desisyon. She didn't even let me explain things to her. Not that
I wasn't happy with her decision. It's just that, things happened so fast at halata
namang wala siyang gana sa meeting na to.

Tumayo na rin ako at hinabol siya sa labas. Tinawag ko siya at lumingon naman siya,
Gusto kong makita ang mga mata niya pero nahaharangan na to ng shades niya.

"Thanks for this and I'll make sure my best people will handle your project." I
smiled thankfully at her.

"Hindi mo ba ko narinig kanina Mr. Madrigal?" nagtaka naman ako dahil hindi ko alam
ang tinutukoy niya. "I want you and not your best people." Nakuha ko ang ibig
niyang sabihin pero may gumugulo parin sa isip ko.

"Why do you trust me that easily?" I asked but she remained silent for a while.

"I don't trust people that easily." She smirked and walked closer. Her left held my
shoulder and she placed her lips beside my left ear to whisper. "I test them first
so don't disappoint me." Her voice tickled not only my ear but my whole body. "And
please call me Rainne."

I stopped the desire to wrap my arm on her waist and pulled her closer so I could
feel her more. My feet remained glued to the sand as I looked how that beautiful
siren walked away from me.

May parte sakin na gustong lumayo sa kanya bago pa man ako mahulog sa kung anong
meron sa kanya pero mukhang mahihirapan ako sa bagat na 'yon lalo na't mukang kusa
akong lumalapit sa patibong niya.

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

Business was finally over and I decided to enjoy the night pero hindi ko inaasahang
makikita ko ulit si Cindy. Ang akala ko ay nakaalis na siya pero hindi pa pala.
Kahit anong gawing pagtanggi ko, hindi parin siya natitinag at patuloy paring
dumidikit sakin. I made sure that she got the point that I don't want near her but
damn! This girl's so annoyingly persistent.

Pumasok kami sa isang sikat na bar dito sa El Nido at agad akong umorder ng alak
habang siya naman ay walang pakundangang ipinapakita sa iba ang katawan niya. Isang
one strapped dress na hapit na hapit sa katawan niya at hanggang kalahati ng hita
niya. Umiinom lang ako but failed to enjoy the night dahil sa paraan ng pagdikit ni
Cindy sakin. Nakalingkis siya sa braso ko at idinidikit niya pa ang dibdib niya
sakin.

"Do you wanna do something exciting and wild later Azel?" she purred that made me
cringed. Inalis ko ang braso niyang nakapulupot sa kin at uminom ng alak.

"I already have a girlfriend Cindy." Walang pakialam kong sabi pero natawa lang
siya.

"Oh C'mon Azel. It wasn't a problem back then knowing that it was your fiancé were
cheating on. Remember that useless trash?" Agad akong napatingin ng masama sa
kanya.

How dare she talk about Alonna that way! Mali ako noon pero hindi ko hahayaang
sabihan niya ng ganun si Alonna.

"Say one bad thing about her and I swear you'll never like what I'll do to you
after." I said while glaring at her. Nakita ko naman ang takot sa mga mata niya
pero agad niyang inayos ang sarili niya at ngumiti ng nakakaakit sa'kin pero hindi
ko binigyang pansin.

"I'm sorry okay! Just don't turn me down this time. I just miss you." Malambing
niyang sabi habang hinahaplos ang dibdib ko at inilalapit ng masyado ang sarili.

"Don't bother 'cause you're not gonna get any so I suggest that you stay away as
possible." She scowled at padabog na lumayo sakin.

I already had some of that before and I'm not planning on doing that again. Not
unless it's with a certain lady with grey eyes. Sh*t!

I silently cussed nang mapagtanto ang iniisip ko. I already had a girlfriend for
God's sake at siya lang dapat ang isipin ko. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at binalak
tawagan si Riza pero hindi ko na natuloy nang biglang pumasok ang babaeng pilit
kong tinatanggal sa isip ko.

Rainne was wearing a green, sexy evening party dress that ended on her mid-thigh
and the neckline ended just below her chest completely showing her cleavage. She
was stunning. She made everything stopped for a couple of seconds. I wanted to for
to her pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko dahil alam kong mali. I have Riza at hindi
ko gagawin ang pagkakamali ko noon.

Sobrang pagpipigil ang ginawa ko sa buong gabi. Alam kong nakita niya ko pagkapasok
niya palang pero hindi siya lumapit. Mabuti nalang ay nakaupo siya sa kabilang dulo
ng lugar dahil baka makagawa ako ng bagay na pagsisihan ko.

Lalaki ako and I could give in to temptations fast. For almost 2 years being with
Riza ay wala pang nagyayari samin. Siyempre minsan gusto kong gawin iyon pero
masyadong mabait at inosente si Riza kaya nagpipigil ako. Alam kong gusto niya nang
may mangyari rin samin but I respected her.

I was on celibacy for almost two years but with that temptress in front of me, I
was hanging on the line.

Maraming lalaking lumalapit sa kanya trying to buy her drinks or maybe dance with
her pero tinanggihan niya lang lahat. Nakita kong lumapit si Cindy na mukhang
lasing na at nakipag-usap sa kanya. Alam kong pinaplastik lang ni Cindy si Rainne
dahil narin sa mga reklamo niya sakin kahapon pero as usual, deadma lang ang
sinusukli ni Rainne.

Tumayo ako para magbanyo at pagbalik ko, wala na sina Rainne at Cindy. Nang
maramdaman kong medyo natamaan na ko ng alak, umalis na ko sa bar. Malapit lang sa
bar ung dalampasigan kaya gusto ko sanang magpahangin muna.

Hindi pa ko gaanong nakakalayo nang may makita akong dalawang taong naghahalikan sa
di kalayuan. Medyo madilim ang lugar kaya hindi ko kaagad nakita ang mga mukha
nila. Nakasandal ung babae sa puno ng buko at ung mga kamay niya ay nakapulupot sa
leeg nung lalaki.

They're kiss was blazing hot and I looked away when the guy held her thigh up and
caressing it making her short green dress lift up.

Agad akong napahinto pagkatalikod ko. Green dress?

Tumingin ako ulit at pilit na inaaninag ang mukha nung babae. Hindi nga ako
nagkakamali. It's Rainne lip locking with a guy that I remembered to be one of the
guys who tried to talk to her.

"R-Raine?" hindi ko namalayang napalakas ang boses ko.

Agad silang tumigil sa ginagawa at napatingin sakin. Halatang galit na galit ung
lalaki dahil naistorbo ang ginagawa nila habang si Rainne ay blangkong nakatingin
sakin.

"Just go away dude." He hissed then tried to kiss her again but she refused.

Bahagya niyang tinulak ung lalaki at napabitaw naman ito sa hita ni Rainne.

"Leave." Malamig na sabi ni Rainne at wala namang nagawa ito kung hindi ang mainis
at lumayo.

Hindi ko naman alam kung asan ibabaling ang paningin ko dahil sa ginawa ko. I could
feel her gaze on me and when I looked up, I saw her grey orbs locked on mine.

"Azel?" she said in a low tone. "Can I call you that? Narinig kong tinawag ka ni
Cindy ng ganon."
"Of course. P-pasensya na sa istorbo kanina. Sige m-mauna na ko." paalis na ko ng
bigla niya kong tinawag.

"It's fine. He's not that good anyway." She said while walking closer. "What's not
okay is that...nabitin ako."

"H-ha?" I said when she stopped in front of me.

"You heard me and it's your entire fault." I could smell a faint scent of alcohol
on her breath that automatically brought some effect on me.

"I'm sor--" naputol ang paghingi ko ng tawad ng ilagay niya ang hintuturo sa ibabaw
ng labi ko.

"Don't say sorry for the things you intended to do Azel." I could sense some
bitterness in her tone at napaisip naman ako kung saan nanggagaling 'yon. Baka
dahil sa pangiistorbo ko?

"W-what do you want me to do?" I asked as she moved closer.

My body became tense and my heart beat was unstable when she placed her palm on my
cheek and caressing it with her thumb. Agad akong napatingin sa labi niya pabalik
sa mga mata niya. The urge to have her was getting stronger at hindi ko alam kung
makakapagpigil pa ko nang matagal.

"You need to pay for everything you've done and you need to pay double."

I was about to say something when she held the back of my neck and pulled me closer
for a kiss. Gusto kong lumayo pero hindi ko kaya. Nang maramdaman ko ang mga
malalambot niyang mga labi ay agad na nablangko ang isip ko. I responded and my
plan to avoid her was thrown out of the window.

At first, the kiss was slow trying to calculate each other's lips pero hindi
nagtagal, naging mainit at mapusok ang ginagawa namin. I nibbled her lower lip and
she immediately granted my entrance. The kiss became fast and intense. We were
engaged in a lip war at walang gustong magpatalo.

I wrapped my right arm around her waist and my left on her upper back as I pulled
her closer. I groaned as I felt her hand caressing my scalp and slightly tugging my
hair. I found her other hand roamed around my chest then paused when she felt my
nipples then caressing it with her thumb.

I felt myself turned on and I broke the kiss panting. Nararamdaman ko ang init ng
mga katawan namin and I wanted more. I kissed her again and I walked hanggang sa
makasandal siya sa isang puno. Inalis ko ang labi ko sa mga labi niya at bumaling
sa kantang pisngi, papunta sa kanyang panga pababa sa leeg.

Hinila ko pababa ang damit niya exposing her shoulder and kissed her soft skin. I
kissed, nibbled and bit slightly on that spot making her moan. I made sure to leave
a hickey as my mark.

Hahalikan ko sana ulit siya sa mga matatamis niyang labi nang bigla niya kong
tinulak. Napakunot ang noo kong nakatingin sa kanya habang inaayos niya ang kanyang
sarili. Ngayon alam ko na kung ano ang naramdaman nung lalaki kanina.

"Hey you guys! I d-didn't know y-you were t-together!" lumingon ako at nakita ko si
Cindy na pagewang gewang ang lakad habang papalapit kami. "Azel baybeh! Help me f-
find me room!"
Lumingon ako kay Rainne na nakatingin lang sa kanya. Her arms were crossed above
her chest making my gaze land on her bust for the nth time.

"See you tomorrow night Azel." Rainne said that made me look to her eyes.

Tomorrow night? Agad na nag-init ang katawan ko dahil sa sinabi niya. If we're
thinking the same thing, then I don't know what to do.

She left us at wala nakong nagawa kung hindi ang tulungan ang istorbong si Cindy.
Chapter 9
May natutunan ako.. Ang art of not caring...

Bahala na si watty kung anong gusto niyang gawin sa istoryang toh.. Hindi ko na
siya kokontrahin... I-rated R mo kung gusto mo... Feel free..

Peace out!

Next chapter's probably in private...

Chapter 9

One Time

Madaling araw na nang nakabalik ako sa hotel room. My mind's like a broken record
that kept playing the scene of that kiss. I couldn't keep myself from thinking of
that hot blazing moment with her. Kung pa'no gumalaw ang mga mapupulang labi niya
kasabang ng sakin. How we tasted each other's mouth with our tongues battling for
upper hand and dominance.

Nantandaan ko kung paano ko pinulupot ang braso ko sa balingkinitan niyang katawan

at kung paano naglakabay ang mga palad niya sa aking tiyan pataas sa aking dibdib.
The intense my body felt when her thumb played with my n*pple that took me to the
highest degree.

She's good. Nobody ever made me feel like that. Kahit na iba't ibang babae ang
nakakasama at naikakama ko, wala sa kanila ang nagbigay sakin ng ganong pakiramdam.
They succumb to all my desires and I was their master in bed. Ginagawa ko ang lahat
ng gusto ko sa kanila sa ibabaw ng kama and they just give in. But Rainne. She's
different. Binabaliktad niya ang sitwasyon and she did that with just a passionate
kiss.

Parang naging isang bangungot ang pangyayaring 'yon. The worst part was I didn't
want to wake up. I just wanted myself to be stuck in that beautiful nightmare. I
wanted to feel more. I wanted to have more.

Agad kong naalala ang sinabi niya bago siya umalis. She wanted us to meet tonight
and without any minute, I could feel something reacting down south.

I decided to take a long cold shower before heading to bed but found myself having
a hard time to sleep. Noon, isang bagay lang ang hindi nagpapatulog sakin and
that's when guilt came crawling into my skin. I tried fighting it every night that
it slightly gave me insomia pero this time, desires came haunting at ang
nakakapagtaka, I welcomed it with open arms.

-----

Naring kong tumutunog ang phone ko nan nagpagising sakin. I groaned at kinapa ang
phone ko sa gilid ng lampshade. I sat up and brushed my hand through my hair as I
looked at my cell screen. Shit!

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang magregister ang number ni Riza sa
screen. I was having second thoughts to tapped accept but I answered the phone
eventually.

"Good morning Baby I miss you! Kakagising mo lang ba?" masaya niyang bati sa
kabilang linya.

"I miss you too babe and yes, I just woke up." Sabi ko sabay tingin sa wall clock
that said 8:43AM.

"Bakit di mo ko tinawagan? It's already two days."

"Sorry babe. Just got busy with work." Tumayo ako para kumuha ng towel para maligo.
Paano ko sasabihin sa kanyang nakalimutan ko. Na maagang natapos ang meeting ko and
a certain grey-eyed woman that was not her kept my mind occupied. Of course I
couldn't. That'll break heart at ayokong mangyari 'yon.

"Don't stress yourself too much. Baka mapagod ka."

"I won't. Matatapos na rin naman ung trabaho ko rito."

"Are you having enough sleep? May trabaho ka pa rin ba mamayang gabi?" Medyo
natigilan ako sa paghahanda ng mga damit ko dahil sa tanong niya. Biglang pumasok
sa isip ko ang mga salitang sinabi ni Rainne. 'See you tomorrow night Azel'

"Y-yes." wala sa sarili kong sagot.

"Ga'non ba, sige hindi na kita iistorbohin. You should go eat your breakfast okay.
H'wag kang papagutom ha." I chuckled. Napakaswerte ko dahil may maalaga at mabait
akong girlfriend.

We said our goodbyes and ended the call. Napabuntong hininga ako habang nakaupo sa
dulo ng kama.

"What am I doing?" mahina kong sabi.

How could I possibly lie to her? She's a good person and she doesn't deserve this.

Ginagawa ko na naman ang mga gawain ko dati. I swore to myself na magpapakatino na

ko after Alonna and because of Rainne, I forgot that. She's dangerous and I needed
to stay away from her. Tutal babalik na ko bukas at mukhang hindi ko na naman siya
makikita.

'See you tomorrow night Azel'

No. I will not give in to temptations. What I'm feeling's pure lust. It's only the
result of not having sex for two years. Kailangan ko lang umiwas.

Malinaw ang isip ko noon pero mukhang nagugulo ito simula noong makita ko siya.
She's everything I thought about and I even forgot Riza. I needed to get back on
track and I'll start by keeping distance from Rainne.

------

Hindi ako dumiretso sa Mary's para mag-agahan dahil baka makita ko 'don si Rainne.
Naghanap ako ng medyo malay sa lugar at kampante akong hindi ko siya makikita. I
was wearing my beach shorts and w shirt 'cause I decided to go to the beach later.

Pagkapasok ko ay lumingon lingon agad ako para maghanap ng upuan then my gaze
landed on the two ladies sitting at the center of the place.

Daldal lang ng daldal si Cindy habang nakatingin naman si Rainne sa labas at

halatang hindi nakikinig gaya nang itsura niya noong meeting namin. Agad akong
tumalikod para lumabas pero nakita ako ni Cindy bago pa makalabas. Nakaharap siya
sa pintuan kaya kitang kita kung sino ang labas pasok sa lugar.

"Azel! Here!"

"Shit!" I whispered.

I didn't want to be rude that's why I turned around and walked to them. This was
not my plan of staying away from her. Hindi ako nilingon ni Rainne at nanatiling
nakatingin siya sa labas hanggang makaupo ako sa tabi ni Cindy. She was facing
Cindy while I sat on Cindy's left side.

Halata sa itsura ni Cindy na masaya siya pero itong nasa harap namin, mukang walang
pakialam sa mundo. Naisip ko tuloy kung ganyan na siya simula palang o may bagay na
nagpabago sa kanya.

"I'm so thankful that you helped me last night. You're still the best Azel." She
purred and I silently winced because her voice was tearing my ears apart and she's
touching my left shoulder.

"It's fine." I smiled. "Umorder nab a kayo?"

"Yes and don't worry about yours. It's my treat for helping me last night."
Tatanggi sana ako pero inunahan niya ko sa pagsasalita. "And don't think of
rejecting me again like last night."

Mapait nalang akong napangiti at napatingin sa taong gusto kong iwasa para lang
makita na nakatingin na pala siya sa'kin.

Her eyes were fixed on me and I could feel the coldness of her stares. Sinagot ko
ang mga titig niya sakin at walang gustong umiwas. Gusto kong ipakita sa kanya na
hindi niya ko naapektuhan kahit na kabaliktaran non ang nararamdaman ko dahil sa
mga oras na ito ay nararamdaman ko kung gaano kainit ang mga tingin niya. My system
went wild when she leant forward to took a sip of her lemonade not taking her eyes
off me.

Napababa ang tingin ko sa straw na unti unting lumalapat sa labi niya. How she
sexily parted her lips to put that bended plastic material between them. I even had
the opportunity to see a slight part of her mouth's insides.

I swallowed hard when I remembered how my tongue traveled and explored that part of
her last night. Bumalik ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya and she smirked after
drinking.

I knew what she's doing. She's seducing me damn it! Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko
kaya gusto kong lumayo sa kanya. She's making me crazy and she's aware of that.
But I'll try not to give her the satisfaction of that even if it's hard.

"Oh! I just remember. How's the business going between you two? Did everything go
smoothly with your meetings?" napatingin ako kay Cindy nang magsalita at
naghihintay ng sagot samin. Alam ko namang hindi sasagot si Rainne kaya ako na ang
gumawa.
I cleared my throat before answering. "It went well. I got the project."

"That's great." She shouted. "I knew you're gonna get it. You know Rainne, Azel
here is amazing and good at everything." She looked at me and winked. "We should
celebrate today since Rainne here's gonna leave tonight. Right?" sabi niya habang
pinupulupot ang kamay sa mga braso ko.

"It depends if something would happen...tonight." Umangat ang tingin ko matapos

marinig ang sinabi.

"Like what?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know that's why if you wanted to say or do something with me today, just
go to my suite or better yet...I'll go to yours." She looked straight my eyes "Just
say it." She added.

I didn't know why I shivered. Was it because of how cold her voice sounded or the
fact that her words held double meaning. It's an invitation.I looked away and my
mouth opened to give way to the air I tried to hold. Kasabay non ay ang pagdating
ng mga pagkaing inorder ni Cindy.

Tahimik lang kaming kumakain ni Rainne habang si Cindy hindi tumitigil sa

pagsasalita. Tumatango lang ako habang hindi siya pinapansin ni Rainne.

Nang matapos si Rainne ay agad niyang inayos ang mga gamit niya at tumayo para
umalis.

"Where you heading?" Tanong ni Cindy.

"Beach." Tipid na sagot ni Rainne habang naglalagay ng shades. Agad siyang

nalglakad papalaya.

"We'll see you there later!" Cindy shouted nang nasa pintuan na si Rainne. "Bitch
is a snob as ever. Fuck her! Wish she'd burn her skin while sunbathing." Agad na
sabi ni Ciindy nang tuluyan nang makaalis si Rainne. I just scowled at her and
continued eating.

I never paid attention to her bitchiness when she talked about someone behind their
backs before but right now, all I ever wanna do was shout at her and tell who's the
real bitch was. She's a plastic and a first class stuck-up bitch.

Tinapos ko ang pagkain ko at umalis agad. Tinawag niya pa ko pero parang wala akong
narinig at nagderederetso lang. Bahala siyang maiwan mag-isa diyan. I didn't want
to deal with her attitude right now.

------

"Rainne!" Tawag ni Cindy nang makita namin si Rainne na naglalakad sa dalampasigan.

Balak ko sanang maligo mag-isa pero sinundan ako ni Cindy nang kumuha ako ng gamit
sa suite ko. She also changed her clothes. She was wearing a one piece clothe that
looked like a net over her blue bikinis. As always, Cindy had the looks and the
body that guys wanted to taste. Hindi nagbago ang katawan niya sa lumipas na pitong
taon at mukhang mas lalo pa atang gumanda. But her appeal couldn't give the same
affect at me seven years ago. Someone else do.

Huminto si Rainne at walang emosyon na tumingin sa amin. Nakabalot ang katawan mula
sa dibdib hanggang paa niya ng sarong kaya hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng swim
swear ang suot niya. Guess we'll know that later. I smiled at that though! Damn!
What was I thinking? Get a grip.

-------

Aiden

After the PIs we hired brought us the news, we didn't waste time and flew to Japan.
Aunt Therese was agitated, nervous and crying from time to time. Uncle Ben, being
the supportive husband, never left her side. Nasa private plane na kami and he kept
on rubbing Aunt's arm while whispering comforting words.

Nakatulog na sa sobrang pagod at pag-iyak si Auntie. Nakaiglip lang ako dahil pati
ako kinakabahan at hindi nakatulong ang 12 hrs na byahe sa pagiging balisa namin. I
was happy about the news but at the same time, there's part of me wishing that the
girl wasn't Alonna.

I wanted to be the brother she deserved pero paano ko sisimulan para sa isang
babaeng biktima ng human trafickng, abuse, slavery and trauma. It's too much and
inhuman. Maisip ko palang na nangyari sa kanya 'yon ay dinudurog na ang puso ko.
Never again. I would never again fail her and my parents.

We ride in a black limo that waited us from the airport and rushed to Dr. Fritz's
office. She's a family friend and we asked her to keep an eye on the possible
Alonna. Sinasabi niya sa'min ang mga dapat malaman at gawin bago siya makita.

"You guys need to approach her slightly. Hindi siya dapat biglain. Tinurukan namin
siya ng pampakalma because she wouldn't stop having a panic attack. They placed her
in a psychiatric ward pero inalis ko siya don telling them that it's best for her.
Tinanong ko siya and she confirmed that she's Alonna Faustino." She paused and
looked at us concerned.

"What is it doc?" I think Auntie saw it too pero hindi siya makapagsalita dahil sa
pag-aalala.

"That girl. Naaawa ako sa kanya. Noong una ko siyang makita, halata ang takot sa
mga mata niya and also, her face's different now."

"What does that mean?" Uncle Ben said.

"Her face was totally destroyed that she needed to undergone surgery." I heard
Auntie Therese gasped. Sumadal ako sa upuan at inihilamos ang kamay sa mukha ko.

"Is she o-okay now?"

"Yes, but that's not all." Bakas sa itsura niya na nagtatalo siya kung sasabihin ba
niya samin o hindi. "We did some test to see where her fears are coming from." She
looked at me. "Did you ever know if your sister had any sexual intercourse to
someone before?"

"N-no. Does this mean..." hindi ko na natuloy ang sinasabi ko dahil sa kaba.

"If that so because the test shows that her hymen was ruptured meaning she could
possibly a victim of r*pe."

"Oh my God. Our poor princess." Auntie's now crying in Uncle Ben's arms.

"Shh honey. Everything will be alright."

"I want a DNA test. I wanna make sure if she's Alonna." I said and Dr, Fritz
nodded.

Hindi lang DNA test ang ipapagawa ko, Uutusan ko rin ang mga PI namin para alamin
ang lahat sa kanya. Ganito ang ginagawa ko noon pa man para sa mga nagsasabing sila
si Alonna.

Pumunta agad kami sa kwarto ni Alonna. Kinakabahan kaming pumasok sa loob lalo na
ko. I was not sure if I was ready to see her. She was the skeleton hidden in my
closet and the thought of seeing her feared me. But I needed to face her and
embrace those nightmares that kept me bugging for seven years. I'll love her and be
there for her whatever it takes.

------

Azel

I was enjoying my alone time swimming when I heard Cindy screamed my name.
Napalingon ako at nakita ko ang patakbo niyang paglapit sakin. Her hair was up in a
messy bun and some guys were eying her because breasts were a little too exposed as
it bounced while she came closer to the sea.

Wala sa kanya ang pansin ko kung hindi sa taong nasa likod niya. Kalahati ng
katawan ko nasa ilalim ng tubig pero hindi ko mapigilang hindi mag-init dahil sa
nakikita ko. Tinatanggal niya ung nakabalot sa sarong sa katawan niya and
everything went slow mo. She was wearing a red, strapless, sexy bikini showcased
her glorious and perfectly curved body. Everything was proportion and perfect and
my playful thoughts gave my body a heated excitement. I gawked on her entire body
that made me unconsciously bit the side of my lip.

"Azel baby." Napatingin ako kay Cindy na biglang pinulupot ang mga braso sa leeg
ko.

She tried to kiss me and I placed my face to the side, put my hands on her hips and
slightly pushed her. She looked at me shocked and her hands went down to my
shoulders.

"Not now Cindy, stop it."

"Then when? Tonight perhaps?" she whined and pouted.

"I had things to do tonight and my flight's early tomorrow." I plainly said.
Nakakunot ang noo niyang pinagmamasdan ako.

"You fucking change Azel. We used to have fun and screwed each other. But I won't
give up. We were meant to be together and I'll make sure that you get it." She said
before swimming away.

"Pain makes people change. The worst part is keeping the pain after changing
yourself." I sadly whispered.

I took deep breath and swam a couple of minutes. I was floating and looking at the
sky when my head bumped into something. Napaayos ako at lumingon pero hindi ko
inaasahang si Rainne ang something na 'yon. She was pushing her hair to the side at
piniga ito giving me a clear view of her soft neck.

"Sorry." I apologized.

"It's fine." An awkward silence stayed for a minute after I decide

"So..." I started. "may kasama ka ba in this vacation? A company?" tanong ko.

"Wala, but I don't know tonight." I was becoming tense dahil alam kong may ibig
siyang sabihin don.

"I think I had enough swimming." Sabi ko sa tangkang pag-iwas sa kanya.

"Azel." She called and I turned to her pero nagulat ako dahil sa lapit ng mga
katawan namin. Na sa sobrang lapit ay nararamdaman ko na ang init ng katawan niya.
"Do you want to?" she came closer at lalong nag-init ang katawan ko nang maramdaman
ko ang kamay niyang naglalakbay mula sa swimming shorts ko pataas. "Be my company
for tonight?"

Napaawang ang bibig ko at lalong nag-init ang katawan ko nang dumapo ang kaliwang
kamay niya sa dibdib ko. My eyes landed on the hickey I left last night while her
palm moving slightly above my n*pple teasing me.

"Hmmmm." I lowly moaned then gulped nang ilapit niya ang mukha niya. Our lips
almost brushing and I could feel her warm breath.

Nasa bingit na 'ko ng pagpipigil and I wanted to kiss her. Taste her mouth over
again. I couldn't handle her game anymore so I placed my left hand to grip her
waist. I lowered my face to kiss her but she leaned back kaya napahinto ako.

"I'd like to taste all of you tonight." She seductively said then made my body more
excited by licking my lower lip to taste. She smiled at bago pa ko makapagreact,
she swam away leaving me with a little problem down south. Buti nalang nasa dagat
ako.

Sa pagdaan ng oras, halu halong pakiramdam ang dumadaan sa sistema ko. I was
excited and nervous and I couldn't keep my heartbeat at mind straight. Parang hindi
ko na makontrol ang mga nararamdaman ko simula nang pumasok siya sa sistema ko.

One night! Maybe if I did spend a night with her, everything would go back to
normal. After all, I was only lusting on her.

Nakatingin lang ako sa phone ko habang nakaupo sa kama ko. Nagdadalawang isip kung
tatawagan ko ba siya.

"One time only." I said after pressing it to call her.

I could feel my palm sweating as I waited for her to answers. Agad akong kinabahan
nang sinagot niya ang tawag sa ika-apat na ring.

"What?" She spat.

Maybe this is a bad idea. May pagkakataon pa ko para magback-out.

Pipintdutin ko na sana ang end call nang bigla ulit siyang nagsalita.

"Mr. Madrigal." She said a tone lower.

"Ahh R-rainne.." I couldn't even form a sentence. The fuck! What the hell is
happening? Just suck it up and tell her you're coming to her place.

Mukhang nainip na siya kakahinta kaya siya na ang nagsalita.

"My flight's an hour so talk." I looked at the clock and it said 7PM. Napalunok ako
at huminga ng malalim.

"I was planning to invite you for dinner but it doesn't matter. Paalis ka narin
naman." Ilang sandaling nanatiling tahimik sa kabilang linya.

"Wait for me." She simply said then cut the line.

Hintayin? Saan? Alam niya ba kung saan ang hotel room ko? Nanatili ako sa kwarto
since hindi ko naman alam kung saan kami magkikita and she told me to wait. I
smirked on the thought that maybe she's not coming. Siguro nasa sasakyan na siya
papuntang airport.

Lumabas ako para kumain pero bago ko pa maisarado ang pinto mula sa labas, nakita
kong naglalakad sa pasilyo si Rainne. I covered my shock with a smile while she
walked closer to me. Tinignan niya lang ako at pumasok sa loob ng kwarto. I
followed and closed the door.

She was wearing a dark blue dress that's not so tight, 3 inches below her bottom
that emphasized her curves. Habang pinadmamasdan niya ang buong kwarto ay hindi ko
maiwasang tumitig sa kanyang pang-upo. What king of underwear she prefers?

Yes! I know I'm being a pervert but that's always in my system. Hard to take away!

Humarap siya sakin but my eyes never left that part until I saw her index finger
beckoning me to look up. Ramdam kong nahiya ako but I masked it with an arrogant
smile.

"What do you want Mr. Madrigal?" she said coming closer. My right hand
automatically moved to hold her waist and pulled her close. That does it. Ramdam
kong bumalik ang dating ako and I love it.

"You!" sabi ko habang hinahalikan ang leeg niya. She didn't said anything kaya
tumingin ako sa mga mata niya. I saw amusement in her eyes that made me smile.
Hahalikan ko na sana siya nang bigla niya kong iginaya at pinaupo sa gilid ng kama.

"Tell me Azel." She said unzipping the back of her dress. "What were you thinking
when looking at my behind?" I could feel the place starting to heat up when she
pulled down a strap of her dress. "Tell me."

"The kind of underwear you wear." I bluntly said and a sexy smile formed her lips.

Itinukod niya ang mga tuhod niya sa gilid ng mga hita ko and I moved back a little
bit. She whipped her hair to the side and ran her left hand to my arm and grabbed
my hand.

"Check it!" my left held her hips to support. Her right hand holding my shoulder
while the other slowly guided my hand from her thigh up to the inside of her dress.
"Tell me what I'm wearing or if I'm wearing anything."

She whispered then nibbled my lobe. I gulped as I savor the feeling of touching
her smooth thigh. Finally, my hand landed where it should be at napahinga ako ng
malalim nang makuha ko ang sagot sa tanong niya.

"Speak." Utos niya.

"Sexy." I said as I pulled her neck and hungrily kissed her.

-------

Meron ba o wala? Lol

Chapter 10
WARNING : SPG AHEAD

Bawal ito sa bata kaya alis alis na... Don't read Azel's POV.

Re-posted kasi ung iba hindi mabasa ung content...

Chapter 10

The Plan

Aiden

We're outside room 509. Ang kwartong pinaglalagyan ng posibleng si Alonna. Halos
lumabas na sa dibdib ko ang puso ko dahil sa sobrang kaba. Ibang iba ang pakiramdam
ko kesa don sa mga nakalipas na pakikipagkita ko sa mga nagpapanggap na Alonna.
Siguro dahil iba ang kalagayan ng babaeng haharapin namin.

Uncle Ben turned the doorknob and let Auntie Therese enter first. May mga kasama
rin kaming mga nurses just in case daw na may mangyari. Humugot muna ako ng malalim
na hininga bago sinundan si Uncle Ben sa loob.

We saw a girl sitting on the bed while her hands' on her lap. Auntie Therese moved
closer but gained no reaction from the girl. Ibang iba ang itsura niya kay Alonna.
Halos wala ka nang makikitang pagkakahawig sa kanila maliban sa buhok.

Mapayat din siya at may konting sugat ang mga braso at kamay. Nanatili ako sa
malayo habang si Auntie Therese at Uncle Ben ay lumalapit sa kanya.

"A-Alonna?" the sadness was visible on Aunt's voce as she stutter.

Umangat ang ulo nung babae pero nakatingin parin sa kawalan. My gaze landed on her
eyes. It had the same color as Alonna's but it was dull. Yung liwanag na lagi mong
makikita sa mga mata ni Alonna ay wala na. Blanko at puno ng kalungkutan ang
ipinapakita nito sa amin.

"Alonna?" she repeated but louder. Hinawakan ni Auntie Therese ang pisngi nito at
napatingin naman si Alonna ng diretso kay Auntie.

"Auntie Therese." Walang emosyong sabi niya. "Are my invitations ready? I want to
give one to Vernice. She'll be very excited once I give it to her." She added.

Auntie Therese made a loud gasped and tears started to fall from her eyes. Agad
namang nilapitan ni Uncle Ben ang asawa at pinakalma.

"Uncle Ben, does your shoulder still hurt? Do you want me to massage it? Don't want
you to miss my birthday because of that. Yes. My birthday is in 2 weeks. I need to
prepare and I'll write it on my diary. Yes that's right, my diary. Where's my
diary? Oh! Under the pillows. Yes, Al, it's under the pillows." Nakatingin lang
kami sa kanya habang mabilis niyang iniaangat ang dalwang unan niya. "Where is it?
Dapat nandito lang 'yon." Huminto siya at inilapit ang mga kuko sa bibig na para
bang nag-iisip. "Right! The drawer. Where's my drawer? It's supposed to be here.
Exactly in here beside my bed."

"A-Alonna, please calm down." nag-aalalang sabi ni Uncle Ben.

Auntie Therese moved closer and made Alonna face her.

"Please princess, look at me and calm down." sabi niya habang hinahaplos haplos ang
mukha ni Alonna. Naramdaman ko naman na nagbabadyang tumulo ang mga luha ko dahil
sa mga nasasaksihan.

"Auntie Therese?" nagsimula namang tumulo ang mga luha ni Alonna at tumango si
Auntie. "Uncle Ben?" she said when she saw Uncle Ben. Ngumiti si Uncle at lumapit.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Auntie at hinalikan sa ulo.

Maya maya pa ay dumako ang tingin niya sa akin. I smiled but I never expected what
she did next. She made a loud piercing scream when I stepped forward.

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

Azel

(I already warned you!)

I could feel my body starting to get excited as we kissed like there's no tomorrow.
Naglalakbay ang aming mga kamay as our tongues battled. I felt amazing and excited.
It's different compare to all my previous experience in bed. We were just kissing
and yet the feeling was out of this world.

After a moment of tasting and exploring the sweetness of each other's mouth, we
parted. Exchanging body heat and ragged breathing were all that you could hear and
feel inside this four walls.

Nakahawak lang ako sa bewang niya habang siya ay hinahalik halikan ang leeg ko
kasabay ng pagtanggal niya ng mga butones ng shirt ko. Ang sarrap ng pakiramdam ng
mainit na hininga niya sa leeg ko.

Bumaba ang kanang kamay ko paunta sa makinis niyang hita paakyat hanggang sa dumapo
ito sa panloob niya. I was like a kid that found his favorite toy nang laruin ko
ang kanyang lace thong. Nahiwalay lang ako rito nang tanggalin niya ang shirt ko.
She worked fast. Wow!

Hinawakan ko ang batok niya at marahas na hinalikan. She pulled away too soon
leaving me craved for her more. Umalis siya sa pagkakaupo sa kin at tumayo. Her
eyes looked at me with desire and naughtiness. I didn't want this moment to stop
that's why I tried to stand up to grab her pero timulak niya lang ako na nagpabalik
sa'kin sa pagkakaupo sa kama.

"Excited?" she said while looking at the obvious tent on my pants.

"You have no idea, babe." Nakangiting sabi ko. She raised one of her brows and
smirked.

"Pupunta rin tayo dyan but first, you need to obey my rules." Sabi niya habang
unti-unting lumalapit sa akin. She was swaying her hips so sexy. Her eyes locked on
mine while her lips formed a seductive smile that I wanted to ravish.

"What rules?" namamaos kong sabi.

Nang nakalapit siya ay pumagitna siya sa mga hita ko at otomatikong humawaka ang
mga kamay ko sa bewang niya para hapitin siya papalapit. She bended down and we
kissed for a while. When my hand traveled up to her neck to make the kiss deeper,
she pulled away again. This time, I groaned to show my annoyance of her teasing.

"First, No ID no entry." Sabi niya habang binababa ang mga strap ng dress niya.

"I have the same rule." Yes, totoo naman 'yon eh. Sa panahon ngayon kailangan nang
mag-ingat.I always wear protection when it comes to s*x, so there's no problem
about that.

"Second..." that's the last word na pumasok sa isipan ko. Sh*t! How was I supposed
to concentrate kung habang sinasabi niya 'yon ay binababa niya ung damit niya.

Walang ibang pumapasok sa tenga at isip ko kung hindi ang malakas na tunog ng puso
ko. Nakatutok lang ang mata ko sa parte ng katawan niyang kanina at tinatakpan ng
damit niya. I swallowed hard when I saw her matching lace underw3ar. It's black and
very, very good for my liking. Heat immediately travelled between my legs and I
could feel the throbbing reaction like it's part of my heart.

Hindi ko na mapipigilan ang excitement at init na nararamdaman ko kaya matapos

niyang hubarin ang damit niya ay mabilis akong tumayo at hinalikan siya. I stepped
forward not breaking our kiss until she hit the wall.

Now that her dress was out of the way, I could feel the heat of her body against
mine. Tinapik ko ang hita niya and she got my message by jumping a bit to wrapped
her legs on my waist. Hinapit ko siya para magkalapit pa ang mga katawan namin so
she could feel my hardness pressing to her core.

Hindi ko maiwasang umungol when she sucked my tongue at dahil 'don, napapisil ako
sa dibdib niya. Naghiwalay ang mga mukha namin and all I could hear was her gasping
and ragged breathing as I continued to mold her breast on my palm.

"M-my three rules?" Her voice raspy as she spoke.

"I'll comply so let's just continue this, Rainne" Mabilis kong sabi habang
tinatanggal na ng isang kamay ko ang hook ng bra niya.

Naramdaman kong ngumiti siya sa leeg ko habang hinahalik halikan niya ito. I
groaned when she slightly bit me on my neck. Sinabi ko lang na susunod ako sa rules
niya pero ang totoo, wala akong narinig at naintindihan sa sinabi niya. Hindi ko
nga alam na tatlo ung rules niya dahil isa lang ang narinig ko.

Ibinaba ko ang mga halik ko papunta sa dibdib niya. Lumiyad siya to give me more
access when I placed my mouth on her right breast. My right hand was playing the
other and my left was on her upper back for support. One of her hands was gripping
my hair and the other was palmed on the wall.

Hindi na ko makapaghintay na makuha siya kaya napunta ang kanan ko sa natitirang

saplot niya. Napahinto lang ako nang bumulong siya.

"I want to surf."

"Wha-hmmm." Napaungol nalang ako when she flicked one of my n*pples.

Kumalas siya sa pagpupulupot sa akin at tinulak muli ako para mapaupo sa kama. She
kissed me hard at umurong naman ako hanggang makarating kami sa gitna ng kama. She
stopped and we were both panting. Bumaba ang halik niya sa pisngi ko, pababa sa
panga, papuntang dibdib at pababa. Wala akong ibang maisagot kundi ang garalgal
kong paghinga.

She unbuckled my belt and pulled my pants down together with my boxers. Now, I was
lying naked while she's standing without her top while looking at it.

Itinukod ko ang dalawang siko ko para makita ang kabuuan niya. I could clearly see
her proud bosom and I couldn't wait to taste and played them again.

"Like it? You can taste it if you want." I reached for her hand and pulled her
close. Hinalikan ko siya habang dahan dahan siyang umupo sa akin. I groaned when
she pressed herself on my manhood.

"Later. But let me take you to waves of pleasure first while I surf." She whispered
then gave a me a peck on the lips. "And you're my surfboard of course."

I lost the ability to think straight as she started to move her hips on a sensual
rhythm.

"Ahhh...Rainne.." Oh sh*t. I love the pleasure she's giving me right now. I wanted
to take off the only garment that's between us.

As she moved her pelvis up and down above me, I could tell that we were both
feeling the excitement and the heat this time. Hindi ko maisip kung ilang lalaki na
ang dumaan sa kanya dahil lumalabas ang pagka expert niya sa ganitong bagay, pero
hindi ito ang tamang panahon para isipin 'yon. Wala akong pakialam as long as she's
mine kahit ngayong gabi lang,

"Ohhh." I moaned as she chased her breath but continued with her work.

With that last wave of pleasure, my buddy definitely hit something that took me to
a wave of pleasure.

"Sh*t R-rainne.. Ang s-sarap.. You're so g-good!" I said panting then held both of
her legs. "F*ck!"

"Do you want me to stop?" she said kissing me fully on the lips.

"N-no.. Don't stop." I huskily said.

"Okay" she moved faster and faster and I could feel something steering inside me.
Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili kong sumabay sa galaw niya. We were just dry humping,
but man! She rode her surfboard expertly. I was getting nearer and nearer to my
limit. Hindi na ko makapag-isip at dumadama nalang habang nakapikit. Ang mga kamay
ko ay mahigpit na nakakpit sa bewang niya.

Her movements became more erratic and the kissed we're currently sharing made us
feel and move faster.

I couldn't take it anymore and I wanted to be inside her right now. So that's what
I did. Hinapit ko siya at pumaibabaw sa kanya. I felt her stiffen pero dahil siguro
'yon sa gulat. I continued touching and kissing every part of her body.

"N-no! Stop."she whispered pero hindi ako tumigil sa ginagawa.. bumaba ang kamay ko
at inabot ang tanging salpot niya. "STOP!"

Agad akong napatingin sa kanya nang lumakas ang boses niya. I saw something in her
eyes like she was scared of something. She was scared of me and like I was trying
to violate her.
"Why?" puno ng pagtataka ang pag-aalala ang nararamdaman ko lalo na nung makita
kong nangingilid na ang mga luha niya.

Mas lalo akong nagtaka nang magbago ang mga mata niya. Kagaya ito nung una ko
siyang makita. Purong galit ang pinaparamdam niya na para ba akong isang kaaway.
Agad niya kong itinulak. Bumangon siya at mabilis na nagdamit.

"What are you doing?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"I only have three rules and you broke one kaya tapos na 'tong laro natin."

"You can't just leave me like this!" nakaunot na reklamo ko.

Malay ko ba sa rules niya. I f*cking didn't know her rules. Humarap siya sa kin at
kahit na blanko ang tingin niya, ramdam kong galit nag alit siya.

"Enjoy the rest of the night Mr. Madrigal." It was cold but you could notice the
venom in her words.

Inayos niya ang sarili at mabilis na lumabas at padabog na sinara ang pinto. Ano ba
kasing rule ung nalabag ko? Ni wala akong kaalam-alam don. Bwiset naman oh! Nabitin
pa ko!

"Aish! Kainis." Agad akong tumayo at pumasok sa banyo because I really need a
really, really cold shower right now.

Kinabukasan ay hindi parin mawala ang inis ko sa nangyari kagabi. Hindi ko siya
pipilitin o tatanungin kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa pagitan namin kagabi.
Hindi rin mawala sa isip ko ung mga mata niyang saglit kong nakitaan ng takot.
Hindi ko alam kung saan galing 'yon but the after math that it brought clearly
didn't pleased me dahil ako ang napagbalingan non.

I was preparing for breakfast at inayos ko narin ung mga gamit ko dahil uuwi nako
after kong kumain. Biglang tumunog ang phone ko at agad ko itong sinagot without
knowing who the caller was.

"Hello!" I never intended to hide the irritation on my voice.

"We found her. Bumalik na siya Azel. Bumalik na si Alonna."

Agad akong natigilan sa ginagawa kong pag-aayos pati isip ko nablangko dahil sa
narinig ko. Hindi ko inaasahan ang mga sasabihin niya. Lalong hindi ko inaasahang
makikita nila si Alonna. I thought we were just always having this false hope pero
hindi. Iba ang sitwasyon ngayon.

"W-what? Anong sabi mo?" gusto kong marinig ulit ang sinabi niya. Alam kong maingat
si Aiden sa mga ganitong bagay lalo na sa mga nagpapakilalang Alonna sa kanila kaya
nga kung nasabi niya 'yon, ang ibig sabihin totoong nakita na nila si Alonna.

"Alonna's home."

--------

Third Person POV

"Where is she Andrea?" pambungad na sabi ng isang babae matapos sagutin ang tawag
niya.

"Wala siya dito. She's in the Philippines."

"Ganoon ba? Wala sa plano namin 'yon. Where did she go?" mahahalata mo sa malamig
niyang boses ang pagkairita dahil sa nalaman.

Ilang taon nilang pinagplanuhan ang mga dapat gawin at ngayon, hindi pa sila
nalalayo sa simula ay binabago na ng kasamahan ang mga bagay bagay. This was the
first time that her partner did this. Ilang beses na nilang ginawa ito at lahat ay
umayon sa plano. Except for this last one.

This was the their last plan. To torment those people in her past. Inuna muna nila
ang mga kaibigan nila. Pinabagsak ang negosyo at sinira ang buhay ng iba at ngayon
ay sila naman. It's their time to feel pain and suffering.

"I don't know. Bigla nalang siyang umalis. Ano ba kasing tinuturo mo sa kanya? She
really changed everything about her. Feeling ko mas lumala pa siya kesa sa'yo."

"May I remind you that you're just an employee at wala ka nang pakialam sa mga
ginagawa namin. I taught her to be strong, to face her devils and fight back. I
gave her a favor."

"Kaibigan ang turing ko sa inyo kahit na employee lang ako para sa inyo. Kristoff
and I was with you from the beginning. What if everything won't go according to
plan this time? Pa'no kung mag backfire at kayo ang mahirapan at magdusa?"

"Stop fooling yourself. Hindi mo alam ang pinagdaanan namin and if our plans
backfired, then she realized that we're still living in hell all this time. Another
lesson to be learned."

Napabuntong hinging nalang ang kausap niya dahil sa sibrang pag-aalala. Hindi man
sila tinuturing na kaibigan nila Alonna at Rainne, kabaliktaran naman sa kanila ni
Kristoff.

"I'll try to contact her phone." She cut the line and dialed her number.

"Hello!" isang malamig na boses ang bumati sa kanya.

"Why the hell did you change the plan Rainne?" she asked while gritting her teeth.

"Just playing." She simply said.

"We just started and you moved out of the plan."

"What I did was according to my personal plan so don't tell me sh*ts!" sandaling
tumahimik ang dalawa sa pag-uusap. Pinapakalma ang sarili at nag-iisip ng magandang
gagawin sa mga plano nila.

"I'm in." she said while sitting on the edge of her new bed, under her new house.
Ang bahay na pinagdalhan sa kanya ng mga taong pinaglalaruan niya.

"Good! Do your job well. Sirain mo ang isip niya gaya ng ginawa niya sa'kin.
Baliwin mo siya and make him feel pain. Make him suffer."

"Don't worry. Sisiguraduhin kong sirang sira siya kapag nagkita kayo." she evilly
smiled when she played in her mind the things she's planning to do to her new
brother. She'll make sure that nothing will be left of him. Sisirain niya ang
kaligayahan nito at ang pag-iisip niya.

"By the way, enjoy being a Faustino.... Alonna."

"I will. Same as you...Rainne."

Chapter 11
Chapter 11

It's been over a month nang matagpuan namin si Alonna. Hindi ko parin alam kung
matutuwa ako o malulungkot dahil sa mga nangyayayri. Hindi kasi ako pinaayagan ni
Auntie na lumapit kay Alonna. Kapag nakikita niya kais ako, nagwawala siya at
sumisigaw.

When we were in the hospital, she screamed on top of her lungs. Agad siyang tumayo
at tumakbo sa sulok ng kwarto saying and mumbling words at me. Naaalala ko pa ang
mga salitang 'yon at lahat ng mga 'yon ay talaga namang nagpadurog ng puso na
nagpadagdag sa guilt na naramdaman ko.

'Hindi ko na po uulitin sir'

'I'll follow everything you say, sir'

'Gagawin ko na po ung project niyo ni Azel, sir'

'Please don't hurt me. Hindi na po ako lalapit sa inyo sa school.'

Those were the words she kept on repeating every time she sees me. Ang
pinakamasakit na narinig ko mula sa kanya ay noong daluhan siya ni Auntie at
pakalmahin at sinabing huwag siyang iwan nito.

'No Auntie's here. Hindi niya ko sasaktan pag nandyan si Auntie.'

'Please don't let him hurt me Auntie.'

Nakatulog siya non sa kakaiyak at sinabihan ako ni auntie na 'wag munang magpakita
sa kanya. Azel also wanted to see her but Auntie also said no. She said that we
didn't know what would be Alonna's reaction. Alam naming mas malala ang mangyayari
kapag nagpakita pa si Azel. Nagpumilit si Azel pero pinagalitan lang siya ni
Auntie.

'If you guys didn't act like devils before, then we wouldn't be here, right?' What
Auntie said really gave us a mighty blow.

We brought Alonna back in our old house while I stayed in my condo. Mananatili siya
don hanggang sa umayos ang kalagayan niya. The doctor said that new environment
would be best for her that's why we decided to live in the Philippines. Pag maayos
na si Alonna para sa travel, napagdesisyunan na 'don muna sila titira.

Hindi ko pwedeng iwanan ang trabaho kaya susunod na lamang ako at baka magpabalik
balik ako ng bansa. It's not a nice set-up but for her, that'd be fine.

I was in my office when I got a call from Auntie. Malaki ang utang na loob ko kayla
Auntie at uncle dahil sa ginagawa nilang pagsuporta. They're helping me warmed up
to Alonna. Unti unti nila akong binabanggit kay Alonna para sa oras na magkita
kami,, hindi na ganon kagrabe ang iaakto niya.

"Aiden, I think you could see Alonna. She's getting better."

"That's great news. When can I meet her?"

"Today, we could eat lunch together at home."

"I'll be there. Thanks a lot Auntie."

"It's okay just don't mess up again, okay?"

"I promise."

Pagkababa ko ng telepono ay agad kong tinawagan ang aking sekretarya. Pinacancel ko

ung naka set na lunch meeting ko. It's a meeting with a potential client but I
didn't care who the f*ck was he because I have things to fix with Alonna.

Nagmadali akong magdrive mula sa office pauwi. Ngayon ko na ulit makikita si Alonna
and I just hope na tanggapin niya ko at pumalagay ang loob nya sa akin. I was a
douchebag and stupid before but I'm trying to do the right thing now. She might
hate me to death but I will f*cking make sure to get this sh*t straight.

The foods were prepared pagkarating ko ng bahay. Kabado ako at the same time masaya
dahil makikita ko na si Alonna at ito na ang simula ng pagbawi ko. I wanted to make
the big leap but baby steps were more appropriate to do para makalapit ako kay
Alonna.

Magkatapat kami sa upuan ni Alonna .Katabi ko si Uncle Ben at siya naman kay
Auntie. Sobrang tahimik niya sa hapagkainan. Inaasahan ko na'yan at inaasahan ko
rin na tignan niya ko kahit isang beses at hinihintay kong mangyari 'yon pero bakit
kahit isa lang ay hindi niya magawang tumingin kahit saglit lang.

Ako naman tingin ng tingin. Tahimik at nakayuko lamang siya kahit na binibigyan
siya ni Auntie ng pagkain. All she ever did was nod and smile. Was moving one side
of your lip a little considered smiling? If yes, then she's definitely smiling.

I was sending Auntie some signals to help her talk to me but she's only saying to
be patient. Pero hindi na 'ko makapaghintay. Damn! I waited seven years para sa
pagkakataong ito at hindi na ko makakapaghintay pa kahit na konti. Si Uncle Ben
naman tinatapik lang ang balikat ko pero hindi ko kailangan ng tapik na 'yon. I was
thankful for his support but it wouldn't give me help on what I wanted.

I decided na ako na ang gagawa ng paraan. I know! Aabutan ko siya ng ulam at baka
tumiingin na siya sa'kin.

"Alo-"

"Alonna, calm down please." Nagaalalang pakiusap ni Auntie.

Iaabot ko lang sana ung ulam pero bakit ganon ang nangyari? Pagkarining niya ng
boses ko, bigla nalang siyang tumayo. Natumba pa ung upuan dahil sa ginawa niya at
biglang nanginig ang buong katawan niya.

Napatayo narin kaming lahat at nilapitan naman nila Uncle at Auntie si Alonna na
ngayon ay niyayakap ang sarili. And what I did to help? Nothing, but to glue my
feet where I stood and watch them calming her.

Gusto kong lumapit at yakapin siya. Sabihin na magiging maayos ang lahat pero alam
kong makakagulo lang ang paglapit ko.

"A-Alonna." tawag kong muli at nagtangkang lumapit sa kanya but stopped when I saw
her body flinched at my voice.
She even started weeping and tears started to fall from her eyes. What the fuck did
I do to make her react like that? Tinawag ko lang ang pangalan niya. Ganito na ba
kalaki ang ginawa kong kasalanan sa kanya? Ito na ba ung bunga ng maling pagtrato
ko sa kanya? P*tang ina naman! Ang gulo ng lahat.

"Aiden, I think you-" Auntie Therese didn't even had the chance to finish what she
had to say 'cause Alonna started to be hysterical.

"H-he's here. I n-need to hide." Hindi niya alam kung saan siya titingin at
natataranta siya. Bigla siyang tumakbo papunta sa pinakasulok ng kwarto at 'don
naupo.

"You need to go, Aiden. She's not ready yet." Hinarang ako ni Uncle Ben nang
nagtangka akong lumapit sa kanila.

"But Uncle Ben."

"There are plenty of times you could try. This is only the first and we need to
condition her for the next. Do you want her to be like this all the time?" napag-
isip isip ako sa sinabi ni Uncle. Nag-aalala man ako ngayon pero talagang
papalakihin ko lang ang gulo pag nagkataon.

"Alonna, please calm down. You're safe here. It's alright, everything's alright."
Auntie cooed then looked at me. "Please." Sabi ni Aunti sa'kin.

"I'm s-sorry. I'll do a-anything you say, sir." Palipat lipat ako ng tingin kay
Alonna, Uncle at Auntie.

Ikinnuyom ko ang mga palad ko para pigilan ang sarili sa kagustuhang lumapit kay
Alonna. I'm her brother for fuck's sake. I should be the one comforting her.

Sa bandang huli ay wala na kong nagawa kung hindi ang umalis. Not only I failed
myself today but also Auntie, Uncle and especially Alonna, but I wouldn't stop
here. Babalik ako para itama ang lahat. That I swear.

-----

Third Person POV

"Take a rest, princess." Therese said while tucking Alonna to bed.

Naaawa siya sa sinapit ng kanyang pamangkin. Bakit sa kinarami rami ng tao sa

mundo, ang prinsesa pa ng pamilya nila nangyari ang bagay na ito. Maraming tao sa
munso ang halang ang kaluluwa at ang kulang nalang ay masunog ito sa impyerno pero
bakit sa taong may mabuting puso nangyari ito?

She wanted to cry but seeing her niece shiver with fear and weak, she decided to be
strong and help her recover. Hindi lang para kay Alonna at para na rin kay Aiden.
She needed to help them both to restore the bond they share as a family.

Ginagawa ni Aiden ang makakaya niya para makuha ang loob ni Alonna at kailangan
niya itong tulungan. Ito lang ang magagawa niya para magka-ayos ang dalawa. Pag
nangyari 'yon, maibabalik na nila masaya nilang pamilya.

"I'll go and get your meds." Hinalikan niy ang noo ni Alonna bago lumabas ng
kwarto.

Naiwan naman sa loob si Alonna na nanginginig at punung puno ng takot. When her
auntie left, every state she was in changed. Biglang tumigil sa panginginig ang
katawan niya at ang takot sa mga mata nito ay naging malamig at blangko.

"Well, that was..." bumangon siya't naupo sa kama. "...boring" Umalis siya sa kama
para kunin ang nakatagong gamit sa loob ng kwarto.

She moved the bedside table and took the cell phone hidden and taped at the back of
it. Maingat niya itong itinago mula sa ospital at saka nilagay dito nung unang araw
niya. Bumalik siya at humiga muli sa kama bago tumawag.

She was using an old version and model of phone because these kinds of phone were
hard to detect using modern tracking devices. Mabuti nang sigurista kesa ang
mapahamak.

"What is it?" They didn't even say greetings to each other and they're used to it.

"Your life is boring." Walang gana niyang sabi.

"Then make it interesting and entertaining. It's now yours."

"Your brother is weak as you. Did you know that?"

"I was weak, not anymore." Hindi mo mapariringgan ng kahit anong emosyon ang boses
niya. Kahit galit wala dahil natutunan na niyang itago ang lahat ng nararamdaman
niya. She learned to do these things with the help of her comrade. The one
pretending to be her and the one that she spent her dark days with. The real
Rainne.

"All I did was cry, weep, shiver and be scared. There's no fun in that." Sa pagitan
nilang dalawa, mas naging malamig ang pagkatao ng tunay na Alonna.

They decided to switch names back at the hospital they were confined 7 years ago.
They went planning when they both got of the hospital then executed them a year
after.

They were the perfect team.

"Hmmm. That sounded like over reacting, don't you think?"

"Gusto kong isipin kung gaano ka kawalang kwenta noon. Weren't you like that?"

"And I like think kung gaano kamiserable ang buhay mo noon than me. Being a toy, a
slut, and a prideless bitch isn't easy as it sounds."

"Touche! At least were together."

"Awww. Are you being soft now?"

"Sinasabi ko lang na pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito, we'll be together in hell. So be

ready."

"Always"

She was about to say something when the door opened.

Therese was about to open the door when she heard Alonna talking to someone. Gusto
niyang malaman kung ano ang ginagawa ng pamangkin kaya agad niyang binuksan ang
pintuan.

Natagpuan niya si Alonna na nakatalukbong ang buong katawan ng kumot.

"Alonna?" she heard her whispering and murmuring something so she slowly pulled the
covers down.

Nalungkot siya sa nakita niya. Nanginginig parin ang katawan nito at may hawak na
hair brush. She was using the brush like a phone. Pressed in her left ear while
whispering something.

"What are you doing Alonna?" mahina niyang tanong.

"I need to call for help. They'll find me, I'm sure of it. Auntie and Uncle Ben
will find me. Yes, they will find me."

"Oh my princess. I'm here so don't worry. We already found you." Therese said while
hugging Alonna. She was crying but Alonna slowly moving her lips and smirked.

Sa kabilang banda, narinig lahat ni Rainne ang mga nangyayari sa kabilang linya.
Alonna let the line open just to let Rainne hear everything what was happening.

"How pathetic." Sabi niya matapos ibaba ang telepono. She pressed the intercom to
call her new secretary. "Call Mr. Madrigal's office and tell them that the project
will start in a week." She strictly said.

"Yes, Ms. Rainne. Is there something else you want me to do, Ms. Rainne."

"I want some black coffee and make it fast, Vernice"

"Right away, Ms. Rainne." Isang ngiti ang unti unting gumuhit sa kanyang mga labi
matapos ang tawag.

She turned her swivel chair around to face the wide mirror wall that shows the
entire city from her office.

"Magsisimula na ang huling palabas. What kind of tragic would the ending be for our
main characters?" she said as she turned her smile into a devious laugh.

----------

Sinong nakakakilala sa secretary ni Rainne? hehehe

Chapter 12
Chapter 12

Azel

I wanted to see her. I badly wanted to see Alonna pero sabi ni Aiden at Auntie
Therese hindi daw muna pwede. Masyadong trauma ang nararamdaman niya na kahit boses
lang daw ni Aiden ang marinig, magwawala na ito.

Hindi ko naman siya kakausapin. Gusto ko lang na makita siya. Alam ko ang
limitasyon ko at ang mga bagay na dapat ko gawin pero ayaw talaga nila akong
payagan.

Sumang-ayon na lang din ako sa sinabi nila hindi dahiil lang sa wala akong magawa
kung hindi pati narin sa trabaho ko.

I received a call from her office saying that the project would start this month.
Isa itong malaking proyekto kaya hindi pwedeng balewalain. Knowing that pursuing
Alonna this time wouldn't give me any progress, mas pinili kong magtrabaho muna.
Pagkatanggap ko ng tawag, inasikaso ko agad ang trabaho. Mabuti na rin ito para
kahit papano ay maalis sa isip ko si Alonna. Nagawa ko naman pero ang hindi ko
inaasahan ay ang pagsulpot sa isip ko ng isang babaeng nakasama ko sa Palawan.

Kapag nagtratrabaho ako, wala akong ibang iniisip kung hindi ang masatisfy ang
kliyente namin which was Rainne.

Lagi nang ganito ang mindset ko sa lahat ng kliyente namin pero bakit iba ngayon?
Kapag iniisip ko na kailangang masatisfy ang kliyente, ang pumapasok sa isip ko ay
ung disappointed niyang look. And that's not all, my fucking mind was showing me
Rainne with only her black lace undies.

The way she seductively pulling down her dress while saying that I was a
disappointment, damn I was crazy.

My mind and body couldn't even decide what emotions I should feel. I was upset and
frustrated at the same time excited. What the hell was that and how did I manage to
do that? My body's excited at the same time my mind's disappointed. Nababaliw na
talaga 'ko.

Ni hindi ako makapagtrabaho ng maayos dahil sa mga nangyayari sa'kin. I tried to

avert my thoughts by working and focusing on Riza pero mukang lumala dahil hindi
ako makatagal ng ilang minuto kasama siya nang hindi ako nagi-guilty o natatandaan
ang ginawa ko. It's fine right? Hindi naman talaga ako nagloko diba? Nothing
happened.

Pero may mga times na kapag hinahalikan ko siya, pumapasok sa utak ko si Rainne.
Ang gulo talaga! I had Riza, I knew I still love Alonna but Rainne was corrupting
my mind.

Kailangan kong ayusin ang sarili ko. First I have to set my priorities.

Ang unang aasikasuhin ko ay ang relasyon ko kay Riza. I'll try to make a better
boyfriend for her that's why I set a romantic dinner for us tonight. Susubukan ko
paring makita si Alonna pero gaya nga ng plano, hahayaan ko munang maging maayos
sila ni Aiden tapos saka ako magpapakita. Okay narin 'yon para matulungan ako ni
Aiden kapag nagkaharap na kami.

Hindi ko maiiwasang 'wag makita si Rainne dahil sa trabaho but I'll make sure that
it'll be pure job. Trabaho lang and no distractions.

A flashed a smile knowing that this would definitely work. Maayos ko lahat bago pa
gumulo. Tama!

Magaan ang loob kong bumalik sa trabaho nang biglang pumasok ang sekretarya kong si
Tin.

"Sir, may tawag po kanina mula sa R&A Envision." Napaangat ang tingin ko kay Tin
dahil sa sinabi niya.

R&A Envision MultiCorp ay ang kompanyang pinaglalaanan ko ng pansin ngayon.

Rainne's company.

"Anong sabi?" Bakit kaya tumawag sila ngayon?

"Miss Rainne will be in the city this afternoon and she wants to schedule a
meeting."

"Ha? Anong oras daw?"

"5PM."

"Sige. Call them back to confirm."

Hindi ko inaasahan ang biglaang pagtawag na 'yon. Dapat next month pa kami
magkikita para sa project ah? Ano naman kaya ang paguusapan namin. Malamang tungkol
to sa project. Wala namang iba diba? Bakit may inaasahan ka ba?

Tsk! Ano ba tong mga pinag-iisip ko. Trabaho lang to!

Kasalukuyan akong papunta sa isang restaurant kung saan kami magkikita ni Rainne
pagkaalis ko sa trabaho. An usher immediately guided me to her seat pero nagulat
ako nang hindi siya ung makita ko.

"Hi?" I greeted a girl with a blond hair and glasses wearing business attire.

Nagtaka ako nang hindi si Rainned ang makita ko pero mas lalo akong nagtaka nang
tumayo siya at makita ko sa mukha niya ang pagkagulat nang tignan niya ko. Mukha
siyang hindi mapakali at mukang kilala niya ko.

"Mr. Madrigal, Miss Rainne will be here shortly. Have a seat." Tinitigan ko siya ng
mabuti at parang namumukaan ko siya. Hindi ko lang alam kung san. Agad na may
lumapit saming waiter pagkaupo palang namin. Umoorder siya habang ako ay nakatingin
lang sa kanya. Pangdalawang tao ang inorder niya kaya I assumed that she was also
ordering for Rainne. I was digging my memory on where I met her. Alam ko talaga
nakita ko na siya eh.

"How about you, sir?" sinagot ko ang tanong ng waiter at umorder.

"You look familiar. Have we met before Ms?" I asked her since I couldn't rely on my
memory right now.

Blangko lang ang sinukli niya sa aking tingin na nagpakunot ng noo ko.

"I'm Vernice Carter. Miss Rainne's executive assistant...." Pagpapakilala niya.

Kung ganon siya pala ang sekretarya ni Rainne pero bakit namumukaan ko siya.

Ramdam ko sa kilos at tingin na may tinatago siyang sama ng loob sakin. Ni hindi
niya man lamang niya tinatago 'yon. Alam niya bang hindi siya nagpapakita ng
respeto sakin. Is this her way of treating her boss' business partners?

"...and Alonna's bestfriend." Napahinto ako sa pag-abot ng tubig at nanlalaki ang

matang tumingin sa kanya.

Agad na bumalik ang guilt na gusto kong mawala. Nagsimula naring manginig ang kamay
ko. A part of my nightmares was facing me.

Tinitignan niya lang ako at pinagmamasdan ang reaksyon ko.Was she contented on what
she sees?

"Y-you are her.." naputol ang pagsasalita ko nang bigla itong napatingin sa likod
ko at tumayo.

Hindi nawala ang paningin ko sa kanya until a heard a seat being pulled and the
empty seat beside was occupied.

"Mr. Madrigal." I snapped my gaze to where that cold sound that invaded my ears
came from. Inayos ko ang sarili ko bago siya sagutin.
"Rainne."

"It's Miss Rainne." It was Vernice trying to correct me.

"Anong pag-uusapan natin Miss Rainne? Diba after a month pa start ng project?"

Pasulyap sulyap akong tumitingin kay Vernice. Bakit hindi ko siya nakilala. Siya
ung kasama namin dati noong nakipagkita kami sa pamilya ni Aiden. Noong mga
panahong hinahanap pa namin si Alonna.

"I want you to visit and study the site earlier than scheduled. I want this project
to finish ASAP and I'm expecting your evaluations next week."

"Pero Miss Rainne, maikli ang isang linggo para sa full evaluation."

"I never said full evaluation Mr. Madrigal. Attention to details." Saglit akong
natigilan sa sinabi niya. Oo nga naman. Bakit nga ba ako nag-assume na full
evaluation ang gusto niya? "Just the plot plan and site analysis."

"I think my team can handle that." I said with confidence.

"Dapat lang because that'll determine if we should continue the contract signing
the next meeting."

Pati pala ung contract signing naurong. It was supposed to be next month too.
Ngayon ko lang talaga napatunayan na kakaiba siyang babae kagaya ng sinabi ni Cindy
sa akin. She's really something and I didn't know if that's good or bad for me.

"I understand." I said in agreement.

When I said that, her lips curved into a simple smile. It's a smile na nagsasabing
kuntento sya sa sagot ko. It's not the start. I'll make sure that the client is
satisfied and happy with our works. I'll make sure to impress her.

The business talk ended at kumain na kami. Medyo aware ako sa presence ni Vernice.
Gusto ko siyang kausapin pero nandito kasi si Rainne kaya hindi ako makatyempo. A
while later, Vernice excused herself to go to the bathroom and an awkward silence
filed the air between me and Rainne.

"How long is Vernice working for you?" I asked.

Bahagya siyang natigilan sa tinatong ko at tinignan ako.

"And you care... why?"

"Nothing. I just find it odd na isang American ang assistant mo. Mukhang hindi siya
marunong magtagalog. Wasn't there any communication barrier?" Napansin kong naging
mas malamig ang tingin niya sa akin. Tinaasaan niya ako ng kilay at bigla nalang
ako nailang sa tingin niya.

"Are you implying that she isn't qualified to be my assistant?"

"No. I'm j-just---"

"Bakit Mr. Madrigal? Sa tingin mo ba mas qualified ka because you know how to speak
at least two languages?"

"That's not what-"

"D'you know that she can speak 7 different languages, English excluded?" Wow.
Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya. Gusto ko lang naman makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol kay
Vernice pero bakit nauwi sa ganito ang usapan namin. Bwiset naman oh. Damang dama
ko ang inis at lamig sa boses niya.

I wanted to please her not like this.

"No." mahina kong sabi.

"Of course not. Ano naman kung hindi siya marunong magtagalog? You're not only
judging her but my capabilities to choose the right person to work for. Maybe I
should've questioned myself for working with you." Shit! Hindi pa nagsisimula ang
project ganito na agad ang nangyayari. Damn it! I am going to fuck this thing up.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean na insultuhin siya o ikaw. I didn't know what I say 'til
I said it." She gave a final look before we continued eating.

"Do you want to replace her?" she immediately asked.

Nagtataka akong napatignin sa kanya. Bakit niya naisip na gusto kong maging
sekretarya niya?

Nanatli akong nakatingin sa kanya hanggang sa ngumiti siya. Hindi ko alam kung
anong tumulak sa akin pero mula sa pagkakatingin ko sa mata niya, bumaba ito sa
kanyang mapupulang labi.

"A-ah... W-what..?" nauutla kong tanong habang hindi tinatanggal ang titig sa
kanyang labi.

Everything went hotter when she teased me by biting her lower lip. I didn't know if
that was intentional or not but my body's getting hotter and hotter. Napalunok ako
at napaiwas ng tingin. Inabot ko rin ang isang baso ng tubig at uminom.

"I just thought that you want spend more time with me, Azel." Muntik na kong
masamid dahil sa sinabi niya.

Ako lang ba o sinabi niya talaga 'yon? Ano ba tong nangyayari. Kahit malamig ang
boses niya ay ramdam ko parin ang init sa buong katawan ko. Kahit pagbanggit niya
sa pangalan ko may epekto sakin.

That's it! I'm officially losing my mind! But fuck I want her.

"Rainne, you-"

"I'm sorry if I made you wait, Miss Rainne." Bigla namang dumating si Vernice and I
didn't even know if I should be pissed or relieved with that.

Biglang tumayo si Rainne at akmang aalis pero humarap ito kay Vernice at nagsalita.

"Do you speak Tagalog?" bakas sa mukha ni Vernice ang pagkalito dahil sa tanong ni
Rainne.

"N-no, Miss Rainne." Nakayuko niyang sabi.

"You need to learn Tagalog within a month." Hindi lang si Vernice ang nagulat dahil
pati ako ay napatayo at napatingin sa kanya. "I'm going to speak in pure Tagalog at
next month meeting for your test. No notes and no asking anyone and if you fail..."
she smirked "consider yourself fired."
Agad siyang tumalikod sa amin at naiwang nakatulala si Vernice at ako naman ay
nagulat.

"You can thank Mr. Madigal for that." Her final words before disappearing within
our sight.

Bigla namang humarap sa akin si Vernice. Galit ang itsura nito at para bang
minumura na ko nito sa isip niya.

"As always. You're still good at destroying other people's lives." She hissed then
followed Rainne.

Napakunot naman ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. Me? Hindi niya ko kilala kaya bakit niya
ko huhusgahan. I was wrong to decide to talk to her para maging kaibigan. Nagkamali
ako noon, alam ko. Kaya nga tinatama ko ngayon lahat pero ganito ang nangyayari.

Tutulungan ko sana siya pero bahala siya. I have too many problems for her to add
to. Mas mabuting isipin ko nalang ang trabaho at si Rainne. Nandyan din si Alonna
at si Ri-Shit! Si Riza nga pala.

Agad kong kinuha ang phone ko sa bulsa para tignan ang oras. I already have 3
missed calls and 5 text messages from her. It's almost 9PM and our dinner was at 7.
Ang tanga ko! Bakit ko nakalimutang may dinner date kami ngayon?

Third Person POV

"Anong balak mo at sinama mo 'yong nerd na 'yon sa plano? Ha, Rainne?" Naiinis na
sabi ni Alonna mula sa kabilang linya. "Because she was your friend. Your only
friend. Is that it?"

"Are you done speaking nonsense?" she answered.

Matapos ang dinner ay pumunta siya sa tinutuluyang hotel. Hindi nagtagal ay tumawag
si Alonna mula sa bahay ng mga Faustino. Nagsabi sila ng mga nangyari pero hindi
nagustuhan ni Alonna ang mga narinig niya mula kay Rainne.

"That is fucking out of the plan. You left Andrea in Brazil to hire that fucking
nerd!" galit niyang sabi.

Binabantayan ni Alonna ang boses niya dahil baka marinig siya ni Therese na nasa
kabilang kwarto lang. Hindi niya maiwasang hindi mainis dahil simula nang pumunta
si Rainne sa Pilipinas ay hindi na ito sumusunod sa plano. Nasa plano nila na kunin
ang serbisyo si Azel pero kapag nakarating na ng Pilipinas si Alonna.

Masyading pinaaga ni Rainne ang pakikipagkita kay Azel at ngayon naman, kinuha niya
ang dating kaibigan bilang sekretarya. Isang bagay na wala na naman sa plano.

"Hwag kang makikialam sa ginagawa ko Alonna. I am not telling you how to move so
don't dare do the opposite. Do your thing there and I'll do mine." She said with
gritted teeth.

"Fine. Do what you want pero kapag lumambot ka, hindi mo magugustuhan ang gagawin
ko."

Alam niya mismo ang mangyayari kapag pumalpak sila sa ginagawa nila ngayon kaya
hindi dapat sila pumalpak. Maayos nilang binalak ang lahat at pati mga malling
pwedeng mangyari, naisip na nila and let's say that the consequences were terrible
and cruel.
Maayos at buo ang loob ni Rainne nang simulan ang plano pero nang makita niya ang
mga tao sa nakaraan ay nagulo ang pag-iisip niya.

"I don't need your worry. Worry about yourself." She spat before cutting the line.

Hindi pwedeng magulo ang lahat. Matagal nilang plinano ito at hindi pwedeng masira.
Masyadong malayo na ang narating nila at hindi siya pwedeng tumigil.

Tinawagan niya muli si Alonna.

"Bring them here."

"Back on track? Don't worry, see you in a month."

Chapter 13
Chapter 13

Who is he?

Aiden

Everything was going perfect at first. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makasama at

makausap si Alonna. I didn't know what I did 'til I've done it. It was supposed to
be a simple visit, a simple dinner and a simple 'no talking to her' moment but
unexpected things happened.

She talked to me! She fvcking talked to me.

Uuwi na sana ako nang mapagpasyahan kong tumigil muna sa garden. Naalala ko na dito
kami palaging nagpapalipas oras nila mommy. I remember when she taught me and
Alonna to play music using a leaf. Tumugtog ako pero hindi ko inaasahan na
nakikinig pala si Alonna. She was watching me while I play at nagulat nalang ako
nang bigla siyang sumabay sa pagtugtog.

We had a moment and that was fvcking great. I made a step forward and it was
heartwarming because she finally opened herself to me for acceptance.

Kinakausap ko siya pero tango at pilit na ngiti lang sinasagot niya pero at least
may response at hindi gaya ng pagwawala at pag-iyak.

Hindi lang don nagtapos lahat dahil kapag dumadalaw ako, kinakausap niya na ko
kahit hindi siya tumitingin sa akin. Ang nakakailang lang was the way she addressed
me. She's calling me sir instead of kuya. Masakit dahil hindi niya nakakalimutan
ung sinabi ko sa kanya noon bago siya mawala.

I demanded her to call me that before and she's still following what I ordered.
Nalungkot ako don pero magbabago rin 'yon. Alam ko.

Maayos na sana lahat pero may nangyaring hindi inaasahan.

"How did the media know about this?" Auntie Therese said. She was upset dahil
nalaman ng media ang tungkol kay Alonna.

"Hindi ko rin alam Auntie but I'm working on it."

"Who knows about this outside our family?" tanong ni Uncle Ben.
"Beside Azel, no one." Si Azel lang naman ang pinagsabihan ko eh. Hindi naman
pwedeng siya ang magsabi dahil alam niya ang sitwasyon namin.

"Kailangang ilayo natin siya dito. It's not healthy for Alonna to be exposed to
this."

I think tama ang sinabi ni Auntie Therese. Magulo ang mga media. Lagi silang
nakabantay sa labas ng bahay namin at pati narin sa office building ko. They were
like parasites around us. They kept on following us, especially me.

Hindi nab ago sa amin ang ganito dahil kilala ang pamilya namin pero sana marunong
silang lumugar kung kailangan. I already scheduled a press conference and gave a
statement but they were so dumb, they didn't know the meaning of the word stop and
privacy. Damn them! Sinisira nila ang lahat.

"What if we go to another state or as far as Hawaii until the issue sets down?"
suwesyon ni Uncle Ben.

"But the media's could still follow us there." Sabi ko.

"Let's get her out of the country. Let's bring her to the Philippines. Mas
makakabuti 'yon sa kanya."

Sumang-ayon kami sa sinabi ni Auntie Therese. Mas malayo mas maganda.

"Go take care of the media Azel." Uncle Ben said. "I'll talk to the pilot to
prepare the plane."

I sighed approvingly. "Okay."

Mas makakabuti na rin siguro kung aalis si Alonna sa bansa. We once lived in the
Philippines. That's our parent's home country. Mas magiging tahimik at maayos ang
lagay niya don. Isa pa, nandon ngayon si Azel. Mas magiging malapit sila kapag
nandon na si Alonna ang they're relationship might came back.

----------

Azel

"Kuya Azel, kamusta kana? I miss you!" Bumati sa akin si Maureen saka yumakap.

"Eto, kagaya parin ng dati."

"Hmmm. Let me guess, isang workaholic hunk?" she laughed and I ruffled her hair.
"Ano ba! Ung buhok ko."

Matagal na kaming hindi nagkikita ng pinsan kong 'to. She lived and studied in
Brazil for more than six years at ngayon lang kami nagkita. Bumalik siya dahil
ikakasal na siya.

Napagpasyahan naming magkita sa bar kasama ang mga kaibigan namin. Ngayon lang daw
ulit kami nagkita kaya dapat lubus lubusin and they were planning to end up wasted
tonight.

"Ako hindi mo namimiss?" Erick said offering his arms wide open but Maureen just
ignored him and turned to hug Faith instead.

"Faith! I miss you bestfriend."

"Hindi parin nagbabago. Suplada ka parin." I heard Erick mumbled at tinapik ko
nalang siya sa balikat at naglakad patungo sa VIP room ng bar. Alam naman naming
may gusto siya sa pinsan ko matagal na kaso sa sobrang torpe, naunahan na tuloy.

Maya maya ay pumasok na si Maureen kasama si Faith at Trisha. Kasunod naman nila
sila Erick at Brylle na ngayon ay boyfriend na ni Faith. Nakakatuwa kasi ang dating
laging nag-aaway ay nagkatuluyan na rin sa wakas. Alam naman naming may kung ano sa
pagitan nila pero hindi lang nila maamin.

Pinaggitnaan ako nila Erick and Maureen habang katapat naman namin sina Brylle,
Faith at Trisha. Umorder na pala sila ng alak bago sumunod sa'kin kaya hindi
nagtagal ay dumating na ung mga waiter dala dala ng ilang bote ng alak.

We took note of each other's lives for the past years hanggang sa mapunta ang
usapan namin kay Maureen at sa mapapangasawa niya.

"Sana sinama mo ung fiancé mo Mau para nakilatis namin diba." Faith said then took
a sip of her drink. Inakbayan naman siya ni Brylle at hinalikan sa ulo.

"Don't drink too much, babe. Ayokong malasing ka." He whispered but Faith just
scowled at him.

"That's the point of this whole thing Brylle kaya wag kang KJ." Angal niya sabay
tapik sa dibdib ng kasintahan.

"I'd like that kaso may inaasikaso pa siyang trabago sa Brazil. Susunod naman siya
next week kaya makikita niyo rin siya."

"Baka naman tinatago mo lang sa'min. Ikaw, ikakasal ka na ayaw mo pang ipakita.
What's his name anyway." Tanong ni Trisha.

"His name is Kristoff dela Vega and they own the biggest winery in Brazil." Sabi ni
Maureen na puno ng pagmamayabang.

I saw Erick scowled beside me at napangiti nalang ako. Hindi parin niya siguro
matanggap na ikakasal na ang babaeng kinalolokohan niya. Bigla siyang binato ng
takip ng alak ni Brylle na ikinainis niya.

"Ano ba?" he hissed at Brylle.

"Nothing, bitter boy. Ang bagal mo kasi.....sa ilagan." Nagtawanan kaming lahat
maliban kay Erick at Maureen that didn't have any idea that the joke had double
meaning in it.

"Tama na nga 'yan." I interfered. "Just tell us something about this guy, Mau" I
said.

Biglang nagliwanag ang mga mata niya ay malawak na ngumiti. Parang excited siyang
magkwento sa'min tungkol dito kay Kristoff. Uminom muna siya ng alak bago
magsalita.

"He's wonderful, he's gorgeous, he's perfect." She started. "Una palang nagkagusto
na ko sa kanya. Sikat kasi silang dalawa sa school ng best friend niya. Lagi siyang
sinusundan ng mga babae noon kaya ang akala ko hindi niya ko mapapansin. Mas lalo
akong nalungkot noong sinabi ni dad na ikakasal ako. I didn't want to go to that
stupid engagement meeting but it turned out na siya ang mapapangasawa ko. O diba
ang galing?" she exaggeratedly said. "At first, ayaw niya. Suplado pa nga at ako
ang gumagawa ng way para lang magkasama kami. Pero noong grumaduate kami, he became
nicer and accepted me as his soon-to-be-wife. Kahit minsan lang kami magkita dahil
sa work niya, I think he already loves me."

It's too early to tell but I guess that this guy is alright. Knowing na mabait na
naman pala ang pakikitungo niya sa pinsan ko.

"Sounds like a player." Erick said bitterly that made Maureen glared at him. "Sa
tingin ko napipilitan lang siya sa sitwasyon niyo. Kung mahal ka talaga niya, kahit
papaano maglalaan siya ng panahon sa'yo. He should put you on top of his work. At
bakit wala siya ngayon dito? Dapat kasama natin siya at pinapakilala ang sarili
saming lahat."

By the time Erick ended, nakakunot na ang noo ni Maureen at halatang naiinis sa mga
sinabi nito. Binaliwala lang ni Erick ang itsura niya at nagpatuloy sa pag-inom ng
alak.

"Para sabihin ko sa'yo, hindi siya player. Hindi pa nga siya nagkaroon ng
karelasyon noon maliban sa akin."

"That's one sign of being a true player. Wala siyang pakialam sa relasyon. Baka
puro flings ang tawag niya. It's either that or he's gay."

Maureen gasped at ung tatlo sa harap namin mukang natutuwa sa mga nangyayari. Ako
naman ay nahihirapan dahil sa pagtatalo ng dalawa kong katabi. Hindi ba pwedeng
mag-usap ng maayos?

"He's definitely not a gay. Bawiin mo 'yang sinabi mo."

"Why? Did you guys have sex already?" That question made Maureen blushed like a
tomato.

"Hoi, awatin mo na yan, Azel." Trisha said concerned while Brylle and Faith were
chuckling.

"A-ano naman kung h-hindi pa!" because of the tension, napatayo na si Maureen at
nanlilisik na tumingin kay Erick.

"Then that answered my question." He smirked.

"Anong question yan, ha?"

"Tama na 'yan." Awat ko. "We're here to have fun not fight. C'mon guys."

Naiinis na umupo si Maureen at tahimik lang si Erick habang patuloy na umiinom. The
tension disappeared a moment later and we had the dun we had planned for tonight.
Hinatid ko si Maureen habang si Brylle naman ang bahala 'don sa tatlo. Kami lang
kasi ni Brylle ang hindi tinamaan ng alak kaya kami ang nagsilbing driver nila.

Don ko pinatuog sa condo ko si Maureen kasi hindi ko naman alam kung saan ang
tinutuluyan niya.

The next morning, I called Riza and invited her for dinner. Ito ang paraan ko para
makabawi sa kanya. She said she understand the situation that time pero nakaramdam
ako ng pagtatampo sa boses niya noon kaya ko ito ginagawa.

Sinabi ko rin sa kanya na ipapakilala ko siya sa pinsan ko. I also told Maureen
and she said yes. My initial plan was to spend dinner alone with Riza pero magiging
busy ako sa work sa mga susunod na araw at pupunta pa ko sa site kaya ito lang ang
panahon ko para ipakilala sila sa isa't isa.
Matapos mag-agahan ay umuwi agad si Maureen at mamaya nalaang kami ulit magkikita
sa restaurant. I also need to fetch Riza tonight.

The dinner was at 8pm and I left my condo at 7:30 to pick up Riza. I was in awe
when I saw my beautiful girlfriend wearing a simple green sleeveless dress that
hugs her body. Her hair was curled neatly, she wears light make up and a three-
inched heels. Overall, she looked wonderful and dashing.

"You're look beautiful, babe." I said and gave her a kiss.

"You're not bad yourself." she said and wrapped her arms around my waist.

I was wearing a pair of black pants, white v-neck shirt and a black coat. Hinalikan
ko siya sa pisngi bago kami umalis papunta sa restaurant.

It didn't take us long to arrived at our destination. Bago kami makapasok ay

nakatanggap ako ng text mula kay Maureen na nasa loob na siya.

I immediately spotted her when we went inside. She was waving her right hand and I
placed my right hand on Riza's lower back and guided her to Maureen.

Naglalakad ako nang bilang may bumunggo sa akin at napahinto ako dahil don.

I looked down to see a kid around 6-8 years old stood up and brushed her cute red
dress. Maya maya ay umangat ang tingin niya sa'kin na ikinagulat ko.

"I'm so sorry, Mister." The girl apologized.

Halata siguro sa itsura ko na nagulat ako because the girl tilted her head showing
that she was confused of my reaction. Naka pony tail ang brown niyang buhok at gray
ang kaliwang mata. Ang kanang mata naman niya ay natatakan ng isang itim na eye
patch. She was like a little pirate but that wasn't the reason of my sudden shock.

She looks like her! She looks like Alonna!

"Its fine little girl." Narinig ko ang malambing na boses ni Riza pero hindi parin
nawawala ang tingin ko sa kanya. "Let's go Azel."

Parang hindi ko narinig si Riza at iniluhod ko ang kanang tuhod ko at pumantay sa

batang nasa harap ko.

"I'm f-fine." Nauutal kong sabi. Kumunot naman ang noo niya at umatras ng kaunti
nang iangat ko ang kanang kamay ko para hawakan siya.

My hand stopped but my urge to touch the girl who bears the same face as Alonna
when we were kids was strong so I reached for her again.

This can't be. Magkamukha talaga sila ni A-

"If you touch even a single strand of her hair, you'll find yourself ruined and
miserable when you wake up tomorrow."

Agad na napahinto at napababa ang kamay ko nang marinig ako ang malamig at
mapagbantang boses na'yon.

Nakaluhod parin akong tiningala si Rainne na kahit blangko ang itsura, halata sa
tingin at aura niya ang galit at inis.

"Stay away from her." Biglang may isang batang lalaki na kaedad niya rin ang
biglang tumayo sa pagitan namin ng batang babae.

He stood in front of her protectively while throwing daggers at me. Isa lang ang
rumehistro sa isip ko nang makita ko ang batang lalake. Twins.

He wore a matching red shirt as the girl but no eye patch.

"Are you okay Nine?" sabi niya nang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa'kin.

"Okay lang ako Kuya Seven." Bulong ng batang babae.

Seven and Nine? What a unique name.

"Rainne? Anong nangyayari dito?" biglang may lalaking lumapit sa'min at agad na
binuhat si Nine. Tumayo narin ako at agad na kumapit sa braso ko si Riza. "Okay ka
lang ba Nine?" malambing na sabi niya kay Nine na sinagot niya ng tango.

Tumingin naman ako kay Rainne na nakatingin sa kamay ni Riza na nakapulupot sa

braso ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero nailang ako sa tingin niya kaya tinanggal
ko ang kamay ni Riza. Alam kong nagtaka si Riza kaya ayaw ko siyang harapin para
magpaliwanag because I also didn't know the answer to that.

"Azel, kanina ko pa kayo hinihintay. Sino ba s-" sabi ni Maureen nang makalapit
siya pero hindi na niya natapos ang sinasabi nang mahinto ang paningin niya sa
lalaking may hawak kay Nine na ngayon ay nakadikit kay Rainne at hinahawakan ni
Seven ang pantalon niya.

They looked like a family.

Something inside me hurts when I thought about that but why? Who was this guy
anyway? Was he her lover or something? Bakit ba ko naaasar? Wala naman akong pake
'don eh!

"K-Kristoff?" nakakunot ang noo kong tumingin kay Maureen dahil sa sinabi niya.

Chapter 14
Chapter 14

Kristoff

Shit naman oh! Bakit ngayon pa nagkaprobema sa trabaho. Ngayon pa na balak kong
pumunta ng Pilipinas para sundan si Rainne. This is all bullshit!

Bakit pa kasi nagkaroon ng peste sa ubasan. Nang dahil sa mga 'yan, kailangan ko
tuloy ikansel ung pag-alis ko ng bansa. I had no choice but to tend to these
problems. Halos dalawang bwan din akong nastranded dito sa Brazil habang nasa
Pilipinas si Rainne. I was calling her every time but she wouldn't answer her
phone. It's always unattended and busy.

Ganito naman siya lagi at sanay na'ko pero gusto ko talaga siyang makausap. I
really missed her and I wasn't used to this set-up. Ung hindi ko siya nakikita
palagi. Noon kasi lagi kaming magkasama dito sa Brazil. Lagi akong nakabuntot sa
kanya simula noong aksidente kong nalaman ang sikreto niya. Dahil 'don, ang akala
ng lahat may relasyon kami pero ang sabi ko mag best friend lang. Rainne didn't
really care about that rumors and I really wanted us to be an item but it's unfair
to her.

'Yan ang relasyon namin sa mata ng iba pero samin ibang iba. Kahit ako nga hindi ko
alam kung anong lagay naming dalawa. She knows I love her! I know she doesn't love
me! Pero hindi naman niya ko pinagtatabuyan eh kaya okay na sakin 'yon. She's
keeping me for a reason and whatever that reason was, I didn't care.

Hindi ko alam kung may halaga ba ko sa kanya pero sana, dahil sa mga ginagawa ko,
Kahit papano ay makaramdam siya ng konting pagmamahal para sa'kin. I'm trying my
best and I know na magbubunga rin lahat ng hirap at pagod ko sa loob ng anim na
taon o kahit ilang taon pa ang lilipas.

Kakauwi ko lang sa bahay mula sa ubasan para I-check kung meron pang pesteng
naninira ng pananim namin. Kami ang may-ari ng pinaka malaking pagawaan ng wine at
may inaalagaan kaming pangalan. We didn't want our name to be tainted with little
pests. Did we?

Dad was asking me about the status and I was proud to say na wala nang problema.
Now, I could finally go and see Rainne. I thought wrong!

Bigla nalang nagdemand ang parents ko at ang pamilya ng fiancée ko na madaliin ang
kasal. Another bullshit!

Ang akala ko after two or three years pa pero ang gusto nila after 5 months na. I
requested, more like pleased to them na habaan pa pero hanggang seven months lang
ang binigay sa akin. Bwisit talaga oh. At ang magaling kong fiancée, sang ayon sa
kanila.

I was telling her that I didn't want to do this engagement with her since the start
but this girl's so dumb, she didn't get the message. Hindi ko alam kung ganoon lang
talaga siya o ayaw niya lang tanggapin ang sinasabi ko. I told this to Rainne and
she suggested something.

"If that girl loves you so much, use that to control her."

And that's what I did. Hinahayaan ko lang siya sa gusto niya tapos nilalambing ko
siya at pinapakita kong gusto ko ang mga ginagawa niya kahit hindi naman. I had her
trust kaya madali akong nakakaalis sa mga meetings o party na kailngan dalawa
kaming umatend. I could also make her do things I wanted. Like postponing the
engagement. I was controlling her! That got me thinking, ganito rin ba ang ginagawa
ni Rainne sa'kin?

I didn't care anyway.

Ang maganda nito, nacancel ang engagement pero ang masama, tumalon sa kasal. Sabi
nila hindi na kailangan ng engagement. With that, I wanted out!

Hindi ko na hihintaying maikasal ako bago umalma. Gagawin ko lahat ng paraan para
maalis ako sa kasalang ito pero sa tamang panahon.

Maureen, my fiancée, called to tell me that she'll be traveling to Philippines to

tell her relatives about the wedding. Good news 'yon because I had reason to tell
them why I needed to go to Philippines.

I was excited to tell Rainne na makakapunta na ko ng Pilipinas. Ilang beses ko na

siyang tinawagan simula kaninang umaga pero hindi siya sumasagot. Tinawagan ko ulit
siya bago matulog at laking tuwa ko nang sagutin niya ang tawag ko. Napabangon pa
nga ako mula sa pagkakahiga.

"Rainne, Baby! I have something to tell you." as expected, hindi siya sasagot kaya
nagpatuloy na 'ko. "Pupunta ako dyan sa susunod na araw. Sorry kung hindi ako
nakasunod agad. Nagkaroon lang ng problema sa ubasan but all had been taken care
of."

"I'm hanging up."

"Before you do that, Hihingi lang sana ako ng permiso." I paused. "Can I bring them
with me?" Wala akong kahit anong narinig sa kabilang linya. Sana naman pumayag siya
sa gusto ko. Kawawa naman kasi sila kapag naiwan sila dito sa Brazil. Walang mag-
aalaga sa kanila.

"Do what you want." She said without even caring.

I was happy because she said yes but I couldn't help but to feel a little said for
them. Ang layo kasi talaga ng loob ni Rainne sa kanila at ni minsan hindi ko
nakitang niyakap niya ang mga 'yon. She was seeing that devil who took her
innocence in them. Lalo na sa kanang mata ni Nine.

Mabuti nalang at wala akong pasok kinabukasan dahil pupuntahan ko pa ang dalawang
taong tinuring ko nang sakin. Maaga akong pumunta sa bahay nila para sabihin ang
magandang balita.

"Tito Kristoff! You're here!" sigaw ng anim na taong si Nine habang tumatakbo
papalapit sa akin. I kneeled down and open my arms wide para salubungin siya ng
yakap.

"Wow! You're getting big baby girl." I ruffled her hair while she smiled widely at
me showing me her dimples. "Where's Kuya Seven?"

"I'm here po, Tito." Mabagal siyang tumakbo papunta sa direksyon namin.

"Kamusta naman ang kuya namin?" I asked while ticking him. Sandaling napuno ng tawa
at kulitan sa pagitan naming tatlo. I really love these kids.

"Nine, you forgot this. Ilagay mo na." sabi ni Seven habang iniaabot kay Nine ung
eye patch nito. Nine pouted and took the eye patch.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, or mommy's gonna be mad at you." ilalagay na sana niya ung eye patch pero
kinuha ko ito.

Nine had a case of Heterochromia. She had different color of irises. One grey that
she got from Rainne and the other was blue as the ocean. Nakakamangha at maganda
ang tingin ng konting nakakaalam nito maliban kay Rainne.

Ayaw niyang nakikita ang kulay asul nitong mata. She always get mad then after
that, she always sends Nine to her room hanggang sa sabihin niyang pwede na siyang
lumabas. Minsan sa sobrang tagal, kailangan ko nang makiusap kay Rainne na
palabasin siya.

Hindi ko naman pwedeng sisihin si Rainne. Ang dapat sisihin ay 'yung demonyo nilang
ama.

"It's okay. Wala pa naman si mommy niyo eh."

"Nasaan po si mommy." Tanong ni Nine

"She's working but I have good news."

"What is it po." Seven excitedly asked.

"We're going to visit your mom and we're leaving tonight."

"Yehey!" tumatalon talon pa si Nine at pumapalakpak habang si Seven naman ay may

malawak na ngti. "Why can't we go now?"

"Because your mom is still busy. Para pagdating natin don wala na siyang
inaasikaso. We could spend time together. Gusto niyo ba 'non?"

Nine nodded her head and she's showing that she's really excited habang si Seven
naman ay nakangiti lang sa reaksyon ni Nine. Kitang kita ang isa niyang dimple sa
kanang pisngi. Ganyan naman si Seven lagi. Puro ngiti lang pero laging nag-iiba ang
ugali pag kami kami lang pero pino at tahimik lalo na pag kaharap si Rainne.

Si Nine naman laging masiyahin. Gaya ni Seven, tahimik din siya at mailang sa ibang
tao pero pag kaharap si Rainne, laging conscious sa sarili. Hindi basta basta
tumitingin yan sa iba. Naiilang siya kapag tinitignan siya dahil narin siguro sa
eye patch niya. Mabuti narin siguro na may eye patch siya kasi sensitive sa liwanag
ng araw ung kanang mata niya. Sumasakit daw kapag natataman nito.

Bago palang dalawin sila ay tinawagan ko na ang sekretarya ko para magpareserve ng

tiket. I asked for the best seat for us because I wanted them to be comfortable
during the long trip. Ngayon lang din kasi sila pupunta ng Philippines at ito ang
pinaka mahabang byaheng mararanasan nila.

Gabi na kinabukasan ng makarating kami sa Pilipinas. Dito kami nakatira noon kaya
may bahay kami dito pero hindi kami doon dumeretso. Dumiretso kami sa bahay nila
pero hindi namin nadatnan si Rainne 'don. Meron pa sigurong trabaho at hindi ko
naman siya tinawagan because I wanted to surprise her.

Pinatulog ko muna yung dalawa matapos kumain dahil alam kong pagud na pagod na
sila. Maaga akong nagising kinabukasan at pinaghanda ng makakain ung dalawa. There
were maids and cooks but I wanted to prepare their meals. Hindi ko na ginising si
Rainne dahil alam kong natutulog pa ito. I waited for her last night pero nakatulog
na ko wala parin siya.

After eating, the kids played at naabutan ko silang nakadapa at nagdradrawing.

Umupo ako sa sofa at pinanood ko sila. Nagtext narin ako sa sekretarya ko para
magbilin. Nakatanggap din ako ng text mula kay Maureen saying that she missed me
and asking me when I would arrive.

'Maybe next week' I replied. I wanted to spend more time with Rainne and the kids.

"Tito Kristoff, look!" napaangat ang tingin ko at tumingin sa nakangiting si Nine.

Napangiti rin ako nang makita ko ung hawak hawak niyang drawing. It was a drawing
of a family.

"Wow ang ganda naman nito baby Nine." Kinuha ko ung drawing at tinignang mabuti. I
also took her hand and made her sit on my lap.

"This is me." Turo niya sa drawing ng batang babae na may eye patch. "This is Kuya
Seven." She pointed at a boy.

"And these two are your mommy and daddy, right?" she pouted at what I said.

"Noooo!" she whined. "That's you and mommy."

Nakaramdam ako ng saya dahil sa sinabi niya. She's considering me part of their
family and that made my heart swell. I really love both of them and I'll always be
by their side no matter what.

"Thank you, baby Nine." I said then gave her raining kisses on her face that made
her giggled and squirmed on my hold.

"I made something too po." I stopped and looked at Seven smiling. He gave me his
drawing. It's was also a stick figure of two kids in front of a big house. There
were sun and trees and a dog beside them.

"Na'san kami ng mommy mo? Bakit kayo lang?" nagtatampo kong tanong.

"I know! I know!" Nine said raising her hand. "You're playing inside the house with
mommy."

"Mommy doesn't have toys."

Nine looked cute when she pouted at what Seven told. Natatawa lang ako sa sinasabi
nila. Nauwi sa kulitan naming tatlo ang pagtatalo nila kung nasa mall ba kami ni
Rainne sa drawing at namimili ng toys o nasa pet shop para bumili ng tuta.

Tumayo ako ay kinarga si Nine then I looked down at Seven na nakatingin din sa min.
Malungkot ang itsura niya na pinagtaka ko.

"Is there something wrong, Seven?" he also looked cute like Nine when he pouted at
parang nahihiya siya. Hinawakan ko ang ulo niya at hinaplos nag pisngi."What's
wrong? You can tell tito Kristoff."

"Karga." he lifted both of his arms and pleadingly looked at me. I chuckled and
kneeled down.

"'Yon lang ba? Hop on!" I offered him my back at mabilis siyang sumakay sa likod
ko. Tawa sila ng tawa habang binibilisan ko ang takbo ko kung saan saan. Nakakatuwa
talagang kasama ang mga ito. Sila lang ang nagpapaligaya sakin kasama si Rainne at
hinding hindi ko sila iiwan kahit na anong mangyari.

"Faster! Faster!" Nine shouted while giggling.

Tumakbo ako pero napahinto nang biglang dumaan si Rainne sa harap namin. She was
wearing a simple yellow dress. Minsan, pag walang pasok si Rainne, dresses were her
usual attire. It's Sunday kaya baka magkulong na naman siya sa opisina niya dito
buong araw. Natigil din ang pagtawa noong dalawa at ibinaba ko sila para lumapit
kay Rainne.

"Good Morning, baby." I wrapped an arm around her slim waist and kissed her on the
cheek. Humarap ako sa dalawang bata na ngayon ay tahimik at nakatingin sa'min at
magkahawak kamay. "We arrived last night pero wala ka pa. We missed you."

"Morning mommy." Bati ng dalawa para lang masuklian ng walang emosyong tingin
galing sa kanilang ina. Tinaasan sila ng kilay at naglakad papalayo si Rainne
papunta sa opisina niya. Sinundan ko nang tingin ang pigura niya at napabuntong
hininga nalang at bumaling sa dalawang bata.

"C'mon. Let's clean things in here then off to see your mom, 'kay?"

Tahimik na tumago lang ang dalawa sa sinabi ko. Nagligpit muna kami ng mga laruan
at mga drawing materials nila. Kumatok ako sa opisina ni Rainne bago pumasok. May
dala dala akong kape at sandwich para sa kanya habang ung dalawa ay dala dala ung
drawings nila.
Naabutan namin siyang subsob sa trabaho at hindi man lamang kami tinapunan ng
saglit na tingin.

"I have coffee and sandwich for you." Tinaasan niya ko ng kilay ng nilapag ko ang
mga dala ko sa harap niya pero sinuklian ko lang siya ng ngiti. "And the kids made
you something." I turned to the kids and gestured them to come closer. Maingat at
tahimik silang lumapit sa tapat ng lamesa ni Rainne pero hindi sila pinansin ni
Rainne at tumayo. Lumapit siya sa book shelf at may kinuhang makapal na libro.

Sinundan ko siya and hugged her from behind while she opened the book to read.

"C'mon baby, pansinin mo naman sila. They drew pictures of their family at kasama
ka 'don. They're your family... your kids." I whispered while kissing her neck. I
really miss her so I couldn't control myself even in front of the kids. Isa pa,
sanay na naman silang ganito ang trato ko kay Rainne. Bigla niyang sinarado ung
libro.

"It seems like you have grew fond of meddling between me and those kids."

"As long as it concerns you and them, I always make them my business."

Pinaharap ko siya sa akin and hugged her tight. Placing my face in the crook of her
neck and smelled her scent. It's like my own brand of drugs named Rainne. I
couldn't get enough of her.

"You're stupid, pathetic and irritating." she said that made me looked at her.

"And I love you too that's why we're going out for a dinner tonight." I grin like a
cheshire cat at sandaling nilapat ang mga labi ko sa mga labi niya. Yeah, alam kong
masakit ang mga sinabi niya pero anong magagawa ko, I really loved her at iniisip
ko nalang na those words translated to I love you! I'm really pathetic, aren't I?

Lumayo siya sa akin at bumalik sa pagtratrabaho.

"If there's nothing else, you all can go." Sabi niya na para lang kaming mga
empleyadong pinapaalis niya. Pilit akong ngumiti sa mga bata at hinawakan sa
magkabila ko ang mga kamay nila para lumabas. They looked so sad and disappointed.
When we turned our backs, she spoke.

"Leave those here." Tumingin ako sa tatlong kulay abong mga mata nila na biglang
nagliwanag sa saya. Napangiti din ako at lumuhod para bulungan sila.

Naglakad sila papalapit kay Rainne at maingat na inilagay ito sa kanyang lamesa.

"I love you, mommy." They chorused and I saw how Rainne suddenly stopped writing
something. Saglit lang yon pero alam kong may epekto ang sinabi ng kambal sa kanya.

"Let's go kids. Let's leave your lovely mommy for now. Magpre-prepare pa tayo for
tonight. The four of us will go out for dinner."

They were running to me and I could see that they're excited and happy. Their mom's
finally warming up to them and I'll make sure to be there all the way.

Hindi na namin ginambala si Rainne malliban nalang nung dinalhan ko siya ng

tanghalian niya. Tinulungan ko ang kambal na mag-ayos para mamaya. Nasa kwarto nila
ako at inihanda ang matching red outfits nila. Alam kong nag-aayos na rin si Rainne
dahil sinilip ko siya kanina.

"Why do you always kiss mommy?" I smiled at Seven's question while buttoning his
shirt.

"Because I love your mommy but it's only between us three and your mom, okay?"

"Bakit po?"

"Kasi pag nalaman ng iba, ilalayo nila kayo sa'kin." I answered Nine and helped her
fix her eye patch. "Kaya secret lang ah?"

"But I don't want you to go." Maluha luhang sabi ni Nine. Tinignan ko si Seven at
halata sa itsura niya ang kalungkutan.

"I never plan to go anywhere far from you guys, so don't worry."

Kahit anong mangyari, hinding hindi ako aalis sa tabi nila. It's too late for me to
do that. I already attached myself to three of them. I even claimed them to be mine
and being away from them was not an option.

Nobody knows beside me but...They are my own family and nobody can separate us!

Chapter 15
WARNING : SPG AHEAD!

Chapter 15

Her Kids

I watched as Rainne gorgeously cascaded down the staircase. She was wearing a
black, sleeveless fitted dress paired with silver stilettos and handbag. The
neckline of her dress ended up between her breasts that showed an ample amount of
cleavage.

A smile formed on my lips as I was mesmerized and stunned by the seductress in

front of me. I was only pulled out of my fantasy land when I felt someone held my
hand. Tumingin ako kay Nine na humigpit ang kapit niya sa kamay ko.

Magkahawak parin sila ng kamay ni Seven at parehong tahimik. I smiled at binitawan

siya para lumapit kay Rainne.

"You're stunning." I said truthfully before kissing her cheek.

My left palm rested on her lower back and my other hand was holding Nine's hand.
Nasa kanan ko ung kambal na magkahawak din ang mga kamay. Nine was wearing a red
dress that matched Seven's red polo shirt and jeans at nakasuot naman ako ng blue
roll-up sleeves and black slacks.

Ako ang nagdrive ng sasakyan ni Rainne papuntang restaurant. Rainne was beside me
while the twins were at the back. Medyo nagkaproblema pa ng konti sa reservation
pero nagawan din ng paraan. Pinauna ko muna sila sa upuan naming habang kinakausap
ko ung isang staff regarding sa reservation. Ang akala ko magkakaproblema pa, buti
nalang naging maayos din ang lahat.

Sumunod ako pero agad na bumagsak ang tingin ko kay Nine na parang naiilang sa
likod ni Seven. I immediately picked her up and asked if she's okay. Yumakap siya
sa leeg ko matapos tumango. Lumapit naman si Seven at hinawakan ang slacks ko.

"K-Kristoff?" isang pamilyar na boses ang narinig kong tumawag sa'kin kaya
napatingin ako sa kanya.
Fvck! Hindi ko inaasahang makikita siya dito. Ang fiancée ko, si Maureen. Her
expression suddenly changed from shocked to confuse. Kahit ako rin naman nagulat
pero sa kinadami dami naman ng lugar at panahon bakit dito pa? Bakit kung kelan ko
kasama ang pamilya ni Rainne.

"Maureen." I said coolly.

"B-bakit ka nandito, Kris? Ang akala ko ba..."

"Siya ba ung fiancé mo, Mau?" napatango si Maureen sa tanong ng kasama niyang
lalake. Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin tapos kay Nine but then I got pissed when
he looked at Rainne. His looks lingered beyond my liking. He was looking her from
head to toe, taking all her appearance that kinda ticked off my annoyance.

Alam kong maraming nahuhumaling kay Rainne sa isang tingin pa lang. It's not hard
for men to lust over her just by a single look at minsan ay naaasar ako kapag may
lumalapit sa kanya. I always did my fair share of disposing them para hindi na sila
makalapit.

"It's best if we share seats. Okay lang ba?" I asked pero hindi parin niya
tinatanggal ang tingin niya kay Rainne. Rainne was just silent and didn't care at
all.

"Azel, let's seat with them." Doon lang natanggal ang tingin niya kay Rainne nang
kausapin siya ni Maureen.

"A-ah, cge okay lang."

I faked a smile at them at hinawakan ang kamay ni even habang karga ko si Nine.
Hindi kasi mawala sa isip ko kung paano tumingin ang isang it okay Rainne. May
laman ang mga tingin niya at ibang iba ito sa mga lalaking laging napapatingin kay
Rainne and it pisses me more.

Pinauna namin sila at medyo nawala ang inis ko nang humawak ung isa pang kasama
nila sa braso ni Azel. Hindi siya umalma o tinanggal ito kaya sa tingin ko may
relasyon sila. Nilingon ko si Rainne at napansin kong saglit siyang napatingin sa
dalawa at nag-iwas din.

That was the first time I saw her looked at other man. Kahit saglit lang 'yon, he
definitely did something to get her attention. Who's this guy?

"B-bakit ka nga pala nandito? I thought you're still in Brazil. Kelan ka ba

dumating?" biglang tanong ni Maureen sa'kin matapos kaming umorder. We asked for
assistance for extra seats and we already introduced ourselves to each other.

"Medyo kakarating lang din namin. Dumiretso na ko kayla Rainne para ihatid itong
mga bata. Sorry kung hindi ko nasabi agad sa'yo." Paliwanag ko na sinuklian niya ng
pilit na ngiti.

"Who are these cute kids?" Napatingin ako sa babaeng kasama nila na Riza pala ang
pangalan. My thoughts about Azel and her having a relationship was correct.
Girlfriend siya nito at mukha siyang mabait at mahinhin. Lagi rin siyang nakangiti
at muka ring may mabait na kalooban.

"They're Seven and Nine."

"Edad ba nila 'yon?" she asked again. Napapansin kong nanatiling tahimik si Maureen
at ang pinsan niya. I could understand Maureen pero si Azel napapansin kong
pasulyap sulyap kayla Rainne at sa kambal.
"No. Those were their names."

"A-are they y-yours?" nagdadalawang isip na tanong ni Maureen. Nginitian ko muna

siya bago umiling.

"Anak sila ni..."

"They're mine." putol ni Rainne sa sasabihin ko.

"I didn't know you have kids." And for the first time in the entire conversation,
Azel spoke. Kapansin paansin ang pagiging seryoso ng boses niya.

"I'm not obliged to tell."

Naging tahimik sa pagitan namin ng dumating ang mga pagkain at sinimulan naming
kumain. Inasikaso ko si Nine sa pagkain niya. Hinayaan kong mag-isa si Seven dahil
ayaw niyang pinapakialaman siya sa mga ginagawa niya.

Napansin kong patingin tingin sa akin si Maureen sa amin ni Nine. Hindi ko alam
kung anong iniisip niya pero hindi ko magawang magpanggap na wala akong pakialam sa
mga bata. I think she's upset. Hindi ko alam kung dahil hindi agad ako tumawag sa
kanya o dahil nakikita niyang pag-aasikaso ko sa mga bata. Halos buong atensyon ko
kasi nasa kanila lalo na kay Nine na napansin kong parang naiilang na naman. Kapag
tinatanong ko tango at iling lang ang sagot.

"It's rude to stare, Mr. Madrigal." Rainne suddenly said.

"I'm sorry, it's just that...kamukha niya talaga ung kilala ko noong bata pa siya."
Kaya naman pala naiilang si Nine dahil sa mga tingin niya kanina pa.

"Yung kapatid ba ni Aiden?" Imbes na sumagot ay isang malungkot na ngiti lang ang
sinagot nito kay Maureen. "Ang balita ko nakita na siya." Dagdag paniya na biglang
ikinagulat ni Azel.

"Pano mo nalaman?"

"News. Kalat na ka-"

"Excuse me." Napatingin kaming lahat kay Rainne na biglang tumayo at umalis.
Mukhang patungo siya sa direksyon ng banyo. There's something off with her actions,
even earlier.

Pagkaalis na pagkaalis ni Raiine ay biglang nagtanong si Azel.

"Who's the father?" seryoso akong humarap sa kanya to tell him that it's not his
for him to know pero biglang sumingit ng sagot si Seven.

"Dead." He said with monotone without looking at Azel.

Agad na rin kaming umalis matapos kumain. I ended up driving Maureen at their house
using her car. Ayoko nga sana but she and her cousin insisted since I was her
fiancé. Tatanggi na sana dahil ayaw kong iwan sina Rainne pero biglang kinuha ni
Rainne ung susi at umalis. Nakasunod naman ung kambal sa kanya.

Tahimik sa pagitan naming dalawa hanggang makarating kami sa bahay nila. She kissed
me not before saying that I need to go to their family reunion. She'll be
introducing me to them. I said I'll go kahit na sa loob loob ko ay gusto kong
tumanggi dahil don ko naramdaman na papalapit ng papalapit ang kasal ko.
Hindi naman ako makakapayag na umabot sa ganon. Naghihintay lang ako ng tamang
oras. Alam naman ni Maureen na hindi ako sigurado sa kasal pero mukang ayaw niya
lang tanggapin 'yon and kept pretending that everything was fine. Alam kong marami
siyang tanong tungkol kanina pero nanatili siyang tahimk. I think it's for the
best.

Nagtaxi ako pauwi sa bahay at agad akong pumunta sa kwarto ng mga bata. They were
watching TV in their room with their pajamas. I tucked Seven between his Iron man
printed covers and pillows then Nine with her Tinker bell sheets.

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ni Rainne and saw her in her silver, silk lingerie dress.
She was in the balcony staring somewhere far and holding a glass of wine.

"Is he the rat you mentioned?" I asked pagkalapit ko. Hindi siya umimik at uminon
lang ng alak.

Pagkakataon ko nang tanungin ang mga bagay na gumugulo sa'kin. Earlier, I thought
why her attention was caught by Azel. Isa lang naman ang dahilan niya kapag ganon.
Her new victim.

Simula nang makilala ko si Rainne, nahulog na ang loob ko sa kanya that's why I
approached her. Hindi niya ko pinapansin nung una. I found myself one day stalking
her at don ko nalaman ang sikreto niya nang umuwi ito sa isang bahay ampunan. That
she had kids. Iniisip ko na yun ang dahilan kung bakit siya iwas sa mga lalake.
Seven and Nine were a year old when I discovered them. Hindi naman sila talagang
iniwan ni Rainne. Kailangan niya lang daw ng mga mag-aalaga sa kanila habang nag-
aaral siya sabi ng mga madre don. I asked about the father and that's when I knew
what that bastard did to her.

Imbes na lumayo ako, mas lalo ko pang gustong mapalapit kay Rainne. I followed her
every day after confronting her of what I saw. She just smirked and didn't care at
all. After a year, she started finding what she called rats. Hindi ko alam ang
buong istorya ng buhay niya pero ito ung mga taong gusto niyang paghigantihan.

Kinausap ko siya and I offered my help. I said, I have money and resources. Sabi
niya meron siya non pero noong nalaman niya kung sino ako at ang pamilya ko, she
said yes.

"Kaya ba hinahayaan mo ko sa tabi mo dahil alam mong may koneksyon kami? That I'm
his cousin's fiancé?" I asked knowingly.

"Why? Are you gonna leave, now that you knew the truth?" she said still her back
on me.

I closed the gap and hugged her from behind.

Imbes na malungkot at madismaya, her confirmation didn't affect me at all. I knew

it all along that she's keeping me for something. Ramdam ko naman na it's not all
sexual between us. It's not all about sex and lust.

"No, never. I can't ever be away from my life too long. The past months away from
you and the kids were miserable." I whispered truthfully before nibbling her lobe.
"Anong ginawa ng mga bata pagkarating?"

"Don't' care."

"Can you show affection to them kahit konti lang. After all, they're your kids; you
gave birth to them, named them and-" Malambing ko ng sabi.
"I didn't." napatigil ako sa paghalik halik ng leeg niya nang marinig ko ang sagot
niya.

"What do you m-?"

"The nurses named them." Nagtataka akong tinignan siya at hinihintay ang sagot niya
matapos ubusin ang laman ang wine. "One was born at 4:07pm and the other was 4:09.
I refused to take and name them so the nurses did. I also didn't want to breastfeed
but my breasts hurt kaya wala akong nagawa kung di ang pakainin sila. Kung alam ko
lang na may breast pump, I'd use it. So if you want, you can have them."

Nakaramdam ako ng awa para sa mga bata pagkarinig ko non. She didn't want to take
care of them after they were born. Ang mga kawawang bata. Wala silang kaalam alam
at kasalanan sa nangyari sa kanilang ina pero ganito ang nararanasan nila.
Rejections from their own mother.

"I know you care for them. Kung hindi, iniwan mo na sana sila sa bahay ampunan noon
and don't worry, I'll take them...and you." I smiled when I heard her smirked. Tama
naman eh. Kung wala siyang nararamdaman na pagmamahal sa mga anak niya, iniwan na
sana niya matagal ang mga ito sa bahay ampunan at hind na kinuha pa."'San ung
sumakit, baby? Dito ba?" I asked hoarsely then brought my right palm on her left
breast.

I slowly massage it over her silk dress and put my left down to caress her thigh.
The softness that I felt on her breast shows that she wasn't wearing any bra.
Nagsisimula nang mag-init ang katawan ko kahit na expose na expose kami sa lamig ng
hangin at alam kong pati siya ay nakakaramdam na rin ng excitement dahil ramdam ko
kung pano bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya nang iangat ko ang kamay ko papunta sa
lugar na hinaharangan ng pang-ibaba niya. The heat escalated to down to the
throbbing and excited part between my legs.

I sucked, nibbled and slightly bit her neck while massaging her other breast. I
heard her took in a deep breath when I sneaked my hand inside her underwear feeling
her wet core. She then grabbed my neck and kissed me torridly. Sabik na sabik
naming hinalikan ang isa't isa. A kiss full of want desires and lusts. I really
wanted to take her and I will tonight after all, dalawang bwan ko siyang hindi
nakasama at alam kong ganon din ang gusto niya. I just wished that she didn't spend
nights with other men over those months.

Ipinasok ko ang kamay ko sa damit niya. I roamed around her stomach before going up
to touch one of her breasts palm to skin. I groaned in pleasure as our tongue
tasted each other's mouth. My left did its own trick of playing her cl1t. Pinching
it a bit and rubbing my thumb on it.

Naghahabol kami ng hiningang inihiwalay ang aming mga labi. Her mouth slightly
opened and eyes closed. We were both experiencing the need to be with each other
and I tend to fulfill her needs. Lust and desire took over our bodies.

Hinalikan ko muna ang labi niya bago bumaba sa leeg niya at sa balikat. Inihiwalay
niya ng bahagya ang kanyang mga binti and I took that as an invitation to slip two
of my fingers inside her. My right thumb rubbing playing her left nipples and
pushing my fingers in and out not after I found that spot inside her.

"Hmmm...Ahhhh." Her lovely moan just made me doubled the pace.

Ipinagpatuloy ko ang paglabas pasok ng mga daliri ko sa kanya. She even lifted her
right foot and placed on a nearby chair to give me more access. Napangiti ako at
tinanggal ang kamay ko sa dibdib niya para ipaling ang mukha niya sa'kin. I kissed
her again, her back on my chest.

Naghahabol kami ng hininga at garalgal narin ang mga ungol namin. I felt her
shudder and I knew that she's about to relase her juices. She suddenly tiptoed and
placed all her weight on me kaya nahahinto ang mga daliri ko sa ginagawa.

"Kristoff." nagbabanta niyang sabi habang nakatingin sa'kin. The way her eyes
looked shows how she wanted this to continue. She yearns to be pleasured tonight
and I know she could see it also in me.

I immediately kissed her hard and wild. Hindi lang basta paglabas at pagpasok ang
ginawa ko. I even pressed her G-spot hard then wiggled my fingers and I knew she
loved it 'cause she again moaned. I continued 'til I felt her release.

Mabilis niyang iniharap ang sarili sa akin at hinalikan ako. Wala akong ibang
marinig at maramdaman kung hindi ang tibok ng mga puso namin nang idikit niya
madiin ang dibdib niya sakin. Hindi ko napansing hawak hawak niya parin ung baso
hanggang sa nakarinig ako ng isang tunog na nabasag bago ko siya buhatin papuntang
kama.

-------

If you want me to continue this scene.....

Just vote and comment! *wink*

Chocolate_ninja07
Chapter 16
Chapter 16

Kristoff

Rule no. 1 : Always wear condom. Rainne's first rule when it comes to bed. Yes,
nagset siya ng rules sa pagitan namin pag nagse-sex kami. Tatlo yon and this was
the first that's why I always kept one in my wallet. Never akong umalis nang wala
'yon. That rule didn't bother me at all.

Rule no. 2 : She's always on top. Ayaw niyang pumailalim lagi. There was this time
that I couldn't control myself and I let my body took over. I pinned her down at
pumaibabaw ako sa kanya. I did that once and it had been the worst mistake I've
ever done. Yung takot sa mga mata niya noong una tapos napalitan din ng galit.
Hindi ko makakalimutan 'yon.

Nagtaka ako kung bakit tapos naalala ko kung ano ung mga pinagdaanan niya na
nagbigay sa kanya kayla Seven at Nine. May trauma parin siya kaya ganon ang I
understood it. Also, she wanted to be dominant at everything even in bed. Kagaya
nalang ng ginagawa nya ngayon.

"I'm c-coming, b-baby." I said while she's on top of me pushing her hips up and
down.

We couldn't stop the pleasure we started in the balcony and continued it on bed.
Ngayon ay hinihingal siyang gumagalaw sa ibabaw ko habang ako'y nakahawak sa bewang
niya. Guiding and helping her pace. I could feel her near nang bigla siyang
mapaliyad at napahawak sa hita ko. My hand went up to massage one of her breasts
and the other took and intertwined our hands to support her.
We're both panting and I felt her walls tightly hugged my manhood and not a few
seconds later, I felt her release and I followed. Hingal na hingal siyang bumagsak
sa dibdib ko. Ramdam ko ang init ng hininga niya sa leeg ko.

I kissed her head before she moved aside pulling me out of her. Kinumutan ko muna
siya bago ako tumayo at pumunta sa banyo. I pulled off and dispose the condom then
went back to see her sleeping her back facing me.

Napangiti ako at humiga katabi niya. Ipinulupot ko ang braso ko sa bewang niya at
hinila siya palapit.

"Sweet dreams, baby." I said before kissing her neck and prepare to sleep.

Patulog palang ako nang may marinig akong mahinang katok. Hindi ko sana papansinin
pero medyo lumakas 'yon. I checked if Rainne woke up but I only felt her steady
breathing. Sinuot ko muna ung boxers at slacks ko bago buksan ung pinto.

Behind the door stood the twins holding each
isang kamay niya ung tinker Bell stuffed toy
Mukang inaantok pa siya pero ngumiti sa'kin
tahimik lang pero mukang may gustong sabihin
kung bakit.
other's hands. Yakap yakap ni Nine sa
na regalo ko nung 4th birthday nila.
nang makita ako. Si Seven naman
na hindi masabi kaya tinanong ko siya

"We can't sleep po."

"Kuya Seven woke me up po and said he wanted to see mommy." Inaantok na sabi ni
Nine. Bumaba ako para pumantay kay Seven at tinignan siya. Umiiwas siya ng tingin
na ikinangiti ko.

Hindi kasi sila sanay na magkahiwalay kaya siguro ginising niya pa si Nine para
lang dito. Nakakatuwa na kahit malayo at malamig ang loob ni Rainne sa dalawang
ito, hindi parin lumalayo ang loob ng mga bata sa kanya. Hindi ito ang unang
pagkakataong ginawa nila 'to. Halos gabi gabi silang pumapasok sa kwarto ni Rainne
para mag good night kiss at tingin ko, malaki ang pagmamahal nila sa kanilang ina
lalo na si Seven.

"Would you like to kiss and say goodnight to mommy?" nahihiyang tumango si Seven
matapos kong gulu guluhin ang buhok.

I stood up and opened the door wide as they enter. Naglakad ako papunta sa harap ni
Rainne at sumunod naman sila. I made sure to cover Rainne's naked body before
pulling the twins closer to her.

"Night night, mommy." Nauna na si Nine at hinalikan sa pisngi si Rainne. Si Seven

naman hindi ko alam kung nahihiya o nagdadalawang isip dahil nakatingin lang siya
sa kanyang natutulog na ina. I touched his back and pushed him closer to Rainne.

Sa noo niya hinalikan ito bago mag goodnight. "We love you, mommy." Rinig kong
bulong niya bago lumapit sa pinto.

Si Nine ay makulit per mahiyain. Palangiti rin ito at malikhain. Seven's quiet but
sweet, caring and compassionate. Ang totooo, hindi ko alam kung kanino nagmana ng
kasweetan at maalaga itong si Seven. Hindi naman pwede sa ama niya. He might got it
from Rainne but I was not quite sure with that. Maybe Rainne was like that before
that incident that took her innocence. I would like to see that side of her, one
day perhaps.

"Let's go at his time, kailangan niyo nang matulog okay." Kinarga ko Nine at
sinamahan sila sa kwarto nila.
Tinanggal ko ung slacks ko at humiga katabi ni Rainne. I was about to hug her from
behind when she suddenly turned over to face and kissed me. Sa gulat ko, hindi agad
ako nakatugon sa mga halik niya pero agad din akong sumagot. I responded with the
same intensity and hunger like her kisses.

Eventually she pulled away and looked me in the eyes. "Bastard." She said then
kissed me hard again.

Binaba ko ang mga halik ko sa leeg niya at napangiti. Alam kong gising siya noong
nandito ung kambal and I also knew she heard what they said especially Seven's
words. Naramdaman kong hinihila niya ung boxers ko pababa kaya pinigilan ko siya.

"Wala akong extra." Ayokong magalit siya dahil lumabag ako sa unang rule niya sa
kama. Tinaasan niya ko ng kilay bago gumalaw para buksan ung unang drawer ng side
table. She waved the foil at me while continued tugging down my boxers.

"So shut-" She didn't even need to tell me to shut it dahil agad kong hinawakan ang
batok niya para halikan siya.

----------

Azel

"Hindi mo ba iniisip na may relasyon sila?" seryoso kong tanong kay Maureen.

Isang linggo nang nakakaraan nang makita naming magkasama si Rainne at si Kristoff.
Hindi mawala sa isip ko ang itsura nilang apat. Para silang pamilya. Nagulat talaga
ako nang malamang may anak na ito at dalawa pa. Parang ang bata niya pa para noong
ipinanganak sila. Ang unang hinala ko, si Kristoff ang ama pero ang sabi nung anak
niyang lalake, patay na daw ito. Gumugulo rin sakin ang mukha ni Nine. She really
resembles Alonna and seeing her made ugly memories came back. Things I didn't want
to remember.

I couldn't help but to remember how Rainne looked that night. Napakagat ako sa labi
nang maalala ko ang itsura niya. She was stunning. The most gorgeous and beautiful
girl I've ever seen. Hirap na hirap akong pigilan ang sarili kong hawakan siya at
wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang titigan siya. When I saw how long her legs were, I
imagined myself touching and feeling every inch of her-

"Hindi naman siguro. They're best friends right? Sa tingin ko close lang talaga
sila." Naputol ang marumi kong pag-iisip at napatingin sa kanan ko kung san nakaupo
si Riza.

Shit! What was I thinking? I'm with my girl right now and all I could think was
touching other girl. I'm practically cheating. Dammit!

"Ang totoo, ang akala ko nung una meron. But I saw how cold Rainne was. She doesn't
care for anyone. Talagang mabait lang ang fiancé ko kaya lumalapit siya kay Rainne.
Siguro naawa pero nakita ko at ng iba sa university na hindi talaga marunong
magmahal ng kahit na sino si Rainne. Kaya nga Ice Queen ang bansag sa kanya eh.
That is also why I'm confident that they don't have any relationship aside from
being friends." Maureen said.

Paunta kami ngayon sa condo ni Kristoff. Ang sabi ni Maureen, condo daw ito ng papa
ni Kristoff noong naninirahan sila dito. Binigay na daw ito kay Kristoff. Nasa
passenger seat si Riza at nasa likod naman si Maureen. Susunduin namin si Kristoff
para pumunta sa family reunion namin.
Isasama ko rin si Riza para makilala ng pamilya namin. Masaya rin ako dahil
nagpirmahan ng kami ng kontrata nila Rainne.

Maureen was with Kristoff the other day and she reminded him the events. Nag-abot
ako ng ID sa guard bago dumiretso sa basement ng building para magpark. I held
Riza's hand while following Maureen to the elevator.

Nakapunta na siya dito dati kaya alam niya kung san ung condo ni Kristoff. She
pressed 8th floor and we waited until the elevator dinged open. Nakasunod lang din
kami sa kanya hanggang huminto kami sa tapat ng isang pintuan.

"Alam mo code niya?" I asked while she keyed in the code.

"His dad told me."

Tinawag niya ang pangalan ni Kristoff pagkapasok namin. Tahimik at malinis ang
buong paligid. She called again but got no answer. Inilapag ko ung susi ng kotse
bago umupo sa sofa at tabihan si Riza. Simpe lang ang lugar na kulay black and red
ang motif.

"Pupunta lang ako sa kwarto niya. Baka tulog pa." Maureen said. Agad naman akong
napatayo at sinundan siya. Tumingin siya sa'kin at tinaasan ako ng kilay.

"I will not let you enter a guy's room alone." I firmly said.

"Pwede ba. Fiance ko naman siya. As if naman na may gagawin kaming kababalaghan."
She said crossing her arms.

"Kahit na." pinaikot niya ang kanyang mga mata at dumiretso sa isang pasilyo.
Sinundan ko siya sa isang pintuanng kinatok niya bago pumasok.

Nakita namin si Kristoff na nakadapa at mahimbing na natutulog. The covers only

covered his lower part while he sleeps at the left side of the bed topless. Maureen
kneeled down in front of him to wake him. Nakatayo lang ako sa gilid ng pinto at
pinapanood sila.

"Kristoff, honey. Gising na." malambing na sabi ni Maureen. Nang hindi siya
gumising, hinawakan ni Mau ang balikat nito at bahagyang inalog para magising. He
stirred and slowly opened his eyes.

"What a beauty!" inaantok na sabi ni Kristoff at napangiti nalang ako ng makitang

namula ang mukha ng pinsan ko. Ang korni naman niya. Tss. Tumingin sakin si Mau at
nahihiyang sinaway ako.

"C'mon get up. Aalis pa tayo diba?" Kristoff blinked several times before realizing
who spoke. Bigla itong napabigwas ng bangon at tinitigan si Mau.

"B-bakit ka n-nandito?" Napakunot ang noo ni Mau dahil sa pagtataka. Pati ako ay
nalilito sa kinikilos niya. Napatayo ang pinsan ko at takang tumingin kay Kristoff.

"We're meeting my family. I told you this the other day." Napahilamos sa mukha si
Kristoff at tumingin tingin ulit sa paligid. Nahagip ako ng paningin niya at
sandaling tumitig sa'kin. Napakunot ang noo niya at bumaling ulit sa pinsan ko.

"Ah, I remember. C-can you guys wait for me outside. Maliligo lang ako." Sabi niya
tapos pilit na ngumiti. Tumango si Mau at naglakad papunta sa'kin. Tinignan ko muna
si Kristoff na napabuntong hininga bago sumunod kay Mau palabas.

Naupo ulit kami sa sofa para maghintay. I couldn't help but think that his actions
were off. Parang may malalim siyang iniisip kanina.

"Ang tagal naman niya." sabi ni Riza sa tabi ko. We were waiting for him for almost
forty minutes. Grabe! Gaano ba siya katagal maligo. Parang babae sa tagal. Kainis.

"Baka malate tayo, Mau. Puntahan mo na siya." Tumango si Mau at sinunod ang sinabi
ko. Palayo nasiya nang dumating si Kristoff.

"Sorry for the wait. Tara na." Agad kaming tumayo at lumabas ng condo niya. Siya na
ang nagsarado ng pinto pero tumingin muna siya sa loob at ngumiti bago tuluyan
itong sinara. "Kukunin ko lang ung sasakyan ko." sabi niya nang makalabas kami sa
elevator.

Lumayo siya samin para kunin ung sasakyan niya nang may bigla akong maalala.

"Shit! I forgot my keys." Napahinto at napatingin din sakin sina Mau at Riza. "Ako
nalang ang aakyat. Ano ba ung code niya." tanong ko kay Riza pero hatala sa kanya
na nagdadalawang isip siyang sumagot. "Wala akong nanakawin don, Mau. Sabihin mo na
dahil late na tayo."

Pagkasabi niya ay nagmadali akong sumakay sa elevator pabalik sa condo ni

Kristoff.Nilapag ko nga pala sa may lamesa ung susi. Hay nako! Ang tanga ko naman.
Malalate kami nito eh. Nagmamadali kong pinindot ung combination at pumasok sa
loob. Yumuko ako para damputin ung susi sa lamesa pero nanlaki ang mga mata ko at
natigilan nang makita ko kung sino ung taong lumabas galing sa kwarto ni Kristoff.

"Ra-Raine?" She was wearing a bath robe and it's obvious that she just got out of
the showers cause she's still damping her hair.

Anong ginagawa niya dito? Wala pa kaming limang minutong nakaalis kaya pano siya
makakaligo ng ganon kabilis?

She stopped what she's doing and looked at me. Parang wala lang sa kanyang nakita
niya ko dito. It's like she knew I was here earlier.

Bigla kong napagtagpi tagpi ang lahat. Ang pagkabigla ni Kristoff at ang kakaiba
niyang kinikilos kanina. Ang matagal niyang pagligo pati ang paglingon niya bago
lumabas ng condo.

"Hello, Azel." I saw her smirked and then it hit me.

There's something more between them..They are not just friends.

Chapter 17
Chapter 17

Azel

Hindi parin ako makapaniwala sa mga nalaman ko. Alam kong may hinala na ko pero iba
pala pag talagang napatunayan na. She didn't even have to confirm everything. Here
stood before me was the truth.

Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya at inobrserbahan siya kung anong gagawin o

sasabihin. Will she deny it? Magsasabi ba siya ng dahilan niya? Will she tell lies?
Those where the questions I anticipated her to tell me, but she didn't.

She was just proudly standing there. Na para bang wala siyang pakialam na may
nakaalam ng lihim nila ni Kristoff. At isa pa yang si Kristoff. Nakapa walang hiya
ng gag0ng 'yon para paglaruan at paasahin ang pinsan ko. They're getting married in
half a year, for God's sake. How could he do this to Maureen?
Hinihintay ko ang mga gagawin niya hanggang sa umalis lang siya sa harapan ko. With
her actions, I immediately got mad. Wala ba talaga siyang gagawin? Napakawalang
kwenta niya! Gusto kong marinig siyang magsalita kaya sinundan ko siya. Nakita ko
siya sa kusina at nagsasalin ng baso ng tubig mula sa pitsel.

Parang hindi niya ko nakita dahil kumikilos siya na parang walang taong
nakadiskubre ng lihim nila ng gagong yon. Puros galit ang tingin na binibigay ko sa
kanya habang umiinom siya ng malamig na tubig. I saw how her throat moved up and
down as she drank and gulped the cold water. Meron ding mga butil ng tubig na
tumagas mula sa baso na dumulas sa leeg niya, pababa ng dibdib niyang hindi
nahaharangan ng roba.

I shook my head to pull me out of my trance that got me distracted for a while
where I imagined being that droplet. Shit! Hindi ako pwedeng madistract. Kailangan
nilang magpaliwanag. Sila ni Kristoff.

"What are you doing here?" I said with low and accusing voice.

"Got thirsty after taking a bath. I really got exhausted." Mapang-asar niyang sabi.
She sounded innocent but I knew better. She smiled knowing that I got the point
before disposing the glass in the sink and putting the pitcher back in the ref.

"Gaya ng ano? Showering with your fuck buddy?" I spat truthfully.

Hindi ako tanga. Marami nang mga babaeng dumaan sa akin at naikama ko na. Alam ko
kung may nangyari sa pagitan nila kanina. Alam ko ring hindi simpleng pagligo lang
ang ginawa ni Kristoff kanina. They fucked each other at hindi rin ako magugulat
kung inumpisahan nila 'yon kagabi. Mga walang hiya! They disgust me!

Wala siyang reaksyon sa sinabi ko. Blanko at malamig lang ang tingin niya sa'kin.
Her lips in a thin line and her body calm. It's like she didn't commit a sin. What
a devil she is.

Naglakad siya pabalik sa kwarto ni Kristoff at sumunod ulit ako. Tinitignan ko lang
siyang gumalaw at halatang alam niya o kabisado ang buong condo ng lalaking 'yon.
So, hindi lang pala ito ang unang pagkakataon niya dito. How long have they been
doing this shit?

Umupo siya sa harap ng salamin at sinuklay ang buhok habang hindi parin nawawala
ang galit ko at nakatayo lamang medyo malayo sa likod nya.

"Hindi ka ba magpapaliwanang, ha? Hindi mo ipagkakaila ang kagaguhang ginagawa niyo

sa likod ng pinsan ko?" mahinang sigaw ko.

Pinipilit kong huwag sumigaw sa harap niya. Ayokong lubusang magalit sa sitwasyong
'to. She swivel the chair around and directly looked at me. I forced myself not to
be drowned and lost in her cold eyes. She shifted her position by placing her leg
above the other and leaning her elbows back. Her movement made the cotton robe
slipped down her legs like satin. Dinagdagan nito ang parte ng mga hita niyang
nakalabas para mapukaw ng aking mga mata.

Agad na dumapo 'don ang aking mga mata para pagpantasyahan. That's when I realized
that I was really fucking attracted to her that even her single movements pulled me
out of reality. Nakalimutan ko agad kung bakit ako galit o kung ano man ang
nararamdaman ko sa dyosang nasa harap ko. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit natukso si
Kristoff sa kanya.

I felt this when we were in Pangasinan. Inakala kong nakokontrol ko ang sarili ko
pero nagkamali ako. My eyes caught her beauty, my mind's been clouded by dirty
thoughts, my whole body aches for her and my soul's bound to do the inappropriate.
From then 'til now, I was captured under her sinful spell.

Her body is made entirely for sin.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang isip kong simulan ang mga bagay ng gusto kong gawin sa
kanya. My anger turned to lust that I couldn't even feel the vibrating phone and
ring tone in my pockets. Mas napansin ko pa kung pano umarko ang isang kilay niya
at umismid.

"Hindi mo ba sasagutin 'yan?" bigla akong bumalik sa reyalidad nang magsalita siya.
That's her effect! Fuck this!

Kinuha ko at tinignan kung sino an tumatawag. Rumehistro ang pangalan ni Riza at

muling bumalik sa isip ko ang dahilan kung bakit ako napabalik sa lugar na 'to.
Nagdadalawang isip man ako pero kailangan ko nang bumaba.

I threw her one last accusing stare before deciding to leave. "We're not done
here." I said before turning my back.

Pagdating ko sa baba ay si Riza lang ang nadatnan ko. Nauna na daw ung dalawa.
Otomatikong napakunot ang noo ko at hindi ko maiwasang magalit ng banggitin niya
ang pangalan ni Kristoff. Iniisip ko ang pinsan kong dehado sa sitwasyon.

She's loving the wrong guy.

Wala siyang ibang kinwento sakin kung hindi magagandang bahay tungkol sa kanya.
Pa'no nalang siya pag nalaman niya ang lahat. Iniisip ko kung pano ko sasabihin sa
kanya lahat. My cousin loved that bastard so much. I knew it kaya hindi ko alam
kung sasabihin ko ba sa kaya o hindi. She'll be devastated if she knew the truth
but I didn't want her to be dumb and still be on a one-sided relationship.

Riza was asking me kung ano ang problema at bakit pumanget ang mood ko pero
nanatili akong tahimik hanggang sa makarating kami sa bahay ng lolo't lola ko.

Pagkapasok namin ay naabutan kong tila proud na pinapakilala ni Maureen si Kristoff

sa tito at tita ko. Pinagmasdan ko siyang mabuti kung paano makikitungo sa mga
kamag-anak namin. He's smiling like he wanted to be here but when I looked at him
intently, masasabi kong kabaliktaran ang nararamdaman niya. He looked bored and
uninterested.

"Azel? Kamusta ka na iho?" My eyes landed on Aunt Felicia who blocked my view from
that dreaded a-hole.

"I'm fine tita Felicia. Ikaw tita? Beautiful as always, I presume." She giggled and
pats me lightly on my arm.

"Ikaw talaga, Azel. Bolero talaga." Ngumiti ako sa sinabi niya. Nasa mid-forties na
si Tita pero hindi parin nagbabago ang itsura niya.

Our prim and proper Auntie Felicia. Nakasuot siya ng pencil cut skirt and blue
blouse with scarf. Hair pulled in a neat bun, pearl jewelries and 3-inched black
heels. Siya ang nakakatandang kapatid ni mama. Sa side ng family ni Mom ang
reuniong ito. Dumating naman agad si Tito Carl sa tabi niya. Pinulupot ang braso sa
bewang ni Tita at hinalikan sa gilid ng ulo.

Nakakatuwa silang tignan dahil makikita mong mahal na mahal nila ang isa't isa.
Sayang nga lang at hindi sila biniyayaan ng sariling anak kaya nag-ampon na lamang
sila.

"And who's this lovely lady beside you?" nakangiting tanong ni Tito Carl habang
nakatingin kay Riza. I looked down at Riza whose face was red as cherry. Hindi ko
maiwasang mapangiti sa kung paano siya mahiya at mamula. Just like her the time we
first met.

Hinawakan ko siya sa bewang at hinapit palapit. Medyo nagulat siya na lalong

ikinapula ng mukha niya.

"She's Riza. My girlfriend. This is Tito Carl and Auntie Felicia."

"Hello po." She said shyly.

Isa isa ko siyang ipinakilala sa mga kamag-anak ko. Halos lahat na yata na-meet
niya maliban sa pamilya ko. Hindi pa kami gaanong okay ni Dad but we talked
sometimes. Nililibot ko ang paningin ko sa buong backyard. Nasa likod kasi kami ng
masyon. Yung mga pinsan ko nagbabarbeque. Yung mga tito ko naman nag-uusap usap sa
di kalayuan kasama ng ibang tita ko. May mga bata ding naglalaro at kung susumahin,
mga bente kami dito.

I saw Kristoff's retreating figure. Mukang papasok siya sa bahay and I took that
opportunity to follow him.

"Riza, may titignan lang ako ah." Paalam ko sa kanya at tumango siya. "Tito, Tita,
kayo muna bahala sa kanya."

Pumasok ako sa loob at hinanap siya. Nakita ko siya sa malapit sa living room na
may kkinakausap sa telepono.

"Na-miss na kayo ni tito. Good boy and good girl ba kayo dyan? Hindi niyo ba
pinapahirapan si Yaya?" malambing at nakangiti niyang sabi. That was a real smile.
Not the one I saw outside with my relatives. Base sa narinig ko, malamang mga anak
ni Rainne ang kinakausap niya. Agad na bumalot ang inis sakin dahil hindi lang si
Mau ang niloloko niya, pati buong pamilya ko.

Agad akong lumapit sa kanya nang hindi tinatanggal ang paningin ko sa kanya. "Kids,
I need to go... Be good 'kay... Bye." He smiled to greet me pero mas nainis lang
ako sa kanya.

"Alam ko kung anong ginagawa niyo sa likod ng pinsan ko." diretsa kong sabi.

"What're you talkin 'bout?" I gritted my teeth when I felt like he knew nothing
about the issue. How he's been stabbing my cousin's back for God knows how long.

"Don't act like you don't know." I growled. "You've been fucking your so-called-
bestfriend while my cousin...your fiancée's face is turned." Nagtangis ng panga at
nakasarado ang mga palad ko dahil sa sobrang galit.

Bigla namang naging seryoso ang tingin niya sa'kin. Nakatngin lang siya at walang
ginagawa. Pareho sila ng babaeng 'yon ng reaksyon. Ganyan ba sila ka walang hiya.
"That's my problem to settle kaya hwag kang makialam." Sabi niya.

Mas lalong tumaas ang galit ko nang subukan niyang lumakad paalis. He walked passed
me and intentionally bumped his shoulders to mine. Hindi ko na napigilan at
hinawakan siya sa balikat at binigyan siya ng suntok.

Napaurong siya ng kaunti dahil 'don. I was waiting for him to punched back but he
just stood there touching the side of his lip to see if there was any blood.
"You'll both stop what you're doing or else." Pagbabanta ko.

"Or else what? Sasabihin mo?" kunot noo niyang sabi. "Go ahead! Pabor pa sa'kin yon
dahil kahit na ilang beses kong sabihin sa pinsan mo na walang mangyayari sa'min,
sige parin siya sa pagpilit sa'kin. Did you think that I love this set-up? Siya
lang ang pumipilit sa relasyong 'to. And if you think that I'll beg for your mercy
then think again 'cause I'll be thankful instead if you would volunteer yourself to
tell them the truth or at least wake her out in all of this. I've been preparing
myself for this at konting panahon nalang ang titiisin ko para sabihin sa mga
magulang namin ang totoo."

Ang kapal naman talaga ng mukha ng lalaking 'to. He's telling me that things would
be in favor of them if I told everyone else the truth. The nerve of this guy! Taas
noo niya pang sinasabi sakin ang mga bagay na 'to.

"Fvck You!" I said in a low and threatening voice. I was about to punch him again
but I stopped when I heard some called me.

"Azel, anak." Nakita ko si mama na nakangiting papalapit sa'min. Nakatalikod si

Kristoff at hindi hinarap si Mama. Ramdam kong nakabaon parin ang mga tingin niya
sa'kin. If mom didn't come, I would've rearranged his face by now.

Agad akong niyakap ni Mama pagkalapit niya sakin. Saglit kaming nagkatitigan ni
Kristoff habang nakayakap si Mama. Mom smiled at me after unaware of the tension
between the bastard behind her.

"Kamusta ka na, Anak?" Malambing na sabi niya. Medyo matagal din kaming hindi
nagkita at talaga namang na-miss ko siya.

"O-okay lang ako ma. Kayo nila Dad sa bahay?" I tried to smile at her and hide how
I loved to hurt that man.

"Were fine. Ganon parin. Busy lagi sa work ang papa at kapatid mo. Tumulong kana
kasi sa kompanya." Pilit akong ngumiti at hindi sumagot. Napalingon naman siya at
nakita niya si Kristoff. "Aren't you Maureen's fiancé?" Mom asked but he just
smiled and kept his mouth shut.

"Hello, Ma'am. I'm Kristoff." Nakangiti siyang nagpakilala at inilahad ang kamay
niya kay Mama.

"Please drop the formalities. Call me tita Clarissa. Magiging pamilya rin naman
tayo." Mom said. "May pag-uusapan pa ba kayo? Hihiramin ko sana si Azel para makita
ang papa at kapatid niya."

"We were not engaged in a serious conversation, tita. I was just about to tell him
that we're the same." Makahulugan niyang sabi.

Alam kong may gusto siyang ipatama sa'kin pero hindi ko alam kung ano. Balak niya
ba kong lituhin. Pwes, pasensyahan na lang dahil lahat ng ginagawa niyo siguradong
ihihinto ko.

"Same at what?"

"Ma, let's go." Pag-aaya ko. Iginaya ko si Mama palayo sa kanya pero nang
makalagpas kami ay bigla siyang nagsalita.

"Kahit hindi niya sabihin, I know we both want the same thing." He said and I the
last thing I saw was him smirking and intently looking at me. His eyes' telling me
something that I didn't quite understand.

I need to do something about this. Hindi ko hahayaang masaktan ang pinsan ko. I'll
do anything.

I'll make sure to break whatever relationship they have.

Chapter 18
Chapter 18

Aiden

Wala talaga kaming kaalam alam kung paano nalaman ng media na nakita na namin si
Alonna. We only told the people closest to us. Azel's family. Una kong sinabi kay
Azel while Aunt Therese told his parent the good news.

We really didn't know how that sensitive information got leaked out. Sinubukan
naming harangan ang media pero hindi na namin nagawa. It was broadcast all over the
world. Damn!

Kailangan naming itago si Alonna at ang balak namin ay ilabas siya ng bansa at
bumalik sa Pilipinas. We lived there when we were children and we have different
properties away from the cities. Tita suggested that country at nung tinanong ko
siya kung bakit sa Pilipinas pa, ang sabi niya kasi laging binabanggit ni Alonna
ung dating bahay namin 'don.

Makakatulong yon sa sitwasyon namin ngayon. Ang problema lang, hindi ko siya
gaanong makakasama.

Our head office was located here in California and I needed to be here. Malalayo na
naman ako sa kanya at ayoko non. I promised myself to be always by her side to take
care of her. Alam kong hindi ako gaanong kailangan dahil maraming nagbabantay at
umaalalay sa kanya gaya ni Uncle at Auntie pero gusto ko parin na laging nasa tabi
niya. I wanted to support her hands on.

I wanted to be the brother she once had when Mom and Dad were still alive. The
times were I and Azel were her knights protecting the princess, her.

Ang balak namin ay umalis ng bansa sa lalong madaling panahon pero ang gumalaw na
naman ang mga media. They anticipated our plans or maybe, somebody told something
again to them. The hell is happening?

Sina Auntie at Uncle lang ang kasama ni Alonna paalis at susunod nalang ako pero
dahil naharangan at nakaabang na ang media sa airport, hindi na kami agad
nakatuloy. At may isa pa kong problema, I have a meeting for our expansion in four
hours. Malaki ang maitutulong ni Mr. Khun para mapabilis ang expansion namin sa
Thailand. Sa kanya kasi ang lupang gusto naming patayuan ng mall at ang meeting na
to ay para mabili namin sa kanya ung site. The board of members and I have been
planning this a long time. Mr. Khun was always busy and this meeting was our
chance.

"Take care of her, Azel. Be careful." Pag-papaalala ni Auntie Therese sa'kin.

"We'll handle this." Uncle Ben gave me an assuring look and I nodded.

We're in airport with a bunch of reporters hungry for our story. Hinaharangan sila
ng mga body guards namin para hindi makalapit.
"Mr. Faustino, is she Alonna?"

"Are you really planning to hide her somewhere?"

"Is it true that she has some mental issues?"

Napalingon ako pabalik para tignan kung sino ang may lakas na loob na tanungin
'yon. Anong karapatan niyang sabihing may sakit si Alonna sa pag-iisip. She's not
crazy dammit! She's just scared. My eyes searched for Alonna behind me. The hood of
her jacket was up and she's wearing shades to cover her face.

Nakayuko lang siya at kitang kita na natatakot na siya dahil sa dai ng taong
nakapalibot sa'min. Kaiinis! Hindi ito ang binalak naming mangyari.

Agad ko siyang nilapitan at mabilis na umakbay sa kanya para takpan siya sa mga
mata ng reporters at camera. We went out the airport as fast as we could and
immediately went inside the car. May mga reporters pa na humahabol samin pero agad
na pinaandar ng driver ung sasakyan para hindi na sila makalapit.

Hinihingal akong sumadal at napabuntong hininga. Tinignan ko si Alonna na sobrang

tahimik pero makikita ko ang panginginig ng kanyang katawan. I lift my hand to pull
her hood down but when she felt me, bigla siyang nag-react at mabilis na lumayo
sa'kin.

Hindi ko man nakikita nag mga mata niya dahil sa salamin, alam kong takot na takot
siya dahil sa nakataas pa ang kanang kamay niya at nakasalag. Parang may kung anong
tumusok sa puso ko nang makita ang ginawa niya. She was starting to warm up to me
but because of those pests, I'm back at zero.

"Alonna, I'm sorry. They're gone. Don't be scared." I cooed. "It's fine now."

Alanganin siyang tumango at dahan dahang ibinaba ang kamay niya pero nanatili
siyang nasa kabilang dulo ng sasakyan. I wanted to hug her for comfort and to took
all her fears away but I know that she'll push me away. But I know now how to do
soothe her the right way. Alam ko na kung anong gagawin kapag ganyan siya. I just
needed to calm her down first.

I checked the time and I still have more than three hours. Gusto ko muna siyang
malibang habang hindi pa ko tinatawagan ni Auntie.

"Drop us to the nearest mall." I said to Ralph, my driver then turned to my sister
and smiled. "We're gonna go to mall." I saw a positive response when she smiled
lightly.

Nakarating kami sa mall nang walang sumusunod saming media. I mentally slapped my
face when I realized that the mall was a place where people enjoy their free time.
Meaning, there'll be a lot of people around us. Baka mabagabag na naman si Alonna o
kaya ay may makakilala sa'kin. Wala pa naman akong dalang kung anong makakatulong
sa'kin dito. I looked at Alonna and got an idea.

"Can you lend me your jacket and shades?" she startled a bit but then nodded shyly
and took off her shades and jacket.

Good thing that her jacket was a bit big for her. Nagkasya naman siya sakin at
sinuot ang shades niya bago ako bumaba ng sasakyan. Naglakad ako paikot ng sasakyan
para pagbuksan siya ng pinto. I told Ralph to wait for us before closing the door.

"We're going to have fun for a while. Sasama ka ba sa'kin?" I said assuredly. I
handed her my hand and she looked at me confused for a bit then looked to my hand.
She was playing with her fingers and looks like she's thinking deep.

Nalungkot ako nang maisip na hindi niya tatanggapin ang kamay ko. I was about to
put my hand down pero nagulat ako nang bigla niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko at
ngumiti. Yung totoong ngiti at hindi pilit. I was happy that I couldn't help but
smiled widely.

Hinwakan ko ng mahigpit ang kamay niya bago ayusin ung suot kong shades. I needed
this time to be ours only and I didn't want anyone to ruin this.

"Let's go."

"O-okay." She said in almost a whisper.

We first went the movie center and watched Big Hero 6. Mukang pambata ang palabas
at nagdalawang isip muna ko bago yon ang panoorin pero nakita ko kasi si Alonna na
nakatitig sa poster ng movie. I immediately knew that she wanted that one at hindi
ako nagkamali.

Ang totoo niyan ay hindi ko gaanong naintindihan ung palabas dahil mas gusto ko
pang panoorin ung kapatid ko. Maya't maya kong nakikita ang masaya niyang mukha.
Tumatawa habang kumakain ng popcorn and I wouldn't trade that to a big white
balloon impersonating a robot.

We then went to the game center. We played and tried different kinds of games.
Natapos nga lang kami ng hindi pa gaanong nakakapagsaya dahil napansin kong pansin
kong pinagtitinginan kami ng ibang mga tao. I think they're trying to recognize us.

"I'm h-hungry." I turned around and saw Alonna holding her stomach. Nakayuko siya
at parang nahihiya sa sinabi.

"San mo gusto kumain?"

"P-Pizza Hut."

I smiled and held her hand. "Let's go." I could sense her became stiff pero
naramdaman kong agad siyang kumalma.

Pumunta kami sa Pizza hut at umorder naman siya ng favorite niyang carbonara. I
remembered when our family was still complete. We used to eat outside and she
always ordered, or rather demanded carbonara. One of my treasured memories.

Patapos na kaming kumain ng mapatingin ako sa malaking relong nakadisplay sa loob

ng restaurant.

"Fvck!" I cussed and saw Alonna flinched. Napahilamos nalang ako ng palad sa mukha
at tumingin sa relo ko. "We need to go."

Buti nalang ay patapos na kami sa pagkain pero parang nagulat yata siya sa reaksyon
ko. I wanted to say that it's okay pero wala na kong oras. Malalate na ko sa
meeting ko and I only have thirty minutes less. Hinawakan ko ulit ang pulsohan niya
at hinila siya palayo not before leaving a couple of bucks on the table.

Sa sobrang pagmamadali ko ay hindi ko napansing nakakaladkad ko na si Alonna

hanggang sa naramdaman ko nalang na hinihila niya ung kamay niyang hawak ko.

"Ah, shit!" Namura ko ang sarili ko nang makita ko ang resulta ng ginawa kong
paghila. I could see that she's in the edge of crying. Her head was down and she's
playing with her fingers. A sign that she's scared. "I'm sorry, Alonna." I said
frustrated.

Hindi ko pwedeng paghintayin si Mr. Khun at lalong hindi ko naman pwedeng iwanan
siya ng ganito. Ayoko rin naman siyang iwan mag-isa. I brushed my hands on my hair
out of frustration. Muli akong tumingin sa tahimik kong kapatid.

Pwede ko naman siyang isama sa meeting kaso lang....

She was wearing a simple ruffled blouse and jeans. Not a proper attire for a formal
meeting. Napalingon ako sa paligid at nakakita ng isang boutique shop. We went
there but I let her follow me this time. Pambabae ang shop na ito at ang balak ko
ay isama nalang siya sa meeting. Alam kong hindi naman siya mag-iingay 'don eh.

Namili ako sa mga nakahilerang dress 'don at tinignan kung kasukat niya. Isa isa
kong itinapat sa harap niya at siya naman ay parang takang taka habang natatakot sa
ginawa ko habang ung mga staff ay inutusan kong dalhin ung mga bago nilang design.
I knew I had to do something again to ease that fear later but right now, the
meeting is more important.

"Isukat mo." Utos ko at iniabot sa kanya ang isang blue na sleeveless dress. Nang
tanggapin niya ito ay tumalikod ako para kumuha pa ng isang damit. Sisilipin ko
sanan siya kung papunta na siya sa meeting room pero nagulat at napamura ulit ako
nang makita ko ang ginagawa niya. "What the hell are you doing, Alonna? Put it
back." Gulat na sigaw ko.

Sino ba namang hindi magagalit at magugulat kung paglingon mo at nakita mo siyang

naghuhubad ng damit. She didn't even use the damn fitting room. Was she this stupid
or what? I can't believe this!

Tumalikod ako at mas lalo akong naasar when I realized that we were facing a glass
wall and those guys outside were looking at me or rather the girl-who-almost-strip-
in-front-of-them-all behind me. Tinanggal ko ung shades na suot ko at tinitigan
sila ng masama. And thank God that they walked away or else they're gonna wake up
in the hospital.

Bumaling ulit ako kay Alonna na ngayon at disente nang nakadamit sa suot niya
kanina. I sighed and walked near her.

"Alonna, look. You ne-" My words were cut when she cowered away with tears falling
down from her eyes.

"I'm s-sorry, Sir. H-hindi di ko na po uulitin." She moved away from me and sat on
the floor Japanese style.

She was crying and shivering in fear. She looked so pathetic! How can she just cry
easily like that? Wala ba siyang alam gawin kung hindi ang umiyak at mag mukhang
kawawa?

Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya. She looked so vulnerable, weak, fragile, helpless and
everything in between. I'll be late but I couldn't just leave her.

I kneeled on one knee to level with her. "Alonna-"

"H-hindi ko n-na po u-uulitin!" sabi niya habang umiiyak. I just sighed at looked
at her in pity,

"Please don't do that again. I'm not mad okay. It's just that, hindi ka dapat
naghuhubad sa harap ng ibang tao. Naiindindihan mo ba?"
She sniffed and nodded. "S-sorry po , Sir. I was just u-used to do t-that in f-
front of h-him." She said between sobs.

Napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. "What do you mean?" muli na namang bumalik ang
galit sakin nang pumasok sa isip ko na naghuhubad siya sa harap ng ibang lalaki.
Nang binastos siya at ginalaw ng walang kalaban laban. "What do you mean, Alonna."
I asked gritting my teeth.

Tatanungin ko pa sana siya pero naisip ko na naman ung meeting. "Isukat mo ulit to
don." Ibinigay ko ulit sa kanya ung dress at tinuro ung fitting roon. "Make it
fast."

Tumawag na ko ng staff para i-assist siya sa pagsusukat. Binayaran ko na agad kahit

di ko pa siya lumalabas. We only had twenty minutes tops. Maya maya pa ay lumabas
na siya suot ang blue, knee-length sleeveless dress na talaga namang bumagay sa
kanya. Her curves were emphasized at kitang kita ko ang pagbabago ng katawan niya
simula nang mawala siya. Her breast got bigger, her hips got a little bit wider and
her waist became slimmer. She got a body like an hour glass.

I cleared my throat when I realized that I was checking her out. For Pete's sake!
That's my sister!

"C'mon." Iniabot sakin ng staff ung napagpalitan ni Alonna at umalis na kami.

Sumusunod lang siya sakin pero tinitignan ko siya maya't maya. Napansin kong
maraming tumitingin sa kanya kaya tumabi ako sa kanya at inilagay ang kaliwang
palad ko sa ibabang likod niya.

I called Ralph a while ago para hintayin na kami sa labas ng mall kaya paglabas
namin ay naghihintay na siya. Binuksan ko agad ung pinto at pinapasok si Alonna. I
went after her and took the jacket and shades off. Pinaharurot ni Ralph unh
sasakyan hanggang Linton Heights. 'Don gaganapin ung meeting namin.

"I'm sorry were late, Mr. Khun." We were ten minutes late when we arrived at
naghihintay na 'don si Mr. Khun. Tumayo siya at inilahad ang kamay niya para
makipagkamay.

"That's okay, Mr. Faustino. Shall we get to business?" I smiled and nodded while
shaking his hands.

He's wearing an expensive black suit at nasa fifties na siya. Namumuti narin ang
buhok niya at halata na ang medyo katandaan niya pero matikas parin ang tindig niya
at halatang malakas ang pangangatawan.

"I hope you don't mind my sister joining us." Nilingon ko si Alonna at hinawakan ko
ang likod niya para itabi siya sa'kin.

Humarap muli ako kay Mr. Khun pero nawala ang ngiti ko nang makita ko kung paano
niya tignan si Alonna mula ulo hanggang paa. I know that kind of look in every
other guy.

"Not at all, Mr. Faustino." He said smiling at me. "It's a pleasure to meet you,
young lady." Naramdaman kong nanginig si Alonna nang kinuha ni Mr. Khun ang kamay
niya at hinalikan. I have the sudden urge to snatch her hand and punch his face but
I held back thinking that it was an important meeting.

Tinanong niya pa ang pangalan nito pero ako na ang sumagot. Inumpisahan na agad
namin ung meeting habang dumarating ung mga pagkain. Nag-uusap lang kami habang si
Alonna ay tahimik lang sa tabi ko. Minsan nahuhuli ko si Mr. Khun na tinitignan si
Alonna at mukang hindi naman niya iniintindi ang sinasabi ko.

I was about to get his attention when my phone rang. I excused myself at lumabas
dahil si Uncle Ben ang tumatawag.

"Hello, Uncle."

"We fixed things here but we couldn't leave the country for a while. The reporters
might block us again. We can leave maybe next week."

I sighed. "I'm in a meeting with Alonna. I'll be home after." I said before saying
bye and hanging the phone up. Alam ni Uncle ang tungkol sa meeting at tinanong niya
pa ko kung anong status ng meeting. I am confident when I said that things were
going well at mukang makukuha namin ang deal.

I was smiling when I entered the room but it just suddenly vanished. It turned into
a rage and the feeling to kill the man whose hand was on my shivering sister's
thigh. Nakatalikod sila sakin kaya hindi nila ako nakikita at mukang busy sa
pamamanyak ang animal na 'to dahil hindi nila ako napansing pumasok.

When he tried to get his face closer to my sister, I lost it.

Hinatak ko agad siya sa balikat niya. Nagulat siya at pati si Alonna ay napatayo
na. Iniharap ko siya sakin at binigyan siya ng masamang tingin.

"Fvck with the deal!" I said with gritted teeth and voice menacing before punching
him straight on his face.

I heard Alonna cry but I didn't have time to comfort her shitting feelings. I'm
busy giving another punch on this assholes face. Bigla akong napatingin kay Alonna
ngayona ay nakaupo at umiiyak. Kitang kita ko ang sobrang takot niya hindi sa taong
nakahiga ngayon kung hindi sa'kin.

I stopped."Good day, Mr. Fvcking Khun." I spat.

Kinuha ko ang kamay ni Alonna at marahas siyang hinila palabas. I didn't care if
everybody's looking at us. Ipinasok ko siya sa sasakyan at sumunod ako.

Bwisit talaga 'tong araw na 'to. Hindi na natuloy ang deal at umiiyak pa tong
kapatid ko sa tabi ko. Nakakasar talaga! I fvking need to cool down right now or
else makakapatay talaga 'ko.

"Drive home fast." I ordered not bothering to hide my anger.

Naririnig ko ang iyak niya pero ayoko siyang tignan.

Ayokong makita kung ano ngayon ang itsura niya dahil baka makapatay talaga 'ko.
Chapter 19
Chapter 19

Kristoff

"Tito! Mommy! I wanna watch this!" excited at nakangiting sabi ni Nine. Tinuturo
turo niya pa ung poster ng movie titled Big Hero 6.

Pagkakita palang niya sa poster ay agad itong pumalag mula sa pagkabuhat ko. Nang
makababa siya ay agad itong tumakbo. Gano'n din ang ginawa ni Seven. Nang makitang
biglang tumakbo si Nine ay agad itong bumitiw sa pagkakahawak kay Rainne, hindi
dahil sa excitement kung hindi dahil sa pag-aalalang baka madapa ang kapatid.

That's right! Rainne held Seven's hand.

Ako rin nagulat nung una pero naging masaya at panatag ang pakiramdam ko
pagkatapos. I was glad that Rainne's starting to warm up to her own kids. Sinundo
ko siya galing sa trabaho because I wanted to spend time with them. Nakasalubong ko
pa si Azel at hindi niya nakalimutang bigyan ako ng mapanghusgang tingin. Hindi
parin maganda ang nararamdaman ko kapag alam kong lumalapit siya kay Rainne. Gusto
kong bantayan si Rainne sa kanya pero hindi ko naman ito agad magagawa. Lalo pa
ngayon na babalik na'ko sa Brazil.

That's why I wanted to spend time with them. Kailangan ko pang asikasuhin ang
kompanya namin. I was only here for two weeks but I'll leave the kids to enjoy
their vacation with their mom. Sisiguraduhin ko namang babalik ako agad.

Ang akala ko hindi papaya si Rainne na sumama samin pero nung sinabi kong
naghihintay ung mga bata sa kotse at aalis na ko ng bansa, pumayag na siya.Hindi ko
kasi sinama ung mga bata dahil baka magalit lang siya. Palabas na ko nang tumayo
siya at kunin ang bag niya. She didn't say any word at sinabayan lang ako sa
elevator hanggang pababa ng parking lot.

Nagdire-diretso siya sa sasakyan niyang dala ko. She didn't mind me using one of
her cars. Naabutan naming nagkakasiyahan ung mga bata na agad tumahimik nang makita
si Rainne.

Pagpasok sa mall ay pinaggitnaan namin ni Seven si Nine at hinawakan ang kamay. I

was a bit shocked when Seven suddenly held Rainne's hand. Napakunot muna ng noo si
Rainne nung umpisa at tumingin lang sa magkahawak nilang kamay. I thought that
she'll pull her hands away but she didn't. She let Seven do what he did without any
disagreement.

Maya't maya ko silang tinitignang dalawa. I saw how Seven smiled and I could almost
fell his happiness radiating. Napahinto kami ng biglang huminto si Nine. I leveled
with her height and she looked so sad. She was pouting and looking at the floor.

"Bakit, baby Nine?" malambing kong sabi habang iniisip kung ano ang nagpalungkot sa
kanya. I held her shoulder and asked again.

Wala siyang sinabi pero inangat niya ang tingin niya at ipinunta kay Seven at
pagkatapos ay kay Nine. Hindi ko alam kung anong problema pero napansin kong may
tinitignan siya sa likod ko. I followed her gaze and it landed on Seven and
Rainne's joined hands.

"I wanna hold mommy's hand too." She whispered while pouting. I chuckled before
grabbing her hand and walked closer to Rainne.

Umangat ang seryosong tingin ni Rainne mula sa phone niya. She looked at me
expressionless while I smiled and placed Nine between us.

"Ako na maghahawak niyan." Sabi ko habang kinukuha ung bag niya. "Hold her hand."
Tumingin siya kay Nine na nakaangat naman ang tingin sa kanya. Nine was looking at
her with pleading eyes. Tumingin muna sakin si Rainne at bumuntong hininga bago
iangat ang kamay para ialok kay Nine.

I saw how Nine's eyes suddenly filled with joy and I smiled at the view of the
three people I valued the most. Mas lalo akong natuwa nang marinig ko ang mga
komento ng ibang tao. Some of them adored the twins telling them how cute they
were. Someone did notice Nine's eye patch but the most delightful ting I heard was
someone thought of us as a beautiful family which I wished to be true.

Binuhat ko naman si Nine nang magkulit ito at kung san san kami hinihila. Nakita
kong mukang naiirita na si Rainne kaya binuhat ko na siya.

Tawa ng tawa ang mga bata habang nanood kami. Nasa gitna namin sila ni Rainne at
katabi ko si Nine. Si Seven ang unang umupo sa tabi ni Rainne. Napapansin ko kung
gaano kagusto ni Seven na laging lumapit kay Rainne. Sa palagay ko, kung hindi lang
pwedeng hindi sila magbitiw para makaupo kami, hindi niya talaga bibitawan ang
kamay ni Rainne.

If the kids full attention was on the movie, Rainne was on his phone. Ilang beses
na rin siyang tumayo para sumagot ng tawag. Natapos na ung pelikula nang hindi pa
siya bumabalik.

We spotted her near the entrance of the movie theater talking seriously on the
phone with creased forehead. Maybe it was business matters kaya ganyan kaseryoso
ang mukha niya. Biglang bumitiw si Seven sa'kin at tumakbo papunta kay Rainne. I
was about to stop him when Nine tugged my shirt.

"I'm hungry."

"Sige. Tawagin lang natin sila, okay!"

"Okay!" she said with wide smile then ran at
eat." Sigaw niya sa dalawa at lumapit na rin
napansin kong may gumugulo sa kanya. I'm not
eyes when she looked at Nine but it suddenly
coldness.
their direction. "Mommy! Seven! Let's
ako. Binaba ni Rainne ang telepono at
sure but I think I saw sadness in her
vanished and was replaced with

"Don't think too much 'bout work. Just relax kahit ngayon lang." I said concerned
and held her hand that's holding her phone. She looked at me for a while thinking
of something before taking her back and dropped her phone inside that made me
flashed a genuine smile.

Napatalon sa tuwa ang puso ko nang makitang mas pinili niya kami kaysa sa trabaho.
Na mas gugustuhin niyang magrelax at magsaya kasama kami kaysa ang sumubsob sa
trabaho na lagi niyang ginagawa. It was the progress I've been waiting for in a
long time. She was starting to warm up to us and the icy walls she built around her
heart were starting to melt.

"Tito, I'm hungry too." Napatingin ako kay Seven na ngayon ay nakahawak na sa
kanang kamay ni Nine. I nodded with joy and took Rainne's other hand on my right
and Nine on my left.

We left the place, our hands locked at each other and starting to look and feel
like the family I ever wanted.

Sa Pizza Hut kami kumain. We ordered Pizza, salad, mushroom soup and pastas. Nine
and I both ordered Spaghetti Bolognese while Rainne and Seven had carbonaras. Hindi
man sabihin ni Rainne pero alam kong paborito niya ang carbonara ng Pizza Hut. Nung
nasa Brazil kami, ito lagi ang kinakain niya at pareho sila ni Seven na may hilig
dito. Magkatabi sila ung kambal at kaharap kami ni Rainne.

"Let's do the fist bump, Seven." Nine excitedly asked and offered her fist to
Seven.
"Okay!" nakangiti namang tumango si Seven at nakipag fist bump sa kapatid.

"Fa-la-la-la." They said in unison after bumping their fist and wiggling their
little fingers in the air. Kinopya nila kung paano makipag fist bump si Hiro at
Baymax. Baymax's the name of the healthcare provider nurse of Hiro, ang batang bida
sa pelikula.

"Mamaya na 'yan. Kumain muna kayo kids." Masaya akong makita silang nagkukulitan
pero may time para diyan. Nasa harap kasi ng hapagkainan. Sumulyap naman ako kay
Rainne na tahimik na kumakain ng carbonara niya. Napapansin ko lang na kanina pa
siya parang may malalim na iniisip. "Are you alright?" I inquired.

Mukang nabasag ko ang malalim niyang iniisip dahil para siyang nagulat at mabilis
na humarap sa'kin.

"I'm fine." She simply said and went back to eating. Lalo tuloy akong nacurious
dahil sa sinabi niya.

"Tito, can you make Baymax for me." Tanong ni Nine na agad na nagpalingon sa'kin.

"Baby, I can't." I chuckled when she pouted. "I'm not smart enough to make one.
Siguro pwede si Kuya Seven paglaki niyo." Biglang nagliwanag ang mukha niya at
nagsusumamong tumingin kay Seven.

"I don't want to kasi I want to be like Baymax." Bumalik naman sa pagiging
malungkot ang mukha ni Nine. "I want to heal people too. Ako nalang gagamot sa'yo
at saka kay tito at saka kay mommy pag naging kasing big nako ni Baymax."
Nakangiti pero seryosong sabi ni Seven.

Ginulo ko ang buhok niya dahil sa galak ko. Ngayon palang ay alam niya na ang gusto
niya paglaki. Bata pa sila at pwdeng magbago ito sa mga susunod na panahon hanggang
sa tumanda sila pero nakakatuwang isipin na ngayon palang ay iniisip niya na ang
mga bagay na gusto niya para sa sarili.

"If you're Baymax, then I'll be like Hiro."

"You want to make robots?" nagtataka kong tanong at umiling siya ng umiling.

"I'll make cute and colorful dresses, shoes and bags tapos ipapasuot ko sa inyo ni
Mommy." She said then smiled adorably. "C'mon Seven, let's do fist bump to that."
Napailing nalang ako at napatawa sa ginawa ng kambal.

Nakuha ang atensiyon ko nang umilaw at nagvibrate ang phone ni Rainne na nakalapag
sa dulo ng lamesa. Mukang hind niya ito napapansin dahil panay ang pagtapon niya ng
blankong tingin sa plato. I looked at the caller ID and it seemed like it was an
international call. The letter 'R' was registered as the caller.

"Rainne. Yung phone mo." She immediately looked at her phone and I noticed how her
expression suddenly became serious. She also looked a little annoyed and
frustrated.

"Excuse me." Biglang nahinto sa pagkain ung kambal at napatingin sa kanya. Kahit
ako ay nagulat dahil sa bigla niyang pagtayo.

Who called her? Bakit ganyan nalang ang reaksyon niya?

Natapos na kami nang hindi pa nakakabalik si Rainne. I planned on finder her but
she arrived when I was about to stand up. I watched her getting closer and I felt
something just happened. Bumalik siya sa dati.
Nakaka -intimidate siya at balnko ang ekspresyon niya. Ang nakakabahala pa ay
bumalik ang pagiging malamig ng mga mata niya. Nag-aalala akong tumingin sa kanya
hanggang makalapit siya at kunin ang bag niya.

"Mommy, can we go to the game cen-"

"We're going home." Hindi niya na pinatapos si Seven at agad itong naglakad palayo.
I looked at the kids na mukang malungkot.

"Let's go na kids. Next time nalang." I said and smiled apologetically. Tumayo
sila mula sa kinauupuan at sinundan namin si Rainne.

Tahimik kami sa loob ng sasakyan. The kids were frowning and Rainne remained
distant. Dire-diretso siya sa kwarto niya pagdating namin.

Okay na kami kanina eh. Ano kayang nangyari sa kanya? I thought things would start
getting better. She was starting to warm up. What happened? Alam ko may kinalaman
ung tawag na natanggap niya. Sino ba yong tumawag?

Bago matulog ay tinangka ko siyang kausapin. I ended up in her room as I watched

her lying on her bed. Tumabi ako ng higa sa kanya at pinulupot ang braso ko sa
bewang niya. Sa ilang linggo kong nakatira dito, minsan lang ako matulog sa kwarto
ko. I loved sleeping and waking up beside her.

"What's bothering you?" I whispered. Nanatili siyang tahimik pero alam kong gising
pa siya base sa paghinga niya. "C'mon love, you can tell me."

"Will you leave..." mahina niyang sabi.

"What?" Bakit niya nasabi 'yon? Gusto niya naba kong umalis? Palalayuin na ba niya
ko sa buhay niya-sa buhay nilang tatlo. Bumigat ang puso ko nang maisip na malalayo
ako sa kanilang tatlo. Hindi ko yata kaya kung mangyayari 'yon. I'll be miserable.

"Will you decide to leave if somehow you discovered things 'bout me?" Biglang
bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya hindi dahil sa pag-aalala kung
anong mga bagay ang tinutukoy niya kung hindi dahil sa tuwa. Kasiyahan dahil hindi
niya gustong lumayo ako at pagkakataon para makasama ko sila.

"Never! Kahit ano pa 'yan. Kahit sabihin ng lahat ng tao na lumayo ako, and even if
faith decided to separate me from you and the kids. I'll fight for it. It'll crush
me kung malalayo ako sa inyo. I'll be miserable and the only solution left for that
is to kill myself. I love you and I refuse to let you go."

"You'll still be miserable if you stay." She said in a low toneand I sensed a bit
of sadness in her tone.

"That's impossible. Sa tabi mo lang ako nakakaramdam ng tunay na kasiyahan so why

would I be miserable." I chuckled a bit then hugged her tighter.

"You'll get hurt."

"Then hurt me. Do what you want but I plan on fulfilling my promise. I will never
gonna leave you and the kids." I sincerely said. "Let's no talk about this. You're
tired and you need rest so sleep now, love. I promise to still be here beside you
when you wake up." Hinalikan ko siya sa ulo at hinintay siyang makatulog pero
mukang mauuna pa yata ako.

Hindi ko alam kung panaginip lang ang naramdaman at narining ko pero naramdaman
kong humarap si Rainne sa'kin at niyakap ako ng mahigpit. I even heard her
whispered Thank you before giving me a peck on the lips.

But I think it was just a product of my subconscious mind. Rainne would never do
that kind of bold move to me. Not yet anyway.
Chapter 20
Chapter 20

Pagka-alis ng kanyang tiya mula sa pag-aalo at pagpatahan sa kanya sa kakaiyak,

agad itong bumangon sa pagkakahiga. Natawa muna siya saglit dahil natutuwa siya sa
pag-arteng ginawa niya kanina. She didn't expect that Aiden would bring her to a
special meeting. The meeting that she ruined, for Aiden's part at least. Siya rin
ang nagsabi sa media ng mga nangyayari dahil masyadong mabilis ang pagbalik nila sa
Pilipinas kung nagkataon.

Kinuha niya ang teleponong nakadikit sa likod ng side table at tinawagan ang tunay
na Alonna. Hindi ito sumagot sa unang tawag kaya tinawagan niya ulit ito. Napakunot
ang noo niya dahil nakatatlong tawag na siya pero hindi pa niya ito nakokontak.
Dati rati naman ay agad itong sumasagot.

She tried to text her and she waited until she received a reply from her.

'I'm busy.' Basa niya sa text nito.

'Answer my damn calls' she replied.

She called again and this time, she answered after the fourth ring.

"Rainne."Sabi ng taong sumagot sa kabilang linya na nagpakunot sa kanyang noo.

"Do not call me that." She hissed. "That's your name now. Don't be reckless." Inis
na sabi niya. Matagal na nilang napag-usapan na hindi na tatawagin ang isa't isa sa
tunay nilang pangalan. Halos pitong taon niya nang kinalimutan 'yon at ang pangalan
niya na ngayon ay Alonna at hindi Rainne.

Ramdam niyang may kakaiba sa kausap. Medyo mahina at malumanay ang pagtawag nito sa
pangalan niya. Parang hindi siya ang babaeng tinuruan niya kung pano maging matatag
at malamig sa mga nakalipas ng panahon.

"Why did you call, Alonna?" sabi niya na pinagdiinan pa ang pangalan na ginagamit.

"Bumabalik ka sa dati." She coldly stated. Hindi niya kung anong dahilan kung bakit
ganito ang kausap niya pero ramdam niyang unti-unting bumabalik ang babae sa dati.
Hindi na malamig ang boses nito kanina gaya ng dati at hindi narin siya tinatapunan
ng kahit na anong insulto. Ang masama pa ay tinawag niya ito sa tunay niyang
pangalan.

Hindi rin ito agad nakasagot sa sinabi niya na talagang nagpalakas ng pagdududa
niya.

"Don't be silly."

"I'm not. You are!" she said in a cold and low tone. "Hwag mong sayangin ang
pinaghirapan natin."

"I won't."simple yang sagot. "Mommy" nakarinig siya ng boses ng batang lalaking
tumatawag sa kausap na nagpakunot ng noo niya. "Tapos na po movie." Naghintay siya
at nakinig lang sa kabilang linya. "Really?...Opo, mommy." Bigla naman siyang may
narinig na batang babae. "Mommy! Seven! Let's eat."

"You're with your brats." She said.

Hindi na siya sinagot ng kausap at biglang ibinaba ang telepono. Napaupo siya sa
kama at nag-isip. Ngayon ay alam niya na kung bakit nagkakaganon si Rainne. Kung
bakit unti unti siyang bumabalik sa pagiging Alonna niya.

She already anticipated these changes from her a long time ago. Pagkapanganak
palang ng mga bata ay alam niya nang maaaring magbago ulit ito at bumalik sa dati.
Kaya nga sinabihan niya nang ibigay ito sa bahay ampunan pero hindi siya sinunod at
kinuha parin ang mga bata. She tried to made her realized that those kids would
only make her weak and now it's happening.

Kailangan niyang ipamukha at ipaalala kay Rainne ang mga sakripisyo nila at
paghihirap para lang marating kung nasan sila ngayon.

She thought that if the kids were with her, Kristoff was there too, with her. Isa
pa yang si Kristoff. Matagal na niyang sinabing lumayo sa binata pero hindi niya
ginagawa. Hinayaan lang niya ito dahil nakikita niyang hindi nito pinapansin ang
binata pero mali pala siya. She should've done something about that long time
before. That girl's changing and it's because of her kids and Kristoff.

Pumasok ulit ang tiyahin niya para kamustahin siya. Nang umalis ito, tinawagan niya
ulit si Rainne. Gaya ng dati, hindi ulit siya sinagot at ilang beses narin siyang
tumawag.

Ilang oras siyang naghintay sa kakatawag. She needed to talk to her and set things
straight. Her call was then answered at last.

"Do you want this whole game over?" diretso niya tanong. "Sabihin mo at sasabihin
ko sa kanila ngayon ang totoo." Malamig niyang sabi.

"N-no." rinig niya ang pagdadalawang isip ng kausap.

"You sure? You didn't sound so sure?" hindi sumagot ang kausap. "Ilang taon nating
ginawa to, Rainne. Hahayaan mo ba ang mga taong nanakit sa'yo na maging masaya?
Would you let them get away from the things they did? The beatings, the abuse, the
kidnapping?Lalo na nung binenta ka para lang magahasa?" wala siyang kahit anong
nararamdaman nang banggitin ang mga salitang iyon sa kausap. Kapag bumalik sa dati
siya dati bilang Alonna, masisira ang sarili niyang plano at hindi niya 'yon kailan
man magugustuhan.

"No! Walang magbabago. Tuloy parin." Matigas na sabi ng kausap na nagpangiti sa

kanya.

"Good! Because I don't want to waste the things I did today. Napilitan akong akitin
ang isang matanda para lang dito." Naalala niya kung paano tumingin at humawak sa
kanya si Mr. Khun. "Don't let your brats and Kristoff ruined you." paalala niya.

Natuwa siya kahit papaano sa ginawa dahil alam niyang naakit agad ung matanda
pagkakita palang sakanya. Pati ung eksenang ginawa niya sa boutique kanina. Ang
hindi niya lang nagustuhan ay ung reaksyon ni Aiden. She thought that Aiden would
fall for her charms but it ended up Aiden being pissed on what she did. Well, may
ibang pagkakataon pa naman. She thought.

"Create a connection to them. I'll text you the details." Utos niya. Hindi niya na
hinintay na sumagot ang kasama at binaba ang telepono.

Napangiti siya dahil bumalik sa pagiging malamig si Rainne pero hindi mawala sa
isip niya na baka magbago ulit ito at maging mahina. Kailangan niya na talagang
bumalik ng Pilipinas at kailangan niya ring ilayo ang mga anak nito at si Kristoff
sa kanya. Kailangan niyang matutong mag-isa kagaya ng nangyari sa kanya noon.

At iyan ang gagawin niya pagkabalik niya sa Pilipinas.

-----------

Aiden

"What happened?" Auntie Therese in frustration.

Pagkauwi palang namin ay sinalubong na kami nila Aunti at Uncle. Sinamahan ni

Auntie si Alonna sa kwarto nito at pagkabalik niya ay agad silang nagtanong. Hindi
ko itinwag sa kanila ang nangyari dahil sa sobrang inis ko. Hindi ko napigil ang
sarili ko nang makitang hinahawakan ng lalaking yon si Alonna.

"That man was touching her. Nagdilim ang paningin ko and I cut the deal off." Inis
kong sabi.

"You did the right thing. We should get that man arrested." Auntie suggested.

"That's not necessary, honey. Aiden did give him a beating." Gaya nga ng sabi ni
Uncle, I did give him some punches and kicks but if I hadn't seen Alonna cried, I
might've given more. "But that deal is important and we lost it. How will you
explain this to them". Dagdag ni Uncle.

Napahawak ako sa batok dahil 'don. Hindi ko alam kung pano ko sasabihin sa mga
board of directors ng kompanya na nawala samin ang deal na matagal na naming gusto.
Tiyak na magagalit sila. Alam niyang hindi nila iintindihin ang dahilan ko dahil
mas mahalaga ang business sa kanila. People sometimes couldn't understand other
people's situation when business and money are in the way.

Kailangan kong makahanap ng bagong deal na pwedeng lumihis ng atensyon nila pero
wala akong maisip. We wanted to expand our business around Asia and Thailand was
the first target. It took us a long time to plan this and now it's wasted.

"Don't worry. I'll handle them." I said and went off to bed.

I couldn't sleep. That fucking memory of that old bastard touching Alonna was still
on my mind. Her face and his lustful stares. Damn! Kahit na ung pag-iyak niya hindi
maalis sa isip ko. Nakakainis. Imbes na nag-iisip ako ng paraan o dahilan na
sasabihin sa mga board members, hindi ako makatulog dahil sa bwisit na ala-alang
'yon.

"Fuck!" napabangon ako at ginulo ang buhok. Hindi ko alam kung nakokonsensya ako o
nag-aalala dahil sa iniisip ko. Bwiset talaga! Hindi rin ako mapakali dahil hindi
ko pa nakakausap si Alonna. Is she still scared and crying?

Hindi na ko makatiis at nagsuot ako ng sando at pumunta sa kwarto ni Alonna.

Kailangan ko siyang makita para mapanatag ang loob ko.

I was about to knock on her door when I heard her talking. Who is she talking to?

Inilapit ko ang tenga ko pero hindi ko gaanong marinig. Hindi ko sigurado pero sa
tingin ko ay may kausap nga talaga siya. Hinintay ko kung may sasagot na ibang tao
o baka nasa loob si Auntie pero wala. Siya lang ang nagsasalita.

"Alonna?" I knocked before opening the door.

I saw her peacefully sleeping. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko kung may ibang tao sa
paligid pero wala akong nakita. I think I was just imagining things. Napangiti
nalang ako dahil sa mga naiisip ko.

Tulog na tulog siya. Pano siya kakausap ng ibang tao. Pagod lang talaga ako.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang maganda at payapa niyang mukha. Tinitigan ko
siya pero talagang wala nang bakas ng mukha ni Alonna dati. Ang tanging natira
nalang ay ang kulay abo niyang mga mata na gaya ng sakin.

Her face became more mature because of the surgery. She did experience quite a lot
and the guilt's still buried in my chest. Lumuhod ako at hinaplos ang buhok niya
habang nakatitig. Bakas parin ang mga natuyong luha sa mukha niya.

"I'm sorry, princess." I whispered while caressing her face. "Sweet dreams."
Hinalikan ko ang noo niya bago lumabas ng kwarto. Sana lang maging maayos na ang
lahat sa pagitan namin. Yung tipong hindi na siya matatakot sa'kin. Sana lang!

Tatlong araw na kong nag-iisip kung anong dapat na sulosyon ang sasabihin ko sa
board of directors. They heard about what happened but not the part about Alonna.
They were pestering me for the past days but I haven't said anything because I
haven't thought of anything. I scheduled a meeting tomorrow para malinawan na sila.
Magalit at tumutol man sila, at the end of the day, ako parin ang masusunod. I'm
the owner and I am in charge.

"Sir! You have a call on line 3."Trish, my secretary said through the intercom.

"Who?" I asked in monotone.

"From R&A Envision MultiCorp, Sir."Napahinto ako sa pagpirma ng mga papeles ng

maring ko ang sinabi niya. R&A Envision MultiCorp's one big company like us. Ano
kaya ang gusto nila? "They said it was urgent and important."

"Okay, Thanks." I said and took the call. "This is Aiden Faustino. Who's this?"

"This is Vernice Carter, sir. I'm calling in behalf of Miss Rainne Algraven, owner
of R&A Envision MultiCorp." Vernice Carter? That sounds familiar. San ko ba narinig
'yon

"I know her and her company." Hindi ko pa siya nakikita pero alam ko na ang mga
achievements niya. Magaling siyang tao sa larangan ng business and for a fact the
she's a girl, she's really something else. "Does she need anything?" I asked.

"Actually, sir. We believe that your company needs us more." Napakunod ang noo ko
dahil sa sinabi niya.

"What makes you say that? State your business." I ordered.

"Miss Rainne wants to talk about a business partnership. Would you like to set a
meeting for the details?" she offered in a professional tone.

She wants to talk about business? Pero bakit kami? Alam kong hindi niya kailangan
ang tulong ng kompanya namin. But having a partnership with her company would bring
more profits for us, for the both of us. This is an opportunity served in front of
me. Should I take it?
"Okay then." Pag sang-ayon ko. Pwedeng ito narin ang isagot ko sa mga director ng
kumpanya.

Umalis agad ako ng opisina at umuwi ng bahay. Alonna and Auntie are leaving today
to Philippines. Gusto ko silang ihatid ngayon. Habang nasa sasakyan ako ay hindi ko
parin maisip kung bakit kami kokontakin ng isang malaking kompanya gaya namin. We
could both stand on our own. Maybe they planned to be stronger.

Ang isang deal sa pagitan ng dalawang malaking kompanya ay magsesecure ng status

nila. This could be a great deal. Let's see what will happen in the meeting pero
ngayon, gusto ko munang makasama ang kapatid ko bago siya umalis.

Sigurado namang susunod agad ako sa kanya sa Pilipinas. I did promised to stay and
protect her and that's what will I do.

Chapter 21
Azel

Ilang linggo narin ang nakakaraan nang malaman ko ang ginagawa ni Kristoff at
Rainne sa likod ng pinsan ko. Nakausap ko narin si Kristoff noong nasa reunion kami
pero mukang hindi wala siyang balak itigil ang mga ginagawa nila. That bastard!
Ipinamukha niya pa sakin na ayaw niyang makasal sa pinsan ko. That's total bullsh-
t!

I couldn't help but to grit my teeth while driving to Rainne's company. I swore I
could've broken this steering wheel by the way my grip tightens around it. I mean,
hindi ba sila nakokonsensya? Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko dahil magkikita
kami ni Rainne ngayon. I have to submit a follow-up report of the project site.

Isa pa, ayaw kong mag-isip ng kung anong makakasira ng araw ko dahil second year
anniversary namin ngayon ni Riza. I prepared a candlelight dinner just for the both
of us in my condo. I will surprise her tonight and I know she'll love it.

One way to totally describe Riza is simplicity. Hindi siya mahilig sa mga mamahalin
at sosyaling event. Kahit nga siguro regaluhan ko lang siya okay na sa kanya yon
but I didn't like that. I want what I think would be best for her this time. The
kind of setting that will sweep her off her feet like wow. That's what I'm planning
and that's what I'll be getting.

Nakangiti parin ako at iniisip ang magiging reaksyon ni Riza kapag nakita niya ang
surpresa ko hanggang sa makapasok ako sa building ng R&A.

Yung ibang mga empleyado hindi maiwasang tumingin sa'kin. I think they got curious
as why I was smiling like an idiot. I don't care! Let them stare and think whatever
they want. I'm used to it since middleshool.

Agad na sumalubong sakin pagkabukas ng elevator ang simpleng ngiti ng sekretarya

niyang si Vernice pero alam kong peke ang ngiting 'yon dahil ramdam ko na Malaki
parin ang galit nito sakin. It's because I hurt her friend. Alonna. Speaking of
her, Aiden said that they'll fly to here 'cause they got serious problems in
America that involves the media. Sabi niya pwede ko nang Makita si Alonna sa mga
susunod na araw pero aayusin pa daw niya ung schedule nila. They were planning to
have dinner outside for our first meetings and I couldn't wait for that moment.
Finally! Makikita ko na rin siya.

"I'm here to see Miss Rainne for the follow-up report." I said using my business
tone. Tumango siya sakin tapos ay inangat ang handle ng telepono.

"Miss Rainne, nandito po si Mr. Madrigal para sa dokumentong hinihintay niyo." she
paused. "Sige po." Napahanga niya ko nang magsalita siya ng diretsong tagalog. It
has only been more than a month but she already learned how to speak tagalog
fluently."Pwede na po kayong pumasok."

Tumango ako at ngumiti pero mukang hindi niya ito pinansin kaya dumeretso nalang
ako sa opisina ni Rainne.

I knocked before entering but I never expected who I saw. She was wearing a short
skirt and a blouse with deep neckline. Her perfectly curled hair was tied in a high
ponytail at gaya ng dati, medyo makapal parin ang make-up niya at lutang na lutang
ang kanyang pulang mga labi. It was Cindy and she was talking to Rainne.

"Azel!" she immediately stood up and walked with a wide grin plastered on her face.
Napakunot nalang ang noo ko sa gulat at nag-isip kung bakit siya nandito. She's
smiling from ear to ear and I couldn't help but to think that there's something
behind her smile. Something that they talked about.

"What a surprise." I said after she kissed my cheeks. Pumulupot agad and braso niya
sa braso ko at humarap sa nakaupong Rainne na kasalukuyang umiinom ng wine.

"Well, I was in the area and thought 'hey, why not visit some friends?' and I'm
glad I did 'cause I get to see you here." She looked at me and smiled. "Rainne and
I talked 'bout something that she even offered to help me."

"What help?"

"Girls' talk." Nagbigay siya ng makahulugang ngiti kay Rainne pero blanko lang ang
isinukli nito sa kanya. "I better go. Bye, Azel." She again kissed me on my cheeks
then wave at Rainne before filling the air with the sound of her stilettos.

Nagtaka naman ako sa biglang pag-alis niya. Kilala ko siya at kahit noong nasa
highschool pa kami, hindi agad siya lumalayo sa akin. Well, I think I was just not
used to what I've seen but I guess she changed. Hindi niya na nga rin ako tinawag
sa mga endearments niya sakin eh. That's a relief.

Nang makaalis na siya sya lumapit ako kay Rainne na biglang tumayo at kumuha ng
isang glass wine na nakalagay sa isang lamesa kasama ng iba pang mga alak at baso.

"Take a seat, Mr. Madrigal." She said while walking and I did. "Do you want wine?"

"No , thanks. I'm just here to give you this." Inilapag ko ung reports sa lamesa.
Wala akong balak magtagal dito. Titignan ko pa kung nagawa ng maayos ung mga
inutusan ko para sa surprise ko kay Riza and also, I don't want to be with her for
a long time. Her presence affects me, big. And there's the issue between her and
Kristoff.

"I know that it's not only business you want to talk about." Napakunot ang noo ko
sa sinabi niya dahil tama siya. She looked at me through her glass while drinking.
I wanted to talk to her about them but not now pero dahil nandito na, might as well
get it done.

"If you insist." I said in monotone. "How long and why? Bakit ka pumatol sa kanya?
You knew by that time that he's already engaged to be married."

Ibinaba niya ang baso niya at sinalinan ng wine ang baso ko. She pushed it near me
and I just looked at her every move until she looked up at me. Hindi niya
tinatanggal ang paningin niya sakin hanggang sa sumandal siya and put her leg over
the other that made her skirt rise a little bit.

Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Konting galaw lang niya ay may epekto na sakin. I
tried to make a serious face so she wouldn't know that I'm trying so hard not to
not only her legs.

"You see, Azel..."

"Now we're back to informalities, Rainne." I interrupted and she smirked.

"We're not talking about business, Azel." She countered. "We have what we have a
year after we met and that girl wasn't in the picture yet. Dalawang taon na bago
siya dumating." Malamig niyang sabi.

"Bakit? Ganon ba kagaling ang performance niya para kahit na alam mong ikakasal na
siya, hindi parin kayo tumitigil? And please don't tell me you love him cause we
all know that your incapable of loving. Why don't you just cut that thing with him
and find another man that could satisfy you. Sa paglandi mo sa kanya habang may
fiancée na siya, you're labeling yourself as his whore." I directly said and
scowled.

I wanted to see different emotions from her kaya ko nasabi ang mga masasakit na
salitang yon pero mukang bigo ako. She wouldn't know anything other than being
cold. From her actions to her stares. Gusto ko ring ipamukha sa kanya ang mga
maling ginagawa niya pero mukang hindi naman siya naaapektuhan. What kind of heart
this woman has?

I took my glass and drank the half of it. She remained quiet but I know her eyes
never left me.

"Cindy, Bianca, Abigail, Zyrene, Lilian, Melody, Michelle..."

"What are you saying?"

"...Alice, Fe, Rose." Kunot noo akong tumingin sa kanya at medyo naasar na rin ako
dahil puro walang kwenta ang mga pangalang binabanggit niya. Hindi ko alam kung
anong meron sa kanila maliban na lamang sa lahat sila ay pangalan ng mga babae.
"Those names were once your whores. Do you remember them?" nanahimik ako sa sinabi
niya. Inalala ko ulit ung mga pangalang binanggit niya at tama nga siya. They were
once my flings. Tanda ko noong highschool, I didn't only have girlfriend, I had
girlfriends and they didn't know about that.

"P-pano mo nalaman 'yan?"

"It's easy for me." She shrugged. "You said I'm a whore right? Alam mo ba kung
ilang lalaki na ang naikama ko?" she paused. "Only three, Azel and you not
included. Ikaw? Do you know how many girls you banged and fucked in your high
school days? Do you want to know? I have a whole list of them." She said and
smirked.

"You don't need to remind me that. I'm the one who knows about that." Matapang kong
sabi sabay inom ulit ng alak. Siya naman ay mukang wala nang balak ubusin ang
iniinom niya at pagtingin nalang sakin ang ginagawa niya. Wala naman akong pake
kung sabihin niya lahat ng mga nakarelasyon ko. That was the past and I couldn't be
affected with that, with them and with her especially.

"You know why I wasn't affected by you calling me whore? Because it's not that kind
of insult. What would affect me was if you called me trash." Napahinto at napalunok
ako sa sinabi niya. Bumilis ang pagtibok ng puso ko sa kaba dahil sa salitang 'yon.
"You should've called me trash like what you called her. What was her name again?"

"You heartless witch." My figure
like where this conversation was
like her but I took the risk and
fists and staring daggers at her
pretending to think.
became dark and I was fuming in anger. I didn't
heading. I knew it's a risk to talk to a woman
this was what I end up to. I was clenching my
who just taps her chin with her index finger

"She's your bestfriend's sister right and her name's Alonna." She stood up and
level with my gaze. Isang napakasamang babae talaga ang taong nasa harap ko. She's
a devil inside a body of a goddess.

"How dare you say her name so casually!" I said almost shouting

"I know everything about her. She was also your fiancée while you go around
spreading every other girls legs to fvck them. You mentally and physically torture
her. Call her trash and every other insult you could think about in your tiny
little head. You did to her all of that and you saw her pain. She remained quiet
and sweet like nothing's happening but you never stopped. Both you and her brother.
You never stopped until she went missing and now she's broken. Aren't you guys
ashamed of yourselves?"

By the time she finished, I was hurting. Hurting like hell! Ang konsensya ko unti
unting dumating sa bawat salitang sinabi niya. All the things about Alonna came
back like a big brick that slammed against me. Like a bulldozer that run hit me.
Sobrang sakit at bigat ng nararamdaman ko at ang mas masakit, lahat ng sinabi niya
totoo.

Ako ang may kasalanan ng lahat. Lahat ng ginawa namin sa kanya, hindi niya
pinansin. She remained distant but sweet to me and Aiden. She was an angel but we
were her devils. The guys who promised to protect her were the same people who
broke and crushed her. Wala akong masagot sa kanya kung hindi and umiwas sa
mamalmig niyang tingin at lunukin ang guilt na bumabara sa lalamunan ko. Ngayon pa
na dadating siya bukas. Pano ko siya mahaharap kung sa oras na makita ko siya, puro
sakit ang mararamdaman ko?

"I'll tell you why I do things I do around people." I looked up and I could see
anger mixed with coldness in her eyes. "Because aside from being incapable of
loving, I also didn't know how to care. That's why I'm cold as ice."

"T-that's why you're the Ice Queen." Malamig ko ng saad na ikinaangat ng gilid ng
labi niya.

"Ms. Rainne, nandito na po ung susunod na kakausapin niyo." Hindi ko namalayan na

nakapasok na pala si Vernice hanggang sa magsalita siya. Everything happened like a
hard slap on me that I didn't even paid attention to my surroundings.

"Susunod na ko." simpleng sabi niya at nakarinig ako ng naglalakad papalayo kasabay
ng pagsarado ng pintuan. "You know, that could've been you."

"What?" tanong ko. Napahawak ako sa sintido ko dahil bigla itong sumakit.
Nakaramdam din ako ng konting hilo bigla dahil siguro sa pag-uusap namin.

"My fourth guy." Makahulugan niyang sabi habang nakatitig sa'kin. Nakatingin lang
din ako sa kanya hanggang siya ang unang umiwas at pumunta sa lamesa niya at kunin
ang mga papeles. "You may go."

Nakaalis ako nang may mabigat na pakiramdam. Mentally and physically. Mas tumindi
pa ang hilo at sakit ng ulo ko nang makapunta ako sa parking lot ng building. Hindi
ko rin namalayan na napahaba ang pag-uusap naming dalawa dahil maggagabi na. Walang
laman ang isip ko kung hindi si Rainne at Alonna. Ang mga masasakit na salita ni
Rainne pati ang mga naramdaman ni Alonna.

I just wanted to go home and sleep this pain away. Ung bigat ng puso ko pati narin
ang sakit ng ulo ko.

Nasa parking lot na ko nang bigla akong nakaramdam ng matinding hilo. Hindi ko alam
kung anong nangyayari sa'kin pero pasama ng pasama ang pakiramdam ko. Pinilit kong
makalapit sa kotse ko at kinuha ang susi sa bulsa ko.

A sudden pain stuck and I dropped the keys beside my foot. Napahawak muna ko sa
sasakyan at pumikit. Dumilat ako at nakitang may pumulot ng susi sa paanan ko. I
knew she's a girl because no guy would wear red three-inched heels. Hindi ko na
siya matignan at naramdaman ko nalang na hinila niya ko palayo sa driver's seat. My
vision was blurred but I could see her opening the door. Hindi ko maaninag ang
mukha niya kahit pilitin ko dahil sa hilo at nanatili akong nakasandal sa kotseng
katabi ng sakin. What's happening to me? Why am I feeling this?

Dumaan siya sa harap ko at likod niya ang nakikita ko. Humarap siya sakin at nakita
ang isang pamilyar na ngiti.

"W-who a-are you?" nanghihina kong tanong pero lalong lumawak lang ang ngiti niya.
Inalalayan niya ko at pinasok sa back seat. Agad akong napabagsak at napahiga sa
upuan nang patagilid.

Nakatingin lang ako sa harap hanggang bumukas ang pinto at sumakay siya sa driver's
seat at nilingon ako.

"I'll take care of you, baby. You'll be fine." Malambing niyang sabi habang
nakangiti.

I knew I already seen that smile. I tried to open my eyes but darkness caught up
and took me to slumber.
Chapter 22
Chapter 22

"Uggh!" Napahawak agad ako sa ulo ko pagkagising. Medyo masakit kasi at medyo
nakakaramdam parin ako ng hilo.

What happened last night?

I sat and another groaned escaped from me as I think about the things that happened
last night. Umaga na base sa nakikita ko sa labas ng bintana at wala akong
matandaan maliban na lamang sa pagsakit ng ulo at pagkahilo ko bago sumakay sa
sasakyan. I also remembered talking to Rainne then after the parking lot, nothing.

Napansin kong nakaboxers lang ako nang makatayo ako at napaisip naman ako kung
paano ako nakarating sa bahay at panong ganito lang ang suot ko. Maybe a shower
would help.

I showered and I felt better. Hindi muna ako magtratrabaho ngayon kaya nagsuot lang
ako ng isang T-shirt at maong shorts. I stopped when I opened the door cause I
could smell an aroma of something delicious. Someone is cooking.

"Sh!t!" Napamura ako ng makita ko ung dining table. May dinner pala kami dapat
kagabi ni Riza. Ano ba kasing nangyari? I messed up again, bwiset.
Mabilis kong tinungo ung kusina at nakita si Riza na nagluluto. Her back was facing
me and I felt bad for not fulfilling my promise to give her a romantic dinner. I
was supposed to sweep her off her feet last night pero may nangyari na kahit ako
hindi ko maalala. She's here kaya baka siya ung nag-uwi sakin kagabi.

Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya hanggang sa humarap siya at binigyan ako ng isang
pamilyar at simpleng ngiti. She smiled but behind that smile, I could see sadness.
Kallungkutan na alam kong ako ang nagdala. Gaya ng ginawa ko kay Alonna. Pumasok sa
isip ko ang mga sinabi ni Rainne. She's right.

I never stopped hurting Alonna. Kahit alam naming nasasaktan na siya ay hindi parin
kami tumigil. All she did was gave us a smile for every bad thing we did to her.
Making her life miserable was our everyday routine. Hindi ko gusto 'yon pero
naiiipit ako sa nararamdaman ko sa kanya at sa pagkakaibigan namin ni Aiden.

I used to secretly drop letters and gifts in her locker and it really made me happy
to see her smiling while reading them. That's the only time I get to see her
genuine smile at yun lang din ang paraan para mapagaan ang loob niya.

There was this time na nakita ni Cindy ung chocolate na binigay ko at nahulog ung
letter na ibinigay ko. I wanted to defend her but like the other time; I became a
coward and even helped Cindy to bring her emotions down.

"Kumain ka na. Naghanda ako ng breakfast." Napatingin ako kay Riza na nakangiti at
may hawak na mga plato. Umalis siya ng kusina at sinundan siy. Pinanood ko lang
siya habang inaayos ung mga pagkain sa lamesa.

"Ikaw ba ung nag-uwi sakin kagabi?" Bigla siyang natigilan sa tanong ko.

"H-hindi."

Kagaya rin siya ni Alonna. Kahit anong pilit kong wag siyang saktan, don pa rin
bumabagsak. Nakangiti siya pero alam kong nasasaktan na siya. Wala siyang makukuhha
kung hindi sakit sakin.

I'm being unfair.

Unfair dahil hindi ko iniisip ang pakiramdam niya. She loves me but...I don't feel
the same way for her.

It's always been Alonna since from the start until now.

"Sorry." I apologized sincerely. "Last night was supposed to be..." I sighed and
brush my fingers through my hair out of frustration.

"It's fine. Inayos ko na nga pala ung nandito sa lamesa kagabi." Pilit siyang
ngumiti sakin. " It's late pero... Happy anniversary." Dapat maging masaya ako
kagaya ng saya sa boses niya pero kabagliktaran ang naramdaman ko.

"Happy 2nd year anniversary." Bulong ko at pilit ngumiti. Lumapit siya sakin at
niyakap ako ng mahigpit.

"I love you." she whispered and I sighed as I hugged her back.

"The best and sweetest three words, t-thanks!" she giggled and kissed me.

"Papasok ka ba ngayon?" Riza asked to break the silence between us while eating.
Tahimik lang kami kanina habang kumakain. Hindi ko rin naman alam ang sasabihin ko
sa kanya dahil sa bigat ng pakiramdam ko.

"Hindi." I said. "Riza, I need to tell you something."

"You don't look good. Are you okay?" she asked changing the subject.

"O-okay lang ako pero kasi.."

"Alam mo may nakita akong magandang painting sa isang exhibit. A painting of a

smiling girl with a flower pero may luha sa kanang mata niya. Kung iisipin mo
parang tears of joy pero kapag tinignan mong mabuti ung bulaklak, nakatarak pala
ung tangkay sa dibdib niya. They were tears of pain." Ramdam ko ang lungkot sa
boses niya sa mga huli niyang sinabi pero agad siyang ngumiti sa direksyon ko.

"Talaga san mo nakita?" siguro mas mabuti kung hindi ko muna sabihin sa kanya ang
gusto ko. Ayokong sirain ang magandang ngiti niya.

"Grand opening ng isang museum last week sa Taguig tapos pinayagan nilang idisplay
ng ibang amateur painters ung gawa nila. Isa yun don at talaga namang maraming
humanga sa gawang yun pero wala ung painter." Mukang gusto niyang makita ung gumawa
dahil sa panghihinayang sa boses niya. "Pati nga ung pangalan ng painting kakaiba."

"Talaga? Ano?" tanong ko matapos uminom ng tubig.

"Al's Last Tears" Napahinto sa ere ung kutsarang isusubo ko dapat. Napatingin ako
sa kanya at nakita ang seryoso niyang mukha na para bang naghihintay ng reaksyon
ko. Binaba ko ung kutsara at napainom ulit ng tubig. Agad na nadagdagan ang bigat
na nararamdaman ko sa mga sinabi niya. A girl smiling while hurting and her name
was Al, her nickname. I cleared my throat and continued eating.

"I g-guess, that's her name."

"Yeah." Bulong niya na ipinagtaka ko dahil parang may lungkot sa sinabi niyang yon.
Wala na kaming ibang pinag-usapan hanggang matapos kaming kumain.

Napansin ko rin ang pagbabago ng mood niya na parang naging matamlay siya at
malungkot. I wanted to tell her something pero hindi ko alam kung ngayon ba ang
tamang panahon.

If not this time, when? Kailan ko dapat sabihin na kailangan na naming maghiwalay.

"Sino si Alonna?" she asked all of the sudden that made everything stopped.

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

Aiden

It turns out na kailangan kong sumunod kayla Alonna sa Pilipinas sa lalong madaling
panahon. Kailangan na pag-usapan agad ung business proposal ng R&A MultiCorp para
may ipakita narin ako sa mga stock holders. Masyado silang nagmamadali at
natataranta dahil sa nangyari kay Mr. Khun.

Gusto kong sumunod agad pero ung siraulong Thai na 'yon ay sinampahan ako ng kaso.
Physical injuries daw. Tsk.

What we did was file a sexual harassment as our counter act. Wala rin siyang nagawa
dahil may CCTV camera sa lugar at kitang kita ang ginawa niya kay Alonna. That
bastard! Ako pa ang kinalaban niya eh wala naman syang mapapala at siya pa ang
napalala.
We also paid them all to keep their mouth shut to keep everything a secret
especially from the media.

We took only two days to fix everything and after, I asked to prepare our private
plane so I could go to see Alonna.

Gusto kong unahin ang pagbisita kayla Auntie pero kailangan ko munang puntahan ung
meeting ko. Nakatulog at nakaligo na ko kanina sa eroplano kaya kahit papano, hindi
ako nakakaramdam ng pagod.

After how many years, ngayon lang ulit ako nakabalik dito. Hindi ganon karami ang
memories ko tungkol sa Pilipinas at medyo nanibago rin ako kasi dati, sa probinsya
kami nakatira pero ang mga nakikita ko ngayon ay puro buildings. Mukhang medyo
magulo rin ang paligid at sobrang traffic. Buti nalang hindi ako nalate sa meeting
ko.

Ilang minuto lang kaming naghintay sa isang VIP room ng five star restaurant bago
ako nakarining ng katok kaya napatayo na kami. Kasama ko nga pala ung sekretarya ko
na si Allan. Ayan na sila! I thought.

Rainne was the first who entered. She had this very intimidating aura that everyone
would think twice to do something in front of her but I wasn't affected by that. I
too have to be intimidating since we both have an empire to manage.

Talaga namang napakaganda niya at walang maiipintas sa itsura niya. Mukang may
lahing bayaga diin ang itsura niya pero malamig ang mga mata niya. Ramdam ko ito
nang tumingin siya sakin. I smiled at her pero wala siyang reaksyon.

Napabaling naman ang paningin ko sa pamilyar na babaeng pumasok at tumabi sa kanya.

I knew that girl. She's Alonna's bestfriend. What's her name again?

Victoria? Veron-Vernice! It's Vernice whose last name was I forgot.

"Mr. Faustino, this is Miss. Rainne Algraven." Nagising ako sa pag-iisip ng

magsalita siya. Hindi siya mukang nagulat kagaya ko.

Medyo nagbago na siya. Dati mukha siyang nerd dahil sa itsura at kinikilos niya.
Ang huling memorya ko pa sa kanya ay ung umiiyak siya at ung mga tingin niya sa'kin
noon. She's still wearing her glasses but she didn't seem like a nerd now. She has
this confidence and the professionalism. She must be the one that called me for
this. All in all, she turned out to be beautiful.

"Hi Ms. Algraven, I'm Aiden Faustino." I offered my hand and she took it. "Please
take a seat. Shall we eat before we start?"

"We're sorry to turn down your offer. Miss Rainne has somewhere to go after this."
Si Vernice na ang sumagot para sa kanya.

"Let's just start." Rainne said in flat tone.

Tumango ako at inumpisahan na namin ang meeting. Rainne wants to have a partnership
for her subdivision. May pinapatayo siyang subdivision sa Palawan at gusto niyang
tayuan ng mall malapit dito. She owns the land kaya walang magiging problema.
Nirereview palang ung site sa Palawan kaya pwede pang ihabol at isabay sa paggawa
ung magiging mall ng company namin.

Maganda ang proposal niya dahil magiging pabor pareho samin to. This is a sure
profit and who am I to decline. We said yes to the offer pero may ilang babaguhin
sa kontrata. We would meet again for the signing contract.

"Allan, mauna ka na sa sasakyan." Utos ko kay Allan.

Pinauna ko na siya dahil gusto kong makausap si Vernice. I want to tell her that
Alonna is finally here. Naabutan ko siyang naglalakad palayo sa restroom at agad ko
siyang nilapitan.

"Vernice."

"What can I do for you, Mr. Faustino." She said professionally.

"You can call me Aiden." I said smiling and she just raised her brow on me. Hindi
ko alam pero natutuwa akong makita siyang ganyan na mukang sinusungitan ako.

"I'm sorry but I can't do that, Mr. Faustino." Sabi niya na pinagdiinan ang
pangalan ko. "Do you need something from Miss Raine? She left already."

"No, actually I have something to tell you." tinignan niya ko gaya ng ibinigay niya
saking tingin nung huli ko siyang makita. She looked at me like I was the one
responsible for everything that was wrong. Tingin na may galit at sumisisi sakin sa
lahat. After all these years, yun ang hindi nagbago sa kanya. Pero siguro naman
matutuwa siya sa sasabihin ko. "We found her. We found Alonna."

She froze and shock was written all over her face pero saglit lang yon at kumunot
ang noo niya na parang hindi siya naniniwala sa sinabi ko.

"Could you please not play games and tell lies. It's not funny and I don't want to
believe any of it." She said with anger in her tone.

"I'm not kidding. I just wanted to tell you since she's your best friend and I know
you care for her." Seryoso kong sabi. "I'm sure you're busy and all so I'll take my
leave. Nice meeting you again by the way, Vernice." Nakatingin lang siya sakin at
mukang may gustong sabihin pero tumalikod na ko at umalis.

"W-wait!" lumingon ako at nakita ko siyang mabillis na naglalakad palapit. "Can I

s-see her?" she asked.

"Of course! I'm going home to see her now." I smiled. Sino ba naman ako para
tanggihan siya kung ung mga mata niya nakikiusap na umoo ako. Mukha namang masaya
siya sa sagot ko dahil sa malawak na ngiti niya. I didn't know she has a beautiful
smile.

"Thanks!"

Okay na rin siguro para makabawi ako sa kanilang dalawa. I'm sure matutuwa si
Alonna dahil dadalhin ko ung best friend niya. Napahinto ako sa tapat ng sasakyan
ko. Isasabay ko na siya since wala naman pala siyang sasakyan.

"I forgot to tell you something." Hinarap ko siya at nagtataka siyang tumingin
sakin. "I'll give you a heads up on her. She's quite...different."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you on the way but don't be shocked, okay."

Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaksyon niya sa sasabihin ko pero alam kong
tatanggapin niya si Alonna dahil tunay na magkaibigan sila.
I'm sure it's just right for them to meet. Nothing bad could happen, right?

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

Dedicated to HVKaye...

Sorry kung hindi kita mabahagian ah... Nirentahan ko lang kasi.. may dagdag bayad
pag kulang sa pagbalik... sorry.. hehehe.. :D

Salamat sa pagbabasa..
Chapter 23
Chapter 23

"T-that's her?" Vernice asked with doubt.

Kahit sino naman kasi madududa kung makikita nila sa unang pagkakataon si Alonna.
Well, I already told her about how her face became different inside the car. Wala
siyang ginawa kung hindi ang makinig lang sa'kin. She asked one question about how
her face became different then after, she started to cry.

I only said that meeting her would be one way to comfort her and she was then eager
to meet her.

"Yes." I said while looking at Alonna who's currently sitting on the bench in our
garden. "I told you the whole story. Do you want to go talk to her?"

Tumango tango siya habang pinupunasan ang ilang luha sa kanyang mga pisngi.

"Let's go." I placed my hand on her back and guided her to Alonna.

Bago pa man kami makalapit ay iniwan ko muna si Vernice at ako muna ang lumapit kay
Alonna.

"Alonna." Tawag ko at agad siyang tumayo nang nakangiti.

"Kuya." Excited niyang sabi at tumakbo siya papalapit sakin bago ako bigyan ng
mahigpit na yakap. She looked up to me and released a sweet smile. "Na-miss kita,
kuya."

"Me t-too." I said while unwrapping her arms around me. Masyado kasing nakadiin ang
sarili niya sakin. Imagine how awkward you feel when your sister's breast was
pressed against you. Medyo nakakailang. "I got a surprise for you."

Tumingin ako kay Vernice at sinensyasan na lumapit. Alonna was just staring at her
confused. Hindi naman iniwas ni Vernice ang naluluha niyang paningin kay Alonna
habang lumalapit siya. I slightly pushed Alonna to Vernice. Hindi na napigilan ni
Vernice ang sarili at mahigpit na niyakap si Alonna.

"Alonna, it's me. V-vernice." She said between sobs.

"V-Vernice?" tumango tango si Vernice habang nakayakap parin. Nawala ang pagkalito
ni Alonna at niyakap din ng mahigpit ang kaibigan. I saw her smile and I had the
need to leave them alone.
"I'll let you guys alone." Iniwan ko sila sa ganong posisyon at hinanap si Auntie.

Matapos kong kausapin si Auntie Therese at Uncle Ben ay pumunta ako sa kwarto ko.
Naligo at nag-ayos na muna ako bago ko maisipang bumaba para kumain. Pagbaba ko sa
hagdan ay nakita ko pa si Vernice na papalabas.

I called her but it's like she didn't hear me. She got that serious look on her
face at parang malalim ang iniisip dahil nakatulala siya habang naglalakad.
Nagmadali akong pumunta sa kanya at hinawakan siya sa braso.

"Vernice, are you going home?" nagulat siya sa ginawa ko at napasinghap pa. Anong
nangyari sa kanya.

"A-ah, yes. I need to go." Nagmamadali niyang sabi pero pinigilan ko ulit siya.

"You don't have a car. Let me drive you home." Alok ko pero umiling iling lang
siya. Hindi ko talaga maalis sa isip ko kung bakit ganito ang inaasal niya.

"No!" sabi niya. "I'll just go get a cab."

"Did something happen? You two got along, right?" I asked concern. Hindi siya
sumagot at nag-iwas ng tingin na nagpakunot ng noo ko. Tumingi muna siya saglit
sakit at mukang may gusto siyang sabihin.

"It's about her." She whispered.

"Who? Alonna?" she gave me a slight nod. "What about her?" I asked eager to know
what she's about to say. She sighed first and started fidgeting and I could see
that she's really nervous.

"S-she's not-"

"Vernice!" hindi na natuloy ang sinasabi niya dahil biglang dumating si Alonna.
"You just disappeared. Are you gonna go home? But I haven't shown you my room."
Masayang sabi ni Alonna at hinawakan pa ang kamay ni Vernice at hinila pero hinila
ito pabalik ni Vernice.

"I can't. I need to go finish some work." Pagtanggi niya.

Alonna frowned and looked at her while Vernice immediately averted her gaze not
wanting to make eye contact.

"Alonna. I think she needs to go. Sa ibang araw nalang kayo ulit mag-usap." Singit
ko. I didn't know why I did that but I felt like Vernice needed to be saved from
this situation. Meron pa namang susunod na mga araw na pwede silang magkita at mag-
usap ng matagal at baka nga may trabaho pa si Vernice. Sa nakita ko kanina, she's
working for a strict businesswoman that won't tolerate mistakes.

"No." madiin na sabi ni Alonna. I was a bit shock on how cold and serious her voice
came out before smiling widely at Vernice's direction. "Because she needs to see my
room."

She said excited and grabbed Vernice's hand to pull her away. Tumingin pa sakin si
Vernice habang hinihila siya ng kapatid ko palayo. She gave me a look and I could
see in her eyes that she didn't want to go. Pipigilan ko sana si Alonna pero may
tumawag sakin.

"Aiden." Tumingin ako saglit kay Auntie bago tumingin kay Vernice at Alonna na
mabilis nawala sa hagdanan. "The maids already prepared your food, c'mon. We also
need to talk about our dinner with Azel."

I nodded and followed Aunt Therese. Napailing nalang ako at napangiti sa sarili ko.
Bakit ko naman iisipin na may mangyayaring masama kay Vernice. I'm so dumb to think
that. They're friends who missed each other. Wala akong karapatang makialam sa
bonding moment nila and I'm sure as hell that I'll fvcked up pag nakialam ako.

Let them have their time Aiden! I said to myself.

By the time na natapos akong kumain, nalaman kong nakaalis na pala si Vernice mula
sa mga maids. See, she's okay.

Napangiti ako at dumiretso sa kwarto ni Alonna. I knocked before opening that door
and found her seriously looking at herself in the mirror. Ngumiti ito ng makita ako
at agad ulit akong niyakap.

"Kuya, thanks for bringing her here."

"Nag-usap ba kayo?" Inakbayan ko siya at naupo kami sa gilid ng kama. She nodded.
"tungkol san?"

"I don't think she likes me anymore." Malungkot niyang sabi. Napatingin naman ako
sa mga labi niyang nakanguso habang nakatingin siya sa sahig. I cleared my throat
to bring my senses back when I noticed that I was looking too long.

"Why?"

"Because...sabi niya iba na ko. Na hindi na ko si Alonna na kaibigan niya."

malungkot siyang tumingin sakin. "Nagbago ang mukha ko ...but I'm still Alonna,
right Kuya?"

"Ano bang sinabi niya sa'yo?" I asked at nagsimula na siyang maluha.

"She said mean things about me." She sniffed "Sabi niya hindi na niya ko kaibigan."

Inakbayan ko siya at nilapit sakin para yakapin. Talaga bang magagawa ni Vernice na
pagsalitaan siya ng ganon. I thought she was kind and a true friend but seeing my
sister cry because of what she said, it made me wanna confront her.

Pero ano nga bang alam ko tungkol sa kanya. Wala kaya siguro, sa itsura lang niya
ang pagiging mabait.

"Don't worry, princess. I'll never let her see you again."

Nakakalungkot lang isipin na ang kaisa isang kaibigan ng kapatid ko at tinalikuran

siya dahil hindi stable ang lagay niya. Anong klaseng kaibigan si Vernice? I will
never let her or anyone fvcking hurt my sister.

"Thanks, Kuya." She whispered and hugged me tight.

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

Third Person POV

Hinila siya nito paakyat ng hagdan hanggang sa makarating sa kwarto ng kaibigan.

Ayaw niyang sumama pero pinilit siya nito. Kung hindi lang siya kinausap ni Aiden
kanina, nakasakay na sana siya ng taxi palayo sa kanya. Palayo kay Alonna.

She felt something odd about her when they were talking in the garden. She just
shrugged it off dahil iniisip niyang may pinagdadaanan ang kaibigan. Nagbago ang
lahat kay Alonna. She didn't care about her new face but when they telling and
asking about the past, she felt different.

Hindi niya inaasahang makumpirna ito nang yakapin niya muli ito kanina. Alonna
released her wrist and she was left standing near the door. May kinuha si Alonna sa
cabinet niya na isang malaking libro. Isang photo album.

"C'mon. let's look at the past with these." Kinuha niya muli ang kamay nito pero
mabilis na hinila ni Vernice ito pabalik.

"W-who are you?" nag-aalangan niyang tanong.

"What are you saying Vernice? It's me, Alonna." She said trying to convince her.
"Come here."

Nakangiti si Alonna habang tinatapik tapik ang uupuan ni Vernice. Naiinis na siya
sa babaing ito pero nagtitimpi siya at nagpatuloy sa pag-arte. She wasn't expecting
that Aiden would bring her here. The truth was, she didn't know her. Alam niya na
siya lang ang nag-iisang kaibigan ng tunay na Alonna pero hindi niya ito kilala sa
mukha.

Her meeting Vernice was unplanned and she needed to fix this. Naiinis din siya sa
tunay na Alonna. Kung sinunod niya lang sana ang sinabi nitong hwag nang gawing
sekretarya itong si Vernice, hindi siguro siya nasa ganitong sitwasyon. Sa
sitwasyon na kailangan niyang linisin ang mga kalat na tinatapon ng kasamahan.

She noticed that Vernice didn't want to obey her and she was so close to strangling
her.

"Who are you?" madiin niyan sabi. "You're not Alonna." Napangiti siya habang
tumitingin sa photo album. Halata naman kasing pinapatatag lang nito ung boses niya
habang nagtatanong.

She's as weak as her friend. She mentally mocked them.

Vernice was waiting for her answer but all she got was a smile from her.

"You are not her." Natigil si Alonna sa paglipat ng mga pahina. "Alonna has a scar
at the back of her neck. She got in an accident when they were bullying her at
school. Aiden said they only changed your face so it should still be there. I was
with her when it happened. I was the one who brought her in the clinic." Saglit
siyang tumigil at huminga ng malalim para pigilan ang luhang paparating dahil sa
pag-alala ng nakaraan. "Alonna a-always lets her hair down t-to cover it. I-it was
deep so it turned into a permanent scar. Who the hell are you? You are not my best
friend."

"Well." She shut the album and stood up. "Alonna never mentioned that."

Napasinghap si Vernice dahil tama ang akala niya. Bigla naman siyang nailang nang
magbago ang itsura ng babae sa harap niya. Ang palangiti nitong mukha ay nagbago at
naging seryoso pati ang mga mata nito ay naging blanko at lumamig pati ang boses
niya.

"A-Alonna? She's a-alive?" nanginginig niyang tanong.

"Of course she is."

"Where is she?" nagsusumamo ang mukha ni Vernice na nagtanong.

"Under my care." Malamig na sabi nito.

"We should tell Aiden about this." Mabilis siyang tumalikod at tinangkang buksan
ang pinto pero bago pa man siya makalapit ay may biglang humila sa braso niya
paatras at tinulak siya palayo sa pinto. "W-what are you d-doing?" nauutal at
kinakabahan niyang tanong.

Kinabahan siya dahil sa baril na nakatutok sa kanya. Lalong bumilis ang tibok ng
puso niya nang makita ang malamig at blangkong tingin nito sa kanya. May silencer
yung baril kaya hindi maingay pag pinaputol pero maliit na bahagi ng pag-iisip ni
Vernice ang nagsasabing hindi nito magagawang paputukin sa loob ng bahay.

Alonna locked the door without breaking any eye contact with Vernice. She mentally
smiled when she saw how scared and nervous this pathetic girl shivered in front of
her.

"They will know if you kill me here." Matapang na sabi ni Vernice.

"Will they?"

"Y-Yes." She gulped "So I suggest you tell me where my best friend is."

"Should I?" malamig na sabi niya.

Napaatras si Vernice nang humakbang palapit ito sa kanya. The girl walking towards
her really scares her. Masyadong malamig ang dating niya at walang emosyon ang mata
niya. She could see any emotions from her and she was afraid that this girl could
easily pull the trigger to end her life.

"What did you get yourself into, Vernice." She deadpanned that made Vernice
shivered in fear. "You should've kept your mouth shut. Now," she paused and smiled
a little. "you need to be disposed."

Her smile slowly faded while turning off the safety catch of the gun.

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

Please comment and vote... I need them.. Lol... :)

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Chapter 24
I unpublished this chapter for a while and publish it back. I changed something at
the last part. Pasensya na. Iba kasi ung mga pangalan na natype ko...

Dedicated to makihara.... Salamat sa magamdang message mo... Kahit silent reader ka

eh nagawa mong sabihin at mag message sa'kin.. Para sayo to.. Have a nice day to
you and to all the other readers of my works...

Thank you guys and Happy Holidays! :D

Chapter 24

Kristoff

"I can see you handling our business issues quite well, Kristoff. Impressive." My
dad suddenly said and I looked at him while eating my dinner. I could see how proud
he is his lips curved up into a contented smile.

Mahigit isang linggo na rin akong nakauwi sa'min at mahigit isang linggo ko naring
gustong bumalik ng Pilpinas. I didn't have any idea how the hell I survived away
from them. Gustung gusto ko nang makasama si Rainne at ang kambal pero masyadong
maraming trabaho sa opisina. I was trying my best to finish them quickly and my
dad's really impressed with my work.

We were eating dinner with my mom at home and my dad just opened a topic about
work. He was praising me and saying words that could really boost your self
confidence and my mom agreed to them but I didn't feel anything about those.
Ngumingiti ako pero ang atensyon ko ay wala don.

My attention was focused on them.

What are they doing now? Are they okay? Is Rainne taking care of the kids or even
looking at them?

Nag-alala ako dahil sa huling tanong sa utak ko. Sa pagitan nilang tatlo, ako ang
nagsisilbing dugtungan nila. Without me, baka hindi sila mag-usap usap o baka hindi
pansinin ni Rainne ung dalawa.

"What's the matter, Kristoff?" I was pulled out of my thoughts when mom spoke.

She was frowning and dad was also looking at me while he drinks.

"Nothing. Just some work." I swiftly lied with a smile. My father nodded and my
mom continued eating.

"I heard na nagpunta ka daw sa Pilipinas para sundan si Maureen." Nakangiting sabi
ni mama. Dad was also smiling in approval.

"Maganda yan. Mas mabuting magkalapit kayo bago ang kasal." My Dad said.

"I didn't go there for that." I said in a lower tone while continue to eat.

"What do you mean?" seryosong tanong ni mama. "Ano pa bang dahilan ng pagpunta mo
'don?" my mom awkwardly laughed like I just dump a good joke.

"Is it because of that girl?' my dad said in disgust na nagpakunot ng noo ko. Dad
didn't know what I feel for Rainne but I know that he's getting a hint. Alam niya
lagi akong nakabuntot kay Rainne kahit noon pa at hindi siya sang-ayon don. "Stay
away from her. You're getting married in less than half a year. Itapon mo yang
kabaliwan mo." Striktong utos niya.

Napahinto ako at napahawak ng mahigpit sa mga kubyertos. I wanted to shout at him

but I held respect for them. I think ito na ang tamang panahon para malaman nila
ang lahat. Para narin maging maayos ang lahat. Alam kong magkakagulo but I need to
take my chances. Mapapasakin na si Rainne nang tuluyan kapag natapos ito at
makakasama ko na ang mga bata.

"I don't want to marry Maureen." Seryosong seryoso ang boses ko. Nakatingin ako sa
reaksyon nila.

Mom was shocked and looking at dad with concern. Dad is beyond furious. Napatingin
siya sakin at nagtatangis ang mga bagang niya. He was also holding his glass tight
at sa tingin ko, mababasag ito maya maya lang.
"Kristoff, n-naguguluhan kalang. Take that back." Mom pleaded habang papalit palit
ang tingin samin ni dad but I held my ground. Panahon na para magsalita. I want
this sh!tty situation out of me.

"No, mom." I said. "Ayokong makasal sa kanya at alam niya 'yon." My mom frowned and
dad slammed his palm against the table that made a loud sound as he stood up.

"Tumigil ka, Kristoff. Magpapakasal ka and it's final." Galit na galit niyang sabi.

"Huminahon ka, James." Pagpapakalma ni mom

"No, I won't." diretso kong sabi. "I'm in love with someone else at siya lang ang
gusto kong pakasalan." I wanted to shout but that'll show disrespect for them.
Magulang ko sila at ayaw ko What I'm doing is not disrespecting them. I'm doing
this for me to have a stand on this whole damn situation.

Mom gasped and dad was breathing heavily. He was fuming with anger. Medyo
kinakabahan ako sa mga pangyayari pero kakayanin ko lahat. Handa na ko sa mga
mangyayari at sa kahihinatnan ng mga desisyon ko.

"Sino?" dad shouted. "Sa babaeng yon? Sa babaeng disgrasyada?" napakunot ang noo ko
at nakaramdam ng galit. "You will ruin our name by marrying that slut. I will not
allow it. Maureen is the best woman for you. No that disgusting whore."

Ayaw kong sabayan ang galit ni dad pero hindi ko kayang makarinig ng pang-iinsulto
kay Rainne. He doesn't know her like I do. Hindi niya alam at wala siyang alam kaya
wala siyang karapatang insultuhin siya ng ganyan.

"Stop insulting her." Tumayo ako para pantayan siya. "She's not like that. Kung
alam niyo lang ang pinagdaanan niya hindi niyo masasabi yan. Dad, mom I don't love
Maureen. I already told her that a couple of times and the one I love is the woman
you're insulting." Mom was beside dad holding his arm and dad was throwing deadly
stares at me. "I'm sorry pero hind talaga 'ko magpapakasal. I have an early flight
tomorrow. I'll leave." Hindi ko na tinapos ang pagkain ko at tumalikod na ko.

I stopped when dad shouted. "At san ka pupunta? Babalik ka sa babaeng 'yon? Kapag
umalis ka ngayon, I'll disown you and you will not get even a single cent from me."
Hinarap ko siya.

"If that's what it takes to have her." Nakita kong natigilan sila sa sinabi ko.
"Bye Dad, mom!" I smiled and turned my heels to leave.

"Kristoff, please." I heard my mom shouted but I continued walking and didn't pay
attention.

I rushed to get into my car. I was down and depressed but I was overshadowed by
excitement and joy. Excited na kong pumunta ng Pilipinas. I already booked a flight
beforehand and my flight's tonight. Hindi na ko makapaghintay na makita silang
tatlo. I was smiling while driving.

I took my phone out of my pocket and made an international call. Kinontak ko kaagad
si Rainne pero hindi siya sumasagot.

"Pick it up, Rainne." I eagerly said. Gustong gusto ko na siyang makausap.

Mababa ang chance na nsagutin niya ang phone kaya tinawagan ko nalang ung home
phone nila. I rang for several times before someone answered. It's was Linda, isa
sa mga katulong na nandon.
"Nandyan ba si Rainne, Linda?"

"Naku, Sir, kanina pa po umalis."

"Eh ang mga bata? Gusto ko silang makausap."

"Sandali lang po, Sir." Napangiti ako ang naghintay ng konti. Sakto namang kakapark
ko lang sa condo building na tinutuluyan ko nang marinig ko ang boses ni Nine.

"Hello?" napakunot ang noo ko nang marinig ang maungkot na boses ni Nine.

"Nine? What happened? Bakit malungkot ka?"

"Si Kuya Seven kasi." napuno ako ng pag-aalala sa sinabi niya at narinig siyang
humikbi.

"W-why? Nine, don't cry. What happened?" Hindi pa ko lumabas ng sasakyan dahil
gusto kong magfocus sa mga sasabihin niya. Ano kayang nangyari kay Seven?

"He's sick but he doesn't want to eat." Mahina niyang sabi. "He wanted mommy but
she won't see him."

"Don't worry baby, I'm coming home. Give the phone to Linda."

Pagkabgay niya ng telepono ay sinabihan ko agad si Linda na alagaan ng mabuti si

Seven. My instinct was right. I shouldn't have left them. Hindi na dapat ako umalis
para sa trabaho.

Nagmadali akong pumunta sa condo at kumuha ng mga gamit. Ni hindi ko na nga naayos
ang pagligpit dahil sa pagmamadali. I called my secretary and ordered to book me a
fastest flight to Philippines.

My mom kept calling at pinigilan ko ang sarili kong sagutin ito. I'm sorry mom but
I made my decisions.

Kahit anong mangyari, aalis at aalis parin ako. Alam kong kukumbinsihin nila akong
wag umalis at layuan si Rainne dahil nga may anak na ito sa pagkadalaga. Pero like
I said earlier, hindi niya alam ang pinagdaanan nia at ng mga bata. I'll protect
and take care of them, even from my parents.

--------

Masaya, kinakabahan, natatakot at nasasabik. Yan ang halu halong emosyon na

nararamdaman ni Azel. He was about to meet his first love today. Alonna. Sa wakas
ay makikita niya na ito. Laking tuwa niya ng tawagan siya ni Aiden para sabihing
magdidinner sila sa labas para makita niya na si Alonna. Hindi siya mapakali at
kanina pa papalit palit ng damit until he settled to wear a button up light blue
polo shirt under a black business coat. He should be sad because of his breakup
with Liza pero kabaliktaran ang nararamdaman niya. Lahat ng nangyari sa hiwalayan
nila ay parang nakalimutan niya na. He was thinking that it was a blessing in
disguise since he received the call from Aiden after that scene.

Medyo nalungkot din siya dahil alam niyang nakasakit siya ng isang mabuting tao but
he doesn't want to think about it anymore. Riza broke up with him. Inamin niya na
kung sino si Alonna sa buhay niya. Sinabi niya lahat lahat at talagang nagulat ito
sa mga sinabi.

She made him choose between her and Alonna and clearly, he has chosen Alonna. He
prepared himself for a slap but instead, she gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek
that made him felt a bit of guilt. She said her final goodbye and walked out of his
apartment.

Ngayon ay ramdam niya ang panginginig ng mga kamay niya dahil sa kaba. This is it.
This is fvcing is it!

Mabilis siyang naglakad papasok ng reso-hotel at dumiretso sa isang VIP room. He

took an deep breath before knocking and was greeted with Aiden.

"Bro!" They were both smiling widely and engulf each other with a man hug.

Hinanap agad ng paningin niya si Alonna at bumagsak ang paningin niya sa isang
babaeng nakayuko sa tabi ni Aunt Therese. She was wearing a lavender spaghetti
dress and her hair was freely flowing down her back.

Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya at nanatiling nakatingin sa babae. Naputol
lang ang tingin niya nang tawagin siya ni Uncle Ben.

"How are you, Aiden?" Tanong ni Uncle Ben.

"I'm okay Uncle. How are you Auntie Therese?" She smiled and Azel gave him a kiss
on her cheek.

Masaya si Aiden na makita ang kaibigan ulit. Tumingin siya sa kapatid na kataka
takang nanatiling tahimik at nakayuko. Was this a good idea?

He was concerned for what might happen. Would she react bad? Ngayong ganyan ang
pinapakita ng kanyang kapatid, hindi niya maiwasang mag-alala. He was expecting her
to smile a bit and flashed an excited smile but she didn't.

Umupo na ang lahat at naghintay ng makakain. Everybody was smiling except for
Alonna. Alonna on the other hand was planning something special and...wicked.
Behind her being quiet was a thought that'll give everybody a shock of their life.
Everybody was in place and things are on the right time and place.

Pinagkiskis muna ni Azel ang mga kamay dahil sa panlalamig nito. Hindi niya inalis
ang paningin niya kay Alonna habang umuupo sa harap niya.

"Alonna, remember him? He's Azel." Malambing ng sabi ni Therese.

Parang nagulat si Alonna nang tumingin sa kanya. Napakunot ang noo ni Azel nang
magkatinginan sila saglit. He was confused. Confused with the fact that his heart
beats normally. Nothing especial.

Parang lang dalawang taong magkakilala na matagal nang hindi nagkita. Hindi siya
nakaramdam ng pananabik para sa babaeng nasa harap niya. He couldn't feel love for
this girl. What happened?

Walang ganong nagsalita sa kanila hanngang sa dumating ang pagkain. Azell wanted to
confirm his emotions and tried to start a conversation with her. Nakatingin lang
ang ibang mga kasama nila sa pagitan nilang dalawa. Aiden was observing and
assessing the situation while Therese and Ben were happy to see that everything was
going smoothly...or they just thought.

When Aiden made a move and touched Alonna's hand. Her body begun to trembled and
shook in unnatural way.

"A-Alonna? What happened?" Agad itong napansin ni Aiden na kanina pa nakatingin sa

kanya.
Nagsimulang humagulgol si Alonna at niyakap naman ito ni Aiden. Sobrang natataranta
at nag-aalala si therese sa nangyayari sa pamangkin. She was having a panic attack
from seeing Azel. Biglang napatingin si Alonna kay Azel. Ramdam at kita ni Azel ang
takot sa mga mata ni Alonna na lalong ikinalungkot niya.

I did this to her? Hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya sa sarili. Wala siyang ginawa
kung hindi tingnan ang ito habang inaalo siya ng mga kapamilya.

Alonna suddenly screamed and wiggle inside Aiden's embrace.

"GET HIM AWAY FROM ME. HE'S GONNA HURT ME. SOMEBODY HELP!" she kept on shouting.

"Azel, you need to go." Sabi ni Ben nang makalapit kay Azel na hindi parin
makagalaw sa pagkakatayo.

He was supposed to take his leave when Alonna pushed Aiden hard that freed her from
his embrace. Bigla itong tumakbo palabas ng kwarto habang ung iba naman ay patuloy
na sinisigaw ang pangalan ni Alonna.

Alonna kept on running as they chased and shouted her name. Napangiti naman si
Alonna nang makita sa lobby ang taong inaasahan niya. Here she comes! She wickedly
thought.

"HELP ME, PLEASE!" tumakbo siya patungo sa babeng napalingon sa direksyon niya.
Halos lahat ng tao sa lobby ay napatingin sa kanya. Inuusisa ang kaguluhang
nangyayare.

Alonna knew that the lady was shocked. Seeing her coming near her on a flesh but
the lady immediately hid that behind her cold and blank face.

Rainne hasn't finished her meeting with a business partner when Vernice whispered
her something. Sinabi ni Vernice na nagkaroon daw ng problema sa opisina. One of
the files was missing and it was due to be submitted earlier today. Naiinis man si
Rainne ay tinapos niya na ang kasalukuyang meeting para pumunta sa opisina.

Naglalakad sila sa lobby nang may biglang sumigaw at humingi ng tulong. Hindi niya
sana ito papansinin pero nang marinig nito ang boses na 'yon, bigla siyang
natigilan at lumingon.

She was there, running towards her. Nagulat siya pero agad niya itong itinago at
pinanatiling blangko ang tingin.

Mas lalo siyang nagulat nang bigla siya nitong yakapin ng mahigpit at nagsimulang
umiyak sa balikat niya. She was crying and Rainne knew she was faking it. Napaismid
siya at narinig niya ang mahinang pagtawa ni Alonna. Rainne became stiffed and
shocked when she heard Alonna's words.

"Happy birthday." Rainne's heart suddenly beat so fast and tensed. "An early
reunion as a gift."

Hindi niya pinakita ang kaba at nerbyos niya sa mga taong isa isang lumalapit sa
kanya. Rainne knew them very well. Napahinto sila sa tapat niya habang yakap yakap
parin siya ni Alonna na nagsimula na namang humagulgol.

Aiden couldn't believe that Rainne was standing in of them with Vernice while
Alonna hugs her. Azel remained standing and quiet. Azel kept on looking from Alonna
and Rainne. Isa isa silang tinignan ni Rainne at nang magtama ang paningin nila ni
Azel, biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ng binata. Bakit ganon? He asked himself.
"Alonna, princess, calm down, please." Therese pleaded while slowly coming closer
to Alonna.

Rainne became tensed when she saw Therese coming nearer. That was her aunt with her
brother and uncle and Aiden. That was her family, not anymore.

Biglang napuno ng galit ang buong pagkatao ni Rainne at marahas na tinulak si

Alonna na agad na napaupo sa sahig. Agad na nilapitan ni Therese at Ben ang umiiyak
na si Alonna at pinakalma. Rainne looked at them with disgust and anger.

"I'm sorry for my sisters behavior buy you didn't have to push her." Madiin na sabi
ni Aiden bago lumapit sa kapatid na kasalukuyang tinatayo ni Therese at Ben.

Rainne kept on looking at them with uncaring eyes while Azel's eyes were on her.
Biglang may pumatak na ilang mga luha sa mata ni Rainne habang nakatingin sa
kanila. She immediately wiped them away before turning her heels and left.

Hindi nakaligtas sa paningin ni Azel ang mga luhang 'yon. That was the first time
he saw her shed tears. The first time that the so called Ice Queen shed cold tears
from her grey, cold and blank eyes. Pero bakit?

Naguguluhan talaga siya sa mga pangyayari pero ang ikinagugulo niya ay ang
nararamdaman niya. The big question for him now is why are the feelings that he
expected to feel for Alonna, he felt them on Rainne.

Chapter 25
SPG ALERT!!! SPG ALERT!!!!

Chapter 25

Kristoff

Ginawa ko ang lahat para mapabilis ang byahe ko pabalik ng Pilipinas pero inabot
parin ako ng gabi na kinabukasan. At last, I'm back and I won't be leaving them
for good.

Nakiusap ako sa taxi driver na billisan ang pagmamaneho dahil nag-aalala na talaga
ako kay Seven. Pag nilagnat pa naman 'yon ay nawawalan ng gana sa pagkain. He won't
eat until I pushed him to eat o kaya may sinusuhol ako sa kanya. Now that I
remembered what Nine told me, he was asking for his mother but Rainne won't even
want to see him.

Ano bang nagyayari sa'yo Rainne?

That's her son. Ganon na lang ba ang pagkaayaw niya sa mga bata at pagkagalit niya
sa ama ng kambal para hindi ito pansinin. I couldn't believe that Rainne could keep
on ignoring them especially in Seven's condition.

I didn't fcking know what to do to make them closer. Lahat nang sa tingin ko ay
makakatulong sa kanila ay nagawa ko na pero parang wala akong progress. But I won't
give up on them. I care so much about them just to give up and I even disobey my
parent for them. Ako na lumaking sumusunod sa lahat ng sinabi ng mga magulang ko ay
naglakas ng loob at nagawang talikuran sila. I will never leave and give up on
them.

"Sa tabi nalang po." I said and handled him cash.

Nagmadali akong lumabas bitbit ang isang maleta ko. Bibili nalang ako dito ng mga
kailangan ko pag maayos na ang lahat. Ilang beses akong nagdoor bell. It's almost
1am and I think that everybody's asleep right now. I didn't want to wake and
disturb them but I fcking needed to go there right now at wala nakong oras para
pumunta sa condo ko. I know dad's expecting me to stay there but I planned on
staying here with the kids.

Nagdoor bell ulit ako at maya maya'y may sumilip na guard mula sa malaking gate
nila. Namukaan niya agad ako at pinagbuksan ng pinto.

"Thanks, Rodel." Hindi ko na hinintay na batiin niya ko dahil nagmadali na kong

pumasok sa loob ng bahay. Mukang tinawagan muna ni Rodel ung isang katulong dahil
saktong bumukas ung pinto nang makalapit ako.

I said my thanks and smiled at Aling Mila. Nagdirediretso agad ako sa kwarto ng mga
bata dala ang maleta ko. I guess Mila went to her room and continued her slumber
since she looked like a zombie walking when I saw her.

I turned right and was near the kids' room when I stopped on my tracks. I couldn't
believe what I saw. It was Rainne.

May dala siyang medyo malaking bowl na sa tingin ko ay may lamang tubig at bimpo.
She looked exhausted and tired. She was slowly and carefully closing the door and I
immediately hid myself when she was about to turn to my direction.

Mabilis akong bumaba ulit ng hagdan at nagtago sa gilid ng malaking hagdan. I

watched her disappeared as she walked to the direction of the kitchen then I went
upstairs and go straight to the kids' room.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ay nakita ko ang dalawang batang mahimbing ng natutulog. They

were tucked neatly between their own sheets. Hinaplos ko muna ang buhok ni Nine at
hinalikan siya sa noo bago lumapit kay Seven.

Mainit siya pero hindi naman ganon kataas. I smiled when I remembered Rainne. She
was taking care of Seven. Kitang kita naman base sa mga dala niya kanina ang ginawa
niya. I know that she was trying to hide the fact the she do loves her children.
What kind of mother doesn't?

Ayaw niyang malaman ng iba kaya ganitong oras na siya pumunta. Given the fact that
work kept her late every night, nagpunta pa siya kay Seven para lang tignan ang
kalagayan niya. She cares! She definitely cares!

Hinalikan ko muna si Seven sa noo at pumunta sa kwartong tinutulugan ko dito.

Inilapag ko lang ung maleta at bumaba para pumunta sa kusina. I kept the noise down
and saw her there.

She was leaning on the kitchen sink, her back facing me while drinking water. Tapos
na siyang uminom pero nanatili parin siya sa ganong posisyon. I crossed my arms and
watch her. She sighed deeply that shows that she's really tired.

Pinagmasdan ko ang maganda niyang likod. She was just wearing her silk lavender
robe and I know that underneath that thin silk was her matching lingerie. I love
looking at her like this. Napangiti ako habang tinitignan niya. I really love this
woman and I don't know what to do if lose her. I will be a total wreck and my life
will be worthless without her and her kids beside me.

She was so sexy and I wanted to touch every part of her. Kinuha niya ung pitsel ng
tubig at inilagay sa ref. I snuck up on her and when she turned around, I saw her
got shocked by my presence but of course, the Ice Queen immediately made a stern
and blank face.

"What are you doing here?" she asked coldly. I just kept looking at her beautiful
face with her hair loose down. I could see her haggard face but that didn't take
off the fact that she looked like an angel. Tinangka niyang umalis nang hindi siya
nakakuha sakin ng sagot pero hinawakan ko agad ang bewang niya para pigilan siya. I
stepped closer to close the gap between us and buried my face on her neck.

She was pushing me a bit but I didn't budge. I fcking miss her so much and I just
wanted to be with her not just this time but for the rest of my life.

"I missed you." I whispered between kisses. I kissed her neck down to her collar
bone. I placed small kisses where her neck meets her shoulder and nibbled it.

"I'm tired." She said. Tumigil ako sa paghalik sa kanya at nakangiting tinignan
siya.

"I saw you in front of the kids' room." Agad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin at
tinangkang kumalas sakin pero hinigpitan ko ang kapit ko sa kanya at lalo pa siyang
hinapit sa'kin. Now, her body was pressed to mine and I could feel the heat from
her.

"That's nothing."

"It's something, Rainne." Hinawakan ko ang baba niya at hinarap sa'kin. "You love
them and you don't need to hide that from me or from them. Show thwm like they way
I'm always showing my love for you."

Tinignan ko siya ng puno ng pagmamahal at inilapit ang mukha ko sa mukha niya. The
time that our lips touched made me feel all the longing for her. I missed her so
damn much that I felt like I was the luckiest guy in the world with the slow and
passionate kiss that we're engaged in.

Ibinuhos ko lahat ng pagmamahal at pananabik ko sa kanya sa halik namin. The kiss

was intense and full of need. We shared a long and torrid kiss that left us both
panting when I pulled away. Dinampian ko ng halik ang kaliwang pisngi niya at panga
hanggang sa bumaba ito sa leeg at balikat niya.

She moved her left hand up and let her fingers got tangled with my hair while her
right hand was caressing my shoulders down to my left arm. Humakbang ako hanggang
sa mapasandal siya sa ref at binalik ang paghalik sa labi niya.

She was giving me the same intensity on the kiss. I know she's tired and I wanted
her to rest but I couldn't stop myself on longing for her. I want her! I need her
right now!

Mas lalo akong nag-init at naging mapusok nang naglakbay ang kanang kamay niya sa
loob ng T-shirt ko. I moaned as out tongues battled while she roams her soft hand
on my chest and stomach. I brushed my crotch, with my obviously excited member on
her core that made her took a deep breath.

Mabilis kong tinanggal ang buhok ng robe niya at tinaggal ito. I never wanted us to
be apart even a bit so I pulled her closer if it's even possible, and kissed her
lips for a moment before I let myself be drowned on her mountains. Hinila ko pababa
ang strap ng damit niya at nakarinig ako ng tunog na napunit. I think I ruined this
sexy lingerie.

Inangat ko siya at agad niyang ipinulupot ang mahahaba niyang hita sa bewang ko. I
just hope that everyone else was asleep 'cause I didn't have the urge to bring this
action to a room.

I sucked, licked and nibbled her right n1pple while my hand played with the other.
My confidence boosted up when I heard her moan. Mahina lang ito pero parang mas
lalo pa kong ginanahan dahil don. We were both panting and our fast heartbeats were
synching.

"Rainne... Rainne.. Fvck, I want you." hinihingal kong sabi habang patuloy parin
ang pagbibigay ng atensyon sa malulusog niyang dibdib. I looked at her eye to eye.
Inipit ko ang buhok niyang humaharang sa mukha niya sa likod ng tenga niya. I could
see in her eyes something I was having a hard time to discover but I knew that it's
good.

Medyo nagulat ako nang tumalon siya pababa at mabilis niyang inangat ang laylayan
ng T-shirt ko at tinanggal ito sakin. Then she cupped my cheeks and gave me the
most addicting kiss I've ever tasted. She changed our position and pushed me
against the fridge.

I couldn't help but to groan in pleasure while we kiss when she started grinding
her hips against mine. My hands were now on her butt cheeks caressing and holding
them tightly to bring us closer. She was working fast that I didn't even realized
that she already unbuttoned my pants.

She pulled my excited member and gripped it a bit. Napahiwalay ako sa halik namin
at napapikit. She was pulling it up and down while she trail hot kissed on my neck,
shoulders and chest. In our past intercourse, I let her dominate me but not this
time.

Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at pinulupot sa leeg ko. We were again engaged in a tongue
battled when I changed back our position. Tinaas ko ang kaliwang binti niya habang
ang kaliwang kamay ko ay dumiretso sa gitna ng mga hita niya.

I was touching her with her panties on, earning a sweet moan from her. Ipinasok ko
ang kamay ko sa panty niya at nilaro ang pagkababae niya. She was already wet and I
wanted her wetter.

Napayakap siya ng mahigpit sakin nang ipasok ko ang hintuturo ko kasunod ng gitnang
daliri.

"K-Kris-toff." Rinig na rinig ko ang malakas niyang paghinga habang nilalabas masok
ko ang mga daliri ko sa kanya. I was giving her marks on her neck while I pushed in
and out of her core.

Napaliyad siya and I felt her trembled before her release. I put her down and
kissed her as I pulled my wallet out in my back pocket to fished a familiar foil.
Lagi akong may dalang ganito sa wallet ko. Don't wanna break her first rule!

Humiwalay ulit ako saglit at mabilis na sinuot ung condom but then I remembered her
second rule, She's always on top!

I kissed her and held her left leg up again. "I'm not gonna break your second rule
with this position, right?" She didn't answer me but instead, she pulled me for
another deep kiss. Napangiti ako dahil alam kong hinahayaan niya ko.

Without second thought, I pushed myself inside of her.

I thrust and it became harder and deeper in every succeeding thrust. She was
hugging me tight until she grabbed the fridge's upper handle because I kept on
rocking her hard. I was grunting and she's moaning with pleasures. Bawat pag-indayo
namin ay puno ng pananabik. Lahat ng paghihirap at tagal ng paghihintay ko para
lang makasama siya at nagbunga. She leaned her body up and I felt her release first
then I followed.

Binaba ko siya at binigyan muna ng isang halik bago ko pulutin ang robe niya at
sinuot sa kanya. She was tired and now she's about to fall to the ground cause of
exhaustion. Pareho kaming hinihingal pero mas kita ang kapaguran sa kanya.

Inayos ko muna ang sarili ko at sinuot ang T-shirt ko bago ko iangat ang panty niya
at agad siyang kinarga. I was carrying her bridal style until we reached her room.

Inihiga ko siya at tinaggal ang robe niya bago ako pumasok sa banyo. I disposed the
rubber and I found her already snuggled to bed. I took off my jeans and shirt
leaving me with my underwear as I lay beside her. I wrapped my arms around her
waist and moved closer.

"I love you." bulong ko matapos siya halikan sa noo. Napangiti ako ng mas lalo
siyang lumapit sakin at nilagay ang mukha sa leeg ko. I didn't know if she was
conscious when doing this but it made me the happiest man alive.

Nagising ako at napangiti nang makita ang magandang mukha ni Rainne sa tabi ko.
This is what I wanted in everyday of my life. Ang magising na katabi siya hindi
lang ngayong umaga kung hindi pati sa mga susunod pang mga araw.

I gave her a chaste kiss on her soft, cherry lips before I wore my pants and went
to my room. Naligo muna bago puntahan ang mga bata.

Agad akong nag-alala nang makitang umiiyak si Nine sa harap ni Seven.

"Nine, baby? Why?" Nagulat pa siya bigla pero nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak.

Pinantayan ko siya at niyakap siya. Tumingin ako sa nakatalukbong na si Seven

habang hinahaplos ang likod ni Nine.

"Seven don't want to talk to me. H-he said he w-wants only mommy." Pinunasan ko ang
mga luha niya at nginitian siya bago ko ibaling ang atensyon kay Seven.

"Seven, it's me. Si Tito Kristoff."

"I want my mommy." Mahina niyang sabi habang nakatalukbong parin.

"Okay. Gusto mo bang kasabay kumain si mommy mo ng breakfast?" I said softly.

Ibinaba niya ung kumot niya pero hanggang bibig baba ng ilong lang. I frowned when
I saw him almost cry. This kid is really depressed. Dahan dahan siyang tumango na
nagpangiti sa'kin.

"Why does mommy hates us?" I looked at Nine and then back to Seven.

It's sad to think that these kids were thinking something like that.

"Your mom doesn't hate you. Let me tell you a secret but promise me that will keep
it a secret between us three, okay" hinila ko ang kamay ni Nine palapit at
ipinulupot ang braso ko sa kanya. Si Seven naman ay nakaupo na at mukang wala na
siyang sakit. Tumango tango sila. "Alam niyo ba kung bakit wala nang sakit Seven?"

"Because he drunk his medicines." Agad na sagot ni Nine.

"No." Nine pouted and I caressed her hair before turning to Seven. "Because your
mom took care of you last night. She was the one who wiped hot towel on your face
and forehead."

"But I didn't see her." Nagtatakang tanong ni Seven.

"You guys were both sleeping but I saw her came out of your room last night with a
towel and a bowl of water." Nine was tilted her head on the side while Seven was
looking at me with sparks of joy in his eyes.

"I saw mommy last night." Napabaling ako kay Nine. "Akala ko po dream lang 'yon.
Ki-niss niya si Seven dito." Tapos hinawakan niya ung noo niya. "Tapos may nag-kiss
din sa cheeks ko."

"Really?"

"Opo."

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya pero napangiti rin agad ako dahil sa nalaman kong ginawa
ni Rainne. That was one of her own act to show how she loves her kids so much. That
she's not an Ice Queen after all.

"See? Your mom doesn't hate you. You're her kids, her angles. She just so shy to
show you but I know that she loves you both so much. Kaya 'wag kayong maingay na
sinabi ko ung secret niya ha?" sabi ko at pareho silang ngumiti.

I both gave them a kiss on the forehead then carry Nine before giving Seven my
other hand. "C'mon, let's make mommy some breakfast."

Mabilis na bumaba sa kama si Seven at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "Are you going to
leave us again, Tito?" tanong niya.

"No. I'll never gonna do that again, promise." And I never plan on breaking that
promise.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Chapter 26
Chapter 26

Azel

That dinner night was supposed to be the most eventful and exciting of my life.
Instead, it was a disaster and confusing. Disaster dahil sa nangyari kay Alonna.
Lahat nataranta at nag-alala sa kanya. I was stuck and was just staring at them
while they comfort Alonna. Gusto kong tumulong pero ang sira ko lang dahil nanatili
lang akong nakatayo at walang silbi.

When I was about to help her, Uncle Ben told me to just go home. Alam kong iyon ang
mas makakabuti kaya nga umalis na rin ako. Isang malaking eskandalo ang nangyari
dahil narin sa nangyari ito sa mismong lobby ng hotel at ang mas malala pa, sabit
don ang pangalan ni Rainne.

Something was very confusing. Something inside me. Ang akala ko ay mararamdaman ko
ung dating naramdaman ko kay Alonna. The times when I was thrilled just to see her
reading my messages and treats I secretly placed in her locker. The times when
always sees her smile while reading them that made my heart skips its beat and the
feeling like I was too pass out. Sh1t! I just realized how girlish that sounds!

But anyways, yon ang mga inaasahan kong maramdaman kaya nga excited ako pero walang
nangyari. It's like meeting an old friend. Yung tipong sa sobrang tagal niyo nang
di nagkita, nagiging awkward na ung feeling sa pagitan niyo then you'll try so hard
to make the connection better. Yun lang yun at wala na.

But why? She was my first love of course pero possible bang magbago ang nararamdam
ko sa kanya. No sh1t Sherlock, it just happened?

Did I...fall out of love?

And the worst confusing of all's that when Rainne showed up and shed tears. Nakita
ko yon! Pilit niya mang ilihis ang mukha niya para hindi makita, hindi 'yon
nakalagpas sa paningin ko. The moment I saw that significant moment, my heart skips
its beat and I think I was about to passed out. I wanted to go near her but I was
too overwhelmed by the whole situation. By Alonna, by Rainne and with my baffled
feelings and I'm very sure that those feelings what the things I was supposed to
feel to the girl who screamed when I tried to touch her.

Alonna's family was very protective to her, especially Aiden. Hindi ko alam kung
naguilty lang talaga siya o sobrang mahal niya ang kapatid niya pero sa nakita ko,
siya ang mas nag-alala at umalo kay Alonna bago ako umalis at ngayon, gusto niya
kong makausap tungkol sa nangyari. He called me days after because he wanted to
meet and talk to me.

Siyempre umokay ako. Bakit naman hindi kaso hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin niya
sakin. We decided to meet at a coffee shop, a quiet and a bit secluded coffee shop.
Lumabas kasi sa media ang nangyari kaya medyo maingat si Aiden. Sangkot din naman
ang pangalan ni Rainne pero mukha siyang walang pakialam. Parang nagpiyepyesta nga
ang mga media dahil sangkot ang dalawang maimpluwensyang pangalan.

Pumasok ako sa coffee shop at agad na nakita si Aiden. Dumiretso nako at agad na
umupo.

"Anong pag-uusapan natin, dude?" agad kong tanong at ibinaba ni Aiden ang basong
iniimuman niya at tumawag ng waiter.

"Masyado ka namang nagmamadali." He smiled."Do you have a meeting? Alam kong ayaw
mong naka business suit. Must be important, eh?" he said amused at tumingin naman
ako sa suot kong complete business suit. White shirt, slacks, black shoes and neck
tie. Sakto namang dumating ung waiter at napailing nalang ako.

Alam niyang ayaw kong nagsusuot ng sobrang pormal na damit maliban lamang kung
kailangan talaga gaya ngayon.

"Oo. I have an important meeting. Pinakiusapan ako ng kapatid ko at ni dad na

umattend ng meeting dahil may business na mahalaga di silang meeting abroad. I'm a
proxy and you won't believe kung saan." Napakunot ang noo niya at tumingin sakin.
"Sa R&A Envision, bro. Rainne's company." Biglang umitim ang aura niya at nagblanko
ang mukha nang marinig ang pangalan ni Rainne. I bet that he hadn't forgotten the
scene where Rainne pushed Alonna hard.
"Your family's connected to her too?" malamig niyang tanong.

"Oo at nagulat nga din ako eh. Dad and Axel bought shares a couple of years ago and
Rainne wanted all the share holders to hear this quarter's sales report. Hindi sana
'ko papayag pero nakiusap narin si mom so, my hands got tied up."

Dumating ang light breakfast na inorder namin at nanatiling tahimik parin si Aiden

"Kung pwede lang sanang magback-out sa partnership namin, I already did that but
the penalties too damn high and we could lose a bit amount of cash. Hindi ko parin
nakakalimutan ung ginawa niya nung dinner." Tiim bagang niyang sabi.

I signed and placed syrup on my pancakes. "Why did you call me again?" sabi ko
habang ngumunguya at uminom naman siya ng kape.

"It's about you and Alonna." Hindi na ko nagulat sa sinabi niya. Alam ko namang yun
ang pag-uusapan namin pero hindi ko alam kung tungkol san specifically. "Hindi na
namin ibabalik ung engagement niyo."

Napahinto ako sa paghiwa ng pancakes at napatingin sa kanya. Hindi ko alam ang

sasabihin ko. ni hindi ko nga alam ang mararamdaman ko. Dati, gustung gusto kong
makasal sa kanya and I really wanted to fix our engagement pero nung makita ko
siya, nawala na sa isip ko yon.

"Bakit?" I asked and he sighed.

"Napansin naming hindi makakabuti kay Alonna kung may trauma siya sa sarili niyang
mapapangasawa. She hasn't fully recovered and we just want her to be well."

"Ang you wanted me to stay as far away as possible." He said yes and I scowled.

"Kung talagang concern ka sa kanya, lalayuan mo siya." Napahawak ang hawak ko sa

kubyertos at nakaramdam ako ng inis. This situation is quite familiar. I smiled
sarcastically and he looked at him.

"Like what you wanted back in college." Napakunot ang noo niya. "Ganito rin ang
approach mo noon sa'kin. You said that if I valued our friendship, lalayuan ko si
Alonna at kalimutan kung anu mang nararamdaman ko sa kanya. You also said bros
before hoes. Hindi mo lang gustong layuan ko siya, gusto mo ring pahirapan ko siya.
Para kong tangang sumunod sayo dahil ang sabi mo, mas mahalaga ang pagkakaibigan
natin. Na mawawala rin ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya. You wanted me to leave her to
make her miserable and now, you wanted me stay away 'cause you think it's the best
way to protect her. Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo?" may panunumbat kong sabi.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nasa isip nitong taong to. Oo,matagal ko na siyang
kaibigan ang I regretted the day I let him control me back in college. Kung
pinagtanggol ko sana si Alonna, wala siguro kami sa ganitong sitwasyon.
Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagkain ng may mabigat na loob. Maya maya pa ay narinig ko
siyang tumwa ng mahina.

"Yeah, that was the old time but you see..." kunot noo akong tumingin sa
nakangising si Aiden. "...I know that you'll do what I requested like old times."
He confidently said and I frowned more. Na-iinis ako sa ipinapakita niya at gustung
gusto ko siyang sapakin dahil sa inaakto niya at dahil alam niya rin na gagawin ko
ang sasabihin niya. He had his own ways of controlling and convincing people to get
what he wanted.

Minadali kong ubusin ang kinakain ko at inimom ang juice. "You don't need to worry
about that and you're also right at one thing." Inayos ko ang sarili ko at tumayo.
"My feelings for her did change." Seryoso kong sabi na nagpawala ng ngiti niya. I
smiled in triumph and walked outside the café and head towards my car.

I think I'm not confused on that part now. Falling out of love with Alonna is
possible.

I drove straight to the meeting and tried to divert my thoughts about Alonna with
work. Hindi naman ako nabigo dahil pagdating ko 'don sa meeting room, nagtaka agad
ako kung bakit mukang hindi mapakali ang mga tao 'don. Lahat ng mata nila'y biglang
napunta sakin pagkabukas ko ng pinto and some of them sighed in relief when they
saw me. I think they're expecting someone else.

Kilala ko ang karamihan sa kanila dahil nakikita ko na sila sa iba't ibang business
events. Umupo ako malapit sa harap because dad wanted me to pay attention to all
details. Kahit na hindi ganon kaganda ang relasyon namin ni Dad, pumayag na rin ako
dahil kay mom.

Ang iba ay seryosong naguusap habang ako ay tinatamad na nakaupo dahil sa inip.
Ilang minuto pa nagdaan nang biglang tumahimik ang lahat ng bumukas ang pinto.
Napatingin ako sa kanila nang lahat ay biglang inayos ang mga sarili at umayos ng
upo.

Everybody became stiff, nervous and some were serious. The clocking sound of her
blue stilettos was the only audible sound that broke the silent. I, myself was
nervous. With her in the room, what kind of guy wouldn't?

With her intimidating and confident aura, mapapatingin ka talaga sa kanya dahil sa
kyuryosidad o mapapaiwas ng tingin dahil sa kaba.

She was wearing business attire with her skirt wrapped around her hips 'til mid
thigh. A blue blouse under her business coat and blue stilettos. It was overall
simple but damn! She looked like a model pulled out of a men's magazine. That I
would surely buy and read it not only once... definitely not only once.

"Let's start." And that cold voice... I would love to hear it through her moans.

Nang matapos ang nakakakabang share holders meeting na yon napansin kong parang
nabunutan ng malaking tinik sa lalamunan ung mga kasama ko. I, on the other hand,
didn't pay enough attention to the meeting. My attention was on her and when he
walked outside the room, I smirked and followed her.

"Ms. Rainne, baka pwedeng magbago ang isip mo?" I said while she stopped from
walking and faced me. Wala akong ibang maisip kaya yan ang agad na natanong ko. I
didn't know what really did happen inside but I remembered that it was about a 1%
sales decrease. See? I was not listening back there.

"Fine!" then she faced her secretary. "Write his name on the fifth spot." Hindi ko
maintindihan ang sinabi niya dahil nakatingin lang ako sa mga labi niya. She didn't
even throw me one last look and walked away leaving my gazed locked in her swaying
lips.

I bit my lip and smiled with determination. I've made my decision that I won't hold
myself back anymore. I just don't want to think about these undetermined feelings I
have for her because sooner or later she'll be mine. She'll definitely be mine and
no one else's.

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

Aiden
Matapos kong makipag-usap kay Azel ay agad akong umuwi. Sinabi ko na ang gusto kong
sabihin kay Azel at alam kong gagawin niya ang sinabi ko. The thing with Azel is
that, madali siyang mapasunod. Dude's got no guts to debate. He's weak when it
comes to heated debate kaya alam kong gagawin niya ang mga sinabi ko. Hindi naman
agad siya susunod eh. Minsan dumadaldal siya at sumasagot din but always ends up
obeying anyway.

Konting kalabit lang sa konsensya ng kaibigan kong 'yon ay gagalaw agad yan. I
chuckled remembering times I did that many times.

"Where's Alonna?" agad kong tanong sa katulong namin pagkadating ko palang. Wala
dito sila Auntie at Uncle dahil lumabas sila for their quality time.

"Nasa taas po, Sir kaso.." napakunot ang noo ko sa pag-aalinlangan niya.

"What happened?"

"Si ma'am po kasi ayaw kumain. Kanina pa po nasa taas at hindi bumababa." Agad
akong umakyat sa kwarto niya.

"Alonna, open the door." Sabi ko habang kumakatok sa pinto. She didn't silent for a
while then I started to knock again. "Alonna?"

I was about to get worried when the door opened. Nakayuko siya at malungkot ang
aura niya. I wanted to ask her but I thought that it was because of the incident.
Nakapunot ang noo ko nang maalala ko na naman ang ginawa ni Rainne sa kanya. I was
mad when I saw her fell down after being pushed. She was so weak and fragile that
time and d@mn it! At gusto kong magwala non.

Naiinis ako sa pagiging mahina niya pero anong magagawa ko? She's Alonna at kahit
noon pa ay ganun na siya. I wanted her to be strong but I think I couldn't change
that part of her kaya nga ako nalang ang bahalang sumuporta at magprotekta sa
kanya. I didn't know when it started but I noticed myself being too much protective
of her. Na kahit mga sino, lalo na ang mga lalaking tumitingin sa kanya pag
lumalabas kami ay gusto kong suntukin hanggang sa di na makilala ang mukha.

I guess my brotherly instincts are kicking in....but too much! I shrugged at that
thought.

Normal lang naman un sa magkapatid diba?

"H-hi." Mahina niyang sabi. Konti lang ang bukas ng pinto kaya tinulak ko ito at
pumasok.

"Bakit di ka pa kumakain. Let's go downstairs."

"K-asi... I-uh."

"What is it?" nag-aalala kong tanong. Nakatingin lang siya sa paanan niya at
nilalaro ang mga daliri. I then knew that she was thinking or rather bothered by
something.

"A-ah, diba.. a-ano..." I was a bit annoyed because of the hesitation I was seeing.
Like she didn't trust me at all.

"Tell me and I'll listened." I said softly to urge her.

"D-diba doktor ka?"

"No. Nag-aral ako sa med school but I changed my course to Business add. Why?" I
answered. Medyo nalilito ako kung bakit niya natanong 'yon. Nag-aral nga ako ng
medisina pero tatlong taon lang. Uncle and Auntie needed help with business kaya
naman nag-shift ako ng course. I really wanted to have the letters M.D. or M.A.
after my name but I have to sacrifice. Life's a bitch sometimes.

She frowned at mukang nadismaya sa sagot ko.

"Ganun ba?" she signed and I asked her why. "K-kasi may n-nakapa akong ano...a-ah
b-bukol."

"Bukol? A cist? Where?" sunud sunod kong tanong dahil sa pag-aalala. Normal lang
ang cist minsan pero sometimes, they're cancerous kaya ganito nalang ang pag-aalala
ko. "I'll call a doctor to have it checked." Pagkatalikod ko ay bigla niyang
hinawakan ang kamay ko.

"Huwag na, please." She begged with teary eyes. "Ayoko sa iba. N-natatakot ako sa
kanila. Ikaw nalang,. Diba nag-aral ka naman? Just check it at kung kailangan
talaga, then magpapadoktor ako."

Napabuntong hininga nalang ako at napakamot sa gilid ng ulo ko. Siguro nga ay may
trauma pa siya. Ayaw niya na sigurong maranasan ulit ung laging pinalilibutan ng
doktor. Titignan ko lang naman kung dapat ipatingin sa doktor o hindi. I think I
have spent enough years in med school to determine if that cist's risky or not.
Tinanong ko siya kung san and I was shocked with her answer.

"W-what?"

"Sige na." Kinakabahan akong nakatingin sa kanya habang siya rin ay nakatingin
sakin at naghihintay ng sagot ko. Wala nang nagyari sa binabalak kong pagtanggi
dahil hinila niya na agad ako at pinaupo sa gilid ng kama niya.

"H-humiga ka." Nauutal kong sabi. Sh1t! gagawin ko ba talaga to? I instructed the
correct position and asked her to remove the thing that needed to be removed. She
followed me and smiled showing how comfortable she was but I, on the other hand,
was getting nervous. Kinakabahan ako sa gagawin ko at hindi ko alam kung bakit.

It shouldn't be malicious, right? I was just gonna check and she's my sister. Wala
dapat malisya pero bakit iba ang nararamdaman ko?

My lifted my fight hand that was surely getting cold and a bit shaking to touch the
concerned part, her right breast.

"Ang lamig." She giggled when my skin made contact to her breast. Kung siya
nalamigan, ako naman parang napaso nang magdampi ang balat namin. Napaiwas pa ko ng
konti at pasimpleng huminga ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili ko.

Fvck! I have touched so many-others were bigger like this pero bakit ako
ninenerbyos?

Inulit ko ulit at dahan dahang kinapa ang kanang dibdib niya. Pinatanggal ko ang
bra niya kanina at naiwan ang medyo manipis niya T-shirt. I used my index and
middle finger and circled it around her breast. This thing is fvcking soft!

Ni hindi ko na nga alam kung anong hinahanap ko dahil kapa lang ako ng kapa. I
involuntarily bit my lip while staring at her mounds. It's round, soft and-

"Nakita mo na ba, kuya?" mabilis akong natauhan dahil sa tinawag niya sakin. Kuya!
I'm her big brother for fvck's sake. What sh1tty, fvcking hell am I doing?

Mabilis akong tumayo at tumungo sa pinto. "Kuya, bakit?" mabilis niyang tanong. I
stopped and brushed my hands through my hair a couple of times.

"There's n-none. Maybe it's related to your menstruation. It's normal. I'll
schedule you for a check-up tomorrow. Take a rest, A-alonna." I said and rushed
outside her room.

I need a drink! A lots and lots of drink and a really cold shower.

Chapter 27
Dedicated to MarietAguilar. Salamat sa suporta... <3

Chapter 27

Pagkatapos ng meeting ay pumunta ako sa site para i-check ito. Nakausap ko na nga
pala ung supplier namin ng materyales para sa ipapatayong subdivision ni Rainne and
surprisingly, company nila Cindy ang kinontrata ni Rainne para dito. Pati narin sa
hotel na ipinapatayo ni Aiden sila din ang may hawak. Wow! Ang laking coincidence
dahil lahat ng may kinalaman sa project na to ay kilala ko na. It's an advantage
since all of us knew the profile of each other's work.

I spent two days in Palawan and took me a day to finish the report. Ngayon, papunta
na ko sa opisina ni Rainne para i-submit ito. The deadline was at the end of the
day and it's almost end of office hours. Alam ko namang laging late ng uwi si
Rainne kaya kahit mag-gagabi na, alam kong nasa opisina parin siya at
nagtratrabaho.

Pagkapunta ko don ay wala nang ganong tao. Malamang nagsiuwian na ung mga 'yon. I
smiled with excitement not because I was going to submit the report. It's because I
have another reason to be here.

When I said I wanted Rainne, I meant I wanted her to be mine. Unti unti naring
nawala si Alonna sa sip ko and I know that I'm done with her. Itong pagpasa ng
report siguro ay masasabi nating dahilan ko lang para makausap si Rainne. Good
thing that I was working for her.

Wala narin ang mga tao sa reception hall ng opisina niya kaya nagdire-diretso na ko
sa pagpasok sa opisina niya but not forgetting to knock, of course.

When I heard her say 'come in´, I plastered a smile and entered. I found her
writing down on something with cold yet serious eyes. Tumingin siya sakin saglit
pero binalik din ang paningin sa ginagawa. She's very workaholic and it's a turn on
for me. I like her working hard, if you know what I mean.

"What do you want?" sabi niya nang hindi tumitingin sakin.

"I'm here for this." Lumapit ako at nilapag ang files sa harap niya. Kinuha niya
ito at binasa saglit at inilagay sa gilid ng lamesa niya bago ibaling ang atensyon
muli sa binabasa. Lahat ng 'yon ay ginawa niya na parang wala lang ako sa harap
niya.

I was feeling a little bit ignored but I loved the challenge so why not accept it?

"You know, you're very workaholic. Wala na halos lahat ng empleyado mo pero ikaw
nagtratrabaho parin. But the most intriguing part is you don't looked so stress and
as beautiful as ever. How's that?"

She looked at me through her cold stares. Her states never leaving me as she put
her fountain pen down and leaned back before crossing her arms. It's hard to
concentrate on her eyes when her last move emphasized how healthy her breasts are.
Lalo pat walang siyang suot na coat at isang sleeveless peach-colored blouse na
hapit na hapit sa kanya ang suot niya. Focus Azelro!

"Why are you still here, Mr. Madrigal?" malamig niyang sabi.

"One thing, Rainne..." I emphasized her name. Agad tumaas ang kilay niya para
irapan ako but let my cool act. I walk closer and leaned both hands on her table
and moved my face closer. "I wanna know if your offer still stands."

"And what offer is that?"

"Being your fourth guy." I whispered.

Her stares became colder and her lips formed a straight line. Gusto kong basahin
ang nasa isip niya pero wala akong makita sa mga mata niya. Kung ibang babae lang
tong kaharap ko, malamang hindi ko na kailangan maglabas ng effort dahil konting
pagpapakita lang motibo, siguradong magkukumahog pa silang lumapit sakin pero
kakaibang babae ang kaharap ko. Parang walang talab sa kanya lahat ng charms ko. I
could actually think of only two reasons about her immunity on my charms.

It's either she's used to this or she has someone special.

I suddenly averted my gaze to her buzzing phone on her table. Napakunot ang noo ko
hindi dahil sa istorbong cell phone niya kung hindi sa naisip ko na baka si
Kristoff ang lalaking 'yon but then again, this is the Ice Queen we're talking
about. She's not capable of loving anyone except for her kids, I guess.

Saglit niyang kinuha at tinignan ung phone niya bago tumayo. Umatras ako at
tinignan siyang kinukuha ang bag at coat niya at pagkatapos ay hinarap niya muli
ako.

"I never remember offering you that. Stop being delusional, Azel." Agad niya kong
tinalikuran at nawala ang ngiti ko dahil para akong nabastos dahil sa ginawa niya.
But I should've known that this is how she'll treat me. Gaya nga ng sinabi ko, I
like challenges and I never back down to one.

Kumilos ako para maabutan siya at hinawakan siya sa braso at inihararap sakin.

"Then I'm offering and hiring myself as your fourth guy. What can you say?" I
smirked and she looked at me then to my hand holding her before pulling her arm
back

"I think your delusional and desperate." Now it's her turn to smirk but I kept
myself composed and tried to sail on the waves she created. "If your that
desperate, call someone to fvck with. If you want, I could call Cindy for you to
fvck."

I chuckled because of her guts to insult me. Kakaiba talaga ang babaeng ito.
Sinusubukan niya kong tanggihan and at the same time, she's insulting me. Well,
okay lang naman 'yan basta babawi ako sa oras na mapasaakin siya. I'll fvcking make
sure about that and I'll be d4mn entertain all the way!

I closed the gap and reach for her soft face and caressed it using my right thumb.
"I think you're just stuck with the third guy." I said with my voice lower and
fixing my gaze on her plump lips.

Maybe my statement's correct and maybe it's not. I just wanna see different
reaction from her and Kristoff was the one that came to my mind. I guess I
succeeded 'cause I heard a low sound of annoyance coming from her.

"Pa'no ka nakakasiguro na pangatlo siya?" I was a bit shocked and looked up at her
as she lowly pushed my hand away. "You had your chance back in Palawan and let me
tell you something. I hate disobedience. I already tried you on that part and sad
to say....you failed. I don't give second chances, Azel. Let's just say that he
knows how to follow rules, my rules." I scowled at her because she just gave a hard
kick on my ego. Ang akala ko wala nang pag-asa, not that I'll give up that easily
but her next works made the side of my lips curved up. "But don't worry, I'll think
about your offer."

"You don't need to think because I told you, I already appointed myself for that
post. Let me prove to you that I'm way better than the third or whatever number
he's currently holding. Way, way better." Lakas loob kong hinawakan ang bewang niya
at lumapit sa kanya. I looked at her cold eyes then to her lips before pulling her
close and slowly dipping my head down for a kiss.

Our lips were only inches away and I was very, very looking forward on kissing her
as my heart beats faster. But then it all stopped when she was suddenly pulled
away and I growled when someone pushed me. I wanted to give that someone a long
slumber thru my punches.

Agad na dumoble ang kagustuhan kong saktan ito nang makita ko ang mukha ni Kristoff
but when I saw how mad he was, I felt some satisfaction. Pumagitna siya samin ni
Rainne habang hawak ang kamay nito.

"Hi, third guy." Halata ang galit sa itsura niya na nagpangiti lalo sakin. Yung
tingin niya para siyang papatay ng tao na ang akala mo mahinahon pero kung
pakikiramdaman mo at titignan ang mga mata niya, ,masasabi mong nagpipigil lang
siya ng galit ng sobra sobra.

"Bakit ka nandito?" he said, his jaw clenching.

I was about to retort when my eyes landed on the two kids near the door. Gusto
kong magsalita pero nagpigil ako dahil nakatingin samin ung dalawang batang anak ni
Rainne. Seven and Nine were observing with their innocent and curious eyes. Kaya
siguro nagpipigil itong si Kristoff. Nakita ko rin ang itsura ni Nine na kahawig ni
Alonna at ayaw kong ipadama sa kanya ang takot na binigay namin kay Alonna noon.

Tumakbo si Seven papunta kay Rainne habang hawak hawak ang kamay ni Nine sa kaliwa
at ang kabila ay hinawak sa palda ni Rainne. The boy's got the same cold grey eyes
as Rainne while Nine's wearing her eyes patch.

I signed. "Nagpasa ng reports. Does Mau know you're back?" I said dead pan.

"Doesn't look like it."

"Leave." Rainne said. I smirked at him by not answering my last question and looked
at Rainne. Napalingon saglit si Kristoff sa kanya nang hilain nito ang kamay sa
pagkakahawak.

"Let's just schedule a meeting to review and try the material." Nakahulugan kong
sabi kay Rainne saka lumabas ng kwarto.
Malakas ang pakiramdam kong hindi pa alam ni mau ang pagballik niya. Nang makababa
ako at sumakay sa kotse, tatawagan ko sana si Mau pero biglang tumunod ang phone ko
at nag-register ang pangalan ni Aiden.

Ano na naman kaya ang kailagan nito?

"Azel!"

"Yes? Ano 'yon?"

"Yung pinsan mo nandito sa bar kasama ko." Agad na kumunot ang noo ko dahil don. I
know Aiden and he's hell as player as me when it comes to women. Kaya nga naging
magkaibigan kami eh. Magkakilala sila kaya lang alam ko ang ugali ni Aiden.

"Pwede ba, Aiden. Spare my cousin, okay. Just so you know, ikakasal na 'yan."

"Dude, I'm not that ass like you think. Alam ko kung sino ang mga off limits."
Pasigaw niyang sabi dahil sa sobrang lakas ng background.

"Tsk. So anong nangyari sa pinsan ko at bakit nasa bar ka?"

"'Wag mong ipasa sakin ang topic. She's drunk and wasted, bro. Puntahan mo na dito.
Do you know anyone named Kristoff?"

"Oo bakit? Fiance niya yun."

"I think she has a problem 'cause she kept on saying his name at siya daw ang
gustong sumundo sa kanya. Puntahan mo na dito dahil ayaw niyang sumama sakin kahit
anong pilit ko."

"I'm on my way. Sang bar 'yan?"

Mabilis akong nagmaneho papunta sa bar na sinabi ni Aiden at pagkarating ko 'don,

nakita ko sila sa may counter. Si Aiden ay nakikipag-inuman sa babaeng nakalingkis
sa kanya habang pasulyap sulyap kay Maureen na ilang dalawang upuan ang layo.

"Aiden." Agad akong lumapt sa pinsan at tinawag ang pansin ni Aiden. Umiinom siya
nang humarap sakin at ibinaba yung baso. Si Mau naman ay nakapatong ang mukha sa
mga braso sa bar counter. Napatingin at ngumiti naman sakin ung magandang babaeng
nakahawak sa dibdib niya. Looks like someone's gonna have a happy night.

"Azelro, dude." Aiden shouted and stood up with a wide grin on his face. He gave me
a man hug and I immediately noticed that his drink already kicked in. Medyo
mapungay na ang mga mata niya. "Nakatulog na. Tagal mo eh."

"Do you need a lift too?" sabi ko habang ikinakawit ang braso ng pinsan ko sa
balikat.

"Of course not. I can handle myself."

"Hmmm." I looked down on my cousin and I noticed a trace of dried tears on her
face. Ano naman kaya ang ginawa ni Kristoff sa kanya.

Iniwan ko si Aiden na nakikipaghallikan sa babaeng kasama niya habang inaalalayan

si Maureen. Pinaupo ko siya sa passenger's seat at kinabitan ng seatbelt bago ako
umikot sa driver's seat.

"Hmmm. K-kuya Azel?" she said drowsy before I got the chance to drive away.
"Just sleep. Ihahatid kita sa inyo."

"H-he cancelled our w-wedding." She was giggling but her eyes shedding tears.
Pinaandar ko na ang sasakyan at pinakinggan lang siya. "H-he called me and then
told me t-that the w-wedding's off. Ang akala ko m-mare-realize niya na hindi siya
k-kayang mahalin ni Rainne."

"Ha?" napatingin ako sa kanya pero agad na binalik ang paningin ko sa daan. I
didn't know that mau had an idea. Ang sabi niya dati magbestfriend lang sila. Pilit
siyang tumawa habang pinupunasan ang luha.

"I know." She whispered while trying to suppress her tears. "Alam ko namang mahal
niya ang babaeng yon and I hoped that he'll realized that s-she couldn't love him.
Na w-walang saysay ang pagdikit niya dito. Umasa parin ako kahit mukha s-silang
masayang pamilya non. One big happy family." She swallowed a lump on her throat any
grip tightened around the wheel. "I stopped myself from asking kasi baka magalit
siya. I just told to myself that one day...one day...I'll be capable of giving h-
his own family...our family. Konting tiis lang...but when he called.."

She was covering her eyes while sobbing at lalo akong nakaramdam ng galit kay
Kristoff. This was the first time I saw her vulnerable. Masiyahin siya at palaban
pero ngayon, I could see her downfall. Marahas niya pinahid ang mga luha niya at
huminga ng malalim.

"K-kasalanan ko rin naman dahil u-umasa ko. He was very vocal about his feelings at
simula palang s-sinabi niya na that he d-didn't want our set-up. Wala lang siyang
magawa dahil sa parents niya. Oh, ayan na pala ang bahay namin. You can stop the
car here."

I parked the car and we waited for a while as she tried to composed herself and
forced a smile.

"Alam na ba nila Tita?"

"Hindi pa pero sasabihin ko pagbalik nila. Good thing they're on a business trip."

Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya bago ako lumabas para pagbuksan siya ng pinto. I
grabbed her shoulders for support when she stumbled once she got out and giggled.
Inalalayan siya ng katulong nila na pinagbuksan kami.

Awang awa ako sa istura ng pinsan ko at galit na galit taong gumawa sa kanya nito.
She loves him but he breaks her heart and shattered it to pieces. Fvck him! Fvck
you, Kristoff!

Hindi ko alam ang buong istorya nila pero ginawa ng gag0ng yon ito sa pinsan ko
kaya hindi ko siya mapapatawad. I'll make sure to do something about it. Parang
kapatid narin ang turing ko sa kanya at sisguraduhin kong magsisisi ang kung sino
mang lalaking mananakit sa kanya ang kristoff is currently on my top lists.

That assh0le's going to get what he deserves. Sisiguraduhin kong mararamdaman niya
rin ang ginawa niya kay Mau...

And I know how-or rather who.

Chapter 28.1
Dedicated to HimekoSakura.... This is for you <3

Chapter 28.1
Azel

I started pursuing Rainne and I'm telling you that it wasn't easy. It really
wasn't. Kung anu anong ginawa kong pagpapansin sa kanya pero hindi niya ko
pinapansin. Ginagawa ko na nga lang na dahilan minsan ang trabaho eh pero agad din
niya kong tinataasan ng kilay kapag umabot na ang usapan sa iba.

I tried giving her flowers and gifts everyday but I usually end up seeing them with
other women employees or worst, in a trashcan.

I remained anonymous on that part but Rainne immediately knew that it was me
sending those gifts. Sinabi niya sa'kin na 'wag na daw akong magbigay ng mga
basura. Ouch and harsh!

Siya lang ang unang babaeng tumanggi sakin kaya naman medyo nahihirapan ako but who
said that I'll give up that easily. I'm not going to back down with some simple
rejection. I'm Azelro for fvcking sake. I can have any girl that I want and what I
want is now drinking coffee while reading a document in a cafe near her building.
I'm guessing she's drinking caffe latte. Yeah! That coffee suits her personality.
Bitter but milky sweet.

"Hi, there!" I greeted her with a wide and eccentric smile and her brow immediately
stood up. Hindi ko na hinintay na nagsalita siya dahil umupo agad ako sa harapan
niyang upuan. Good thing this table's for two.

"I was going to invite you for coffee. Good thing you're already here." dagdag ko
pa.

"Nakakistorbo ka. Leave me." she coldly said while eyeing the document over her
crossed leg. My smiled never falter with her tone and instead of obeying her, I
stayed and even called a waitress to order.

"One Espresso, thanks." I said and gave her a sweet smile.

"I'm paying you to work and not to flirt inside a cafe."

"C'mon Rainne. What do it takes for you to say yes to a dinner with me? One
dinner...just one dinner, Rainne. Hindi naman to makakasama tsaka naayos ko na
lahat ng kailangan para sa site visit natin bukas."

"Fine." she closed the document and placed it on the table while I smiled feeling
that she'll probably gave me the chance I wanted. "Just answer this question."

"Shoot." umayos siya ng upo at mariing tumingin sa'kin.

"Are you still affected by Alonna?"

Ang akala kong itatanong niya ay kung san mo ko balak dalhin or what dinner would
it be like? Typical women's questions to guys but I forgot that she isn't just any
other girl. The Ice Queen itself just asked me a very personal question that caught
me off guard.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin para at nag-isip. Naaapektuhan pa ba ko kay Alonna ngayon o

hindi? Sa tingin ko alam ko ang sagot sa tanong na 'yon.

Seryoso akong tumingin sa kanya and answered her truthfully.

"Yes." I said. "Because everytime I think about her, guilt is eating me alive.
Nakokonsensya ako sa ginawa niya and now she's mentally unstable. Kung dati pa sana
hindi na ko sumunod kay Aiden at pinagtanggol siya, siguro maayos ang lahat and she
wouldn't experience those things."

"Why didn't you?" I smiled nochalantly at her direction, thinking about the days I
participate on making her miserable.

"I was young and stupid. My mind was easily corrupted with Aiden's pusuing and
powerful voice. I didn't have the guts to stand up to Aiden. Kahit noon pa kasi
masyado nang nakakatakot ang boses niya." natatawa kong sabi. "Lalo na nung ginamit
niyang dahilan ang pagkakaibigan namin. I chose friendship over love and that's the
most st-."

"Love?"

I smiled and noded. "I dediced to just make her smile from afar. How ironic cause
the boy who loved her was her tormentor." Tumawa ako ng pagak. "You already know
our story so I don't need to elaborate that."

"Alam ko kung pano mo siya pinahirapan but I didn't know the things you do for your
affection."

"Getting interested, are we?" she just rolled her eyes on my attempt to lighten the
mood but then answer her anyway. "Let me tell you my secret.... I used to secretly
drop letters and chocolates in her locker." I whispered like a kid sharing his deep
and darkest secret. I smiled and looked at her. "Oo. Alam ko kung combination ng
locker niya kaya madali lang akong nakakapaglagay. Those were love letters actually
and some were just silly poems I made. Ang korny ko diba? Kaya nga tago eh cause if
Aiden finds out, I'll be dead. Ang pakiramdam ko kasi ito lang ung paraan para
makabawi. To see my first love smiling while reading my letters made me feel a
little bit of relief. Unfortunately, the flames of my love for her eventually dies
kaya kung tatanungin mo kung mahal ko pa siya, then no. May concern at siguro awa
pa rin ako sa kanya pero yun nalang yun... So? Nasagot ko ba ng mabuti ang tanong
mo?"

Tinignan ko siya pero tahimik lang ito habang hawak ang hawakan ng tasa niya.
Nakatingin lang siya sa kape niya at parang may malalim na iniisip. Tinignan ko
lang tin siya dahil kung ano mang nasa isip niya, siguradong seryoso ito.

"That date you want..." biglang sabi niya sabay tingin sa'kin. "let's talk about
it."

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

Kristoff

Halos dalawng linggo na mula nang makarating ako ng Pilipinas at isang linggo ko
naring iniiwasan ang mga tawang ng mga magulang ko. It was hard for me to ignore
them. They're also my family but I made my decisions and I know that someday,
they'll understand and accept them.

My parents are still my family at hindi ganoong kadaling mawala sila sa buhay ko,
Heck! Kahit na ganon kadali hindi ko parin sila tatanggalin sa buhay ko pero ang
gusto ko lang naman na maisip nila na I'm capable of making a family of my own. Na
kaya kong magdesisyon para sa sarili ko para pakasalan ang gusto kong tao at hindi
ung pinili nila.

At first, pinilit ko ang sarili kong mahalin si Mau nung nasa college palang kami
pero hindi talaga kaya eh. I always found myself stalking Rainne back then kaya
nagpatialon nalang ako sa nararamdaman ko. That time I took the risk and I'm glad I
took it.

Naaalala ko ung unang pagkikita namin. Yung unang beses na kinausap ko siya, even
the times I stalked her and now I couldn't help but to smile while playing with a
black box. I opened and looked and looked at the words 'Tiffany and Co' broidery on
top of a oval-shape 10-carat sapphire gem with white diamonds around it. Bagay na
bagay ito sa kanya. Kaya sapphire kasi alam kong blue ang favorite color ni Rainne
at kahit hindi nya pa sabihin, alam kong tulips ang favorite flower niya. Napansin
ko kasi non na halos lahat ng gamit niya may tulips at color blue. Isa pa, nasa
tattoo niya sa likod.

I bought it when I went back to Brazil. I'm ready to take it all on the next step
and there's a part of me that's hoping that Rainne might feel the same. Pero kahit
na hindi siya pumayag, maghihintay parin ako. Lalo akong napangiti nang ma-imagine
ko siyang sinasagot ako ng 'yes' pagkatapos kong mag-propose. I couldn't help it! I
was agitated out here! But will she say yes?

Wag kang umasa! A part of me shouted.

Hindi na ko makapaghintay lalo na't napapansin kong lumalapit sa kanya si Azel,

yung pinsan ni Maureen. Simula pa lang alam ko nang attracted siya kay Rainne at
napatunayan ko yon apat na araw nang nakakaraan. Susunduin namin ng mga bata si
Rainne non for dinner and I wanted to strangle him when I saw him trying to kiss
her. Buti nalang nahila ko agad si Rainne at tinulak ko siya.

I wanted to do something bad to him at handang handa na kong makipag suntukan sa

kanya pero nagpigil ako dahil nasa paligid lang ang mga bata. Sinarado ko yung box
at tumingin sa stop light na green na pala. Sinilip ko ang mga batang tahimik na
naglalaro sa likod ng mga pasalubong na binigay ko. Seven was playing with his PSP-
Go while Nine's pressing the buttons of her electronic keyboard. Mahilig kasi sa
music si Nine at pwede rin itong magrecord ng tinutugtog mo.

"Tito, are we there yet?" napalingon ako kay Nine na mukang naiinip na.

"Malapit na."

Papunta kasi kami sa Palawan para i-surprise si Rainne. Binisita niya kasi ung site
ng pinapatayo niyang subdivision at nakuha ko ang impormasyon na 'yan kay Vernice.
Kasama rin siya sa trip at kahapon pa sila nandon. We're gonna surpise her and I
plan to ask the question.

Pagkarating namin sa Palawan ay nagcheck-in muna kami sa mismong hotel kung san din
sila nag-i-stay at kumain ng tanghalian. Baka kasi nagtratrabaho pa si Rainne kaya
mamayang hapon ko nalang siya pupuntahan.

Magpapahinga sana kami saglit pero gusto ng mga batang maligo sa dagat. Masyado
silang na-excite sa dagat at hindi ko naman sila masisisi kasi ang ganda talaga sa
lugar na ito.

Hawak hawak ko ang kamay nila nang biglang kumawala si Nine sa kanan ko. I looked
at her but then smiled when the raffles of her blue one piece swimsuit swayed as
she happily run to the shore and picked up some shells.

Sumunod na rin si Seven sa kapatid niya na naka board shorts at puting sando na may
design na penguins of Madagascar. Umupo nalang ako sa buhanginan na medyo malapit
sa kanila para nababantayan ko ang mga bata. Ni hindi ko nga pinapansin ang mga
babaeng nagpapa-cute sa harap ko dahil nakatuon lang ako sa kanila. Ipinunas ko
muna ang kamay ko sa board shorts bago Isinuot ko ang shades ko na nakasabit sa
kwelyo ng mapusyaw na t-shirt ko. Nakangiti ako pero mas masaya siguro kung kasama
namin si Rainne dito.

"I'm thirsty." Naligo narin ako kasabay nila at nagkukulitan kami ng mga isang oras
nang bigla nalang manghingi ng inumin si Seven.

"Let's go back to the shore." Umahon kami at lumapit sa nilatag ko na blanket

kanina. "Here. Play with these. Bantayan mo muna si Nine, okay? I'm counting on
you." I handed him a plastic pail and shovel for them to play with.

Bumili ako ng tatlong bote ng buko juice habang sinusulyapan ang mga bata. I saw
them building a sand castle with another girl. Inabot ko ang bayad at aalis na sana
nang may mahagip ang mga mata ko.

Nawala ang ngiti ko at tinanggal ang shades ko para makita silang mabuti. Parang
huminto ang lahat at bigla akonng kinabahan habang nakatingin sa kanila. Am I
hallucinating? Siya ba talaga yon?

Lumapit pako dahil medyo malayo sila para makasiguro and I'm correct. I'm seeing
Azel with his hand wrapped around her waist. Rainne's waist. They looked like a
couple at kahit papano gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang tanggalin ni Rainne ang braso
niya pero lalo pa siyang hinapit ni Azel at hinalikan sa gillid ng ulo niya.

Here I am with her kids trying to surprise her while she's here with Azel na dapat
nasa site. Mukang ako ang nasorpresa ng hinayaan niya lang si Azel. Biglang
humigpit ang hawak ko sa bote nang hindi ko namamalayan. I'm feeling hurt and
anger. Si Azel. Ang lalaking yon! Kung wala akong gagawin baka makuha niya sa'kin
si Rainne. I took a step with a fuming anger but stopped when I heard Seven called
me.

"Tito, nauuhaw na rin daw po si Nine." Napatingin ako kay Seven at pabalik sa
dalawa. I was trying to weight my choices. Kung pupunta ba ko sa kanila o sa mga
bata and I chose the last.

Papunta kami sa kwarto ni Rainne para surpresahin siya. Naunang maglakad ang kambal
papasok ng elevator. Pilit akong ngumingiti sa kanila pero hindi mawala sa isip ko
ang nakita ko kahapon habang humihigpit ang kapit ko sa nakatagong box sa loob ng
bulsa ko. Sasabihin ko ba na nakita ko sila? Magtatanong ba ko o mananhimik lang.

Pero wala kang karapatan.

The door opened and I released the grip from the black box then I smiled at the
kids when Nine held my hand. Palapit na kami sa room 506 nang biglang lumabas si
Rainne. She was stunning as ever with her pale pink tulips printed dress that
reached just above her feet. The neckline's too low that ended up in the middle of
her chest. She's so damn beautiful and a real head turner.

Isang tingin ko palang sa kanya ay nawala na agad ang bigat sa pakiramdam ko.

"Mommy!" Sigaw ni Nine habang si Seven naman ay agad na tumakbo sa kanya at niyakap
ang bewang nito. My smile widens of the view at alam kong medyo nagulat siya nang
makita kami. Mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya at agad siyang niyakap nang kumawala sa
kanya ang dalawang bata.

"Surprise." I said and kissed her cheek. "Kahapon pa kami dumating but we didn't
want to disturb you from work kaya ngayon ka lang namin pinuntahan. Sinundo ka
namin for breakfast. Tara na!" Masaya kong sabi at hinila siya habang nakasunod
samin yung mga bata. Napagpasyahan ko na rin na wag nang isipin ang nakita ko
kahapon.
Bumaba kami at piniling magbreakfast sa labas dahil tiyak na mas maganda ang view
don. Daldal ng daldal ung dalawa habang kumakain kami. Si Rainne naman ay tahimik
habang kumakain at ako naman, hindi mawala ang ngiti ko hanggang dumating ang
lalaking sumira nito.

"Hi there!" Nawala agad ang ngiti ko nang dumating si Azel. "Ang akala ko sabay
tayong mag-aagahan?" She was smiling widely at Rainne then smirked at my direction
that made me frown instantly. This guy's trying to test me. "Hi kids."

"Hello po" mahinang sabi ng mga bata.

"I never said that." Hindi siya tinignan si Rainne at nanatiling kumakain. Ang mga
bata naman patingin tingin lang din samin. He smiled cockily ignoring what she just
said and turned to me.

"I heard what you did to Maureen, Kristoff. Kinansel mo na pala kasal niyo. She's
crying her eyes out while you're here playing father to them. Hindi ka ba
nakokonsensya?"

"I think wala ka nang pakialam don." Malamig kong sabi.

"Who's Maureen, tito?" Biglang singit ni Nine. Sasagutin ko sana pero may nauna na
sa'kin.

"Pinsan ko siya, Nine at dating....kaibigan ng tito niyo. You already met her.
Remember when we had dinner together?" Nakangiting sabi niya. Nag-isip pa si Nine
saglit bago tumango. "Mukang nakaka-istorbo na yata ako. Since it's out last and
free day, I'll just see you tonight, Rainne." He whispered at Rainne making me held
the utensils tighter and threw daggers at him that he returned with his arrogant
smile. Tonight? Tama ba ang inaakala ko?
Chapter 28.2
Dedicated to misskimchiking....

Chapter 28.2

It looks like na ito ang huling araw nila dito. Kaya pala wala na si Vernice dahil
nauna na pauwi. Bukas ng umaga ang uwi nila pero ayaw papilit ni Rainne na manatili
pa kami kahit hanggang hapon lang kaya nagswimming na kami at naglibot ngayong
araw.

Yung tonight naman na sinasabi ni Azel mukang wala lang. Hindi ako tanga para hindi
malaman kung anong ibig sabihin niya. Hindi ako mapalagay sa sinabi niyang 'yon at
hindi naalis yon sa isip ko hanggang matulog kami. I needed to sleep with the kids
but I checked on her first before going to slumber. Maaga din akong gumising para
puntahan siya sa kwarto niya.

I knocked and thought that she said yes to that douche bag's invitation to sex. I
almost lost hope but sighed in relief when she opened the door that morning with a
frown. Five AM kasi ako nambulabog kasi hindi talaga ako mapalagay. Images of them
doing something intimate, kills me.

Nagbreakfast lang kami at umuwi na. Dahil pareho kaming may sasakyan, convoy
nalang. Seven wanted to be with her mom while I had Nine with me.

Okay naman ang lahat simula non pero napapansin ko na parang naging mas workaholic
si Rainne. The truth was, hindi ko na siya gaanong nakikita sa bahay. Nakikipagkita
kasi ako sa mga kaibigan ko dito. Plano kong ring magpatayo ng business sa tulong
nila. I'll stay here for good and I wanted to have a business that sells car and
motor parts.

Minsan pagod ako pero hinihintay ko parin si Rainne kaso, there were times that she
didn't come home and it's getting often.

I understand her 'cause I also felt the same stress and burden when I used to
manage our family business that's why I always makes sure to give her breakfast
every day. Lagi kaming magkakasama sa breakfast.

"Gagabihin ka ba mamaya?" tanong ko. Saglit siyang tumingin sakin bago niya ibalik
ang atensiyon sa phone niya.

"Maybe."

"Well...I want to take you and the kids for dinner. Susunduin ka ba namin ulit?"

"No need. I'll contact you."

"Okay." Nauna siyang matapos sa pagkain at agad na tumayo. "Say goodbye to mommy,
kids."

"Bye, mommy! Take care we love you." Nakita ko kung pa'no siya napahinto at
tumingin sa kambal bago sakin. I was showing my innocent smile and shrugged at her.
She hissed but the sudden lifting of the side of her lips never escaped me. Lalo
tuloy akong ginanahan dahil sa nakita ko.

"See you tonight, HONEY!" sigaw ko habang naglalakad siya I chucked proudly when I
saw her stopped for a while but then didn't look back and walked away.

Nakangiti lang ako habang inuubos ko ang pagkain dahil hindi mawala sa isip ko ang
pwedeng mangyari mamayang gabi. Well, I have a surprise for her and the kids helped
me with that. May hinanda kaming romantic dinner for four. Bakit for four? Diba
dapat for two lang, pero gusto kong kasama ang mga bata sa pwedeng most happiest
day of my life.

"Tito."

I plan on proposing tonight, on my birthday. Yes! Birthday ko ngayon at gusto kong

i-celebrate yun kasama ang mga bata at ang magiging future-Mrs. Dela Vega.

"Tito!"

I know that I'll be skipping the courting and the boyfriend-and-girlfriend part
pero necessary pa ba 'yon kung alam kong sigurado na ko that I want her with me for
the rest of my life.

"Tito!!"

"Hmm...What's that?" mukang sobra akong nag-day dream dahil hindi ko narinig ang
pagtawag at mga sinabi ni Nine.

"Mommy left her phone, tito."

I averted my gaze on Rainne's ringing phone. Hindi ko na nasagot dahil bigla itong
tumigil pero agad na kumunot ang noo ko nang mag-registered as miss call ang
pangalan ni Azel.

What does this ass want? Why did he call?

Puro tanong at pagdududa para kay Azel ang naiisip at nararamdaman ko. Rainne has
two phones, for personal and business and this phone is the latter. Konting tao
lang ang nakakaalam nitong number niya at hindi niya binibigay kahit kanino pero
bakit niya pinaalam kay Azel ung personal contact niya.

Tumunog ulit yung phone niya pero galing sa unregistered number. Uminom muna ako ng
tubig bago ko ito sagutin.

"Long time no talk."

I didn't even get the chance to say hello because she already spoke first. Bigla
akong kinilabutan dahil sa lamig ng boses niya. Based on her voice, the person on
the other line's a woman. The sound was cold and emotionless. It's scary like the
puppet on the movie 'saw' and I didn't like the sound of it. Malamig din at blanko
ang boses ni Rainne pero mas malamig to at mas walang emosyon.

"Did you like the birthday present I gave you? Huh? I made a plan on my own just
like you did and-"

"Sino to?" Malumanay kong tanong. "Hello? May I know who's on the line?"

Hindi ko na narinig na magsalita ung babae at bigla nalang naputol ung tawag.
Tatawagan ko sana o kaya kokopyahin ung number kaso naka-lock ung phone ni Rainne.

"Tito, bakit po?" Seven asked.

"N-nothing." I immediately answered while still looking at the screen.

Sino kaya yon? Bakit ganon siya magsalita and what did she meant by her birthday
present to Rainne? Maybe she called the wrong number after all, she didn't mention
Rainne's name and Rainne's birthday is five months from now. Tama! Wrong number
lang siguro pero nakakakilabot yung malamig niyang boses ah.

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

"Greg, is everything ready? Maayos ba lahat?"

"Oo, pre." He patted my back and chuckled. "Don't worry everything's set. Ang
mabuti pa sunduin mo nalang si Rainne."

"Sige! Wish me luck, bro." sabi ko at tinapik muna siya sa balikat bago ko
pinuntahan ang mga bata na nakaupo sa isang bakanteng table kasama ng mga yaya
nila. "Kids, sunduin ko lang muna ang mama niyo ha. Pakabait kayo." Tumango sila at
binilinan ko narin ung mga yaya nila na bantayan mabuti ang mga bata.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili kong kabahan dahil sa mga mangyayari. We were here at
the restaurant that Greg, my close friend and classmate in college, owned. I
already mentioned that I prepared a surprise dinner for Rainne and I plan to
propose later here. Everything is set. From the flowers, music, lights,
decorations, food and the services. Everything is perfect and I'm about to die here
from excitement.

Ilang beses ako humugot ng hiniga nang nasa loob na ko ng sasakyan para kumuha ng
lakas ng loob at hindi ko rin matanggal ang ngiti sa mukha ko. I texted her that
I'll fetch her and was about to start the engine when her phone beeped. Kinuha ko
ito sa bulsa ko and all my excitement suddenly vanished when I read a text from
Azel.
I enjoyed it last time. See you at my flat, babe.

P.S. I hate your last rule. Let me break it tonight. ;)

I was gritting my teeth and snarled in annoyance. Hindi ko alam kung anong
mararamdaman ko sa nabasa ko and his last text. His fvking last text mention about
her last rule. No taking from the back.

He knows it! He fvking knows it!

Kung alam niya yon, ang ibig sabihin sinabi sa kanay ni Rainne. Ang ibig sabihin...

No! No! No!

Hindi pwedeng pumayag si Rainne. Hindi papayag si Rainne.

What if she did? My thought countered. Hindi siya sa'yo. She's just letting you and
now she found another. Poor guy! You'll be thrown like a trash.

Hindi pwede 'yon. I will not let that happen. Hindi ako papayag na makuha siya
sa'kin ni Azel.

Mabilis akong nagmaneho papunta sa opisina ni Rainne. Alam kong nandon siya dahil
lagi siyang late magtrabaho. Hindi ko pinansin kung lagpas na ko sa speed limit
dahil ang gusto ko lang ay makita si Rainne.

Hindi ako mapakali sa habang nasa elevator ako. I didn't know how many times I
brushed my hair with my hands 'cause awhile ago, it was neat and in perfect style
but now, some strands were pointing in different directions. Ngayon ay minamasahe
ko ang gilid ng ulo ko ng kamay ko habang naghihintay na tumigil ang elevator.

"Where's Rainne?" Ngumiti ako at pilit kong ginawang pormal ang boses ko pero
halata parin ang pagmamadali ko. Nagtatakang tumingin sakin si Vernice na naabutan
kong nag-aayos na ng gamit bago sumagot.

"Miss Rainne already left, Sir. Maybe 10-20 minutes ago."

"Do you know where she's going?"

"I'm sorry, Sir but Miss Rainne never mentioned anything and she has no schedule
that I know of, as of this moment."

"Thanks!"

I immediately left the place and rode my car.

"Where are you, Rainne?" bulong ko habang nakatingin lang sa cellphone ko.
Nagbabakasakaling tumawag o magtext man lang siya. Napahilamos ako ng kamay sa
mukha at napahawak sa batok sa sobrang di ako makapali.

I called her earlier but she didn't answer and now I'm waiting for her reply on my
text. Hindi ko alam kung san ako pupunta para hanapin siya. Wala akong alam kung
san din makikita si Azel at naiinis ako sa sarili ko dahil wala akong magawa kung
hindi ang maghintay lang. Nakakinis! Nakakinis!

Ilang minuto pa ko sa loob ng sasakyan na naghihintay. It's getting late and I

thought of the kids waiting and getting hungry. Tinawagan ko na si Greg para
sabihing i-cancel na ang lahat. Nagbilin narin ako sa mga yaya na pakainin muna ang
mga bata bago umuwi.

Meron pang next time. Diba?

Wala na! Huwag ka nang umasa.

I let a frustrated sigh out of my system and my eyes started to heat up. Maybe this
is meant happen. Nagsimula nang magmaneho pabalik pero agad na naiparada ang
sasakyan ko ng may matanggap na text mula kay Rainne.

'I have a meeting'

'Anong oras ka uuwi?'

'Don't wait up.'

Mas lalo akong nalungkot dahil sa huling text niya. Ang sabi ni Vernice wala siyang
meeting pero sinong ka-meeting niya? Kasama niya kaya si Azel? Are they really
going to have sex? Masyado nang masakit ang nararamdaman ko na parang may kung
anong mabigay sa dibdib ko na di ako alam kung pano tanggalin. All I wanted was to
lift that heavy feeling in me.

Ang balak ko bumalik nalang sa mga bata pero nauwi ako sa isang bar. It's like my
body's on autopilot trying to lift my moods up. I kept telling myself that Rainne
was only attending some business matter pero hindi parin mawala sa isip ko ang
pagdududa na baka kasama niya nga si Azel.

Umorder agad ako ng alak at sunud sunod ang pagtungga ko. The thoughts of Rainne
with Azel vanishes everytime I feel the heat from the alcohol surging down my
throat to my stomach. Pero panandalian lang 'yon dahil babalik na naman sa isip ko
pag wala na kong mainom. Sumasabay sa kabog ng dibdib ko ang ingay ng malakas na
tugtog at mga ilaw.

"K--Kristoff? Anong ginagawa mo dito? What happened?" I plastered a smile to the

woman who called me but it didn't reach my eyes. "Sinong kasama mo?"

"I'm alone."

"You're alone? Today? And drinking?" gulat niyang sabi kaya napatingin ako sa
kanya.

"Your face is amusing." I said and chuckled in amusement. Nakanganga siyang

nakatingin sakin na parang gulat na gulat sa sinabi ko. Am I not allowed to
celebrate my birthday alone? At least her presence lightens up my mood a bit.

She cleared her throat and looked down to hide her blushing face.

"Who are you with?" I asked not looking at her after taking a drink. Instead of
answering, my gaze landed on a little box that she placed on the counter beside my
drink. "Ano to, Maureen?"

"A gift." I looked at her confused. "H--happy birthday, Kristoff. Ibibigay ko sana
yan kanina pero hindi mo sinasagot ung mga tawag ko." I flashed a grateful smile in
her direction and said my thanks. Hindi ko napansin ung tawag niya dahil kanina.
Ngumiti rin siya sa'kin at kinuha ko ung maliit na box at tinangkang buksan pero
pinigilan niya ko.

"No! Don't open it. Saka na."

"Why? Don't you wanna see my reaction? Diba lahat gustong nakikita kung anong
reaksyon ng pinagbigyan nila ng regalo?"

"Ayoko. S-saka mo na buksan." Nahihiya niyang sabi. Napangiti nalang ako sa kanya.

"I'm sorry." I said intently looking at her with sincerity in my voice. She looked
at her lap and heaved a sigh.

Nakokonsensya ako dahil nagawa ko siyang saktan pero alam kong mas lalo siyang
masasaktan kapag pinilit naming matali sa isa't isa kahit hindi buo at tunay kaming
nagmamahal. Parang kagaya ko ngayon. If I pushed myself to Rainne and marry her,
I'll make both of our lives come in misery. Ako lang naman ang may gusto at
nagmamahal. Siguro dapat ko nalang yong tanggapin. Kung mahalin niya man si Azel,
then I let her go.

"Bakit kasi hindi nalang ako." Sabi niya nang hindi tumitingin sakin. Yan din ang
tanong ko sa sarili ko. Bakit hindi nalang ako. I mentally laughed at myself.
Kinarma ata agad ako sa ginawa ko kay Maureen sa pamamagitan ng ....pinsan niya!

Oo nga pala. Pinsan siya ni Maureen.

"Mau, Where's our drink? Bakit di ka na bumalik." Biglang sabi ng isang babaeng
lumapit samin. She was wearing a fitted pnk tube dress at nakakunot na nakatingin
kay Maureen.

"Trisha. Sorry...a-ahh kasi..." biglang tumingin sakin ung Trisha at parang

kinikilala ako. Her mouth formed and 'O' upon recognition.

"Wait..diba ikaw ung..."

"I'm sorry, Trisha. I'll just borrow Maureen for a while. Ako nalang ang mag-uuwi
sa kanya. Thanks!" Nagmamadali kong sabi at agad na hinila ang kamay ni Maureen.

Tama! Pinsan niya si Azel kaya alam niya kung san ito nakatira.

"Kristoff? Bakit? San tayo pupunta?" sunud sunod niyang tanong nang makasakay kami
sa sasakyan ko.

"Point me where your cousin lives." I said with determination and drove away.

I have decided. I'm not giving everything up without a fight. Lalaban ako para kay
Rainne. Para sa pagmamahal ko sa kanya. I'll fight even if it destroys me. I'll
fight harder in every downfall. Hindi ako susuko at hindi ko hahayaang mawala siya
sa'kin. I've sacrificed much and I'll sacrifice everything that's left of me. Kahit
lahat sila humadlang sa pagitan namin, lalaban at lalaban ako.

Isa lang ang panalangin ko.... n asana 'wag din akong sukuan o pagtabuyan ni Rainne
dahil baka hindi ko kayanin kung sa kanya pa manggaling yun. Na siya mismo ang
gustong sumuko ako sa laban.

Chapter 29.1
Dedicated to MayGrace16 ---Thanks for reading and supporting this story. Natutuwa
talaga ako pag may mga silent reader na nagmemessage sakin... Salamat sa lahat!

Chapter 29.1
I woke up early in the morning since and I couldn't get any good sleep last night.
Who would if the woman you love spent a night with some guy. Pinilit ko ang
sariling bumangon at nakitang alas-sais na ng umaga base sa wall clock.

Alam kong hindi umuwi ng bahay kagabi si Rainne dahil alas-tres ng madaling araw na
ko nakatulog kakahintay. Tinanong muna namin ung guard kagabi bago kami dumiretso
sa condo ni Azel. Ang sabi niya, hindi pa daw dumarating ito pero pumunta parin
kami sa unit niya.

We knocked and knocked but still no answer. Pumasok sa isip ko na sinadya niyang
'wag buksan ang pinto dahil nga baka may ginagawa na sila and that really pains me
at kung wala lang si Maureen para pigilan ako, I might've broken the door down.

Tahimik lang ako sa buong byahe nang inihatid ko si Maureen. She was the one doing
the talk and I just nodded on all of her questions. She was talking about her
parents' arrival but my mind never got the details. Hanggang sa makauwi ako
hinintay ko si Rainne pero hindi siya umuwi.

I stood up and decided to take a long shower thinking that maybe, this is all I
need to think things thoroughly and it some point, it worked.

Naisip ko na wala naman akong karapatan kay Rainne at sa mga bata. We have no label
on this relationship. No courtship, I'm not her boyfriend, she's not my girlfriend
and I'm not the father of her kids. Fvck buddy! Yes, I'm only that to her.

I decided that I'm just going to be here until she tells me to stop and to go away.
Pakiramdam ko kasi, masyado nakong nakikialam sa kanya at sa mga bata. I can go
away but I will always love them even if were miles apart.

Iniisip ko rin kung bakit ko ba pinapahirapan ang sarili ko. Pwede akong lumayo
dahil sa pagkakataong ito, nasasaktan na ko ng higit pa noon. Pero humahawak parin
ako sa katiting na pag-asang pwede akong tanggapin ni Rainne ng buong buo. Na
mawawala rin ang sakit na nararamdaman ko at sa huli, pwede parin kaming magsama
dahil sa pareho naming mahal ang isa't isa.

Hindi ko inaasahan na paglabas ko ay makikita ko siyang palabas din sa kwarto niya.

Magkatabi lang kasi ang kwarto namin. Tinitigan ko lang siya diretso sa mata. Those
grey eyes that held nothing but cold and dullness but after all these years of
being with her, I know that behind her eyes were sadness and pain. I wanted to
comfort her but I need to set boundaries.

I saw a hint of confusion in her eyes and I immediately posted a smile that didn't
meet my eyes. It's Sunday so she's just wearing a simple knee-length dress.

"Good Morning!" I said forcing my voice to sound happy. She narrowed her eyes on me
and started to walk first.

I was following her just looking at her back and the questions bugging in my head
came back.

Where did she sleep last night? Was she with Azel? Did they do it?

I shook my head to push those thoughts away.

It's none of your business.

Yes, it's not.

Bumalik ako sa reyalidad ng marinig ang boses ng mga bata. Nakatayo sila malapit sa
hapagkainan at inihahanda na rin ng dalawang katulong ang agahan. Napangiti ako ng
makitang seryoso ung kambal na nag-uusap at mukang may pinagtatalunan sila while
still wearing their pajamas.

"But you did that yesterday. Now it's my turn." Nakangusong sabi ni Nine at
napakunot naman ng noo si Seven.

"No I didn't. Nung isang kahapon yon."

"Morning kids."

They both snapped their directions at me and Rainne just continued walking and sat
on the end of the table. Ngumiti sila pareho sakin bago pareho nilang sinundan ng
tingin si Rainne hanggang sa makaupo ito. Then they both ran na para bang nag-
uunahan sila. Seven who got to sit beside Rainne first.

"Noooo... Ako dyan. Get down." Nine whined habang medyo malakas na hinihila nito
ang manggas ni Seven. Nakakunot lang ang noo ni Seven sa kanya habang hinihila
pabalik ung damit niya.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"Seven always get so sit beside mommy. He don't wanna change seat with me but I
wanna seat beside mommy too."

Nakangusong sabi ni Nine habang hawak hawak parin ang damit ni Seven. I chuckled
how shallow their argument over a seat started pero nakaramdam ako ng gaan sa loob
ko dahil nakikita ko kung gano nila gustong makasama si Rainne. Tumingin ako kay
Rainne na sinasalinan na ng pagkain ang sariling plato.

"Let go!" Seven groaned with a frown.

"Get down."

I think kailangan ko nang pumagitna dahil baka tuluyang mag-away itong dalawa.

"Bakit Nine? Ayaw mo na bang katabi si tito?" sabi ko nang may malungkot at
nagtatampong boses. Tumingin sakin si Nine kaya nagkaroon ng pakakataon si Seven na
mahila pabalik ung damit niya. "Sige na Nine, tabihan mo nalang si tito dito." I
said and patted the seat beside me.

Medyo malaki naman ang lamesa pero sa dulo lang talaga umupo si Rainne kaya isa
lang ang pwedeng makatabi nito. Ayoko namang palipatin ng upuan si Rainne ngayon
pang kumakain na siya. Nine looked at me then started to walk that made Seven
smiled. Kinarga ko siya at iniupo sa katabing upuan ko.

"Tito?" I looked at seven. "Why didn't we eat your birthday cake last night?"

"I want your birthday cake 'cause it's chocolate."

My gaze bounced to the two of them then to Rainne who's busy eating.

"Mom and...I were busy. But don't worry, bibili ako ng chocolate cake mamaya,
'kay?" the kids just smiled and continued eating.

"Tito, I found something earlier." Ngumunguya pa'kong tumingin kay Nine. Bumaba
siya sa upuan niya at tumakbo at pagbalik niya, may hawak hawak na siyang maliit na
kahon.
I recognized the box she's holding while running back to her seat. It was the gift
that Maureen gave me. Mukang nabuksan narin ito dahil wala na yung ribbon na
nakatali dito kagabi. She didn't immediately ive it to me and pulled the cover up
revealing its content.

It was a car keychain. Siguro ay alam ni Maureen na medyo may pagkahilig ako sa
sasakyan. It was a silver car but it was not the thing that caught my attention.
Yung kasama ng keychain na nakasabit din.

It was my engagement ring. Not the one I bought for Rainne but the one that matches
Maureen's.

Kinuha ko ito kay Nine at iniangat. Looking at it and making it sure na ito nga
yung singsing na dapat suot ko.

"Where did you get this?" I unconsciously asked.

"Sa floor."

Malamang nahulog ito kagabi ung box. I examined it. Hindi ko na matandaan kung 'san
o kelan ko huling nakita ito kaya hindi ko rin alam kung pa'no napunta ito kay
Maureen. My fingers traced the gold ring and found the embroidered K and M inside
the ring.

"I also found this inside and it has your name po." Napatingin ako kay Nine na may
maliit na papel na hawak. I took it and true as she said, it has my name written
on it.

'I give you your freedom. Happy Birthday' -Mau

A grateful smile automatically found its way on my face and I think I just received
the best birthday gift ever. Pinakawalan niya na ko. Ang matagal na bagay na
hinihiling ko. Ang tuluyang makalaya. Thanks, Mau!

The clattering sound of utensils brought me out of my deep thoughts. Napatingin ako
sa gawi ni Rainne na umiinom ng tubig. She narrowed her eyes at me before standing
up leaving me confused with the look she gave me.

Ibinalik ko ung keychain at ung sulat sa box at nilagay sa bulsa ko. Matapos kumain
ay hinintay ko munang dumating ung mga yaya ng dalawa bago ko sila iniwan. Umiwan
kasi ung mga yaya nila. I went to my room and get Rainne's phone then look for her.
I knew she was in her study room as well as her home office.

And I was right but not in the situation I was expecting. She was standing near the
window and was looking through it rather than sitting behind the desk and busying
herself with paper works. She was now wearing a different dress from earlier at
mukang aalis siya dahil sa suot niya.

Alam kong alam niyang pumasok ako pero tumingin lang siya sakin nang makalapit na
ko. Nakangiti ako habang papalapit sa kanya habang siya ay nakatingin lang sa'kin.
Her eyes didn't leave me kahit na nakalapit at huminto na ko sa harap niya. Why? I
thought.

Nakatingin lang siya sa'kin the entire time na parang inoobserbahan ang mukha ko.
Then the next thing she did startled me.

She lifted her right hand and touched my face.

"R-Rainne-"

"Your smiles." She said while her thumb caresses the skin near my lips. "They're
fake. Why?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. She let go of my face and
looked back outside.

How did she know that? That she sees me past my façade? Nakikita niya ba ung mga
nararamdaman ko sa likod ng mga peke kong ngiti? But how?

Tama bang narinig kong tinanong niya kung bakit? This is the first time she asked
me something like that. Something that involves what I feel.

"Here." Iniabot ko sa kanya ung phone. "You left this and I never got the chance to
return it last night."

She looked at the phone then frowned before taking it. Tatanungin ko ba siya
tungkol kagabi?

You'll step on the boundaries.

"Last night... Were you with Azel?" bago pa ko makapag-isip ay nasabi ko na. I
placed my right hand in my pocket and held tightly to the box like it was my
lifeline while waiting for her answer.

She didn't say or do anything other than blinking several times. Totoo ba ang
kasabihang silence means yes? Does her silence means yes? I wanna know but she's
always like a puzzle that's hard to solve. Parang jigsaw puzzle na may isang libong
piraso. Mabubuo ko ba?

"I told you staying with me will only cause you pain." Malamig na sabi niya sabay
harap sakin.

"I-I'm fine." Nakangiting sabi ko na nagpakunot ng noo niya.

"Fake smiles."

I dropped the smile and looked at her with anticipation.

"Are you still playing and chasing the rat?" lakas loob kong tanong. She stiffened.

Nagsimula ito lahat sa paghihiganti niya. Alam ko 'yon pero hindi ko alam kung
anong nangyari sa nakarran niya para mangyari lahat ng ito. Lahat ng ginagawa niya
kasama si Azel, iniisip ko na bahagi lang ng laro niya. Gaya ng ginagawa niya
sa'kin. That made me felt a little peace but seeing her with him...hurts.

"P-pwede bang itigil nalang lahat ng 'to? Just start a new with the kids...with me.
Please Rainne. Hindi pa naman siguro huli ang lahat diba. Whatever happened to the
past...leave it. Don't let the past dictate your present that might ruin your
future, Rainne. Ayoko magsisi at masaktan ka sa huli. Hindi ko kaya 'yon. Baka pati
ung mga bata madamay dahil sa mga nangyayari. Just focus on them. Kahit alam kong
mahal mo sila, show them that you love them. Makikita mo, makakalimutan mo ung mga
pangit na nangyari sa'yo. Just let them...us break the wall you built and we will
make good memories." Lumapit ako at hinawakan ang mga kamay niya. "Please,
Rainne."

I said with pleading. Kung kaya kong mailigtas siya sa pagkalunod sa nakaraan,
gagawin ko. Huwag lang niyang sirain kung ano mang magandang bagay na pwede niyang
maranasan. I and the kids can make her happy pero hindi magiging buo ang
kaligayahan niya kung magpapatali siya sa nakaraan.
"You're not alone anymore. You have Seven, Nine and me."

She looked at me and I saw something in her eyes. Isang bagay na nagsasabing gusto
niya rin ang mga sinabi ko. Itinuon niya ang paningin niya sa sahig at naramdaman
kong humigpit nag kapit niya sa mga kamay ko giving me hope that she'll say yes to
me so I hugged her. Tight

"No matter how hard and heavy your problems are, I'll make sure that you will not
carry and face the burden alone. I'm here for you because I love you." I hugged her
tightly at naramdaman ko ang mga kamay niyang umangat para gantihan ako ng yakap. I
smiled at kiss the side of her head because of the happiness.

She accepted me. She finally accepted me after so many years. Ito na ba ung matagal
kong hinihintay? Na tanggapin niya ko at maging isang buong pamilya na kami. Kung
ito nga yon, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos dahil sa regalong binigay niya. I will
forever consider this as the most beautiful birthday gift that God has given me.
Thank you, Lord for everything.

"A-are you saying yes?" instead of answering, she gave me the most beautiful and
simplest smile I have ever seen.

My heart jumped in excitement and surprise. That was the first genuine smile she
showed me at hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko. Sh!t! Hindi ko na alam! I'm
happy, never been happy like this.

Sometimes, we built walls just so see if someone is brave and concerned enough to
break it. Sometimes we cried tears just to see if someone cares enough to wipe them
and we push people away because all we ever want is someone strong enough to pull
us closer and I will be that someone for her.

"D4mn! I love you...I love you so much." Sa sobrang saya ko ay agad ko siyang
hinalikan. It lasted for a couple of seconds then placed my lips on her forehead.

"I don't know what Azel did to you but let us think that it's small and simple that
couldn't destroy you." masaya kong sabi at hahalikan sana siya pero umiwas siya na
ipinagtaka ko.

"Why?" ramdam kong may nagbago agad. Yung ngiti niya kanina nawala at hindi ko alam
kung bakit. "Was there something I said?"

Humarap siya sakin at nakita ko ang mga malamig at blangko niyang mga mata. Those
eyes. They're back. What happened? Kanina lang okay na. Ano-ng?

Bahagya niya kong at lumayo sakin. Nakarinig kami ng busina mula sa labas kaya
sinilip ko yon. It was a blue maserati marshall. Bumusina ulit ito at bumaba ang
driver. It was Azel.

I looked at Rainne who's currently looking down at Azel. Tumalikod siya at akmang
aalis na nang hinawakan ko ang kamay niya.

"Rainne, please."

"What they did to me was not simple and it already broke and destroyed me." Ramdam
ko ang lamig at galit sa boses niya sabay hila ng kamay niya pabalik. "It's
unforgivable. If you're hurting around me, umalis ka nalang."

"I won't because you never once asked me to leave." I said determined. "But please
tell me when I'm no longer needed and I promise I will go even if it hurts me."
Then I once again plastered a wide smile even underneath them, I was starting to
feel like dying.

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

Next chapter's with Aiden and Alonna... :D

Chapter 29.2
Chapter dedicated to an060397... sa walang sawang paghihintay ng update ko..
Salamat... :D

Chapter 29.2

Nagdridrive ako papunta sa isang business meeting namin ni Rainne ngayong tanghali.
Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang nangyari sa kanila ni Alonna but I need to be
professional.

I was expecting to see Rainne but was not pleased nang tanging sekretarya niya lang
ang dumating. Iniisip ko tuloy na napaka unprofessional naman niya kung ang dahilan
ay yung nangyari sa kanila ni Alonna kung bakit hindi siya dumating.

"Good day, Mr. Faustino. I apologize in behalf of Miss Rainne's absence. She's
currently fixing some problems about her business construction in Palawan."

She immediately stood and apologized.

"Is this the subdivision near my mall?"

"Yes, sir." Umupo ako habang sumasagot siya while I gesture her to sit and she
followed. I nodded but it doesn't mean that I was not disappointed with this.

"Sometimes, problems are inevitable, but is it that hard to make some calls for a
heads up? And why didn't she assign one of her directors or anyone in position to
attend a meeting that is really important? Does she think so low about this?"

"I'm sorry, Sir but Miss Rainne was already here when she got the call. Miss Rainne
was handling this project with you personally due to its higher importance. She
could've called any person with higher position for this but none of them know or
already have a knowledge and insight in regards to this business. I, on the other
hand have been present in every meeting, listened and understood all important
conversations and took notes of everything that needs to be noted. Miss Rainne is
aware of this and trusts my ability to understand and help you with the problem
that is to be discussed. I will make sure that you won't be disappointed, sir and
will not feel doubt of having a partnership with Miss Rainne and with our company."
Taas noo niyang sabi.

Matigas ang tingin na ipinukol ko sa kanya at hindi ko na itinago ang pagkadismaya

ko sa nangyayari. I'm trying to look intimidating as possible before her but with
the incredible calmness that she's showing made her quite remarkable. Hindi ko
napigilang tumaas ang gilid ng mga labi ko dahil sa mga sinabi niya.

"Very well, Vernice. Let's see how well you understand."

True to her words, the meeting went well. Talagang marami siyang nalalaman tungkol
sa project namin at talagang namangha ako sa pinapakita niyang kaalaman. It's like
she's handling the business from the start instead of just standing behind her
boss. Kung hindi ko lang alam na sekretarya lang siya ni Rainne, aakalain kong
tini-train siya mismo ni Rainne.

Lahat ng tanong ko may sagot siya. She always has things to suggest improving the
project. She even understands and studied the timeline of the construction up to
its official opening. She's very business minded and professional. Ang maganda pa
ay kalmado lang siya habang kinakausap ako. Nandon parin ang paggalang sa bawat
salita niya pero nandon din ang punto sa mga salita niya. Quite impressive, indeed.

"I'm impressed." Agad siyang napaharap sakin na para bang nagulat sa sinabi ko.
"You really know this very well. Rainne did the right thing on assigning you. Well
done."

I plastered a smile and I show her blushed a bit. Tumikhim siya para itago ang
pagkahiya niya at ngumiti pabalik. "Thank you, Mr. Faustino. If you need anything,
Miss Rainne will be back at the office later."

Inayos ko ang mga gamit ko, tumayo at naglahad ng kamay. "Nice talking business
with you. Keep it up." Her smile became wide and she looks like a kid being praised
for a good grade she got from school. Cute.

"You too, Sir and I will." She said and shook my hand.

Papaalis na ko nang bigla niya kong tinawag. "Why?"

She was fidgeting and her eyes looked anywhere but me with wary. Napakunot ang noo
ko dahil sa pagtataka habang hinihintay siyang magsalita. Bumuntong hininga muna
ito ng malalim bago niya ko tinignan diretso sa mata.

"H-How's she?" she stuttered.

I know who she's referring to. Lalo akong nagtaka sa ikinikilos siya but I
remembered the things Alonna said to me when she visited her and some of them were
not good.

"If you're talking about what happened between the two of you, we better not talk
about it. She's f-fine." Alam kong okay si Alonna pero ang problema ay kung okay
ako dahil sa nangyari non.

I mentally shook myself out of that thoughts and observed her. Mukang hindi siya
makapaniwala sa sagot ko. Bakit? Dahil ba ang akala niya ay hindi magsasalita si
Alonna tungkol sa mga hindi magandang bagay na sinabi niya dito? Tsk. I will not
let anyone hurt her even from...myself.

"Y-you know? Then we should look-"

"Yes, I know what you said to her and it's best if you won't go near her anymore."

"W-what?" she whispered. Shock evident on her face.

"I don't like the idea of you or anyone saying bad things to her nor hurting her.
Did you think that I'll stay quiet about that? No! Not anymore. Also, keep in mind
that our only connection is because of business. Meaning, you're not her friend
anymore and vice versa, even if both of you are the only friend of each other."
Mariin kong sabi. Nakabuka ang bibig niyang nakatingin sakin. Not believing what I
just said. Nang mukang may sasabihin siya at pinutol ko na. "Good day, Vernice and
I'll make sure that Rainne will hear how wonderful you did today."

I gave her a final nod and left.

"Man, c'mon let's end the night wasted."

"Sorry, man. I got a dinner date tonight." Azel said over the phone. "Why do you
want to get drunk at this time? Ang aga aga pa oh. Alas sais palang. Sira ka ba?" I
heard him chuckled.

"Tss. Don't go saint on me assh0le. Mas maaga pa sa sikat ng araw natin

inuumpisahan to nung nasa states tayo and what's with that dinner date? Akala ko ba
bros before hoes?"

"Don't give me that reason. That's overused." Naiiinis niyang sabi. "And FYI,
you're starting to get clingy like the hoes you're talk about. Be a man and just
grab some hot chick at the bar to fvck with. That may lessen your loneliness." I
hiss by his words of mocking me.

Kahit kailan talaga tong sira ulong to! Hindi maaasahan kapag kailangan pero laging
umaaligid sakin pag hindi naman kailangan. Kaiinis talaga ang gag0.

"You're a big help, man. Fvck You!" angil ko.

"Not me, idiot." I scowled. "Besides, I think I might get myself a good fvck
tonight. Good luck and don't call me for the rest of the night."

Then the line went dead.

Naiinis kong binaba ang telepono at nagdrive papunta sa bar. Naiinis ako dahil
hindi ko na naman matanggal si Alonna sa isip ko. Hindi lang pala siya, pati narin
si Vernice at ang kakaiba kong nararamdaman kay Alonna. Para kong mababaliw dahil
kapag naiisip ko si Alonna, may iba akong nararamdaman. An inappropriate feeling
that I don't wanna feel towards her. The attraction!

Damn this!

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko kaya lagi akong laman ng mga bar dahil ito ang
paraan ko para makalimot kahit papano. Drinking and getting drunk makes me numb
inside.

Dahil sa bwisit na pakiramdam ko, napabili ako ng condo. Napalipat tuloy ako ng
wala sa oras because I plan to distance myself from her until this feelings die.
Wala naman akong paki sa pera pero kailangan ko tuloy iwan pati sila Auntie at
Uncle.

I know they can handle themselves but they are the only family I got at mas maganda
kung magkakasama kami sa iisang bahay. Umuuwi rin naman ako minsan sa bahay para
hindi magtanong ng magtanong si Auntie. I always reason out business matters.

Pagkapasok ko sa loob ay namataan ko agad si Maureen at ang grupo niya. Kilala ko

siya dahil magpinsan sila ni Azel pero hindi kami ganon ka-close. Madalas din dito
ang mga grupo niya pero minsan ko lang siya makita.

Dumiretso ako sa counter at umorder ng inumin. I decided not to mingle with her
group as always. As I said, we're not that close.

Ilang shots palang ang naiimon ko nang may lumapit na babae sa'kin. I gaze at her
from head to toe and smiled. To sum it up, she's gorgeous like a Greek goddess
decided to descend here on earth.

Big breast, slim waist, long legs, silky white skin, short raven hair and a
beautiful face. Lower lip bitten in a seductive way and eyes boring into mine but
not grey.

"Why? Don't you like what you see?" she whined. Hindi ko namalayan na biglang
nawala ang ngiti ko dahil 'don. I mentally slap myself and smiled at her while
holding her hips to pull her closer.

"Yes!" she frowned. "Cause I'm still seeing you with that tight blue dress." I
whispered near her ear and I felt her shivered. "What's your name, kitten?"

Blue is her favo-what the fvck! Where the fvck did that come from?

"Cassy." she purred. "So...you wanna get out of here?" I can feel the lust coming
off of her while she place light kisses on my jaw. I'm starting to have it too but
I haven't had enough liquor in my system so, it just has to wait.

Inilayo ko siya at tinignan. "Later." She pouted. "The night's just started."

I winked and her smile became wider. I kissed her to show her a piece of what she's
gonna have late this night before pulling her in the middle of the dance floor.

Our bodies were so close that I could feel her body heat as she grinned low against
my upper body in the middle of the dance floor.

Sinabayan ko at hinayaan ko siya sa ginagawa niya. Sumayaw kami ng sumayaw hanggang

sa mapagod kami at bumalik sa counter at uminom hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang tama
ng alak.

We continued our drinking session in my condo and now, we can't get out hands and
lips away from each other.

Our heats were mingling as we pressed our bodies against each other. Kung san san
gumagapang ang kamay ko hanggang mapunta sa dibdib niya at ang isa sa bewang niya.
One of hers was inside my shirt touching and feeling my chest up and down.

She moaned when I left her lips to focused on her neck and suck it.

Sumabay ang tama ng alak sa ginagawa namin kaya naging mas mainit ang lahat sa
paligid namin hanggang sa ihiga ko siya sa kama.

We continued ravishing each other's mouth and I was about to pull her dress down
when I heard a familiar tune. Maybe it's the alcohol singing or something.

Hindi ko ito pinansin at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa. Tumayo ako saglit at hinubad ang
damit ko. I dipped down pero narinig ko na naman ang ingay na 'yon. I groaned
against our lips due to annoyance and tried to focus on the sound. Alcohol made
focusing hard kaya hininto ko ang paghalik sa kanya.

I didn't pay attention as she whimpered in complain to listen to the sound. There
it was!

Gusto ko sanang baliwalain ang kung sino mang tumatawag pero alam kong si Auntie
'yon. I assigned a different tone under her name.

"Just leave it." Halata ang inis at pagkabitin sa tono niya.

"Yes, Auntie?" medyo namamaos kong sabi at umupo sa gilid ng kama.

Mukang hindi papayag si Cassy na mabitin dahil sa banayad at dahan dahan niyang
paghalik sa leeg ko mula sa likuran ko habang kausap ko si Auntie.
"Where are you, Aiden? It's after midnight. Are you still at the office this late?"
I didn't quite hear her because I was a bt tipsy and Cassy just sat on my lap
straddling me the made me feel hot and excited all over. I gave her a quick but hot
kiss before answering. Nagpipigl siyang umungol para lang hindi marinig ni Auntie.

"Why? I there something ...w-wrong?"

"Are you sick? Why does your voice sounds weird?"

Napamura ako ng mahina earning a low giggle from the lady that kept on grinding
against my excited member. Ipinulupot ko ang braso ko sa bewang niya at mahigpit na
hinila para hindi siya ganong makagalaw. She stopped grinding and went back to
kissing my face.

"Dry throat." Tumikhim pa 'ko para mag mukang makatotohanan. May parte sa'kin na
natatawa at naeexcite sa ginagawa namin at meron din namang kinakabahan dahil baka
malaman ni Auntie ang ginagawa namin ngayon.

"Get home fast. There's an emergency."

Biglang nawala ang ngiti ko sa narinig. Para siyang nagmamadali sa pagsabi non. Mas
lalo akong hindi mapakali ng biglang binaba ni Auntie ang telepono. Ano kayang
nangyari sa bahay? Tungkol ba'yon kay Alonna? Sh!t! I need to know.

"Leave. Fun's over." I said expressionless. Agad akong tumayo at nag-ayos ng

sarili.

"Anong problema? Balak mo ba talaga akong bitinin?"

"I said go. Hindi ka ba makaintindi?"

"Seriously?" she yelled. "Dinala dala mo 'ko dito tapos wala lang. Are you joking
me?"

I didn't mind her ranting and continued buttoning my shirt. Kinuha ko ang susi ng
sasakyan ko at lumabas ng kwarto habang nakasunod lang siya with only her strapless
bra and panty.

"Unbelievable jerk." Palabas na ko nang harapin siya.

"Better leave my unit within five minutes or I'll call someone who'll drag you
out." Malamig na pagbabanta ko. I can still hear her shout profanities before
closing the door.

Pagbaba ko ay binilinan ko muna ang isang guard na i-check ang unit ko after five
minutes. I'm serious about what I said earlier to that girl.

Medyo hilo pa ko pero nakapagdrive naman ako ng ligtas pauwi ng bahay. Medyo
mabilis ang pagpapatakbo ko dahil sa kakaisip na baka may nangyaring masama kay
Alonna. What if there's and accident? What if she's hurt? I thought.

I stepped on the gas and drive as fast as I could.

"Thank God you're here?" Uncle Ben said with relief. "Are you drunk?" Hindi ko
sinagot si Uncle nang makita ko si Auntie na nagmamadaling lumapit sa'kin.
Nakasunod sa kanya ang ilang maids na may bitbit na bagahe. She instruct them to
bring the luggage in the car before turning to my direction.
"What's happening?" kunot noo kong tanong.

"I need you here to watch over Alonna for quite a while."

"Wha-Why? Is she hurt? Did something happen to her?"

"No. She's fine." Bigla akong nakaramdam ng ginhawa dahil sa sinabi niiya."We're
currently having a problem with our main branch and your uncle and I need to fly to
California to fix it. One of our malls burned down to ashes and we need to evaluate
damages. I heard some employees died and some were hurt so we need to settle
financial support for them. We couldn't just bring Alonna with us and she's better
to stay here."

"Bakit di ko alam 'to?" I said irritated.

"We tried to call you but you didn't answer." She reasoned out. She looked at her
watch and frowned. "We need to go. Stay with Alonna."

Nagmadali silang umalis habang ako ay naiwan na mag-isa.

I was relief na malamang walang masamang nangyari kay Alonna pero nainis naman ako
dahil hindi ko nalaman agad ang problema ng kumpanya. I'm the one managing this for
God's sake and I'm the last person to know.

Mabigat ang paa kong nagtungo sa kusina. Kumuha ng ilang bote ng alak at dinala sa
kwarto ko. Bigla akong napabagal ng lakad at napahinto sa tapat ng pinto ng kwarto
ni Alonna. Agad na nawala ang pagkainis ko at nanatiling nakatingin sa pinto.

Is she asleep? Should I check on her? What if I wake her up? Is it locked? Should I
knock?

Sa dulo ng pag-iisip ko ay napagpasyahan kong i-check kung naka lock ang pintuan
niya bago ito buksan ng dahan dahan. I saw her sleeping figure and silently walked
near her.

She looked like an angel with her innocent look while breathing evenly. Umangat ang
kaliwang kamay ko at hinawi ang mga buhok na tumatakip sa maamo niyang mukha.

I smiled then suddenly frowned nang mapagtanto ko ang ginagawa ko. I'm acting like
a creep obsessed on a girl while watching her sleep.

She's my sister, d4mn it!

Agad akong lumabas at dumiretso sa kwarto ko. Do'n ko ipinagpatuloy ang pag-inom ko
hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang sobrang kalasingan. Halos tatlong bote na ng whiskey
ng naubos ko at kahit alam kong di ko na kaya, nagpupumilit parin ako.

I need this! I need to be numb. I know I'm feeling something for her. Lagi nalang
siyang laman ng isip ko at kahit na sinong babae ang kaharap ko sa kama, siya at
siya parin ang nakikita ko. That's why I need alcohol before getting laid. It blurs
my mind and vision over her like now.

I eventually forgotten about her and those frightening feelings I feel. My vision's
blurry at parang umiikot ang buong paligid. I stood up from my table at pagewang
gewang na pumunta sa kama ko hanggang sa padapa akong bumagsak.

I groaned when the dizziness worsen as my body bounced on the bed. Nakaraman ako ng
matinding pagkaihi kaya pilit akong bumangon at pumunta sa banyo. Papikit pikit pa
ko habang ginagawa 'yon.
When I got out, napakunot ang noo ko at tinignan ang bulto ng taong nakatayo
malapit sa pinto. I shook my head that made my head hurt that made me groan.
Napangiti nalang ako ng mapait dahil sa palala ng palala ang pumapasok sa isip ko.

I thought I saw her in my room.

Ano namang gagawin niya dito?

Nakatihaya akong humiga ng dahan dahan sa kama ko at pumikit. Ready for slumber to
consume me. With the alcohol in my entire system, I felt like my chest was being
caressed by someone and that really felt good. Napaungol ako sa sarap hanggang sa
makatulog ako.

Nagising ako nang matamaan ng sinag ng araw ang mukha ko. I groaned and pulled the
warm pillow close and hugged it tight.

"Hmmm" ang sarap sa pakiramdam ko habang yakap yakap ang malambot at mabangong unan
ko. I even buried my face to it and took a deep breath, smelling its heavenly
scent. The pillow also seems to be moving. Napakunot ang noo ko nang may tumama sa
mukha ko na buhok.

Buhok?

Biglang pumasok sa isip ko ang nangyari kagabi at humiwalay sa yakap. My eyes

remained close as I remembered a girl last night. Yes! Her name was Cassy and I
took her from the bar for a good fvck. Wala akong ganong maalala pero naiwan ung
pakiramdam. It was the good. Actually the best I ever had.

Naramdaman kong umurong siya palayo at nanginginig ang mga balikat. Medyo masakit
pa ang ulo ko kaya hindi ko pa binubuksan ang mga mata ko.

"Get out of my room. We're done." Lalo akong naasar nang marinig ang mahihina
niyang paghikbi.

Kahit masarap ang ginawa namin kagabi, wala lang siya para sa'kin. The thing
between us lasted for only a night and it's morning so why the fvck should I get
myself be involve on her further. At ngayon umiiyak pa siya! Tss. Slut! Ginusto
niya rin ang nangyari tapos iiyak iyak siya. Alam ko ang mga babaeng gaya niya.
You'll never get more than a fvck from me.

"You already overstayed yourself. I said out." I said adding a little bit of power
on my voice.

Lalo akong naiinis nang lumakas ang iyak niya. This time, I lift my body up with my
elbows supporting me and looked at her. Her bare back exposed. Una kong nakita ang
makinis na likod niya na para bang gusto ko itong hawakan at ulitin yung mga bagay
na nakalimutan ko kagabi na ginawa namin.

My eyes darted down to her upper body that was covered in blue sheets. Blue? Did
they change my sheets?

Biglang nabaling ang paningin ko sa humahagulgol na babae. Agad na kumulo ang dugo
ko.

"Are you deaf?" Hinila ko ang braso niya at iniharap. "And stop crying you-"

Her crying and miserable face left me shocked and speechless.

Chapter 30.1
Chapter 30.1

"Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo, Aiden? Kanina ka pa wala sa sarili. Are you sick or
something cause dude, you look like shit."

"Shut up, Azelro." I hissed.

Tama naman ang sinabi niya. I look like shit. By hair's a mess, my shirts crumpled,
I haven't shave for three weeks and I know my face's as ugly as hell with the
eyebags and all. Dalawang linggo narin akong hindi pumapasok sa opisina dahil hindi
ko maitama ang isip ko.

I was disgusted with myself. Nakakdiri at hindi ko 'yon matanggal sa isip ko. Para
na kong nababaliw kakaisip kaya nga tinawagan ko si Azel para humingi ng payo pero
hindi pala 'yon ganun kadali. Hindi kadaling sabihin ang mga nangyari. I wished
it's just as easy as 'Hey, dude. I fvcked my 'lil sis. The sex's great but I feel
like sh!t right now. Can I have an advice?'.

"D4mn it!" napamura ako. I leaned forward, brushed my face with both hands to rest
them on my head as I bowed down, ashamed of myself.

"May problema ka nga. What is it?"

I glared at him and he arched his brow in return. "G4go! Wala kang maitutulong.
Wala kang ginawa kung hindi ikwento yang babae mo. Mind your own business."

Bigla siyang ngumiti ng malawak na lalong nagpakulo ng dugo ko. Ganyan ba ang
kaibigan? Masaya habang miserable ang isa. Fvck you, Azel!

"I think I'm getting there. Mapapasakin rin siya at malapit na 'yon. Well, I
already fvcked her but I'm not gonna settle for that. I have to make her really
mine."

"Are you talking about marriage?"

Napa-ayos ako ng upo at seryosong tumingin sa kanya. "What? Of course not." Matindi
niyang pagsalungat. "I just need to make sure that I'm the only man in her mind and
nobody else. Na ako lang ang hahanap hanapin niya. I get to have her mind, body and
soul."

"G4go ka talaga. Sa itsura mo parang ikaw ang humahanap hanap sa kanya." I smirked
and he scowled. Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito siya umasta. He always dumped girls
after using them. This was the first time he's determined to have a certain woman.
Ni hindi nga siya ganito umakto dati kay Al-sh!t!

Ugh! Naisip ko na naman siya. Bakit ba hindi niya ko tantanan. I frowned and let my
conscience bug me again.

"Let's see about that. I will have her. Mark my words."

Biglang tumunog ang phone ko. It was our house phone. Anong problema nila?
Nakabalik na ba sila Uncle?

Tatlong linggo simula ang pangyayaring 'yon at tatlong linggo narin akong hindi
umuuwi sa bahay. Kung anu anong kwento ang sinabi ko kay Auntie para lang masabi na
umuuwi ako at inaalagaan siya. I'd convinced them that everything's okay but the
truth was, I hadn't seen her since that dreadful day.
"Hello."

"Sir Aiden. Pasensya na po sa istorbo si Aneth poi to."

"O, bakit?"

"Si Ma'am Alonna po kasi.."

"Why-what? Anong nangyari." Agad akong nataranda dahil sa sinabi niya. Kahit naman
sabihing may nangyari sa'ming hindi maganda, kapatid ko parin si Alonna and I still
care for her and that's one thing I'm thinking about. What I felt for her was
growing to the fact that it's getting me confused worried and scared me because I
knew that I was beginning to see her as a woman.

"Ayaw niya pong kumain. Hindi rin po siya nag-agahan at nagtanghalian tapos masakit
daw po ang tiyan niya. Hindi na po namin alam kung anong gagawin kasi tinatanggihan
niya lahat ng pagkain niya."

"I'll be there. Try to offer her some carbonara. It's her favorite." Ibinaba ko na
agad ang telepono and rubbed the back of my neck out of frustration.

"Alonna?" tanong ni Azel.

"Yeah. Una na ko."

Umalis ako sa coffee shop at nagdrive pauwi sa bahay. Ilang beses na 'kong
bumuntong hininga dahil hindi ko maisip kung pa'no ko siya pakikitunguhan ngayong
hindi ko na alam sa sarili ko kung pano ako aakto sa harap niya. I'm really getting
crazy thinking about her. Anong gagawin ko kapag nalaman nila Auntie at Uncle.
Paniguradong ikakahiya nila 'ko and they will despise me more than what they felt
when they discovered what I did to Alonna before.

What if they knew?

What if they found out that....I was falling in-love with my sister?

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

Third Person POV

Matiyaga siyang naghihintay at nakadungaw sa bintana habang kumakain ng tinapay na

tinago niya kagabi. Handan a siya para sa gagawin niya mamaya. Napangiti siya at
napakagat ulit ng tinapay nang makita niyang paparating ang sasakyan ng kanyang
nilalaro.

'I can't wait to see him go crazy after this.' She thought as she prepared the
things that she'll be using later and placed it inside her bra, between her
breasts.

Dapat lamang na may kahinatnan ang gagawin niya dahil hindi siya maayos na nakakain
kanina. Umupo muna siya at hinintay ang inaasahan. She got excited when someone
knocked.

Show's starting.

Inayos niya ang sarili at tinanggal ang ngiti at excitement sa pakiramdam. She
needed to act innocent and a victim here just to fuel the fire more and make it
bigger.
"Ma'am Alonna, nandito po si Sir Aiden. Hinihintay po kayo sa baba."

Tumayo siya at naglakad palapit sa pinto. Binuksan niya ito nang nakayuko at
tinanguan lamang si Aneth. Her head was bowed down and her hands were clasped in
front of her while following Aneth just to show that timid and innocent look she's
portraying.

Naghihintay naman si Aiden sa kanila sa dulo ng malaking hagdan. He frowned seeing

how pitiful Alonna looked as she walked down the stairs with Aneth. He wanted to
run to her and comfort her. Say sorry for what happened and just be with her 'til
they both forget that horrible moment.

He might have tried to admit it but that night wasn't dreadful for him. It was the
fact that the girl he wanted was his only sister at kapag nalaman ng iba,
siguradong magiging usap usapan ang pamilya niya. Magiging kahihiyan siya at
pandidirihan ang pamilya kasama si Alonna.

And that was the most terrible thing that could happen.

He immediately looked away when they're gazed met. Kitang kita niya kung pano
nalungkot ang itsura ni Alonna ang ginawa niya ito pero pinatigas niya ang kanyang
ekspresyon at naunang naglakad sa hapagkainan.

What was she thinking?

I bet she's disgusted at me. Mapapatawad niya kaya ako?

His thoughts were bugging him until they reached and sat behind the table. Maraming
pagkain ang ipinahanda niya kasama na ang paboritong carbonara ng kapatid. He
wanted her to eat as much as possible since he noticed that she got thinner in such
a short time.

She's nearly like a stick.

Pumayat nga siya pero mas lalo lang nahalata ang hugis ng katawan niya. Kinabahang
napalunok si Aiden dahil nagsisimula na naman ang hindi tamang pakiramdam niya para
sa kapatid.

"Eat plenty."

Nanatiling nakayuko si Alonna habang kumakain. Yan ang isang bagay na kinaiinisan
ni Aiden sa kanya. She wasn't confident about herself. He didn't want her to weak
or even to show weakness to people pero hindi niya na mababago yon ngayon pang may
mga pangyayaring hindi dapat pinagmamalaki ang dumaan.

Napansin niyang konti lang ang kinakain ni Alonna na nagpakunot ng noo niya at
napaismid. Then he mentally cursed himself when Alonna stirred hearing him. Para
siyang natakot at ayaw ni Aiden na matakot ito sa kanya.

Sinalinan niya ng juice ang baso ni Alonna. Napatingin sa kanya ito at ngumiti pero
agad ding bumalik sa pagkain.

Kinontian niya lang ang pagkain dahil medyo nabusog siya sa dami ng tinapay na
nakain. Nang matapos sila ay sinabayan siya ni Aiden sa paglalakad hanggang hagdan.
When she noticed that he won't walk her up to her room, she grabbed his arm when he
turned around.

Parang napaso si Aiden nang hawakan siya ni Alonna kaya hinawi niya ito agad. Agad
naman siyang nagisisi sa ginawa dahil sa kalungkutang nakita niya sa kapatid.
Again, he wanted to just hug her and whisper soothing words but he could not and he
wouldn't.

"K-kuya, galit ka ba s-sakin?" Tanong niya at kitang kita niya ang pagkagulat sa
mukha ng kaharap. Gusto niyang matawa sa itsura nito pero hindi ang makita siyang
ganyan ang balak niya. He wanted him crazy and losing control with his mind.

And she will get it.

"No. Get in your room."

"Hindi ko sasabihin. Wala akong pagsasabihan." Lumapit siya ng isang beses at

nagmukhang nagmamakaawa. Sinadya niyang lakasan ang boses niya at kitang kita niya
kung pano nataranta si Aiden at tumingin sa paligid.

"Keep quiet at pumunta ka sa kwarto mo." Mahina at galit niyang sabi.

Konti na lang.

"Please, kuya. Don't get mad at me. Sanay na ko sa ganito."

"W-what?"

"I won't tell Auntie that you forced me to-"

"STOP!" napasigaw si Aiden at malakas siyang tinulak. Na sa sobrang lakas ay tumama

ang likod nya sa dulo ng hawakan ng hagdanan. Napahawak siya sa likod niya bandang
balakang ang uminda ng sakit.

"K-kuya ang sakit ng likod ko."

"I don't care. Bumalik ka sa kwarto mo."

Kahit nahihirapan ay nagmadali siyang umakyat ng hagdan papuntang kwarto. When she
turned to the corridor, her face turned cold and grimaced.

Fvck that assh0le! My back hurts and he'll pay for that.

Sabi niya at inilabas ang nakaipit na syringe sa dibdib na may pulang likido.

"Time to get crazy, Aiden." Tinanggal niya ang takip at sinimulan ang gagawin.

--------

Seeing her hurt and in pain made him wanna kill himself. Ilang beses niya bang
sasaktan si Alonna dahil sa katangahan niya. He never wanted to hurt her again but
he couldn't stop himself when he heard her say those things aloud.

Pano nalang kung narinig ng mga kasambahay?

Inusig na naman siya ng konsensya niya nang maalala itong namimilipit ng sakit
kanina. Humihingi ito ng tulong pero hindi niya pinansin. Kung hindi ba naman
umiral ang pagkagago niya kanina. He should've tended to her to ease the pain but
he didn't instead, he shouted and walked out.

"Argh! Bwiset." Papasok na siya nang bumalik siya sa bahay at tinahak ang papuntang
kwarto ni Alonna.
Nang makapunta siya sa taas ay napahinto siya. He saw red stains on the carpet. He
crouched down and touched the stain. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang amuyin ito. He
studied to be a doctor and he very well knew what that red liquid was.

Blood

And it was fresh.

Nanginginig ang tuhod niya at kinakabahang sinundan ang bakas ng dugo. Patak patak
lang ito pero alam niya kung saan siya balak dalhin ng mga ito. He swallowed a lump
in the throat when the trail led him at the open door of his sister's room.

Pinagpapawisan siya, kinakabahan at nananalangin na sana walang nagyaring masama sa

kapatid. He wanted to run back out the house, away from here but her feet won't do
what he wanted and froze outside the room.

His hand was shaking as he touched the knob and pushed the door.

More traces of blood.

His eyes landed on the bathroom. Dahan dahan siyang naglakad papalapit habang
naririnig ang isang mahinang paghagulgol.

"S-sorry, sorry." Paulit ulit niyang naririnig 'yon habang naglalakad siya.
Pagkapasok niya sa banyo ay nakita niya si Alonna na nakaupo sa gilid ng bath tub.

Her arms wrapped around her stomach and she was biting her lower lip hard, trying
not to cry loud while her tears continues to flow.

Napatingin ito sa kanya pero napako ang paningin niya sa mga binti nitong
dinadaluyan ng pulang likido.

"Ku-ya...s-sorry."

Wala siyang narinig na kung ano maliban sa lakas ng tibok ng puso niya. Para bang
bigla siyang nabingi at naging sarado ang isip sa lahat.

Hindi! Hindi pwede 'to! Hindi maaari. She can't be...

"Yung b-baby."

Unti unting tumulo ang mga luha niya habang nakatingin lang sa binti nito. Hindi
niya inaasahan ang mga pangyayaring ito. Hindi niya inakalang magbubunga ang isang
pagkakamali.

It can't be.

Nanlambot ang mga tuhod niya at napaluhod siya habang patuloy na bumabagsak ang mga
luha niya. Napahawak at napasabuhot siya sa kanyang ulo habang paulit ulit sa isip
niya ang nangyayari simula ng gabing 'yon hanggang sa ngayon kung saan nawala ang
isang inosenteng bata.
Chapter 30.2
Chapter 30.2

Kristoff
I feel broken.

Hindi ko alam kung pa'no mawawala ang sakit sa dibdib ko. It felt heavy and hot. I
wanted it all out and gone but I didn't know how and I couldn't. Masyado nang
mabigat para sa'kin ang mga bagay bagay. Hindi ko na talaga alam ang gagawin at
natatakot ako na baka hindi ko na kayanin pa lahat sa mga susunod na araw.

"Tito, Nine ruined my game."

Nakaupo ako sa sala nang dumating si Seven. He was whining while habang nakakunot
noo niya. Kasunod niya si Nine na tahimik habang yakap yakap ang isang teddy bear
at ang dalawang yaya nila na si Lea at Jess.

"Bakit? Anong nangyari?" Nakangiti kong tanong kay Seven at tumingin kay Nine.
Ipinatong ni Nine ang baba niya sa ulo ng teddy bear, niyakap itong mahigpit at
ngumuso. The looks of her being guilty was cute.

lumapit sa'kin si Seven and showed me the game with only three lives left. I didn't
know what game called.

"I still had five lives and now it's only three. See? Nilaro niya without
permission." Pag-aakusa niya.

"Did Nine apologized?"

"No."

"Come here, Nine."

Inilahad ko ang kamay ko kay Nine na ngayon ay nagtatago na sa likod ni Lea. Ayaw
niya pang lumapit pero iginaya siya ng yaya niya palapit. Nang makalapit siya ay
pinaupo ko siya sa mga hita ko. Inangat niya muna ang eye patch niya at kinusot ang
mata. I completely took off the patch to make her comfortable since Rainne wasn't
here yet.

"Did you use kuya's PSP without him knowing?"

"Yes." Pabulong niyang sabi habang nakayuko.

"And?" she stayed quiet and pouted. "C'mon, Nine. It's not that hard."

"I'm sorry, Kuya Seven for using your PSP without permission." Nahihiya niyang
sabi. I looked at Seven.

"You're forgiven." Nakangiti niyang sagot. I kissed Nine's cheek and ruffled
Seven's hair before turning to their nannies.

"Lea, hugasan niyo na ang mga katawan nila at patulugin tapos pwede na kayong
umuwi."

"Opo, sir."

Nang masigurado kong nakatulog na ang mga bata ay umalis ako at pumunta sa bar. I
think the only thing that's making my life steady right now are the kids. Ngayong
tulog na sila, pumupunta ko sa isang lugar kung san pwede kong makalimutan lahat ng
sakit kahit sandali.
I went straight to the counter where I usually sat.

"The usual, sir?"

"Yes."

Naging madalas ako dito kaya alam na ni Rix kung anong preferred drinks ko.
Pagkabigay niya ay ininom ko agad.

One. Two. Three shots. The drinks kept on coming.

One bottle down. Two bottles empty and I was still going for three.

Wala akong target kung ilang bote ang dapat kong maubos o mapatumba. It kept on
coming and number doesn't matter.

"You're drunk...again."

I lazily turned my head to the right and saw her..again. Nag-aalala siyang
tumingin sa'kin. Sa mga panahong nandito ako sa bar. Walang araw na hindi ko siya
nakita. It's like it's their group's favorite place pero ang pinagtataka ko,
nandito siya pero wala pang pagkakataong nakita ko siyang lasing hindi gaya ko.

Tumawa ako ng pagak at tumungga pa ng isang inumin. "And you're not...again."

"Dahil hind naman ako nandito para uminom."

"Tss. Then what?"

"It's to look after my friends and you."

"I don't need any help, Mau."

"Sa itsura mo alam kong kailangan mo." She sighed. "It's Rainne?"

That rhetorical question made me stopped for a second. Bakit nga ba ako nandito sa
bar at nagpapakalasing? Bakit ko nga ba pilit na sinisira ang pakiramdam ko at
pinapahilo ang sarili? Isa lang naman ang sagot. Si Rainne.

I wanted to ask her out on a dinner date pero pag dating ko 'don, naramdaman ko na
naman ang sarili at puso kong nadurog.

She and Azel was engaged in a heated passion of lust. They were kissing torridly na
hindi man lang nila napansin na may nagbukas ng pinto. I wanted to pull Azel away
from her pero napag-isip isip ko na wala naman akong karapatan. I had no claim over
her and she made it clear that she didn't want me to interfere with her anymore.

Pagkatapo non, tumalikod ako at umalis. Nagpasyang umuwi at ngayon ay

nagpapakalasing sa bar at kinakaawaan ang sarili.

Bigla kong naramdaman na may palad na dumapo sa mukha ko. It was soft, warm and it
felt good. Nagbigla ako dahil sa init ng kamay niya at nanlaking matang napatingin
sa kanya. She gave me a comforting smile as her thumb wiped the tear that I didn't
know I had.

"You know, Kristoff. Hindi mo kailangang magpakatanga sa kanya at maglasing ng

ganito dahil sa kanya. You don't desert this and she doesn't deserve a great man
like you. If she decided to choose someone over you, then it's her loss. Life goes
on at hindi hihinto ang pag-ikot ng mundo dahil don. Hindi lang siya ang pwedeng
magmahal sa'yo at mag-alaga sa'yo, Kris. May ibang taong kayang gawin 'yon para
sa'yo at mas higit pa. If you could just give her a chance...Give me a chance."

Hindi ko maikakailang nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. I could see a very familiar look
from her. Alam ko yan dahil ganyan din ang paraan ng pagtingin ko kay Rainne
minsan. A pain and hopeful look na umaasa na kahit konti ay masuklian ang
nararamdaman namin. A love that might never be reciprocated. This unrequited love.

I turn my face ahead and drunk another drink but this time, direct to the bottle.
Nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa kanya. Pati ung sakit na nararamdaman niya sa
katotohanang hindi maibibigay ang pagmamahal na ilang taon mo nang inaalay sa isang
tao. Pareho lang kaming nakakaawa.

"Mau-"

"Alam kong sumuko na ko but seeing you like this. Seeing you miserably drowning
yourself with alcohol made me realized that I didn't want to let you go. I-I can
make you happy, Kris kung hahayaan mo ko. ibibigay ko lahat ng pagmamahal na di
niya kayang ibigay sa'yo. She and Azel deserve each other kay-"

"Azel? Pa'no mo nalaman."

"Yes." She immediately said. "Pinsan ko si Azel at lagi niyang bukang bibig si
Rainne. Hindi ko alam kung dapat kong sabihin sa'yo 'to pero plano nilang mag out
of the country next month. Sila lang at alam ko ding every weekend silang
nagbabakasyon at kung saan saang probinsyang pumupunta para magsaya."

My mind couldn't process everything she said. it was too much. Hindi ko alam kung
dahil sa hilo at pagkalasing ko pero lalong bumibigat ang pakiramdam ko. Hindi na
kaya ng puso at isip kong tanggapin pa 'to ng sunud sunod.

Kaya pala every weekend wala siya at umaalis. Kasama niya pala si Azel. I chuckled
without any humor. They deserve each other? Pa'no naman ako? Didn't I deserve
something in return after all those years that I stayed beside her? Never leaving
her and the kids?

Binaba ko ung bote ng whiskey, napayuko at itinakip ang isang kamay sa mukha. I
kept asking myself. How can I love her so much when I get nothing in return?

Lalaki ako pero hindi ko napigilang umiyak. Pwede akong magbulag bulagan sa mga
nakikita ko pero hindi kaya ng puso kong magbulag bulagan sa sakit na nararamdaman
ko. It hurts when you realize that you mean nothing to the person who means
everything to you.

Naramdaman ko ang paghagod ng kamay ni Maureen sa likod ko pero hindi nito mapagaan
ang pakiramdam ko.

"Am I-I not w-worthy enough?" nahihirapan kong sabi.

"You are. You're heart just decided to love the wrong person. C'mon. Let's get you
home."

Of all people my heart could've chosen, why it had to be on a woman who didn't have
any room in her heart to love a man like me. Was there something wrong with me?

Inalalayan ako ni Maureen pero may biglang tumawag sa kanya.

"Erick, mauna na muna ako. Ihahatid ko lang siya."

"Are you crazy? Matapos lahat ng ginawa niya aasikasuhin mo pa'yang taong 'yan. You
think I'll let you? Tara na. Malaki na 'yan at kaya niya na sarili niya."

"Ano ba! Bitawan mo nga 'ko." hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari dahil nakatingin
lang ako sa sahig habang nakakawit ang isang braso ko sa balikat ni Mau. Were they
fighting? I didn't care at all. I didn't care about anything at all.

Sandali pa silang nagtalo pero mukang hindi parin ito napilit ng kaibigan niya
dahil akay akay niya parin ako hanggang sa parking lot. She grabbed the keys and
drove me somewhere. Naramdaman ko nalang na tinutulungan na niya ulit akong
makalabas ng sasakyan.

"Kuya Bong, patulong naman po papuntang kusina lang." I heard her say and I think
someone else helped me.

"Kristoff, wake up. Drink this." Nakasubsob ang mukha ko sa isang malamig na bagay
habang nakaupo. I forced myself to look up to Mau. Umuusok pa ung iniabot niya
sa'king tasa ng kung ano dahil sa init. "It's coffee. It'll make you feel sober."

Ganun na'ba ko ka walang silbi at kahit na sa pag-inom ng kape ay inaalalayan niya

parin ako. Tss. No wonder Rainne couldn't accept me.

"Eto. Nahulog kanina." I felt myself got better sa ikalawang tasa ng kape.

She was handling me my wallet. I thanked her and she smiled in return before
sitting on a stool beside me. Saka ko lang napansing nasa kusina kami at hindi
pamilyar sakin kung sang bahay to.

"Bakit dito mo ko dinala?"

"It's your first time inside here, right?" she giggled. "Bahay namin to. Don't
worry wala sila papa at mama kaya walang magpapalayas sa'yo dito." I sighed. Oo nga
pala. Galit ang mga magulang niya sa'kin dahil sa ginawa ko. "Nalaman ko kay tito
na hindi ka'na tumutuloy sa condo mo at hindi ko naman alam kung san ka ihahatid."

"Nagkausap kayo ni dad?"

"Yup. Hinanap ka niya sa'kin non at wala akong kaalam alam na nakabalik ka na
pala."

Sandaling tumahimik ang paligid habang tinatapos ko ang pag-inom ng kape. Pati nga
pala sila dad matagal ko nang hindi nakakausap. I think it's about time that I
should talk to them.

"Thanks for everything. Nakakahiya sa'yo. Nakita mo pa'kong umiiyak." I joked but
she frowned then became serious. She was looking directly at me as she grabbed my
hand and held it tight.

"There's nothing wrong about crying. It shows vulnerability but it also shows how
strong you are. Mali mang tao ang minahal mo umiyak ka man dahil sa maling tao but
one thing's for sure. Mistakes can help you find the right person. Use it as
strength to get over her. Don't cry for someone who wouldn't cry over you, 'kay?"

"Thanks." Her words gave me strength and gave her a genuine and grateful smile.
"Kung pwede ko lang turuan ang puso ko, ikaw na lang sana ang minahal ko. Any man
would be lucky to have you."

"You could try."

"Huh?"

"Give me a chance." Napatingin ako sa magkahawak naming kamay. Humigpit ang hawak
niya habang naghihintay ng sagot ko. "Pwede mo kong gamitin para makalimutan siya.
I can and will give you the love more than you deserve. I know I look desperate but
if being desperate will help you move on, I will."

Should I say yes? I wanted to forget the pain but I didn't know if using someone
was the right thing to do to move on and it'll be unfair to her side. Pa'no nalang
kung hindi ko makalimutan si Rainne. She's the only one I'd ever loved.

"Magiging unfair sa'yo, Mau and I don't want that." Tinanggal ko ang kamay ko sa
kanya at isinuklay sa buhok ko.

Her silence didn't turn out long when she suddenly cupped my face and kissed me.
Her lips pressed against mine with eyes closed. Sa gulat ko ay nasanggi ko pa ung
tasa at natapon ang laman. She looked away and looked me with her eyes full of
emotions lingering on them. Hope, pain, sadness and love.

I could see them all clearly on her eyes where she held some tears from falling.

"She won't love you." Her words struck hard on my chest. "But I will."

Then she kissed me again and I responded. I felt her smile and I brushed my tongue
over her lower lip to making the kiss deeper.

San man kami dalhin ng ginagawa namin ngayon, kung maaalis nito ang sakit na
nararamdaman ko, I'll give it a try. After all, I deserved to be loved too.

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

Sa tingin niyo, sinong mas deserving kay Kristoff?

Si Alonna o si Maureen?

Panahon na ba para sa POV ng tunay na Alonna?

Kaninong POV ang gusto niyo sa next chapter. I have to POVs and one's for Kristoff.
Kayo magdecide kung sino ung isa, maliban sa tunay na Rainne kasi tumatawa pa'yon
dahil sa nangyari kay Aiden.

Love lots... :D
Chapter 31.1

Chapter 31.1

"P-Please....s-top... p-please." Pagmamakaawa ko sa lalaking nasa harap ko.

Lumuluha ang mga mata ko habang ang asul niyang mga mata ay nakatingin ng diretso
sa'kin, masaya sa paghihirap ko. He was smiling while forcing himself inside me.
Nanghihina na ko. Walang ibang ingay ang buong kwarto kung hindi ang mga ungol
niya, mahinang hikbi ko at ang tunog na likha ng lamesa, kung saan niya ko
pwersahang inilagay, sa bawat pagbayo niya.

"H-HELP...Someone." I used the last ounce of my energy to fight and shout for help
only to receive a punch on the face.

"Shut up, bitch." Galit na sigaw niya habang binibigyan ako ng isa pang suntok.
Parang naalog ang ulo ko dahil sa lakas. I already have bruises on my face and body
from the early beatings I received when I stopped him from doing the same thing to
Rainne. Unti unti nang nandidilim ang paningin ko at tawa na lamang niya ang
naririnig ko. Masaya siya sa ginagawa niyang kahalayan sa'kin.

"Now, flip over, bitch."

Walang kahirap hirap niya kong idinapa at ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa niya. My tears
wouldn't stop falling. Nakita ng mga mata ko si Rainne na nakahiga sa sahig. Gaya
niya, punit punit din ang damit nito pero dumudugo ang ulo mula sa pagkakahampas
dito kanina. When I saw this devil violating Rainne, I didn't think twice and
helped her and now, I was in this situation.

Bakit ba nangyari sa'kin to? I never hurt anyone before. Was this the payment for
killing my parents? Hindi ko na kaya. Siguro nga masamang tao ako kaya ng sinasabi
ni Aiden sa'kin. Isang walang kwentang tao, isang basura at walang kwenta.

"Rainne." Who's that? That voice is warm and comforting. "Rainne, wake up."Like
warm water in winter and a cool breeze caressing your whole body. "RAINNE!"

Dinilat ko ang mga mata ko at bumungad ang maamong mukha ni Kristoff. Nakakunot ang
noo niya att punung puno ng pag-aalala. I remained looking at him, making sure that
I was still not dreaming. Napapitlag ako ng maramdaman ang kamay niya pinupunasan
ang mga pawis ko noo ko. I didn't know I was panting and sweating. This man is too
good. I don't deserve his kindness. Dahan dahan kong hinawi ang kamay niya sa
pisngi ko at napabuntong hininga siya.

"You're having a bad dream." A bad dream? It was a nightmare. A real nightmare I
experienced that you never fail to pull me out. "Drink this." Iniabot niya sa'kin
ang baso ng tubig.. Tinignan ko kong 'yon at umaktong hihiga ulit pero hinawakan
niya ang braso ko.

Napatingin ako sa hawak niya na unti unti niyang ibinaba papunta sa kamay ko at
inilagay mismo don ung baso. Matapos nang nagyari sa'kin, I didn't want any man
touching me or even going near me. They're all worthless and disgusting. But
Kristoff...he's different. He's the only guy I let to touch me.

I'm comfortable with him and his touches, his kisses and presence. The truth is...
I miss it. I miss him but he's not for me. I don't deserve any of it from him dahil
sa huli, kahit ayaw ko, kailangan ko silang iwan

Ininom ko ang tubig at kinuha niya ang baso matapos. "Buti nalang tinignan kita
after I checked on the kids. Are you okay?"

"Yes." He smiled and stood up. Was he going to leave? Huwag muna. Dito kalang. I
wanted these words to be said pero nanatiling nakasarado ang bibig ko hanggang sa
makalabas siya ng kwarto ko.

She taught me how to be cold. Kung pa'no itago ang mga nararamdaman sa mga tao at
kung pa'no maging malakas at matatag. She taught me that everything and for five
years, I perfected it. Hindi ko hahayaan ang sino mang tapak tapakan ulit ako.
Hindi ko na hahayaan ang sino mang apihin ako, ang saktan ako at maliitin gaya
dati. I'm not weak and pathetic anymore and I'll make them all pay. Sisiguraduhin
kong mas masakit at miserable pa sa naging buhay ko and all I have to do is connect
them.

I gripped the sheets from the excitement I felt. Malapit na at si Azel ang mismo
ang magkokonekta sa kanilang lahat. They wouldn't be able to know the mess they're
in until it's over, until they're over.

Hindi na ko makatulog dahil sa nangyari kanina. I didn't want those memories to

come back but that blasted nightmare kept on barging in my head when I sleep.
Napatingin ako sa pintuang biglang bumukas. Nakasando at naka-boxers si Kristoff na
pumasok.

I thought he left.

"What do you want?" malamig kong tanong at nakatagilid na humiga kaya kitang kita
ko kung paano niya inangat ang makapal ng kumot at humiga.

"I'll sleep here." Nakangiti niyang sabi. Nagulat ako pero pinanatili ko ang
pagiging blangko. It was the first time he'll sleep beside me after I pushed him
away. Tinalikuran ko siya at pumikit, pinilit na makatulog kahit alam kong mahirap
gawin.

I heard his movements to turn the lamp off then I felt his arms around my waist. He
pulled me closer that I felt his heartbeat that calmed me. I should've stop him or
take his arm away pero hindi ko magawa. Ayaw kong gawin. I need him kahit ngayon
lang at kahit ngayon na lamang.

His breathing got even indicating that he's sleeping. Humarap ako sa kanya at
pinagmasdang mabuti ang mukha niya. Hinaplos ko ang mukha niya. Mula sa noo, sa
ilong ang pisngi niya at ang malambot niyang mga labi.

"You're too perfect Kristoff and I don't deserve someone like you. I'm already
tainted and broken and I don't wanna drag you into this. Ayokong madamay kayong
tatlo. Your kindness and good heart aren't for someone like me. Alam kong magiging
ligtas at masaya ang mga bata sa'yo. Take good care of them when that time comes.
The time that..." I stopped when I felt him stirred and his hold tightened. I
waited for a bit before doing the thing I always do when he's beside me sleeping.

I gave him a peck on his lips and whispered. "Thank you. I'm sorry and I love you,
Kristoff." I bit my lips to stop myself from crying. Hindi ako pwedeng magpakita ng
ibang emosyon. Hindi pwede. Hindi na ko magiging mahina. I slept wishing na hindi
na ko kailangang umalis but that's the plan. The final step of the plan.

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

"Bakit ang tagal mong kumilos? You're delaying the plan." Kausap ko sa telepono ang
babaeng nagturo sa'kin ng lahat. She planned all of this and I was so thankful for
her because she helped me through this all and she's the one with me when I was
broken and in trauma. Yung mga panahong nasa mental institution ako, siya lang ang
kasama ko sa lahat.

"Just a little more time." I heard her snickered, not pleased with me.

"Mine's done and I'm just adding a little more spice on the dish." I smiled at the
thought of Aiden being crazy like what happened to me before. "I put a tiny
wireless speaker in his pillow then I keep playing a baby's cry from here. Sana
naririnig ko kung pa'no siya sumigaw tuwing gabi. It's like music to my ears."

Mararamdaman mong nasisiyahan kahit na malamig ang boses niya. Malapit na. Pag
nagawa na ni Azel ang gusto kong gawin niya, matatapos na ang lahat.

"Binuburo niya ang sarili niya sa kwarto." Dagdag niya pa.

"Isang tao nalang ang kailangan ko. Drake Smith." I gritted my teeth when I
remembered that man. Isa siya sa mga kaibigan ni Aiden na pinagplanuhan ang pag-
kidnap sa'kin.

"Then move fast. I couldn't wait for my price." Oo nga pala. She's not doing all of
this without getting what she wanted in return.

"You can take any life you want from them." Hindi ko alam kung kanino pero bahala
siya. That's the bargain she wanted.

"Do this right, Alonna." Biglang nag-init ang ulo ko sa tinawag niya sa'kin. "I
always have my eyes on you." Isa rin yan sa pinagtataka ko. She knew when and where
I was na parang may nagmamanman sa'kin lagi kaya ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit
hindi na'ko pwedeng lumapit ng masyado kay Kristoff at sa mga bata. I didn't want
her hurting them.

I cut the line when someone entered my office without even knocking. Si Azel at ang
mayabang niyang dating. Like he's the greatest man walking on earth with his gray
shirt, jeans and coat. He and his pathetic self confidence.

"Hi, beautiful." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay bago lumayo sa bintana at maglakad

papunta sa lamesa ko. He walked closer pulling me closer and gave me a kiss.
Pinigil ko ang pandidiring nararamdaman ko. How dare this guy touch and kiss me!
Pasalamat siya dahil kailangan ko pa siya.

I pushed him a bit but he just chuckled. "Here, for you." he handled me a piece of
blue tulip identical to the ones he already gave me.

"I don't need trash. Itapon mo." Bumalik ako sa upuan at nagkibit balikat lang
siya.

"Ang sungit mo talaga. Good thing I'm immune." He chuckled and placed the flower in
a vase he already provided before. Nakalagay din don ung mga bulaklak na dati niya
binigay. I focused my attention to my schedules Vernice handed me earlier. Mula sa
meeting hanggang sa site visiting para sa tatlong buwan.

"I have something that'll change your mood." His cocky smile greeted me when I
looked up. "I contacted Drake and scheduled you for a meeting."

"Really?" pinulupot ko ang mga braso sa unahan at sumandal sa upuan. The side of my
lips lifted a bit, excitement building up that I could almost felt the end of this
game.

"Well that made you smile."

Biglang nawala ang ngiti ko. "When."

His grin shows amusement and walked around the table. Inilagay niya ang dalamang
palad sa magkabilang arm rest ng upuan ko. He moved his head down, inches between
mine. "I want a kiss as a price first." He whispered and smile.

I already lost and sacrificed almost everything I had and was willing to stomach
everything just to succeed on my revenge and kissing-sleeping him was one of them.

"A kiss it is." Mas lalong lumapat ang ngiti niya at inilapit ang mukha niya
hanggang sa maglapat ang mga labi namin.

Chapter 31.2
Chapter 31.2

Kristoff's movements woke me up but my eyes remained closed. Last night I had
another nightmare and Kristoff-who's always there to wake me up-slept beside me
again. Pinakiramdaman ko siya nang kinuha niya ung phone na nagba-vibrate sa
bedside table at umupo.

"Hello and good morning to you too." Masayang bati niya sa kausap. Alam kong hind
niya pa alam na gising ako dahil medyo mahina rin ang boses niya. "Someone's
chirpy." He chuckled as I felt him touch my head before sitting up. Sinong kausap
niya at bakit siya masaya?

"You know it's fine...Ha?...Hindi, bakit? Oh sige." Sandaling huminto siya sa

pagsasalita. "Mau, you don't need to bring more sweets. Gusto mo bang gawing candy
store ang auto shop ko at isa pa, I don't want them eating too much candy like last
time...Bakit? Anong gusto mo?...Sige okay lang sa'kin...Do you want me to pick you
up?...okay, magkita nalang tayo sa auto shop then we'll have our lunch with the
kids. Good?...see you."

Hinaplos niyang muli ang ulo ko bago tumayo. Saka lang ako dumilat nang masiguro
kong nakalabas na siya. So it was Mau he was talking to. Were they back together? I
thought they're ended the engagement and now they'll be having a lunch date with
the kids. Nakaramdam ako ng paninikip sa dibdib pero hindi ko ito pinansin. Ito
naman ang gusto ko diba? It's best kung mapupunta siya kay Mau at alam kong
aalagaan niya ang mga anak ko.

Nang makababa ako ay kumpleto na silang tatlo
pagkain. Pati ang kape ko na si Kristoff lagi
where I usually sit, in front of Kristoff and
gusto kong bumati pabalik pero nakasanayan ko
was helping Nine fix her eye patch.
sa baba at nakahanda narin ang mga
ang nagtitimpla nasa lamesa na. I sat
next to Seven. Binati nila ko at
nang huwag silang pansinin. Kristoff

I could see myself from Nine. She looked exactly like me when I was a kid pero
hindi ko siya magawang tignan ng matagal lalo na pag hindi niya suot ung eye patch.
Her other eye-the blue eye-reminded me so much of that devil who trashed and
wrecked my face. Their father.

Alam kong hindi naman nila kasalanan but I couldn't help it. Her eye reminded me
the look of that bastard when he's doing me and forcing himself inside me. Parang
lahat bumabalik. Ang sakit, ung pagmamakaawa ko at ayoko non. That blue eye of hers
was my living nightmare.

"Is the beautiful lady gonna visit us again, tito?" Seven asked. I was busy eating
my breakfast but my ears were focused on them.

"Yes."

"May chocolate po ulit?" Kristoff chuckled at Nine's question.

"Yes po. But I don't like both of you eating too much, okay?" Halatang masaya ang
kambal bago bumalik sa pagkain. "I'll be eating lunch with the kids pagkatapos ko
silang sunduin sa school nila o gusto mong sumabay sa'min?"

Nakatingin ako kay Kristoff na nakangiti sa'kin. "No." I simply said that dropped
his smile. Inenroll kasi ni Kristoff ung dalawa sa isang private school mga ilang
bwan nang nakakaraan as late enrollees at siya rin ang sumusundo dito. Ang alam ko
1pm ang labas nila kaya nasusundo ito ni Kristoff para sabay silang kumain ng
tanghalian.

Gusto niya ba kong sumama ako sa kanila para lang makita kung ga'no sila kasaya
kasama si Maureen? The kids seem to be fond of her.

"Do you want us to pick you up from work for dinner?"

"No. I have a dinner meeting."

I finished first and left after getting a text from Azel, sending the information
about the meeting with Drake. Matatapos na to konting tiis nalang. Malapit na.

----------

Nakatingin ako sa kisame at napabuntong ng malalim na hininga. I looked down at the

girl lying naked beside me. I never thought I would be having sex with any other
girl aside from Rainne but I did. I had sex. I had sex with my ex-fiancée and I
didn't know exactly what to feel. We both had consent to this but I couldn't help
but to feel...empty.

Matapos kong sunduin ang mga bata sa school, bumalik kami sa auto shop at hinintay
si Mau for a lunch out. Malambing at mabait siya sa mga bata kaya nga natutuwa ako
sa kanya at madali rin siyang pakisamahan. It's like we were close friends before
kahit na tatlong linggo palang non nang magkalapit kami.

She was nice and easy to be with. I was waiting for Rainne to come home that night
when I received a call from her, inviting me for a drink. I said yes and we drink.
Konti lang naman ang nainom namin kasama ng mga barkada niya dahil yung isa nilang
kaibigan-ung lalaking kasama niya non nung nalasing ako-matalim ang mga tingin
sa'kin. Things got awkward then Maureen decided to go home. Pinigilan pa siya nito
pero hindi rin niya napilit si Mau. Hinatid ko siya sa bahay nila. Wala ang mga
magulang niya kaya wala daw magpapalayas sa'kin don. I knew her parents were still
mad at me because of what I diid. She invited me in and I agreed then we end up
both naked in bed doing it.

I doubted but I was currently trying to kill my feelings for Rainne and thought
that by doing it with Mau would somehow make me forget but it didn't. I finally
used the condom stuck on my wallet for months but I didn't feel happy or something
close. What I did was stupid and useless pero hindi ko to dapat pagsisihan. Nasa
matinong isip ako nang sumang-ayon kaya walang dapat sisihin.

Tinanggal ko ang kamay niyang nakapatong sa dibdib ko at bumangon para magbihis. I

was sitting on the bed putting my shoe on when someone hugged me from behind.

"You're leaving? Ayaw mo bang mag-breakfast with me?" malambing niyang sabi at
hinalikan ang leeg ko. Sinusuot ko ang isa ko pang sapatos habang nagtatanong sa
isip kung kelan kaya magiging ganito kalambing sa'kin ang babaeng mahal ko.
Probably never.

"Gusto ko sana pero kailangan ko pang ihatid ung dalawa sa school."

"Bakit hindi nalang mga yaya nila ang maghatid. You don't have to take care of them
and be responsible. They're not even your kids."

I was wearing my watch when I looked at her upset. Hindi ako makapaniwalang sinabi
niya yon. Lagi kong sinisigurado na ako ang maghahatid sa kanila. Malapit lang
naman ung school nila sa shop ko at halos magkalapit lang ang oras ng pasok nila
sa'kin kaya hindi naman mabigat na trabaho yon and I wanted to do it for the kids.

"They're not mine but I love them as my own."

"I'm sorry." Her head down, feeling sorry and embarrassed. "Yung kagabi. A-are you
uhm. D-did you regret it?" mahinang tanong niya habang ang mga mata niya ay umaasa
sa isasagot ko.

"No." her face suddenly brightened. Mabilis siyang tumayo at niyakap ako. "Pero,
Mau..." lumayo siya at tumingin sa'kin ng nagtataka. "I don't regret it but I think
it shouldn't happen again." Nadismaya siya sa sinabi ko.
"O-oh..."

"It happened so fast and I don't think it's the right way to make me forget.
Ayokong sabihin mong ginagamit lang kita-"

"If that's what it's all about then don't worry. Nasa matino akong pag-iisip at
alam ko ang ginagawa ko. No one's using anybody. Hindi rin ako rebound dahil wala
naman kayong relasyon."

I sighed. "Hindi iyon ang ibig kong sabihin. I could have sex with anybody as many
girls as I want and I could even erase Rainne from my mind while doing it but
getting her out of my heart is different. Dahil sa ginawa ko parang mas lalo ko pa
siyang tumatak sa'kin. I couldn't be with you while thinking about her. It's unfair
on your part. Siguro may mangyayari ulit sa'tin sa hinaharap. Hindi ko alam pero
habang nasa sistema ko pa siya, hindi na pwedeng maulit 'yon. Sana maintindihan
mo."

Tuluyan na siyang bumitaw sa'kin at lumayo. She was playing with her fingers while
her head was down. "I understand." She whispered gave me a sad smile. "We're still
friends diba?"

"Oo naman. Can we agree to not make things awkward between us because of this?" She
nodded cheerily with a smile before I kissed him on the cheek. "alis na'ko. Call me
kung gusto mong sumabay for lunch."

"I will. Ingat."

Naging maayos parin samin ang lahat matapos non. We didn't even talk about what
happened a month ago and our friendship got better. Nakakasama ko narin minsan ung
mga kaibigan niya sa bar pero malamig parin ang pakikitungo sa'kin nung isa na
Erick ang pangalan. I could feel that he had something for Mau that's why he didn't
want me close to her pero magkaibigan lang naman talaga kami. Nothing more. Minsan
lumalabas kami kasama ng mga bata pero nagsasabi muna ako kay Rainne bago ko gawin
'yon. I still respect her decision and it won't change. At kung tatanungin naman
kung anong pakiramdam ko kay Rainne. I think I'm starting to move on. Masakit parin
kapag sinusundo siya ni Azel o kapag naiisip ko silang magkasama palagi pero hindi
na ganoon kasakit gaya ng dati na napapapunta agad ako sa bar para maglasing.

Maureen really helped me a lot but it's too early to say that I had feelings for
her. It's just friendship at mukang matagal tagal pa bago ako tuluyang maka move-
on especially when I was still living under her roof. Mau suggested to move out at
bumalik sa condo ko and I was thinking on doing that.

"Sige na. Samahan mo na'ko, please?"

"I told you I can't. Kailangan kong sunduin ung mga bata mamaya tapos may meeting
pa 'ko sa isang client para sa showcase ng mga sasakyan." I reasoned out with Mau
over the phone.

I parked my car near my auto shop, still holding the phone against my ear. Gusto
niya kasing pumunta sa Panagbenga Festival kasama 'ko pero may gagawin ako sa araw
ng alis niya.

"But you promised." She whined as I opened my office. "Ayokong manood ng mag-isa
kaya please. I need you there." Napabuntong hininga nalang ako. She's sometimes
like this these past weeks. Lagi niyang pinagpipilitan ang gusto niya at minsan
nagdedemand pa. Mula sa mga text na kapag hindi ako nagreply tatawag siya. She's
like too attached to me and became clingy. Kakaiba din ang mood swings niya
"Bakit hindi nalang sila Faith o si Erick ang isama mo."

"She's busy planning her father's birthday at ayokong makita si Erick dahil mag-
aaway lang kami non. Ikaw nalang sige na. Ililibre kita, please."

Napakamot nalang ako sa kilay at bumuntong hininga. Hindi ko alam kung anong
gagawin ko sa pagiging makulit niya.

"Ganito nalang. Mauna ka nalang don tapos susunod ako kinabukasan. Mag-gala ka
muna don o kaya mag sightseeing habang wala ako. Then I'll be there before the
parade starts. What do you think?"

"Hindi ka sasabay?"

"That's the only option dahil wala na kong ibang paraan para makapunta don with all
my schedules packed." Tumahimik siya saglit para mag-isip.

"That's fine pero itext mo ko pag paalis ka na."

"I'll try. Sige na. I need to work."

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga matapos ng pag-uusap namin. I didn't want to

entertain all her whims but I had a feeling I needed to. I mean, she was there for
me and I needed to be there for her. Pero kailangan niyang malaman na hindi lahat
ng gusto niya pwedeng mangyari and I'll make her understand that next time.

Inayos at kinuha ko ang mga papeles na gagamitin ko para sa meeting mamaya. I

needed to pick the kids up, have lunch with them then attend the meeting but I
didn't expect for the meeting to take long. Gusto kasing makita ng kliyente ung mga
sasakyang isho-showcase kaya ung oras na dapat papunta ako ng Baguio, naubos dahil
don.

Pagud na pagod at inaantok akong dumating sa bahay. It's past midnight and I was
sure that the kids were sleeping now. I sat down on the sofa to rest a bit then I
felt someone touching my face. I stirred and groaned, ignoring it since it was
probably some bug and it shortly disappeared then I heard a voice. Isang mahinang
boses at napagtanto ko na nakatulog pala ako ng nakaupo sa sofa.

"...it's not comfortable here." I recognized that voice. It's different but I knew
that it was her voice. Malambing ito at hindi katulad ng malamig niyang boses.
Naramdaman kong muli ang dahan dahan paghaplos niya sa mukha ko.

Sa noo, ilong sa mga labi pati sa mga kilay ko hanggang sa huminto ito sa pisngi
ko. Her thumb caressing my cheek and I moved to leaned on it still pretending to be
asleep. I heard the most wonderful giggle in my entire life. A kind of sound that I
thought only angels could produce. Am I dreaming?

I didn't want to open my eyes dahil baka panaginip nga lang ang lahat. Baka biglang
mawala sa pakiramdam ko ang init ng palad niya na alam kong sa panaginip lang
mararamdaman. I didn't want Rainne to stop giving me this feeling. Yung mga
panahong ginugol ko para lang kalimutan siya at ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya biglang
nawala dahil sa mga haplos ang tawa niya. My efforts suddenly were thrown out the
window with a single contact from her. I wanted more. I wanted more from her...of
her.

It was a dream and like any other dream, it came to an end when her hand was
detached. That warm and soft feeling slowly disappearing and I felt the sudden cold
it left.
"Things are going smoothly according to plan and I want you to take care of my kids
for me-our kids and I know that you will." She whispered and I wanted to ask why it
felt and sounded sad coming from her. May problema ba siya? I wanted to ask but I
also wanted to hear more.

"Remember the time when you
adaption and was planning to
and scooped them both. I was
that made me the icy walls I
them clearly...."
held them both in your arms? I wanted to give them for
fix the papers in the orphanage but then you barged in
about to shout at you but then you said those words
build around my heart melt that instant. I remember

Those words. Yes I remembered it too. Like what happened to me when I saw you, I
also fell in love the first time I laid my eyes on them.

"...'Don't do it. I'll be their father and treat them mine. So don't give them
away'. Those were your exact words and you were just 21 years old. That scene was
captivating. You holding them, smiling lovingly at them. That made me realized that
you're the perfect father to them and made me fell in love with you."

She whispered the last words but I heard it clear. Did she really mean that? Did
she really-

"Thank you. I'm sorry and I love you, Kristoff." Her confession made me opened my
eyes and I was about to do that when I felt something soft and sweet pressed on my
lips. Naramdaman ko ang kapit niya sa balikat ko kasabay ng pagdilat ko ng mata.
Biglang nagwala ang dibdib ko dahil dito.

Hindi ako makapaniwala. Ang akala ko mawawala ang lahat pag dumilat ako at ilang
beses na kong pumikit at dumilat pero hindi parin nawawala ang nakapikit na mukha
ni Rainne habang binibigyan ako ng matamis na halik.

She was just pressing her lips but it felt like the most sweetest and passionate
kiss I'd ever tasted. Kay Rainne ang mga labing ito at hindi kung kanino lang. Sa
kanya talaga.

Nang masigurado ko nang hindi nga ito panaginip, tumugon ako na ikinagulat niya.
Hinawakan ko ang batok niya para ipirmi ang mukha niya sabay pulupot ng braso ko sa
bewang niya dahil itinutulak niya ang sarili niya palayo.

She gasped and I deepened the kiss, tasting every
She was fighting but the only fight I was focused
tongue. Hinapit ko pa siya palapit at pinahiga sa
niluluwagan ang kapit sa kanya. Pumusisyon ako sa
nagpataas ng laylayan ng hapit niyang palda.
sweet part of her lovely mouth.
was with her warm, delicious
sofa. Pumaibabaw ako nang hindi
gitna ng mga hita niya na

Now that I knew what she really felt-that she loved me-I never planned on letting
her go. Tanga nalang ako kung gagawin ko 'yon and damn! I wouldn't be a fool.

I pulled away and looked at her lovingly and seeing her in shock made me smile. We
were both cathing our breath at biglang kumunot ang noo niya nang mahimasmasan.

"I heard it all. Every.single.word from your sweet lips." She struggled but I
restrained her, holding both her hands and placing them above her head using only
one hand while the other was still wrapped around her slim waist. She arched her
back and I pressed myself against her body more making us both feel the heat of
each another.

Oh no, honey. I'll never let you go that easy. I'm done being nice and a gentleman.
"Your confession and your struggles turns me on, honey. At ung mga sinabi mo
kanina...wala nang bawian." I smiled and looked every inch of her face before
kissing her torridly-that she eventually responded.

----------

Baka malito kayo sa time span ah..... sana naman hindi.

Naiiyak ako dito. antayin niyo ung next... :D

Chapter 32.1
Chapter 32.1

"Honey, please. I'm sorry." He pleaded as he softly knocked on the door. "I got
carried away, please Rainne, open the door and let's talk about it." I didn't want
to talk about it. I just wanted these feelings to go away.

Kanina when he was kissing me, it felt so good and it felt heaven pero nung
humigpit nag hawak niya sa kamay ko, I felt restrained and when he touched my
chest, kneading one of them, I felt violated kahit alam kong hindi naman.

Hindi ko lang maiwasang makaramdam ng takot. Takot na naramdaman ko noon na para

bang nanghina ako sa mga pangyayari. I couldn't help it. Tears started falling as I
cried for help once. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya, nataranta at nagulat dahil sa
biglaang pagsigaw ko.

Both of us panicked. He started saying sorry but I was still panicking and scared
that I pushed him, ran and locked myself in my room. Narinig ko siyang nagmura bago
ako sinundan pero agad na kong nagkulong at ngayon ay pinapakalma na ang sarili
habang nakaupo sa kama. Napatingin ako sa pinto nang magsalita ulit siya.

"I love you, Rainne at hindi ko sinasadyang natakot ka. Alam mo naman yun, diba? I
just want us to talk." He whispered softly, his voice still pleading.

But I didn't want to talk. Hindi ko siya pinansin at pinunansan ang mga luha ko
bago huminga ng malalim. A few minutes passed and I hadn't heard Kristoff talk or
knock again. Siguro napagod na't pumunta sa kwarto niya. Kumuha ako ng twalya at
pumasok sa banyo. Hinubad ang mga damit at si-net ang panligo.

I spent some time calming myself under a warm shower. All those panicking and being
afraid were washed down to drainage. Hindi ako natapos hanggat may nararamdaman pa
kong hindi maganda sa loob ko. Dumiretso ako sa room closet nang nakatapis para
maghanap ng damit. Iniisip yung mga nangyari kanina lalo na ung katangahan na
ginawa ko.

Shit! I was stupid to say that and he heard it all.

Ano nang gagawin ko para lang mabura yung mga sinabi ko sa isip niya. I didn't
expect that he wasn't asleep, hearing those confessions I babbled. I confessed,
Fvck! Hindi niya dapat narinig yun, e pero dahil sa katangahan ko...this is bad.

"Rainne." Mabilis akong napalingon dahil sa gulat. Krsitoff was standing there with
his sleeping attire of pajama pants and sando, his eyes showing concern and regret.
Magulo ang buhok niya mukang pinasadahan ng mga daliri ng ilang beses. Napahakbang
ako ng isang beses at napahawak sa asul na twalyang tanging nakabalot sa katawan
ko. "I'm not gonna touch you." itinaas niya ang kamay tanda ng pagsuko. "Gusto ko
lang mag-sorry at i-check ka."

"I'm okay. You can go." I said in monotone. Hindi ko na tinanong kung pano siya
nakapasok dahil hawak hawak niya pa ang mga kopya ng susi ng buong bahay. Tinignan
muna niya ko na parang hindi siya naniniwala bago umalis. Napabuntong hininga ako
bago magpalit ng pantulog pero hindi ko inaasahang madadatnan ko siyang nakaupo sa
kama paglabas ko, nakayuko at inuuga ang isang binti taas baba.

"You're still here." I stated and he immediately met my gaze, standing up.

"Nag-aalala lang ako."

"I told you I'm fine. N-nagulat lang ako." I told the truth. Kailangan ko 'yong
sabihin para mapanatag and loob niya. He really looked troubled with what happened.

"That's good but you know there's more we need to talk about." Napamura ako sa isip
dahil sa sinabi niyang yon. He's face was serious but there's happiness in it. Ang
akala ko makakalimutan niya yon kahit papano o kahit ipagpabukas nalang pero sa
itsura niya, mukang determinado. I gulped and escape his intense gaze.

"There's nothing to talk. I was just tired and said stupid things. Wala lang yon.
Don't think about that."

"Alam mong hindi iyon ganun ganon lang." Inilang hakbang niya lang pagitan namin at
alam kong hindi niya bibitawan ang usaping ito. "Rainne, I know what you said. I
heard it all at alam ko-naramdaman ko na hindi lang 'yon mga walang kwentang
kasinungalingan. You said you loved me."

"Y-you heard wrong."

Bulong ko at napatingin sa mga kamay niyang hinawakan akin. "No. My eyes were
closed but my ears were wide open. Finally...after all those years and you said the
words that made me feel alive and whole again at kung sa tingin mo ay kakalimutan
ko 'yon ng basta basta lang, hindi ko gagawin and there's nothing you can do to
make me forget. Nothing. It'll forever bury in my heart." He lifted my chin with
his fingers and met his eyes. "There's no need to deny, Rainne. You love me at
parte lang yan ng katotohanang sinabi mo." Hinawi ko ang mga kamay niya at
tinalikuran siya.

"No. I didn't happen. It.did.not.happen." Pilit ko siyang kinukumbinse pero mukang

ang sarili ko dapat gawin yun. Hinawakan ko ang noo ko, iniisip kung anong dapat
gawin o kung pano siya makukumbinsi pero nasira ang ginagawa ko nang niyaka niya ko
sa bewang mula sa likod.

"It did. Stop lying to yourself." He huskily said while planting small kisses on my
shoulders. "You said you love me. I heard it. Now..." Hinawi niya ang buhok ko
papunta sa kabila at ibinaling kanyang mga halik sa leeg ko. "...prepare to feel
how much I love you."

"Kristoff, I..." iniharap niya ko at mabilis na sinakop ang aking mga labi. It
wasn't rushed, hard or intense. It was slow, careful and sweet. With just my upper
lip caught between his, I could feel the love and care from him. Iniangat niya ko
at ipnulupot ko ang mga binti ko sa kanya nang maramdam ko ang lamig ng pinto ng
closet sa likod ko. Humalik siya sa pisngi bago bumaba ang mga labi sa leeg ko.

"Ang bango..." I could feel his warm breath on my neck as he breathed hard to take
in my scent and I gladly offered my neck. "You smell good enough to eat. Fvck." I
could feel his muscle tensed while he continuously getting a whiff of me.

Nakaulupot ang isa niyang braso habang ang isa ay nakatukod sa pinto. Ramdam ko ang
pagpipigil niya sa ginagawa. Tinatansya ang reaksyon at galaw ko at natatakot na
baka mangyari ulit ang kanina. Napakabutin niyang tao na kahit nilalamon na siya ng
pagnanasa ay nagagawa niya pang isipin ang mararamdaman ko. I wanted to pull him
out of his misery and did what my instincts told me.

I cupped his face. I could clearly see the lust and love reflecting in his eyes
before initiating and giving him a kiss that reflected his feelings.

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

Next chapter is on private.

Chapter 32.2 PRIVATE
PRIVATE CHAPTER dedicated to Gli-Amanti dahil alam kong ganitong eksena ang gusto
mo diba.. ahaha.. :D

See multi media... John legend - Tonight (Best you've ever had)

Chapter 32.2

The kiss went the way I wanted. Fast, hard and intense. The kind of kiss that'd
left you breathless and tired, chest hammering and sharing body heat. His hands
travelled under my lingerie, caressing my stomach up to my back. I gasped when he
pushed me hard against the wall giving him the opportunity to shove his tongue,
marking and tasting every inch of my mouth. It's hard to focus on fighting back
when you felt something big and hard brushing against my core as his hand knead and
squeeze my breast.

He carried and placed me on the bed before breaking the kiss. Hinihingal at
nakatingin kami sa mata ng isa't isa. Both of us clouded with the same emotion.

"I won't let you feel scared. Just feel me, okay?" I nodded and he gave me a sweet
smile before dipping his head down for a kiss.

Dahan dahan at may pag-iingat ang bawat galaw niya. Napapikit na lamang ako at
sinunod ang sinabi niya. I was only feeling what he's currently doing. Nang
humiwalay siya sa labi ko at binigyan ng matatamis na halik ang buong mukha ko. Ang
mga mata ko, sa pisngi, ilong at labi, pababa sa leeg at balikat.

Everything was intense but not rushed, fiery and passionate. It was raining kisses
all over my body and his hands feeling every part of me until he removed my clothes
that only left me with the small, thin fabric covering my sensitive, wet core.

Napauwang ang aking mga labi nang sakupin ng bibig niya ang isang dibdib ko. He
didn't left the other unattended as he massaged it and flicking my nipple while his
tongue twirls with the other. Napasinghap ako at hinihingal sa binibigay niyang
sensasyon at napasabunot sa ulo niya. Ni hindi man lang siya nasasaktan sa paghawak
ko. I assessed myself of the feelings. I didn't felt violated instead; I felt the
most genuine love I could feel.

His removed his mouth after giving it a final suck, leaving it fully erected and
wet because of his erotic action. Napaungol ako ng malakas nang ginawa niya ulit
ito sa kabila kong dibdib. Hindi ko na napigilang dumilat at napatingin sa puting
kisame habang nakaarko ang likod ko.
"Agghh." He groaned deep and low in his throat when I grinded against his erected
member. His groans were the most sexiest sound I've ever heard. Inulit ko iyon muli
at ako naman ang napaungol nang malakas niyang sinipsip ang dibdib ko. "I'm sorry.
A-are you okay?" tanging tango at hingal lang ang sagot ko bago niya akong bigyan
ng malalim na halik.

He trailed kissed between my breasts, pababa sa tyan ko at pababa pa.

"Shit! So wet, honey." He licked me over that black, thin cloth. "and always sweet
like honey." Ramdam ko ang init ng dila at hininga niya na nagpatindin ng
nararamdaman kong sensasyon. This was the first time I felt this since our past
intercourses were dominated by me. I only let him touch me but this was way
different. His ruling everything and I was left lying and feeling everything.
Pinasadahan ng mga daliri niya ang pagkababae saglit bago dahan dahang ibinaba ang
underwear ko. Now I'm on my birthday suit and not a minute spent as he followed,
taking of his clothes and revealing his gorgeous body with his proud and big c0ck
in view. Lalong nagadgadan ang init at pagnanasa sa katawan ko.

I want him and I want him now.

Mabilis akong tumayo, hinawakan ang kanyang leeg at binigyan ng malalim na halik.
We groaned and moaned against each other's mouth, his hands squeezing my butt while
I gripped his d1ck up and down and earning a satisfying sexy grunt from him.

Napahiga kami at pumaibabaw ako.

"Now."

"Hmmm... Ugh." He groaned as I rub myself hard against his throbbing member.

"Now." I impatiently demanded and claimed his mouth. He shifted our position and
now he's hovering above me.

"Say it again first." He said under his breath.

"What-ahhh." I moaned and was caught off guard when he suddenly inserted a finger
inside me. He pushed in another, his thumb playing my hypersensitive cl1t and I
moaned louder. Napahawak ako ng mahigpit sa kobre kama. Napaliyad ako habang
mabilis na lumalabas pasok and mga daliri niya sa pagkababae ko. His head on my
neck, smelling me again.

"Say the truest word I once heard from you." sinabayan at sinalubong ko ang galaw
niya, palibis ng pabilis at palalim ng palalim dagdagan pa ng paglaro niya sa
dibdib ko. Nakakabaliw. Nakakawala ng lakas at pareho kaming hinihingal.
Nararamdaman kong malapit na ko. The familiar sensation building inside me was
beginning to explode through my core. "I wanna hear it again. Moan it for me,
honey. Moan it loud."

And I did.

"I love you, Kristoff." I moaned loud for him and released fully over his hand,
shivering 'til I was done.

"I love you too." He said smiling before claiming my mouth for a moment then pulled
away, his face showed horror na nagpaningkit ng mata ko. "Sh1t! condom. I forgot
one." Napangiti ako dahil sa nanlulumo niyang itsura. "Ah, fvck."

"Drawer." Mabilis siyang kumilos at kinuha ang bagay na kailangan niya pero nang
binuksan niya ito, nakaramdam ako ng takot at pagkataranta. Seeing me in that state
made him stop. His eyes full of worry and concern before changing our position. He
smiled reassuringly and caressed my face making me calm and relax in his touch.

"I got you."

I nodded and kissed him. I brought my mouth on his chest and lower while gripping
his member. He gasped when I licked its tip as I stroke it hard up and down.
Nakaawang and bibig niya habang nakapikit at tuluyan ko itong inilagay sa bibig ko.
Namumula ang buong mukha at leeg niya at napasinghap ng malalim bago napahawak sa
ulo ko.

"Ugghh...R-Rainne." He groaned as I twirled my tongue over the tip of his c0ck.

"M-mommy?" Isang mahinang tawag na sinabayan ng katok ang nagpadilat sa kanya at

saglit na nagpatigil sa'kin. "Mommy, it's us." It was Seven and I was still holding
him when we looked at each other.

I looked at the digital clock on the bedside table. Pasado ala-una na. Bakit gising
pa sila?

"Mommy?" napalitan ito ng boses ni Nine.

"S-Seven, Nine?" Kristoff suddenly answered and a wicked thought formed in my

mind.

I continued what I was doing, stroking his member and licking it, making him
groaned and moaned his every answers.

"Tito?" Seven asked.

"Y-yes! Why are you still....agghh...u-up?"

"Kasi po Seven heard mommy shouting help tapos ginising niya po ako."

"Then we saw you running after mom. Where's our mommy?" Seven continued.

"H-ha? Aahh. Sh1t!!" I continued taking him whole, bobbing my head up and down and
sucking him hard while he held my head guiding me.

"Pwede pong pumasok?"

"No!" he shouted. "She's..ah..s-sleeping."

"Why? Is she hurt?"

"Hindi. Nag-ano..naglalaro lang kami k-kanina, Seven. We played wrestle. Go to

sleep na." napangiti ako dahil sa pagsasalita niya ng direstso. He continued
talking to the kids a little bit more, trying to make his voice steady while I
looked at him the whole time still engrossed on pleasuring him.

"Ughhh..F-fvck!" Pinagbutihan ko ang ginagawa hanggang sa maramdaman kong malapit

na siyang labasan. Then I put on the condom, rolling it down until it covers him. I
crawled up and straddled him guiding him at my entrance.

Hinawakan niya ang bewang ko habang dahan dahan ko siyang ipinasok sa'kin.

"Ahhh..Kris.." napaungol ako nang maipasok ang kabuuan niya. Umangat siya ng konti
at umurong but I pushed him down the bed and kissed him, my tongue invading him as
I rocked my body up and down.
We were both breathing and gasping against each other's mouth. Ang mga kamay niyang
humahaplos sa likod ko at ang akin ay nasa dibdib niya. Nararamdaman ko siyang ng
buong buo. His solid rock member inside me and I wanted to feel him more.

I sat up and moved my hips up and down, him thrusting and meeting my every push.
Napalliyad at napatingala ako habang siya ay nilalayo ang aking mga dibdib. Puro
ungol namin at tunog mula sa nagtatagpo naming parte ang ingay na bumabalot sa
kwarto. It was pure bliss and pleasure.

"Ahhhh." Napaungol ako dahil malapit na naman akong labasan at alam kong siya rin.

"R-rainne...ahhhh..." I moved faster and faster as I can until we both shouted in

ecstasy from our release. Bumagsak ako sa dibdib niya at agad niya kong niyakap. "I
l-love you." bulong niya.

Hinalikan niya ang ulo ko at pareho kaming hinihingal. Nasa loob ko parin siya at
nakayakap parin nang ihiga niya ko patagilid. It's like he didn't want me away from
him and I was completely fine with that. I slept wishing that this could be an
unending moment.

I woke up with someone's hand caressing my stomach and I knew whose rough hand it
belonged to-the only man I'd ever loved.

I stirred, placing my hand over his as he pressed his bare body on my back.

"Honey...I'm hungry." he said in a husk tone while placing soft kisses on my neck
and shoulder. I didn't miss the innuendo on his words and his arousal was in the
air. His hand moved up, gave my breast a tight squeeze before traveling down
between my thighs.

Nilaro laro niya ang pagkababae ko bago niya kinuha ang hita ko at idinantay sa
binti niya. I was open and he slowly placed his fingers in me.

Napasinghap ako at napahawak sa batok niya. He kissed me while his fingers fvcking
me hard.

"You came early. I missed it." Ipinulupot niya ang braso niya sa ilalim ng dibdib
ko at hinila ako. He inclined his back on the headboard and made me sit on his lap,
his chest meeting my back. He parted my legs wide and rubbed my cl1t.

Nauubusan na ko ng hininga habang ginagawa niya yon. Napapaliyad ako sa bawat galaw
ng mga daliri niya at napahawak sa ulo niya. His other hand massaging my breasts as
his fingers invaded me fast. Damang dama ko ang mainit at matigas niya pagkalalaki
sa bandang pwetan ko, so I moved my hips and rubbed them against him.

Nilingon ko siya at hinalikan hanggang sa pareho na kaming umuungol. I shivered

feeling my release near.

"Not yet, honey. Hold it."

"Ahhh..ahhh...C-can't...ahhh."

He pumped his fingers faster and faster and I couldn't hold in myself any longer.
Umalis siya sa likuran ko at bumaba sa pagitan ng mga hita ko. Nakatukod ang
dalawang siko ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong pumikit o
tumingala dahil gusto kong makita ang ginagawa niya.

"So perfect." He whispered, touching and looking me down there. Tinignan niya ko
habang pinapasok muli ang mga daliri niya. He fvcked me more until I quivered.
"Now, honey. Give it all. I want to taste your sweet juice and I won't waste a
single drop."

"I'm c-coming..ahhh.."

"Yes, honey....come."

I moaned and arched my back in pleasure and he dipped his head down to take my
juices. He firmly held my legs apart as he sucked everything I gave him. Naramdaman
ko ang init ng init ng pagdila niya sa loob ko, sinigurong walang masasayang. He
licked and sucked all of them, even my inner thighs. It felt so good.

"It tastes heaven."

"Take me there." I heaved a sigh and he plastered a grin. Binuksan niya ang drawer
at hinalungkat para maghanap ng condom.

"Wala na. Sh1t! I can't find any." He said frustrated as he continued digging my
drawer. Napahiga ako at napasapo sa ulo. "I'm sorry." He said hugging me tight and
burying his head on my neck.

Nakakaasar... pero hindi ko hahayaang mabitin ako ng ganito lang. Agad akong
pumatong sa kanya at hinawakan ang buhay na buhay niyang pagkalalaki.

"Rainne, wai-ughhh." I made him entered me fully in one thrust. He knew very well
that I never had sex without condom and this was the first time I approved and
initiated this.

Now that there's no condom on him, we could fully feel each other. Ramdam ko ang
napakasarap na init mula sa kanya. I knew he felt the high intensity of pleasure
and ecstasy based on his face while I rocked up and down. His lips formed an 'O'
and he's groaning like a dangerous animal. His protest to stop me were forgotten
when he sat up and gripped me hard on the waist, giving me a burning kiss. Huminto
ako sa pag-ugoy at hinalikan din siya ng buong lakas. I didn't even know whose air
I was breathing because of the intensity. Naghiwalay kami at hinihingal na tumingin
sa isa't isa.

"I love you." I said truthfully before hugging him. Niyakap niya ako pabalik at
hinalikan ang ulo ko bago ako nag-umpisang gumalaw ulit. I wanted to lose control
in this moment and this was how I wanted to do it.

I wasn't moving like my usual. I was swaying my hips in a slow movement and he's
meeting them. It was like giving him a lap dance. Para kaming sumasayaw sa isang
mabagal na tugtugin na para lang sa'min. Our lips met in a slow kiss, full of love
for each other.

The slow swaying of our hips made up felt the hotness and hardness of his manhood
as my walls clamped and constricted him each time he fully entered. Dahil don, lalo
kaming nasabik na maramdaman ang isa't isa. Pabilis ng pabilis ang mga galaw namin
at puro ungol nalang ang naririnig namin and he took me to heaven and back when we
both reached our climax.

-------

I opened my eyes and saw the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes I'd ever seen.
"Morning." He whispered and smiled. "Are you still tired?"

"Do you want another round?"

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at hindi pinansin ang kamay niyang humahaplos sa

tagiliran ko bago niya ko hapitin palapit at hinalikan.

"As much as I love to but we might be late for breakfast, honey."

"Still sleepy."Tinalikuran ko siya at narinig ko ang mahina niyang tawa. Gumalaw

ang kama dahil sa pag-alis niya. Pumikit ako para matulog ulit pero hindi iyon
nagtagal nang maradaman ko ang mga braso niyang pumulupot sa'kin.

"Kristoff..." he shut my protest up and replaced them with his lips. He scooped me
up and carried me bridal style. He broke the kiss and brought me in the bathroom.

He let me stand and now we're both naked under the shower. Tinignan niya muna ang
temperatura ng tubig bago niya ito nilakasan. Umiwas ako nang lalagyan niya sana ng
shampoo ang buhok ko.

"I can take care of myself."

"I know but I wanted to bathe you. Gusto kitang paglingkuran at alagaan. You're my
queen and I'll will take care of you every day." Nag-init ang mukha ko dahil sa
sinabi niya. "Come here." He held my hand and pulled me before continue bathing me.

Inuna niya ang braso ko at sinabunan maigi hanggang magawa niya ito sa buo kong
katawan. He took care of me and I wouldn't let him do all the work so I bathe him
as return and...we eventually did another steamy round under the showers.

Siya ang nagpunas ng buhok ko at katawan bago siya at pareho kaming nakasuot ng
bathrobe. Siya na rin mismo ang naglagay ng lotion sa buong katawan ko, teasing me
with his touches. Ni hindi niya na'ko hinayaang kumilos at binuhat na naman niya ko
palabas at iniupo sa kama. Naghahanap siya ng damit ko at mamaya na raw siya
babalik sa kwarto niya para sa damit niya. He chose a simple flower-printed dress
and pair of baby pink laced bra and underwear, making me narrowed my eyes at him.

"I will not wear that for work."

"You're not working today." He dropped his boyish grin. Malamig ko siyang tinignan
at tinaasan ng kilay. Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ko at lumuhod sa harap ko. "Sige
na. Let's spend this day together with the kids and make ourselves happy. I called
Vernice kung may mahalagang meeting ka but aside from having daily meetings with
the board, wala nang ibang mahalaga. Hindi na rin kami papasok ng mga bata so let's
take the kids out to the zoo or at the water park and enjoy this day together,
please." He pleaded and his cute pouted lips gave my objection away so I nodded and
sighed in defeat.

"Thanks." He pecked me twice on the lips. Kinuha niiya ang damit ko na siya ang
nagsuot sa'kin.

Masaya ako at ngayon lang ulit ako makaramdam ng ganitong kasiyahan. I wanted this
happiness to last, not thinking about a certain someone that might ruin this
moment. Hindi ko narin iisipin ang mga bagay na dapat kong gawin at mga planong
dapat kong isakatuparan.

I didn't want to think anything else today. It's just me, him and our kids. I would
throw being Rainne and for today, I just wanted to be Alonna again. Not the
miserable Alonna. I wanted to be the happy and contented Alonna.
---------------

I'm feeling that intense feeling that you always feel when you're about to welcome
that five-day blood drop every month.

Yeah, that's right. I'm *ehem* h-rny *ehem* before my period. Totoo yong
nararamdaman yan ng bawat babae bago magkaroon.

Nakakaasar lang kasi hindi ko natapos ung chapter ng TTG dahil don... iniwan ko
pang nasa 500 words lang... ahaha.. Soooo.. hay... May next chapter pa nga yan eh
pero hanggang dito nalang muna...

AlexisLopez704
Chapter 33.1
Chapter 33.1

It's unbelievable how a small thing can affect someone. It may be good, it may be
bad. Like when someone answered no but you're hoping for the opposite or being a
second place in a competition you practiced so hard that you thought you could
achieve the first.

Nakakasama ng loob. Nakakalungkot at ang gusto mo nalang ay tumalon sa oras na

mawala ang pakiramdam na'yon o kaya ibaling sa iba para mawala o mabawasan man
lang.

People want to do everything to keep the pain away.

That's what I did.

There was also this time when a child received a gift o pinayagang kumain ng cake
bago maghapunan. Or knowing you passed an exam you haven't reviewed the night
before. Lahat yon magpapasaya sa isang tao.

People do whatever they can to keep the happiness still.

Just like me right now.

But those were only simple things and mine wasn't. It was the only thing I'd been
wishing to have since the moment I met her. Her love. Love that I got since the
very start of this day. Love that she already gave me and now, I couldn't stop
myself from looking like a lunatic dahil sa malapad na ngiti na hindi ko matanggal
tanggal simula nang magising ako sa tabi niya.

I was putting on my clothes inside my walk-in closet while she's waiting outside.
This temporary separation made me feel cold and miss her touch that's there's
nothing I wanted to do but to run close to her and hug her forever if that's
possible. Para kong tangang nagmamadaling binubotones ung shirt ko habang palingon
lingon. Bakit mainip kasi siya. I wore a pair of white and blue striped shirt and
khaki shorts. I slipped on my sandals and walked out. Her back was facing me while
holding a picture frame.

Tinitignan niya ung picture naming apat nung minsang lumabas kami para manood ng
sine. It was the first time the four of us went out together. Kuha lang yan sa
phone ko pero mahalaga para sa'kin ang larawang yon dahil kumpleto kami and I
considered that as our first family photo.

I smiled to see her seriously looking at that photo that she didn't even realize
that I was done changing. I walked quietly, sneaking behind her and gave her a hug.
Akala ko magugulat siya pero wala man lang siyang reaksyon.

"Ang ganda ng kuha ko diba?" Pagmamalaki ko at hinalikan siya sa pisngi. She placed
her hand over mine while still looking at it.

"Hmm." She nodded. "You guys look happy."

"We are happy. Happiness doesn't end up on smiling. Hindi ka nakangiti but your
eyes sparkle. Mukha ngang ikaw ang pinakamasaya sa lahat eh, tignan mo."

Tinuro ko siya sa litrato kung saan lahat kami ay may hawak na ice cream. We were
all looking up directly at the camera. Hawak hawak ko ung ice cream sa kaliwa ko
habang nakaakbay sa kanya. Siya naman nasa kanan ung ice cream at hawak niya ang
kamay ni Seven sa kaliwa. Dinidilaan ni Seven ung ice cream niya habang si Nine ay
labas na labas ang mga ngipin dahil sa malawak niyang ngiti at nakatayo sa harap ni
Rainne.

Ibinaba niya ang larawan bago humarap sakin at mahinang tumawa. Mas lalo akong
nakaramdam ng saya dahil sa tawa niyang yun. Ilang beses na rin siyang tumawa at
ngumiti kanina simula nung sumang-ayon siya saking lumabas kami ng mga bata.
Mabibilang mo lang ung mga ngiti niya noon pero ngayon, it's like she's not
stopping herself to show her emotions. Her eyes were not also dull and cold when I
looked into them anymore. It's like she not the Rainne I knew but I knew in my
heart that she's the woman I fell in love and I her changes would be for the
better.

"You misbuttoned your shirt."

"Huh?" I said and she giggled again. Yumuko ako at nakita ang maling butones. "Oo
nga no." I was about to fix it but she beat me to it. Yung huling butones sa baba
ung mali kaya inisa isa niya munang tanggalin ung mga butones mula sa taas.

"You're really excited about all of us going out. Aren't you?"

"Of course I am. Alam mong iba ito sa mga dating paglabas labas nating apat. Why?
You're not excited?"

Nasa gitna na siya nang matigilan ito sa ginagawa. I could feel her doubts when she
continued unbuttoning my shirt.

"Do you think they'll enjoy it if I come? Alam mong hindi ganon kalapit ang loob
nila sa'kin." She sighed and I lifted her chin so my eyes met hers.

"Siyempre naman. The kids really love you Raiine. No doubt about that. Matutuwa
sila ng husto kapag sumama ka and we're not leaving this house if you won't come
with us. The kids also miss you. Lagi nilang tinatanong kung sasama ka ba sa'min
kumain o kung anong oras kang umuuwi. Minsan they'd wake up early para lang
tulungan akong ipaghanda ka ng breakfast. And then there was this time na gusto
nilang sila mismo ang magluto ng breakfast mo pero siyempre hindi ko sila
pinayagan. You see, they love you so much and you being with them today to go out
would make them enjoy every single moment of this day. So don't worry, okay?" I
kissed her forehead and she smiled. Pero ung ngiti niya parang may pag-aalinlangan
pa'rin.
Nang matapos siya ay humakbang pa siya palapit sa'kin at hinayaang nakabukas lahat
ng butones ko. My lips parted when she placed her palm on my chest and let her
fingers travelled down to my stomach slowly. My heart spiked up at nakaramdam ako
ng init nang mas lalo pa siyang lumapit at halikan ang leeg ko. Her hand on my
shoulder while the other one's sending sparks and heat throughout my entire body.

"Let's just stay here." She said seductively while her naughty hand went to my
back. "You. Me. In this room the whole day. Isn't that more fun? Diba...honey?" She
whispered and nibbled my earlobe that made me snaked my arms around her, pulling
her close.

"R-Rainne...honey. The kids might be w-waiting."

"Oh?" she licked, bit and pulled my lower lip gently. "Let them go to school to
play and we will make a little play on our own here. I'll make you enjoy
every.single.moment of it."

Dahil sa ginagawa niya parang nagdadalawang isip tuloy akong ituloy ung paglabas
namin. Gusto niyang buong araw kaming magkulong sa kwartong to at sino ba naman ako
para tanggihan siya. I looked into her grey eyes that were clouded by lust.

She's turned to her naughty self. She'd become the seductress whose every move and
touch brought chills and heat travelling on your body at the same time. The siren
whose every breath and words entices you to do everything she desires. The lovely
and appealing witch whose every whisper is a spell casts can trap you into a
steaming and pleasurable contact.

She was all in one.

Hindi ko alam kung natural ba sa kanya ang ganito. It's like she was born to be
like this-to be every man's dream or nightmare.

But she's mine now. Akin lang and I wanted to attend to all her needs so I crash my
lips to hers. Our tongues engaged on a flaming battle of lust and desires. Our
breaths mixed and our bodies were so closed that couldn't pass through. Hinahaplos
ko ang isang hita at pang-upo niya habang ang sa kanya nama'y nasa dibdib at leeg
ko. She was my ecstasy and her kisses were my drug.

"TITO!" Ang mga katok at sigaw ni Seven ang hinihingal na nagpahiwalay sa'min. It
made the spell I was in break at natauhan ako. "Tito, Nine ruined my game again and
she won't apologize."

"I DID NOT!"

Matapos sumigaw ni Nine ay nakarinig kami ng takbuhan.

"I told you they hate me." Nanghihinayang niyang sabi habang nakanguso at napayuko.
I chuckled, amused by her another new look. Hindi ko pa kasi siya nakitang ngumuso
ng ganyan. Dinampian ko ito ng halik habang nakayakap parin sa kanya.

"C'mon. Let's tell them the good news and I promise to plan that. You and me.
Locked in a room for a whole day. Sound's good?"

I winked and she smiled sweetly before we exited the room hand in hand.

Nakakunot ang noo ni Seven at nakayuko naman si Nine. "See. I forgot to save my
game and you ruined it." He accused. Napaangat ang tingin sa'min si Nine at tumakbo
sa likod ko. "Titooo. She doesn't wanna say sorry."
Bumaba ako para pantayan si Nine. She was still pouting and that look of her shows
that she's guilty. "Nine, bakit di ka nagpaalam kay kuya Seven?"

"He was sleeping and it's not nice to bother someone else's sleep."

"Gusto mo ba ng PSP gaya kay kuya?" masigla siyang tumango. "Then say sorry to kuya
and promise not to do that again to his games."

"But I want car games also."

"Car games?" nagtataka akong napatingin sa kanya tapos kay Rainne. Rainne just
shrugged. "Bakit car games."

"Because they're fast and when I grow up I want to have a red, big car like the one
in your work."

Iniisip ko kung anong sasakyan ang sinasabi niya. "Which one?" she described the
one she wanted at napagtanto ko na iyon ung Super Aguri Honda SA06. Isang formula
one car model. I cleared my throat before asking. "Are you sure? But that's not for
girls."

"But I like that one. Yung mabilis na mabilis. I was about to win but then Seven
caught me playing that's why I lost."

"Sige na nga but say sorry first."

Matapos non ay umupo na kami sa hapagkainan. Nagtampo pa si Seven dahil bakit siya
wala daw bagong laruan so we promised him a new game for his PSP. Habang naghahanda
ng pagkain si Aling Mila ay maya'y maya itong tumitingin kay Rainne. Maybe she's
also seeing the sudden change in her. Ngumiti siya sa'kin at tumango bago bumalik
sa kusina.

"After nating kumain maligo na agad kayo, okay?" parang nalungkot ung mga bata
dahil sa sinabi ko.

"I don't want to go to school." Nine said. Nagpalit kami kanina ni Seven ng upuan
kaya katapat ko sila ngayon. Tahimik sila at mukang walang gana. Ano kayang
problema nila?

"Why? Did something happen?" Nine shook her head timidly before they remained quiet
but I knew something that'd make them happy.

"Fine." Pareho silang napatingin sa'kin. "Instead of school, the four of us will go
somewhere you guys like."

"Talaga po, tito?" parehong nagliwanag ang mga mukha nila. "Is mommy coming too?"
Seven asked.

"Ask her."

"Are you coming with us, mommy?" nag-aalinlangan pang nagtanong si Seven. Rainne
looked at me first and I held her hand before smiling, urging her.

"Yes." Mahinang sabi niya bago ngumiti.

"Yehey!" sigaw ng mga bata. Bigla silang ginanahan sa pagkain at parang minamadali
pa. Nag-uusap din sila kung san kami pupunta at hinayaan lang namin ang magkapatid.
"I told you they'd be happy."

"You're right." Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang yakapin ang bewang ko at sumandal sa
dibdib ko. "Thank you, Kristoff. For everything." Umangat ang kamay ko at
ipinulupot ito sa braso niya. She was changing at ung pagiging sweet niya sakin na
dinadasal ko lang lagi ay parang binigay na ng Diyos.

"I'll do everything for you."

Malumanay at payapa ang tingin niya sakin bago niya inangat ang mukha niya. I knew
what she wanted so I reached down to kiss her lips. The kiss was simple and didn't
last long but it made us share our feelings for each other. She was grateful and I
was in love.

Nagtagpo ang mga mata namin at ung galit at lamig sa mga mata niya ay tuluyan nang
nawala.

"Here. I want you to eat plenty." Nakayakap parin siya sa'kin at nakaakbay ako sa
kanya habang sinusubuan ko siya ng pagkain.

"Tito, are you our daddy?"

Seven's question made us break the eye contact. Sabay kaming napatingin ni Rainne
sa dalawa na pabalik balik ang tingin sa'min. They were eyeing and observing us
curiously.

"What makes you ask that?" tanong ko habang hindi mawala wala ang ngiti sa mukha
ko.

"Because our teacher said that daddies take care of mommies and then they will hug
and give them kisses."

"Miss Lilly also said that our daddy will protect us and loves us. She asked me and
Seven our daddy's name and we said your name but we call you tito. Bakit hindi po
daddy ang tawag namin sa'yo, tito?"

"Are you our daddy, tito?" inulit ulit ni Seven ang tanong niya kanina. Iniisip
kong mabuti kung ano ang dapat sabihin sa kanila. Sasagot na sana ako pero naunahan
ako ni Rainne and the words she said made me something in my heart swell with proud
and joy.

"Yes. He's your daddy. The most wonderful and perfect daddy there is and you can
call him daddy starting today."

"Seven, we have a daddy now. What Kevin said was not true because we now have a
daddy." She was bouncing up and down while Seven had this broad smile on his face.
And I couldn't be more proud and happy with what Rainne said to them.

----------

"Leah, pakikuha naman ung phone ko sa taas. Baka nasa tabi lang ng TV. Pa-check
nalang." I said to Jess, one of the twin's nannies.

Saka ko lang kasi natandaan na nakalinutan ko ung phone ko kung kelan paalis na
kami. I already told Jess and Lea na hindi na nila kailangang sumama and that they
could have this day their free day. The kids were now inside the car and excited to
go. Gusto nilang pumunta sa Disneyland pero hindi pwede kaya sa ocean park nalang.
Rainne promised them that we would go there some other time.
"Sir, ito na po."

"Thanks."

Lumapit na ko sa sasakyan at si Rainne nalang ang hinihintay. May papeles kasi

siyang kinuha na kailangang ibalik sa Sales and Marketing Department. Meron din daw
siyang dapat pirmahan pero after noon ay aalis na kami. And now, as she stepped out
of the house, I couldn't help but to think how lucky I was to finally have her.

She was lovely with the pink dress I picked for her with designed flower patterns
and lavender sandals. Wala kasi siyang flat shoes kaya may takong ito pero 2 inches
lang.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng passenger's sear para sa kanya kasabay ng pagtunog na

phone ko.

"Sh1t! I forgot." Napasapo ako sa noo nang rumehistro ang pangalan ni Mau.
Napatingin ako kay Rainne na nakatingin din sa screen. Kitang kita niya kung sino
ang tumatawag.

"Answer it." Ang lamig ng boses niya pero para kong pinagpawisan. Sumakay siya at
napakamot nalang ako sa batok bago ko sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello, Mau."

"Hi." Mahina at malungkot niyang sabi kasabay ng pagsara ko ng pinto. I walked

around and went in the car. Nakaramdam ako ng guilt dahil sa boses niya. I did tell
her na susunod ako sa kanya pero sa sobrang pagod, hindi na'ko nakapunta.

I was thankful dahil don but in some point, I was feeling guilty because of Mau. I
was too occupied that I didn't even remembered texting her.

"I'm sorry, natagalan ako kahapon sa meeting and I was so tired kaya di na kita
natext."

"Okay lang pero pwede ka namang humabol ngayon diba? I can still wait."

"I can't. May pupuntahan kasi ako."

"But you promised yesterday. Diba nangako ka? Ang sabi mo sasamahan mo ko dito
ngayon pero bakit wala ka dito."

"I didn't promise, Mau. Ang sabi ko susubukan kong sumunod and you know that my
schedule's tight. Alam mo ring malabo akong makasunod and I told you that."
Inilipat ko sa kabilang tenga ung phone para paandarin ang sasakyan matapos
lingunin si Rainne na tahimik lang.

"I'm s-sorry." Nauutal niyang salita. Is she about to cry? Oh c'mon! Wag naman.
Lalo lang akong magui-guilty nito eh. Napabuntong hininga ako at binuhay ang
makina.

"Don't drive while on the phone. Tapusin mo muna yan." Biglang sabi ni Rainne at
sinunod ko siya. Nakarinig ako ng mahinang hikbi sa kabilang linya.

"Now I know. Kaya pala."

"Maur-"
"Hindi Kris." She was crying and I heard some sniffing.

"Mommy may shark ba don sa ocean park? I want to see one and Seven said he wanted
to see a whale. Diba wala namang whale don because it's big?"

"At kasama niyo rin ung dalawa. Magtratrabaho din ba sila?" Her sarcasm made me
frown and a bit pissed.

"Stop crying okay. Tatawagan ko nalang si Faith para sunduin o samahan ka diyan
pero hindi talaga ako pwede."

"Hindi ka niya mamahalin, Kristoff kaya tigilan mo na siya. I thought you're moving
on-youwant to move on but then you still keep on pushing yourself to her. She
doesn't want you because she's just a cold-hearted, self-centered bi-"

"Stop it!" Hindi ko na napigil na tumaas ang boses ko. Nilingon ko sila Rainne bago
ako bumaba. "Your behavior is getting out of line, Maureen. You're acting like my
girlfriend and I don't want you or anyone saying those things about my woman."

"Tss, so kayo na nga at siya ang dahilan kung bakit kinalimutan mo ko. Niloloko ka
lang niya because she's still with my cousin."

"I don't need to explain anything, Mau." I sighed to lessen my anger. Ayokong
masira ang araw ko at hindi ko hahayaang masira ito ng dahil sa tawag na 'to.
"Tatawagan ko si Faith."

"Kris-"

Binaba ko na agad ang tawag at kinontak si Faith. I knew she's busy but her friend
needed help. Pagbalik ko ay naglalaro ng PSP si Seven habang nakadungaw sa kanya si
Nine. On the other hand, Rainne silence made me anxious and troubled.

Pinaandar ko na ang sasakyan pero hindi ko matiis ang katahimikan ni Rainne.

"Honey." Paglalambing ko at hinawakan ang kamay niya habang ang isa kong kamay ay
nasa manibela.

"What?" she deadpanned while looking straight.

"Are you mad at me?"

"No." kapag ganyan ang boses niya, hindi ko talaga malaman kung ano ang nasa isip
niya. Wala kasing emosyon at mahirap alamin. Galit ba siya sa'kin o hindi? Dahil ba
sinagot ko ung tawag ni Maureen? Ugh, ang hirap naman. Pero baka naman-

"Are you jealous?"

Nakangiti akong patingin tingin sa kanya. Tinatansya ang reaksyon nito pero blangko
talaga. Bumuntong hininga ako. Maybe she's not also jealous. Hindi ko na siya
tinanong pa at hinayaan ko nalang ang pag-uusap ng dalawang bata ang bumuhay sa
loob ng sasakyan. They were excited on our trip.

Nang huminto kami dahil sa stop light ay dinampian ko ng halik ang kamay ni Rainne.

"Honey, I'm sorry. Huwag ka nang magalit, please."

"Mommy why are you mad at daddy?" Tumingin si Rainne kay Nine bago sa'kin. I was
thankful to Nine's curiosity. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya galit pero magso-sorry
ako ng magso-sorry kahit ilang beses basta patawarin niya lang ako. Si Seven naman
ay nakakunot ang noong tumingin sa'min.
"Did daddy hurt you a lot when you wrestle last night?" lumapit pa samin si ung
dalawa at tinignan nang mabuti ang mukha ni Rainne. Bigla namang namula ang mukha
nito at napatingin sa labas ng bintana while my smiled from ear to ear.

"Daddy, sinaktan mo si mommy?" si Nine.

"N-no. I'm not hurt." Sagot ni Rainne then she raised her brow at me when she saw
me smiling widely.

"I will never hurt your mommy. Ako si daddy diba and my job is to love, care,
protect and make all of you happy. I'm fact, she enjoyed our wrestling last night
and she said she wanted to do it again for the whole day. Right, honey?" she
narrowed her eyes at me at hinihila ung kamay niya pero hindi ko binitawan at
hinalikan pa ulit yon.

"So happy si mommy?"

"Yes. She's happy, Nine."

"Then I'll give you this, mommy." Bumalik sa upuan si Nine at may kinuha sa bag
niya. Sakto namang nag green na kaya pinaandar ko na ang sasakyan. Inaabangan namin
kung ano mang kinukuha ni Nine. "Here are all of my chocolates."

"These are yours. Why are you giving me these?" tanong ni Rainne matapos kunin ang
isang plastic ng iba't ibang chocolates.

"Because daddy makes you happy and chocolates make me happy, that's why I'm giving
you all my chocolates to make you extra happy so you wouldn't be sad again."

"T-thank you, Nine." I was shocked and touched dahil sa sinabi niya pero alam kong
mas higit pa ang nararamdaman ni Rainne ngayon. Sumulyap ako kay Rainne at kita ko
ang pagpatak ng ilang luha niya.

"D-did I make you sad?" umiling si Rainne.

"No. I'm very much happy. Thank you." Binitawan ko ang kamay niya at niyakap niya
ito.

"You're welcome mommy and you can have all my other chocolates at home because I
love you."

Damang dama ko ang kaligayahan ni Rainne nang lumingon ito sa'kin dahil sa gulat. I
smiled at her and nodded.

"I l-love you too."

"Did you hear that Seven? Mommy said she loved me and now I'm happier. More happier
than eating chocolates." Pagmamalaki nito sa kakambal.

"Then you can have my PSP, mommy so you can be extra, extra happy. Mahal mo na rin
ba 'ko, mommy?" Tinanggal nito ang nakasabit na lace ng PSP sa leeg niya at
ibinigay kay Rainne. Rainne giggled and accepted it.

"Thank you and I will always love you."

"Ha! Sabi ni mommy mas mahal niya daw ako."

"No. Mommy loves me more because I'm a girl and she's a girl at saka wala ka nang
PSP."

"Bibilan ako ni daddy."

"Daddy said ako ang bibilan niya."

Nagpatuloy sa pag-sasagutan ung dalawa at patuloy din ang pasulyap sulyap ko kay
Rainne. She's quiet but I saw her smile from time to time that made me smile too.
Alam kong masaya siya kaya masaya rin ako.

Nang huminto ulit kami dahil sa traffic ay bigla nalang hinawakan ni Rainne ang
leeg at pisngi ko at kinabig paharap sa kanya. The next thing I knew was her lips
against mine. I smiled and immediately responded.

"Thank you." she whispered.

"Mukang yan ang paborito mong sabihin ngayon ah." I replied and kissed her.

"Ewww."

"Yucky." Napatingin kaming muli at natawa sa dalawang batang nakatakip ang mga
mata.

"Mommy, may I borrow your PSP?"

"Mommy, pengeng chocolates."

Sabay na sabi ng dalawa and Rainne gave back the things they let her have.
Chapter 33.2
Chapter 33.2.

I know where you hide

Alone in your car

Know all of the things that make you who you are

My mind was singing along with the music from my phone. Napagdesisyonan kong
magjogging since medyo matagal ko na itong di nagagawa at medyo maaga naman akong
nagising. Simula kasi nang tanggihan ako ni Rainne noon, puro trabaho nalang ang
inaasikaso ko maliban sa mga bata. I wanted to divert my attention to anything
beside Rainne and I did anything to do that. Gumamit pa nga ako ng ibang tao para
lang don pero nang malapit ko na siyang makalimutan.

I know that goodbye

Means nothing at all

Comes back and begs me catch me every time she falls

Then comes the time that I thought I moved on. Sa tingin ko nga okay na ko kahit
papano at kaya ko nang tumingin sa mga mata niya nang hindi naaapektuhan. Na kaya
ko nang hindi masaktan kapag kasama niya ang ibang lalaki. The thought that I could
stop myself from hugging her when she's around. Akala ko lang pala yon dahil sa
boses at ilang haplos niya lang, nahulog na naman ako ng sobrang lalim.

Tap on my window

Knock on my door

I...want to make you feel beautiful

I fished my phone on my pants' pocket to see the time. Alas-sais bente kwatro na at
malapit nang magising ang babaeng mahal ko. Napangiti ako at pinunasan ang pawis ko
sa noo bago ko ibulsa ang telepono at tumakbo pauwi.

Masarap sa pakiramdam ang paligid. Mahangin at hindi masyadong mainit. Payapa dahil
sa mga puno, huni ng ibon at iba pang nag-eehersisyo kasama ang alaga nilang aso.
Binabati nila ako at ganun din ako sa kanila.

I don't mind spending everyday

Out on your corner in the pouring rain, oh

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile.

Binilisan ko pa ng konti ang pagtakbo. She usually wakes up at seven at gusto kong
ako ang magluto ng breakfast ngayon and it's been one month and a week since we
labeled our relationship. I wanted to give her breakfast in bed since I almost kept
her awake the whole night.

I remembered clearly in my mind, the sound of her moans, her kisses-her sweet
tongue on mine, those tight embraces and the way she shivered before her release.
Lahat yon ay hindi ko makakalimutan at parang ramdam ko parin hanggang ngayon ang
ito.

May isang bagay lang akong inaalala sa tuwing nagtatalik kami. Whenever I tried to
be on top when I was about to go inside her, nakikita ko sa mga mata niya ang
pagkataranta at pagkatakot.

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

She wouldn't give in. She wouldn't surrender that's why I always shift our position
so she'd be on top. Pero okay lang. Lahat ng gusto niya gagawin ko basta maging
masaya lang siya. Pati mga bata masaya dahil sa mga nangyayari at susunduin namin
sila ni Rainne mamaya sa school tapos maglu-lunch kami sa labas.

Rainne was different when she's with us three. Palangiti siya at malambing pero
kapag sa iba, bumabalik ang pagiging malamig at isnabera niya. Nung araw nga na
pupunta kami sa Ocean Park, masyado atang nagulat si Vernice dahil hindi
natatanggal ang tingin sa'min. The way she looked was odd but knowing Rainne was
her boss, it was really a shocker.

Napabagal ako sa pagtakbo dahil sa nakita ko. Unti unting humina ang tugtog na
naririnig ko habang tinatanggal ang earphone sa tenga ko at napuno ako ng pagtataka
at pagkainis.

I saw a familiar car parked near the gates. Nakasandal si Azel sa kotse niya. He's
wearing white shirt with necktie and slacks, twirling some set of keys with his
finger and his aviators protecting his eyes.

Anong ginagawa niya dito?

Napatigil siya sa ginagawa at napatingin sa'kin nang maramdaman niya kong

papalapit. His gaze landed on me for a moment through his glasses before he looked
away. Naiinis ako kung bakit nandito ang lalaking to.

"She's still sleeping. Ako nalang ang maghahatid sa kanya." Isa lang naman ang
dahilan kung bakit siya nandito at hindi ko alam kung alam ba ni Rainne na nandito
to. Thinking about him with Rainne made me wanna do something that would inflict
pain on him. Ang gumugulo pa sakin ay hindi ko alam kung anong estado niya kay
Rainne. I never asked her about the things between her and this guy. And now I was
confused and angry.

Angry because of him and myself for overlooking this and confused because I was not
quite sure between me and her.

Kung totoo ba talaga ang nararamdaman niya para sa'kin or it was part of her
scheming act?

Should I doubt her feelings for me?

He smirked and lean away from his car before taking off his aviators. "I called her
for an appointment with his new lawyer. I asked if she wanted a lift and she said
yes so wala ka nang pakialam kung bakit ako nandito."
Napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa angas ng pagsasalita niya pero meeting para sa bagong
lawyer? "Why would she replace Mr. Rodrigo for a new one?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya at natawa. Kalma lang Kris. He's not worth it.

"That's none of your business. Kung sa bagay, bakit naman sasabihin ni Rainne ang
mahahalagang bagay? Ano ka ba niya?"

Azel's question made me quiet and think. Ano nga ba niya ko? It's clear to me that
we have a relationship pero ganun din ba ang tingin ni Rainne sa amin? Sinisigurado
ko sa kanya lahat ng nararamdaman ko. I always give her assurance but got nothing
in return and now, my insecurities was eating me alive.

Pero bakit hindi ako nanghihingi?

Because I'm content for what she's giving me.

I never ask. I never beg. Because that's love is. Being freely given to the person
worth loving for. Ang tanging ginawa ko lang ay manatili sa tabi niya hanggang sa
ibigay niya ng kusa ang pag-ibig niya sa'kin.

Pero pagmamahal ba ang ibinigay niya o awa?

"Hindi ka makasagot, huh? Then what you think you have between the two of you is
just an illusion." Napatingin ako sa kanya. Illusion? Ayon lang ba talaga?

No.

Ilusyon? Hindi ilusyon ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya. I could feel it and I always
feel it when she's around with me and the kids. Yung mga tawa niya, haplos niya,
ngiti niya. Yung concern sa mata niya pag nag-aaway yung mga bata at yung mga
kinang sa mga mata niya kapag nagkwekwento sila sa kanya. Lahat yon hindi basta
ilusyon lang.

I looked straight to him and smiled making him frown and confused. I know what to
tell him and I know what my heart was telling.

"You're wrong." I said with confidence. "What we currently have is no illusion.

Hindi mo kasi siya nakikita gaya ng tingin ko sa kanya. I bet hindi ka pa niya
nahalikan ng biglaan nor never touched you first. You never saw or heard the way
she laugh on a joke nor the concern and panic on her face nang makita niyang nadapa
at nasugatan si Nine. Not to mention how focus she were when Seven taught her to
play a game in his console. Hindi diba and you will never get the chance to see
that. She will never kiss you goodnight nor hear her tell how she loves you while
you're pretending to be sleeping beside her. Never. What you think is an illusion
is the truth at alam mo ba kung ano ang tunay na ilusyon? You, thinking that you
could have more from her. Your expectations are your illusions so wake up."

Kita ko ang galit niya nang matapos ako. Nakakuyom ang mga kamay niya at nagtangis
ang panga. His looks were deadly at my direction.

"I'll go check in our room if she's ready." Tumalikod ako para umalis bago siya
magsalita.

"You think you're all that because you're living under the same roof as her, huh?
Pathetic! But let me tell you something." Humarap ako sa kanya na nakahalukipkip at
nakangiti. "I wasn't sleeping when she told me that. I was wide awake and that was
right after we fvcked."

Anger and pain. Those were the two things I felt while he held his triumphant smirk
and red was the only color I saw before I marched and charged in his direction.

"Anong sabi mo?" Hinawakan ko siya sa kwelyo at tinitigan ng masama. Gusto kong
pumatay ng tao, specifically him. I wanted to kill him right here and now at seeing
him smiling made me wanna do it slowly.

"Chill man, why don't you ask her?"

I pushed him hard and his back slammed against his car. Mabilis akong umalis at
pumasok sa gate habang narinig ko siyang nagmura. Dumiretso ako sa kwarto namin at
naabutang nagsusuot ng sapatos si Rainne habang nakaupo sa kama.

She was now wearing her usual office attire-blouse, high heeled shoes and pencil
cut skirt. Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa'kin at ngumiti. I would love to kiss that
soft lips but my mind was clouded with anger. Nawala ang ngiti niya nang makitang
seryoso ako.

"Why is Azel outside waiting for you?" Diretso kong tanong.

"Business meeting over breakfast." Walang paking sabi niya. She shrugged and focus
her attention on putting his other shoe.

"And you didn't even bother telling me!" naiinis kong sabi sa medyo mataas na boses
na nagpasalubong ng perpekto niyang kilay. She stood up and crossed her arms over
her chest.

"Is it mandatory to tell you everything even about business?"

"Oo nga. Sino nga ba naman ako sa'yo?" I scowled. Pumasok ako sa walk-in closet
para kumuha ng damit bago maligo.
Naiinis ako at nagagalit. I wanted to shout at her or confront her pero di ko
magawa. Yeah right! She didn't need to tell me everything but knowing it involved
Azel, I couldn't contain the anger in me. At pati ung mga sinabi ni Azel, parang
isang malaking tapak sa ego ko.

Ipinamukha ko sa kanya ang mga bagay na hindi niya makukuha but it backfired. Siya
mismo ang nagpamukha sa'kin ng isang bagay na hindi ko makukuha. Ang pagmamahal ni
Rainne.

I felt really pathetic right now. Bullsh1t lang! After all this time. Nagmumukha
lang pala akong tanga. I thought it was her love but it was all just pity. Ang
tanga! Ang tanga tanga talaga. Bakit pa kasi ako umasa.

Iniisip ko parin ang mga sinabi ni Azel
Nakaramdam ako ng mga brasong pumulupot
ko. Isa lang naman ang taong makakagawa
she tightened her grip on me, making me
my back.
habang pumipili ako ng damit na gagamitin.
sa bewang ko na agad na nagpababa ng inis
non sakin. I felt her breath on my neck as
felt electricity with her body pressed on

"I'm sorry." Malambing niyang sabi. "Hindi ko na nasabi kasi naging busy tayo
pagdating palang natin kagabi. Remember how we wrestle last night?" there was a
hint of naughtiness in her last words before she placed small kissed on my neck and
behind my ear.

"I'm covered in sweat. Baka dumikit sa damit mo."Ang laki ng pagpipigil ko na wag
maapektuhan sa ginagawa niya pero mukang bibigay na yata ako kapag ipinagpatuloy
niya pa. Nagpapanggap ako na busy sa pagpili ng damit kahit wala akong ginagawa
kung hindi kunin at ibalik lang ang ilan.

"I like you sweaty. It's very...arousal."

Isa sa mga kamay niya ay bumaba at dumampi sa pagkalalaki ko. I felt my body
temperature rose up but then my mind flashed the things that Azel said making me
unconsciously stopped her hand with mind.

"If you're arouse then go with Azel. He might help you." Nasabi ko na bago ko pa
maisip kung anong ibig sabihin ng mga salitang 'yon. Nagulat ako at naramdaman kong
ganun din siya. Was I too harsh? Pero kailangan ko ng kasagutan. Lumayo siya sa'kin
bago ko siya hinarap. "Did you have sex with him?"

Diretso akong tumingin sa mga mata niya. I saw guilt and fury in her eyes and right
there, I knew the answer. Hindi niya naman tinanggi kaya halata na ang sagot and
that was yes.

Her eyes turned cold and void-ung tingin na laging ginagamit niya sa'kin noon at sa
ibang tao. I guess I was not different from the others after all.

"Alam mo bang ipinamukha niya sa'kin yon?" I smiled faintly before a loud honk form
the outside invaded our ears. "Go. Business is business." Tumalikod ako at pumili
muli ng damit.

Rinig ko ang mga hakbang niya at ang pagbukas at sarado ng pinto hudyat na nakaalis
na siya.

------

If I could get 100 likes and 30 comments on this one by tomorrow, I'll post the
next chapter immediately.. :D
Chapter 33.3
Chapter 33.3

It's almost 1PM.

Ang usapan namin kahapon ay sabaynaming susunduin ang mga bata at kakain kami sa
labas kaya naghihintay ako sa labas ng building niya. I called her while I was
driving that I would meet her here.

My mind never left what happened earlier. I kept on thinking and I realize that
this needs to be talked this through. Napagisip isip ko rin na kung may nangyari
man sa kanila noon, siguro iyon ung mga panahong hindi pa kami nagkaka-ayos. If
that's the case, okay lang naman siguro yon. I meant, she didn't cheat on me that
time at kahit masakit, wala akong karapatang magalit.

It's all in the past and should be left in the past.

Bumaba ako sa sasakyan nang makita siyang paparating. I kissed her cheek before
letting her occupy the shot gun seat. Pagkapasok niya ay umikot ako at sumakay.

Tahimik ang byahe hanggang sa makarating kami sa eskwelahan para sunduin sina Seven
at Nine. Pinapakiramdaman ko siya at paminsan minsang lumilingon sa kanya pero wala
siyang imik. Maybe she was still upset or maybe mad at me for lashing out on her
earlier.

Ang hirap niya talagang basahin kapag ganitong tahimik lang siya. Hindi ko tuloy
alam kung tama ba ang tyempo ko o baka mas lalo siyang magalit sa'kin.

I shut down the engine but we remained inside.

"Honey." Malambing kong sabi at inabot ang kaliwang kamay niya. I sincerely met her
cold eyes before continuing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice at you.
Alam ko kasalanan ko pero nainis lang talaga ako sa sinabi ni Azel kanina. Please
honey, patawarin mo na 'ko. Just don't be angry at me."

Hindi ko kayang galit sa'kin si Rainne kaya nagpapakumbaba na 'ko. Ganun naman
talaga diba? Sa isang relasyon dapat ang isa ang unang nagpapakumbaba para hindi na
lumaki ang problema. I'm willing to take that position every time.

I kissed her knuckle a couple of times before seeing her lips curved into a smile.
Gone with the cold and heartless Rainne and was replaced with a kind and caring
woman with soft eyes. See? Kailangan lang talagang may kusang magbigay para matapos
ang isang problema.
"Are you forgiving me, honey?"

Lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya at umangat ang kanang kamay nito at hinawakan
ang pisngi ko. I shut my eyes closed and savored the feeling of her thumb caressing
my cheek. Iginilid ko ang mukha ko ng bahagya at hinalikan ang palad niya sa pisngi
ko.

"It's three months ago." My eyes opened. Her voice low and apologizing. I grabbed
her neck and pulled her closer for a kiss. Saglit lang yon pero sinasabi non na
okay lang ang lahat.

"Nakaraan na 'yon. Let's not just talk about it, okay?"

Tumango siya at binigyan ko ulit siya ng isang halik bago kami bumaba. We walked
hand in hand and I was happy with the way things worked out. Ramdam na ramdam ko
ang init ng kamay niya at kuryenteng umiikot sa parteng hinahaplos ng hinlalaki
niya.

Hinanap namin ang mga bata sa playground. Don kasi hinahayaang maghintay ung mga
bata after ng klase. We could already hear the commotion the moment we stepped on
the playground. May umiiyak at may sumisigaw. We both looked at each other when we
recognized these voices.

Nagmadali kami ni Rainne at nilibot ang paningin namin. Sa may bandang sulok ng
playground, nakita namin ang kambal kasama ang ilang mga bata.

Seven and a boy who looked older than him were trying to push each other. Nakahawak
sa magkabilang balikat si Seven sa bata habang hawak nito ang kaliwang balikat ni
Seven at kanang braso. They were grunting, trying to overpower each other while the
other kids looked at them from afar. One girl standing behind the boy fighting
Seven was cheering.

Si Nine naman ay umiiyak at pinupunansan ang matang di natatakpan ng eye patch.

Mukang nainis ung batang babae sa kakaiyak ni Nine kaya hinila nito ang buhok niya
na lalong nagpa-iyak dito.

"Seven! Nine!" mabilis kaming lumapit sa kanila pero bago pa kami makalapit ay
naitulak na ng malakas ni Seven ung bata at agad na napaupo. Seven sat on him and
punched him a couple of times before he was pushed off by the boy. "Seven!" itinayo
at inilayo ko siya sa dalawang bata. Lumuhod ako sa harap niya para tignan kung may
mga sugat siya. Tumingin ako sa kanya habang ginagawa yon pero nakatingin lang siya
sa kaaway. His eyes were cold and deadly. I never saw him eyed someone like that
before.

"Nine, come here."

"M-mommy!" tumatakbo at umiiyak na lumapit si Nine kay Rainne.

"Princess! Matthew!" A woman shouted and rushed to the two kids followed by a guy.
Sa tingin ko mag-asawa sila. Pinagpagan nila ng dumi ang damit nung bata at
ininspekyon ang mukha na may sugat. "Goodness. Anong nangyari sa'yo, Matthew?"

"Seven punched him, tita." Sumbong nung batang babaeng humila ng buhok ni Nine.
Kunot noo namang tumingin sa direksyon namin ung mag-asawa.

"Anong klaseng pagpapalaki ba ang ginagawa niyo sa mga batang yan at nagsisimula ng
ganitong gulo? Look what that terrible kid did to my son."
"Misis. I think it's early to jump to conclusion and assume that Seven started the
fight. Pare pareho lang po tayong kadarating lang dito." I tried to make my voice
calm but I was starting to get irritated by how this lady simply accused Seven.

"Mr. Dela Vega, ikaw pala ang ama ng batang 'yan." Tumayo ako at sinalubong ang
tinigin ng tumawag sa'kin. Hawak hawak ko ang kamay ni Seven habang hinila ko si
Rainne papalapit mula sa bewang. Karga karga niya si Nine na humihikbi.

"Yes, I am Mr. Santiago."

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

Imbes na lunch out ay nauwi kami sa principal's office pagkatapos. Mr. Santiago's
wife was very persistent to escalate this issue to the head personnel of the
school.

Nakaupo ako at kalung kalong ko si Nine habang nasa gitna namin ni Rainne si Seven.
Nasa tapat ko naman si Mr. Santiago na katabi ang asawa tapos si Matthew at ang
pinsan na si Princess.

Hindi parin mawala ang galit sa mukha ni Mrs. Santiago na akbay akbay ang anak na
may sugat sa labi. Seryoso naman si Mr. Santiago pero halata din dito ang
pagkainis.

Si Mr. Santiago ay isa sa mga kliyente ko. He ordered 3 heavy machineries from my
company for some large construction in province. Hindi lang naman kasi luxury cars
ang binibenta ko. Lumaki ang kita ng shop ko noong last showcase ng mga sasakyan
kaya pati ibang uri ng sasakyan ay meron na ko.

"Now, let's see where this all started from." Sabi ng principal na nakaupo sa likod
ng mesa sa kaliwa ko na nakaharap sa'min. She had this pointy eye glasses and pearl
necklaces and earrings. Her black hair was tied back in a neat bun and was wearing
a black office coat. Kulay maroon ang lipstick sa labi at may konting blush on at
brown na eye shadow. Mukha siyang istrikta at ang tansya ko ay nasa forties na
siya.

Nakatayo naman sa likod niya si Miss Lilly na teacher ng klase ng mga bata na
mukang nasa thirties lang. Maikli na hanggang leeg anf brown na buhok at naka dark
blue na uniform nila.

"Iyan! Iyang batang 'yan. I saw him punched my son and I want him expelled from
this school." Sigaw niya habang tinuturo si Seven at ang labi ng anak.

"Mrs. Santiago, it's too early impose expulsion. Kailangan muna nating alamin kung
anong nangyari."

"Bakit kailangan pang alamin. Can't you see what he did to my son? The evidence is
here. Sayang lang ang ibinibigay kong donasyon sa school na 'to kung hindi aalisin
ang batang yan dito."

Mrs. Flores, the principal did not pay attention to Mrs. Santiago's rattle at
bumaling kay Seven na nakayuko habang hawak ang kamay ni Rainne whose silence were
disturbing on my part. They say a woman in silent is dangerous but on Rainne's
case, her silence was deadly and haunting.

"Seven, pwede bang malaman kung bakit mo sinuntok si Matthew kanina?" malumanay
niyang tanong pero wala siyang nakuhang sagot kay Seven. "Maybe you should ask
him." Sabi sakin ni Mrs. Flores. Inilipat ko sa kaliwang hita ko si Nine para
makita kong mabuti si Seven.
"Seven, c'mon. Hindi ka namin papagalitan. Just tell us your reason." I sighed when
he still wouldn't answer so I turned to Nine and asked her instead.

"Princess pulled my hair and always calling me ugly. Then we told Miss Lilly but
she said to take a seat and be quiet. We were playing while waiting for you and
mommy when they went to us. Matthew said he didn't like Seven 'cause he's a tattle
tale then he pushed Seven. I was telling him to stop but Princess started shouting
at me and pulling my hair. She said I was ugly because of my eye patch and then
Seven got angry and pushed and punch Matthew."

"Tignan niyo! Talaga namang salbahe ang batang yan. She confessed that this child
pushed and punched Matthew. Now kick him out of this school."

"Huminahon ka nga Claudia."

"Tumahimik ka nga Ram. Our son was hurt and you're asking me to calm down!"

"Misis huminahon po kayo." ani ni Mrs. Flores at bumaling kay Princess. "Princess,
you know it's not nice to tell other people that they're ugly. Bakit mo sinabi 'yon
kay Nine? At ikaw naman Matthew, bakit mo tinulak si Seven?"

"But it is the truth." Sagot ni Princess.

"Weird naman po talaga siya tsaka panget kasi meron siya sa mata niya, oh." Biglang
nag-angat ng tingin si Seven kay Matthew. Parehong isang taon lang ang tanda nila
sa kambal. Tumalim ang tingin niya sa magpinsan and it was obvious that he's
holding himself back but then Matthew stick his tongue out. Susugod na sana siya
kung hindi lang hinigpitan ni Rainne ang hawak sa kanya para pigilan.

"Goodness, he tried to attack again."

"Mrs. Santiago, calm down, please."

"Good girl, Nine. Ikaw din, Seven." Hinalikan ko sa pingi si Nine at hinaplos sa
buhok si Seven bago inakbayan. I couldn't help it. I was proud of them. Nine for
telling the truth and Seven for protecting his sister.

"Mukang imbes na pagalitan mo ay kinukunsinte mo pa ang mga yan Mr. Dela Vega."
Tinapunan ko ng tingin si Mr. Santiago na mukang narinig ang sinabi ko. "Kung
ganyan po pinalaki ang mga 'yan. Napapa-isip tuloy ako kung itutuloy ko pa ang
pagkuha sa'yo ng mga sasakyan."

"It's none of your business Mr. Santiago and I don't care if you cancel our
business. The issue here is that Princess and Matthew bullied my children first. At
ikaw Miss Lilly." Bumaling ako sa ginang na nasa likuran ng principal.

"Ano ho iyon?"

"My kids already told you about that pero hindi mo pinansin. Did you think it's
okay to turn your back on them? You're job is not to only teach them but guide and
look after them pero hindi mo sila pinansin. Why? Because we're not putting in
money like them? Ganun ba? This shouldn't have happen if you only hear them out."

"A-ah. H-hindi naman pos a ganun, Sir." Aniya na nahihiya sa ginawa.

"Mr. Dela Vega." Pagsingit ng principal. "I apologize on behalf of Miss Lilly.
Sisiguraduhin kong gagawin ang nararapat dahil sa pagiging pabaya niya. Now that we
know what the cause of this is, can we now settle this issue and forget that this
happens?"

"Aba, hindi ako makakapayag." Napatayo na sa galit si Mrs. Santiago. "Na-agrabyado

ang anak at pamangkin ko tapos ganun ganun nalang. I won't allow that. Kung hindi
niyo papatalsikin ang batang 'yan, babawiin ko lang ng binigay ko sa school na 'to.
I will not donate anything at aalisin ko ang anak ko dito. So, ano na ang ga-"

She was cut off when Rainne suddenly stood up; the screech of the chair filled the
entire room. Napabuntong hininga nalang ako dahil alam kong galit siya. I truly
knew how she let her anger out on a person.

Tinignan niya ang mag-asawa na mukhang nagulat sa kanya bago tumayo sa harap ni
Seven.

"Look at me, Seven." Agad na sumunod ito at tumayo. "Let them hit you first before
you strike. That's called self defense but make sure to hit harder 'til they fall
and doesn't have the guts to stand up and fight. Understand?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Nine, come here." Binaba ko si Nine at tumayo ito sa tabi ni Seven. I looked at
Mrs. Flores who appeared to be nervous and worried while looking at Rainne.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Flores." Napalunok siyang tumingin sa'kin. "You're school is
safe." I whispered in assurance and she nodded slowly before turning back to the
three.

"You should not let people see you cry. That's showing your weakness. Never let
people think your weak. If you can't fight back, act nice. Act nicer. Even nicer
than you could imagine. Find their weakness then destroy them, always remember
that."

"But daddy said it's not nice to hurt others."

"It's okay if they hurt you first so stop crying."

"Yes, mommy." She said before wiping her tears. Gusto ko sanang sumingit pero alam
kong masamang ideya 'yon. Looking how strict, cold and hard she was now, objecting
her would be putting yourself on a death sentence.

"Remember them and this." Lumuhod siya at pinantayan ang dalawa. "You are mine and
you are my children. No one is above you and you should be looking down on them and
the other way around. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You will both clearly
understand in due time but for the mean time, let mommy destroy everything in the
way."

And that's how she indirectly threatens her enemies. The twins chorused 'yes,
mommy' before Rainne take a stand and face the Santiago's. Lumapit ako and placed
my hand on her hip. Alam kong hindi ko na siya mapipigilan kaya susuportahan ko
muna siya. Saka nalang kami mag-uusap mamaya sa bahay.

"Ganito palang klaseng pamilya meron ka, Dela Vega. I decided to end our agreement
so good luck finding another opportunity as good as mine." He boastfully said and
I smirked.

"Hindi rin naman ganoon kalaki ang offer mo so you're not worth it." Agad na
nagalit ang itsura niya.

"How are you related to Mr. Marco James Santiago?"

"Huh! Siya ang father-in-law ko. He is the general manager of sales and marketing
department in a multi-billion company at kayang kaya ka niyang durugin kaya 'wag mo
kaming tatakutin." Taas noong sabi ni Mrs. Santiago.

Napakunot ang noo ko. I examined her husband to see a resemblance. Wasn't Marco
James Santiago the general manager of-

"I know. He works for me." Kinuha ni Rainne ang cell phone niya at may tinawagan
and put it on loud speaker.

"Is there anything you want, Miss Rainne? May gusto ka bang ipabago sa proposal?"

Ii wanted to laugh hard when the two in front of us gasped in shock. Their faces
turning pale upon hearing the voice on the other line.

"You're fired." Malamig na sabi ni Rainne. "I don't want to see you in my building
when I get back."

"Wha-why, Miss Rainne? Is the proposal not enough? Just tell me and I will fix it."

"Ask you son and daughter-in-law."

"R-Ram and Claudia? What did they-"

"Clean your office in ten minutes."

Kinuha ko na ang mga gamit ng bata matapos ibaba ni Rainne ang tawag. Nakanganga na
ngayon ang mag-asawa at gulat na gulat sa nangyari.

"Y-you own the R&A E-envision Corp?" hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Claudia. Hindi
siya sinagot ni Rainne na hinarap ang principal.

"I'll donate ten times worth their donation and you..." aniya kay Miss Lilly. "Do
your job properly or I'll make sure to strip off your license and no school or any
other company will hire you."

I was sure that what she said to Miss Lilly was illegal but we're talking about
Rainne here. Lumapit ako sa kanya at inakbayan.

"Thanks for handling the situation properly, Mrs. Flores. We'll take our leave
now."

Lumabas na kami at iniwan silang nakatunganga sa kaba at pagkabigla. Kahit natawa

ang male ego ko sa loob dahil sa ginawa ni Rainne, hindi ko parin mapigilan ang
proud na nararamdaman ko sa kanilang tatlo.

"You've done well, babies." Bumaba ako at sabay na niyakap ang kambal nang
makarating kami sa sasakyan. Nine giggled and Seven only smiled when I kissed their
cheeks a couple of times. I released them and moved to Rainne, cupping her face
with both hands. "And you were an amazing mother back then. I'm so proud of you." I
dipped down and gave her a deep kiss. My hands moved on her waist as she wrapped
her arms around my neck. Naghiwalay lang kami nang my humila sa damit niya.

"Mommy, are you mad at me? Do you still love me?" nag-aalinlangan na tanong ni
Seven dito. He was pouting and almost crying at nakikita ko kung pa'no lalaki na
mama's boy ang isang to.

Rainne's eyes soften and touched his head before bringing it on the side of his
face. "Of course not and I won't love you less because of that. Just remember what
I told you back there. No one is above you."

"Yes, mommy." He said smiling before hugging her waist.

"Are you really going to fire your general manager? He did nothing wrong." Tanong
ko pagkasarado ng pinto ng sasakyan.

"If he's still there when I arrive then I'll think about it. If not, he is." I
checked on the kids if they had their seatbelts on before turning to her.

"Kawawa naman siya kung mawawalang siya ng trabaho dahil sa kagagawan ng anak at
asawa nito." Sabi ko habang nakatingin sa daan at nagsimulang magmaneho.

"That's how I fight back. If he's related to the person I wanted to hurt, mabait
man ang taong iyon o hindi... damay damay na and I'll force them to be involve."
May diin at malaman niyang sabi.
Chapter 34
Chapter 34

Azel

Paggising ko ay agad akong napasapo sa ulo ko dahil sa sobrang sakit. Nagising ako
dahil sa walang tigil na pagtunog ng cell phone ko. Someone's calling and that
someone would be in deep sh*t kapag hindi mahalaga ang sasabihin niya.

Ugh! My head hurts. Why did I even get drunk?

Oh, I remember. It's because Rainne cancelled all our weekend plans. Nakakaasar!
Her sudden decision made me push myself to drink. Siguro dahil umaaligid na naman
sa kanya si Kristoff. I wouldn't let him get a step ahead of me.

I groaned with pain and annoyance before reaching for my phone lying on the side
table. I was ready to shout and give the person calling a snarlwhen she spoke and I
was glad I didn't.

"Azel, did I disturb your sleep? Sorry, I'm not sure about the time difference."

"Not at all, Aunt Therese." I lied smoothly. "Do you need anything?" Hindi naman sa
hindi ako natutuwa dahil tumawag siya. Hindi naman kasi ako madalas tinatawagan ni
Auntie Therese kaya alam kong importante ang sasabihin niya.

"Actually I do." She sighed. "Can you do me a favor and check on Aiden? I got some
news that he's not working for months now. I don't know what's got into him but
this is unlike him and the company's losing a lot of money because of this. The
others even wanted him to step down from his position."

Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa banyo para maligo. "Is that true? Something must have
gone wrong. Aiden is the most workaholic person that I know."

"I know. But I'm afraid it is."

"Don't worry, Auntie. I'll go visit him after my meeting."

"Thanks, Azel. I wanted to travel back there but Ben and I are fixing our own
trouble with the main branch. The fire caused more damage than we thought and we
have our hands full for a couple of months more."

"I understand. Hope you fix these problems soon. I'll call you when I see Aiden."

"Thanks, Azel."

Pagkababa ng telepono ay nagmadali agad akong kumilos. Uminom ako ng gamot kaya
nawala ang sakit ng ulo ko habang nagmamaneho. I had a meeting with Drake Smith.

Drake was one of my friends back in college. We were on the same football team with
Azel. He now had his own law firm and Rainne wanted him to be her new lawyer and
legal councilor of the company. Malaking opportunity ito para sa kanya kaya agad
niyang tinanggap.

Mabilis akong nakarating sa restaurant na pagkikitaan namin. Nandoon na siya nang

dumating ako. Tumayo siya at ngumiti ng makita ako. We shook hands before engaging
a bro hug and sat.

"How's it going man? It's been a long time." He asked.

"Yeah. It's been what? Three, almost four years?" he raised his hand to signal a
waiter before turning to me.

Hindi ganoon kalaki ang pagbabago sa kanya. He was wearing a business suit and his
golden brown hair was neatly brushed. He had this wide smile that he always had
same as his caramel eyes. Mas lumaki ang katawan niya at naging mas professional.
Kabaliktaran ng suot ko na jeans and shirt lang.

Nagkwentuhan muna kami habang hinihintay ang pagkain namin. Hindi siya kasing
yaman namin non. He belonged to the middle class but he worked hard and had
struggled before getting where he was now, branching out his law firm. Nag-usap pa
kami hanggang sa mapunta sa meeting na magaganap bukas matapos dumating ng mga
pagkain namin.

"Bro, thanks for recommending me to her. This is a big catch, man and I hope that
things will get smooth in the meeting." He said before focusing on cutting the
sausage.

"No problem. Just be sure to get into her good side. I'm sure you know that she is
hard to please." I reminded him.

Tumango siya. "I know. I heard lots about her and her chilling personality." His
lips curved up. Tumahimik kami saglit para kumain. "Have you heard about Chris'
family?" seryosong tanong niya nang matapos kami.

Napakunot ang noo ko at uminom ng juice bago magpunas ng bibig. "Why? What's with
him?"

Chris was also our friend and his family owned a casino in Las Vegas. The last
thing I knew about him was he settled down in Las Vegas and got married 3 years
ago. I even went there at don ko huling nakita ang mga dating kaibigan namin ni
Aiden noong high school at college.

"They're broke man. Got some bad investment then all their assets got taken by some
loan company. I just heard the news from some friends. Same thing happened to
Louie's local banks and Michelle's cosmetics. They were just starting to get higher
and then boom, instant rock bottom."

"Same thing? They all got sharked by loan companies?" tanong ko.
"Uh uh. But I'm not sure if it's by the same loan company. I didn't know all the
details but we all know business. Make a mistake and you'll go drowning. In their
case, they went deep and drowned." Tumingin siya sa relos niya. "I gotta go, Azel.
I have a client to meet in thirty minutes. You staying here for awhile?"

Tumayo siya at ganon din ako. "No. I'm heading straight to Aiden's."

Sabay na kaming lumabas papuntang parking lot. Tinanong niya rin kung nakita na si
Alonna but Aiden's family wanted that information to be discreet as possible so I
said that they hadn't found Alonna yet.

"Say hi for me to Aiden. See you in two days." He said before bidding farewell.

Nakaalis na siya pero hindi parin ako sumasakay dahil may tinawagan pa'ko.

"Tito? Nahanap pa ba siya?"

"Not yet and we won't stop. It's been two months pero hindi pa siya umuuwi."
Malungkot ang boses nito.

"Sige po, tito. Balitaan niyo nalang po ako."

Isa pa palang dapat isipin ay si Maureen. Hindi na siya umuwi simula nung pumunta
ito ng Baguio. Nagtext lang siya isang beses na okay lang siya at babalik naman
pero nag-aalala na kami lalo na ang mama niya. Napabuntong hinginga ako ng malalim
bago sumakay.

Habang nasa sasakyan papunta kayla Aiden, pumasok saglit sa isip ko ang mga
nangyari sa dating mga kaibigan. Hindi ko inaasahan yon lalo na ung nangyari kay
Chris. Ang akala ko matatag ang mga casino nila. They were profiting a lot back
then but business is business. Kailangan mong maging matalino at mapusok at siguro
hindi sila ganong nag-isip mabuti bago pumasok sa hindi magandang investment.

Pumarada ako sa harap ng malaking bahay nila Aiden. Palabas na ko nang makita kong
papalabas si Aneth, isa sa mga katulong nila. Nagmamadali niya kong sinalubong at
halata ang pagkataranta sa mukha niya.

"Sir, tulungan niyo po kami. Si Sir Aiden po kasi." mabilis niyang sabi.

"Ha? Where is he?"

We rushed inside the house, up the stairs where you can already hear Aiden
shouting.

"Who the fvck are you, huh bitch? Where's my sister?"

I saw Aiden tightly gripping Alonna's upper arm. There were also two maids trying
to stop him, only earning threatening shouts from him, in the middle of the
corridor. Hindi ko makita ang itsura niya dahil nakatalikod siya pero alam kong
naguumapoy siya sa galit.

Alonna in the other hand was crying and looked scared. Tinatanggka niyang hilain
pabalik ung braso niya pero mahigpit ang hawak nito at sigurado akong may pasang
mamumuo dito pagkatapos.

"K-kuya, m-masakit. Tama na po." Umiiyak at nagmamakaawang sabi ni Alonna.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito at pilit na kinakalas.
Nakakaawa ang itsura niya at hindi ako makapaniwalang magagawa ulit ni Aiden na
saktang ang kapatid. Ang alam ko, gusto niyang protektahan ng mabuti ito. Kahit nga
ako pinalayo niya eh.

"YOU SHUT UP! Huwag mo kong daanin sa pag-arte mo dahil hindi mo na 'ko maloloko. I
saw what you put in my pillow. Did you think that I wouldn't find out, huh? YOU
WHORE! Now I understand what Vernice was trying to say to me before."

"W-wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo, k-kuya."

Mukang mas lalong nagalit si Aiden sa narinig. "Aiden! What are you doing?"
napalingon siya sa'kin and Alonna took his distraction as an opportunity to push
him. He stumbled a bit while she ran.

She ran into her room before Aiden got his balance. Mabilis na sinundan siya ni
Aiden pero humarang ako sa dinadaanan niya at hinawakan ang dibdib niya para
pigilan.

"Nasisiraan ka na ba? Anong ginagawa mo kay Alonna? You're hurting her for God's
sake."

Lumingon siya sakin nang puno ng galit. "Don't you dare interfere, Azel and she's
not her." Asik niya. He shoved passed me before turning the knob of her door.

The door was locked so he started banging the door hard. "Open this. 'Wag kang
magkulong diyan. Buksan mo to."

Hinawakan ko ang bakikat niya at iniharap sa'kin. "Can't you hear she's crying.
You're scaring Alona again, Aiden. She's your sister. Are you crazy?"

"I told you she's not Alonna." He shouted. "And yes. Mababaliw na talaga ako sa
pinaggagawa ng gag0ng to. She made me think that I killed a child, Azel. My child.
And this b1tch is gonna pay for that." Then he kept banging on the door again.

Naguguluhan ako sa sinabi niya at gusto kong magtanong pero masyado nang malaking
eksena ang ginagawa niya and I needed to calm him down.

"Aiden." I called but he dismissed. "Aunt Therese called at pinababayaan mo na daw

ang kumpanya niyo. Your company is losing a lot of money and you're here venting
your anger and going loco. Dude, you need to fix yourself and work. Alalahanin mo
na malaki ang mawawala sa inyo kapag pati ung partnership niyo kay Rainne ang
masira."

I saw hope when he stopped banging the door. Yumuko siya at pinasadahan ang buhok
niya ng kamay. He looked like in deep thinking of something before throwing me a
knowing look.

"Tama!" he exclaimed. "Rainne's secretary. Vernice! I need to talk to her."

"Aiden, wait." Mabilis siyang umalis at sumunod ako pero bumalik ako at kinausap si
Aneth. "Bantayan niyo si Alonna."

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

"You're being ridiculous, Aiden. Why would you think na hindi iyon ang kapatid mo?
You kept on finding her for a long time at ngayong nandito na siya, pinipilit mong
hindi siya 'yon. Something's wrong with you."

"Just fvcking drive." Naiinis na sabi niya. Napailing nalang ako at nag-drive.
Gusto niyang siya ang magdrive kanina pero pinigilan ko siya. I wouldn't let him
drive with his state. Baka kung mapano pa siya. Tinanong ko rin siya kanina kung
ano bang nangyari pero wala siyang ganong sinabi.

He told me that he found a tiny speaker in his pillow and then concluded that
Alonna wasn't really Alonna. I was starting to think that he got a loose screw
inside his head.

I mean, what's the connection of a tiny speaker with Alonna?

"Drive faster!" utos niya.

"I'm going 80, dude. Calm your ass down."

Mabilis siyang bumaba nang nasa R&A building na kami. Some of the employees were
throwing curious and weird looks at us. Dire diretso kasi siya sa elevator nang
naka t-shirt, tsinelas at khaki shorts lang.

Gusto ko sana sabihing hindi bibilis ang elevator kahit pindot siya ng pindot dito
pero baka singhalan niya lang ako kaya napabuntong hininga nalang ako. Whatever was
happening to him was not good.

"Good Mor-"

"Where's Vernice?" he immediately asked the girl sitting on Vernice's usual seat.
Nagulat at nagtatakang tumingin sa kanya ito bago sumagot.

"S-she's hasn't reported for work since yesterday. Wala rin po kaming balita sa
kanya."

"Sh1t!" Aiden leaned his elbow on the concierge's desk before touching his
forehead. "She knows." Bulong niya.

"Tinawagan niyo na ba siya?" tanong ko.

"Opo sir pero cannot be reach po."

Bagsak ang balikat niya nang makasakay kami sa sasakyan. Pinabayaan ko lang ang
pananahimik niya habang tumatawag ako sa bahay nila. I wanted to check on Alonna
and Aiden didn't bring his phone with him.

Aneth's frantic voice answered.

"WHAT!? Diba ang sabi ko bantayan niyo siya ng mabuti."

"Pasensya na po, Sir. Tahimik po kasi tapos pagbukas namin ng pinto niya, wala na
siya. Mukang sa bintana po dumaan."

"Then find her, NOW!"

"What happened to that b1tch?" kunot noong tanong ni Aiden matapos ng tawag.

Mabilis na nag-drive pabalik sa bahay nila Aiden. I just called to know that Alonna
escaped and gone missing. Ano? Wala pa kaming isang oras na nawawala, nagkagulo na.
What the hell!?

"Her name is Alonna, she's your sister and she's missing."

He scowled. "She's not Alonna and I don't know who the hell she pero ang alam ko ay
napaikot niya tayong lahat at ung isang taong makakasagot ng mga tanong ko ay
nawawala."

"Bakit hindi mo kasi sabihin at ipaliwanag sa'kin ang lahat para naman
maiintindihan ko yang kabaliwan mo." Nanahimik na naman siya at hanggang sa
makapaso kasi sa subdivision nila.

"I'll tell you everything that happened." He whispered after I turned off the car.

"But you need to help me investigate. Sisiguraduhin kong malalaman ko kung sino
siya talaga at kung anong punu't dulo nito."

Chapter 35.1
Chapter 35.1

Kristoff

Lumabas ako sa banyo habang pinupunasan ang mukha ko ng twalya. Napangiti agad ako
nang makita ang babaeng pinakamamahal ko na nakasandal sa headboard ng kama suot
ang manipis na pantulog. Nauna siyang lumaba sa'kin matapos naming sabay na
maglinis ng katawan sa bathtub at magsipilyo.

Mukha siyang pagud na pagod habang nakapikit. I couldn't help but smile thinking
that she had been waiting for me to finish before completely going to sleep. Maliit
na bagay lang 'yon pero sapat na para patalunin ang puso ko sa saya.

Umupo ako paharap sa kanya at agad na dumilat ang mata niya para tumingin sa'kin.
Her forehead creased in confusion when I lifted her feet and placed them on my lap
but then relaxes when my hands did their work to massage and loosen the tension on
her feet.

She shifted to a more comfortable position and I moved back a little so her long
smooth legs were stretch properly. Ipinagpatuloy ko and panghihilot ko sa kanya.
Dahan dahan kong idinidiin pababa ang mga hinlalaki ko sa talampakan niya.

Napapansin ko nitong mga nakaraang araw ay parang palagi siyang pagod kaya kahit
papano, gusto kong gumaan ang pakiramdam niya. Sa sobrang pagod niya minsan, hindi
na kami nakaka round three at nakakatulog na agad siya. We always reached five or
more rounds in a typical night and she's the one leading. Okay lang naman sa'kin
kung anong gusto niya as long as she's contented after we made love.

"Aren't you gonna say something." Napatingin ako sa napakagandang babae sa harap
ko. I think for a moment while massaging her soft and tense foot, trying to figure
out what her sudden question came from. Nang wala akong maisip ay umiling ako at
ngumiti. "Aren't you gonna tell me that what I said to the kids were...wrong?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya nang nakakunot ko siyang tinignan. "Is this about the other
day?" base sa tingin niya, mukang tama ako. "There are your kids-flesh and blood at
ikaw ang bahala kung pano mo sila gagabayan sa paglaki nila. Gusto mo silang lumaki
ng matatag at matapang. Nang di inaapi ng kahit na sino. What's wrong with that?" I
shrugged and paid attention to her other foot.

"I told them that they should hurt the person who would hurt them. Nagpakita pa'ko
ng example. Mali yon, d-diba?"

Mukang hindi siya sigurado pero lihim akong napangiti dahil sa sinabi niya. Alam
kong iba nga at medyo may kalupitan ang sinabi ni Rainne sa mga bata pero ang gusto
ko ay siya mismo ang makaalam non at makapansin. Na pwedeng palakihin ang mga bata
ng hindi nananakit at nananapak ng iba. We could raise the kids in a better way-
together.

Itinigil ko ang ginagawa sa paa niya at tinabihan siya. Umakbay ako sa balikat niya
at umayos siya para yakapin ang bewang ko. I kissed the side of her head as she
covered half of our bodies with the sheets using her right hand.

"That's right and wrong."

"What do you mean?"

Tumingala siya. Her big grey eyes that held confusion softly staring deeply at
mine. "Everything has too sides. Mas magandang pakinggan kung sinabi mo sa kanilang
maging mabait at mapagkumbaba sa nang-aaway sa kanila pero sa tingin mo, titigil
ung iba sa pang-aaway? Baka nga lalo pa silang awayin at apihin eh. Tama ang mga
sinabi mo sa kanila in a way that they learn to defend themselves pero mali rin
dahil naturuan mo rin sila kung pa'no manakit ng todo. Hindi na siya self defense
at naging top notch bullying na. Dapat balance lang. Parang tayo. Black and white-
the good and bad."

She pushed herself away from me but not enough so that she remained hugging my
waist while I threw her a big smile from ear to ear.

"So I'm the black dahil mas maputi ka sa'kin, ganon?" humalakhak ako. Maputi kasi
ako sa kanya ng kaunti pero masasabi paring maputi ang kutis niya. Hindi lang
maputi. Mabango, makinis at ang sarap haplos haplusin. "And you're also too good
for an evil person like me."

Unti unting nawala ang tawa ko dahil sa seryoso at malamig niyang boses. Nakaramdam
din ako ng lungkot don na nagpaalala sa'kin. Tinanggal niya ang mga braso sa'kin at
napayuko. Bakit? Ramdam kong may iniisip siyang malalim.

"Hey, what's wrong?" hinawakan ko ang baba niya at inangat. "Hon, ako na ang
nagsasabi sa'yong mali ang sinabi mo. You're not evil and you being the kids'
protective mother is one of the proofs. I know the real you and trust me, you're
far from being evil. As long as the people you care for know, accept and know who
the real you is, who cares what the others think. And what are you saying that I'm
too good? Tiyak na magpapanic ang lahat when they see the demon crawling out of me
but no worries, I keep him under control as long as it doesn't see you or the twin
hurt in any way. Yes, maybe I'm nice but not good and when a nice man losses his
patience, the devil shivers."

Her giggles made me smile, confirming that I lifted her mood a bit."T-totoo
ba'yan?" nakanguso nyang sabi. I found her irresistibly cute with her lips tucked
out like that.

"You're beautiful..." I pecked her lips. " and cute..." gave her another. "sweet.."
and another. "kind and caring.." and another. "A protective and perfect mother."
The next kiss lasted longer and she was smiling lovingly at me when our lips
separated. "and definitely the greatest and most amazing lover.
My plan to give her a brief and simple kiss turned into a passionate and deep one
and I knew that this would bring us all the way as I ended up above her kneading
her mountains. The place turned hot and steamy like a wildfire but then vanished
all of the sudden when Seven's calling voice was heard behind the door.

Napaungol ako sa pagkabitin at ibinatong ang noo ko sa balikat niya. She giggled
and I looked up just to see her suppressing an amused smile by biting her lower
lip.

At pinagtatawanan pa niya 'ko.

"You think it's fu-"

"Mommy! Nine's hurt!!"

Mabilis na natanggal ang kamay ko sa dibdib niya at nagmamadalling tumakbo palabas

at papunta ng kwarto nila.

"What happened?" nag-aalalang tanong ko at iniluhod isang tuhod sa sahig sa gilid

ng kama.

Hawak hawak niya ang kaliwang binti at umiiyak.

"Mommy...D-daddy!"

"No! Don't touch it, mommy." Rainne pulled her hand back from touching Nine's foot
before taking a step back. Halata ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya habang nakatingin
ito sa anak na babae. Hindi rin nagtagal ay natigil ang iyak ni Nine.

"San ang masakit, Nine?" pag-uulit ko at hinawakan ang mukha niya at pinunasan ang
mga luha nito.

"M-my leg was sparkling and then it hurts when I touched it tapos po may kuryente."

It sparkled? Dahan dahan kong hinawakan ang binti niya while looking at her
expression. Baka kasi masaktan siya pag hinawakan ko. Nang sa tingin ko ay okay
naman ay umupo ako sa tabi niya. Si Seven ay tumakbo at tumayo sa kabilang gilid ng
kama.

Iniisip ko kung anong dahilan ng nangyari and think about what she said. Her foot
sparkled? Anong ibig sabihin niya don?

Tumingin ako kay Rainne na nakatitig kay Nine habang nakasarado ang mga palad sa
harap ng dibdib. She looked so concerned and scared. Her feet were like glued to
the ground.

"Rainne, honey. It's okay. She's okay." I took her hand to reassure her at hinila
siya para umupo rin sa kama.

"Bakit nag-sparkle, daddy?" Seven asked.

"Pins and needles.... I think."

Bahagya akong natawa nang marinig ang sinabi ni Rainne. Nawala na'rin ang takot at
kaba niya dahil don. Now I know kung bakit.

"What's that?" Tanong ni nine habang hinahaplos ang binti.

"Namamanhid, baby. Kapag hindi comfortable ung mga parts ng katawan natin,
nagsisiksikan ung mga ugat causing pins and needles." Sabi niya hindi niya ma-gets
kaya natawa nalang ako. "You'll get it as you grow up but you kids need to sleep
now dahil lagpas na po ng bed time."

Rainne and I tucked them to bed. I gave them both a goodnight kiss and she did the
same. I was looking when she half lying half sitting beside Seven. Ako naman ay
nasa tabi ni Nine. She put the covers up to his chest and his look showed that he's
very much happy and loved as Rainne placed her hand on the other side of his head
and unconsciously played as well as caressing his hair.

Rainne gasped a bit when Seven hugged hug her waist."Can we sleep together, mommy?"
Tumingin pa sa'kin si ito na parang nanghihingi ng tulong bago ibalik ulit ang
tingin nito sa nakangusong anak.

"Oo nga. Let's sleep together." Masiglang segunda ni Nine. Hindi na nito inantay
ang sagot namin dahil kumuha agad ito ng unan at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "Let's go,
Seven and mommy. Don tayo mag sleep sa room nila."

Bumitaw ito sa'kin at si Seven naman ang hinila. I moved beside the smiling Rainne
at umakbay palabas ng kwarto.

Napatingin ako sa cellphone kong tumutunog pagbalik namin. Tinignan ko ang mga nag-
uuahan at nagtatawanang mga bata sa kama bago ako kunin ang cell phone, lying
beside the lamp. I was shocked at the same time happy when I recognized the voice.

"Thank God you called. Where are you, Mau?" Kakapasok lang ni Rainne na napatingin
sa'kin.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng banyo habang pinakikinggan ang mahinang boses ni Mau and I
could feel Rainne's gaze following me.

I focused on the call. She went missing at laking ginhawa ko nang tumawag ito. San
naman kaya siya nagpunta? Ayaw ko mang isipin pero feeling ko ay ako ang may
dahilan kung bakit niya nilayo ang sarili sa mga kaibigan at pamilya niya. I felt
responsible for her disappearance.

"Babalik ka na ba? God, Mau. Hindi mo alam kung gano ako nag-alala."

"R-really? You were worried?"

"Of course." Napabuga ako ng hininga. "About our last talk.. I'm sorry dahil uminit
ang ulo ko at... nasigawan kita. I was just caught in our heated talk."

"I'm sorry too." Napangiti ako. "P-pwede ba tayong magkita. Dito sa bahay n-namin."

Gusto ko rin siyang makita para malaman kung anong nangyari sa kanya sa mga
linggong nawawala ito. "Of course. Pupunta 'ko bukas."

Natapos ang tawag at napalingon ako nang marinig na may pumasok. "Mau wanted to
talk tomorrow."

She was silent for a while and her eyes were searching something on mine. "I was
just wondering..." she started. "if things would've been better if you end up
marrying her. Kung anong mangyayari kapag kinasal kayo. Siguro kung hindi ako
dumating, kasal na kayo and maybe with kids. She would be a great wife and you're
the perfect husband with your own kids."

"Where are you going with this, Rainne?" naglakad ako palapit at hinwakan siya sa
braso. Nagtataka ako pero nakaramdam ako ng inis. "Maybe but fate had another plan
at pinakilala niya sa'kin. Fate made me meet you. Fate made me see you walking-
entering the campus. Siguro nga tama ka but I'm happy-We're happy at wala na kong
hihilingin pa maliban sa makasama kayo ng matagal." Binaba ko ang kamay ko at
napatingin siya sa kamay naming magkahawak.

"Mistress." She whispered and looked at me in the eyes. "I might end up being your
mistress. I could settle for that you know." Nagkibit balikat siya habang napabitaw
ako sa kamay niya at napahawa nalang ako sa batok. "You could only be married to
her by papers at madali lang gawan ng paraan 'yon. I could be ruining your marriage
and your kids' caught in between but part of me wouldn't care."

"Rainne." I said softly, a hint of disappointment in my voice and held both her
shoulders. "And do you think that I'll let you do that. Hindi ko hahayaang pababain
mo ang sarili mo by having a low and stained title such as that. The love of my
life being the other woman? That's stupid at ako na mismo ang papatay sa sarili ko
pag ginawa ko 'yon. Hindi 'yon mangyayari and you know why?" I asked, my hands
sliding down to rest on her hips.

"Why?"

Sh1t! Sasabihin ko na ba? But I'm not prepared. Pinagplanuhan ko na ang dapat
gagawin ko bago ko siya tanungin ulit pero given this moment. No! Hindi pa ito ang
tamang oras. I wanted it to be special and memorable not inside a bathroom.

"Because.. " I pulled her closer, lift her chin up and moved my face closer until
our faces were inches apart. "I wanted and you will end up my wife."

I moved to kiss her but the moment was cut when Seven and Nine shouted, calling us
for sleep.
Chapter 35.2
Chapter 35.2

Aiden

A deafening silence filled my office as I stared at Azel. I just told him

everything that happened between me and that b1tch who pretended to be my sister. I
was leaning on my desk and took a glance of the file of folders I neglected for
almost two months. Napabayaan ko ang trabaho ko dahil sa nangyari at mga ginawa
sa'kin ng babaeng 'yon and the miscarriage?

Hindi pa ko sigurado sa bagay na 'yon kung totoo o hindi kaya gusto kong
magimbestiga and if I found out that every single thing was a lie, I will hunt that
b1tch down and God knows what I would out of anger.

Napalingon ako ng biglang tumayo si Azel sa pagkakaupo. "What the fck did you just
say?" he shouted. His eyes wide and mouth agape from shock then turned into
confusion followed by utter awareness. "You banged your...your... sister?" mahinang
sabi niya na para bang ang daming tao sa buong opisina ko na kami lang ang
naroroon.

Bymuntong hininga ako. "Sh1t!" naguguluhan niyang sabi at napahawak sa batok.

"That's insanely...incest. Bakit mo ginawa yon? And now you're telling me that she
had a miscarriage. A baby was created and died because of your..your..."
"Hindi ka ba nakikinig? Of all the things I told you, you only focused on that."
Kinuha ko ang isang folder at binuksan. Tinignan ang isang memorandum na kailangan
ng approval ko. Ilan na ba lahat ng naiwan ko?

Biglang nawala sa paningin ko ang binabasa ko nang hinablot ito ni Azel at inilapag
sa lamesa. "And of all the things that's happening, you only decided to work now
kung saan may mahalagang problemang dapat solusyonan?"

I narrowed my eyes at him and looked at my wristwatch. They should be here any
moment.

"At ano ba talaga ang nangyari ng gabig 'yon?" aniya.

"I don't know, man. The last thing I remember is that I was lying on my bed. I was
drunk that I couldn't even move. Wala talaga akong maalala after at paggising ko,
nasa kwarto niya na ko." I also recalled how pitiful she looked like. She was
crying and broken. Pero kapag iniisip ko na puro arte lang lahat ng mga 'yon,
lalong lumalala ang galit na nararamdaman ko sa kanya. That wh0re will totally pay!

"Aiden, pare. Hindi pwedeng wala kang maalala. That's bullsh1t and pathetic
excuse! Let's say na sobrang lasing ka na talaga pero hindi pwedeng wala kahit
konti. You wouldn't remember all the details but you should remember bits like how
the hell you got there, you walking, opening her door or even small piece of the
sex that had happened. Walang maalala? Tss. That's temporary amnesia if you ask
me."

"I told you! Wala na talaga!" I frustratedly said. Umalis ako sa pagkakasandal at
umupo sa sofa. I buried my face on my palm and think everything through. Wala na
talaga akong matandaan. Wala! Bwiset talaga yang babaeng yon. I could strangle her.

I heard Azel sighed audibly. "Let's sum up things." I lifted my gaze up to see him
pacing back and forth across the room. "You found her, she got surgery na nagpabago
ng mukha niya. NagpaDNA test naman at positive ang lumabas. You took her home, had
unconscious sex with her which-as you said killed a child because you pushed her."
Umayos ako ng upo at sumandal. "How are we going to prove that it's all a lie? The
only thing you found was a small speaker and an old phone hidden inside her room
that doesn't even works. And the most important thing is... Nasaan si Alonna?"

Yes. The most important question. Where's my sister? Kung maayos ba ang kalagayan
niya o hindi. I felt a chest clenched habang iniisip nab aka nahihirapan siya. Na
baka sinasaktan siya ng kung sino mang nilalang ang kasama niya.

I needed to find that girl fast.

"Here's my plan." I started. "I hired some big...organization who's good at these
things. Ipapahanap ko ang babaeng 'yon at aalalamin ko lahat lahat at paparating na
sila dito. Gusto ko sanang ako ang maghanap kaso mas kailangan ako sa trabaho
ngayon and also, they work fast. Kapag nahanap natin siya, malalaman natin kung
nasan ang kapatid ko."

"Ha? What org at bakit hindi m-"

Napatayo ako at pareho kaming naparingin sa pintuan. A couple of knocks were heard
before my assistant informed us of some visitors. I acknowledge and the door opened
before three men entered the room.

They were all wearing casual clothing and I was wondering and surprised with how
young they looked. Sa tansya ko ay kasing edad lamang namin sila ni Azel. Why a big
organization would sent young and looks as if they wanted to just party and enjoy
life?

Namukaan ko ang isa sa kanila at sa pagkakaalam ko, anak siya ng isang oil magnate
na kilala sa buong mundo. Nakakapagtaka din dahil lahat sila ay mukang mayaman.

"Are you guys from..." tumikhim ang isa sa kanila at tinignan ako bago pumunta ang
tingin nito kay Azel.

I looked at Azel who was a bit unsure of what's happening before looking back at
them. They were sending me a message and for a moment, I forgot how this people
valued secrecy and confidentiality.

"Mag-usap nalang tayo next time, Azel. I'll inform you with things." Kokontra sana
siya pero agad akong nagsalita. "I know who work to do. Ikaw ang sisisihin ko kapag
hindi maganda ang kalalabasan ng landscape ng mall ko."

-------

"So that's about it. Are you sure that you could all do the all of that in a week?"
the guy in the middle looked up-smiling smugly at me while the one in his left
smirked while looking at a picture in hand that I provided and the guy on the right
looked uninterested.

Hindi ako makapaniwala na ang mga kagaya nila ang ipinadala ang organization. I
knew that their organization belonged to the family of billionaires but it's really
hard to believe that they're this young. Parang mas bata pa nga sila sa'kin and
yet, they're doing this kind of job.

"Don't underestimate us, Mr. Faustino. Hindi basta basta ang grupo namin." Sabi ng
nasa gitna.

Kilala ko ang isang ito. Siya si Augustus Will. Isang anak ng oil magnate na kilala
sa iba't ibang bansa. Siya rin ang tagapagmana ng kumpanya nila. His undercut black
hair was brushed neatly behind. Dark brown ang kulay ng mata nito na malapit na sa
pagka-itim. Matangos ang ilong at mukang magkasing tangkad lang kami. His wearing
polo, rubber shoes, jeans and his army necklace was peeking through his collar.

Sumipol naman naman ung nasa kaliwa niya. "This woman is beautiful and looks
innocent. Are you sure that this angel did all of those things you said."

That man was Ricardo Martinez, anak ng isang mexicano at may-ari ang pamilya nila
ng kilalang jewelry shop. He had neatly trimmed stubbles, casting a five o'clock
shadow on his face while his hair was up in a man bun. Nakasuot ito ng black
leather jacket, faded jeans at black boots. He stood a couple of inches short, had
a tan skin and bulk physique.

Inilahad naman nung pangatlo ung kamay niya at inabot ni Ricardo ung picture habang
si Augustus ay busy sa pagbabasa ng mga papeles na inihanda ko.

"Oo nga tol. Ang ganda niya at parang si makabasag pinggan. Galit ka ba sa kanya o
gusto mo lang siyang makuha?" natatawang tanong ni Michael na sinamaan ko lang ng
tingin, making him laugh.

Wala kong alam gaano tungkol sa kanya maliban nalang na may kinalaman sa computers
and electronic devices and pamilya niya. Army cut and brown niyang buhok at
nakasuot ng T-Shirt at jeans. May dalawang hikaw ito sa kaliwang tenga at isa sa
kanan.

Simple lang ang panamit nila pero halatang anak mayaman.

"She's may look like an angel but she's far from being innocent."

Inilapag niya ang larawan ng babaeng pinapahanap ko. Desidido akong ipahanap siya
at hindi siya pwedeng makawala sa'kin. I even hired these men and had wasted more
money than necessary for this. Ibinigay ko rin sa kanila ang lahat ng kailangan.

"Yan ang cellphone niya pero hindi na bumubukas." Dagdag ko pa at itinuro ang
lumang modelo ng phone na nasa lamesa. "Could you also check on it?"

"Will do." Sabi ni Ricardo.

"We need to settle everything first." Augustus said seriously while flipping at the
documents I provided, containing information about her. Matapos niyang tignan ay
ibinigay niya it okay Michael. He scratched his brow before looking at me. "Hindi
lang paghahanap niya ang gagawin namin. Gusto mo rin malaman kung san siya
nanggaling at kung anong dahilan niya. Tama ba?"

"Yes." I answered. "Gusto ko ring imbestigahan ang lahat. From the officers who
called us in the first place. Sa ospital na pinanggalingan niya sa China. Lahat
lahat. I wanna find my sister and she is the key to that." Tinawagan namin ni Azel
kagabi ung mga officers na tumawag samin non nung mahanap namin ung babaeng
nagpapanggap na Alonna pero bigo kami. "The number they gave us doesn't exist
anymore."

"Kung ganon, ako nalang dito para hanapin itong babae." Nakangiting sabi ni
Michael.

"You just wanted to see the girl and possibly bang her if chances are given."
Umiiling na sabi ni Ricardo.

"Don't dare touch her." My brows furrowed as I threw dagger looks at him. He just
shrugged and snickered. Son of a bitch! Kung hindi lang kita kailangan.

I turned to look at Augustus. "There's one more thing. Gusto ko ring malaman kung
anong nangyari sa babaeng nagngangalang Vernice Carter. She also went missing."

"That's not part of the job our boss accepted. We will have to charge you for
that."

"Money doesn't matter." Alam kong may mga nawalang pera sa kompanya pero wala akong
pakialam. Basta malaman ko lang ang totoo.

The three of them looked at each other, silently talking before they nodded. Kinuha
ni Augustus ang cellphone niya at may tinawagan.

"May alam ka pa ba sa kanya maliban sa pangalan?" He asked while his phone was
pressed on his ear, waiting for the man on the other line.

"Executive Secretary of Rainne Algraven of R&A Envision Corp."

"Ric." Lumingon si Ricardo kay Michael na mukang may inaalala. "Algraven? The
name's familiar." Nagkibit balikat lang si Ricardo habang inilagay nito ang kamay
sa baba at patuloy na nag-iisip. "Alam ko narinig ko na ang pangalang 'yon eh."
Bulong niya.
"Additional work. Information about Vernice Carter. Working with R&A Envision
Corp." tumahimik ang paligid habang hinihintay ang sagot sa kabilang linya. Dumako
naman ang paningin ko sa picture na nasa lamesa na gawa sa salamin.

Hindi ako makapaniwalang naloko ako ng babaeng ito na nagtataglay ng maamong mukha.
Lalo ako nakaramdam ng galit habang nakatingin sa litrato niyang nakatutok din ang
mga mata sakin. It's like the picture was directly looking at me.

That bitch might be laughing at me now wherever hell she may currently be. I swear
I will find you and I will know every information about you.

"Okay." Nawala ang kunot ng noo ko nang magsalita si Augustus. "All information
about her was sent to you mail. I-check mo nalang."

"That fast?" Iniayos nito ang mga files at tumayo. The two guys did the same
preparing to leave.

Ganun ganun lang 'yon? Ang bilis naman?

"Yes that fast." Pagmamalaki ni Michael.

"Ricardo and I are going to China to find the police officers and investigate in
the hospital you said she was confined. Pati narin ung ospital na nagbago ng mukha
niya kung binago niya man 'yon o hindi. Isasama narin namin ung kilala mong doctor
na nagDNA test sa kanya. Michael will stay here to search for the girl. We'll call
you so make sure your line's always open."

Inilahad niya ang kanyang kamay at tinanggap ko ito. I shook his hand and did the
same to Ricardo. Michael just raised his hand and did the salute.

"I'll wait for your calls."

"Oh! And one more thing," Augustus said near the door and turned to face me again.
"Additional 2 million for the information."

...

Apat na araw nang nakakaraan simula ng ipinahanap ko ang babaeng 'yon. Nasa opisina
ulit ako at naghihintay sa tatlong binayaran ko. They said that they'd finished
investigating and had something important to tell and people to see. I didn't have
any idea who those people they said I needed to know.

During the week, tumatawag sila sakin para magbalita. Nagtanong din si Augustus
tungkol sa dorkorang inutusan kong magsagawa ng DNA test noon. Kinumpirma nila na
dugo daw ni Alonna ang nagamit at may posibilidad na si Alonna nga ang babaeng
pinapahanap ko pero hindi ako kumbinsido.

There were things I didn't wanna accept and couldn't understand.

First was that kung si Alonna nga 'yon, bakit naman niya gagawin sakin yon. Bakit
niya ko lolokohin to the point that she wanted me to go crazy. Ilang gabi akong
binabangungot ng kunsensya ko dahil araw araw kong naririnig ang iyak ng bata.
Napupuno ng sigaw ang buong mansion dahil sa'kin at halos magpakamatay ako kakaisip
ng paraan para malinis ang kunsensya ko tapos malalaman kong peke pala ang lahat.

Gusto kong malaman kung totoo ngang nakunan siya pero sa palagay ko ay hindi. I
didn't know if something really did happen between us that night I got drunk. I
couldn't remember a single damn thing and Aiden was right. Kahit na sabihing lasing
na lasing ka, dapat kahit papano ay may naalala ako pero wala talaga.

All I could remember was the feeling. The feeling of great sex after that night
kaya gusto kong makasigurado dahil kung meron mang nangyari sa'min at siya ang
tunay na Alonna kakainin na ko ng kunsensya ko.

Part of me wanted to find her just to cleanse my conscience but I also wanted to
see my sister-my real sister.

I wanted to bang my head against the hardest wall on earth because I was stupid
enough to think that I fell in lo-no! I will never admit that. That didn't and will
never happen!

Sinabi ko rin kay Azel na makibalita tungkol kay Vernice sa opisina ni Rainne pero
wala siyang makuha so I ordered someone to go to Vernice's house here in the
Philippines only to find out that she fly back home in Canada due to her mother's
condition. I already had her address on the email I got from Augustus' team.

I wanted to go there myself but my hands are tied with all the works I left. I
practically lived in my office for the entire week and eating was the only way to
release my hold from these piles of workloads.

Tumunog ang telepono at sinabi ng sekretarya ko na dumating na ang mga hinihintay

ko. I said to let them in at hindi nagtagal ay pumasok na sila.

Inangat ko saglit ang paningin ko at nakita silang papasok na pinangungunahan ni

Michael kasunod si Augustus at Ricardo. Michael and Augustus went and sat
comfortably on the sofa while Ricardo roamed his eye around and touching a very
expensive vase with his fingers carefully.

Napatingin siya sa'kin ng bigla akong tumayo. I fixed my tie and walked to seat on
the sofa, Ricardo doing the same.

"Anong nalaman niyo?"

"Ako muna." My attention was focused solely to Michael. Ang impormasyong dala niya
ang gusto ko talagang malaman muna. "May van na sumundo sa kanya mula sa labas ng
subdivision niyo then tumigil sila sa isang bahay. Actually it was an apartment.
Malinis na nung napuntahan ko and it looks like she only stopped there to get
something, check or talk to someone and I think it was the first dahil tinanong ko
yung mga kapitbahay don. They said a girl just went there and after a few minutes,
left. The apartment was rented a week earlier from when you found your so-called
sister and was under a non-existent name."

"Wait!" pagputol ko sa kanya. "You mean to say na hindi nagtaka man lang ung may-
ari ng apartment kung bakit walang nakatira 'don?"

"The place was paid for a year and money is the reason why she didn't bother to
care."

"So where's she?" naiinip kong sabi.

Bumuntong hininga bago nagsalita. "I couldn't find her."

"What do you mean you couldn't find her? Ang akala ko ba magaling kayo eh bakit ka
pumalpak?"

Hindi ko napigilang sumigaw dahil sa frustration. Ang laki laki ng binayad ko tapos
ung gusto kong Makita ay hindi nila nahanap. Ano bang klaseng organisasyon ang
kinabibilangan ng mga ito? Nakakaasar naman, oh!

"I did what I can."

"But what you did was a bullsh1t waste of my money and effort with that very
frustrating news." Sumadal ako at hinilot ang sintido ko dahil sa inis at tumahimik
kami saglit.

"Someone's protecting her." Napaangat ang tingin ko kay Ricardo. "Someone with high
profile. That's the only explanation kung bakit biglang nawala ang babaeng 'yon na
parang bula. No traces of her after she left the apartment. Pati ung plate number
ng sasakyan walang records. No one could hide from us if she's an ordinary person
but this is something else. Someone is definitely in front and protecting her."

"At hindi ko malaman kung sino." Michael said through his gritted teeth at pabagsak
na sumadal.

"Kayo?" tingin ko sa natitirang dalawa. "What good news you have brought?"

Ngumiti si Ricardo habang may tinawagan naman si Augustus. "Oh, you'll love this."
Pagmamalaki ni Ricardo.

"Parating na sila dito. Pero habang hinihintay natin sila, we'll give you some of
what we discovered." Sabi ni Augustus at naglabas ng isang notepad galing sa
likurang bulsa.

"Fire away."

He flipped through the pages before stopping on a certain page. "The hospital where
you found her doesn't exist. The Chinese polices who contacted your family were
fakes and missing and the only thing not fake was the doctor na kilala ng pamilya
mo. Hospital and Police records both don't exists."

Mas lalo akong nawawalan ng pag-asa sa bawat salitang sinasabi niya. "Before you
say something Mr. Faustino, may magandang balita kaming dala."

"Then tell me, damn it."

"Wow! You're hot tempered as our boss." Michael smiled while the two chuckled.
"Well, we found people who recognized the girl on the pic."

Magtatanong na sana ako kung sino nang biglang kumatok ang sekretarya ko at
pinapasok ang dalawang lalaki. Ang isa at naka-polo shirt at ang isa ay naka
business attire. Pareho silang mulang nasa fifties na at halatang mga Chinese.
Tumayo ung dalawa at sinalubong ang mga bagong dating.

"Who are they?" tanong ko habang tumatayo.

Si Augustus ang sumagot. "This is Inspector Wang." Turo niya sa lalaking naka polo
shirt. "And this is ex-inspector Chen." Lumapit ako at kinamayan sila pareho.
Nakangiti silang pareho habang ako ay nagtataka kung anong kinalaman nila sa mga
nangyayari. Ricardo answered the question stuck in my mind.
"They held the case of Alonna Reyes and Rainne Samuels. Two girls rescued from
human trafficking and slavery while raiding the lair of the biggest drug lord seven
years ago. And this girl... " lumapit siya sa lamesa, dinampot ung larawan at
iniharap sa'kin bago ituro. "...they recognized her as Alonna Reyes."

-----

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Chapter 36
ABANGAN NIYO ANG NEXT CHAPTER.. ߘ AND PLEASE SUPPORT SEVEN'S STORY ENTITLED

'Good Between the Bad'

Chapter 1 already posted. Thanks, Y'all...

â ߌ‫݌‬Ѣ ߌ‫݌‬

Maaga akong pumunta sa bahay nila Maureen. I decided to go early bago ang trabaho.
I called her a couple of times before I left the house but she didn't answer. Baka
magulat siya pag dating ko don pero bahala na. Hindi naman siguro ako makakaistorbo
tutal mag-aalas nuebe na.

Pasipul sipol pa kong naglalakad palapit sa pintuan nila. I pressed the doorbell
and a familiar maid greeted me.

"I'm here for Maureen. Is she still in bed?" magalang kong tanong.

"Ay hindi po. Nasa sala po sila kasama sila sir at ma'am. Tuloy po kayo."

Medyo nag-alangan pa ko at nagdalawang isip nang marinig na nandito din ang mga
magulang niya. Malamang nandito sila dahil nga hinanap nila si Mau but seeing them
after cancelling our engagement made me uncomfortable.

Napabuntong hininga ako at sumunod sa maid. Ito na siguro ang tamang panahon para
humingi ng tawad sa nagawa ko.

"Pasensya na po pero may bisita po si Maureen."

"Magandang umaga-dad? Mom? Anong ginagawa niyo dito?"

Babati sana ako pero napuno ako ng pagtataka nang makita ang mga magulang ko sa
silid. Mukha silang may matinding pinag-uusapan bago ako dumating dahil sa mga
itsura ng mukha nila. Dad looked disappointed upon seeing me. Mom looked the same
while Maureen's parents looked very angry.

Anong nangyayari?
Isang malakas na singhap ang narinig ko at napatingin ako sa mukang nag-aalalng si
Maureen. I didn't know what's happening in here but I felt nervous at the same time
confused as why my parents were here. Hindi nila sinabi sa'kin na may balak silang
pumunta dito sa pilipinas.

How would you know kung hindi mo naman sinasagot ang mga tawag nila.

Oo nga pala. Ako pala ang hindi sumasagot ng mga tawag nila pero matagal na'yon.
Ilang bwan nang nakakaraan.

"YOU BASTARD!" sigaw ni Tito Alfonse at mabilis humakbang palapit sa'kin.

"Dad.. No!"

I found myself on the ground and I felt a sting on my left cheek after his fist
landed on my face.

"Ang walanghiya. TUMAYO KA DYAN!"

Naguumapoy ang galit sa mga mata niya habang hawak niya ang kwelyo ko at pwersahang
tinatayo.

"Dad, tumigil ka na, please." Maureen pleaded and almost crying habang hawak ang
braso ng kanyang ama. Malakas niya kong tinulak at napaatras ako. Agad akong
nilapitan ni Mom na nag-aalala at ni Maureen.

Ano ba talaga ang nangyayari dito? Dahil ba 'to sa pag-ayaw ko kay Maureen?

"Are you okay?"

"Lumayo ka sa kanya." Hinila ni Tito Alfonse si Maureen palayo sa braso. Nawalan

siya ng balanse dahil sa lakas pero naalalayan din siya ni Tita Marjorie.

"Magdahan dahan ka nga at huminahon, Alfonse." Singhal niya sa asawa. Kunot noong
napatingin siya kay Tita Marjorie bago tumingin ulit sa'kin.

"Huminahon? After what he did to her?" he snapped. "Napakawalang kwenta mong

lalaki."

"Tama na Alfonse." Singit ni dad at naglakad palapit sa'min ni Mom. "Aayusin natin
to."

"Dapat lang! Ano sa tingin nyo? Papayagan kong magdusa mag-isa ang anak ko?"

"Ano bang nangyayari dito, Mom? Can someone please tell me?" tanong ko at hinaplos
ang pisngi.

Hindi ko alam kung anong sinabi ko pero mas lalong nag-apoy ang galit sa mga
magulang ni Maureen at napailing nalang si Mom habang dismayado naman si Dad. I
looked at Maureen whose head was down and quiet. She apologetically looked at me
when she looked up that made me more confused.

"'Wag kang mag maang maangan kang tarantado ka."

Hindi ko muna pinansin si Tito at bumaling kay dad. "Is this about our cancelled
engagement, dad?" nanahimik sila kaya nag-assume akong tungkol nga don. Humarap ako
kay tito. "I'm sorry, tito pero nag-usap na po kami ni Maureen at nagkasundo na. I
know I should have talked to you and tita about this kaya humihingi ako ng
pasensya."

Inis na napangiti si tito sa'kin at tinignan ako ng masama ni tita.. Naiwan muli
ako sa pagkalito. "Sa palagay mo dahil don? Ginalaw mo ang anak ko tapos ay iiwan
mo. You are fvcking crazy, boy." napatawa siya at umiling. Sumeryoso bigla ang
mukha niya sa'kin. "Like it or not, pananagutan mo ang anak ko at ikakasal kayo."

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa gulat dahil sa sinabi niya. The night with her was the only
thing the fall into place with this conversation. So nalaman pala ng mga magulang
niya. Walang ibang magsasabi kung hindi siya.

Hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng inis kay Maureen. "Rosella and I need to fix
something in Brazil. Saglit lang naman 'yon at pagbalik namin, don natin pag-
uusapan." Segunda na daddy na mas lalong kinagulat ko at ikinaasar.

Lumapit ako kay dad. "What the hell, dad?"

"Kris! Mind your mouth. Respect your father." Sita ni mom.

My dad's jaw clenched. "Tumigil ka, Kristoff and be a man. Huwag mong takbuhan ang
responsibilidad mo."

I frustratedly looked at Maureen. Hindi siya makatingin ng diretso sa'kin. "Ano

ba'to, Maureen. Is this about that night? Diba nag-usap na tayo na kalimutan na
lang 'yon." Maluha luha siyang tumingin sa'kin and mouthed I'm sorry. Napahilamos
ako sa mukha at bumaling sa mga magulang niya.

"Tito Alfonse, Tita Marjorie. Alam ko pong may nangyari sa'min and if that's all
what this is about, we are two consenting adults. Alam namin ang nangyayari at
napag-usapan na namin ng masinsinan. Pasensya na po sa sasabihin ko pero matatanda
na kami. Isa pa, sa panahon ngayon common na ang nangyari samin. Sex before
marriage is not a big deal. We are not kids that you can force in marriage. Pareho
lang po kaming masasaktan sa bandang huli. Hindi po namin mahal ang isa't isa. I'm
truly sorry and I know you wouldn't forgive me but I will only marry the woman I
love."

I heard tita Marjorie gasped aloud and Maureen's tears started to fall pero hinawi
niya agad 'yon. Katabi niya ang inang dinadaluyan siya. Bakit ba nila pinipilit
ito? Magkakasakitan lang kami at magiging miserable ang buhay naming pareho. Isa
pa, kilala ko ang tanging babaeng gusto kong makasama habang buhay. Si Rainne lang
ang gusto kong maging asawa at wala nang iba.

"Kristoff, mag-isip isip ka nga." Mom was displeased with what I've said. Bakit ba?
That the truth.

Galit dina ng ibinato ng mga tingin ni dad. He was angry and disappointed.
Nakakuyom na ang mga palad ni tito Alfonse and his nostrils were flaring due to
intense anger but I didn't care. Matagal na kong nag-decide kung anong pinili ko. I
will not be force to this!

"You will marry her and accept the responsibility of impregnating her."

Para akong nabingi dahil sa sinabi ni dad. "W-what?" mahina at wala sa sarili kong
sabi. Napatingin ako sa kawalan at nag-isip. She's pregnant? N-no! that can't be.
Hindi pwede 'yon? Pa'no nangyari 'yon.

I threw Maureen a questioning look. She was fidgeting and looked guilty. For what?
Tinignan ko ang tiyan niya pero parang wala naman o hindi halata dahil naka bestida
siya.
I felt loss. I felt that my world had been crumpled with that. "Binuntis mo ang
anak ko, tarantado ka!" Para akong hinugot sa malalim na pag-iisip nang sumigaw ang
ama niya.

Buntis? B-buntis daw?

"No that can't be." I shook my head in disbelief. "Nag-ingat ako. Nag-ingat ako
kaya hindi pwedeng mangyari 'yon. I used condom so it's impossible that she end up
pregnant."

Lumapit si tita Marjorie at sinampal ako na nagpapaling ng mukha ko sa kaliwa.

"Marjorie!" Mom said through deep breath.

"Sinasabi mo bang malandi ang anak ko? Hindi mabubuo 'yan ng mag-isa lang. Ng siya
lang. Panagutan mo siya at ang magiging anak niyo. Don't mock our family, Kristoff.
Akala ko matino kang tao. Be a man and face your responsibility dahil kung hindi,
magsisisi ka kapag tinakbuhan mo ang anak ko. Hindi lang ikaw at pati na'rin ang
pamilya mo."

Hindi ko siya maintindihan. Nananatiling blangko ang isip ko maliban nalang sa

nabuntis ko si Maureen. Nakatingin lang ako sa sahig at pilit na ipinapasok sa isip
ko ang mga nangyayari.

"K-Kristoff." Maureen stuttered.

Ramdam ko ang lumanay at pag-aalala sa boses niya pero hindi ako non naapektuhan.
Ang totoo, mas nakaramdam ako ng galit noong marinig ko ang boses niya. I felt
tricked. Pero hindi ko naman masisisi kung ako ang ama ng dinadala niya. Gusto kong
isiping ibang lalaki ang nakagawa non pero hindi ganung klaseng babae si Mau. She's
not the type to sleep with some guy.

Seryoso ko silang tinignan bago magsalita at diretsong tumingin kay Maureen. "I'm
sorry. If I'm the father, hindi kita tatakbuhan, Maureen. Aakuin ko ang bata pero
hanggang 'don nalang 'yon." Tuluyan nang tumulo ang mga luha niya at napasinghap.
"Hindi ako magpapakasal. Hindi natin kailangang gawin 'yon. Hanggang sa anak ko
lang ang responsibilidad na aakuin ko at hindi sa'yo. Pasensya na 'po talaga tito,
tita. Sa inyo rin mom and dad."

I immediately left the room, not minding their raging shout and calls of my name.
Hindi ako pwedeng ikasal sa iba. Kay Rainne lang. Aakuin ko ang bata pero ang
makasal kay Maureen, it's too much to take or do. Kailangan kong umalis. Kailangan
kong makita si Rainne ngayon para gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.

I'm sorry, Maureen but I really can't marry you.

"Wait, Kristoff." Palabas na ko nang hawakan marinig ko ang boses ni Maureen.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at lumabas ng bahay pero sinundan niya ko at hinawakan ang
braso ko. Napilitan akong humarap at tignan ang itsura niya.

She looked devastated. Halata ang bakas ng mga luha niya at namumugto ang mga mata
at nagsasabing nahihirapan din siya sa sitwasyon. Medyo magulo ang buhok at maitim
ang ilalim ng mga mata. Gusto kong magalit sa kanya pero naisip ko, naiipit din
siya sa sitwasyon. Naaawa pa rin ako sa kanya kahit papano.

"Let's tal-"
"Are you really pregnant? Am I the father? Ako ba talaga ang ama niyang dinadala
mo?" sunud sunod kong tanong at tinanggal ang kamay niya sa'kin. Gumuhit ang
lungkot at sa'kit sa mga mata niya dahil sa ginawa ko. Gusto ko siyang aluhin pero
kailangan ko ng sagot. Nalilito ako kung pa'no nangyari ang lahat ng ito. Hindi ko
maiwasang mapatingin sa tyan niya. Hinahanap ng mata ko ang umbok nito pero mukang
naramdaman niya ang titig ko at ipinulupot ang braso palibot dito at kunot noo
akong nag-angat ng tingin.

She wiped some escaped tears. "Y-Yes." She almost whispered not looking at me.

"Tignan mo ko at sabihin mo ulit." She hesitantly looked at me before taking a deep

breath and with conviction; she spoke the words that destroyed my life.

"Yes. I'm two months pregnant and you're the f-father."

"Shit!" napasapo ako sa noo at napatalikod sa kanya. "P-pano? Paanong nangyari

yon?" bulong ko at mabilis siyang hinarap. "We used protection, Mau! Imposible
talaga. I don't want to call you a liar but I was careful."

Hindi makapaniwala kong tanong. I was still loss and confused. Sigurado kasi ako
non eh. Siguradung sigurado.

"B-Binutas ko."

"H-ha?"

"Binutas ko ung condom." Nakapikit niyang sabi. Unti unti niyang binuksan ang mga
mata niya at kita ang takot sa mga mata. "Bago ko binalik ung wallet mo nung gabing
'yon. I-I'm sorry! Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin. I was just in love. I love you,
Kristoff. I really do."

Unti unting lumaki ang galit ko sa kanya at natawa ako ng pagak. "So pinagplanuhan
mo to para pikutin ako?" pasigaw kong tanong na nagpapitlag sa kanya. I couldn't
hold my temper. Ginawa akong tanga ng babaeng ito kaya nangyayari ito sa'kin.
Masisira ang buhay ko dahil sa kanya. Ngayon pa na maayos kami ni Rainne. Tinuring
ko siyang kaibigan at akala ko ganun din siya for fvck's sake.

"I'm sorry, Kri-"

"Save it!" Tinangka niya kong hawakan pero umiwas ako. "I thought you're my friend.
I trusted you pero ito ang ginawa mo sa'kin. You're unbelievable. You're too
desperate that you're even trying to trap me into marriage but I won't let you. I
will provide all the child's needs and it will end there." Inilapit ko ang mukha ko
sa kanya at matalim siyang tinignan bago bumulong. "I.WILL.NOT.MARRY.YOU. Lalong
lalo na ang mahalin ka."

Walang tigil ang patak ng mga luha niya at mukang nagmamakaawa pero wala akong
pakialam. Niloko niya ko. Malaki na ang sira siya sa ulo kung iisipin niyang
mamahalin ko siya. Lalo pa't ginawa niya 'to. Screw her! Screw them all!

Umalis ako at mabilis na pumasok sa sasakyan ko. I saw her on the floor with her
face buried on her palms, crying and sobbing.

Punung puno ng galit ang puso at kailangan kong makita si Rainne. Ano nang gagawin
ko? Pa'no ko sasabihin kay Rainne ang lahat. Kamumuhian niya ko at kamumuhian.
Hindi ko kaya pag nangyari 'yon. Pa'no kung hiwalayan niya 'ko? Pano kung iwanan
niya ko? I wouldn't take it. Masisira ang buhay ko at kasalanan ni Maureen ang
lahat. Kasalanan niya!
Mabilis akong nag-drive pauwi at hindi na ko pumunta sa trabaho. Huminto muna 'ko
sa harap ng bahay at pinakawalan ang hiningang kanina pa nahihirapang lumabas sa
dibdib ko. I let my head rest against the steering wheel for a moment at absorbed
everything. I cursed myself and my stupidity. How could I trust her that much? I
should've known. My mind was in riot, thinking ways to fix this but I couldn't even
think straight.

I ran my fingers through my hair a couple of times and let a frustrated sigh out.
Kaya kong tanggapin ang anak ko kay Maureen pero pa'no kami ni Rainne.

Pa'no kung magalit siya. Ayokong magalit siya. Iiwan niya 'ko. Binalik ko ang ulo
ko sa pagkakatukod sa manibela. Ayoko! Ayokong mangyari 'yon. Hindi ko mapigilang
iuntog ng ilang beses ang noo ko.

Sasabihin ko ba? Pwede ko namang ilihim, diba?

Hindi pwede! Baka mas lalo silang mawala sa'kin. Si Rainne. Si Seven at Nine.
They're my life and they could be gone the moment I told them the truth.

I went out of the car with a heavy heart. Felt like I was lifting tons and tons of
weight that I couldn't continue to walk. I dragged myself inside the house up to
our bedroom and was a bit shocked to see Rainne staring out of the glass door of
the terrace.

Naramdaman kong gumaan ang pakiramdam ko pagkakita ko palang sa kanya. Parang

nakalimutan ko ang mga problema ng ganong kadali. How could I even think to live
without her if she had this affect in me? Since the moment I laid eyes on her, I
knew she was the one at kaya kong ipagpalit lahat para sa kanya.

"Hi." Agad siyang humarap sa'kin at lumapit ako. I immediately noticed that she was
thinking something deep with the distant look she had. "Hindi ka pumasok ngayon?" I
acted normal like I never experienced the earlier event before kissing her cheek.

Nakatingin lang siya sa'kin ng diretso at napakunot ang noo ko hindi dahil sa
naiilang ako kung hindi dahil sa mga mata niyang malamig at blanko. This was her
old way her eyes looked. With no emotions and in depths of coldness. Something is
wrong.

"I want you to leave." She deadpanned.

I flashed her a smile. "Sige." Tumingin ako sa relo ko. "Malapit na namang mag-
uwian ang mga bata. Susunduin ko nalang muna sila. Gusto mo bang kumain sa labas
for lunch?"

Baka may mahalaga siyang iniisip and she didn't want any distractions kaya mas
mabuting iwan ko muna siya mag-isa. Magpapalit sa'na ako ng damit nang bigla itong
magsalita na ikinadurog ng puso ko.

"Gusto kong umalis ka sa buhay ko at sa buhay ng mga bata. I want you to

leave...permanently. And don't ever come back."

߰
ѰߘȰߘߑ

"Rainne, please. Don't do this. Hindi ko kakayanin, please naman." He pleaded while
hugging me tight.

I'm sorry, Kristoff but I need to do this.

Sinabi ko sa kanyang umalis na sa buhay ko at dito kami nauwi. Kitang kita ko kung
pano nawala ang kulay at ngiti sa mukha niya. He laugh without humor but I told him
that I was serious. Kailangan ko nang tapusin kung ano mang namamagitan sa'min.

I was pushing him pero humigpit ang yakap niya. "Let go."

"No. I w-wont." His voice broke and sounded so vulnerable. Gusto ko siyang yakapin
pero kabaliktaran non ang ginawa ko. I pushed him as hard as I could that made him
released me.

It broke my heart to see him almost in the verge of crying. I too wanted to cry
with what's happening but I pushed myself hard to remain the cold and hard look I
was holding. I needed to lock the pain or any emotion down.

Please don't look at me like that, Kristoff

"I had enough playing love with you. Pinagbigyan na kita nang matagal and it
disgust me to continue. Leave now. I didn't want you anymore." Malamig kong sabi.

I noticed how his hand trembled as he ranked it through his hair with glassy eyes
before immediately stepping closet and held both my hand. "Hindi. Hwag mong sabihin
'yan. I know you're lying. Don't lie to me please. You love me, diba? Sinabi mo
'yon. Diba wala na ngang bawian. Please naman, hindi ko kaya. Is this a joke? Of
course it's a joke." Naramdaman ko ang lamig at nanginginig niyang kamay sa pisngi
ko. "Binibiro mo lang ako diba, honey? Mahal mo ko eh kaya hindi mo masasabi 'yan."

I wished I was joking but I was not.

Pilit siyang ngumingiti habang hinahaplos ang mukha ko but I slapped his hand away.
Hurt was obvious in his eyes.

Humalukipkip ako at mariin siyang tinignan. "I don't do jokes, Kristoff and love?
Please!" I scowled in disgust. "I was just using and playing you like all those men
I've been with and I got bored already. Ang akala ko tatagal pero hindi ko na
masikmura ang presensya mo. You're kisses, touches and even the way you played
father to those two brats. It was all a lie, stupid and I'm telling this to pull
you back to reality. Now, I'm waiting for Azel and I want you to clean your things
out of this house before he gets here."

He was silent. Tahimik lang siyang nakayuko habang ako'y nagsasabi ng mga
kasinungalingan. I know he's hurting with the way his shoulders dropped and his
fist in tight grip but I need to choose. I'm sorry, honey.

"D-did you ever love me?" walang emosyong sabi niya. Nag-angat ang tingin niya at
nagulat ako dahil sa paraan ng pagtingin niya. Oh my, God! What did I do?

Blangko at madilim ang mga tingin niya. Voided of emotions while tears slowly
falling from his eyes. It was like mine. Hard, cold and numb. Anong ginawa ko?
Itinulad ko siya sa'kin. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko at unti unti itong nadudurog.
Ang hirap palang makita mo ang minamahal mo na nasasaktan. Lalo na kung ikaw ang
nagdulot non sa kanya. He gave me nothing but good things and I returned that with
this. Hurting him and bringing him pain.

"Did you really love me or was it also a lie?"

Nahihirapan akong huminga at sumagot sa tanong niya dahil alam kong kasinungalingan
na naman ang sasabihin ko. I took a deep breath and swallowed a lump blocking my
throat but it didn't make things better.

"N-No." paos kong sabi. "I don't know how to love. Remember that."
He was bearing his gaze on me like we was looking through my soul, searching for
the truth. His gaze was so cold and intense that sent shivers down my spine and I
wanted to look away but I held my grounds. Ginusto ko 'to at kailangang panindigan
ko.

Ilang minutong katahimikan bago muli siyang nagsalita. "Nakakapagod ka na.

Nakakapagod kang mahalin, Rainne." The way he coldly said it made an invisible
dagger pierced slowly through my heart. "Alam mo ba ang pinagdaanan ko kanina? I
thought you could help me with that. What happened earlier to me..." bumuntong
hininga siya. "It ruined my life, Rainne. Ang sabi ko okay lang basta kasama
kita...kayo ng mga bata pero mas masakit pa 'to alam mo ba. You ruined me. You're
ruining me. Binigay ko lahat ng pwede kong ibigay sa'yo. Lahat lahat ng sa'kin na
kahit mga magulang ko tinalikuran ko para sa'yo. And what do I get in return? Lies
and a broken heart. I felt so stupid and pathetic. Nanlilimos ng pagmamahal na
hindi naman kayang ibigay. Oh, yeah I forgot. You're the famous Ice Queen. " he
spat. "I thought that I could warm you."

"You thought wrong." Bulong ko.

He smirked. "Oo nga at ang bobo ko lang. The biggest stupidity I've done in my life
which consist entirely of the woman I love so I give up. Mahihiwalay ka na sa
pesteng laging nakadikit sa'yo sa wakas. I pity the kids for having a mother like
you and I hope that Azel is the guy that could fill your heart... Cause you're
nothing but an empty shell. But nevertheless, I thank you for all those memories.
Goodbye, Ice queen."

------

Pinagmasdan ko siya mula sa bintana sa salas. Mula sa pagbitbit niya ang maleta
niya palabas, pagpasok niya nito sa sasakyan hanggang sa isarado niya ng malakas
ang pinto ng sasakyan at umalis palayo.

Don ko lang hinayaang bumagsak ang mga luha ko. Napaupo ako sa sofa at umiyak ng
umiyak. Tama lang ginawa ko diba? I don't deserve him kaya ito ang naging kabayaran
sa mga ginawa kong pananakit sa kanya.

Umiyak ako ng umiyak at sa bawat patak ng luha ko, pabigat pabigat ang nararamdaman
kong sakit sa dibdib ko. Tinatanggal nito ang kakayahan kong huminga ng maayos at
naging mahirap ang paghinga ko.

I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.. I'm sorry..

Paulit ulit akong humingi ng tawad sa isip ko and I prayed that it would reach him
but it was impossible at kahit na posible 'yon, I was one hundred percent sure na
hindi niya na ko mapapatawad. I ruined him like what he said. I caused him pain. I
loved him but I couldn't keep him. Hindi pwede. Hindi kami pwedeng magsama at
maging maligaya at dahil yon sa kanya.

Siya ang dapat sisihin dito!!

Biglang tumunog ang phone ko for personal contact. Numero palang ng tumawag ay alam
ko na kung sino. Kabisadong kabisado ang numerong 'yon.

Pinagid ko ang mga luha ko at huminga ng malalim bago ko ito sinagot.

"I assume it went well?"

"This is the last time I'll let you meddle with me." I said with venom in my voice
through gritted teeth.

"Hindi mo dapat sinagad ang pasensya ko, Allona! Hinahanap ako ng siraulo mong
kapatid at tandaan mo, kapag nagkaalaman na, kayang kaya kong ilayo ang mga bata
sa'yo. I'm their mother afterall."

I could imagine the smirk on her face. "Sa papel lang 'yon. I'm their real mother.
I probably don't act one pero ako parin ang naglabas sa kanila at kasama nila
ngayon."

"Doesn't matter." Bored niyang sabi. "Child services will come in the picture and
they'll be taking them. Wala kong balak mag-alaga ng mga pabigat. Ipinakita ko lang
ang kabaliwang ginagawa mo. We're not here to make a happy ending, we're here to
make a bloody and explosive ending that will wipe them all..."

Pumasok sa isip ko ang huling bahagi ng plano.

"...make another mistake and you will see either the man you love or your kids
suffering and away from you."
Chapter 37.1
Huli akong lumabas ng sasakyan at sumunod sa kanila. Hindi ko alam kung kasing
dilim ba ng buhay ko ang paligid ang isuot ko ang shades para takpan ang itsura ko
sa iba.

Ano nga bang paki ko kung maliwanag ang paligid. Di rin tatagal ay didilim din yan
kahit anong gawin nila. Bitter ba? Tsk! I didn't care. Kahit nga siguro may mamatay
sa harap ko o gumunaw ang mundo wala akong pakialam. Let's just all die together.

Mom and the bitch went ahead of me and entered the shop. Gusto kong masuka sa sobra
nilang saya. Nakakairita. Nakakadiri.

They were already talking to a staff when I entered the place and I roamed around
the shop full of white, big dresses. Dumiresto ako sa upuan sa gilid at hinila ito.
It was made if metal and the screeches caused them to stop their nonsense talks and
looked at my direction. I knew my mom was throwing me disappointed look but I
didn't hell care. Bahala sila sa buhay nila. Sumalampak ako ng upo at tumingin sa
labas.

"Can someone in this place serve me water?" medyo malakas kong sabi.

"S-Sandali lang po, Sir."

Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagtingin sa labas. I didn't look in particular. Parang walang

buhay ang mga ginagawa ko simula nong mangyari 'yon. Mahigit dalawang na din. I
shook my head to stop the memories that intend to come back.

Bakit ko nga ba babalikan ang walang kwentang pangyayaring 'yon. Wala namang
binigay sa'kin ang mga 'yon kung hindi pasakit at paghihirap. Lalo na ang babeng
'yon. I couldn't even think or say her name without disgust.

Napakuyom ako ng mahigpit and my jaw tightened.

Napakawalang kwenta niya. Dapat ay naghihirap din siya gaya ko. I wanted to hurt
her. To cause her pain. Gusto kong gumanti sa kanya. Yung tipong luluhod siya sa
harap ko para lang hingin ang kapatawan ko. Her begging for forgiveness was a
precious sight to see and I won't give her that. I would never ever give her that.

Napatingin ako sa kabilang direksyon nang marinig kong may papalapit. Walang gana
akong napatingin sa nakasimangot kong ina. Hindi ko siya pinansin at tumingin ulit
sa labas.

"Kristoff, pwede bang ayusin mo yang sarili mo. Can you please try to even pretend
that you're happy." Maniha niyang pagsita. "And take off you shades for God's
sake."

I looked up at her and smirked. Maureen the bitch, as I call her now immediately
went to my mother's side and held her arm. Gusto kong matawa sa pagpapanggap na
ginagawa niya. Trying to pretend to be nice. Bwiset. Pareho lang silang manggagamit
at sinungaling. Women like them never deserve to be happy.

"Tita okay lang po. Baka pagod siya sa trabaho." Malambing na sabi niya at gusto
kong masuka.

Bahagya akong natawa ng pagak na lalong nagpakunot ng noo ng butihin kong ina.
"Pagod? Are you stupid? It's nine o'clock in the morning pa'no ako mapapagod sa
trabaho? Huwag mong pairaling ang katangahan mo sa dis-oras ng umaga."

I scowled and made everyone uncomfortable with my act. Of course mom would be mad
and disappointed. Lagi naman.

"Kristoff ang bibig mo. Huwag mong pagsalitain ng ganyan ang magiging asawa mo.
Mag-sorry ka or else."

"Or else what ma?" Medyo pasigaw na sabi ko at napatayo. Halatang nagulat sila sa
ginawa kong walang karespetuhan pero lahat ng respeto ko sa kanila nawala nang
parang bula dahil sa ginawa nilang lahat sa'kin. Ito na 'ko ngayon and they just
have to deal with it. "Nagawa niyo na kong piliting pumunta dito hanggang
pagpapakasal. Ano pa bang pwede niyong gawin? Tanggalan ako ng mana? I don't need
your money. Meron ako non at pwede ba? You're buying this woman's shitty act. Ang
akala mo kung sinong mabait. Santa santita kuno but a true pretentious, desperate
bitch inside..." my mother gasped and the bitch was nearly crying. Poor her, pweh!
Magsama kayo. "And where is my goddamn water. I've been waiting for three minutes
here."

"Napakawalang modo mo. Ganyan ba ang dinulot sa'yo ng walang hiyang babaeng 'yon."

Mas lalo akong nakaramdam ng galit dahil don. "Don't even mention her, mom kung
ayaw niyong nagkagulo." I said hard and cold.

"Tita, tama na po. Pabayaan na po natin siya." She said trying to calm my mom. "Isa
pa bawal makita ng groom ang bride nang naka wedding gown. Isn't that right, tita."
She faked a smile and I scowled at her act. Mom took a deep breath and held her
chin up. The staff decided to enter the scene and gave me the water. Thank, God!
Someone nice happened today.

"Mabuti pa nga pero inaasahan kong aattend ka sa dinner mamaya."

"Oh, wow. You should try this, mom. I didn't know their water it this awesome.
Maybe you guys should serve this for tonight para naman kahit papano ay may dahilan
akong pumunta." I said with full of sarcasm and fake smile and not paying attention
to her or the things she said a little earlier.

"Kristoff!"

"Okay, fine. Mas mabuti pa ngang mag-stay ako. If I get the chance to see that
woman in a wedding dress, I get to see if that superstition is true or not." I
grinned.
Halatang galit na galit na si mom at ang babae namang ito ay mangiyak ngiyak na.
Nakakatawa ang itsura nila. Gusto kong tumawa ng tumawa sa harap nila pero baka
magmukha akong baliw.

"I have had enough of you and your bad attitude, Kristoff. Get the hell out of
here."

"Wow. I never knew you have a bad mouth, mom." And that is how you earn a slap from
your dearest mother. "Anyway.." I said and rubbed the sting away from my cheek. She
was really fuming mad by now and I walked backwards towards the door. "Thanks for
this day and every fvking day to come."

Padabog kong isinara ang pinto. Lagi kong pinapakita sa kanila na ayaw ko sa kasal
na pinipilit nila. They just need to deal with it. Patagalan nalang kami. Me
against them. Matira matibay at kapag nakasal ako, I will make sure to make that
bitch's life a living hell. Magsasama kami sa impyerno.

I drove fast to my condo-my new condo and found comfort in the form of alcohol.
Lots and lots of alcohol. Ito ang naging libangan ko halos araw araw. Bumili ako ng
bagong condo dahil ayaw kong gamitin ang condong mula kay dad and it also brought
back memories. Memories full of lies.

Kumuha ako ng dalawang bote ng beer at sumalampak ng upo sa sofa at tinanggal ang
salamin ko. Inabot ko ang remote ng TV na nakalapag sa lamesang nasa harap.
Suddenly I stopped when I saw my reflection on the screen.

I was a mess. My hair's disheveled and the lifeless eyes with dark shades under
them were now staring at me. What am I doing with my life? In just two months, I
already became like this and it's their entire fault.

My parents who kept forcing me to marry that woman I thought was my friend pero isa
naman palang manggagamit at manloloko. Isama mo pa ang mga magulang niyang kala mo
kung sino. And then there was her.

Napaismid ako at binuksan nalang ang TV at ang bote ng alak.

I shouldn't think about her. We're over or should I say, her game is over and I
wish for her to suffer like I.

Pero kahit ganun ang nangyari, hindi parin nawawala ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya and
that's what hurts a lot. My inability to let go of her.

I blinked a few times before wiping an escaped tear from my dead eyes and got drunk
to my heart's content.

Ȱߌ‫ߌڰ‬ҰߌӰߌ԰ߌ‫ߌݰߌְߌװߌذ‬

"Ang lakas talaga ng loob mo, Kristoff. You're late and you're coming here like
this! Buti nalang at ako ang unang nakakita sa'yo. "

" I'm here, aren't I?" I rolled my eyes at him and his brow raised.

Bakit? Anong problema sa T-shirt at pantalon? Was my clothing not decent? Or maybe
because I came without even grooming myself. Naligo lang ako at nagapalit ng damit
and nothing more.

Ang swerte ko talaga. Sa umaga si mom tapos ngayon si dad naman. Buti wala akong
kapatid dahil baka siya ang kumuha sa tanghaling sermon ko.
I smiled at that thought that made my dad grit his teeth, getting the wrong
message. He held the bridge of his nose and I was guessing that he had enough of
our almost everyday routine.

"Pumasok ka nalang don and try not to act uneducated, please lang."

Not gonna promise.

Pumasok siya at sumunod ako. Nakasalang na ang lahat at mukang ako nalang ang
hinihintay. Nagtatawanan pa sila nang maabutan ko sila.

"Finally." Nakangiting sabi ni mom. She went to me and kissed my cheek before
sitting beside mom and of course, pinaupo nila ko sa tabi ng magiging asawa ko.
Katapat ko ang mga magulang ko at ang ina niya sa kaliwa niya habang ang ama niya
ay nasa head seat. Why? Because this is their fvcking house!

Kumain na agad ako at hindi binibigyang pansin ang mga pag-uusap nila.

"So, nakapili ka ba ng gown kanina anak? Bakit kasi ayaw mong magpagawa ng wedding
dress. Sinamahan ka ba ni, Kristoff?" I tried to hide a scowl when I heard her
mom's agitated voice and when my mom stiffed at the question.

"O-opo, mommy. Kaso pinaalis ko kaagad siya kasi ayokong makita niya kong naka
wedding dress and he had to w-work pa. Diba, tita?"

"That's true, hija."

Tss. Mga sinungaling talaga. Pati mga yon pinangtatakpan. Nakakairita pero walang
emosyon parin akong kumakain.

Ganyan ang naging takbo ng usapan. Someone throws questions and she trying to cover
things up. Pretending to be excited and happy when everything's pure joke and lies.
Hindi ko alam na puro ipokrito ang mga kasama ko dito. Buhay nga naman.

Biglang tumunog ang phone ko na nakalapag sa lamesa and I immediately got

disappointed and angry stares. Hindi ko sana sasagutin but just to heighten their
love for me-note the sarcasm, I did kahit na unregistered number ito.

"Hello?"

"Sir, Kristoff? Si Leah po ito. T-tulungan niyo po kami, sir! Kanina ko pa po

tinatawagan si ma'am pero hindi ko makontak."

Hindi ko napansin na nabitawan ko ang tinidor na tumama sa plato at gumawa

bahagyang ingay. Hindi ko alam pero bigla agad akong kinabahan nang marinig ang
nanginginig at natataranta niyang boses.

"Excuse me." I said to no one in particular at tumayo. "Ano bang nangyari, Leah?"

"Y-yung mga bata po, sir."

"Bakit? Anong nangyari sa kambal? Okay ba sila? Can you please fvcking answer me?"
Sabi habang naglalakad. Nakakarinig ako ng tumatawag sa pangalan ko pero hindi ko
ito pinansin. Mas mahalaga ang mga bata.

"N-nawawala po sila."

"What?" Halos walang boses kong tanong.

Naririnig ko siyang nagsasalita pero walang pumapasok sa isip ko kung hindi ang
kalagayan ng mga bata.

Please lang, Lord. Wag niyo po silang hayaang masaktan.

Binaba ko ang telepono at patakbong kumilos pero may humawak sa braso ko.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

"Pupuntahan mo ba sila?" Mahina niyang tanong.

"None of your business. Ang mabuti pa bumalik ka nalang don at magpanggap o kaya
magsinungaling. You're good at that, right?"

"Mas mahalaga ba sila kesa sa'kin? Sa amin ng anak mo? Hindi mo sila anak, Kristoff
pero itong dinadala ko sa'yo." Turo niya sa tyan na may umbok na.

I had enough. Nawala ang pasensya ko at mahigpit na hinawakan ang braso niya at
hinigit palapit.

"Huwag na huwag mo kong papipiliin dahil alam na alam mo ang sagot ko. Like what I
already said, hanggang sa bata lang ang responsibilidad ko at hindi sa'yo. Don't
hope for something from me you bitch because you won't get any. You make me sick. I
don't wanna be your friend or anything. Ikakasal nga tayo pero tandaan mo, sa papel
lang yon. I don't fvking care about you and stay away from my sight as you can."

Uminda siya ng sakit at binitawan ko siya. Bahala siya sa buhay niya. Magsumbong
siya o hindi wala akong pake. Kung pwede nga lang magsumbong siya para matigil agad
ang kasal. Mas maganda 'yon. Kung dati naaawa ako sa kanya pero ngayon puro galit
nalang. Yun lang.

Hininto ko ang sasakyan sa tapat ng bahay nila. Huminga muna ako ng malalim at
hinanda ang sarili kong makita siya ulit. I didn't want to be back here again pero
kailangan. The last time I came back here, hindi maganda ang nakita ko at hindi na
ulit ako bumalik.

Bumalik ako non pagkatapos kong mag-isip isip pero noong nakita ko ang sasakyan ni
Azel sa tapat ng bahay niya, don ko natanggap na wala na talagang pag-asa at
talagang pinaglaruan niya lang ako.

That was also the day that I didn't care at all. Parang naka auto pilot ang katawan
ko kaya pumayag na ko sa kasal. Naisipan kong umalis nalang pero naisip ko rin na
sirang sira na ang buhay ko at sumuko nalang.

"Anong nangyari? Na'san sila?" Agad kong tanong sa dalawang nadatnan ko. Naabutan
ko rin ang isang maid na binigyan sila ng inumin.

Umiiyak si Jess at hinahagod naman ni Leah ito na naluluha din. Tumingin sila
sa'kin at tumayo.

"S-susunduin ko po sana sila S-Seven pero w-wala na sila doon, sir." Leah said
between sobs.

"Ni-report niyo na ba sa mga pulis?"

"Opo. Kaso wala pa daw pong twenty four hours. Mukang tumakas po ung dalawang bata
sa school nung uwian." Nagaalalang sagot ni Jess.

Napasapo ako sa noo ko sa kaba. Natataranta ako at puno ng pag-aalala. Gusto kong
isiping nandyan lang ang mga bata pero sumisingit talaga sa utak ko na baka may
masamang nangyari sa kanila.

"Where's, Rainne?" natigilan ako nang wala sa sarili kong nabanggit ang pangalan
niya.

Umiling ako para mawala ang sakit na agad kong naramdaman. My feeling did not
matter at this moment. We need to find the kids.

"Tinawagan na po nila Manang."

"What the hell happened?" Isang galit na boses ang nagpalingon sa'min and it
belonged to the woman that broke my heart into pieces.

ߒ‫ڰ‬԰ߎͰߘ0ߙ˰ߑ

I rushed towards the two stupid people who's only job was to take care of my kids.
I slapped Leah hard who wad already crying out of fury. I lost control and wanted
to slap the other but I wad pulled back with a tight grip on my upper arm. Hindi ko
ito pinansin at pinilit na abutin ang isang walang hiya.

"You only had one job and you lost them!"

Nanggagalaiti kong sabi. Susunduin lang nila ang mga anak ko pero pumalpak pa sila.
Mga tanga! Pa'no kung may mangyari sa kanilang masama. Oh, God! Please keep them
safe.

"Stop it, Rainne." isang malakas na hila ang naramdaman ko na nagpalayo sakin sa
kanila.

I glared at them and I did not even care if they looked devastated while crying and
sobbing hard. Nag-iinit na din ang mga mata ko at gusto kong maiyak.
"You.are.fired."

"I said stop it."

I snapped my gaze at that person. I did not recognize that voice at first but then
my jaw as well as my heart dropped when I saw the guy I left behind.

Ganun parin ang boses niya pero wala na ang lambing nito. It was hard and seething
that made me felt like I was inside a cold and dark room. The smile that's always
visible in his face were replaced by a thin line at ang mga mata niyang laging
kumukinang noon ay wala na. They were now dark, cold and dull. Hindi ako
makapagsalita. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya. Sinasalubong ang mabibigat niyang
titig.

"Rainne, you left th-may problema ba dito?"

He broke our staring contest and frown before releasing the hold on me. Hindi ko
namalayan na hawak niya parin ako. Lumayo siya sakin at tinignan ang bagong dating
na lumapit naman sa'kin. Hawak niya ang bag ko at tinitignan kami isa isa. Naging
matalim lang ang tingin niya kay Kristoff pero inismiran lang siya nito.

"Wala. Just go home." Sabi ko while acting normal at kinuha ang bag ko.

"Are you sure? Sa itsura palang nila-"

I cut him off. "Yes. You can go."

Mukang nagdadalawang isip siya pero wala ring nagawa kung hindi sumang-ayon.

"Fine. I'll just see you tomorrow."

Nagulat ako nang bigla niya kong halikan sa pisngi at ngitian bago umalis. It's not
that I wasn't used to it, it's just parang mali. Dahil ba nandito si Kristoff?

"Did you have fun fvcking your new boy toy? Nag-start na ba ang laro niyo?"
Nakangiti siya pero halata ang pag-aakusa sa sarkastiko niyang boses.

"W-what are you doing here?" His face got serious.

"Wag kang mag-alala. Hindi ako nandito para sa'yo kundi para sa mga bata. Hindi mo
ko kagaya, Ice Queen. May puso pa rin ako kahit papabo. Ikaw ang bakit nandito?" He
said pointing at me.

"I am their mother." I said straight, trying to hide the pain that he laughed at.

"Mother? But you don't care about them, diba? You don't care about those brats. You
even told me that I could keep them, remember? Nagpapanggap ka na naman ba? Can you
give me a heads up minsan kasi sa sobrang pangkasinungaling mo, hindi ko na alam
kung ano ang totoo. Obviously, you play the liar game well."

Nagulat ako sa paraan ng pagsasalita niya. He was different from the guy I knew and
loved. His eyes looked at me with anger, showing me how he despised me a lot.
Parang nawala na ang Kristoff na kilala ko. Wala na at dahil yon sa'kin kaya siya
nagbago.

Napakuyom ang kamay ko dahil sa sobrang inis pero kailangan kong itisin lahat ng
binabato niya sa'kin.

Nagbago ang itsura niya at napalitan ng pag-aalala. "We can't rely on the cops.
Wala pang 24 hours silang nawawala. Kailangang tayo ang maghanap ng private
detective or someone same."

I took some air and dropped all the things concerning him. I need to focus on my
children.

"I can go. May alam akong makakatulong. Just leave it to me."

"No." he said firmly. "Hindi mo ko mapapaalis gaya nga ng sinabi ko. Mahalaga parin
sakin ang mga bata kahit na ikaw pa ang tayong nagluwal sa kanila."

Alam kong determinado siyang manatili kaya hinayaan ko nalang siya habang may
tinatawagan ako.

Ganyan na ba siya kagalit sa'kin na hindi niya mabanggit na ako ang ina ng mga
bata. Sa halip ang ginamit niya ay ako lang ang nagluwal sa kanila. Parang gusto
niya na kong tanggalin sa buhay niya ng tuluyan.

It hurts a lot.

I was amazed how I still kept my cold facade through our conversation but deep down
inside, humahagulgol na ang puso ko at nadudurog.

Bakit ba ganito ang buhay ko? Kung pwede lang sanang mamuhay nalang kasama nila ng
masaya gagawim ko. I'll trade everything but my hands ate tied. For now.

Kumonekta ako sa international hotline since hindi ko alam ang contact number ng
Philippine branch nila. Isang ring lang ay may sumagot agad.

"Connect me to your branch in Philippines."

"Right away, ma'am."

Habang naghihintay, napatingin ako kay Kristoff. He was observing me, trying to
know who I was talking to.

The people I called was an international organization. A secret organization for

multi-billionaires. Hindi ka pwedeng makasali dito kapag wala kang pangalan at
pera.

Nalaman ko ito dahil sa babaeng 'yon at pinasali ako. We paid their services in
exchange for information we wanted. Information of the people I-we were hunting.

By the look of his eyes, I knew he wanted to ask but turned around and talk to the
kids nannies. Hindi ko rin naman siya pwedeng sagutin kahit magtanong niya. This
organization valued secrecy.

Naririnig ko na pinagpapahinga niya ang mga ito at napangiti ako dahil alam kong
andyan parin ang lalaking mahal ko.

He caught me staring at him when he faced me. Lucky for me, the person on the other
line spoke and I averted my gaze.

"Client number D8936 dash 3X5N. Type. Urgent. Involves two missing children. Last
seen at Immaculate International School. Estimated time. 5 hours. Payment. Up to 10
million dollars base on time of completion."

Agad kong pinutol ang tawag at hinarapa ang nalilitong kasama ko.

"10 million dollars? Are you serious? At sino naman ang mga tinawagan mo?" Sunud
sunod niyang tanong.

"Money doesn't matter. Don't worry. They are professional and they'll be here in
less than half an hour."

"Dito? Did they know your address?"

"No, but they'll track me thru my phone."

ɰߘȰߘȰߘȰߙ

Nakaupo ako sa sofa habang naghihintay. Siya naman ay hindi mapakali at

nakapamewang na nakatayo. Sobrang pag-aalala ang nararamdaman ko. Bawat minutong
dumadaan ay lalong bumibigay ang nararamdaman ko.

Nangangati ang mga paa ko para lumabas at hanapin sila kahit hindi ko alam kung san
maguumpisa. They said they sneaked out of school pero pano? Dalawang almost 6 years
old lang sila. Ano bang pagbabantay ang ginagawa nila sa school na 'yon. Humanda
sila sa'kin pag may nangyaring masama sa mga anak ko.

Matagal ko nang hindi ginagawa to pero nagdaradal ako sa isip ko. I was praying
that God would keep them safe wherever they were. I was silently praying that no
harm would go to them and that they're together. Diyos ko, please po. Hindi ko
kayang mawala ang mga anak ko. Hindi ko kakayanin. Sila nalang po ang meron ako.
Please!!!
"Ang sabi no thirty minutes pero halos mag-dadalawang oras na! Gabi na. Mahihirapan
na tayong maghanap. We need to find another that could help us."

I buried my face on both hands due to frustration.

"Let's wait more." He hissed. I called them earlier at sabi nila papunta na pero
why are they taking so long? Damn it!

"I can't juts wait here."

"Wait. San ka pupunta?"

Napatayo ako nang makita siyang papaalis pero huminto siya ng may dumating na
sasakyan sa labas. Lumabas ang dalawang lalaking casual ang kasuotan. They looked
like in mid or late twenties. Gaya ng inaasahan, halata sa kanila ang pagiging
mayaman. Mga anak sila ng kasali sa org at kung gugustuhin ng mga anak ko, pwede
silang magtrabaho dito balang araw.

"Sorry for being late, ma'am. We already searched for them before coming here and
we know where they are."

Sabi ng isa na nakipagkamay sa'kin pero huminto siya kay Kristoff.

"Is he involved with us?" Diretsong tanong sa'kin.

He was wearing a blue and white polo shirt, sleeves rolled up to elbow with slacks.
Tayo ang buhok niya at siya ang matangkad sa kanila. He stood tall and proud with
his mild built body.

"No. But he's safe." Sabi ko at tumango siya. We led them inside the house, in my
office.

"Nakita niyo na ang mga bata? Nasan sila?" Kristoff immediately intervened.

"Yes. Pero kailangan na agad nating kumilos because where they are right now is bad
business."

"Business? Where are they exactly?" Tanong ko.

The other person sighed. He was wearing eyeglasses at naka beanie.

"Tinignan namin lahat ng CCTV near the school you mentioned and we conducted a
research first about you and the twins. Nakita don na magkasama silang pumuslit sa
school. Sinabayan nila ung papalabas na sasakyan kaya hindi sila nakita at nakuha
sila ilang kanto lang ang layo."

"Kinuha? Sinong kumuha?" Asik ni Kristoff.

"It seems that they were kidnapped by people whose business involves human
trafficking."

Agad na tumulo ang luha ko dahil don. I was scared. Parang biglang gumuho ang mundo
ko. Nanginginig ako ng matindi.

"Hey, what happened? Ililigtas natin sila pangako, yan jurt calm down."

Nagangat ang paningin ko. I saw how concern and worried Kristoff was. His eyes were
soft like the person I loved was looking at me. Not the new but the old Kristoff
came back. Niyakap ko siya at napahagulgol. He was soothing me by running his hand
up and down my back.

"Tama na. They'll be fine. Magiging okay ang lahat."

"Hindi mo naiintindihan,Kristoff. Walang nakakaintindi sa'kin." I said while crying

in his arms. "I won't let them be like me, Kris. I won't let them experience what I
had. Not my kids."
Chapter 37.2
I rested my head on the window inside a van while looking far away. Nakatingin lang
ako sa kawalan at kanina pa hindi tumitigil ang kaba at pag-aalala ko.

When I heard that my children were kidnapped to be sold to God knows where, hindi
ko kinaya. The mask I wore for a long time fell and I broke down. I cried and cried
in front of two people I didn't really know and in front of the person I was
pushing away from my life.

Bumalik lahat. Bumalik ang ilang mga alaala ko. From the moment when a man induced
Chloroform into my system using a towel to where we were shipped while inside a
cargo vessel.

I fisted my shaking palms and leaned my head against the vans window. Alam na ni
Kristoff ang tungkol sa kanila at kinakausap ata sila sa labas. Naghihintay lang
ako dito sa loob habang sila ay naghahanda para sa gagawin. They extended their
service to a rescue and raid operation. May kasamahan pala sila sa Philippine army
and NBI at iyon ang kinontak nila. Apat lang sila na sumama at hindi daw pwedeng
ang grupo lang nila ang gagawa.

So it's easy to cover-up and dispose evidence.

'Yan ang sinabi ni Kael. I didn't have any idea if he's pertaining to dead bodied
or anything but I hope that they kill them all. Mas mabuti pa 'yon.

Ayokong maranasan nila 'yon. Ayokong magmakaawa sila ng paulit ulit para lang
pakawalan sila. Para lang maligtas at para lang mabuhay sila. Ang umiyak ng paulit
ulit hanggang sa mapagod at magutom nalang. Like what I did but...no one helped me.

I did survived but with a complete 360 degree change.

Someone slid the door open perk hindi ko ito pinansin. I was busy staring blankly
at nothing. Nakatingin sa kawalan habang inaalala ang lahat. It's a mystery for me
why I did not cry over that past. I guess I got used to my nightmares... Except for
one scene.

"Here, drink this." Isang bukas na bote ng tubig ang humarang sa paningin ko at
napatingin ako sa kanan. Nakatingin sakin ng diretso si Kristoff at hindi ko
magawang basahin ang laman ng tingin niya dahil sa sobrang pagod.

I lazily took and drank the content. Hindi ko napansin na sobrang uhaw na pala ako
dahil halos maubos ko na ang laman.

Kinuha niya ang bote at pinagpatuloy ko ang pagtingin sa kawalan.

I heard him slightly chuckled. "You look like a mess."

Agad umarko ang kilay ko at napatingin sa kanya. He continue to laugh with his eyes
closed that gave me a chance to assess him.

"You changed." Sabi ko.

Dati lagi akong nakakarinig ng papuri sa kanya. Na kahit magulo ang ayos ko at
kahit puro dumi ay ako parin ang pinaka maganda sa buong mundo. He was showering me
with praises that made me felt like I was truly the most beautiful woman in the
world. My heart always worked triple times whenever he said that. I would then
become giddy all of the sudden but I wouldn't show it that much to him. Lagi niya
kong nakikitang namumula ang pisngi tapos ngingitian niya ko at mabilis na
hahalikan kaya kumakalat ang pula hanggang sa leeg ko.

I am me whenever I'm with him.

Not anymore. His laugh died to a smile but his eyes said the opposite. Alam kong
nahihirapan at nag-aalala din siya pero kailangan kong mamili.

"I guess." He shrugged. "But you're still the most beautiful." Hindi ko alam kung
aware siya sa sinabi niya o hindi. Hindi kasi siya nakatingin sakin at busy sa
pagsara ng bote. "That's true."

He was smiling at me. The kind of smile that could send tornado in the pit of my
stomach and creep red shade on my cheeks. As always.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin and he let a weary sigh. Tapos tumahimik ng konti bago siya
nagsalita.

"What did you mean na ayaw mong maranasan nila ang kaya ng naranasan mo?"

My body tensed in his question and then the images started to come back. I kept
quiet. The only thing I did was shut my eye shut, hoping that the images would stop
flashing but they didn't. Nakakuyom ulit ng mahigpit ang mga kamay ko and I started
to breath faster.Hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang init ng kamay niya sa kamay ko.

Bakit ga'non? I tried so hard to kept them away from my mind pero hinawakan niya
lang ako, nawala na sila agad?

The sincerity and concern were reflecting thru his eyes. His eyes were also soft na
parang nawala ang lamig at ulap ng galit na nakita ko kanina noong muli kaming
magkita.

He smiled. "It's okay if-"

"I was sold to their f-father." Napaiwas ako ng tingin habang tahimik lang siya and
I took that as a cue to continue. "I-uh..I.."

Nauutal ako. Para akong nawalan ng boses. Hindi ko alam na ganito ang epekto ng
maraming taong tinago namin sa aming mga sarili ang nangyari. We didn't talk about
it. Not even to each other.

I felt him squeeze my hand making me feel his support. Na nadyan siya sa tabi ko so
I sighed and continued, my eyes still not looking at him at my head resting again
against the window.

"I was kidnapped and sold to a group of human trafficking syndicate then shipped in
a cargo vessel somewhere in Asia. There were many of us. All girls, scared and
crying. They didn't feed us for two days while we travelled inside a truck only to
be sold again to a drug lord. Pinapila kami para lang pagpillian na parang bilihin
sa grocery. Like we were items. Then I was chosen. Dalawa kami and his reason was
because we have grey eyes. He made us his slaves until we were.. .saved- that's
what the cops called what they did."

I was shocked how my voice came out flat and straight. Parang normal lang na usapan
ang naganap. Ni hindi man lang ako kinabahan o nagdalawang isip. The words flowed
perfectly through my mouth. I guess the past didn't scare me as much now and that
made me felt better.

"That drug lord.." napaharap ako sa kanya. "Was h-he...."

"Yes." Halata sa kanyang nahihirapan siya sa pagtatanong. Sinagot ko na agad dahil

alam ko naman ang gusto niyang tanungin.

Kung ito ba ang anak ng mga bata. I wanna say no because he's not really the
father, just a sperm donor. But it's different because he didn't donate. It was
forced.

My mouth parted with a sudden intake of breath when I felt his hand on my cheek.
Hinaplos niya iyon na para bang isa itong babasagin na materyales habang nakangiti
at sa tagal na magkasama kami simula kanina, ngayon lang ako ngumiti ulit sa kanya
ng totoo. He was here and it's enough.

"Clear! No hot scene in here. Only touching of face." Napabitaw siya at napatingin
kami sa pintuan. We didn't even notice that someone opened it until he shouted.
Hindi ko makita ang mukha niya dahil nasa complete protective gear siya. Only his
part below the nose was visible.

"Siraulo ka talaga. I told you to inform them, didn't I?" someone in a similar suit
said after smacking the back of his head. "Why are you even here? Are you even
approved to be here with a....gun?" Nagkatinginan kami ni Kristoff and he shrugged.

"I'm always carrying my gun and it's always loaded." His voice low. Makahulugan
itong ngumiti at napailing ung isa.

"My children are in danger and you're playing around? If anyone of them got hurt,
I'll take it on to your team for slacking back." I threatened.

Umayos sila ng tayo at natauhan. "We're sorry, ma'am. We're here to inform you that
all were in position and we will commence the rescue operation in 5 minutes-well
four. You're both required to stay here for protection. This van is bulletproof and
doors need to be locked after we leave. Estimated time of procedure is 7-10
minutes. We will make sure that we will keep them safe and deliver them straight to
you do no need to worry."

Sabi nung pangalawang dumating.

"Bring them back safe. Aasahan namin ang grupo niyo." Seryosong pero may pag-
aalalang sabi ni Kristoff.

"Don't worry, sir. Just seat back and relax but don't do something naughty, okay."
Nakangiting sabi nung unang dating at sinarado ang pinto.

"Magagawa kaya niya ang trabaho niya ng maayos." Nakakunot kong sabi patungkol don
sa una.

"Gaya nga ng sinabi mo, they're very professional and highly paid." Pagpapagaan
niya ng loob ko pero hindi parin nito nabawasan ang kaba ko.

Kinakabahan ako at hindi nawawala sa isip ko ang mga bagay na pwedeng mangyari sa
kanila. I know he's nervous as much as I was. Sa sobrang pag-aalala ko, hindi ko
namalayan na nakaakbay na siya sa'kin. He pulled me closer and almost hugging me.

"They'll be fine. We just need to pray and God will help us." He whispered and
kissed the top of my head.

And that's what we did. We prayed.

-------

"No, Rainne. Everything will be fine." Nagpupumiglas ako sa kapit niya. I wanted to
get out of this damn car and he's trying to stop me.

Ilang minuto ang lumipas mula kanina ay nakarinig agad kami ng malalakas na putok
ng baril. Medyo malayo ang site pero rinig na rinig namin. Nasa isang malaking
bahay ang hideout nila malapit sa Manila Bay. I wanted to get out and I was really
worried. I felt useless and it made me feel crazy and hysterical.

"Bitawan mo ko..Ugh!." Natataranta na pasigaw ko. Nakapulupot ang mga braso niya sa
bewang ko at pinipilit niya kong ibalik sa upuan ko kanina pero mapilit ako. I was
slapping his arms away while my body's bent forward trying to reach the door.

"Let go!!!" Pinaghahampas ko siya ng ilang beses at nang makabitaw siya ay binuksan
ko agad ang pinto.

"Rainne, get back here. Baka mapahamak ka pa." Tumakbo ako ng tumakbo at hindi siya
pinansin. I did not care about my safety. All I wanted was the safety of my kids. I
almost tripped but continued to ran after disposing my shoes.

The gunshots were getting louder and louder. Huminto ako nang matanaw ko ung bahay.
May mga sasakyan malapit sa gate at may mga otoridad na nakaposisyon at nakatutok
ang baril sa bukana ng bahay.

Lumapit ako pero may humarang sa'kin. "Miss, bawal ka dito. This is an ongoing
operation at delikado."

"Umalis ka dyan." Humarang ulit siya nang nagtangka akong lagpasan siya.

"Hindi pwede, miss."

"Sorry, sir. Ako nang bahala sa kanya." Biglang sabi ni Kristoff na sumunod pala
sa'kin. Hinawakan niya ang braso ko pero nakatingin parin ako sa bahay kahit pa
nung niyakap niya ko.

Nakatingin lang kami don hanggang isa isang lumabas ang mga otoridad. Bawat isa sa
kanila at may kargang bata. Ang iba naman ay may kinokoberan na mga babae.
Binitawan ako ni Kristoff at hinila.

My eyes were searching for Seven and Nine.

Nasaan na sila? Please! Please lang po. Make them safe, please.

May mga humarang na naman sa'min kaya wala kaming nagawa kung hindi ang sumilip
lang. Ang gulo ng paligid. Lahat sila mabilis na gumagalaw na nagpapadagdag ng
tensyon. The ones they rescued were crying and some were shaking out of fear.

"Oh my God!" napasinghap at napatakip ako sa bibig nang makita ko si Nine na

umiiyak habang karga ng isang lalaki. "Nine!" I shouted and tried to run to them
but they were pushing us back.

"That's our daughter. Let us through." Galit na sabi ni Kristoff at tinuro si Nine.

One of them walked to the man carrying her that looked at us before carrying Nine
fast towards our direction.

"NINE!" napaharap sa'min si Nine at bumuhos ang mga luha ko nang makita niya kami.
Ang anak ko!

"Da-D-Daddy ko. M-mommy!" Kinuha siya ni Kristoff at niyakap namin siya ng

mahigpit.

Humahagulgol siya ng sobra. Ibinaba ni Kristoff si Nine at lumapit sa nagdala dito.

"What are you guys doing here? Didn't they tell you to stay in the van?"

"Where's Seven?"

Naririnig kong naguusap sila. "Shh.. We're here." Malambing kong sabi kahit na
tumutulo ang luha ko. Inayos ko ang magulong buhok niya at pinunasan ang mga luha.
Her eyes were blood shot red due to crying as well as her cheeks and nose. May mga
gasgas din siya at mga pasa sa braso at wala na ang eye patch niya. Naaawa ako sa
kanya. Naaawa ako para sa anak ko kaya niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. Anong ginawa
nila sa mga anak ko?

"M-mommy! I'm s-scared. S-Seven... I wan...wanna go h-home."

"Rainne, Nine let's go." Binuhat ni Krisftoff si Nine.

"Seven! What happened to him? Why is he like that?" Buhat ni Kael ang anak kong
lalaki na walang malay.

He had wounds and bruises like Nine but much more. Parang may pumipiga ng puso ko
nang makita siyang ganon.

"Let's go back to the van." Kael said in haste kasunod ang tatlong kasamahan niya.
Lahat sila nakasuot ng protective gear pero si Kael walang suot ang ulo.

0ߌ‫ߌذߌذ‬

"Umalis na sila?" I nodded. Lumapit ako sa kama ni Seven at umupo. I brushed away
the bangs almost covering his eyes to the side.

Si Kristoff ay nakatayo at nakatingin kay Nine habang nakahalukipkip.

Kinausap ko muna sila tungkol sa bayaran and since nailigtas nila ang mga anak ko
nang wala pang isang araw, I doubled the payment.

"They're only six years old." Maluha luhang sabi ko.

"You need to rest too."

"You too, Kristoff. Kailangan mo naring umuwi."

I noticed His jaw clenched and gritted his teeth. Mukhang nagbago ang mood niya
pero hindi ko alam kung bakit.

"Fine I'll leave. Mukang gusto mong umalis na agad ako."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "That's not what I mean."

Kanina ko pa kasi napapansing umiilaw ang telepono niya pero hindi niya pinapansin.
Iniisip niya ba na gusto ko siyang umalis agad? Bakit niya ba naisip 'yon?
Because you're always pushing him away. My conscience rebutted.

Hinalikan niya sa noo ang dalawang bata at umalis. "Kristoff, wait."

Tinatawag ko siya habang hinahabol siya. Bigla siyang humarap nang makarating kami
sa baba.

"I'm so tired of this Rainne. I'm so tired of chasing you while you do everything
to push me away and when you're finally in my reach, you played me. Kahit ngayon
tinutulak mo kong palayo. I did everything for you. I even threw away my pride and
beg. I-I uhh... I'm sorry. I'm just too tired. Aalis nalang ako."

Pipigilan ko sana ulit siya nang bigla kaming matigilan dahil sa mga sigaw at iyak.

Nasa taas ng hagdan sina Nine at Seven na umiiyak habang magkahawak ang kamay. Nang
makita nila kami ay lalo pa silang umiyak at mabilis na bumaba ng hagadan.

Mabilis namin silang sinalubong ni Kristoff. Lumuhod ako at sinalubong sila ng

yakap. Kristoff also knelt down beside me.

"M-mommy, don't l-eave me." Humihikbing sabi ni Seven.

"I won't baby. I won't. I'll always stay beside you, okay?" He nodded while burying
his face on my neck.

Iniharap ni Kristoff si Nine na umiiyak din. "Tell me baby Nine. Bakit kayo umalis
ng school na wala si yaya Leah?"

"We wanna see you, daddy. Pupunta sana po kami sa work mo tapos di namin alam ung
way. Then the bad guys took us. We were crying and calling for you and mommy but
they hit us tapos kinuha nila ung eye patch ko. Seven tried to take it back but
they hurt him ng marami."

Nakita ko ang galit sa mga mata ni Kristoff bago buhatin si Nine. Ako naman ay
napakagat ng labi sa galit.

How dare them. Humanda sila sa'kin.

Naiilang parin ako pag napapatingin sa mata ni Nine pero hindi na mahalaga 'yon.
Hearing that they hurt my children made me see red all of the sudden. Hindi ako
makukuntentong nasa kulungan lang sila. Gaganti ako. Humanda sila.

"Rainne."

Tumango ako kay Kristoff. "Seven let's go. Tutulog na tayo." Kinakalas ko ang yakap
niya sakin pero humigpit lang ito. Binuhat ko narin siya at dinala namin sila sa
kwarto nila pero ayaw nila. Natatakot sila na baka mawala daw ulit kami kaya don
nalang ulit sa kwarto nam-ko kami tabi tabing natulog.

Kristoff was having second thoughts pero naawa siya sa mga bata kaya pumayag narin.
Natulog kami nang nasa gitna ang kambal.

Nagising ako nang wala sila. Bumaba agad ako at nakitang nakahanda na ang
hapagkainan.

"Mommy!" Sigaw ni Nine habang tumatakbo at niyakap agad ang mga binti ko.
Napatingin naman samin si Seven at ginaya ang ginawa ni Nine. Ang pagkakaiba nga
lang, hindi niya binitawan ang kamay ko hanggang magsimulang kumain. Masaya ako at
nakita ko silang maayos ang pakiramdam di gaya kagabi pero bumabalik ang galit ko
kapag nakikita ko ang mga sugat nila.

That made me think. May kailangan pa pala akong tapusin.

"Why are you leaving daddy?" Mangiyak ngiyak na tanong ni Nine.

After kasi ng agahan ay sinagot ni Kristoff ang isang tawag at nagsabing aalis na.
Ngayon, nakaluhod siya ngayon sa harap ng mga bata habang hawak ang tig-isang kamay
nila.

"Daddy needs to do something important. Babalik din ako sa makalawa."

He reasoned, his eyes apologetic.

"When's makalawa?" Malungkot at nakayukong tanong ni, Seven.

Pinagmamasdan ko sila ilang hakbang mula sa likod ng nga bata.

"After ng dalawang bukas." Seven lazily nodded while Nine whined.

"But that's too long. Dito ka nalang, daddy. Huwag ka nang mag-work. Don't leave
us."

"Gusto din dito nalang pero..." he looked at my direction and I immediately looked
away. "Daddy needs to attend his...his w-wedding."

Napauwang ang bibig ko sa gulat at mabilis na napatingin sa kanya pero nakatingin

ito sa mga bata at nakangiti. Hindi siguro naintindihan ng mga bata but that one
word was painful than me being violated.

Nag-uusap sila pero wala akong marinig. Anong gagawin ko? I-Ikakasal siya? Kanino?
Natuloy parin ba ang kasal nila ng pinsan ni Azel? Bakit walang nababanggit si
Azel? Bakit hindi ko alam. H-hindi yon pwede.

"Rainne." tawag niya at sa isang iglap ay nasa harap ko na siya. May sinasabi siya
pero ang taning laman lang ng utak ko ay ung ikakasal siya sa iba. "Babalik ako
tomorrow ni-"

"You're getting married?" Bulaslas ko.

Ngumiti siya ng pilit "Yes." The way he confirmed it made me wanna cry. Sa totoo
lang, nagiinit na ang gilid ng mga mata ko pero sa halip na umiyak ako, nginitian
ko siya at pilit na pinigil ang mga luha.

"Congrats." lumabas na parang bulong ang dapat malamig at matatag kong boses. My
mask slipped a bit.

I was just looking at him until he exited and disappeared.

Hindi ako mapakali kaya tinawagan ko si Azel. He confirmed. Tomorrow morning. He

was still talking about him thinking that it's not important but I cut the line.

Napaluhod agad ako sa sahig at napatakip ng bibig.

"Okay lang po ba kayo, ma'am?" Tanong ni Jess na pinabalik ni Kristoff sa trabaho

kasama ni Leah.

"Yes." pinahid ko ang ilang luha at tumayo. The kids playing not far from me were
looking at me and I smiled in assurance. They continued playing their toys while I
sat on the sofa near them.

Yun lang ang laman ng utak ko until I found myself driving after threatening their
nannies that I'll make their and their families lives miserable if they lost my
kids again.

They were exchanging I do's when I got there. I sat in the back in front of a noisy
couple and was wearing shades kaya hindi nakita ni Kristoff ang pagtulo ng luha ko
nang makita niya ko. I was praying that he'll stop

Pero tinuloy niya parin.

"I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

They shared a simple kiss and everybody else were cheering and applauding while I
was running to my car and crying.

ߘ‫ߒͰߒͰߒͰߘͰذ‬԰ߒ԰ߒҰߒ
Chapter 38
Kristoff

"Pre, the bride is here." Napapitlag ako nang marinig ang boses ni Greg. "Smile ano
kaba? Kasal mo to not funeral bakit ganyan ang itsura mo?"

"I think my funeral's way better." He smiled with sympathy.

Alam niya kasi ang tungkol sa'min ni Rainne. Sa restaurant niya ko minsan pumupunta
bago sa bar. He always listened and it was a good thing that he's my best man.
Actually, pagiging bestman lang niya ang inasikaso ko at yung iba hindi ko na alam.

I did not participate in preparing this. Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa malaking

simbahang puro dekorasyon. I preferred garden or beach wedding though. The theme
was white and purple but I was imagining gold and royal blue. That was her
favorite.

Mas maganda sana kung yung mga garden roses at lilies na nakapalibot sa lugar ay
mapalitan ng blue tulips. Tapos ung nilalakaran ng bride puro rose petals then our
chosen wedding music would start to play.

Nakangiting naglalakad si Seven habang dala dala ang mga singsing then Nine would
come skipping while throwing petals of flowers. Her giggles would lighten up my
nervous mood. She would definitely wave at me and I'd wave back.

Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti ng mataaw ko ang bride suot ang napakaganda pero
simpleng wedding dress. The veil was covering her entire face that made me even
more nervous and excited. Bakit ang bagal niyang maglakad? Gusto kong i-fast
forward ang lahat para tuluyan nang matapos itong seremonya at magiging akin na
siya. Forever.

She was getting closer. My heartbeat's getting faster and faster with her every
step in every second. I was sweating and my hands getting clammy. Ito ang epekto
niya hanggang tuluyan na siyang makapapit.

I was looking at her lovingly. My eyes were trying to peek behind the veil but all
I could see was her sweet lips smiling. How could I be so lucky? This is it and
after this, this goddess will be mine forever and ever. I will love her and cherish
her. Give everything she wants without second thought. I will do everything for
her. Everything! Until the day I-
"Kristoff?"

Just like that...my dreams popped like a weak bubble.

The reality I lived for a while turned out to be only an illusion. Naglaho agad ang
ngiti ko. Bumagsak ang balikat ko at sa hindi ko mabilang kung ilan... nadurog na
naman ang puso ko.

I was then forced to face the fact that I was here inside a church-not garden or
beach. The flowers were lilies and roses and not tulips. The ring bearer and the
flower girl were not the twins and the bride who's supposed to be the love of my
life, my bride and my future wife was Maureen.

"We're gathered here today to witness the union and marriage of this two souls."

Nagpatianod nalang ako sa mga pangyayari. The priest said that this is a union
they're witnessing but for me it's not. Parang papatawan nila ako ng sintensya.

"Kristoff!"

"Huh?" napatingin ako Mau. Napakunot ang noo ko at mukha siyang nag-aalala.
Nagsimula naring magbulungan ang mga tao.

Ano na ba ang nangyayari?

"Tinatanong ka na ni father." Bulong ni Maureen. Napaharap naman ako kay father na

nakangiti. Inulit niya ang tanong pero parang umurong ang dila ko at hindi agad
nakasagot.

Humigpit ang hawak nito sa kamay ko. Alam ko kung anong iniisip niya. Na baka
nagdadalawang isip ako. Of course nagdadalawang isip ako pero hindi ko lang alam
kung ito ba ang nararapat.

Lumakas ang bulung bulungan ng mga tao. Nakita ko si dad at mom na mukang
ninenerbyos at ang ama ni Maureen na nakakunot ang noo at may mapagbantang tingin.
Nilibot ko pa ang tingin ko sa mga tao tapos nakita ko siya.

She was sitting at the back end of the church. Hindi ko pinansin ang mukang
nagtatalong magkasintahan sa harap niya at siya lang ang tinignan ko.

Why is she here?

Gusto ko siyang puntahan at tanungin.

Does she want me back? Nandito ba siya para sabihing mahal niya 'ko? Pipigilan niya
ba kong magpakasal?

I was searching her eyes but her shades forbid me to.

She never loved you.

"Kristoff, answer him, please."

Maureen's voice was pleading. Tumitig ako sa mga mata niyang nagmamakaawa bago
dumapo ang mga mata ko sa tiyan niya.

I wanted to get out of here, go to her and live with her together with Seven and
Nine. Magiging masaya kami pero sa kabilang banda. Pa'no naman ang anak ko kay
Maureen. Hindi siya lalaki ng walang ama pero. Mamahalin ko siya at hindi ako
magkukulang pero lalaki rin siyang hindi buo ang pamilya niya.

I couldn't be irresponsible.

"I d-do." Bagsak ang balikat kong bumulong.

Their gasps of relief were audible. The ceremony continued until the end.

"You may now kiss the bride." Mabilis ang ginawad kong halik sa kanya. Malapad ang
ngiti niya pero hindi ko kayang magpakita ng kahit anong kasiyahan. Ang mga tao
nagpapalakpakan at masaya. Lahat sila maliban sa groom.

"Aaaahhhh!"

"We're being surrounded!!!"

Isang sigaw ang umalingawngaw sa buong simbahan. Sinundan pa ito ng sunud sunod na
putok ng baril. Nagkagulo. Nagsigawan ang mga tao at nag-unahan sa paglabas ng
simbahan. Everybody's panicking and shouting.

Agad akong kinabahan at isa lang ang laman ng isip ko. Si Rainne.

Agad akong tumingin sa inupuan niya kanina at nang hindi ko siya makita, tumakbo
ako.

"Where are you going? Let's go." Maureen was holding my hand, stoping me to go.
Nasa likod niya ang mga magulang namin na puno ng kaba at pag-aalala.

"Go with them." Tinanggal ko ang mga kamay niya at mabilis na umalis.

Rinig kong tinatawag nila ako pero nagpatuloy lang ako. I zigzagged my way out
through the panicking and running crowds. I pushed pass them until I got out.

Where is she? God, Please. Baka nasaktan siya?

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. Ni hindi ko inalam kung saang direksyon galing
ang mga putok ng baril dahil ang gusto ko lang ay makita siya. To make sure she's
safe.

Pa'no kung natamaan siya? Sh!t!

Natataranta na ko kakahanap at kakalingon sa paghahanap. Fvck! Nasan na ba?

"Rainne!" Sigaw ko.

Nakatayo siya sa gitna ng kalsada. Her eyes visible full of curiosity and fear but
it disappeared when she saw me. She started to run towards my direction and I did
the same until we met and hugged in between.

They moment I felt her inside my embrace made me felt instant relief. She fitted
perfectly inside my arms. She was a bit small and soft. I tightened my embrace and
our bodies mold together like a perfect puzzle. I felt perfect and with her was
where I knew I belong.

Naramdaman kong umiiyak siya kaya nagpanic na naman ako. Kumawala ako at
ininspeksyon ang bawat parte ng katawan niya.

"Are you hurt? Sh!t! Sa'n banda?"

He stopped me by touching both hands and smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine."

Bumuntong hininga ako at napahawak sa noo. "Thank God!"

Panandaliang nawala ang pag-iisip ko tungkol sa kaguluhan peor bumalik ito nang may
bumungo sa'kin at nagmamadaling sumakay ng sasakyan.

"C'mon. I need you safe." Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at hinila.

Kailangan agad naming makaalis. Baka may kung ano pang mangyari sa kanya.

Nahagip ng paningin ko ang dalawang taong mukang may pinagtatalunan. Wait! I know
those two! Sila ung nasa harap kanina ni Rainne. There's something odd with those
two.

Pasakay sila sa sasakyan at hila ko si Rainne habang lumalapit sa kanila. Nagulat

sila ng buksan ko ang passenger seat at don sumakay.

"Hi!" pareho silang nakanganga dahil sa gulat then the girls face turned into
horror and fear.

"Pucha ka, unggoy. Huli na tayo! Ayokong makulong." Pinaghahampas niya sa braso ung
kasama niya. Maikli lang ang buhok niya at morena. Naka sleeveless blouse at skinny
jeans.

"Sweetheart, Aray naman, stop-ouch!"

"Loko ka, bwiset. Gawan mo 'to ng paraan."

"Stop it!" he shouted. "I'll fix this." Nagkatinginan kami ni Rainne. We didn't
know what they're talking about but my gut's telling me that they had something to
do with those gunshots. Humarap sa'kin ung lalaki na medyo mahaba ang buhok at
kulay light brown. When he saw us, his eyes showed recognition then guilt.

"We had nothing to do with those gunshots and if you're both thinking that I was
the one who played that sound effects, have in mind that she dared me to it."
Aniya. Gulat na napasinghap ung babae nang ituro siya nito at napakunot ang noo
niya.

Binatukan niya ito ng malakas. "Loko ka! Ano 'to laglagan e ikaw ang gumawa."

"What the hell, sweetheart. 'Pag ako nabaog!"

"Bobo ka talaga. Binabatukan kita, hindi binayagan. At ano naman kung mabaog ka.
Wala akong pake." Inuulit ulit pa nito ang pagbatok bago siya mahawakan sa dalawang
kamay.

Ngumiti ung lalaki ng nakakaloko. "So you're okay for adoption?" naningkit ang mga
mata ng babae. "And I told you don't worry. I know these two. They're our clients
the other day."

"You were with Kael?" biglang tanong ni Rainne. Ngumiti ito at tumango bago
bumaling sa kasama na hinila paballik ang kamay. "I won. What I did made her smile.
See?"

Lahat kami napatingin kay Rainne at totoo nga ang sinabi niya. She was smiling but
she immediately hid it by clearing her throat.
Why is she always hiding her feelings? If she's happy then smile or laugh. If she's
sad then cry. Bakit ba laging ganito?

"So kayo pala ang may gawa ng kaguluhan 'don."

"Please lang po, sir. 'Wag mo kaming isumbong okay. Gagawin namin lahat."
Pagmamakaawa nung babae.

Then I thought of something. "Take us away from here. Bahala kayo kung sa'n. As
long as it's peaceful and quiet."

"Ano pang ginagawa mo! Magmaneho ka'na!" sigaw niya.

"Right away, ma'am."

----

"I want you to buuuurrrn! Burn for me baayyybe! Like a candle in my life...oooohhh
buuuurrrnnn! Buu-"

"Tahimik! Manahimik ka. Kanina kappa kumakanta e ang pangit naman ng boses mo."

Nananakit na ang ulo ko. Kanina pa sila nag-aasaran at nagsisigawan sa byahe at

baka magising nila si Rainne. Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ko dahil nanggulo sila o
isiping minamalas kami at silang dalawa ang kasama namin ngayon.

Tinignan ko ang katabi kong mahimbing ang tulog. She looked peaceful, so quiet, so
serene. Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya at humigpit ang yakap niya sa bewang ko. It
made me smile remembering how she unconsciously wrapped her arms around me while I
slowly leaning her head on my shoulder as she slept. I wanted to experience that
forever but it was too late. We're too late.

"And now we arrived at our destination."

"San to?" tanong nung kasama niya.

Yun din ang tanong ko. Tinignan ko ang paligid na puro puno. Tapos nagpark siya sa
tapat ng malaking bahay. It was an old fashion house but you could see that it was
well maintained. Ginising ko si Rainne at bumaba na kami.

"We own this place. My mother wanted peace and quiet sometimes so my father bought
this old house and had it renovated. Don't worry, tagung tago ito sa lahat. Malayo
ito sa bayan pero kapag nandito kami, everyday pumupunta ung kasambahay. Sa bayan
siya nakatira and she's also the house keeper. I already called her and they might
be here any moment now."

"Saang parte ng Pilipinas to, unggoy?"

"Batangas."

Pumasok kami sa loob at agad kong napansin ang magandang interior nito. Hawak hawak
ko ang kamay ni Rainne habang naglalakad. Mukang makaluma sa labas pero magarbo ang
loob. Majority was made of wood and paintings of nature hung on the wall. Tahimik
ang buong lugar at payapa. I smiled because this was what we needed.

"Andyan ung house phone. May TV kaso walang cable and not that good cause the
signals weak. You can enjoy your stay here and don't forget about the expenses. If
you need clothes, may naiwan kaming dalawa ng kapatid ko. I think they'll fit. And
of course, no need to worry about being loud in here. You guys can be naughty.
Nobody will hear your moans and groans and you can have se-"

Agad siyang binatukan ng babae. "Yung bibig mo ang bastos. Siraulo ka." Ngumuso ung
lalaki habang hinihimas ang ulo. "Pasensya na po talaga sa ginawa namin."

"Ano ka ba, sweetheart. You shouldn't be apologizing. I mean look at them. Sila
talaga ang nababagay. Nung isang araw ko pa napapansin yun when we rescued their
daughter and son. That's another thing, may mga anak na sila."

"Thanks for bringing us here." I said changing the topic. "Hindi rin kami
magtatagal dito. Maybe for a day only. We still need to get back for the kids. We
still have works and I still need to fix what I...left."

Malungkot na ngumiti ung babae at bumuntong hininga naman ung isa.

"Sige po, sir aalis na po kami."

"Wait! Ano nga pala ang mga pangalan niyo?" tanong ni Rainne.

He smiled widely. "I'm fearlesswolf and she's kittenclaws." Natawa kami ni Rainne
habang napataas lang ng kilay si kittenclaws. He looked so proud with their names
with his hands on his hips.

"Talaga? Kittenclaws at Fearlesswolf?" he winked and she rolled her eyes.

"We'll leave you two alone."

Nang makaalis sila ay tinignan muna namin ang kwarto at nagpalit ng damit. Tahimik
kaming kumikilos at hindi nag-uusap.

What now? Ngayong solo na namin ang isa't isa, hindi namin magawang mag-usap ng
seryoso. We we're measuring each other's movements. Nagpapakiramdaman kung sino ba
ang mauuna.

Dumating ang mga kasambahay nang ganon parin ang sitwasyon namin. Tahimik at hindi
nag-uusap pero hindi ko na kinaya ang sitwasyon after ng dinner.

I know we're over but it's obvious that we need to talk. I was not hoping for
things to be fixed between us but to pass this issue aside. We need to let go and
move on. I was a married man now it was just so unfortunate that I wasn't married
to her.

Binuksan ko ang pinto sa kwarto at nadatnan ko siyang nakaupo sa kama. She

immediately stood up when she saw me. Her eyes soft and warm. She was playing with
her fingers and I knew that she's also looking forward for this.

"We need to talk." She softly said.

ܰ ܰ Űߏ
Ұ߇հ߇Ͱ߇հ߇Ͱ߇հ߇ͰߙŰߙߏ

Naasar ako sa pagkatalo ni Pacman... parang natapakan ang Filipino pride ko.
Kaasar..Hay! Etong bagong update para kahit papano gumaan kahit konti pakiramdam
niyo. Nood nalang ako ng avengers.. Siguradong walang tao sa mall. Nagluluksa!

Abangan ang kanilang pag-uusap. Hanggang chapter 45 lang to promise.

And also... 50 comments and 70 votes for this chapter... Pahinga muna ko saglit....
Chapter 39.1
Alonna

"We need to talk." Yan agad ang sinabi ko pagkapasok palang niya.

Kinakabahan ako at hindi ko mapigilang paglaruan ang mga daliri at singsing ko

dahil sa nerbyos. Sasabihin ko na. I'm going to say that I want him back. That I'll
never going to push him away again.

He was standing there with a simple round neck gray shirt and maong. Kahit ano
talagang isuot niya bumabagay sa kanya. He was just too perfect for me.

"Yeah. I think we should." He smiled a bit. "Kailangan talaga nating mag-usap."

"I agree."

"Yes. We need to about us. I mean kailangan natin yon para kalimutan na ang
nakaraan and start a new. Soooo... You were there."

"Should we sit first."

"Ow. Yeah-right." He chuckled and sat at the end of the bed. I did the same and sat
beside him but not that close. Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. Alam kong naiilang siya sa
pag-uusap na ito. Ako rin naman. Things right now between us are a bit awkward.

He cleared his throat and was starting to say something when I spoke directly to
the point.

"I want you back."

Nagulat siya at napalingon agad sa'kin. Nagtataka na para bang iniisip kung totoo
ba o hindi ang sinabi ko.

"What?"

"I said I want you back and I'm serious, Kristoff."

Napailing siya at tumayo. Nalilito ako sa kinikilos niya. Bakit? Hindi ba ito ang
dahilan kung bakit kami nag-uusap ngayon? For us to be together again?

He raked his fingers through his hair.

"I thought we're here to forget about the mess between us so that we could live our
lives separately?"

"Who said something about that? Nag-uusap tayo so we could be together again. I
love you and-"

"Wait." He closed his eyes shut. Tumalikod siya sakin at tumahimik saglit. Hindi ko
alam kung anong iniisip niya. Gusto kong malaman. Nung humarap siya at nakakunot
ang noo niya. "Is this another game you're playing because if it is, I don't want
any part of it. I'm done with it, Rainne at ayoko nang maniwala. Alam mo, nakikita
kong seryoso ka pero ayoko nang sumugal. I already have done that. I placed all I
had on the table and got nothing. I really want to believe you but you play good.
You play too good that it's hard for me to decide whether to disagree and have an
okay life or say yes just to end up broken again. Hindi ko talaga alam. And for the
record, I could settle for an okay life. An okay life without you."
My heart was mourning with his last words. Something piercing inside it that it
made me gasped silently for air.

Tinitigan ko ang malungkot niyang mga mata at alam kong ganun din ang nakikita niya
sa'kin. Ang sakit. Ang sakit lang. Ganito na ba ang resulta ng pag-iwan ko kanya.
Sa pagtulak ko sa kanya paglayo? Is this the price I need to pay?

"I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry for pushing you away. I'm sorry for saying those words to
you at hindi kita masisisi kung ganyan ang iniisip mo. Nagkamali ako, Kristoff. I
didn't mean those things. Not a thing. Please believe me this time, please." I
sounded like begging pero wala akong pakialam.

My voice was pleading pero luluhod ko sa harap niya para mapatawad niya lang ako.
Para ibalik ang nakaraan at para mapasaakin siya ulit. Alam kong hindi lang kami
ang involve. Alam kong maraming masasaktan pero wala rin akong pakialam. I would be
selfish as I could be para lang sa kanya. I would take this shot to have him again.

Hindi siya sumagot. Tahimik lang siya pero nang lumungkot lalo ang mukha niya at
yumuko, alam ko na ang isasagot niya. Naramdaman kong bumabaon ang malaking punyal
sa puso ko. Gusto kong umiyak. Gusto kong ipakita ang pagluluksa ko. My mourning
for the man and love I was slowly losing. Pero hindi ako pwedeng maging maghina.
Being weak and crying won't help me. She taught me that.

Agad ko siyang niyakap ng mahigpit. "No please, Kristoff. N-andito na ko. Hindi na
ko susuko. I'll stay beside you like you wanted me to just don't say no to this. To
us. I'll hold your hand as tight as you want to. Hindi na ko magiging mahina.
Natatakot lang akong masaktan ka pero hindi na ko matatakot so give us the chance
to start a new."

Ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya at tibok ng puso. I wanted to savour this
feeling for the rest of my life. I wanted him forever but then my tears started to
fall when he slowly unwrapped my arms around him.

"Sorry." he whispered sadly. Umangat ang tingin ko sa kanya at nakita ang mga
malulungkot at maluha luha niyang mata. "We already had our chance and it's over.
We're too l-ate." Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko while his thumb wiped my tears away.
"P-please don't cry. Seeing you like this makes my heart breaks more."

Tinanggal ko ang kamay niya bago tumalikod at tahimik na umiyak. My hands covered
my face as I tried to hide my sobs from him. This is all my fault. I'm the only one
to blame for this loss.

Ramdam ko muli ang init mula sa katawan niya nang niyakap niya ko mula sa likod.
Humigpit ito at hindi ko na natago ang pag-iyak ko. Hindi ako makahinga sa sobrang
sakit na parang gusto ko nang mamatay nalang.

"I'm s-o sorry, Rainne." Garalgal niyang sabi.

Umiling iling ako at kumawala sa yakap niya. Hindi ko matatanggap na ganito matapos
ito. Na mawala siya sakin. Nakita ko ang paluha niyang mga mata.

"Is this about her? About Maureen? Don't worry. I'm okay with any set-up you like.
Seryoso ako nung sinabi kong I could settle as a mistress. Okay lang sa'kin kahit
sa kanya ka umuwi. Okay lang kun-"

"Rainne, look at me." Naging nalikot ang mga mata ko. Fvck! Ngayon lang ako naging
desperado ng ganito. Ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng isang bagay na ginusto kong
makuha higit pa sa paghihiganting pinagplanuhan namin. He held both my shoulder and
searched for my eyes. Bumuntong hininga siya at inangat ang mukha ko. "And I'm also
serious when I said I won't put you in that position." Dismayado niyang sabi.

"Y-you also said that y-ou'll make me your w-wife. That we'll spend the rest of our
lives together." pumiyok ako. Natigilan siya sa mga sinabi ko at nag-iwas ng
tingin. "I'm already married."

Alam ko. Gusto kong sabihin yan perk ayaw tanngapin ng isip ko. Alam kong kasal na
siya because I was there. I saw them said their I do's and I was there when they
kissed. Hindi ko na nakayanang tapusin-wait!

"It's not finished." Bulong ko at nagtataka siyang tumingin sa'kin. "Did you signed
the papers?"

His face registered confusion then shock. I knew he realized something and that
moment, alam kong may pag-asa pa. My eyes lit up at nabuhayan ako ng loob.

"Hindi. Nagkagulo na bago pa namin mapirmahan." sabi niya nang nakatingin sa

kawalan.

"You're not yet married. You're not yet married!" I exclaimed with a smile.
Nakangiti at masaya rin siyang tumingin sakin pero saglit lang 'yon. Bigla siyang
nalungkot at umupo sa kama.

Bakit? Wala na kaming problema. Nanatili siyang tahimik, nag-iisip ng malalim. Head
bowed down while his face was buried in his hands.

"I still can't. I'm still responsible for her."

"Bullsh1t!" Sigaw ko. Hindi ko na kinaya. Samabog na at kumawala ang nasa loob ko.
"Pa'no naman ako? You have no responsibility to her...."

"Rainne, calm down."

"You are mine. At kung hindi nila maintindihan 'yon wala akong pakialam sa kanila.
Kasalanan niya to. She forces me to so it and now this is happening."

Tumalikod ako at sinabunutan ang sarili. Sh1t! Hindi ko na kaya. Masisiraan na ko

ng bait. Nararamdaman kong nawawalan na 'ko ng kontrol sa sarili. Mangyayari na
naman ulit yung dati. Tama na! Ayoko na!

"Honey, huminahon ka." Narinig ko ang lambing at pag-aalala sa boses niya.

Napatingin ako sa kamay niyang maingat na humahaplos sa braso ko. kumunot ang noo
ko sa galit nang makita ang singsing niya. The ring the binds him to that woman.
Marahas kong pinahid ang mga luha ko, kinuha ang kamay niya at pilit na tinanggal
ung singsing.

I tried talking to her as Alonna and if that didn't work, I would have to let the
Rainne out inside me.

"This ring." malamig kong sabi at inangat ang singsing sa harap niya pagkakuha ko.
"Hindi mo dapat suot 'to."

"What are you doing? Give it back." Inilahad niya ang kamay na inismiran ko.

"This should be disposed like the slut you're supposed to marry. Let me take care
of it."

I walk to the window and threw it outside. Bumagsak ito sa hardin at hindi ko
tinignan kung saan. Sana mawala na'yon ng tuluyan. Kunin ng mga insekto mabulok sa
ilalim ng lupa.

Hindi siya makapaniwala sa ginawa ko nang harapin ko ito. Wala siyang magawa kung
hindi ang bumuntong hininga at masahiin ang batok.

"The only ring I want you to pay attention to for now is this." Inangat ko ang
kamay ko. "Ito lang dapat."

His eyes wide and mouth open as he stared at the ring I was wearing. Gulat na gulat
siya habang tinitignan ang singsing sa kamay ko. Gumalaw siya at dahan dahang
lumapit at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Maingat at puno ng pagmamahal.

"You f-found it." he whispered. Nakatitig lang siya sa kamay kong patuloy niyang
hinahaplos. Hinayaan ko siya. Gusto kong makita niyang tinanggap ko ang noon sanay
iaalok niya sa'kin. "Y-you're wearing i-it." His voice broke and his hand was
shaking. Nang maramdaman ko ang luha niyang pumatak sa mga daliri ko, I cupped his
face with both hands.

He was crying because of pure happiness like I was.

One week after niyang umalis, after kong magawa ang isang pagkakamali ko, nakita ko
ang isang maliit na kahon sa dating kwarto niya. Nakalagay ito sa kabinet. That was
the time I realized that I made that very big mistake of my life. The time I saw
the most beautiful engagement ring. It bears a blue sapphire and with diamonds
around it. I cried after that for the whole night. I even felt asleep crying at
simula no'n, lagi ko na siyang dala.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko kung saan suot ko ang singsing. Ang isang kamay naman
niya ay pumulupot sa bewang ko. Hinalik halikan niya ito bago niya pinagdikit ang
noo namin. His eyes closed while I enjoy the feeling of his deep breath fanning me
as he pulled me closer. so close that no air couldn't pass between us. He was
smiling the entire time.

My thumb slowly caressed his face. He opened his eyes slowly and looked at me with
love and adoration. His eyes soft and full of happiness. I wanted to see him like
this every time and I know how to do that. Hindi niya na kailangang magtanong.
Hindi niya na kailangang sabihin ang mga salitang yon because I already know what
to answer to his unspoken proposal. Our hearts understood it already and words did
not matter.

"Yes." I whispered while smiling. "I will marry you." I immediately crashed my lips
on him and not a moment passed, we found ourselves engaged in a deep, heated and
breathtaking intense kiss.

ܰߒϰߒϰߒϰߒ

Comments : 300

Votes : 400

Sorry for the lame update.

Chapter 39.2
SPG

Azel
I'm not in the fvcking mood right now. Nakakunot ang noo kong umorder ng kape.
Ilang araw na kong ganito simula nang ihatid ko si Rainne sa bahay niya at nakita
ko 'don ang lalaking dapat papakasalan ni Maureen.

That asshole went missing during the commotion yesterday on their wedding.
Maureen's still devastated and I bet she's either crying or stuck in her room.
Napabuntong hininga ako at umupo sa bakanteng upuan.

Hindi ko maiwasang maawa sa pinsan ko. Nasusuka man ako na sabihin ito but it was
her dream to be wed to that prick pero nagulo pa. Pirmahan nalang ang kulay at
tapos na. and who ever created that prank on their wedding, I wished they just die.
Manggugulo lang sa kasal pa ng pinsan, mga siraulong tarantado.

I almost chocked when I took a sip of my coffee.

Why is this sh!t so bitter? Sobrang black naman 'ata nito. Pwe!

"Azel?"

Pinunasan ko ng tissue ang bibig ko bago nag-angat ng tingin."Cindy. Fancy seeing

you here." Tumayo ako at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

"Likewise."

"Take a seat." Pinaghila ko siya upuan at umupo ako sa tapat. "Wow! You changed
your hair." Nakangiting tanong ko. Her hair was still long but she's now brunette
instead of blonde.

She smile seductively. "Yeah! I suddenly wanted a change."

"Well, it suits you."

"Thanks." She said and took a sip of her coffee. "So. Are you dating someone?" she
casually said.

Mapait akong ngumiti. Am I dating someone? Ang totoo hindi ko alam. Yes we had
casual sex and all. Some dinner and lunch for some time but I'm not sure if she and
I are really dating. Parang mutual understanding lang or were we just flirting?
Hindi ko alam.

I shrugged and sighed before taking a sip. "Hmmm. Complicated?"

"Yes, complicated." Bulong ko at tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

"Well. If you wanted a buddy..." mapang-akit niya sabi. Napatingin ako sa kamay
niyang hinahaplos ang kamay ko. Tinanggal ko agad ang kamay ko.

"You're no fun anymore." She whined while pouting. "You're reaction says that
you're into someone." Tumaas ang kilay niya at mapang-asar na ngumiti.

Umiling ako. "Where did you go? You suddenly disappeared."

"Oh, no no! Don't change the topic. So tell me."

I chuckled and looked at her straight. Talagang gusto niyang malaman ang tungkol
'don. Nakangiti sya at naghihintay. "She's very...hard to read. I'm not even sure
what we are right now. Sometimes she's hot and into me. We flirt, make out and do
more than that actually then in a snap, she's back to her cold self then disregard
me just like that. Just like now."
Kumunot ang noo ko sa naisip. I kept on calling Rainne and she wouldn't answer.
Tinawagan ko rin siya sa bahay pero sabi ng mga katulong, kahapon pa ng umaga ito
hindi bumabalik. What if-fvck!

Pa'no kung magkasama sila? What if she went to the wedding and what if she was the
one who did that fuss? Hindi naman siguro diba? Rainne wouldn't do that pero pa'no
nga kung magkasama sila?

"Please don't tell me that it's Rainne." Seryosong sabi niya habang nakakunot ang
noo.

"Why?"

Napasinghap ito at umiling. "I don't want to say this but Rainne is...trouble."

Naningkit ang mga mata ko. "What do you mean trouble?"

"You know I care for you so I just say this as a friend. Stay away from her."
Aniya.

"You know I can't understand you if you're talking like this and why would I stay
away from her? I know she's quite different and our relationship is a little bit
tipsy but you couldn't just say that to me."

"Fine! I'll tell you." tumahimik siya saglit. "Rainne...she...she made me do

something."

Mas lalo akong nainis. "What?"

"She made me break your relationship with...what's her name again? Your ex?
Whatever. But remember when you got drunk and when you woke up, she's there and she
broke up with you?"

Nilalala ko ang sinabi niya. "Yes." Natandaan ko ring may babaeng nagdala sa'kin sa
condo ko pero hindi ko alam kung sino then when I woke up, Riza was there. "Don't
tell me you're that woman."

"Wait don't be mad at me, okay. It was her, it was Rainne who made me do that. Your
ex called that night and I answered then brought you back to your condo. She was
there when we got there and I just said something to spice things up. I'm sorry but
Rainne has something on my family that could destroy us. I don't want to lose
everything our family has, Azel. I told you she's a bitch but I didn't know that
she's a major manipulative bitch. I underestimated her. I swear to God I could hurt
her."

Pinagpatuloy niya ang pagdaldal niya habang ako ay pinoproseso pa ang mga sinabi
nito. Really? Magagawa ba ni Rainne yun? Pero bakit? Bakit niya sisirain ang
relasyon ko kay Riza? Nalilito ako.

"Why would she do that? Why would she want to ruin my relationship with Riza?"

She shrugged. "I'm sorry for what I've done but you know that my family's working
for her. All her construction supplies comes from us so I can't cross her line and
you also know how I play. I would gladly flirt with you in front of her." Tumaas
baba ang kilay niya at umismid ako.

"I'm sick of your flirting. If you think that we're cool about this, you're wrong."
Tumayo ako at umalis pero hinabol niya ko at humarang sa daan.
"Fine you're mad but I'm telling you this. Rainne is bad news and I bet that she's
only playing you. You can't stand against her. She will drop you like a hot potato
and I think she's with someone fvcking their ass off right now while laughing at
you."

"Could you please stop this." Sigaw ko na ikinagulat niya. "Are you this jealous of
her that you're even talking sh!t about her? Lying about her? Please Cindy, do
yourself a favor and stop this. It's not healthy."

"Wha-wait! I'm just warning you."

"And I'm not taking it."

Tumalikod na ko at pumunta sa sasakyan. Mas lalo pang nasira ang mood ko dahil sa
kanya. Bwiset!

Pinaandar ko ang sasakyan. Pilit kong iniisip na paninira lang ang sinasabi ni
Cindy tungkol kay Rainne pero hindi rin maalis sa isip ko na baka nga ito ang nag-
utos sa kanya at isa pa, hindi rin malabong kasama niya ang dapat asawa na ng
pinsan ko.

Alonna

Ramdam kong may gumagalaw sa kamay ko na nagpagising sa'kin. Napangiti agad ako
nang makita ang ginagawa niya. We were spooning, his arm under my neck while
playing with my ring. Yung isang kamay naman niya ay hinahaplos ang bewang ko. Ito
na yata ang pinakamagandang gising sa buhay ko.

We were naked under the sheets. Last night was absolutely the best and mind-blowing
love making we'd ever shared. Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi habang inaalala lahat
ng nangyari. Every detail was crystal clear. It was no doubt the best, not because
it was rough and hard like I wanted to but because it was done with so much love.

Nakatatak silang lahat sa utak ko. Every touch, kisses, how we screamed each
other's name...every moment of it. Parang sinisilaban ulit ang katawan ko at hindi
nakakatulong ang kasalukuyan niyang paghaplos at paghalik sa balikat ko para
pababain ang init. Lalo pa itong lumalala.

I stirred to let him know that I had woken up. Tumigil siya sa paglalaro ng
singsing at pinagsaklop ang mga daliri namin. I felt him smiling then buried his
face on my neck. He took in my scent before kissing it. A smile formed my lips when
I felt his warm buddy pressed on my back that made me think something naughty to
do.

I moved my hips against him just to give a little tease. What I didn't expect was
his sudden grow and hardness. It made me gasped and bit my lip to stop myself from
grinning.

"Honey..." garalgal niyang sabi. Yung kamay niya sa hita ko ay pumulupot sa braso
ko para mas lalong idikit ako sa kanya. "You're killing me." He playfully bit my
shoulder that made me giggle.

Humarap ako sa kanya at sinalubong ang tingin niyang puno ng pagmamahal. He was
looking down on me, smiling in content and answered the same look.

Umangat ang kamay ko para abutin ang mukha niya. Agad siyang napapikit. My fingers
traced every part of his face with a smile. Mula sa noo, ang mga matang nakapikit,
ang matangos niyang ilong at pababa sa labi niya.

Inilapat ko ang palad sa pisngi niya. Hinaplos haplos ko ito habang siya ay
nakapikit na dinadama ang bawat dampi ng haplos ko.

"I love you so much." Bulong ko.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinisil. Malawak ang ngiti niya bago halikan ang
palad ko. I was just looking at his face before his eyes opened.

His eyes lit up with so much happiness. 'Yan ang gusto kong makita. Siya na masaya.
Hindi ko papansinin ang sasabihin ng iba. Ayoko na ring isipin na kung anong
gagawin niya kapag nalaman niya ang ginawa ko. Alam kong may utang na loob ako sa
kanya but for now, kami muna. Si Kristoff muna.

She wanted me to drop Kristoff before. To stay away from him pero hindi ko alam
kung bakit hindi ko magawa. College palang kami non. And when the time that I was
ready to leave him, nalaman kong konektado siya kay Azel. I told her that kaya
naman pumayag siya but still, she saw something disturbing with Kristoff. She said
he's a bad idea pero nagpumilit ako. Ngayon, alam ko na kung bakit. Dahil siya ang
lalaking gumugulo sa isip ko. Ang lalaking nagpahulog sakin ng sobrang lalim.

When she saw that, she became mad. But I still did not let go. I reassured her that
the plan would go smoothly. That my dedication to revenge won't stir. Pero unti
unti nang nawawala ang isip ko sa plano nang hindi ko namamalayan and unconsciously
took a detour from the route we created for revenge.

"Will you never leave me..again?" Bulong niya. Alam kong natatakot siya dahil sa
ginawa ko at kung hawak ko ang bawat pangyayari, hinding hindi ko na siya iiwan pa.

I smiled and nodded but I also felt a pain in my heart. Umangat ang ulo ko para
abutin ang mga labi niya. As our lips pressed, I moved myself on top of him.

Hawak niya ang magkabilang gilid ng balakang ko habang nakalapat naman ang akin sa
matipuno niyang dibdib, hinahaplos haplos pataas at pababa.

"Honey..." he broke the kiss. "Maaga pa tayong aalis mamaya." I groaned in

disapproval. Umayos ako so that I was straddling him.

"Do we have to? Can we stay for a couple more days-weeks?" Napanguso ako.

He chuckled. "We need to face them, Honey and I still need to talk to her to settle
things."

Malumanay niyang sabi habang hinahaplos ang mga hita ko. Ayoko pang umalis.
Kakaayos lang namin tapos babalik na agad. Pwede bang sulitin muna namin ito?

Napangiti at napakagat ako sa labi ng may maisip ako. Siguradong magbabago ang isip
niya.

Umayos ako ng upo at sa pagkawala ng ngiti niya at tingin, alam ko nang alam niya
ang ginagawa ko at gustong mangyari.

I licked my lips seductively and started to grind. Medyo diniinan ko ang paggalaw
and the lovely friction we both felt made him shut his eyes with a low groan.

Pati na rin ako ay naapektuhan sa ginagawa ko kaya napakagat ako sa labi at

napapikit sa sarap.
"Rain-Ahhh." humigpit ang hawak niya sa balakang ko para patigilin. I saw his eyes
clouded with lust. Hinihingal ito. "We s-still need to fix things and the kids."

Ngumiti lang ako. Hinaplos ko ang mga braso niya pababa hanggang sa makuha ko ang
mga kamay niya ay pinagsaklop ito sa'kin. I continued what I was doing but this
time harder. Para kong sumasayaw sa isang tahimik, mabagal at sensual na tugtugin.
Humihigpit ang kapit namin sa kamay ng isa't isa sa bawat pag-ulos ko. Sinasabayan
ng ungol namin ang bawat paghila ko para mas lalo pang madagdagan ng masarap na
pwersa ang aking ginagawa.

Sh1t! This is fvcking great.

Huminto ako para halikan siya. He responded with the same hunger and desire. He was
now holding my nape and pushing me closer as he stuck in his tongue. We sucked,
nibbled and tasted every inch of each other's mouth.

I graze my teeth on his lower lip before giving it a bite, not so hard to hurt him
but as gentle as I can to intensify the heated kiss. I sucked and pulled it back.

I smiled in satisfaction as I heard him release a deep, sexy sound that made his
chest vibrates.

"You have no intention to stop, do you?" He said in one breath.

Mahina akong tumawa. "Nope." Pinagtuunan ko ng pansin ang leeg niya. "Sinubukan
kong maging mabait sayo, honey pero hindi ka nakinig." Napasinghap siya nang
gumalaw ang balakang ko. I straddled him again. "Well call the kids when the sun's
up but for now, let me punish you for not listening to me."

Ngumiti siya, his eyes turned darker. "Was I bad?"

"Very, very bad." I said low.

"Ahhhh-fvck!" Marahas akong gumalaw. I was looking down at him, smiling while he
groaned in pleasure. "Sh1t.... So fvcking good! Ahhhh."

Yes! Feel me and don't ever forget.

I was already wet and dripping when I stopped. Hindi mawala ang ngiti sa labi niya
bago ako bumaba para halikan siyang muli sa labi at inilapit ang bibig sa tenga
niya.

"I want you to take this punishment, honey. Itatatak ko sa isip mo lahat ng gagawin
ko. I will make sure that you'll only see me. That it is only I that you will
remember when you see and talk to that slut you almost marry o kahit na sinong
babaeng lalapit sa'yo. I'll make you feel my every touch, make my scent linger on
you and you will feel my presence even when I'm continents away. Babaliwin kita
sa'kin, Kristoff at hindi mo na maiisip na magpakasal sa iba maliban sa'kin. You
are mine. And because I own you I will pleasure you until it's only my name that
you'll learn to scream on bed."

I moved my kiss lower down his neck, chest, stomach down to his navel until I
reached my target.

This is where I'll use all the lesson I've learn from her and my tutor, the second
guy I've been on bed with. Sa kanya ko lang gagamitin lahat.

I grabbed it and played with his balls first. Ramdam ko ang panginginig at
pananabok nung oras na mahawakan ko ito. Isinubo ko ang isa at pinaglaruan ng dila
ko.

"Hmmmm-ahhh." Lumipat ako sa isa at inumpisahang itaas baba ang matigas niyang
pagkalalake. It was so hard and I was so turned on right now.

Nag-iinit narin ako. I released his balls and gripped tighter. "Ooohhh... Y-yeah...
Ahhh." Napakagat ako sa labi dahil sa mga ungol niya. I moved my hand up and down,
pabilis ng pabilis sa mga dumadaang segundo.

Itinukod niya ang mga siko at umurong ng kaunti. Tinignan niya ang ginagawa ko at
ako naman ay napabasa ng labi nang makita ang itsura niya. Hindi ko tinigil ang
ginagawa. Ginanahan pa'ko dahil sa itsura niya. His eyes half open and his mouth
slightly parted.

Ang paghinga niya at pagtaas ng dibdib niya at pagungol ay sumasabay sa galaw ng

mga kamay ko sa pagkalalaki niya. Nakaramdam ako uhaw.

Nauuhaw ako. Sobrang init at ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. The excitement was
making me thirsty for his taste so I took him.

Dinilaan ko muna ang ulo niya nang hindi tinatanggal ang tingin sa kanya. It was a
bit salty pero nangingibabaw ang tamis at sarap.

"Oh, sh1t! That's good. Deeper... Y-yeah! Ganyan nga! Faster, honey!" His left hand
grabbed some of my hair while the other palmed the bed for support. Nakaupo na
siya, nakatingala at nakapikit.

Oh, God! Did I mention that he's also long and thick? Hindi ko siya masubo ng buo
kaya halos maluwa na'ko. But I wanted to take him whole at nung nagawa ko, I felt
proud and pride to myself.

Nang maramdaman kong malapit na siyang labasan, tumayo ako at tinulak siya para
ilapat ang likod sa kama. Hinawakan ko ang pagkalalaki niya at itinapat sa aking
entrada. I knew that I was so ready cause I was really dripping on him. And in one
swift move, i had him.

"Ohhhh, f-fvck!!!" Napaungol ako ng malakas nang ibaon ko siya sa'kin.

Sinunggaban agad ng mga kamay niya ang mga dibdib ko. He squeezed them and I closed
my eyes tight as I started to move.

"Aaahhh...What ever it is that you're doing, i-ituloy mo lang.... Sh1t!!! Ang s-

arap-ughh!"

Muscle control, honey

Namumula na ang buong mukha niya at leeg. Mas ginanahan ako at ginalingan ko pa.
The pleasure we're both feeling as my walls clamped around his manhood when I
pulled it up. Pure bliss of pleasure.

Binilisan ko ang pagtaas baba at inangat niya ang balakang para sabayan ako.
Pabilis ng pabilis at palakas ng palakas ang pag-ungol namin.

"R-Raine."

"Kris-ahhhh!"

Napatingala ako sa sarap. I held his hand as the sound of our slapping bodies
against each other became audible.

Ramdam ko nang malapit ako pero bago ko pa masabi ay binaliktad niya na ang
posisyon namin. Nagulat ako. Hindi ako handa sa ginawa niya.

Help! Help me! S-somebody! Please!

Hindi ako sumigaw pero naririnig ko ang boses ko. Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ko
ang marahas niyang halik.

Natatakot ako. Tulong!

Mabigat ang paghinga ko dahil sa takot. Palakas ng palakas ang tibok ng puso ko at
napakapit narin ako sa kama ng mahigpit.

Naluha ako nang bumaba ang mga halik niya sa leeg ko at nang maramdaman mo ang
galaw niya sa loob ko, napaiyak ako. Ang sakit. Parang may napunit sa loob ko.

"Stop, p-lease."

Nanginig ang boses ko sa takot. Tumigil siya.

Please, sir, stop it.

Mabilis siyang napatingin sa'kin. Nakita ko ang pagsalubong ng mga kilay niya. His
blue eyes looking at me with pure lust at evil.

Kailangan kong makatakas. Tulong! Kung sino man, tulungan niyo ko.

Palinga linga ako sa paligid. Magkalat ang mga basag na baso at piraso ng vase.
Nakalapat ang likod ko sa lamesa habang nasa ibabaw siya at tumatawa. Masaya siya
sa ginagawa niya sa'kin.

Nakita ko ang isang babaeng nakahiga sa sahig na walang malay. Punit punit ang
damit at may dugo sa bandang ulunan.

"R-Raine. Raine!! Help me. Hellppp!" Paulit ulit kong sigaw.

I saw him raised his hand at the corner of my eyes. Napasigaw agad ako at
napasalag. Nakaramdam ako ng sakit sa mukha. Tinamaan ba ko? Bakit parang nahihilo
ako?

That's for interfering, bitch! You'll be replacing her now.

I was being hysterical. I was moving harshly under him. Sumisipa ako at
pinaghahampas siya pero hindi siya umaalis sa ibabaw ko at nahuli niya pa ang mga
kamay ko.

Malakas siya. Hindi ko siya kaya. May sinasabi siya pero hindi ko marinig.

"Shhh. Rainne, honey. It's me. Calm down, please."

Stay still, whore. Oohhh. You're so fvcking tight for a bitch. Now flipped over.

"No, stop please. I'm begging you, please." Hindi ko na mapigilang humahulgol.
Nagmamakaawa na itigil niya ang ginagawa. All I heard was his laugh and when I felt
him move inside me and pulled out, I screamed as loud as I can. I called help but
no one was coming. I screamed and pleaded for him to stop but all I got was punches
and slaps.
Nanghihina ako. Wala na kong lakas para sumigaw at gumalaw para manlaban. Tanging
pagluha nalang ang ginawa ko habang nakatingin sa babaeng nakahiga sa gilid.
Hinayaan ko na siya.

Masakit at puro dugo ang mukha ko. Nalalasahan ko ang sariling dugo. Dilat ang mga
mata ko pero wala nang buhay at nakatuon sa kawalan.

Ayoko na! Suko na ko! Mas mabuti pang mamatay na ko ngayon.

Kristoff

My heart broke seeing her dull eyes under me. Ang itsura niya ay isang imahe ng
taong sumuko na sa buhay. Marahan kong hinaplos ang kanyang pisngi ngunit wala
akong nakuhang reaksyon na mas lalong nagpabigat ng aking puso. She didn't even
flinch. She just stopped and surrendered.

Alam kong may mali kaya agad kong pinagpalit ang aming posisyon. I turned and moved
her body above me. She was quiet still but after a little while, her hands moved. I
felt happy and relief the moment he moved her head and I saw her beautiful and
tired face.

"Are you alright? Honey, please say something..." Buong pag-aalala kong tanong
habang hinahawi ang mga buhok na tumabing sa kanyang mukha.

"What happened?" Her voice showed how tired and confused she was.

"You had a panic attack." I said. "Do you trust me, honey?"

She frowned. "Don't ask obvious questions."

Tumagilid kami ng higa ngunit hindi parin nawawala ang aking yakap sa kanya. "I
wanna take away your fears. Would you let me? Do you trust me enough to do that,
Rainne?"

"KristoϢ_"

"Please, Rainne. I need to do this for you. For us."

It took a while but I got the answer that made my heart flutter. This meant that
she fully loved and trusted me. This would be for her, for us and our kids.

Rainne

He left me on the bed. I watched him with curiosity as he took something from the
drawer. It was a hanky. Hindi ko alam kung anong plano niya pero medyo kinakabahan
ako. When he asked me about trusting him, I knew I did. I remembered what happened
earlier. I was out for awhile, gone back to the most horrible past that I had but
he took me back.

Kristoff was the only man that could save me.

He went back to my side and my eyes was asking about his plans.

"It's time to take away your fears. No more rules in bed. You'll submit to me this
time. I'll use this and blindfold you. Are you okay with that?"

Tinignan ko ang itim na panyong gagamitin niya. Nagdadalawang isip ako pero buo ang
aking tiwala sa kanya kaya't ako'y nagpaubaya.

He smiled with how much trust I was willing to give him before having me laid back
on the bed. I didn't feel anything when he placed the hanky over my eyes but when I
felt him above me, starting to touch me, I heart started pounding hard.

Unti unti akong nakaramdam ng pagkataranta lalo na noong hinawakan niya ang aking
mga pulsuhan nang tangkain ko siyang itulak. Ito na naman ang takot ng nakaraan.
Bumabalik na naman ang mga ala alan g 'yon. I didn't like remembering. The voice of
that man, I kept hearing. This needed to stop.

"Honey, It's me. Focus on my voice and calm down."

I was drowning from my the past when a ray of light that was his voice came.

"Kristoff?" Pabaling baling ang aking ulo para hanapin siya pero wala akong makita.

"Yes. I'm here." Iginaya niya ang aking mga kamay para mahaplos ko ang kanyang
mukha. Agad na guminhawa ang aking pakiramdam.

I was safe. He's here.

"I'll continue, okay? Kumapit ka sa kama at 'wag kang bibitaw. Just trust and feel
me, honey." I nodded as he guided my hands over my head to grab the metal
headboard.

Eventually, he stated again. Kapag nagsisimula na naman akong mag-panic ay

humihinto siya saglit at pinapakalma ako. Ilang beses iyong nangyari hanggang sa
nakasanayan ko na. Hanggang sa nawala lahat ng bangungot sa aking isip. Hanggang
siya na lamang ang aking naiisip.

"Ahhhh" humigit pa lalo ang kapit ko sa bakal at napapikit ako ng madiin.

His sucking my breast like a hungry baby. It was so fvcking great. He was circling
his tongue on my nipple while flicking the other with his fingers.

Sobrang diin ng pagkagat ko sa labi at hindi ako magtataka kung magdugo ito mamaya.

"Ginawa niya rin ba 'to sa'yo? Did he made you moan in pleasure?"

He moved to the other and did the same. "No-ahhhh."

Ibinuka ko ang mga hita ko at pinulupot sa balakang niya. I started to move. I

wanted him to know that I wanted him inside me.

He groaned. "No c-cheating....sh1t!" Kinalas niya ito. "Let me take over. I'm doing
this for you." I whimpered and heard him chuckled.

Inumpisahan niya ulit akong halikan bago ito bumaba sa tyan ko, sa puson at pababa
pa. Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang hita ko at ibinuka pa ito. I bit my lower lip,
excited in anticipation.
Ramdam ko ang matiim niyang pagtitig sa gitna ng mga hita ko. God, I wanna see his
reaction so bad. Pero ayoko siyang huminto.

Malalim ang naging pagsinghap ko nang maramdaman ko siyang suminghot dito. That was
so hot.

"Remember. I'll stop if you let go." gusto kong lagyan ng matibay na pandikit ang
mga palad ko para hindi na ko makabitiw.

"Oh, God!! Y-yeah!!!"

He was french kissing me down there while playing with my peak. My lips were
trembling and my arousal just skyrocket. He groaned softly as he kissed and nibbled
me down there. The way he lapped and lapped made my body arched forward. It was
like heaven was pulling me forward and reached for something unknown.

Basang basa na ko sa pawis at natutukso akong hawiin ang buhok kong nasa mukha pero
ayokong bumitaw. I let go, he'd stop.

Ang dila niya ay napalitan ng mga daliri. "Hooney!!! Ooohhh. T-that's it. Harder,
p-please. Aaaaahhh."

He curved his fingers a bit and slid them up and down against my walls, hitting
that spot I always crave for him to touch.

Bawat galaw niya ay pabilis ng pabilis at sa bawat segundo ay palakas ng palakas

ang ungol ko. I was normally quiet pero pinapalabas niya ang nagtatagong ingay
sa'kin. Grabe! This is so d-damn great.

"Faster!! Faster!!!" Ungol ko. Hindi ko alam kung san ko ipapaling ang ulo ko.
Naririnig ko ang ingay na ginagawa ng paglabas masok ng daliri niya sa'kin.
Chapter 40.1

Kakainis si wattpad. Pinutol na naman niya ung chapter na ito. Sa mga nakabasa ng
unang update kanina, may dinagdag ako sa dulo.

⚫️⚫️ߔ‫ߔذ‬

Aiden

Kailangan ko na namang magtrabaho. Kailangan na talaga.

After the two inspectors, Mr. Chen and Mr. Wang came in my office, I decided to fly
to China. Sa mental institution daw sa Wuhan, China na-confine ang kapatid ko. Yes!
Nalaman ko na talagang nagkaroon ng mental disorder si Alonna at doon siya naglagi
hanggang sa makatakas ito-or rather may nagtakas sa kanya.

I remembered the scene from the recovered CCTV footage.

Tahimik lang siya habang yakap yakap ang tuhod niya. Minsan umiiyak siya tapos
biglang sisigaw. She kept shouting and begging like someone was trying to hurt her
and what broke my heart were the times that she kept shouting that it was my fault.

Ako ang sinisisi niya sa lahat ng pinagdaanan niya. I know that I've hurt her...a
lot and I regret all of that pero ang hindi ko alam ay kung bakit na sa'kin lahat
ng sisi. Nakikita kong malaki ang galit niya. She even cursed my name and I knew my
sister very well and she never dropped those kinds of words before.

Another thing was her face. Naka benda ito at ang sabi ni Inspector Chen ay sirang
sira daw ang mukha niya nang marescue nila. They even showed me the picture of her
face after they rescued her. It was terrible.

Hiindi ko na siya nakilala sa larawang 'yon at ng mga sandaling 'yon, hindi ko

napigilan na umiyak. Napaiyak ako dahil sa sinapit niya. Sa paghihirap niya at mga
pinagdaanan. Lalo pa't nabuntis siya ng lalaking iyon.

Sunud sunod ang rebelasyon na nalaman ko mula sa kanila. Ang kapatid ko ay walang
awang ginahasa at nabuntis ng walang hiyang demonyong 'yon. Galit na galit ako at
kung hindi pa patay ang gag0ng 'yon, ako mismo ang maghahanap at papatay sa kanya.
Walang hiyang tarantad0ng 'yon! Demonyo!

Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang sisihin din ang sarili ko. Maybe Alonna was right. If I
just treated her right before, she wouldn't experience those horrible things she
had.

Gusto ko siyang makita. Paulit ulit akong hihingi ng tawad sa kanya at magmamakaawa
para lang mapatawad niya ko sa lahat ng ginawa ko.

Pero kailangan ko munang mahanap ang babaeng 'yon.

Hindi ko parin alam kung anong tunay niyang pangalan. I knew that my sister was
using the name Alonna Reyes but we're not sure if Rainne Samuels was her real name.
The woman who pretended to be my sister. Siyang siya talaga ung kasama ni Alonna at
ung nagtakas sa kanya.

I remembered the footage when she took Alonna from the institution. My sister was
shouting and crying. Humihingi ito ng tulong nang biglang may babaeng pumasok.

"Shhh..Shhh.. Alonna. It's me..." Sabi niya at hinawakan ang kamay ni Alonna. Agad
namang huminto ito sa pagwawala at niyakap niya ang kaharap habang umiiyak. "'Wag
kang mag-alala. Gusto mong gumanti diba."

Natigilan ang kapatid ko. "Gagantihan natin sila. Gaganti tayo at wala nang
mananakit sa'yo kahit kailan. They will know and experience your pain. Every single
bit of it. Your pain, you're cries and everything they have taken away from you.
You will have your revenge and I will help you."

Tumango tango si Alonna. Humiwalay siya at inilahad ang kamay sa kapatid ko. "Let's
go. Take my hand and I will help you escape your hell."

My sister then open heartedly took her hand and escape the place with her.

Ngayong alam kong buhay ang kapatid ko, nagkaroon ako ng pag-asa pero pa'no ko
sasabihin lahat kay Auntie at Uncle.

Naghihintay akong bumukas ang elevator habang nag-iisip ng dapat gawin. Napakunot
ang noo ko nang makita mula sa pinto ng elevator ang repleksyon ng janitor sa likod
ko. Ang laki niyang tao at parang hindi bagay na maging janitor. Bouncer pwede pa.

"Maglilinis ka ba sa loob?" I asked with authority.

"Opo sir." He touched the tip of his cap and nod. "Bago lang po ako dito." Hindi ko
ganong makita ang mukha niya dahil sa sombrero.

"Clean later. Ayokong mangamoy panlinis." Private elevator ito para sa mga
executives at wala akong balak matalsikan o kumapit sa suit ko ang mga ginagamit
nila.
Bumukas ang elevator at hindi na 'ko naghintay ng sagot niya. Pumasok na ko pero
nakaramdam ako ng pwersa mula sa likod. I saw the man pushing me 'til I enter and
hit the elevator's wall.

"What the fvck is this?" Sigaw ko. Hawak hawak niya ang dalawang kamay sa likod ko.
I tried to force myself our from his grip but it was too tight for me even in my
full strength.

I felt the elevator moved and I still remained facing the wall with him holding me
in place. I grunted and tried to free myself once more and failed. Huminto ang
elevator at iniharap niya ko. I noticed that we're stuck in the third floor.

"Hello, kuya." Huminto ako sa pagpalag at nagfocus sa pinanggalingan ng boses na

'yon. I knew that voice and I was right.

She was leaning near the floor buttons with her arms crossed. A smirked was
plastered on her face while looking at me. Alam kong natutuwa siya habang pinipilit
kong makawala. She was still the same but different.

Naka-ayos siya at naka make-up. She was wearing a cream and black fitted dress,
showing an ample amount of her cleavage which I forced myself not to focus on.
Kulot ang buhok niya at walang halong kainosentihan ang mukha. She was even wearing
high heels. She looked mature not like the goody two shoes she was once inside our
home. She was stunning as hell.

No Aiden! She's a liar and a manipulative, crazy ass bitch!

"Huwag mo kong tawaging kuya. Na'san ang kapatid ko? Where is Alonna?"

Nawala ang ngiti sa mukha niya at dahan dahang lumapit sa'kin. Tinangka niyang
hawakan ang mukha ko pero umiwas ako. Nagpumiglas muli pero napainda ako ng sakit
nang hingpitan nung lalaki ang kapit sa'kin.

"I heard you're looking for me so here I am." She stepped back. She even spread her
arms wide and instantly dropped it at her side.

"You know why you crazy bitch."

"Tsk! For your information, it's your sister who's crazy. I only pretended."

"Ikaw ang siraulo. Ibalik mo ang kapatid ko or I swear to God I'll-"

"Or what, Aiden?" I stiffened when I heard her voice. It was cold as ice and dark.
I was the one threatening but why do I felt like I was the one being threatened?
"Hindi ako takot sa'yo at ikaw pa ang may utang sa'kin."

"Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo."

"You killed our baby, remember?"

I stiffened. "L-liar! W-walang nangyari at hindi kita nabuntis."

I was shocked when tears streamed down her face. Mabilis siyang yumakap sa'kin ng
mahigpit habang umiiyak. I could even felt her soft breast against my chest. Fvck!
"I had a miscarriage because of you. You pushed me. M-meron na sana tayong kambal
ngayon."

We were supposed to have...twins?

Madadala na dapat ako sa sinabi niya nang may maalala. Agad na bumalik ang galit
sa'kin. "You really are a liar. Pa'no mo nalamang kambal 'yon with just a short
span? Tigilan mo ko. Lumayo ka." Sigaw ko.

Lumayo siya at tumawa ng bahagya habang pinapahid ung mga luha. "You're using your
head now. Impressive. Anyways, your sister wanted me to mess up your head so I did
her a favor. Hindi ko lang inasahan na mabilis mo kong nabuko. If you're asking me
about your sister, she's a bit...distracted right now but I'll take care of it
after you. Hindi ko na siya makausap ng matino and I think she's going crazy again.
I guess I need to put her in an asylum again. What do you think? Should I do it?"
Umigting ang mga panga ko.

"Ibalik mo na siya sa'min. I'll give everything you want." Tumawa siya ng pagak at
umiling.

"She's the one who planned all of this. I was trying to convince her to see you
pero ayaw niya pa and I don't want anything from you. I just...missed you." Her
voice was cold but soft that sent shivers all over my body. Bwiset! Bakit ba ganito
maka react ang katawan ko sa kanya. Fvking why?

Mukang alam niya ang epekto nito sa'kin dahil sa paraan ng pagngiti at pagtitig
niya. Lumapit ulit siya at nilapat ang kamay sa dibdib ko.

"Stay a-away from me."

"Do you really want me to do that?" she said seductively. "You smell very manly,
Aiden." She focused her eyes on me. There's something about the way she called my
name. Kinilabutan ako nang ibaon niya ang mukha sa leeg ko. "So manly." She moaned
and inhaled that sent another wave of goose bumps.

Hindi nagtagal ay biglang lumapat ang mga labi niya sa'kin. I was trying to resist
but when her lips moved, I lost it. Tinugon ko ang mga halik niya at nakalimutan
ang lalaking mahigpit ang kapit sa'kin na agad na lumuwang.

I held her nape and released all my frustrations in the kiss. Mainit at mapusok ang
halik na 'yon at nadala ako sa galing niya. Ang tamis at lambot ng mga labi niya.
Para kong nalalasing at naaadik dahil sa kanya.

Her hands was clenching my shirt and I was about to touch her more when suddenly, I
was pushed. Napaatras ako at muntik nang bumagsak. Napatingin ako sa kanya at
natigilan. She was pointing a gun at me.

Nawala lahat ng init na naramdaman ko at nanigas sa kinatatayuan.

"Good morning, Sir?" hindi ko namalayan na nasa labas na ko ng elevator at binabati

ng receptionist sa kanan ko. Hindi nila kita na may nakatutok sa'kin dahil nasa
gilid ng palapag ang elevator.

Sh1t! Am I going to die?

The door dinged when the guy pressed the button, it was closing. Hindi naman ako
makagalaw dahil sa baril at nanatili ang mga mata ko sa kanya. We were looking
straight at each other's eyes 'til the door completely closes. I remembered her
eyes with the same color as mine. They were so cold that it could freeze hell.

"Call the security. Sabihin mo abangan ang pagbukas ng private elevator."

Nakatingin lanv ito sa'kin at nagtataka. "Bilis!" Napapitlag ito at mabilis na
sinunod ang sinabi ko.
Walang silbi. Bwiset! Ako naman ay nagmadaling sunakay sa isa pang elevator,
nagbabakasakaling maabutan sila.

"How the fvck did that happen? May nakapasok sa building ko ng hindi niyo
namamalayan! Ginagawa niyo ba ang trabaho niyo ng maayos?" Asik ko sa dalawang
security personnel. Nakayuko ang mga ulo nila at hiyang hiya sa kapabayaang ginawa.

"Pasensya na po, sir."

"Pasensya? Kanina pa yang pasensya mo. Pati ung CCTV hindi niyo nakuha. You're all
worthless."

"Dalawang araw na pong sira ung elevator. Nagawa na po yan kahapon pero nasira po
ulit ngayon kasama ung camera."

Napahawak ako sa noo dahil sa inis at pagod. Fvcking hell! Naisahan na naman ako ng
babaeng 'yon.

"Wala po kaming nakuhang kahit na ano." agad akong nainis at napahampas sa lamesa.
I was about to shout at them when the door burst open. Thinking it was my
assistant, I shouted.

"Diba ang sinabi ko-"

"I have good news." nakangiti at mabilis na sabi ni Michael.

I glared at the two men in front of me. They looked scared with their head bowed
down. "You two... get out!"

Mabilis silang umalis at naiwan kami ni Michael. Tapos na ang kontrata ko sa kanila
pero gusto niya daw bumawi dahil hindi niya nakita ang pinapahanap ko. Nagpatuloy
siya sa pagiimbestiga.

"What is it?"

"Alam ko na kung sa'n nagpabago ng mukha ang kapatid mo. Sa isang maliit na clinic
sa Thailand. I called the doctor and she said that she might've kept a file and her
picture before and after the surgery." A new found hope came to me as I listened to
him. "Pwede na nating malaman kung ano ang bago niyang mukha."
Chapter 40.2
Alonna

Masarap ng hangin at ang ganda ng paligid. Nasa likod kami ng bahay at nagpapahinga
sa duyan sa ilalim ng puno. Nakalagay ang kamay ko sa dibdib at siya ay nakaakbay
sa'kin habang nakatanaw kami sa dagat. Nasa mataas na lugar ang kinalalagyan ng
bahay kaya kitang kita namin ang lawak ng dagat kasama ng mga taong lumalangoy sa
isang malapit na resort. Nakakawala ng pagod at ang sarap sa pakiramdam

I heard him sigh in contentment before kissing the top of my head. What we have
right now is what I've always wanted. Peaceful with the people I love. Wala ang mga
anak namin at hindi rin magtatagal ay makakasama ko rin sila. I smiled when I felt
happiness with calling the kids ours.

"Gusto mo nabang pumasok?" Ang sarap ng pakiramdam ko habang hinahaplos haplos niya
ang buhok ko.

Umiling ako. "Let's stay for a bit more."

"Okay."
Isang linggo na rin mula nang tanungin niya ko tungkol sa nakaraan. I was still
thinking about it 'til now but thanks to the gentle breeze and the smell of ocean,
my mind was clear and my decision to tell him my story came to my mind.

"Kristoff?"

"Hmm?"

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at nilaro laro ang isang butones ng polo nito. I
wouldn't tell him all parts but part of me felt scared. Would he accept me if he
knew my whole past? Pa'no pag nalaman niyang hindi pala ako ang babaeng minamahal
niya? Iiwan niya ko at natatakot akong mangyari 'yon pero naisip ko narin na
sumugal. I would have to be strong enough to hold his rejections.

"We were in a car crash when I was eight, my parents, me and my auntie. I lost my
parents that day." He stiffened and stopped caressing my hair. "Sa LA kami nakatira
non since I was six."

"Honey, hindi mo na kailangang ikwento sa'kin kung hindi mo pa kaya. I understand."

Tumingala ako para tignan siya. He was looking down on me with concern in his eyes.
"I need to do this. Alam kong hindi ako makakaramdam ng ginhawa kapag hindi ko to
ginawa and I also feel like I owe you this. If we're gonna spend our lives
together, I need to open this things up for you. For me, for the kids...for us."

He smiled sweetly at me saying that he understood. He kissed my forehead and I

closed my eyes, savoring his sweet gestures. Inilagay ko ang aking mukha sa leeg
niya at nagpatuloy.

I told him all well-not all. I left the part about my true name and the things I
did for revenge since I stepped in this country. Okay, I left the most important
part and I lied when I said that I'd stop my revenge. Plano ko naman talagang
tumigil pero alam kong mahihirapan ako dahil magagalit siya.

"And also..." huminga muna ako ng malalim dahil talagang kinakabahay ako dahil sa
mga susunod na sasabihin ko. "Th-this is not what I look like b-before."

"What do you mean?" puno ng pagtataka ang boses niya. Napapikit ako at inihanda ang
sarili sa mga sasabihin niya. I lifted my upper body and faced him with the courage
I built inside me.

"My face. I told you that there were two of us who got sold and r-aped. Yung kasama
ko nagkaroon ng head injury and I was...my..my face was severely beaten.
Nagpasurgery ako but they couldn't fix my face so they changed it. Binigyan nila
ako ng bagong mukha and it's really very far from my original face. Pero kasama ng
bagong mukha ko, nagbago rin ako. Ang ugalli ko, ang kilos ko...lahat lahat. I
erased all the things connected to my old self but the pain was still there-is
still here." Turo ko sa tapat ng puso ko. "It hurts nang nalaman kong sarili kong
pamilya ang nagdala sa'kin sa impyernong 'yon. That's why it's hard for me to just
drop it all. It's hard to stop my revenge."

"Y-your name. Binago mo rin ba?"

Oh, crap! Hindi ko inasahan na tatanungin niya 'yan. Napalunok ako. "I assure you
that Luna Brianne Algraven e-exists."

Nakatingin lang siya sa'kin. His eyes were sad and assessing me-or disappointed? I
didn't know but my hands were clammy, my heartbeat's raising and my stomach felt
funny. I was scared.

He touched my cheek and wiped the tears I didn't know I shed. "I'm sorry that you
had to experience that." Umupo siya at niyakap ako. Ramdam na ramdan ko ang concern
at pagmamahal niya. Para bang gusto niya kong protektahan sa lahat but I was still
doubtful and unsure. No one could easily accept that things I just said.

"I love you." natigilan siya sa sinabi ko.

"I love you too." He replied. Bakit parang nakukulangan ako sa sinabi niya.

Mabilis na lumipas ang mga araw. Tungkol naman sa mga bata, araw araw namin silang
tinatawagan at maya't maya. They wanted to see us and Kristoff wanted us to go
back..but I didn't. Takot ako na kailangan ko na siyang harapin. And by the time I
saw her..talk to her...everything would be gone. Si Kristoff at ang mga bata dahil
kailangan ko silang iwan.

"Sa tingin mo may laman na kaya 'to, hon." We were spooning and about to sleep when
the rubbed his palm up and down my stomach.

"Hindi ko alam. Two weeks palang nating sinusubukan eh."

"I think we need to go back and get you a check-up."

Masaya ang boses niya pero bigla naman akong nakaramdam ng inis. Napaupo ako at
hinarap siya. "You just want to go back, do you?" Malamig kong sabi. He frowned and
sat up.

"I just want you to have a check-up, hon."

Napakunot ang noo ko."Kung gusto mo ng check-up, pwede namang dito nalang. Bakit
kailangan pang bumalik.

Umiling iling siya at sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang mga daliri. "Honey...Yes we can
but given the fact that we had business that we left, the kids also need us. Hindi
natin sila mauuto habambuhay saying that we're preparing a surprise for their
birthday. Pa'no kung dumating na ang birthday nila? It's three weeks away from now.
Hindi rin natin bahay to. Nakakahiya na sa may-ari dahil ang tagal na natin dito.
Isa pa, kailangan din natin harapin ang mga taong iniwan natin. I created a scene
and I have to talk to...her."

Parang may tumusok na matalim sa puso ko. "So lumabas din ang totoo."

"What?"

He looked and sounded confuse. "You want to see her and get back with her, is that
it? Gusto mo nang magpakasal sa kanya, diba? Kaya araw araw mong sinasabi sa'kin na
umuwi na tayo. Then go to her and continue the wedding. Iwanan mo ko ditong mag-
isa."

Nagsimulang mag-unahan sa pagbagsak ang mga luha ko. I wiped them but they wouldn't
stop. They continued falling until I started sobbing. Ano bang nangyayari sa'kin?
Fvck!

"Shh. Stop crying, honey." I felt the panic in his voice. Siya na mismo ang
nagpahid ng mga luha ko at mahigpit akong niyakap.

"D-dito lang tayo."

He sighed and I knew that he's tired and frustrated. "Sige. Dito lang muna tayo,
okay? Just don't cry. Shhh."

Hinahaplos haplos niya ang likod ko na nagpakalma sa'kin. Actually, it made me calm
that I started to feel sleepy before I let myself fall in a slumber.

"H-honey?" naabutan ko siyang nakatayo at nakatingin sa bintana. Her hands leaning

on both side of the window and was looking down on something. Humarap ito at
ngumiti.

"Good morning, hon. Tara na sa baba at kumain. Maliligo lang ako saglit."

Pinagmasdan ko siya. "Why do you look like that?" nakabasket ball shorts ito at
naka sandong asul pero ang dumi ng mga braso at kamay niya. Parang putik. Meron din
sa damit at shorts niya.

Naging malikot ang mga mata niya. "Ha? Ah-kasi tinulungan ko sa garden si Manang
Ara. Sige maliligo lang ako. Una kana sa baba."

Mabilis siyang pumasok sa banyo habang ako ay naiwang nagtataka dahil sa kinilos
niya.

"Ah Sir, Ma'am, magpapaalam po sana kami ng anak ko. Ikakasal po kasi siya sa
linggo kaya hindi po muna kami makakapunta dito para magluto." Magalang at
nakangiting sabi ni Manang Ara matapos kaming latagan ng agahan.

"Si Maricel po ba?" sabi ni Kristoff habang naglalagay ng kanin sa plato ko. "San
po siya ikakasal?"

"Dyan lang pos a kabilang bayan. Wala po kaming pera kaya dyan lang po sa kasalang
bayan." He slowly placed the plate of rice down and focused on her. I was feeling
hungry so I started eating leaving them talking. Daing na bangus, hotdog, itlog,
tocino at fried rice ang nakahain. Parang ang sarap lahat.

"Tatlong araw po mula ngayon?" pag-usisa niya.

"Oho. Pasensya na po at hindi kami makapagbibigay ng handa. Konti lang po kasi ang
ihahain namin." Nahihiyang sabi nito.

"Wala po 'yon. Masyado na pong marami ang nagawa niyo sa'ming pag-aasikaso.
Pakibati nalang po si Maricel para sa'min."

"Opo salamat po." I heard the happiness in her voice. "Aalis na po ako. Babalik
nalang po ako mamaya bago magtanghali."

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain at pagkatapos non at konting nood ng TV ay nakaramdam

ako ng antok. Umakyat na agad ako at hindi na nagsabi kay Kristoff. I didn't even
know where he was. May titignan lang daw siya sa labas.

Paggising ko ay nakaramdam agad ako ng matinding uhaw. I felt my throat dry like it
was weeks ago since I last drank water. Pumunta ako sa kusina at naabutang
naghuhugas ng kamay si Kristoff. Marumi na naman ito at puro putik. What the heck
was he doing?

"Honey? Why are you filthy again?" tanong ko.

Nagulat pa siya nang marinig ako na nagpakunot ng noo ko. He looked like a criminal
caught in the act that built suspicion out of me. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya na
hindi makarating ng diretso sa'kin.
"Ano-tinapos ko ung ginagawa ni Manang kanina. I had nothing else to do so I
finished the job." He chuckled.

Tumango lang ako at kumuha ng maiinom. "Let's go call the kids." He offered and I
nodded again.

Natapos ang araw namin na walang ginagawa kung hindi ang kausapin ang mga bata.
Kumuha kami ng mga bodyguards para bantayan sila kung gusto nilang pumasok. It in
the kids choice if they wanted to go to school or not. Balak ni Kristoff na sunduin
ang mga bata at dalhin dito pero hindi pa namin napag-uusapan kung kailan. Isa pa
natatakot ako na baka balikan ni Kristoff si Maureen. I didn't want that to happen.

"Wala parin ba?" hinahaplos niya na naman ang tyan ko bago kami matulog.

I signed. "Wala."

"Should we try again tonight?" he started kissing my neck down to my shoulders. I

too was feeling horny and wanted to make love to him but not tonight. Lumayo ako ng
konti sa kanya.

"Not tonight." Humarap ako sa kanya. "Nagkaroon ako ng brown spotting kanina. Baka
nagkaroon na'ko bukas." Napabuntong hininga ito at nakita ko ang pagkadismaya sa
reaksyon niya.

Ngumiti ito ng pilit. "Sige matulog nalang tayo." Hinila niya ko palapit at
yumakap.

Bakit ganon? Nung pinilit ako nakabuo agad in one try pero bakit ngayong gusto
namin ni Kristoff, nahihirapan kami. Bakit ang unfair naman. Nalungkot ako at
mabigat ang pakiramdam kong natulog.

"Manang, na'san po si Kristoff?" Inaantok pa ko pero nagpumilit akong bumaba para

hanapin si Kristoff.

He wasn't there when I woke up and I went straight downstairs and found Manang Ara
and Maricel instead. Nag-aayos ito ng hapagkainan habang nagwawalis naman si
Maricel.

"Good morning po, ma'am." Tumango lang ako sa bati nila. "Kumain po muna kayo.
Nagbilin po si Sir na bantayan kayo at pakainin. Andyan na rin po sa banyo ung
kailangan niyo para sa buwanang dalaw na sinabi niya. Huwag din daw po kayong aalis
ng bahay hanggat di daw po siya bumabalik."

Napakunot ang noo ko. "Why? Where did he go?"

Bumaling ito sa anak niya. "Maricel, san daw ba nagpunta si Sir." Tanong niya.

Lumapit ang anak nito sa'min. Hawak parin ang walis. "Kanina po nagpatulong siya
sa'king maghanap ng singsing-"

"Singsing?"

"Ah-opo. Don po sa hardin. Mukang masaya nga po siya nung nakita namin 'yon eh
tapos nagpalit lang siya ng damit bago umalis. Pagkatapos niya pong magbilin,
nagpahatid siya kay amang sa tricycle papunta sa kabilang bayan."

Bigla akong kinabahan sa sinabi niya. Hindi ko alam pero ang pakiramdam ko ay
iniwan niya na 'ko. Pero hindi naman niya gagawin yon diba? "B-bakit? Anong meron
sa kabilang bayan? Anong gagawin niya 'don?"

"Hindi niya po ba nabanggit sa inyo?" nagkatinginan ang mag-ina matapos akong

umiling. "Ang rinig ko ay magpapababa siya sa sakayan ng bus papuntang Maynila."

Agad na bumagsak ang pakiramdam ko. Iniwan niya ko. Sabi ko na nga ba at iniwan
niya ko. And the ring! He searched for the ring I threw in the garden. His wedding
ring.

Nag-iinit ang mga mata ko hanggang sa naramdaman kong tumutulo na naman ang mga
luha ko. Marahas ko itong pinahid. "I'm not hungry."

Rumehistro ang pag-aalala sa kanila. "Pero ma'am ang bilin po ni Sir ay pakainin
daw kayo."

"Hindi nga ako gutom." Mabilis akong umakyat at iniwan sila. Sinarado ko ang pinto
at nagkulong don maghapon.

Bakit ga'non? Sabi ko na nga ba hindi niya matatanggap kung sino talaga ako. Sino
ba namang lalaking tatanggap sa'kin? Sa taong wasak na wasak at may sirang
nakaraan. Ang akala ko siya 'yon pero sa ginawa niya, ppinakita niyang tinanggihan
niya ko.

He chose Maureen. Pinahid ko ang mga luha ko at niyakap ang unan niya. They're
probably happy and currently on their wedding. Iyak lang ako ng iyak. Nawala narin
ang antok ko at gutom dahil sa lungkot na nararamdaman ko.

Ang sakit sakit. Parang hindi ko yata kaya ang sakit na naramdaman ko. He said he
wouldn't leave me. He said that he'd marry me pero bakit niya ko iniwan?
Nakakaasar! Nakakaasar! Why do I even hope that things would be this smooth? She
was really right all along. I shouldn't have let him got close. And now I'm broken.
The pain was too much to bear. It's even worse than my brother got me sold to a
drug lord or even the time I got r-aped and pregnant.

Wala akong ginawa kung hindi ang umiyak maghapon. I was becoming emotionally
unstable. Maisip ko palang siya naiiyak na ko. Isang bagay lang na konektado sa
kanya ang nakikita o naiisip ko, naiiyak na ko. Ano nang gagawin ko? I was lost. I
couldn't even eat properly. Dahil sa sobrang stress ko, may times na sinusuka ko
ung mga kinain ko. Para narin akong namatay. Nawalan ako ng ganang mabuhay sa loob
ng tatlong araw. Oo! Tatlong araw na simula nang iwan niya ko at hindi na bumalik.

I was still hoping na bumalik siya pero wala talaga. Iniwan niya na talaga ako at
kinalimutan. No text or calls. This is bullsh!t! May telepono naman dito. Ayoko
siyang tawagan dahil hindi ko lalo kakayanin kung siya mismo ang magsasabing
kinalimutan niya na ko. Tama na ang sakit...ayoko nang dagdagan

Mag-isa ako sa bahay dahil nagsabi na noon sina Manang na hindi makakarating. They
were worried because I didn't eat my dinner. They were worried that I might get
sick but I didn't care at all. Ayoko na! I had lost myself to the heartache he
created and I lost the will to live.

I thought that everything would get better but it just got worst.

At sa hindi ko mabilang kung ilan, natagpuan ko na naman ang sarili kong iyak nang
iyak.
Chapter 41
Nagugutom ako.

I woke up in the middle of the night with my stomach aching. Parang may hinahalukay
sa tyan ko dahil sa gutom. I could even hear my stomach growling. Ang sakit. Kelan
ba ko huling kumain?

I remembered eating breakfast...then a piece of bread for lunch and after that wala
na.

I sighed and got off the bed with my hand over my growling stomach. Naghalo halo na
ang pakiramdam ko. Init na init din ako at uhaw na uhaw. What the hell are these
feelings? This is irritating me so much.

Pagtayo ko ay napatakbo agad ako sa banyo. Ramdam kong biglang may lumabas sa'kin
at hindi nga ako nagkakamali.

I groaned in irritation as I changed my pad. Ugh! Naiirita ko.

Bumaba ako at hinalungkat ang kusina. Bakit walang makaing disente dito? Yung mga
nakatakip na pagkain puro prito. Nakakaasar! Padabog kong tinakpan ulit ung mga
pagkain at nagdesisyon na magluto nalang.

"What the hell are these craps?" I rummage the fridge for the so called ingredients
and I could definitely say and positively sure that nothing was worth cooking. Puro
walang kwentang gulay at mabahong mga isda.

Kumuha nalang ako ng malamig na tubig pero hindi sila ganon kalamig para sa'kin.
They were close to being ice but not enough so I took some of the ice cubes and put
it in a glass. Kinuha ko narin ung tinapay na natira ko kahapon at umakyat habang
ngumangata ng isang yelo.

I moaned as I graze my teeth to the hard surface of the ice, sending me instant
cool and refreshment. Nakadalawang slice lang ako ng tasty bread bago ako nawalan
ng gana at pinagdiskitahan ung mga yelo. Nang makuntento ako sa second batch ng ice
cubes ay natulog na ko.

Hindi parin gaanong nawawala ang skait ng tyan ko kaya naglagay ako ng unan sa tyan
ko at padapang natulog. Nagsimula na namang tumulo ang mga luha ko. Nakakaasar
talaga! I'm all alone inside this big house owned by whatever-dog-his-name-was.
Walang kausap at walang mapaglibangan. Mag-isa lang ako at dahil don, nakaramdam
ako ng sobrang lungkot. Ang hirap palang mag-isa.

May gumigising sa'kin.

I could feel someone tapping my arm and slightly shaking me. Pagud na pagod pa ang
pakiramdam ko at gusto ko pang matulog. "Honey, wake up."

When I heard his voice, my eyes shot open. Nakatingin lang ako sa mukha nito para
siguraduhin kung siya nga talaga ang dumating. Siya nga! Gusto ko siyang yakapin
habang nakaluhod ito dahil sa sobra saya. Nandito siya at binalikan ako pero sumagi
sa isip ko ang ginawa niyang pag-iwan sa'kin ilang araw na ang nakakaraan.

"Bumangon ka na. Aalis tayo." He was smiling kahit na malamig ang tingin ko sa
kanya. Tamad akong bumangon.

"Get out. I don't want to see you." napaawang ang labi niya dahil sinabi ko.

Tumayo ako para pumunta sa banyo. Hanggang ngayon naiinitan pa kasi ako at gusto
kong maligo.

"Honey, I'm sorry." Humarap ako sa kanya. "Galit ka nakikita ko and I know I left
you without saying anything but I just had some things to settle. Inayos ko lang
lahat bago bumalik dito. Matagal ang tatlong araw at hindi mo alam kung gano ko
kagustong balikan ka pero okay na lahat. Actually it's more than okay dahil wala
nang gusot."

Malawak ang ngiti niya at kumikinang sa kasiyahan ang mga mata niya. He walked
closer and tried to touch me but I raised my palm to signal him to stop.

"I said get out." His smile as replaced with a frown and his eyes bore confusion.
"You left me for three fvking days without saying anything to me tapos babalik ka
dito at hihingi ng tawad. Do you think that's easy? Now, I want you to get out of
this room and go back to where you went together with that bitch you're so eagerly
to see."

"What? Who are you-doesn't matter but please...please...can we talk later.

Kailangan na natin talagang umalis. Tatanggapin ko lahat ng parusa mo sa'kin,
okay." Mabilis siyang lumapit sa'kin at yumakap. "God, baby I miss you."

Mas lalo akong nainis sa sinabi niya at malakas ko itong tinulak. "Get away from
me." Napaatras siya at gulat na nag-angat ng tingin. "First of all, you stink.
Hindi mo ba napapansin? You're all sweaty and disgusting. Parang hindi ka naligo ng
isang buwan o higit pa. Nakakadiri!"

Yuck! Kanina nung niyakap niya ko parang hinalukay ang sikmura ko. Ang baho talaga.
T-shirt, jeans at rubber shoes ang suot niya. Mukhang disente kung hindi lang gulo
gulo ang buhok nito at pawisan. He was scratching the back of his neck while
smiling timidly. See pati siya aware sa itsura niya.

Nahihiya siyang tumingin sa'kin. "I haven't had time to shower since yesterday." I
rolled my eyes at him.

"Second. I.am.not.your.fvking.baby." nanggigigil kong sabi at tumalikod.

Nagkulong ako sa banyo para maligo. Ang akala ko susundan niya ko o kaya kakatukin
pero walang kahit na ano akong narinig. Siguro lumabas na nga talaga siya.

Nanggagalaiti ako sag alit habang naliligo. That assh0le! How dare he calls me that
endearment. Ganyan niya ko tawagin dati pero diba honey na nga ngayon. Bwiset! I
bet he used that one to her at namali siya ng tawag. Did he think of me as stupid?
Ang akala niya ba hindi ko mapapansin?

Nagtapis ako ng twalya at lumabas.

Ugh! Hindi ba marunong makinig ang isang 'to! "Did I stutter when I told you to get
out and leave?" naningkit ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Hindi niya ko pinansin at
kinuha ung plastic ng tinapay.

"Ito lang ba ang laman ng tyan mo, hon? Anong kinain mo sa mga araw na wala ako?"
kunot noo niyang tanong. I just coldly glared at him before searching for clothes
to wear. "Di bale, kakain tayo mamaya at gusto ko marami ang kakainin mo." Hindi ko
siya pinansin. "Here, wear this."

Bloody hell! Lumapit na naman siya. I really wanted to stay away from him because
of his smell kaya kinuha ko nalang agad ung puting damit na hinarang niya sa
paningin ko. Agad akong lumayo at nagtakip ng ilong.

"Fine, maliligo ako pero isuot mo muna 'yan." I frowned after inspecting the dress
with long sleeves lace.

Ibinato ko ito sa kama. "Are you out of your mind? You want me to wear long sleeves
while it's like forty degrees outside. At huwag ka ngang aligaga. Parang hindi ka
mapakali." Malalim ang buntong hininga niya at sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang mga
daliri.

"I'm sorry for being stupid. Tama ka...magulo lang ang isip ko pero just don't be
so cold at me, hon and about the dress. Meron pang isa dito." I looked at the dress
he offered then back to him. "Sleeveless ang isang 'to." I rolled my eyes and
snatched it from his hand, still maintaining our distance and changed inside the
bathroom before grabbing a pair of undergarments.

He was sitting on the bed while his foot bounced up and down. Why is this man so
restless? Tumingin siya sa relos niya bago sa'kin at napatayo.

"Wow...you look gorgeous." He whispered through his breath while looking dreamily
at me. I felt flattered and my cheeks heat up with his words.

Gusto kong magsabi ng thank you tapos pisilin ung pisngi niya kasi ang cute niyang
tignan pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. I'm still mad at him.

"Explain." I said coldly with my arms crossed, my fire finger tapping my arm as I
wait.

His mouth opening and closing, trying to say something he found hard to do.
"Later." Agad na umarko ang kilay ko. "I have to take a bath first because you
know... I smell aweful. I promise it'll be quick." He chuckled without humor and
rushed to the bathroom.

Nagsuklay lang ako ng wala siya at hinintay siya sa tapat ng banyo. Ang kapal ng
mukha niyang hindi ako pansinin. Parang ayaw niya talagang magpaliwanag. I breathe
a couple of times to calm and stop myself from whacking his head with the first
thing I could touch.

If he ever thought that I could just forget everything easily, then his wrong.
Hindi ako basta basta nakakalimot.

I was gritting my teeth and biting my lower lip because of my anger.

"I want your explanation. Now!" I demanded right before he opened the door.

"Wait lang, hon. Magbibihis lang ako. Mabilis lang."

He didn't want to explain. I knew it. "Nakipagkita ka ba sa kanya?" Natigilan siya

bahagya sa pagsusuot ng pantalon. Hindi siya sumagot.

He's hiding something.

"Did you or did you not see her?" Tumingin siya sakn habang inaayos ang butones ng
polo shirt niya. Ginulo niya ung buhok niya at hindi nakatingin sa'kin. He looked
like I was forcing him to say something. Nagtatanong lang naman ako.

Pumikit siya at suminghap. "Yes. Pero kinausap ko lang siya para-"

My throat constricted and it was hard to breathe. "To what? Para makipagbalikan sa
kanya at iwan ako?" bigla akong nakarinig ng tili sa labas. Boses babae. "Sinama mo
siya dito." I seethe.

My tears again started to fall and he gasped. "Hindi." Mabilis kong tinanggal ang
singsing at inilagay sa palad niya.
"Fine. If you don't want me then here's your ring." Mabigat ang loob kong lumabas
ng kwarto at dumiretso sa baba. Tinatawag niya ko pero hindi ako lumilingon.

"Mommy!" I was frozen where I stood when I saw Seven and Nine running towards my
direction. Yumakap sila pareho sa bewang ko.

"Mommy, I miss you." Masayang sabi ni Nine. "Daddy said we'll see you and then
you're here." Malawak ang ngiti nito habang suot suot ang eye patch at naka royal
blue na gown. Nagtataka ako kung bakit napakapormal naman ata nila. Her hair was
pinned back neatly. Si Seven naman ay nakangiti at naluluhang nakatingala sa'kin
with his white shirt and royal blue tie.

Mas lalong nagpatakan ang mga luha ko. I couldn't believe they were here. My kids
are really here. Lumuhod ako at niyakap sila ng mahigpit.

"I miss you both so much." Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at hinalikan sila pareho. Nine
giggled and Seven hugged me again.

"Rainne."

"Andrea? Ikaw din Greg?" Halata sa boses ko ang pagkagulat. Here stand in front of
me was Andrea with Greg.

She had pixie cut hait, small face, brown eyes, small pointed nose and thin lips.
May kaliitan siya at makulit. Siya lang naman ang nakalapit samin kagaya ni
Kristoff.

Kilala namin siya ni Kristoff and we were schoolmates in college. Close sila kaya
nakakasama ko na siya minsan and also, she knew about my story including the real
Rainne. Si Greg naman ay kakilala rin ni Kristoff dito sa Pilipinas. Ang alam ko
may-ari siya ng restaurant. "What are you all doing here?"

"I'll tell you later but we need to fix your hair and make-up first."

"B-bakit?" ngumiti lang siya sa'kin at hinila ako paupo sa sofa. Nakangiti siya at
mukang excited habang may kinukuha sa bag. Yung mga bata naman ay umupo rin sa tabi
ko.

"Daddy!" Nine ran to Kristoff who just stoop down the stairs. He scooped her up and
smiled. Naguguluhan talaga ako.

"Seven, pogi. Layo ka muna sa mommy mo ah. Ayusin ko lang yung make up niya, 'kay?"

Ngumuso siya at lumayo ng kaunti. "I miss you, my sweet handsome Seven." I gave him
a kiss.

He smiled. "I love you, mommy." he said.

"I love you too." I admitted.

"I hate to say this but..." sabi ni Greg bago tumingin sa relos niya. "baka malate
kayo sa seminar."

"One more thing." Kristoff said while rushing down the stairs.

"Here's your killer shoes." sinuot niya sakin ung silver stilettos. She even
squealed in excitement. Ano ba kasing nangyayari?

"Honey." malambing na sabi ni Kristoff nang makalapit. Hinawakan niya ang dalawa
kong kamay at pinatayo. He was smiling widely and my heart pounded due to unknown
reason. Maybe it was because of his eyes. They were glistering with happiness and
nervousness.

Oh.my.God! Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napasinghap nang bigla siyang lumuhod sa
harap ko. Sh!t!!!!

My heart pounded hard like it wanted to jump out of my chest. I can't believe that
this is happening. Nanginginig ang mga tuhod ko at pinagpapawisan ang mga kamay ko.

"I wanna do this properly." Bumuga siya ng hininga. Hindi pa siya nagsisimula pero
nag-iinit na ang gilid ng mga mata ko. Napatingin sa mga kasama namin. Greg was
smiling while Andrea got teary eyed. The twin was focus on us with Seven still
sitting on the sofa and Nine smiling and standing near him.

He squeezed my hand that made me look down at him.

"Rainne, honey... for all these years that I'm with you, I've fallen deeply and
more deeply in love with you. The first time I saw you, my heart whispered 'she's
the one' and I knew that he's right. You're the one for me. I'm very certain of
that and I will not let this day pass without you being mine forever so..." He
pulled out the ring I gave back earlier. I couldn't help but let my tears fall.
"Buti nalang di ko nawala nung nahulog kanina." he chuckled. "Honey.." maluha luha
niyang sabi.

"I'm so sorry dahil pinaiyak na naman kita. I'll take any punishment you want to
give me pero ipinapangako ko kaso na gagawin ko ang lahat para di ka na masaktan. I
want to share every burden you have for and replace them with beautiful memories. I
promise to make you happy-you and the kids for this day and every day forward. So
I'm asking you this, my love. Make me the happiest man alive and marry me, please."

He was teary eyed, smiling but nervous. I, too was feeling the same but I was
crying.

Tumango tango ako na lalong nagpalawak sa ngiti niya. "Yes. Definitely."

Hindi pa ko tapos magsalita nang bigla niya kong yakapin. "Yes! Yeeesss!"

He gave pecks of kisses as we both felt each other smiled against each others lips.
Narinig kong pumalakpak ang iba habang sinusuot niya ang singsing sa'kin.

"Let's go. Isang oras at kalahati nalang." sabi ni Greg.

"Congratulations, Rainne. Magiging masaya ka na rin. You found your happiness. Pero
please ung make up mo."

"Can you go faster, Greg?" Sabi ni Kristoff.

Nakasakay kami sa ranger ni Greg. Nasa likod kaming apat habang si Greg ang
nagmamaneho katabi si Andrea.

"Ito na nga. Masyadong malubak eh."

Hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman ko nang sabihin ni Kristoff na ikakasal kami ngayong
araw din na ito. I was overwhelmed, excited and nervous. Halo halo na. Kinuwento
niya din ung mga ginawa nila sa loob ng tatlong araw.

Tinawagan niya pala si Andrea nang makabalik siya sa Manila. Pinaasikaso niya dito
ung mga papers namin sa Brazil kagaya ng mga birth certificate. Dumating kahapon si
Andrea papuntang Brazil at inasikaso ang mga bata.

Si Greg naman ay nag-asikaso ng mga papeles namin dito. Gaya ng CENOMAR tapos
pumunta siya sa kabilang bayan para maitehistro kami sa kasalang bayan. I was happy
when he told me that Greg got him a certificate of non marriage. Ibig sabihin hindi
pa talaga sila kasal ni Maureen pero hindi niya kami naisali sa kasalang bayan
dahil wala na daw slot unless a couple would back out.

Nawala naman ang galit ko nang sinabi niya ang mga ginawa niya. He talked to
Maureen, her parents and his parents.

Nagkaayos na daw sila ni Maureen pero hindi ng mga magulang nito. Pinagbantaan pa
daw siyang idedemanda dahil sa ginawa nitong kahihiyan sa kanila pero tatanggapin
niya 'yon kagaya ng sapak na binigay ng ama ni Maureen. Gawin lang nila. As if I'll
let them.

His parents however were disappointed specially when he said his plans. Okay lang
daw sa kanya pero nakita kong nalungkot siya dahil hindj siya nakakuha ng blessing.

"Salamat Maricel dahil sa ginawa mo. Kung dahil sa ginawa niyo hindi kami
makakakuha ng slot. Don't worry, we'll take care of your wedding kahit saang
simbahan pa at kahit gano ka-engrande. Just say it." Aniya.

Malaki ang pasasalamat namin kay Maricel at fianc‫ ؃‬niya dahil sila ung nagback out
sa wedding para sa'min. Nagdadawang isip pa sila nung una because this was their
chance to have a wedding since they couldn't afford to have one but Greg and
Kristoff told them that they would shoulder theirs. Greg will cater and Kris will
provide for expense.

Okay lang naman na next time na kami magpakasal pero ayaw ni Kristoff. He said that
he will have this chance kasi baka may mangyari na naman daw. I couldn't help but
to think the same.

"Kristoff, Rainne. Pumunta na kayo sa hall, bilis." pagmamadali samin ni Greg.

"We'll take care of the kids." segunda ni Andrea.

Kristoff took my hand and drag me inside a small office. Kailangan daw kasi muna
kaming umattend ng seminar bago makasali. Minadali nalang ng speaker ang lahat
dahil malalate kami. Sa isang maliit na event hall lang ang kasalang bayan. Mainit
at medyo masikip pero okay lang.

This was the first time I felt this giddy and excitement. Gusto kong namnamin lahat
ng segundo pero gusto kong matapos na agad ang lahat. Ang gulo pero ganun talaga
ako kaexcited.

Unang naglakad ang mga flower girls. Lima sila at isa don si Nine. Kristoff
requested it and promised to give donations for their town. Nakangiti siyang
sinasaboy ang mga talulot ng bulaklak.

Nakaangkla ang mga braso namin sa isa't isa habang naglalakad. Si Kristoff hindi
mawala ang ngiti sa kanya. Napakasaya akong makita siyang ganyan.

Their mayor just gave a short speech before we proceed.

"The rings?" Umarko ang kilay ko sa kanya. Lahat kasi naglabasan na ng mga singsing
pero kami wala pa.

'Wag niya sabihing wala. Hindi pwede 'yon.

"Wait lang hon. I'm excited as you are." nakangiting sabi niya.

Biglang lumapit sa'min si Seven at kinuha sa bulsa niya ang mga singsing. Gusto ni
Kris na siya ang mgaing ring bearer because he wanted both kids to participate in
our wedding. Nangako pa siya kanina na uultin ang wedding namin sa simbahan. Dapat
lang. Gusto ko ring makasal sa simbahan pero uunahin ko munang makasal kami ng
ganito kaysa sa simbahan.

Ito na ang pinakahihintay ko. Ang pirmahan. I wouldn't let this part of the event
be ruined. Ito ang mahalaga sakin dahil pagkatapos nito ay kami na talaga.

"Hindi kaya may sumabog naman ngayon sa kung saan?"

"Just sign it."

Tumawa siya at pumirma habang hindi nawawala ang paningin ko sa ginagawa niyang
pagpirma.

After the last stoke on his signature, I was smiling and he's looking down on his
work for a second before I trapped his face between my hands and gave him a long
kiss.

I could hear Andrea cheering and Greg's whistling in the background at sa wakas....
kasal na ko sa kanya.
Chapter 42.1
"Where are the kids?" Tanong ko kay Greg. Tinuro niya ung dalawa malapit sa
drinking fountain.

"My turn." rinig kong sabi ni Nine at tumayo sa pagkakaluhod.

Seven's down on his knees and hands while Nine's stepping on his back, reaching for
water using her mouth.

"Kids, we're leaving." Sabi ko.

"Sa wakas! We're home."

Maggagabi na nang makauwi kami sa bahay ko. Hindi na kami bumalik sa pinagtuluyan
namin at nagpahatid nalang ng pasasalamat sa may-ari ng bahay kay Aling Ara.

"Seven, go follow daddy." Sinundan naman niya si Kristoff paakyat sa kwarto nila
para makapaglinis ng katawan. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Andrea.

Si Greg naman ay umuwi na dahil maaga pa siyang babalik bukas sa Batangas para
asikasuhin ang kasal ni Maricel. I was so thankful at them especially at Maricel
and her fiancɃ.

"She doesn't know about this." Diretso at may pag-aalalang sabi ni Andrea.

I walked to the sofa and sat. I rested one elbow on my thigh and run my palm
through my face tiredly. Umupo siya sa tabi ko.

"Don't tell her."

"Kahit naman hindi ko sabihin malalaman at malalaman niya parin." She said. "She's
staying in your company here." She had this apologetic look and I couldn't help but
to feel like everything was drained from me.
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at kinagat ang ibabang labi. "It's out first day-
first night after the wedding."

"I know pero alam mo naman na hindi talaga kayo kasal, diba? The marriage is null
and void." I snapped my gaze's direction at her.

Tama siya. Hindi ko lang agad naisip 'yon dahil ang gusto ko ay maikasal sa kanya.
How could I forget that single and important detail?

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. "I'm really happy that you found your happiness with
him because you're my friend. Nagbago ka na rin and it's better pero kaibigan ko
rin si Kristoff at sa tingin ko dapat mong sabihin sa kanya. Lahat. He'll
understand." Napatingin ako sa mga hita ko.

Umiling ako. "Hindi pa. Not until I secure everything for the kids."

She squeezed my hand. "Bilisan mo lang dahil baka bigla siyang bumisita sa mga
darating na araw."

Bakit ganito? Masaya lang kami kanina tapos ganito. What if I told him? Tatanggapin
niya kaya lahat? Naguumapaw ang kasiyahan niya kanina pero pa'no pag nalaman niya
na walang bisa ang kasal namin? Ayokong makita ulit ung pagiging miserable niya.
It'll be double than before.

--

Kristoff

"Pasensya ka na kung hindi kita nabigyan ng magarbong kasal, hon. I promise to give
you the best and grandest wedding. Kahit saan pa 'yan, you say it."

Hindi ko masukat kung ganong kasiyahan ko ngayon habang magkayakap kami sa kama.
Kasal na ko sa kanya! For more than five years yun lang ang pinangarap ko at ngayon
natupad na.

I couldn't contain my happiness so I rain kisses on her face and move above her.
She giggled at parang mag-iinit ang dibdib ko habang tinitignan siya.

She smiled. "I don't need a grand wedding. I just want this to last." She said.

"But I give it to you anyway dahil hindi ako makakapayag na sa kasalang bayan lang
tayo kinasal. I just want to secure our relationship that's why I rushed things up.
So... first quarter next year? Palipasin muna natin ung birthday niyo ng mga bata."

October ngayon so ilang bwan lang naman. Now I have another thing to look forward
to. I chuckled and kissed her neck while switching our position.

Napansin ko ang pananahimik niya. "Bakit? Ayaw mo?" Nakaharang ang ilang hibla ng
buhok nito kaya hinawi ko.

Umiling siya. "I was just thinking about w-work but whatever you want." Pumaibabaw
ulit ko. "Kristoff ano ba nahihilo ako." She said while fixing her hair.

"I'm sorry...I'm just too happy that you're finally my wife." Hinanap ng mga labi
ko ang sa kanya. Saglit lang 'yon pero parang nagliyab ang buong katawan ko. Sayang
nga lang at hindi kami makapag honeymoon.

"I'm happy too." She said.

"May gusto akong malaman tunkol sa nakaraan mo." I felt her stiffen under me. "Okay
lang kung ayaw mong sagutin."

She sighed. "No it's fine."

"Hindi ko gustong malaman ang nakaraan mo. Gusto kong malaman kung anong itsura mo
no'n. I wanted to picture the other image of your face. I couldn't help
it...nacucurious talaga ako."

"Si Nine...she's my perfect replica when I was young. Hindi lang 'yon...mahilig din
ako sa chocolate non kagaya ng kambal. My mom would scold me for eating too much
because it gave me diarrhea. That made me remember...we need to cut the twin's
chocolate. Sumakit kanina ang ngipin ni Nine. Then nung college, tuwang tuwa ako
pag nakakakita ako ng chocolate sa locker ko tapos itatago ko sa cabinet ng vanity
mirror."

"Admirer mo?"

"Actually...he was my fiancɃ."

I clicked my tongue and my eyes narrowed. "Sorry nalang siya dahil hindi ka niya
nadaan sa chocolate. His loss dahil sa'kin ka na ngayon and no one will ever take
you away from me even if they gave you a truck full of chocolates."

I snuggled closer and buried my face on the crook of her neck, chuckling. I inhaled
in her scent and again, changed our position.

"Honey...I told you I'm dizzy." Nakakunot ang noo niya at napapikit.

Bigla siyang namutla kaya na ikinakaba ko. "Anong problema, hon?"

Bigla niyang tinulak ang sarili palayo sa'kin at tumayo. Sobra ang pag-aalala ko
lalo na nung tumakbo siya sa banyo. I followed and saw her sitting on the floor in
front of the toilet.

I could clearly hear the gawking sound as she bowed her head down. Agad ko siyang
dinaluhan at hinawakan ang buhok niya habang hinaplos haplos ang likod.

"You're sick. Pupunta tayo bukas sa doktor." umiling siya at sumuka ulit. Kumunot
ang noo ko dahil sa pag-aalala. Baka may nakain siyang masama kanina sa reception
sa bayan. Nakarinig ako ng mga katok sa pintuan. "Bukas 'yan." I shouted.

"I'll sleep beside mommy." Napalingon ako sa kambal nang sumigaw si Nine.

I saw her crawl into bed dragging her teddy bear. "What happened to mommy?"

"Seven...can you please get some tissue." Mabilis niya kinuha ung tissue holder sa
lababo. His eyes stuck on his mother. "She'll be fine. Samahan mo muna si Nine."
Hindi siya kumilos. "Sige na kuya."

Pinunasan ko ang bibig niya ng matapos at inalalayan siya sa kama. Hindi ko muna
pinatulog ang mga bata kasama kami baka kasi hind imaging kumportable si Rainne.
Kailangan ko siyang dalhin sa ospital bukas. It came to my mind that maybe she's
pregnant. It made me happy pero ang sabi niya nagkaroon daw siya so it's
impossible, diba?

Kinabukasan ay nauna akong bumaba dahil mahimbing pa ang tulog niya. I saw the kids
running towards me, looking scared.
"Bakit?"

Tinuro ni Seven ung TV habang binuhat ko si Nine. Lumapit ako at tinignan.

Tatlong preso ang patay matapos na di umano'y mang-agaw ng baril at nagtangkang

tumakas sa kulungan. Ang tatlong ito ay nahuli sa isang rescue operation sa kasong
kidnapping at human trafficking...

Hindi ko na tinapos ang balita at pinatay ang TV. Naka-flash kasi ang mga pangalan
at litrato ng mga preso. I knew those people. They were the one who took the kids.
Siguro ay namukaan nila kaya ganun nalang ang reaksyon nila. It's unfortunate that
they die but maybe this was God's plan to them.

Inilayo ko sila sa TV at bumaba para pantayan sila. "Listen kids..." Ipinaalam ko

sa kanila na kailangan naming umalis mamaya ni Rainne. They wanted to come but I
said that they also had school.

"Mommy alam mo I saw Matthew and Princess nung pumunta si Seven sa restroom. They
made this boy cry. Classmate din po namin then I went to him when they left. "
Kwento ni Nine habang kumakain.

"Did you make him stop crying?" tanong ko. Tumingin ako saglit sa asawa ko pero
namumutla parin ito at mukang walang ganang kumain. I frowned.

"Opo. I gave him chocolates." She proudly said. "I call him O-bear because his name
sounds like a bear."

"But that was mine. It's my food." Nakangusong sabi ni Seven.

Ipinaalam ko na rin sa kanila na babawasan ang supply nila ng chocolates. They both
whined and protested lalo na si Nine pero para narin sa kanila 'yon.

Pasulyap sulyap ako ng tingin kay Rainne habang nasa byahe. She wore a simple dress
with her hair down. Rinig ko ang bigat ng hininga niya habang nakapikit.

Inasikaso agad kami pagdating don at sandaling naghintay matapos magfill-up ng

form. Tinawag kami ng nurse at pumasok.

"I told you I'm not sick or anything. Nahilo lang talaga ako." She announced.

Hinawaka ko ang kamay niya. "And I believe you. Gusto ko lang mag double check
dahil talagang nag-aalala ako."

Ibigay samin ng doktor ang isang maliit na plastic bottle. "Pakilagyan nalang po ng
ihi ito, misis. At least half of the bottle tapos po ay kukunan po namin kayo ng
dugo." sabi ng doktor na lalaki."

"Is this really necessary?"

"Sige na, honey. Sundin mo nalang si Doc. Tatawag lang ako sa office habang nasa
loob ka."

Bumuntong hininga siya bago tumayo at pumunta sa banyo sa gilid ng silid. Lumabas
naman ako para tumawag. It's a good thing that my assistant is very reliable kung
hindi ah baka magulo na ang office ko pagbalik.

I was giving another set of instructions to my secretary when someone bumped into
me. Nahulog pa ung phone ko. "Sorry." I apologize without looking.
I was about to reached down for my phone when someone had it first. Inabot niya
sakin ito. "Thanks."

"Nice meeting you." napakunot ang noo ko hindi dahil sa boses niyang malamig kundi
dahil sa mga tingin niya sakin. Agad din siyang naglakad palayo.

There was something in her look. It was like lifeless and weird. Good thing she had
beautiful eyes. Grey like my wife's. Kakaiba din ang isinagot niya sa'kin.

Pwede daw naming balikan ung resulta mamaya. I suggested that we stroll in the mall
but she wanted to visit her office. She's very persuasive and hard headed which
made me agreed.

"You were the one who said that we need to go back because of work." pagpapaalala
niya.

Wala na kong nagawa. Kahit na nag-aalala ako sa kalagayan niya, ayaw ko namang ma-
stress siya at magalit sa'kin.

Mabilis kaming nakarating sa palapag ng opisina niya gamit ang private elevator.
Ang kamay ko at nasa bewang niya at naglalakad palang kami palapit sa reception
nang bigla siyang nagsalita.

"Is Vernice still not here?"

The girl seating behind the reception immediately stood up. Halatang nataranta ito
pagkakita palang kay Rainne.

"W-wala pa po, ma'am simula nung umabsent siya."

Kumunot ang noo niya at parang nag-iisip. "What the matter, hon?"

Para siyang nagulat nang magtanong ako. "N-nothing. Mauna ka na sa loob may
tatawagan lang ako."

I kissed the side of her head and walk straight to her office. Ano kayang iniisip
niya? Para kasi siyang nababahala, eh.

Pagpasok ko ay nagulat ako nang makita kung sino ang nasa loob ng opisina niya.

Siya ung babae kanina.

Nakaupo ito sa likod ng lamesa ni Rainne. Nakatingin lang ito sa'kin na para bang
alam niya na darating ako.

Nagtaka agad ako.

She stood up and stopped in front of the table with her arms crossed. She had shown
confidence and power with her high heels and black dress. Maganda siya, matangkad
at maganda ang katawan na siguradong pagpapantasyahan ng karamihan.

Her hair was neatly styled and in bun. Isa pang nakakuha ng atensyon ko at ang mga
malalamig na mata niya. Walang emosyon at blangko. Parang kay Rainne at pareho din
ang kulay pero mas malamig ang sa kanya.

There's something off and dangerous about this woman.

Nakarinig ako ng pagsinghap kaya napatingin kami pareho sa likuran ko. Agad kong
nilapitan si Rainne at inakbayan.
She was pale and looked nervous...more like scared while her hand covers her mouth.
Her eyes wide and focused on the woman in front.

Ngayon ko lang nakita siyang ganito sa ibang tao.

"Who are you?" Matigas kong tanong. She was making my wife uncomfortable. "Who are
you?" Pag-uulit ko ng hindi siya sumagot.

"Kristoff, s-stop it." nagtaka ako nang bumulong si Rainne para pigilan ako. Her
voice wavered.

"Bakit, honey? Sino ba siya?"

Bumaling ulit ako don sa babae. Hindi niya tinatanggal ang tingin kay Rainne. "Can
you please leave. You're making my wife uncomfortable."

"Your wife?"

Rainne shivered in my arms and looked more scared. Naguluhan ako sa nangyayari pero
mayroon sa loob ko na gustong protektahan si Rainne sa babaeng ito. I don't care
what's happening. My urge to protect her just kicked in and I need to keep this
woman away from my wife.

"I'll ask you to get out one last time before I call the security. Hindi ko gustong
nandito ka. Sino ka ba at pa'no ka nakapasok dito?"

"No." Puno ng pag-aalala ang bulong ni Rainne.

She smirked still not taking her eyes off of my wife.

"I am your wife."

ɰ️‫ߔآګ️ߔآګ‬

See Rainne and Alonna in multimedia.

Pagpalitin niyo lang ang kulay ng mga balat nila. Lol...

Chapter 42.2
Kristoff frowned in confusion while she just stared at us with her expressionless
stare before walking near the sofa. She reached down for a magazine lying on the
glass table and sat putting her leg over the other.

Bakit siya nandito? It's too soon. Hindi ko nagawang 'wag mag-alala nang tumingin
ako kay Kristoff. Pilit kong tinatagan ang sarili ko para mawala ang panlalambot ng
tuhod ko.

"Would you like him to stay?" he said flatly while flipping in the pages.

Humigpit ang hawak sakin ni Kristoff. "I have no plan on lea-"

"Iwan mo muna kami, Kris." Kumalas ako sa yakap niya.

"Hindi." Umiling siya. "I don't trust her enough to leave you alone with her."

"Please, honey. I'll just see you later. You can go to work for the mean time. Okay
lang ako. She's not gonna hurt me. Ang totoo kaibigan ko siya."
I tried convincing him that I'd be okay but he looked unconvinced and took a glance
of her a bit then at me. Please, Kristoff. Umalis ka muna ngayon. Hindi pa ko
handnag sabihin sa'yo lahat. Hindi sa wala akong tiwala sa kanya, I just didn't
want him involved with this. I had a very dark secrets and I was ready to expose
them to him. It's even to dark for me...pa'no nalang niya yon tatanggapin. Kahit na
gaano pa siya kabait at kaperpekto, walang taong tatanggap agad sa'kin at sa mga
sikreto ko. Lalo na kapag nalaman niyang may mga buhay na nawala dahil sa'kin.

Biglang tumunog ang phone niya pero hindi niya ito pinansin at nanatiling
nakatingin sa akin. His eyes showed hoe certain he was that he wouldn't leave me.

"I am your husband now and if you guys are gonna talk, siguro naman ay okay lang
kung mag-stay ako, diba?"

"Fine. Then let's start talking."

"No!" Agad kong tanggi nang tumayo si Rainne at nagsalita. "Kristoff.....I'll be

fine. Really. Just go to work and I promise to talk to you at home, okay?"

"You sounded like you didn't want me here. Mas gusto ko tuloy malaman kung anong
pag-uusapan niyo." He paused for a moment before sighing. "But I trust you. May
hinala akong tungkol ito sa nakaraan mo but please remember that I'm always here
for you. I am your husband after all."

A pang of guilt hit me like a ton of brick as he mentioned the word husband.
Tumunog ang phone niya tanda nang may nag-text at binasa niya iyon bago sandaling
tinignan si Rainne tapos ako. Lalong akong naguilty dahil sa bigat ng tingin niya.
I forced a smile to reassure him. He sighed in again in surrender before grabbing
my nape, pulling me before his lips made contact on my forehead.

Bumaba ang mga labi niya papunta sa'kin at ipinulupot ko ang mga braso sa bewang
niya habang dinadama kong mabuti ang halik niya. Saglit lang ito pero naramdaman ko
ang proteksyong gusto niyang ibigay sa'kin.

"May pupuntahan lang ako but don't hesitate to call me if something has gone wrong
or you felt like it." Seryoso siyang nakatingin habang naghihintay ng sagot ko.

"I will."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

He looked over my shoulder for the last time and walk out.

Nang nawala na siya ay hinarap ko ang babaeng naging sandalan ko sa mahabang

panahon. The woman who helped me pulled myself out of my miseries and made me
strong. Ang nagpahiram sa akin ng lahat kasama ng pangalan niya. Lahat ng mayroon
ako maliban sa mga anak ko at Kristoff ay sa kanya. Yung mga bahay, pera at
kumpanya...sa kanya lahat.

Sinubukan kong tapatan ang mga tingin niya pero wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang
umiwas ng tingin. Masyadong malamig at blangko ang tingin niya. I couldn't decipher
her. Lumapit ako at umupo sa swivel chair and read some reports. I tried to focus
or distract myself from the woman who continued to freeze me with her stares.

"Are you still with me." She finally said breaking the silence.

"Yes."
"Are you sure?"

"Y-yes."

My gaze was ripped off the paper and felt her well manicured fingernails slightly
scraped on my chin before her fingers lifted it, forcing me to meet the same shade
of eyes as mine.

"Always look straight to the eyes and do not stutter. Show confidence and they will
respect you. Did you forget about that too?"

Tinanggal ko ang kamay niya at tumingin sa kanya ng diretso. "No I did not."

"On the contrary..." humalukipkip siya. "It seems like you forget a lot of things
and is having fun playing married. Are you throwing in the white towel?"

Nanatili akong tahimik at nakatingin. "I knew it." she said. "Alam kong titiklop at
susuko ka rin sa huli. That you'd throw our efforts-everything away. After all,
you're still the weak and pathetic Alonna you wished to avoid. Pero kahit na
kalimutan ang dating ikaw ay hindi mo kaya. Now, everything we'd work hard for are
bound to go to waste in an instant. Thanks to you."

"You have helped me since the beginning and we did a lot together, Rainne and I-"

"And now you're calling me Rainne again." Her voice became colder as it gets in
every moment. Kaya kong tapatan ang lahat pero hindi siya. Hindi ko kaya. "You were
the one who wanted all of this."

"Because you gave me no choice." Napatayo ako at naglakad palayo sa lamesa. Umangat
ang isang gilid ng mga labi niya. She was in the middle of mocking me and
disappointment. I was not sure. She was hard to read.

"I always give you choice...since the beginning." She deadpanned. "Remember when I
asked you to escape the institution with me? I offered you my hand and you accepted
it. Tinanong din kita kung gusto mong gumanti at parusahan silang lahat and what
did you say? That you'd make them feel all you felt. That you wouldn't stop until
Aiden and Azel were on their knees pleading and begging to stop or asking for
forgiveness. I never forced you. Ever.

Did I force you for abortion? Did I force you gave those brats for adoption or when
I tried to tell you that Kristoff's a bad choice? No. I asked you and I respected
and accepted your decisions even though I knew they were stupid. Having no choice
is bullsh1t! There's always a choice. It's just that one has less consequences than
the other so people are force to choose the other at kapag nagkasisihan na, they'll
claim that they had no choice just like what you're doing right now. Unfortunately,
pinili kong 'wag kang pwersahin sa mga desisyon mo and now we're force to face the
consequences of the one we had chosen. Us having this talk." Napakagat ako ng
ibabang labi nang mapagtantong tama siya. She never forced me anything. When she
wanted something, she'd ask me first before having them.

"Once and for all...Do you still want this to end?"

Gusto kong umiwas ng tingin pero pinatatag ko ang sarili ko. "Not anymore." I said
with conviction and confidence. Nag-igting ang mga panga niya.

Alam kong dismayado siya pero napag-isipan ko na ito nang nasa Batangas kami.
Kristoff made me realized that the past I kept on looking back would only bring me
more pain than it gave me before. Nagawa niyang ipakita sa'kin ang hinaharap para
pahalagahan. He made me forget the past. He cured me.

Handa na kong pakawalan ang nakaraan at handa narin akong harapin ang kasalukuyan
at hinaharap kasama ng mga taong nagmamahal sa'kin ngayon. Iiwanan ko ang mga
nanakit sa'kin dahil hindi ko na sila kailangan. I would let them go for good
because they only gave me pain.

I'm ready to face the happiness I deserve with Kristoff and our children and I am
willing to share that happiness to Rainne.

"Sige. Ititigil na natin 'to." Hindi ako makapaniwalang tumingin sa kanya. Blangko
parin ang tingin niya kaya hindi ko alam kung seryoso siya. Pero hindi naman siya
magsisinungaling diba?

Ganun nalang yon kadali? Wala siyang ibang sasabihin?

Hinanda ko ang sarili ko kanina dahil alam kong magagalit siya. Rainne doesn't
shout when she's mad. Titignan ka lang niya ng malamig at mariin habang maramdaman
mo sa sarili mong galit siya. Hanggang maramdaman mong nanliliit ka na sa sarili mo
at hindi makatingin sa kanya. Ganoon siya magalit at hindi ko nakikita sa kanay
'yon ngayon.

Ang ibig sabihin ba nito malaya na 'ko?

She leaned her hips against the table. "What now? Should we go to your brother and
tell them everything?"

"No. Not yet...hindi pa ko handa. Let's think about it first. We can think of
something, right? We always think of something." Hindi ko na naitago ang kasiyahan
at excitement ko. Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay niya. "Thank you, Rainne. For
everything."

Tinignan niya ang mga kamay namin bago tumingin sa mga mata kong nagniningning sa
saya. "Can you come with me to the hospital?"

Kumunot ang noo ko kasabay ng pagbawi ng kamay niya sakin. "Hospital? Why?"

"I went there earlier to check on something."

"Are you sick or something?" nag-aalala kong tanong.

"No." simple niyang sagot at umalis papunta sa pintuan. Nilingon niya ko at

tinaasan ng kilay dahil sa nanatili akong nakatayo habang nakatingin sa kanya.

"Of course. Anything for a friend."

Nakita kong natigilan siya sa pagbukas ng pinto bago lumabas. I smiled knowing that
she didn't disagree. Noon pa man ay yon na ang turing ko sa kanya. Simula nang una
nya kong kausapin sa barko, she became my friend. Heck! I even consider her as my
best friend.

Masaya ako habang nagdridrive siya papunta ng ospital. Siya naman ay nanatili ang
tingin sa daan. I couldn't wait to tell it to Kristoff. Now I'm ready for that.
Hindi rin mawala sa isip ko ang gagawin namin para bumalik sa lahat ang normal.
Magpapalit na'ba kami ulit? Of course! Sa kanya naman talaga halos lahat ng meron
ako.

Sinundan ko siya ng makababa kami ng sasakyan. Ito rin ung ospital na pinuntahan
namin ni Kristoff kanina. Pumasok kami at sumakay sa elevator.
"Are we going to visit someone?" Tanong ko pero bigla siyang huminto sa gitna ng
pasilyo.

"What a sight to see."

"Bakit?"

She was just standing there looking at something. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya sa
isang lalaking doktor na nakangiting lumabas. Napatigil ako nang makita kung sino
ang mga sumunod sa kanya.

Si Kristoff at Maureen.

Anong ginagawa nila dito?

They were both smiling and the doctor shook Kristoff's hand.

"Congratulations again for being a father, Mr. Dela Vega."

"Salamat po, doc."

Bumaling ang doktor kay Maureen na nakangiti habang hawak ang tiyan. Napadako ang
tingin ko 'don at hindi man kalakihan, alam mong buntis siya.

"Ikaw naman, mommy. Don't stress yourself. Eat health foods and take the vitamins,
okay?"

"Thank you so much, doc." Nakangiting sabi ni Maureen habang may binibilin pa ang
doktor.

Humarang sa paningin ko si Rainne. Maluha luha akong tumingin sa kanya. There's a

lot of things forming in my mind and one of them was that Maureen was pregnant
with-Ayoko! Ayokong isipin 'yon. Malay mo sinamahan lang niya ito.

"You're his wife, right? So you need to know everything about your husband."

"P-please..." nauutal kong sabi at umiling iling.

Napabuga ako ng hininga dahil naramdaman kong parang barado ang lalamunan ko sa
hangin. Nahihirapan akong huminga at parang sumakit ang ulo ko. Hindi rin ako
makagalaw at naninginig ang tuhod ko.

"Next month nalang ulit. Congratulations again to the both of you and welcome to
parenthood."

Nang marinig ko ang sinabi ng doktor ay pinilit ko ang sarili kong umalis. Mabilis
kong pinagpipindot ang buton ng elevator at pumasok.

Hindi ako makahinga. I was trying to took deep breathes to calm myself.

Maureen's pregnant and Kristoff is the father.

Kahit anong pilit na kontrahina ang detalyeng 'yon ay hindi ko magawa. All rational
reasons I could think off were not good enough to contradict to that one statement.
Hindi ko na napigilan ang mga hikbi at luhang lumalabas sa'kin.

I covered my mouth to conceal the noise of my cries even though no one could hear
me even if I shouted my agonies inside these four walls.
Was he lying to me? Ito ba ang dahilan kung bakit gustung gusto niyang makita si
Maureen noon. Ito ba ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit atat na atat siyang umiwi?
Dahil sa magkakaanak sila ni Maureen. Hindi sa'kin kung hindi sa ibang babae.

Wala akong pake kung pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao paglabas ko ng elevator.
Tumatakbo ako habang humihikbi at pinapahid ang mga luha kong pinapalabo ang
paningin ko.

Pa'no ako ngayon? Iiwan na ba niya 'ko?

Umiiyak parin ako hanggang sa sasakyan. Both hands covering my face while I cry and
sobs. Ang sakit naman. Bakit ganito? Kanina lang masaya pa'ko, ah pero bakit?

At kelan niya balak sabihin ang tungkol dito? Kung magkakaanak na siya, bakit niya
pa'ko pinakasalan. Oo nga pala..hindi kami talagang kasal.

Ang daming tanong sa isip ko pero masakit ang puso ko at ulo para isipin pa ang
kasagutan sa lahat. Napapagod narin ako sa kakaiyak.

Bumukas ang pintuan at sumara.

"Fix yourself up." Narinig ko ang lamig ng boses niya. I wiped my tears away and
glared at her.

"You know about this, diba? Kaya dito mo ko dinala."

"Of course." She smirked. "I did a little investigation and found out that..."

I snapped my head forward. "S-stop...iballik mo ko sa office." Ayokong marinig.

"...Maureen's having Kristoff's first born."

And I felt my world and heart got crushed all over again.
Chapter 43.1
"Are we still together on this...'til the end?" Walang emosyon niyang tanong mula
sa likod ko.

Nakatanaw ako sa labas ng opisina ko habang nakahawak sa ulo. Bigla nalang itong
sumakit pagkaalis namin sa ospital. Siguro ay dahil sa sobrang iyak o stress. Hindi
ko alam.

Magulo ang isip ko at kanina pa ko hirap huminga. Why? It's because of the
heartbreak.

Kristoff is having a child with another woman. Alam niyo ba kung gano kasakit na
malaman ang katotohanang iyon? Sobrang sakit.

I couldn't feel anything except for utter betrayal, heartbreak and pain. The man I
loved betrayed me. Kagaya ng naramdaman ko kay Azel noon pero mas malala pa. Maybe
Rainne was right on the first place. That he's bad news and that he would only hurt
me like Aiden and Azel.

Hindi ko matanggap ang sakit. Ayokong tanggapin ang sakit. It's too much. Durug na
durog na ko at mas nadurog ako ngayon.

First it felt amazing like I was flying from the ground, soaring up in the clouds
with him as my wings but then he cut them off and now I'm buried deep.
The man I thought healed me crushed my heart again until it was shattered to tiny
pieces, almost powdered with the truth.

The truth that we couldn't be together anymore.

I turned around to face her, my face passive and blank with emotions. Same as her.

"Yes." I breathed. "'Til the end."

She smiled a bit, turned around and reached for the office phone's handset that she
offered. "Then make the call."

"Promise me."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of them like their mine and give them great future.
They won't even know the difference."

Kumirot muli ang sugat sa puso ko. Isa ito sa paraan para masecure ang mga anak ko.
Kristoff would be occupied now with his own kid so I needed someone other than him
to take care of my babies.

Mas makakabuti kung sa kakilala ko sila ihahabilin. Pwedeng kay Andrea because the
kids knew her but believe it or not... I trust Rainne.

Tumitig muna ako sa kanya saglit at tinanggap ang telepono. Ilang beses muna nag-
ring ang telepono bago nasagot.

"Mr. Faustino..."

⚫️ߔ️‫ߔآګ‬

Bumaba ako sa sasakyan at sumunod siya. Sumalubong sa'kin si Mila at bumati.

"The kids?" Tanong ko.

Sumulyap muna siya kay Rainne na nasa likod ko bago sumagot. "Nanonood po kasama
sina Leah."

I went straight to the living room and so the kids sitting on the sofa with their
eyes focused on the TV. Their nannies and three bodyguards are also inside.

"Mommy." Agad na bumaba si Nine nang makita ako at mabilis na nag-angat ng tingin
si Seven at ngumiti. Bumagal at nagdalawang isip si Nine sa pagtakbo ng makita niya
ang kasunod ko pero agad din lumapit sa'kin ng tawagin ko ang mga pangalan nila.

I bit my lower lip to suppress the tears verging to come out. I couldn't help but
to smile seeing them also smiling while almost running to me.

Parang nawala ang bigat sa dibdid ko nang yakapin nila ang bewang ko. I signaled
the other people around to leave. I kissed the kids on the top of their heads while
they walked out of the room.

"Mommy na miss ka namin. Seven almost cried earlier because you and daddy weren't
here. San na si daddy? He promised that we would go to Disneyland. Punta tayo 'don,
mommy."

Mahina akong tumawa at kinuha ang mga kamay nila. Si Seven ay nakatingin lang sa
babaeng nasa likuran ko bago nagpahila sa'kin. I sat at the sofa while they stand
in front of me. My vision caught Rainne sitting at the opposite as well, looking
and observing us.

"I did not cry, mommy."

Seven pouted and I smiled. " I know because you're brave and strong and mommy can
see it too." I gave his cheek a slight caress before holding his hand again.

"Are we going to Disneyland?"

"Not yet." Nine pouted.

"Mommy...who is she?"

Tanong ni Seven at mabilis tinuro si Rainne. "She's my friend and for now
on...you'll be seeing her a lot." I said squeezing their hands.

Tumango sila. "Listen kids... aalis muna si Mommy. I need to go somewhere far but
it's not that long. Will you promise me that you'll be good when I'm gone. Sa daddy
niyo at sa friend ni mommy?"

"Where are you going? Can we go with you?"

"I wanna go with mommy too and I'll bring my teddy bear."

Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot at pilit na ngumiti. "I'm sorry. H-hindi pwede."

"I wanna go with you." nakayuko at mahinang sabi ni Seven.

"Me too."

"Hindi talaga pwede but listen...." Inilapit ko sila sakin bago saglit na sinilip
si Rainne. Napatingin din si Seven sa kanya. She was sitting with poise and grace
as always like she was born royalty. Tumingin ako kay Seven. "Seven...would you
promise me one thing?" Mabilis siyang tumango. "When I was a little kid like Nine,
my brother and his friend hurt me every time they get the chance. He never
protected me or made me felt that he loved me. He hated me when our parents died.
Listen... I want you to promise to always protect Nine when daddy and mommy are not
around. Always love her and don't hurt her. Be there and hold her hand whenever she
needs you. Show her that you care. Don't make her feel stupid or unwanted. Can you
promise me that, baby."

"They're bad for hurting my mom. Why did they do that? Why did they hurt you?"

Pagak akong ngumiti. "Because they don't love me."

His brows furrowed and I wanted to pinch his cheeks because of how cute it was but
the pain tugging in my chest superseded. Iniisip ko palang na baka ito na ang huli
ay hindi ko na maiwasang maluha. A tear escaped from me but my sweet Seven already
wiped it using his soft little fingers before it even tainted my cheek.

"Nine and I love you, mommy. We won't hurt you. Right, Nine?"

Nine nodded eagerly. "Yes, mommy. They're bad guys and I hate them. When I grow up,
I will spank them because they're mean for hurting our mommy. Daddy and Seven will
help me." Pahayag niya.

"Thank you, Nine." I caressed her cheeks with so much tender that made her beamed a
wide smile before turning to face Seven. "Seven..."
"I promise, mommy. She's my sister and I love her. I will protect her whether you
and dad are here or not. I promise to be strong and brave when I grow up so I could
protect you and Nine from the mean guys."

Nanatiling nakakunot ang noo niya at seryoso ang itsura pati na ang tinig niya.
"Ako rin, mommy. I'll protect you too." Segunda ni Nine.

I felt a wave of feelings washed over me. Proud, touched, happiness and fondness.
Ang babata pa nila at imbes na ako ang sumumpa na protektahan sila ay sila pa ang
gumagawa nito sa'kin. I only wished things started differently pero lahat ng
nangyari silang dalawa ang pinagpapasalamat kong dumating sa buhay ko.

"Nine...you don't have to wear this anymore." Dahan dahan at maingat kong tinanggal
ang eye patch niya habang nanginginig ang mga kamay ko. Still, her blue eye gave me
chills but I figured out that it's only a small part of my daughter. Wala siyang
kasalanan sa lahat at hindi ko dapat ibigay lahat ng atensyon ko sa mata niyang
'yon. She also got a long wavy hair up in two ponytails, chubby cheeks, thin lips,
small button nose and a big grey eye.

"I don't want you crying and always stay strong and bubbly. Makinig ka kay Seven,
okay. He's in charge when me and dad are away." She nodded. "Remember this, my
kids... you are my children at kahit na mga bata lang kayo and you're surrounded by
adults...remember that you are my son and daughter. Don't let anyone push you down
or hurt either one of you. They don't have the right to do that. You are above
them. If you need any help, my friend here will help you. She's here to protect you
and I trust her, okay?

Ipinakilala ko si Rainne at tumango sila. I hoped na lagi nilang isipin ang mga
sinabi ko pero alam ko namang tutulungan sila ni Rainne.

"Al..." tinawag niya ko at alam kong kailangan ko nang tapusin to so I hugged my

precious kids tightly. Pasinple kong pinahid ang mga luha ko bago kumalas sa
kanila.

"Kailan ka uuwi, mommy?" tanong ni Nine. Si Seven naman ay nanatiling tahimik at

nakatingin sa'kin.

"Soon..."

"Al." tumayo ako ulit matapos kong halikan ang mga pisngi nila. We exchanged 'I
love you's' before leaving them with heavy heart.

"Dumaan muna tayo ng office." Sabi ko ng makasakay kami at nag-drive na siya.

Kinuha ko sa opisina ang mga gamit ko at naisipang tumawag kay Kristoff.

He left miscalls and messages and I decided to check them out later. Nasa opisina
na kami ng tumawag ako at sinabing kailangan kong bumalik sa Brazil para sa
important business meeting. He was upset and convinced me to re-schedule it but I
had to cut the call to prevent myself from the growing heartache.

Sa bawat salita niya ay silang dalawa lang ni Maureen kasama ng anak nila ang
naiisip ko. I had to stop that. I could only take much.

Pasakay na kami ng kotse ng may humawak sa kamay ko. I looked at the person and my
blood started to boil but I swiftly hid it by looking at him cold and blank. Hinawi
ko ito pero kinuha niya ulit ako sa inilapit sa kanya.

"Mr. Madrigal... it seems you have enough confidence to touch me like that."
"Bakit mo kasama ang babaeng 'yan? Hindi mo ba alam kung sino siya? She's
dangerous." He was throwing daggers at Rainne while keeping me at his side.

"I'm flattered." Sarcasm lays her voice making him hissed.

"'Aiden will hear about this. San mo tinatago si Alonna? Answer me."
Chapter 43.2
A lot of curses in this chapter... You have been warned.

---

Azel

Napag-alaman kong nakabalik na si Rainne at pumasok siya sa opisina ngayon. I

hadn't seen her for almost a whole month and I was excited-ecstatic to see her and
at the same time, I wanted to ask her something.

I heard from Maureen that Kristoff came back a couple of days ago and apologized
for what had happened. He even knelled in front of her parents just to ask for
forgiveness and said that he loved someone else. That bastard even told them that
he's marrying her and I knew it was Rainne. Kahapon ko lang nalaman at kung
talagang balak niyang gawin 'yun, I'm here to stop that.

I thought that what I felt for Rainne was just simple and pure sexual attraction. I
just wanted her since the first time and then I had her once pero sapat na'yon para
bumaon siya sa sistema ko. It grew more and more until I found myself yearning for
her every day. I wanna have her for my own and I wouldn't let that asshole claim
her after she knocked my cousin up.

Alam kong magkasama sila ngayon ni Maureen base sa text niya. I was supposed to go
with her for her monthly check-up pero nagtext siya na kasama niya ito. Ang kapal
talaga ng mukha ng gag0ng yon.

Dumiretso agad ako sa elevator papunta sa opisina ni Rainne. I stepped in with the
other employees who greeted me that I returned with nods and smiles. I pressed the
button to the top floor but right before the door fully closed, I saw Rainne passed
and what shocked me, mouth agape and eyes wide open was the woman a little ahead of
her.

I even moved closer to the closing door, my head following them just to see clearer
at hindi ako nagkakamali. Siya 'yon. Ang babaeng hinahanap ni Aiden at nagpanggap
bilang si Alonna. Iba na siyang manamit at kumilos pero alam kong siya 'yon.

"Damn it!" pinagpipindot ko ang open button pero nagsimula nang umangat ang
elevator. "Fvck..." kailangan ko silang maabutan.

Napahilamos ako ng palad sa mukha at hindi ininda ang bulungan at tingin ng ilang
kasama ko sa loob. Buti nalang at may bababa ng third floor kaya lumabas agad ako
pagkabukas ng pinto. I rushed down the stairs and went straight out of the
building.

Why is Rainne with that woman? Magkakilala sila? Hindi kaya pinapaikot din ng
babaeng 'yon si Rainne gaya ng ginawa niya kay Aiden? Malamang 'yon nga.

Palingon lingon ako hanggang sa makita ko silang naglalakad papunta sa sasakyan

niya.
"Rainne!" I called but she didn't hear me so I run to them.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at agad siyang humarap. Napahinto ako bahagya sa talim
at lamig ng titig niya. Kita ang galit sa mga ito pero wala akong pakialam...
kailangan ko siyang ilayo sa sira-ulong babaeng to.

She pulled her hand back but I moved fast and grabbed it again, pulling her beside
me.

"Mr. Madrigal... it seems you have enough confidence to touch me like that."

"Bakit mo kasama ang babaeng 'yan? Hindi mo ba alam kung sino siya? She's
dangerous." I was throwing daggers at the woman I didn't even know who anymore.
Kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko sa babaeng ito. On one moment there, she kinda looked
like Rainne. Hindi sa itsura pero ang paraan ng tingin nila...pareho. Walang
emosyon, matigas at malamig.

"I'm flattered." She said coldly, sarcasm clearly showing. I hissed and her lips
formed a straight line. Sino ba talaga ang babaeng 'to?

"'Aiden will hear about this. San mo tinatago si Alonna? Answer me."

She smiled mockingly. "Guess."

"I won't play your game just fvcking tell me."

"Soon. Very soon."

My brows furrowed. I felt that there's something in her voice. I was caught in deep
thinking until I just felt the hand I was holding yanked away harshly. Mabilis na
siyang naglakad palayo bago pa ko tuluyang makalingon sa kanya. I tried to stop her
from coming closer to that girl but got cut off with her immediately facing me.
Natigilan ako dahil sa galit na nasa mga mata niya. Hindi ko maintindihan kung
bakit ganyan ang tingin niya sa'kin. The hatred was so visible that I could almost
feel it in the air.

"You stay away from her."

"Rainne, listen to me-"

"Stay.Away."

That's the first time I saw her seethe like this. I looked at the woman beside her
who looked clearly amused. Hindi ko mapaliwanag ang galit ko sa kanya. Tuluyan na
niyang nabulag si Rainne at napaikot sa mga kamay niya. It's her damn fault.

Oh fvking hell...I wanna wring that little damn neck for doing this to her. Forgive
me, Lord but I think I might hurt her if I couldn't control myself. I advanced, my
emotions clouded by anger and hatred towards that woman but what I didn't expect
was Rainne going between us and slapping me hard.

Man, that hurts... a lot but the pain was overpowered by shock. Alam ko kung bakit
niya ginawa 'yon. Dahil nga sa nabulagan na siya sa ginagawa nitong babaeng 'to.
Ano naman kaya ang kasinungalingan na pinakain nito kay Rainne at ganito siya
umasta.

"What did this bitch tell you? Open your eyes, Rainne. Kung ano man ang sinabi
niya, puro kasinungalingan lahat 'yon. She pretended to be my best friend's lost
sister for fvcks sake at ngayon ikaw naman ang pinaglalaruan niya. That woman is
dangerous, Rainne. Lumayo ka sa kanya."

"And what would her reason be?"

"I don't know." I said, frustrated and run my fingers through my hair fast. "Money
maybe."

Her chest vibrated with a humorless laugh. "You're too shallow and stupid."

"Wha-Rainne?"

Biglang tumalim ang tingin niya. "You and him are the reason. Kayo ang nagsimula ng
lahat. Kayo ang may kasalanan. Kayong dalawa. You will pay for what the both of you
had done-all of you. I will never forgive you even if you're in your death bed,
begging or kneeling in front of me. Kakainin kayo ng konsensya niyo at ipaparanas
ko lahat ng ibinigay niyo. Mark my word. Every.one.of.them."

Nanatili akong tahimik at litung lito sa mga salitang binitiwan niya. Bawat isa may
punto-may galit and all of them were thrown towards me and the other person she
talked about.

Bakit? Anong nagawa ko?

"This is so boring." The woman pretended to be Alonna turned around and walked
away. Rainne tried to follow her but I held her waist to stop her. She was
struggling and shouting at me to let go pero hindi ko siya binitawan.

Hindi ako papaya na sumama siya sa babaeng 'to. Ilalagay niya lang ang sarili niya
sa panganib. I will figure the things that she said later but right now, I needed
to stop her.

I was holding her for a moment nang biglang may humila sa'kin mula sa balikat. May
humawak din sa mga braso ko na pilit ikinakalas ang hawak k okay Rainne. They were
the three employees from the building's security based on their uniforms.

"Ma'am okay lang po ba kayo?"

"Unhand me you fools. Inilalayo ko lang siya sa babaeng 'yan. Dapat siya ang
pinipigilan niyo."

"I'm fine. Make sure to bring that man to the police. I was assaulted and
harassed."

Tumango ang kausap niya bago siya naglakad palayo. "Rainne-bitiwan niyo nga
ako...Rainne, bumalik ka dito. You don't know what you're doing. She's dangerous.
Rainne, please."

Kinaladkad nila ako palayo at dinala sa presinto. I called Drake para ayusin ang
gusot na 'to.

"Thanks, man."

"Sure. No prob."

I tapped his back and immediately left. Pumara ako ng taxi at nagpahatid sa bahay
nila Azel. I wanted to chase Rainne but I wasted a lot of time in that precinct.
Also, I had no idea where she went.

Hindi ako mapakali sa loob ng taxi habang iniisip ang buong pangayari kanina.
Anong ibig sabihin ng mga salita ni Rainne at panong magkakilala sila?

Hindi mawala sa isip ko ang itsura niya nang sabihin niya 'yon kanina. She was like
ready to kill me with the way her jaw tightened and brows met. And there was also
those eyes- Sandali lang. Yung mga mata niya. Matagal ko nang napansin pero ngayon
ko lang talaga nabigyan ng atensyon.

"Holy fvking sh1t!" I blurted out loud when the sudden realization hit me in the
head. Tumingin pa ung driver sakin pero di ko siya pinansin. I was so engrossed
with the realization that she had the eyes identical to Aiden. Like that woman
and...Alonna.

Umiling ako para tanggalin yon sa utak ko.

Hindi pwede 'yon. Ibang iba siya kay Alonna.

But many years had passed. Pwedeng siyang magbago...sh1t. Kailangang malaman to ni
Aiden. There's a possibility na alam ni Rainne kung nasan si Alonna or worst-maybe
better...she could be the real Alonna. Pumasok din sa isip ko ang mga anak niya at
kung sino ang ama nito. I felt a little hurt stroked my heart but I dismissed it.
That's another thing to think about after this one.

I know, I know it's impossible at ang tanging basehan ko lang ay ang matinding
galit niya at ang masaksihan siyang kasama ung babaeng nagpanggap na Alonna pero
san niya kinukuha ang galit niyang 'yon? Ang sabi niya kami ang nagsimula at kaming
dalawa ang may kasalanan. Was she talking about Aiden-her brother?

"Aiden, you won't believe what I'm about to tell you. I saw her-ung nagpanggap na
kapatid mo. I saw her a while ago-Aiden?"

Nakaupo lang siya sa sofa ng living room at tahimik. Nakakunnot ang noo at
tinitignan ang hawak hawak ng laman ng folder sa nanginginig na mga kamay. Mukha
siyang naguguluhan, hindi makapaniwala at nalilito. Ni hindi man lang niya ko
napansin. Tumingin ako sa lalaking nakaupo sa pang-isahan. I remembered him. The
one who visited Aiden in his office.

"No..." umiling iling siya. "Pa'nong-this can't be her. Are you sure that it's
really her?"

"Oo. Hindi ako nagkakamali. The doctor confirmed it herself."

Then I remembered my reason to be here. I called him and he looked pero parang
hindi pa'rin niya ko nakikita dahil sa lalim ng iniisip niya. "Si Rainne nakita
kong kasama nung babaeng hinahanap mo. I tried to stop her from going with her. I
warned her pero hindi siya nakinig. I think magkakilala sila at ito pa..."
bumuntong hininga muna ko at nagdalawang isip na sabihin sa kanya ang theory ko.

"Damn it, Azel. What about Rainne?"

"I think she's your sister."

"Why?" he breathe at mukang luging lugi ang itsura niya.

"Nagalit siya sa'kin. She was blaming for me for what had happened to her and-"

"Look at this..." I took the folder he tossed on the table.

"Hell, no."
"Hell, yes." He said. "That's my sister before and after the surgery."

Gusto kong masuka sa nakita ko. Sa kaliwang bahagi ng larawan ay mukha ng babaeng
puro sugat ang mukha. The wounds were almost healed but it ruined her entire face.
She had a broken nose, jaw and her eyes were so damaged that she couldn't almost
open the right one. Almost unrecognizable to be Alonna except for the grey eyes.
Nakakaawa at bumigat ang dibdib ko sa nakita. It wasn't a good sight-really wasn't.

Then the picture on the right gave me chills.

It was Rainne's face. Hindi eksakto pero alam mong siya yon. Tang-in4... Nasa
malapit lang siya pinakawalan ko pa. Bwiset talaga!

"Call her, stupid." May pagmamadaling sigaw ko.

"I already did, assh0le but she wouldn't answer the goddamn phone. Then naalala ko
na may flight siya ngayon. She even called me earlier to borrow my plane."

"Ano nang gagawin mo ngayon?"

"Hindi ko alam...nalilito ako. Pwede ba tumahimik ka para makapag-isip ako." I

scowled at him. Bakit ang bagal niyang kumilos. We needed to talk to Rainne to
confront her. Parang ayaw kasing tanggapin ng isip ko na siya talaga si Alonna.
Kung siya nga yon-damn! I think I need to beg for her forgiveness and hoped that
what she said earlier about us in death bed could change her mind.

"Mr. Faustino...there's still something I wanted to tell you." sabi nung lalaking
nakalimutan kong kasama namin. "Tanda ko na kung san ko narinig ang pangalang
Algraven and you'll be shock for what I'm about to tell you."

"Then please do tell." I demanded.

Magsasalita na siya nang may dumating na maid hawak ang handset ng house phone.
Pagkabanggit palang nito ang pangalang Rainne ay agad na kinuha ni Aiden ang
telepono sa kanya. Ang sabi ko i-loud speak niya.

"Hello, Aiden...miss me?" that cold voice. It wasn't Rainne and by the looks of
Aiden, alam kong alam niya kung sino yon.

"Where's Rainne? Let me speak to her."

"Finally...congratulations." She said with pure sarcasm.

"Huwag mo kong gaguhin, you crazy bitch. Give the phone to her."

"I badly really want to see your face right now. I'm picturing you're more handsome
with anger. Agree?"

Aiden looked like he was about to explode but containing the anger inside. Tumaas
baba ang dibdib niya at mabilis ang paghinga. Nag-igting ang mga panga at
nakapikit. This woman knew how to tick his nerves than anyone I knew.

"Fvck you, whoever you are. San mo siya dinala? Pag hindi mo siya binalik, we will
do everything in our power to hunt you down and I'll make sure to give more than
enough punishment on you until you confess everything to us, you uncanny and
worthless piece of sh1t."

Aiden was glaring at me when I took a look at his way. I rolled my eyes. Bakit siya
magagalit sa'kin? Oh I remember...he slept with this wh0re.

"A dog's bark can never hurt me, mutt."

"What did you-"

"Shut up, Azelro."

"What the fvck, Aiden!" We started glaring at each other but then her laugh broke
the staring apart.

"Because you guys entertain me...I'll be nice. Do you want to talk to her or see
her? Choose."

"Isa na naman ba 'to sa mga mind games mo? This is stupid."

"This game is getting boring. Let's stop."

"Wait-wait... don't hung up." Nagmamadaling sabi ni Aiden bago humarap sa'kin.
"Will you just fvcking zip your mouth and let me talk to her. I want to see her."
Sabi niya sa telepono.

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Fine."

"Kelan namin siya makikita?"

"Don't rush, Azelro. Open the TV."

"Why?" nagtataka kong tanong pero hindi siya sumagot. Biglang bumukas ang TV at
napatingin ako sa lalaking kasama namin na may hawak ng remote.

"You want us to see some fvking commercial." Nagulat ako ng lumakas ang boses ni
Aiden. Nawalan na siya ng pasensya dahil sa pakikipaglaro ng babaeng 'to sa'min.

"Patience, Aiden. That's why Alonna hates you." Natahimik si Aiden at lumungkot ang
itsura. Alam kong nagsisisi siya sa ginawa niya noon kagaya ko. If only we could
turn back time... "You can see her right about...now!"

Then the commercial was replaced with a news flash that made the colors on our face
drained and our feet stuck.

An airplane crashed and exploded near the boarders of Atlantic Ocean. Lulan nito
ang isang kilalang multi-billionaire business woman na si Luna Brianna Algraven o
mas kilala bilang 'Miss Rainne' kasama ang isang stewardess at ang piloto ng
private plane. The plane crashed approximately at 8:16pm according from the search
and rescue team. It was also reported that the plane was owned by its competing
company owned by the Faustino's. The search continues for their bodies-

No, no, no... This is not true. Si Rainne-Alonna...It can't be.

"This is a joke. Panalo ka'na ano bang gusto mo? I just want to have my sister
back. To see her so...p-please. Give her back to us. I'll give you what you want."
He pleaded.

Aiden slumped back to the chair with his face buried on both palms. Tumaas baba ang
balikat nito. He was crying. My eyes did the same, leaking salty tears from my
face. She's...this is sh1t!

"You said you wanna see her. Nag-flashed na ung picture niya, oh."

Tumingin ulit kami sa TV. Nandon na ang mukha ni Rainne. Isang close-up shot mula
sa isang formal party. Na-estatwa parin ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin.

"Please...p-please..." Aiden begged more. His cries more audible and heavy.

"Go fetch your sister, Aiden or at least...some parts of her."

She coldly said followed by a menacing laugh and a beeping tone.

Chapter 44.1
Rainne in multimedia...

Kristoff

What is she doing here?

Yan ang nasa isip ko habang pinagmamasdan ang babaeng nakatayo at nakatingin sa
sa'min. Dumaan muna 'ko sa ospisina matapos ihatid si Maureen at umuwi para sa
hapunan. It's like all my tiredness and frustration had disappeared when Nine and
Seven came running at me the moment I entered the house.

Sinalubong ko ng yakap ang dalawa and we even played a little but the atmosphere
turned a complete 180 degrees when the same woman from Rainne's office came to
view.

"Daddy...mommy's friend is scary." Bulong ni Nine bago ko siya binaba.

I asked Aling Mila to get them upstairs after she walked out. Hindi ko alam kung
bakit nandito ang babaeng ito. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit parang may nararamdaman
akong kakaiba sa kanya. Her stance and stares were very intimidating. Gusto ko
siyang paalisin sa bahay but that was plain rude.

When the kids were out of sight, I went to the direction she disappeared into and
found her sitting comfortably in the head chair while eating.

Apat na lalaki ang nasa kwarto maliban samin na nagpatindi ng kakaibang pakiramdam
ko. They were big and buff with black shirts like those badass guys in movies.
Lahat sila ay nasa likod nito.

She gave me a quick glance before going back to eating.

"I don't want to be rude but...why are you and them doing here?"

"I'm own this place."

"Ang asawa ko ang may-ari ng bah-"

"Asawa? Are you sure na asawa mo siya?" she was looking at me through the wine
glass she's having. "Nevermind."

"May kinalaman ka ba sa pag-alis ni Rainne?" pag-aakusa ko. Parang wala siyang

narinig hanggang sa lapitan siya ng isa sa mga lalaki. He whispered something to
her before giving her a phone.
"Is it done?... Did she still not notice anything? Good." Binaba niya ang telepono
at hinarap ung lalaking nag-abot ng phone. "ten minutes."

"Yes, Miss Rainne."

Nagtaka ako kung bakit siya tinawag sa pangalan ng asawa ko pero hinintay ko munang
makaalis ang lalaki bago ako nagtanong.

"Rainne din ang pangalan mo?"

Umangat ang sulok ng mga labi niya at diretsong nakatingin sa'kin habang mabilis
pero maingat na nagpunas ng bibig gamit ang puting panyo. Her moves were very
graceful. A perfect etiquette and fine movements. Siguro ay galing siya sa mayamang
pamilya.

"Actually...I am the real Rainne."

"What are you talking about?" Muli ay hindi niya ko pinansin at tumayo. Agad na
nagmadaling lumapit ang isa sa apat matapos itong sumenyas.

Gusto kong sumabat sa kanila habang mahinang nag-uusap. Nalilito ako dahil sa mga
sinabi niya. Naiinis din ako dahil maraming paliguy ligoy ang babaeng ito. She
wouldn't give me a straight answers like she was playing some sort of game. Anong
ibig sabihin niyang siya ang tunay na Rainne? Gusto kong malaman. Bawat minutong
dumadaan ay parami ng parami ang tanong na nabubuo ko.

"Sandali lang." Sigaw ko at lumapit. Pansin ko ang pagiging alerto ng iba. "What
did you mean? Sino ka ba talaga at anong koneksyon mo sa asawa ko? If you did
something to my wife, I swear-"

"Do you know what really grinds my gears?" She interrupted. "You calling a person
your wife that you particularly know nothing about. Para lang malinawan ka... I'll
tell you something about us so listen very carefully. That woman you love the most
borrowed my identity like I did to hers. I became her she became me, simple but
things got messy because of you. Gumulo ang plano...ginulo mo ang plano and now I'm
here. Inaayos ang nagulo. Also, since she's not really her when you two got
married, the thing between you two that you worship and been treasuring like a
priceless stone is a crap. Nothing but a worthless scrap and a fake paper."

I was loss for words. Hindi ko makapaniwala sa naririnig ko. I couldn't even
process the words she said. Ang alam ko lang ay hindi talaga siya si Rainne kundi
ang babaeng ito sa harap ko.

Ang gulo. Sumasakit ang ulo ko. Hindi kami kasal? Hindi kami kasal...

"Kung g-ganon...sino... Ikaw yung..." hindi ko naramdaman ang paglapit niya.

"Right. Ako ang kasama niya seven years ago. We helped each other and I taught her
everything she knew...gave her everything she had." Napaigtad ako nang haplusin
niya ang pingi ko at lumapit para bumulong. "Even taught her how to pleasure and be
great in bed."

Hinawi ko ang kamay niya at umurong, trying to conceal the nervousness and fast
heart beat she's giving me. She smiled knowing that she had affected me.

"Where is she? G-gusto ko siyang makita."

She tilted her head, her eyes twinkling. "Alonna...That's her real name."
Alonna. My heart pounded wildly when I heard that. She had a beautiful name. Pero
tinanong ko siya noon and she told me that Rainne really existed. Kaya pala walang
kasiguraduhan ang sagot niya...dahil hindi siya ang tunay na Rainne. But I didn't
care. I fell in love with her kahit sino o ano ang pangalan niya.

Nawala na naman ako sa pag-iisip dahil ako nalang ang naiwan sa kwarto. Crap! She
took advantage of that.

Natagpuan ko sila sa living room, bukas ang TV at nakaupo ito sa couch habang may
kausap sa telepono. Dalawa sa mga kasama niya ang nasa likod habang malapit sa
pinto ang dalawa pa.

I moved closer to her. She saw me and lifted her finger before one of the guys
blocked my way to her. She seemed to be engrossed to whom she's talking to while
sounds from the TV blasted the background. I glared at him and he glared back.
SInilip ko siya. Paminsan minsang umaangat ang mga labi niya para ngumiti.

"Don't rush, Azelro. Open the TV." Pinagkrus niya ang mga hita at inabot ang remote
para i-mute ang TV. I frowned. She really had herself comfortable around the house
and if I wasn't thinking that the kids were upstairs, I would've started a fuss.
Gusto ko lang makita ang asawa ko.

"Patience, Aiden. That's why Alonna hates you."

Azelro at Aiden? My frowned deepened upon realization of the names.

Tumingin siya sakin. She dropped a smile that told something unsettling. "...right
about...now." She unmutted the TV without breaking the stare from me.

Then I heard it. My eyes snapped at the television where they were reporting the
most excruciating news if had ever heard.

My heart suddenly stopped then hammered hard from my chest. Sharp sting stroking my
heart and I gasped for air as the pain started to spread. My breathing became
ragged as something blocked my windpipe. Everything stopped at nakatuon lang ang
pansin ko sa TV.

Nakalapit ako sa TV ng walang pumipigil sa'kin at nang mag-flash sa monitor ang

picture niya, the pain became unbearable. Kasabay ng balitang wala na siya ay ang
parang pagkamatay ko. A tear then shed from me.

Narinig ko ang boses ng tunay na Rainne sa background. It had a hint of glee

between her cold and flat voice.

Yung sakit at pagluluksa ay napalitan ng galit para sa kanya. My fist clenching and
unclenching, my jaw tightened and my body shaking with anger towards her. Nang
marinig kong magsalita siya ulit ay nawala ako sa control.

I knew I wasn't supposed to suddenly attack to any person-a woman specially but I
lost it. I lunged at her with range pero hindi ko nagawang makalapit nang may
humawak sa balikat ko. I threw at punch at him, hard and straight to his face.
Sumuntok siya pabalik pero nakailang ako. Umatras ako pero may biglang humawak ng
damit ko mula sa likod at hinila ako.

Another guy punched me on my stomach but I ignored the pain only to experience
another pain from the back of my neck.

Biglang umikot ang paningin ko at nahilo. Napaluhod at napahawak sa batok. Umiikot

ang buong paligid at napaangat ang tingin ko. Mariin akong pumikit saglit bago
dumilat. I saw a man wiping the blood from his nose. Beside him was another man
with a bat and real Rainne looking down at me with a smug look under my blurry
vision.

I groaned and stood up slowly with wobbling feet. I balanced myself while giving a
death glare to that woman. Alam kong siya ang may pakana nang nagyari sa asawa ko.
Hindi akong naniniwalang patay na siya but if the love of my life's dead, wala
akong pakialam kung makapatay man ako o kung mamatay man ako ngayon.

"You killed her. S-she's...but she's-"

"I know... but do you see me care. That girl is stupid enough to believe me."

"Y-you know her condition." Lalong lumaki ang galit ko sa sinabi niya. It's new to
me but I really wanted to kill her. Bawat hininga ko ay mabigat. Lalong umiinit ang
sakit sa dibdib ko sa pagluluksa pero napapatungan ito ng galit.

"I have killed many, Kristoff and I wouldn't mind adding one or two on my list."

"Wala kang puso. Pati inosente dinamay mo. We were supposed to build a family but
you ruined it before it even started. You're a bloody murderer!" I shouted as my
tears fell with pain and remorse. Hindi niya ko pinansin at nilagyan ng wine ang
basong nasa center table at uminom. Hindi ako makapaniwala na may taong ganitong
kasama at walang puso.

"Do you remember the people who kidnapped her kids? Well...Alonna killed them. I'm
not the only one, Kristoff."

Sa hindi ko na mabilang na pagkakataon, nawala na naman ang isip ko dahil sa isa na

namang rebelasyon. Napahawak ako sa ulo ko at umiling para malinawan at para narin
mawala ang hilo ko.

Those people died because of her.

Everything's too much. Kailangan kong pumunta kung nas'an ang imbestigasyon.

"Umalis ka na. I believe I already said enough."

"Kung aalis ako...isasama ko ang mga bata at sa tingin mo hindi ito malalaman ng
mga otoridad?"

"Kung sasabihin mo sa kanila, baka madagdagan ng dalawang bata ang listahan ko."
pagbabanta niya. "Take him out."

"Pati mga bata idadamay mo. Napaka demonyo ng ugali mo. I am legally their father
and guardian. My wife fixed their papers so I will take them with me."

Nagtangaka akong umalis pero humarang ung isa sa pintuan. Lumingon ulit ako kay
Rainne at tinitigan siya ng masama.

Kumunot ang noo niya at sumenyas. Lumapit ang isa sa mga lalaki at tinignan ko
naman ang dalawang nakatayo sa harap ko. She whispered something to the guy. Umalis
ito pero bumalik din agad dala dala ang isang papel na mukhang sulat.

Nakita ko kung pano mag-igting ang mga panga niya at ang papel, halos malukot na sa
kapit niya.

"Clever girl." She said her voice harder and colder than before. "Base sa sulat
niya sa'yo... she did made you their father legally without me knowing."

"That letter's for me?"

"Yes. The date indicates that she made this after the papers had been approved."

"Akin na 'yan." Bulong ko.

"This letter? Hindi pwede. Masyadong maraming impormasyon ang nandito."

"That.letter.is.mine. Kung malungkot at miserable ang buhay mo, h'wag kang mandamay
ng ibang tao. You even pulled my wife to your pathetic and sinful life and now
you're trying to ruin her life. Alam mo ba ang tingin ko kung bakit? Because you
were jealous of her. It's because you've seen her happy with us and the thought of
you being lonely and alone with your miserable life scared you. Tama ba ko?
Natatakot kang makuha niya ang hindi mo kayang makuha kaya ginulo mo siya. You
helped her? That's not how you help you devil's spawn."

I was seething in rage and so was her. Lalong tumigas at dumilim ang paningin niya
sa'kin. She kept quiet for a moment before she started tearing the letter apart.
Tinangka kong pigilan siya pero mabilis na lumapit ung dalawang lalaki at hinawakan
ako sa magkabilang braso. I was looking at the paper she continued to tear while
hers never left me.

"No..." nanghihina kong sabi. Akin ang sulat na'yon. Galing sa asawa ko 'yon.

Nang matapos siya ay nilagay niya ito sa pinag-inuman niyang baso at pinuno ng wine
hanggang sa lumubog ang bawat piraso ng papel.

Wala na...nasira nang lahat.

"Her death still makes me happy."

Paulit ulit ang mga salita niya sa utak ko. Nagdilim ang paningin ko at hindi ko
alam kung anong mga sumunod na nangyari.

I felt something painful hit me and there were loud banging and crashing but when I
got my vision back, I was on top of her on the sofa she was sitting, my hands on
her throat and she was struggling to caught some air.

The two guys restraining me were on the floor near us. Hindi ko alam kung anong
nangyari at wala akong pakialam at hinigpitan ang kapit ko. I was panting hard and
pain shot in every direction of my body. I even felt blood dripped from my head. I
wanted her to die. Now.

May humila sa'kin palayo sa kanya ng marahas. She coughed and took deep, slow air
back to normalize her breathing.

Nang napahiwalay ako sa kanya ay naramdaman ko ang panghihina. The guy who pulled
me gave me a right hook followed by a blow on my stomach. Napaluhod ako habang
hawak ang tyan ko. He kneed my face and I felt the world just had a massive
earthquake. I dropped on the floor and he started kicking me. I felt one or two
people joined the kicking party until I felt myself starting to lose consciousness.

"Change of plans." She coughed. "I won't spare him. Beat him hard and lock him up."
Chapter 44.2
"Aiden, what is going on?" Aunt Therese burst through the door with Uncle Ben on
her trail. "The board is petitioning you to step down. You are neglecting your job
and we're losing the company."
"Calm down, honey."

"Ben... Aiden... We haven't taken care of the problem in our main branch and
now..." she sighed tiredly. "What are we going to do?"

I raked my hand through my hair as Uncle Ben comfort Auntie, rubbing circles on her
back.

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. I haven't told them both what we had discovered.
Masyadong patung patong na ang lahat. It only happened three days ago pero dahil sa
mga dumadating na pangyayari, parang... It's too much. Lagi lang akong nandito sa
loob. Sitting, looking somewhere far away.

Gusto kong pumunta doon at mag-imbestiga, kahit si Azel pero hindi kami makaalis ng
bansa. I just had my men go there. Naguguluhan parin ako. Hanggat hindi ko nakikita
ang katawan ng kapatid ko, hindi ako maniniwalang wala na siya.

Nakatanggap ako kanina ng tawag bago pa sila dumating. One of my men told me that
no remains were still found from the three missing people.

Uncle was still trying to calm Auntie down. They're now sitting on the sofa inside
my home office.

"Where's Al?"

My heart sunk with the name. Hindi ko alam ang isasagot kay Uncle kaya nanatili
akong tahimik. "Why would you take her to rest first? I know you and Auntie are
tired." I said changing the topic.

"We're fine Aiden. Why won't you give us a sight on what's going on." Tumingin ako
sa seryosong mukha ni Uncle. Buti nalang nawala sa isip niya ung tanong kanina.
Lumitaw ang mga linya sa gilid ng mga mata niya nang ngumiti ito ng bahagya. I
admire Uncle Ben because he always remained calm with any problems. I'm glad Auntie
has someone like him. Not like me who had his mind jumbled up.

Lumapit si Aunte sa tabi niya at ipinaliwanag ko ang lahat.

"With what happened to R-Rainne..." I started with a heavy heart.

According to the investigation, it was not an accident. Someone-and I knew who that
someone was planted a bomb causing the accident kung nasan ang mga empleyado ko at
si Rainne or Alonna. Syempre...sino ba ang main suspect kung hindi ang may-ari ng
eroplano. Ako.

Our assets and bank accounts were frozen by the government until the
investigation's over. We couldn't do anything about it. Nagpetisyon kami pero hindi
pa naaaprubahan. Nalaman din nila na kaibigan ko ang attorney ni Rainne kaya kasama
rin siya sa naakusahan because almost all of her company's money was missing. I
didn't even fcking know that he was her attorney. They assumed conspiracy.

Hindi lang 'yan. The worst part was that the construction of Rainne's subdivision
and my mall beside it collapsed. Biglang bumigay ang lupa ng dalawang site kaya
bumagsak lahat. May mga taong nasaktan at pumunta na don si Azel agad but he was
arrested the next day.

Bakit? Dahil trabaho niyang siguraduhin na maayos ang tinatayuan ng mga ito. Both
company, mine and Rainne's pressed charges against him. It was not my decision. I
was temporarily out of my position to do anything.
Cindy's family was involved too. Sa kanila kami kumukuha ng mga materyales at
lumabas sa imbestigasyon na mababang uri ang ibinibigay nila.

Everything was in chaos. R&A Envision Corp was losing money bringing us all down...
kasama na rin ang mga share holders na kabilang ang pamilya ni Azel.

Hindi pa nareresolve ang gulo sa main branch tapos na freeze lahat ng assets namin.
May mga nasaktan din sa mga gumuhong construction at nanghihingi ng suporta.

Umugong ang balitang ang dalawa sa naglalakihang kompanya ay sabay na bumabagsak.

Parang lahat kami ay naka hang sa bangin at nakakapit sa lubid and when Rainne
disappeared, the rope snapped, making us fall in the darkest depth.

Isa lang ang may kasalanan nito. Ang babaeng 'yon-kung ano man ang pangalan niya.

"Why are you the main suspect? You just helped her by lending a plane for God's
sake."

"How could a bomb be planted in there? Do you have any idea who did that?"

Umiling lang ako at nanahimik kay Uncle kahit na alam ko kung sino ang gumawa. Wala
na kong kakayahang sumigaw dahil sa dami ng iniisip at pagod na rin ako sa lahat.
Napakuyom ang kamay ko habang iniisip kung san pwedeng nagtatago ang babaeng 'yon.
I was not really ready to tell both of them the truth.

"Let the authorities handle that. Right now, we need to find someone to lend us
money." Auntie stated.

Another problem. I sighed dejectedly and shook my head. Kailangan namin ng pera
para sa mga trabahador na apektado both here and the main branch. They're demanding
and we couldn't touch what's left of ours. Tumulong din naman ang R&A kaso may mga
hindi makuntento. Gusto nilang ang dalawang kompanya ang managot. May mga investors
na nagback-out at determinado ang mga board members na patalsikin ako sa pwesto.
They also looked at the times I neglected work to focus on my personal problems.
They insisted that I was unfit to work but the hell! I'm not giving them the
satisfaction. Our family owned the entire company. My granddad started it and I
wouldn't let anybody take what's ours.

We also need money for the damages on the site at para narin mapanatag ang mga
natitirang investors na may pag-asa pa ang kompanya. Malaki din ang nawala sa'min
dahil sa mga nagastos sa pagpapatayo ng mall. By the time I finished explaining
everything, the place became duller.
.
"I know where we could borrow even billions. I heard we could get approval in less
than a day."

"Really? Billions? Where?" Auntie inquired.

"St. Gabriel Loan and Trust Fund. I heard the owner's in the country."

"But Ben... How can we make sure they'll approve our request? We're not even a
member."

"They have special policy regarding business. What do you think, Aiden?"

I looked between them while thinking. "I'm not sure, Uncle. We need money but..."

"We should try Aiden. We need to act fast."

"But I'm really bothered and worried about that. They're someone that could put us
on the edge of a cliff. We're not that desperate... and I know some with their
business fell because of borrowing money from that kind of company." Ayokong
manghiram ng malaking pera sa ganon. Hindi talaga ako kampante.

"We are desperate, Aiden. If we couldn't have enough money to pay for the damages,
we will have plenty of cases filed against us. We would be losing the company dad
started. We need this and it's only for a while. Once the investigation's over, we
can pay the money back."

"Auntie..."

"She's right Aiden."Pagputol ni uncle. "We can easily bring it back once they
release it all."

Nag-isip ako saglit bago sumagot. "Fine." I sighed defeated. They both smiled at my
decision.

"Ben... Do you know where their office are?"

"Not yet. I'm gonna call someone to ask that. It won't take long."

"Okay. I'll check on Al first then."

"N-no." I immediately said and stood up making their heads snapped at me. "W-we
should not waste time, Auntie. We need the money fast so I need you and Uncle to go
there. Just text me the address later. I got to visit Azel and try to do
something...maybe file a temporary release."

"You're right..." she sighed that made me felt relief. "How's she doing?"

"She's f-fine."

"C'mon, Therese." Lumapit si uncle sa kanya at umakbay, giving her a comforting

smile. "We need to go. I'll contact you later, Aiden."

Not a minute later, they left. Bumagsak naman ako paupo sa sofa at napahawak sa
noo. My eyes landed on a photo frame resting on a long wooden desk. It was us...my
mom, dad, Al and me.

It reminded me that we were once complete and now...it's only me. I'm all alone and
I don't have anything to bring it back...not even my sister.

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

Kristoff

I opened the door and saw the most beautiful woman I'd ever laid eyes on. She was
wearing a baby blue dress that made her stand-out among the different kinds of
flowers. Nakatayo siya sa gitna ng flower field. Red, green, white yellow and other
types of colorful flower surrounds her except blue. She was the blue but no flower-
not even the most beautiful flower in the world could compete to her beauty.

She was divine...majestic... stunningly beautiful.

The love of my life.

"Rainne..." I called her. Once...twice, ilang beses pa pero hindi siya tumitingin.
Nakaupo lang siya sa gitna ng mga bulaklak. I heard the most soft and melodic sound
of her voice as her mouth released a series of giggles and laughs.

"Rainne." Medyo nilakasan ko at humakbang palapit pero mukang hindi parin niya
naririnig lahat ng tawag ko.

The wind blew, bringing some of the petals swirl and flew under the blue sky. Her
hair flew back. Inipit niya sa isang tenga ang buhok niya at tumingin sa kaliwa. It
swelled my heart to see her smile. Full of life and no worries.

Bakit hindi siya umillingon?

"Alonna?"

Then she looked at me.

Her head suddenly whipped at my direction. Lumawak ang ngiti niya at kitang kita ko
ang ningning sa kanyang mga mata. Tumayo siya at tumakbo palapit sa'kin.

Napakasaya ko habang nakikita siyang papalapit. Sinalubong ko siya ng mahigpit na

yakap at binaon ang mukha sa kanyang leeg. Umangat ang mga kamay niya para yakapin
ang bewang ko.

The same addicting scent.

Tumawa siya nang amuyin ko ito at halikan. Oh, God! I miss her so much. Kailan ba
kami huling nagkita? Hindi ako sigurado pero alam kong matagal na.

"I thought you'd never come."

"Pwede ba yon? You know I'll come anywhere juts to see you. My heart couldn't
survive without you. Mamamatay ako pag wala ka sa tabi ko. You're my life... my
everything. Susundan kita kahit san ka magpunta even in hell, honey and even if I
had to choose between loving you and breathing... Gagamitin ko ang huling hininga
ko para sabihin kung gano kita kamahal."

"You're too good for me, Kris."

I cupped her teary face. "And you're the best for me, Alonna."

We looked deeply at each other's eyes. Kitang kita ko ang pagliwanag ng pagmamahal
sa mga ito na lalong nagpatindi ng nararamdaman ko sa kanya.

She smiled genuinely before I dipped down for a kiss. It was soft, slow but full of
love. Gumalaw ang mga labi namin sa isa't isa at naramdaman ko ang pagiging buo ng
pagkatao ko. She completes me. Without her I am nothing. I stopped because I
couldn't help but smile and that's the best kind of kiss for me. Yung tumigil ka
dahil hindi mo kayang pigilan ang ngiti.

Naghiwalay ang mga labi namin at niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. Kuntento na ko sa

ganito. Ang kasama siya at laging nasa tabi ko.

"I love you so much and if I have the life to live again, I would choose you all
over again. Without a doubt, without blinking, not even stopping to take a deep
breath. I'll keep on choosing you no matter what."

Kung may isasaya pa 'ko ay ito na'yon dahil sa mga sinabi niya. Hindi ko alam kung
gano ako kasaya pero parang sasabog ang puso ko habang sinasabi niya 'yon. I didn't
even know that I was crying until she wiped those escape tears away.
"Oh, honey... Hindi mo alam kung ga'no ako kasaya. Thank you for loving me. I love
you too."

I pecked her lips and hugged her again but she pushed me making me furrow my brows.
Tumitingin siya sa paligid ma parang may hinahanap.

"Kris?" Sigaw niya.

"Honey, bakit?" Tinulak niya ko at lumayo.

"Kris? Where are you?"

Lalo akong nagtaka at nag-alala. Bakit niya ko hinahanap? I'm here. Hindi niya ba
ko nakikita?

Bago pa ko makalapit ay bigla siyang ngumiti ng malawak at patakbong bumalik sa

gitna ng mga bulaklak. I watch here picked something on the ground, happiness
visible on her face. It was a basket full of flowers.

Siya na ang lumapit sa'kin at inangat sa harap ko para ipakita ang basket. Nagtaka
ako kung anong meron.

Bago ko pa tignan ay may narinig ako galing sa basket na puro bulaklak. I gasped
and my heart beat faster than normal.

"Go on." paghihikayat niya.

Nanginginig akong lumapit para tignan ang loob. My shaking hand moved closer but
stopped when the flowers moved. Napalunok ako at nilakan ang loob.

Nang makita ko ang nasa loob, napaiyak muli ako.

Inside, behind the flowers was like a small angel. He's eyes were closed while he
moved his little fisted hands. Nagpakawala siya ng masayang tunog gaya sa mga
anghel nang tumawa ito na nagpangiti sa'kin. He looked like me when I was a baby. I
even thought it was me at first pero nakita ko ang kulay ng buhok niya. It was
brown like my wife's.

He slowly opened his eyes and I fell in love for the fourth time. His eyes were big
and brown like mine at alam ko sa mga oras na yon kung sino siya.

Biglang binaba ni Alonna ang basket at kinuha ang munting anghel at hinalikan sa
pisngi.

"Say hi to daddy, Kris." She took his hand up and shook it gently.

"Kris..." mahinang sabi ko.

She smiled. "I named him after you."

Mabilis kong pinahid ang mga mata ko at humakbang palapit. "Can I hold him?" Nawala
ang mga ngiti niya at umiling.

"You can't dahil kailangan mo munang gumising. Wake up and get us, honey."

"Ha?"

"Wake up."
"Gusto ko siyang hawakan." she shook her head once again and ran away from me.
"Alonna!"

Tumigil siya at dahan dahang lumingon. Yung kasiyahan ko kanina ay biglang

napalitan ng takot ng humarap siya.

Her dress was not blue anymore. It was read-bloody read and the side of her face
was covered with dripping blood.

Yung kulay asul na langit ay naging madilim. Yung mga bulaklak lahat ah biglang
nalanta.

I was searching for the baby but he was gone. My son was gone and she was holding
her stomach covered with blood.

"Alonn-"

" I SAID WAKE UPPPP!"

"Kris, Kristoff. Wake up!"

Nakaramdam ako ng may mahinang sumasampal sa'kin bago ako napabigwas ng bangon.

Nightmare. It was all a nightmare.

I couldn't get her even in my dreams.

Bago ko pa ma-absorb ang panaginip ko ay may tumawag ulit sa'kin.

"Andrea."

"Bumangon ka na bilis." Napangiwi ako sa sakit nang hatakin niya bigla ang braso
ko. My entire body ache in pain dahil sa mga galos at pasa.

"Sorry pero kailangan mong bumangon dyan. Bilisan mo bago nila tayo makita."
Natataranta niyang sabi sabay tingin sa pinto.

Then I remembered why I was here in the basement with my body covered in bruises. I
sat and held my aching head.

"Bakit ka nandito. It's dangerous in here. Nasa taas yung-"

"Yung totoong Rainne? Alam ko. Saka na ko magpapaliwanag but you need to be out
here first."

Umiling ako. "I can't. Pa'no ang mga bata?"

"Ako nang bahala sa kanila. She will never hurt them I assure you pero ibang usapan
kapag ikaw kaya tumayo ka na."

Pinilit kong tumayo habang siya ay binuksan ng kaunti ang pinto ag sumilip bago
mabilis na bumalik sa'kin. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at may nilagay na papel doon.

"Pumunta ka dyan at please bilisan mo bago pa mahuli ang lahat."

I read the address written on it. "Bakit? Anong makikita ko dito? Kailangan ko pang
puntahan ang asawa ko."
She frowned and look at me in pity. "Kristoff, listen to me. You need to go to the
address I gave you. Malalaman mo lahat. Please pumunta ka na bago pa mahuli ang
lahat. She'll make the worst decision of her life. Save her."

"Sino?"

"You'll know kapag nandon ka na. Just go and get her."

'Wake up and get us, honey.'

Her voice echoed in my head and I knew what I had to do.

I need to go and get them.

Chapter 45.1
Aiden

I drove my car fast after fetching Azel from the police station. Buti nalang ay
nakapag-file na pala request for temporary release ang pamilya nito kahapon pa at
naaprubahan na kanina. Yung attorney nila at kapatid niyang si Keith ang naabutan
ko. Sumabay na sakin si Azel dahil may aaikasuhin pa daw ang kapatid niya sa
business nila.

"Bwiset! Bwiset talaga! Bakit ba nangyayari 'to? Tang-*** talaga. Sinigurado kong
maayos ang tatayuan ng dalawang building tapos biglang ganon. All of the sudden,
the ground collapsed? Maayos akong gumawa ng tabaho at alam mo 'yan, diba?"

Hindi ako sumagot at nag-focus sa pagdri-drive. Alam ko kung ga'no ka-OC si Azel
pagdating sa trabaho kaya nga wala rin akong maisip kung bakit nangyari 'yon. I
could hear him sigh and curse a couple of times before he spoke.

"Something's not right here. The timing is impeccable. After the...tragedy, naging
sunud sunod ang nangyari. My family and yours... Hindi ko maisip na dahil sa
pagkawala ng isa, sandamakmak ang naghihirap ngayon." Nag-igting ang panga ko at
napahigpit ang hawak sa manibela.

"Actually, hindi lang ang pamilya natin. Bumagsak ang pamilya ni Cindy dahil
nagback-out ang mga kliyente nila dahil sa issue ng materyales nila. Drake's law
firm and license were suspended. Yung mga stockholders ng parehong kumpanya namin
damay din gaya ng pamilya mo. Both are losing money fast. Naisip ko narin na may
mali dahil halos lahat ng kilala natin sabay sabay bumabagsak ngayon. Kami naman...
we need money kaya nga papunta tayo sa lugar kung 'san kami makakahiram ng pera
dahil lahat ng meron kami ay di pwedeng galawin."

Umiling iling ito at nagmura. "Mas lalong lumaki ang hinala ko."

Hininto ko ang sasakyan sa tapat ng isang napakalaking gate.

"Are you sure this is the place?"

Tinignan ko ulit ang tinext ni Uncle at ang GPS tracker ng sasakyan. "Yup. The
right place."

"Bakit nasa gubat?"

I was about to reply when two armed men came closer and knocked on my window. "Ano
pong sadya niyo dito, sir?"

His words were kind but you could hear the cautiousness and warning in his deep
voice.
"We're looking for Mr. Gabriel-"

"Ah, si Ma'am Gabrielle ba? Pwede po bang malaman kung ay appointment kayo?"

Ma'am Gabrielle? Hindi ko alam na babae pala ito. "Wala but my uncle's already
inside talking to her with my Auntie."

Nag-isip muna ito bago sumagot. "I-confirm ko lang po." Tumango ako at tumingin kay
Azel. He shrugged his shoulder and roamed his eyes outside.

Bumalik din naman ung lalaki at pinapasok kami. It took us another ten-minute ride
just to reach our destination. I watched the trees blurred pass us while thinking
the reason why would someone built a house-or mansion in the middle of the forest.
But whatever her reason was, mas mahalagang makahiram kami ng pera sa kanya.

"Dude, pag pinatay tayo dito, walang makakrinig ng paghingi natin ng tulong. I
never should've watched Wrong turn. Na paparanoid tuloy ako." Pagbibiro ni Azel na
ngiitian ko.

Sinalubong kami ng isang maid na inihatid kami sa waiting at receiving area. Nakita
namin agad sina Auntie at Uncle na nakaupo sa engrandeng sofa. This woman must be
really loaded. I thought.

"Have you already seen her?" tanong ko kay Uncle at umiling.

Ilang minuto pa kaming naghintay bago kami sinundo ng isang armadong lalaki. Auntie
looked nervous the moment she saw him but uncle assured him that it's fine.

Two black, big wooden doors greeted and separating us from the person we came for.
Sa sobrang laki ay parang sobrang bigat ng mga ito pero wang kahirap hirap na
tinulak ito ng lalaki at pinapasok kami. Nauna sina Uncle at Auntie kasunod kami ni
Azel.

Mukha akong kampante pero kanina pa ko hindi mapakali. Ang totoo, medyo nakakatakot
ang lugar... tahimik, malaki at mga armadong lalaki. Not to mention that were in
the middle of nowhere.

Napalingon ako ng marinig ang tunog na mabigat ng pagsarado. Sumunod pala sa'min
ung lalaki. Nagkatinginan kami pero agad akong nag-iwas. Para siyang sundalo na
handa sa laban dahil sa tindig at lamig ng mga mata niya.

"Fvcking sht!" napatingin naman ako kay Azel nang magmura ito. Nakatingin lang siya
sa unahan, sa babaeng nakatalikod samin. Parang pamilyar...

Her hip was leaning on the other side of a long brown wooden desk while her right
elbow rested on the back of swivel chair. Nakatalikod siya sa'min pati ang upuan.

"Miss-" he was shut off when the woman in front raised her hand.

"They're here..."

That voice.

It was the coldest voice I'd ever heard. The one that could even freeze deserts and
put the hell down alone. Kilala ko ang boses na 'yon... kilala ko ang may-ari ng
boses na 'yon. The voice that I never wanna hear again at the same time... I yearn.
Same goes to the person who owns it.
Gasped filled the room and curses from Azel were released when she completely faced
us.

"Alonna?"

"Hello, Auntie."

I was certainly not prepared to meet her.

Kristoff

The address Andrea gave me led me to a secluded place in the middle of the forest.
Sinunod ko rin ang instructions na sinabi niya nang may lumapit sa'king armadong
lalaki para magtanong. Ibinigay ko ang black and white striped card na galing din
kay Andrea. The man looked at it for a moment before me.

Ipinanatili ko ang kalamdo kong mukha because his eyes were assessing me. I felt a
sudden relief when he nodded and let me enter by letting his comrade open the big
gates for me.

Habang nagdri-drive ay iniisip ko kung anong pwedeng makita ko dito at anong

dahilan kung bakit ako pinapunta ni Andrea. I was supposed to be on my wife's case
pero nandito ako ngayon, papunta sa lugar na walang kasiguraduhan.

Naisip ko na rin na baka may kinalaman ito kay Alonna. After all, she's my wife's
friend. Pa'no kung may alam din siya sa mga ginagawa nito? Pa'no kung...

Biglang lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko nang maisip nab aka buhay pa si Alonna. Hindi
ko rin namalayan na napabilis ang pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan dahil sa antisipasyong
nararamdaman.

Baka makita ko siya.

I was hopeful when I got off the car and a maid immediately to usher me outside.
Ang sabi niya may kinakausap pa raw ang amo niya kaya pinaghintay niya muna ko. She
offered me drinks that I declined and left.

Gusto ko nang malaman ang madadatnan ko dito. Lumingon ako sa paligid. Ano ngang
sabi ni Andrea?

She instructed me to go somewhere inside the house and I did that when I remembered
the details. I didn't have time to admire the entire place-which was massive by the
way-and went straight to second floor. Tinaguan ko ang ilang armadong nagroronda at
nagbabantay sa palligid at dumiresto sa kwartong sinasabi ni Andrea.

Huminto ako at nagtago. Bakit may mga armado dito? Sobrang security naman para sa
mansion na nasa gitna ng gubat.

I entered a massive bedroom and went straight to the left door.

Was it left or the right? I'll just check both.

Mag-ingat ka sa pagbukas ng pinto. Tignan mo muna kung sinong nasa loob. Be

cautious, Kristoff.

Naalala ko ang babala ni Andrea at huminga ng malalim bago dahan dahang pihitin ang
seradura.

"Same old Aiden... still keeping secrets from auntie."

Agad na nagtangis ang mga ngipin ko at napahigpit ang kapit ko sa seradura nang
marinig ko ang malamig na boses at nakita si Rainne.

I held myself not to fully open the door and grab her. Nasa gilid ang pintong
pinagtataguan ko. Gusto ko siyang paaminin kung ano talagang ginawa niya kay
Alonna. Ito ba ang gusto ni Andrea na makita ko?

"Aiden, explain this to me. Why is Alonna acting like this?"

My eyes landed on the old lady, caged inside an old man's embrace. Must be her
husband by the way he comforted her.

"Yeah. Bakit hindi mo ipaliwanag... kuya?" She challenged using her voice colder
than ice.

"Auntie..."

"Dammit! Why won't anyone tell me anything!"

"Let me do the honor..."

Nagsimula siyang magkwento. Mula sa magsama silang binili ng isang mayamang

namamahala ng malawakang pagbebenta ng droga hanggang sa makapunta sila sa
Pilipinas. Kasama na dito ang mga malagim na nangyari sa kanila lalo na kay Alonna.

Halos lahat ay si Alonna ang nasaktan. Nakaramdam ako ng malaking kirot sa aking
dibdib habang pinakikinggan siya. Nagahasa, nabuntis, nasira ang mukha at muntik
nang masiraan ng bait.

Halos bumigay ang aking mga tuhod dahil sa panginginig. Medyo hirap din akong
huminga. Gusto kong maiyak dahil sa nakakaawang naranasan niya. Sobra sobra iyon
para sa asawa ko.

"The p-poor c-child..."

"Therese!" The old man's shout made me turn to him.

Nakita ko siyang inaalalayan ang asawa niyang nahimatay matapos marinig ang malamig
na boses ni Rainne sa pagkwekwento. Si Aiden ay nakayuko lang at mabigat ang
paghinga. Si Rainne ay di apektado pero madilim na nakatigin sa direksyon sa
komosyon. Napatingin saglit si Azel sa matanda bago tumingin kay Rainne.

"Tell me..." Aiden whispered before and looked up. "Where is my s-sister?"

He walked closer to her but she gave him a cold look, challenging him to go
further. Hindi niya tinanggap ito at lumapit parin sa platform kung san siya nandon
kasama and upuan at lamesa. Isang tunog ng pagkasa ng baril ang nagpahinto sa
kanya. It came from the armed man standing near the door.

Rainne signaled the man to stand down. The man rather walked to her and gave her a
handgun not before pulling its upper part and released. The part of the gun sprung
back to its original position.

"Just in case." sabi niya. Tinanggap ito ni Rainne at inilapag sa lamesang

sinasandalan niya. Umalis ang lalaki habang nakikipagtitigan kay Azel ng masama.

Napalunok ko. It just came to me that this situation is dangerous.

Nadaanan ng paningin ko ung matandang lalaking nakamasid kay Rainne habang hawak
parin ang nahimatay na babae.

"Hindi na ko magugulat if she's dead. Mas maitim at mas mabaho sa pusali ang buong
pagkatao mo. Tinulungan mo siya at gumaganti ka para sa kanya pero sa sobrang itim
ng budhi mo pati siya pinatay mo. Ang lahat ng meron siya sinira mo. Pati
kumpanyang pinaghirapan niya dinamay mo."

Rainne just looked at him bored while tapping her fingers on the side of the desk
until he stopped bickering. "Are you stupid? Why would I do that? Sa tingin mo
pababagsakin ko ang sarili kong kompanya. Sa akin yun. I've work hard than this to
get that."

"Work hard?" Azel mocked with angry eyes. "Like what? Spread your legs."

"Yes... and some killings after." hindi lang ako ang nagulat. Maging si Azel at
lalo na si Aiden but he had something showing like disappointment and pity. "Oh,
don't give me that look, Aiden. Two years isn't enough to build an empire from
scratch and I don't do scratch. I play. I control. I rule. Palabas lang ang lahat
because all of the money that's missing -as they said- were placed under this
company. The plan is to connect all of you... gipitin kayong lahat tapos
pabagsakin. Inuna lang namin ung iba. And all are working smoothly since Hawksworth
Construction Corp and that small legal counseling branches are down." Walang
makukuhang kahit ano sa boses at tingin niya maliban sa lamig at dilim. "The
Madrigals are now crazy finding ways to bring back their lost investments on my
company but you Aiden... your company is as strong as mine so and I personally
planned your punishment." She stood properly and showed a sinister smile. "A
meeting between your trusted board of members are ongoing as we speak at sila na
mismo ang magtatanggal sa'yo. Kukunin ang lahat ng ari-arian niyo at unti unting
mabubulok ang pangalan niyo na parang basura."

"Like what happened to you and your family?" Mahina pero buong sabi niya. "Alam ko
ginagawa mo lang 'to dahil sa nangyari sa'yo-sa pamilya mo. You were hurt really
bad. Please R-Rainne... Stop this... We will help you. I'll help you. Alam ko kung
pa'no mawalan ng nga magulang. Alam ko ang nararamdaman mo. I've felt hell like you
too. You do all these things but you also helped my sister... Tell me. Is she still
alive? We will do our best to help you."

Answer him. Sabihin mo kung nasan siya.

Kita ko kung pano unti unting dumilin ang ekspresyon ni Rainne habang nagsasalita
si Aiden. For the first time since I witness their exchange of words, I saw
emotions from her and all of them summed up to be deadly.

"You shouldn't have said those words, Aiden."

"Aiden are you mad? Anong pinagsasabi mo sa demonyong babaeng 'yan? She killed
Alonna-your sister tapos tutulungan mo yan?" Hinila ni Azel ang braso niya na
mabilis niyang hinila pabalik. "Fvck it, Aiden. This monster isn't even sorry for
what she did and doing."

"Sorry? Why should I be sorry for being like a monster, a demon, a slut or a cold
hearted bitch? Did someone said sorry for making me into one? No One. Kaya bakit ko
tatalikuran kung ano ako ngayon. This is way, way too fun. " Nakakatakot ang tingin
at boses niya. Mas lalong lumamig at tumatag.

Nanatili akong nakamasid. Hinihintay kong sabihin niya kung anong nangyari kay
Alonna. Dahil sa mga narinig ko, malakas ang kutob kong buhay parin ang asawa ko.
Kung wala siya dito, aalis agad ako at pupuntahan siya. Antayin mo lang ako, honey.
"Yung b-baby..."

"It's only a fetus."

Anong baby?

Wala akong ideya tungkol don pero bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Aiden at mamula mula
ang mga mata. "Sh1t!" Madiin na mura niya at pagod na pinasadahan ng palad ang
mukha.

Tumalas ang tingin niya kay Rainne pero hindi nito iyon ininda at malamig na
nagsalita.

"It's easy to dispose like what I did with that annoying girl. Vernice."

"You k-killed her?"

"Go figure."

"Pan'no mo nasisikmura ang mga 'yon?" Tumingin ako kay Azel. Namumula na siya sa
galit habang nakatingin kay Rainne. Rainne saw it too and with the amuse glint in
her eyes. May gagawin siya... ramdam ko yun. Nagkatotoo nga ang hinala ko dahil sa
mga sumunodna sinabi niya.

"Not as much as Alonna bedding you."

Napuno na siya at sinugod kay Rainne but she was quick to grab the gun resting on
the table and in a matter of second, it was pointing straight into his head,
between his brows.

He gulped and sweat started to form on his forehead. Everybody looked alarmed
including the old man behind.

"AZEL!"

"Not so brave now, are we?"

Kinabahan ako ng todo. Pa'no nalang kung kalabitin niya 'yon? Bwiset! Makikialam
nab a ko? Pero paano?

"Now, let's start playing."

Dumagundong ang isang putok ng baril na pinakawalan niya pero hindi kay Azel kung
hindi sa kisame. Napaatras si Azel. Bahagya akong nagulat dahil dito at mabilis
naman ang paghinga ni Aiden. Kinakabahan, natatakot, gulat, natataranta... ilan
lamang yan sa emosyon na nilalabas ng mga tao sa loob ng kwarto maliban sa babaeng
nakikitaan ng lamig at galak sa mga nangyayari.

Biglang bumukas ang katapatan ko ng pinto. Lahat kami ay napatingin 'don. Five‫_آ‬no
six people came out. They were all wearing black shirt and army pants. Dalawa sa
kanila ay ung nasa bahay. Tumingin ako sa likod dahil baka may dumaan din sa
tinataguan ko. Bumuga ako ng malalim ng hininga nung wala. Buti nalang. Pero anong
laro ang gusto niya?

"DON'T TOUCH HER! THERESE!"

"UNCLE!"
Ang dalawa sa kanila ay pilit na nilalayo ang uncle ni Aiden sa asawa nito. SI
Aiden at Azel ay gustong tumulong pero parehong may nakatutok na baril sa kanila.
Rainne was leaning on her table again while impatiently watching. Pilit na lumaban
ang kawawang matanda pero nakatanggap lang siya ng suntok sa sikmura. Walang awa.
Pati ba naman matanda.

The woman stirred and opened her eyes. She looked confuse as another man carried
her.

"B-Ben? Aiden? Where are you taking me? Ben... help...Aiden!" narinig namin ang
sigaw niya ng tulong hanggang sa mailabas sila.

Nang bitawan ng dalawang lalaki ang matanda ay mabilis itong kumilos palapit.
"Where is he taking her? Dammit! Answer-"

Rainne's look suddenly became darker. His eyes void with any emotion. Then her next
move shocked the three of us.

She shot the poor man on the thigh.

"Fvck!" manihang mura ko at lumayo sa pinto. Napasandal ako sa pader at huminga ng

malalim.

Sh!t! Things are getting really dangerous.

Napahawak ako sa noo. Rinig na rinig ko ang sigaw ng matanda at parang ayaw kong
tumingin ulit. Sobra na ang kasamaan ni Rainne. Kailangang pigilan na siya. Alam
kong si Alonna lang ang pwedeng gumawa non pero wala siya. Dinukot ko ang phone ko
para tumawag pero no service. Napamura nalang ulit ako.

Malakas ang sigaw ni Aiden. Tinatawag niya ang Uncle Ben niya. Si Azel kung anu
anong masamang sinasabi kay Rainne. May tumawa ng malakas. Tawang hindi dahil sa
saya kung hindi dahil sa panghahamak. Madilim, malamig at nakakakilabot.

Si Rainne.

"Tang-*** mong babae ka."

"Uncle Ben, hang on, please. Why are you doing this? If my sister's really gone,
there no reason for you to do all of this lalo na ang barilin si Uncle. Sabihin
mo... ANO BANG GUSTO MONG MAKUHA."

"Reasons are for people who are confuse. Who are losing their logical side while
their emotions starting to take over their minds. Nabubulag sila ng emosyon ng
saya, ng excitement, ng pag-asa, pag-ibig... ng panghihinayang, ng takot, ng kaba.
Like now to the both of you. And you're not even seeing the reasons you ask that's
lying in front of you."

"ANO 'YON? SABIHIN MO NA? FVCK THIS GAME. My sister, me, Aunt Therese and now Uncle
Ben. Ano pa bang dahilan mo? Sa'yo na ang kumpanya namin kung gusto mo. UMALIS KA
LANG SA BUHAY NAMIN."

"Dahilan?" kunwaring nagtatakang tanong niya. "I don't have reasons for all of
this."

"Pinapaikot na naman tayo ng babaeng 'to, Aiden."

"I don't have reasons because I have goals." Mababang sabi niya. "I ordered the guy
to r ape her until she beg for him for death. Then he will destroy her face 'til no
one would recognize her. Alonna wanted all of you to feel and experience what she
had. Every single pain and cry. She wanted you to go crazy, Aiden but you were
lucky enough to get pass that. Anyway..." she sighed. "tumatagal na to. Let's
start. And oh... there will be a video and I'll give you a copy after."

Nagtinginan ang mga lalaki sa isa't isa at ngumiti. Hindi na sila nakapalag nang
umpisahan silang gulpihin ng mga lalaki. They didn't had the chance with five bulky
men.

"Beat them hard, boys."

They abide. Bawat suntok napapangiwi ako dahil sa sakit. Bwiset! Gusto kong
tumulong pero pa'no? Nandito lang ako para malaman kung nasan si Alonna pero
pakiramdam ko, wala akong silbi. Nanonood lang at walang ginagawa. Fvck this!

Their grunts and groans were very audible. They fought but they were worthless.
Rainne was just looking. I was just looking.

Hindi ko kayang tiisin 'to. What if I leave and then call for help? Pero si
Alonna... Bahala na nga.

I took one last glance then started to move. I heard Rainne giving them
instructions. To give them hard blows. Then something made me stop and look back
again.

May isang salitang nagpatigil sakin.

"More!" there it was. Napagtanto kong hindi dahil sa salita. It was because of the
voice.

"More! Harder! MORE! ON THE FACE!"

My eyes widened. My breathe hitched, air lacking. My hearts worked double or maybe
triple times. My hands clammy and shaking as I opened the door wide. I stepped out
with my legs a bit wobbly.

Nakatayo siya sa likod ng lamesa. Yung upuan nakaharap na at nakadikit sa dingding

na para bang naitulak dahil sa biglaang pagtayo. She was wearing a light green
dress. One hand on her head and the other on the table supporting her. She was
smiling with tears while looking at them beating Aiden and Azel.

"Alonna..."

Mabilis ang paglingon niya sa'kin. And she was indeed the one I was looking for.

My wife.

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

Sorry hindi ako nakapag-update last week. Nasira kasi laptop ko. Sa phone lang ako
gumagawa for now. Hindi ako sanay.

Pasensya na talaga...
Chapter 45.2
Thanks for reading my story 'til the last chapter. Salamuch!

Nakatingin kami sa isa't isa ni Alonna. She was shocked. It shows in her face.

"Interruptions. Interruptions... Fvcking interruptions. I hate it."

Chapter 45.2 - Recreated
I know this is shorter than the original one but this is all the I can ever
remember about this chapter.

Pasensya na kung may napansin kayong pagbabago. Paki comment narin kung may
mapansin kayong kakaiba o di kaya ay hindi related mula sa mga nakaraan at susunod
na chapters para ma-edit ko agad.

Thanks! ߑ۰ߏ‫ߏͰߘ͢܌‬

Nakatingin lamang kami sa isa't isa. I knew that I caught everybody's attention
with my sudden entrance but my eyes were solely focused on my wife. Everything
disappeared and only the two of us mattered.

Nagulat din siya dahil kitang kita ito sa mukha niya.

"Alonna..." I called her name again. "Let's go home, honey."

"Kristoff... W-What are you doing h-here?" Panibagong mga luha ang muling dumaloy
sa kanyang mga mata.

I saw disappointment and hurt in them and it chest constricted. Nanikip ang dibdib
ko dahil nakakastan akong isipin na nararamdaman niya ang mga gano'ng pakiramdam.

I stepped forward and offered her my hand. "I'm here for you of course. Sinusundo
na kita. Halika na. Hinihintay ka na nga mga anak natin sa bahay."

"The t-twin?"

"Yes." I nodded. "Sinusundo ko na kayo."

Ngumiti ako ng matamis sa kanya. Isang ngiti na nagsasabing okay lang ang lahat. Na
nandito na ako at hindi siya iiwan.

My wife had been through rough times but it's enough already. Andito na ko para
ipakita sa kanya na malalagpasan namin lahat.

I will put an end to her misery and make sure to give her the happiness she
deserves.

Tumingin siya sa aking kamay bago sa'kin muli. I knew she wanted to accept it but
was hesitating. When she was about to grab it, she was pulled that made her stepped
back.

"Interruptions. Interruptions... Fvcking interruptions. I hate it."

I tried to reach for Alonna but Rainne pointed the gun at me that made me stop. Her
stone cold ice bore against me that could intimidate anyone.

Pero hindi ko hahayaang matakot ako sa kanya. I have a goal and that is to bring my
wife back.

"I'm not afraid of you."

"Really?"

"No, Rainne." Pumagitna sa'min si Alonna.

Agad naman akong binalutan ng kaba. Nakatalikod siya sa'kin pero walang ibang laman
ang isip ko kung hindi siya at ang dinadala niya.

"You want her?" She said. Her eyes not leaving me. "Aren't you busy with someone?"

"What are you talking about?" Mabilis kong sagot.

Bahagya siyang ngumiti bago balingan si Alonna.

"They're all the same, Alonna. Even him. Nakalimutan mo na ba? Nagtiwala ka sa
kanya pero sinaktan ka rin niya, diba? Azel, Aiden and him. He's like them."

Nakita ko ang pagyuko at pagbasak ng balikta ni Alonna. Wala akong alam sa

pinagsasabi ni Rainne pero isa lang ang sigurado ko. Nilalason niya ang isip nito.

Alonna moved to face me.

"Just leave, Kristoff." Malamig ang aking boses na pumunit sa aking puso.

"What the hell did you tell her?" Asik ko sa babaeng lumalason sa kanyang isipan.
"Honey, whatever she told you, she's lying."

"No, Kristoff. I saw it with my own eyes."

"Honey..."

"Umalis ka na." Tinalikuran na naman niya 'ko at hinarap sina Azel at Aiden.

"Nakita? I don't know about it. Tell me?"

Hindi niya ko sinagot kaya tinangka ko siyang lapitan pero talagang hindi ako
hahayaan ni Rainne. She pulled the trigger and the sound of her warning shot echoed
in the whole room.

"Rainne!" Sigaw ni Alonna. "You told me you wouldn't hurt him. Stop it!"

Pinakiramdaman ko ang aking sarili pero wala naman akong tama. It was just a
warning shot but it made my knees weak. Binaliwala ko ang takot dahil hindi iyon
mahalaga.

"B-Bitch! You're an evil witch!" Nahihirapang sigaw ni Azel.

"Shut that one up." Agad na sinunod ng isang tauhan ang utos ni Rainne. He beat
Azel again and again until he passed out.

"Let him go, Rainne." Malamig na turan ni Alonna.

"Alonna, dear. You haven't changed at all. Napakahina mo parin."

"You know I'm not."

"Really then?" her lips formed a devious smile. "Prove it to me. Kill him."

"What!? No!"

"You're deliberately telling me that you're weak with your words. C'mon, Alonna.
You prepared all of your life for this."

Siya na mismo ang humakbang palapit kay Alonna at marahang iniabot ang kamay. I was
looking at the room for a chance to charge Rainne and get the gun but one of her
men, the one who beat Azel to the pulp, was looking at me with cautious. He was
ready to shoot me. Naiipit ang desisyon ko sa agarang pagkilos at sa kaligtasan ni
Alonna.

What if she got shot instead of me? No way! I wouldn't risk it so I remained where
I was.

I looked at Aiden. He too was so weak while looking at Alonna with sadness, regret
and longing. Hindi niya siguro kayang kumilos dahil sa gulpi nito.

"Just one pull, Alonna. End your misery. Just this one and I'll promise I'll take
care of the rest." Nakatutok na sa'kin ang baril nang bumalik ang tingin ko. Ang
mas masakit, hawak ito ng aking asawa habang si Rainne naman ay nasa likod niya.
Para siyang demonyo sa pag-uudyok nito sa kanya.

Alonna was holding the gun with shaking hands. A tear fell down her eyes as she
looked at me with pure sadness.

"R-Rainne..." Nauutal niyang ani.

"I know you love him but are you willing to forgive him? H has played your heart
with his betrayal..."

"What betrayal? I will never do that to you, Alonna. Kahit noon pa, diba? Hindi
kita iniwan at kahit noon pa ay mahal na kita. I would never betray you."

"Liar!" She screamed, crying. "I saw you with her!"

"Sino? Please, honey I love you so much. I would give my life for you. I know your
pains and the things you've been through. Don't listen to her. She's just
manipulating you."

"I may be am but I will never lie to you, Alonna. Hindi siya ang kasama mo simula
pa dahil ako 'yon. We shared the same pain. We became strong together. He lied
again seconds ago. You're not the woman he loves, right. You saw them. What's her
name? Maureen. A lovely name. Maybe that's why he's building a family with her and
not you."

As I was trying to absorb everything, naging blangko at malamig ang tingin sa'kin
ni Alonna. I could see Rainne smile in triumph as she held on Alonna's hand.

"You and Maureen." Bulong ni Alonna.

Agad na bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Alonna was ready to shoot me. Okay lang
sa'kin kahit gawin niya 'yon. Whenever she wanted, I'd be glad to be the target but
not today. Hindi pwede dahil maiiwan siyang mag-isa kasama ang masamang babaeng
ito. Ang mga bata at siya at hindi ko iiwan sa puder ni Rainne hanggang nabubuhay
ako.

Kami ni Maureen. 'Yon ang sabi niya. Anong kami? Hindi ko alam ang ibig sabihin
no'n pero nang maalala ko ang huling beses na magkasama kami ni Maureen ay agad
akong naliwanagan.

"You were there?" I figured it out. "You were there at the hospital. Kayong
dalawa."

"Yes, I was there and I saw both of you." Naramdaman ko ang sakit sa boses ni
Alonna mula sa kanyang malamig na boses.

"Nagkita lang kami sa ospital. I was there to get your medical result and she was
for her check-up. I swear, honey I didn't betray you. If you're thinking that I got
her pregnant then no. It wanot mine, honey. Believe me. Believe me because I will
not leave you or the twins especially that you are carrying our third child."

Agad nagbago ang malamig niyang tingin. It turned to shock, confuse then glee.

Naibaba niya ang baril at dahan dahang hinawakan ang kanyang tyan. She looked down
with teary eyes and genuine smile.

Tuluyan niya nang nabitawan ang baril at nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos dahil hindi
ito pumutok.

"I'm p-pregnant." Bulong nito na parang di makapaniwala. "I'm pregnant. Kristoff,

I'm pregnant."

"Your statement's wrong. We're pregnant so‫"_ܢ‬

"Do I need to do everything myself?"

"Kristoff!"

A shot aimed at me was fired pero mabilis na hinawakan ni Alonna ang braso nito at
tinulak pataas. The shot put a hole on the ceiling.

"Honey!"

Agad na tumakbo si Alonna papunta sa'kin at sinalubong ko ito ng yakap. I

immediately pulled her behind me after.

Rainne was seething with so much anger.

"Get them." She ordered her men.

"No! Stay were you all are." Mukang hindi alam ng mga tauhan nila kung sino ang
susundin.

"And this is all I get from helping you."

"This needs to stop, Rainne, please."

"Stop? I'm just getting started playing, Alonna and nothing will stop until no one
dies." Her icy voice laced in the air. The creeps when she talked never failed to
touch me.
"I have the revenge I want with Aiden and Azel. They've suffered enough. I will
never forget that they were the one responsible for our kidnapping. I'll carry the
pain and memories until I die. I'll carry all of it but we don't have to continue
this. Stop this and I promise, we won't hold this against you."

She laughed so low that it made me held on Alonna tight.

"Against me? Don't make me laugh and about your kidnapping, do you really think
that Aiden was strong enough to do that let alone wise?"

"What do you mean?"

"Forget it, Alonna. She's crazy."

"Y-You think I planned y-your k-kidnapping?" Napatingin kami kay Aiden na hirap na
hirap sa pagkilos kahit pagsasalita. He was already with the old man.

He's covered with bruises and wounds. He's even coughing hard due to exhaustion and
pain

"I-I'm sorry, A-Alonna. I'm sor-ry..." His eyes were full of pain, longing, regrets
and desperation as he looked at my wife.

"I'm sorry to Alonna." Rainne suddenly said. "Because I won't stop until I get the
revenge I want but before that... Let me enlighten all of you first."
Chapter 45.3
Salamat sa pagsuporta hanggang sa huling kabanata.

The place was spinning. I was trying to concentrate on something-anything but my

vision kept spinning. Fvck! Ang sakit ng katawan ko. Bwiset. Nakatukod ang dalawang
palad ko sa likod habang nakaupo. I tried to move from my sitting position only to
feel a soaring pain on my side. God! I never experienced being beaten bad. They got
a number of me.

Tumingin ako kay Aiden. I was still dizzy pero sa itsura niya, sinusubukan niyang
tumayo.

"Aiden... Are you o-okay?" I think he moved his head so I'm guessing it's a yes.

Napatingin ako sa unahan at hinawakan ang ulo ko. Huminga ako ng malalim saglit.
Medyo um-okay ang paningin ko nang pagdilat ko so I moved to kneel on one knee.

I was trying to even my breathing. Ang init ng buong pakiramdam ko dahil sa sakit
at pagod. I focused my vision to the woman with a gun pointing at Kristoff.
Nakayakap siya kay Alonna na matalas ang tingin kay Rainne.

What happened?

They we're talking about something
threw dagger looks at Rainne. This
to kill her. I could kill her if I
ako rin basta sa kanya ko gagawin.
she's in control here.
that made Alonna's expression even madder. I
woman. Sobra na ang mga ginagawa niya. I wanted
had strength. Kung hindi siya takot pumatay pwes
She's manipulating us all. It's obvious that

"...let's just go home."

Aiden looked so desperate and broken. Akay akay niya ang matandang may sugat sa
bandang taas ng tuhod. Shit! He was bleeding badly at kailangan niya ng tulong. Ano
ba ang balak ng babang ito? Gusto niya ba kaming pataying lahat dito mismo?

I heard a door being opened and a whimper. Tumingin ako sa malaking pinto sa likod
and one of her men was dragging a person, gripping her arm. Base sa katawan nito,
babae pero nakatakip ang mukha niya. She was shaking in fear. Nakatali ang mga
kamay sa harap. Sino naman to?

Nilapitan siya ni Rainne at tinanggal ang nakatakip sa ulo. Magulo ang buhok at
pawis na pawis ito. Black shade under her eyes and she looked thinner the last time
I saw her. She also had a couple of little wounds on her forehead and left cheek.

"V-Vernice?" Aiden whispered, confused.

Yung assistant at kaibigan ni Alonna?

"Say hi to your bestfriend, Alonna."

"She had something to do with my abduction?" Alonna whispered. Hindi makapaniwala.

"Let's ask her then." ngumiti ito at bumaling kay Vernice na mangiyak-ngiyak sa
takot. "Now, now... Vernice... Don't be afraid. No one's gonna hurt you...yet."

"P-please let me g-go."

"Of course and I promise you that. I'm not just sure if you're still breathing but
nonetheless, I'll let you go because you've been a good guest so far and look who
visit you. It's Alonna."

"A-Alonna?" nanlaki ang mga mata nito habang nakatingin sa kanya. The guy let her
go and she moved desperately walked closer to her.

"She's asking if you had something to do with her kidnapping."

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know what I was d-doing. I was afraid that time.
Please...please... you have to forgive me. I regret everything I did. I really do.
I was young, naïve and afraid that's why I did what I did. I had no other choice."

"Go on. Get to the good part."

"I went to your home-visited you then I heard him. Talking to someone on the
phone."

"Enough. You talk rubbish. Everybody has choices and what did you had chosen? You
had chosen to betray your bestfriend and let them kidnap her."

"SHE WHAT?" Aiden roared now glaring at Vernice. "You let them kidnap my sister?"

"I only told them her way home. I had no other choice. He forced me to do it. He
threatened me. He said he's gonna kill me and my family."

Her hands were raised, forefinger pointing on something. Everybody followed where
she's pointing at. It's pointing at someone now standing behind Aiden. Si Uncle
Ben.

Lahat kami ay nagulat sa sinabi ni Vernice at ngayon ay inaakusahan niya si Uncle

Ben na may pakana ng pagdukot kay Alonna. That couldn't be true, right? Mabait na
tao si Uncle Ben. He's caring and compassionate not just to his family but to all
the people he mingled with.
Uncle Ben was shocked too with his eyes wide open and slightly opened mouth.
Nakatayo na siya mag-isa malapit kay Aiden.

"L-Liar! Why would I do that? I love my family more than anything else."

"Vernice! Don't accuse my uncle. Maybe it was really you who planned it all along."
Depensa ni Aiden.

"I would never do that. I care for her so much-"

"You cared for her? You betrayed her." Sabi ko na ikinatigil niya.

"I regret it all. What about you guys? You were her bullies. You made her life
miserable."

Lumipad ang tingin ko kay Alonna na nakatulala. Kristoff had his arms around her
while whispering something. His hand running up and down her back as he shifted
their position, his back facing us like he was protecting her.

Gusto kong lumapit sa kanya. Jealousy hit me. I wanted to do all of that for her
but my body was so tried. Kahit pagtayo ay nahirapan akong gawin. I was dead tired
and my breathing wasn't even back to normal yet.

Nakarinig kong sumigaw si Vernice. Masyado akong naka-focus sa dalawa kaya hindi ko
na nasundan ang pag-uusap nila.

I saw Uncle Ben draw a gun from his back pocket. Hindi ko na binalak magtanong kung
san niya nakuha yon dahil nakatutok ang baril niya kay Rainne tapos kay Alonna.
Kristoff went brave enough to go right in the middle. Alonna pushing him back.

"Uncle Ben!" Sigaw ni Aiden.

"I should've told them to kill you. I should've ended your sufferings. You would
like more that anyway. I made a mistake to let you off alive. And you..." He
pointed the gun to Rainne who couldn't care less. "I don't know who you are but you
ruined everything." Humarang si Aiden at ung tauhan ni Rainne.

"Uncle Ben!"

"Stay back, Aiden or I'll shoot. I don't care if anybody dies in here. Whether you,
that bitch behind you or your stupid wreck sister."

"So it really was you..." pahayag ko.

"Of course it was me." He hissed before facing Aiden. "I knew what you two bastards
were doing to her all along. I was always keeping an eye on her especially when she
got home from school. She's always scared, alone and crying silently every day. I
also saw you pushed her, kicked her, giving her bruises and scars... that was a
sight to see and I'd always like you more because of that, Aiden. And remember the
time you banged her head on the wall? That was purely satisfying." Ngumiti siya na
parang inaalala ang pinakamasayang bagay sa mundo while Aiden and I flinched.

Ganon ba kabigat ang ginawa namin sa kanya? I felt disgusted and I knew Aiden felt
the same. He's telling the truth. We're bastard if not, more.

"Why did you do that?" galit na sigaw ni Kristoff.

"Why? Because I liked seeing her beautiful face in pain. It was easy. Plan to
kidnap her, sold her then they should take care of her. The men I hired had a hard
time taking her from school but thanks to her faithful friend here... Problem was
solved. After that, I'll kill Aiden then Therese and everything left would be mine.
But then there's their parents' will that gave me problems."

"What will?"

"The will that states that all money could only go to a Faustino by blood. Don't
play dumb. "

He advanced threateningly to Aiden, limply. Galit na galit habang nakatutok ang

baril. I'd never seen him like this. Ibang iba sa siya sa mabait at maaalalahani na
si Uncle Ben. This man's pure evil.

"This is really entertaining." Nakangiting sabi ni Rainne. Kumunot ang noo ni Uncle
Ben tapos napallitan ito ng galit. Rainne moved forward. Pinigilan siya ng tauhan
niya pero binigyan niya ito ng mapagbantang tingin. He had no choice but to follow
her and now she was standing almost beside Aiden.

Hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa mukha niya. It's captivating but deadly and sinister.
Her hand still holding a gun but with her... it was like a toy she kept playing.

"You whore. Who are you to ruin everything?"

"You will die not knowing but first let me tell you a story whether you all like it
or not."

Napatingin ako kay Aiden. Palihim niya kong sinenyasan at dahan dahan akong
tumango. Kailangan kong makakuha ng tiyempo.

"Many many years ago, there was a boy born from dirt. We need a setting... I'll
pick a small and poor city of Texas. So because his family was poor, they had close
to nothing. The little boy eventually turned into a man, handsome and ambitious
man. He despised being penniless so he left to England with an ambition to want
more. He then used his looks to charm a widowed wife of a lord. To cut the story
short... He slaughtered her entire family, took all their wealth and escaped to
another country."

"H-How'd you know that." He managed to stutter of shock.

Gusto ko ring malaman kung pa'no niya nalaman yun.

"I'm a psychic."

"No. You're a psycho."

Nagkibit balikat lang siya. "It's really easy. You're like an open book for
psychos. Hmmm, Nicholas?" Sa itsura ng mukha ni Ben ay sigurado akong tunay na
pangalan niya yon. "Oh. Before I forget. That last will was fake. I made it.
Surprise. Surprise."

He was stunned-we all were pero bumalik lang sa pagiging blangko ang mukha ni
Rainne. Alam ko na ngayon kung sino ang dapat katakutan sa kwartong 'to. Not the
one pointing the gun on us and that's for sure.

"I know what you're thinking. You're thinking what if she's right? I wasted so long
trying to void that will. I got old waiting for nothing. Then you'll think of
another way but then you'll realize that I was right and there's no way out."

Wow. I was speechless. Just wow. Now Ben was seething with anger more than ever.
"Alonna? Alonna! Honey, wake up." Napabaling ang tingin namin kay Alonna na
nakahiga sa sahig habang hawak ni Kristoff. "Someone call for help." Nataranta kami
at mabilis na lumapit si Aiden pero nahagip ng paningin ko si Ben.

He was ready to pull the trigger pointed at Rainne who was also distracted.

"Aiden!"

Sinigawan ko si Aiden pero kumilos agad ako. Out of reflex siguro. Hindi ko gagawin
to kung nasa tamang pag-iisip ako. It was Rainne he wanted to kill for God's sake.
But no! Adrenaline kicked me and I lunged at him, knocking us both down.

May sugat siya kaya madali lang yun pero malakas parin siya. Kahit naman matanda na
siya at alaga parin ang kalusugan at katawan niya. Damn he's strong for an old man.

He grunted when I intentionally kneed his wound while we were fighting over the
gun. Then something clicked. There was a loud noise, Aiden shouting my name and the
feeling of immense pain after. Everything turned black and... I was out.

I lazily opened my eyes but it felt heavy. Hirap na hirap akong buksan ang mga mata
ko. Naririnig ko ang maalingawngaw na tunog tapos mga nagsasalita. Ang ingay!
Please make them shut up.

I groaned. Fvck! Bakit ang sakit ng katawan ko at ano tong nakatakip sa bibig ko.
Pumupungay ang mga mata kong tumingin sa paligid. I heard someone talking and I
focused on that.

"... calm down, Alonna."

Alonna? She's here. I wanna see her. Iginalaw ko ang katawan ko para tumayo.

"Sir, 'wag po kayong gumalaw. Makakasama po sa inyo."

Pilit akong tinutulak ng lalaking humiga. Hindi naman siya nahirapan dahil nawalan
na rin ako ng lakas. My stomach hurts. Fvck! But I wanted to see Alonna.

Nakita ko sila sa gilid ko. Nakahiga siya sa isang kama? Stretcher? Hindi ako
sigurado. Katabi niya si Kristoff. Pilit siyang pinapakalma ni Kristoff dahil sa
pagpupumilit niyang umalis. Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi ang manood lang.

"I wanna see her." She said with teary eyes.

"She's in the other ambulance with Aiden. Papunta na rin sila sa ospital. Huminahon
kalang."

"But she was shot." Sigaw niya.

"Damn it, Alonna. Sawang sawa na kong lagi kang umaalis. Hanggang dito ba naman sa
loob ng ambulansya pinagpipililtan mong umalis. Grabe! Hindi mo ba iniisip na
buntis ka. Pwede bang unahin mo muna ang anak natin. I am tired of this. From now
on you'll do as I say and just stay here... with me."

Sa tingin ko nagulat siya dahil sa sigaw ni Kristoff dahil wala na kong narinig
mula sa kanya. She just looked down and cried silently.

"Shhh. I'm sorry if I shouted at you, honey. I'm just worried sick here. Please...
makikita mo rin naman siya eh." Kristoff hugged her, running his hands up and down
her back.
"You're wrong..."

That's the last words I heard from her before I went back to sleep.

------

I groaned when I opened my eyes. It's too bright in here. I blinked once, twice
until I got the hang of it. Where am I? Ospital ba ito?

"Aiden, anak. Thank God you're awake." Si mom agad ang unang nakita ko pag-gising
ko. I tried to speak but was croaky. Binigyan ako ni Mom ng tubig.

"Mom?" tumabi sa kanya si dad. "Dad? What happened?"

"Nabaril ka anak. Hindi mo ba naalala?"

After ng tanong ni Mom ay naalala ko ang lahat. Binugbog kami tapos si Alonna, Si
Rainne... Vernice at Uncle Ben. Tinignan ko ang tyan ko. May bandage. Confirmed. I
was shot.

"Did you remember now?" I nodded at dad's question. Kita ko ang concern sa mga mata
niya na matagal na panahon ko nang di nakikita. "They had to operate you. Maraming
nawalang dugo sa'yo kaya sinalinan ka. Are you feeling fine?"

I nodded again. "How long was I out?"

"Almost four days." Four days? That's long.

"Si Alonna?"

Rumehistro ang pagtataka sa kanila? "Hindi pa namin siya nakikita ulit since nung
mahanap siya. Sabi ni Aiden ay hindi pa siya nakikita simula nung tumakas siya sa
bahay nila. Bakit mo naitanong?" dad asked. Magtatanong pa sana ako pero naalala
kong komplikado pala ang lahat. So they still don't know.

"Si Rainne pala."

"Ahhh. She's okay, I guess. Yun lang ang naririnig ko kasi nasa kabilang kwarto
lang siya. But she was released yesterday. Aiden sometimes went there, visiting
her." Nalungkot ang mga mata nila nang tanungin ko kung anong nangyari kay Uncle
Ben.

"Ben died. Siya pala ang may pakana ng kidnapping ni Alonna non pati ung nangyari
sa inyo. Aiden told us. He was about to shot Rainne after you and he was forced to
shot him first."

Umiling iling si dad. "I trusted that man. I never thought that he would do this.
Ever."

Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot pero binaliwala ko yon. I picked up the pieces from their
stories. First. They didn't know that Rainne was really Alonna. Second. The
stories. Binago nila para mawala ang tunay na Rainne sa mga nangyari. Third.
There's a possibility that Aiden really killed Ben para protektahan si Rainne. Di
ko alam kung ung tunay pero hula ko ung tunay nga yun. Tss. Si Aiden pa. Kilala ko
yun and I was sure as hell that Kristoff would've taken that bullet for Alonna
instead.

Si Alonna... Dinalaw nya kaya ako? Was she concerned about me? You wish...
"Pupunta dito mamaya si Keith. May inasikaso lang ang kapatid mo. The doctors will
be here to check you any minute. We're going home to get some stuff and get cleaned
as well. Do you need anything from your condo?"

"I'm fine, mom. Thanks."

Ngumiti si mom at tumango. Dad walked closer. "I'm glad that you're okay, son." He
said tapping my shoulder with a smile.

Sinuklian ko ang ngiti niya. I was glad too hindi dahil sa okay ako kung hindi alam
kong naibalik na ung nasirang relasyon namin ni dad.

I was texting when I heard the door opened. Hindi na'ko nag-angat ng tingin para
tignan kung sino yun dahil alam ko na.

"I haven't thanked you for getting me out of jail. Thanks, bro."

"I was the one responsible for bringing you there. But not out."

I was shocked. Stunned. I couldn't even look up to see if the one who visited me
was real. Natagalan pa ko bago makarekober at nag-angat ng tingin.

Hindi ako makapaniwala na binisita ako ni Alonna. Nakangiti siya at nakasuot ng

knee-length sleeveless v-neck dress.

"Hi.." mahinang sabi niya. Pansin ko ang pagbabago sa kanya. She wasn't the same
poker faced, merciless businesswoman. She was now a plain lady. Bumalik ung dating
Alonna.

"Hi."

"How are you, Azel?"

Pilit akong ngumiti habang binababa ang phone. "Feeling better now."

"That's great."

The silence was deafening between us. The awkwardness was so obvious we could
already felt it. I shifted uncomfortable on my bed before breaking the silence.

"Na'san si Kristoff?"

"Kausap ung doctor ko." agad akong nakaramdam ng pag-aalala sa sinabi niya. Biglang
pumasok sa isip ko na baka nasaktan siya sa nangyari o baka may naiwang damage sa
kung saang parte ng katawan niya. Agad kong tinanong kung bakit at anong problema
pero biglang bumagsak ang pakiramdam at balikat ko sa sinabi niya. "No. I'm not
hurt. I'm pregnant."

She said smiling and I slumped back to bed. "Oh... c-congrats."

"Thank you." Biglang akong napatingin sa tyan niya nang hindi namamalayan. Naputol
lang ito nang magsalita siya. "I'm sorry, Azel. For a-all of this. Can you ever
forgive me?"

I saw her eyes water making me frown. "Hindi ikaw ang dapat mag-sorry. Ako dapat. I
shouldn't have done the things I did in the past. Pinagsisisihan ko 'yon. I was a
coward and gave in to peer pressure. Imbes na protektahan ka ay sinaktan pa kita. I
was your knight and you were our princess to protect back when we were kids and we
ruined it. Kung sana hindi ko ginawa 'yon..."

Napayuko ako at bumuntong hininga. Kung hindi ko ginawa 'yon... siguro asawa ko na
siya ngayon. With kids for sure. Pero naging gago ako at pinahirapan ko siya.
Sobrang pagsisisi ko Napahawak ako sa ulo. Damn! I was stupid and now I lost her.

I was concentrating on giving myself major self-pity when her arms abruptly wrapped
around my neck. Her scent engulfed my senses. She's warm, soft and smelled nice.
How I wish I could hold her forever like this.

"It's okay. I forgive you. You manage to became my courageous knight days back and
I'm thankful for that."

"S-Salamat."

Hindi ko maiwasang maluha sa sobrang saya. Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. Matagal

kong hinintay na mapatawad niya ko at ngayon ay nangyari na. Parang may mabigat sa
puso ko na natanggal at napalitan ng kasiyahan at kapayapaan. It felt so nice.

Nang kumalas siya ay agad niyang pinunasan ang luha ko habang matamis na nakangiti.
Her smile was genuine and that tugged my heart. She gave me sweet kiss on the cheek
and I was silently wishing to have more. Pero talo na ko. I gave up. Kailangan kong
makuntento sa ganito.

"Let's put every bad memory behind and start fresh, okay?" I said yes and offered
friendship that she gladly took. Nagpaalam siya at tumayo para umalis pero
pinigilan ko siya.

"Alonna... I wish you happiness. You and Kristoff."

And I meant it. Masakit saking pakawalan siya. Ang babaeng una kong minahal pero
masaya ako kung makikita ko siyang masaya. Alam kong masakit sa t'wing masasaksihan
ko 'yon pero okay lang. As long as she's happy, I'm happy and contented.

"Thanks and by the way... Alonna's dead. I wasn't planning on being Alonna again.
It'll make things- especially legal paper works easy so... call me Rainne."

"What about the other Rainne?"

"I told you... Alonna's dead."

I got what she said and nodded. "As you wish, Rainne."

That I didn't mean because she'll always be Alonna for me...even just in my mind.

Susunod po ang epilogue. I can't believe na natapos ko to.

Sa mga nagtatanong kung may story si Aiden at Rainne...

Meron...

May ilang chpaters na kong natapos pero hindi ko muna ipu-publish. Ang title ay...

"Wild Cat"

May meaning ang title na yan pero tentative pa... Ung raw picture para sa cover
na'sa multi media.
Suportahan niyo rin po ang story ni Seven. Nasa profile ko.

Salamat po talaga sa mga sumuporta. Naiiyak ako... Not yet signing off kasi may
epilogue pa. ߘ0ߘ
About the epilogue
Hello-

I just wanted so say something about the epilogue....

Bago muna ang lahat, gusto ko munang magpasalamat sa mga readers ko. Silent man o
hindi. Lalaki man o babae. Pabebe man o hindi. Kahit kanino man na nakabasa nito.
Kahit na isang chapter lang ang binasa o lahat.

Salamat sa pagbabasa at suporta. Kahit na every week lang ang update ko ay

naghihintay pa rin kayo. May mga times na sumasablay ako sa pag update pero
binabasa niyo parin.

Salamat po talaga at walang nakakapigil sakin sa pagbibigay ng salamat.

Sa mga nagmessage sakin.... Salamat.

Sa mga bumoto... Salamat.

Sa mga nagco comment.... Salamat. The best kayo. Pinaka love ko ang mga gumagawa
nito.

To give privilege to my dearest and lovely supporters, sa kanila ko po muna

ipapabasa ang epilogue.

Yung mga hindi ay huwag mag-alala. Gagawin ko naman siyang public sa Wednesday.

Ito lang ang tanging naisip ko para masuklian ang magandang bagay na ginawa niyo
para sakin.

Again....

Naka private po ang Epilogue.

ROCK AND ROLL TO THE WORLD!!!! ߌ‫ߌͰذ‬

Mamaya po ang update...

Epilogue
I was already conscious but kept my eyes shut. My side felt heavy so I moved my
hand to clutch it which I realized was a stupid move. I groaned in pain the moment
my hand got contact with my bandaged side. Shit, it hurts. Another stupidity was
when I opened my eyes as I hissed in pain. I liked it when I saw people in pain.
Every groans and cries. But not when it was coming out from me. Eventually, I
laughed the pain off.

What a damn place. Why is it so bright?

I calmed myself down and think. Sa amoy at itsura ng lugar nasa ospital ako. Why?
Because that bastard shot me and what I hated the most was that I let myself be
shot. Why the hell did I catch that fvcking bullet? Ang daling hayaan nalang 'yon
na tamaan siya. I should've let her die. I didn't care about her. I just used her
to get close to that bastard for entertainment. I was really bored in with life and
that blasted girl was like a game center. Using her would benefit me and that
bastard's now dead. Akala ko matatapatan ako ni Nicholas or Ben. But then again, I
couldn't find anyone to play on my level. They couldn't gave me the thrill and they
needed to die. Unfortunately, I wasn't the one who took the kill. Thanks to that
bastard brother of her.

I remember something...

It was also in my plan to kill him right after he pushed me and got hurt on the
stairs. It maybe a single, simple thing pero...

Hindi ako madaling makalimot.

He owed me not only once but twice. He took the life I wanted. Unfinished business
was not my thing so what so what happened?

Have I... gone soft?

Ha! Soft? Me? The only soft about me was my body, especially my breasts. Men I'd
been with said so. I could even kill the first person who would enter this room
without second thoughts.

In fact, I will have a little play with the first person who'd enter this room.
Let's see...

I carefully sat down a bit and looked around to search for anything I could use for
the game. A slight smile coming to my lips. A smile that everybody thought was
sweet and captivating.

Its funny how people could be stupid to thought about beautiful things but this
smile was a start of something horrible for them in my part.

The first thing I found was an injection resting on a metal tray on top of a white,
little side cabinet. May katabi itong maliit na babasaging bote.

What could it be?

Kinuha ko ang bote ay binasa ang label. Sedative.

Maybe they're planning on shutting me down temporarily if I would trash the place
down. They think that I'm that harmful? How thoughtful of them.

I smiled for the incoming fun. I always had fun for things like this. Isipin man ng
iba na weird pero ito na ang nakasanayan ko. I learned to be like this thru the
things I experienced. With those, I realized that people always hurt each other
whether it's between family, friends or maybe between the people they know less.
Sabi nila, the more you love the person, the more it pains. But that's bullshit.

The more you let your emotions surface, the more it controls you.

Did you think that it didn't connect? That it didn't make sense?

Well congratulations. Your mind's so narrow like a sewing needle's hole or a virgin
girl's hole at thirties.

Kapag nakontrol ka na ng emosyon, that's when it pains more. You wanted to gain
back the control. To be on your rational self but you couldn't.

Kahit magprotesta ang isip mo na mali ang nararamdaman mo... na mali ang ginagawa
mo... kapag naunahan ka na ng emosyon, talo ka na.
Like feeling jealousy over your sister who you thought was loved more by your
parents. Nasaksihan ko na'yan.

I remember... that was my first time playing.

I would like to tell a beautiful story but that would mean me babbling about my
past. I was not that stupid like everyone else.

The door opened and my body went on a relaxing state under the thin sheets. Umpisa
na.

I could hear the footsteps. Was it a male or a female?

Hinahaplos ng daliri ko ang talas at dulo ng karayom. I couldn't help it. It's a
sign of my excitement. Touching the things I'd be using before taking the prey.

Ginagawa ko ito habang pinapakiramdaman siya. He took my other hand under the
covers and I felt him touched my other hand. Yes. It was a he based on his rough
finger making these tiny circles to soothe someone. It's very, very... irritating
and now his big hand's squeezing mine. I knew who it belonged to.

It's getting quite annoying. It had to stop.

He let go of my hand and sighed. I heard some shuffling and dragging of something I
though belonged to a metal chair.

Dumilat ako. I observed him staring blankly at the wall. Parang may malalim na
iniisip. I slowly moved to sat down. The shuffling of bed and the slight groan I
created made him snapped his head towards my direction. Mabilis siyang kumilos para
lapitan͂ ako agad at inalalayan sa pag-upo.

I didn't like the feeling of him touching me. My skin itches and my stomach
flipped, wanted to puke the disgust out. Tinapik ko ang kamay niya at dahan dahan
ko siyang tinulak palayo.

He narrowed my eyes on me and I remained looking at him blankly.

He sighed. "Do you want something? Water? Food?" I didn't answer. My eyes never
left him while pouring some water to the glass. "Here." Kinuha ko ang baso nang
ilapit niya ito sa bibig ko.

Ano ako? Baldado? I am capable of doing this simple thing. Fvck him.

He took the glass after. "Are you feeling alright? May masakit ba?"

"I was shot." He shook his head at my sarcasm. There's something about the way he
look at me. It's like there's something deep behind those grey eyes. Always the
same look he threw at me while I took over Alonna's life.

It was also the same look they gave me.

"Thanks for saving my sister, Rainne. I-"

"Why are you here, Aiden?"

Tumigas ang tingin niya at nag-igting ang mga panga. "The baby..."

"I know you're stupid but not totally brainless." I rolled my eyes at him. "I also
know that you already know it's not true. I drugged you. Get it so get over it."
Pinipigilan niya ang galit niya. Halata sa itsura nito. If he thought that he could
intimidate me, he's very, very wrong. No one could do that to me.

"What happened with your life that made you like this? You're a self-centered,
evil, manipulating bitch."

"Tell me more." I said in monotone. Why are they saying the same thing? Wala na
bang bago?

His hard breathing gave away his anger more. He closed his eyes tightly. Mabilis
talagang magalit ang lalaking 'to. He's quite entertaining if you ask me.

That gave me an idea.

Gusto niyang malaman ang tungkol sa'kin hindi ba. I could tell him lies. Gusto kong
makita ang mukha niya habang naniniwala sa istorya ko. He would live with that lies
he thought were real.

Perfect.

"You wanna know." That caught his attention. "You know all about my family. After
all, you investigated about my past. That was awesome, Aiden. I'll give you the
credit. So what stories of mine would you like to hear?"

"I wanna know what happened after they took you."

"Okay."

"O-okay?"

My brow arched. "I don't wanna be around dumb people." Bumuga siya ng mabigat na
hininga at nanahimik. Thank, Satan! If he kept it like, I might've shut his mouth
myself.

"I was six when they took me and my sister from England because of that blasted
demon named Nicholas. Pinakasalan niya ang mama ko para sa pera then murdered my
entire family. Except the two of us. He was so nice at first. I thought he loved
us. There was this time that he would visit me at night. Always gave me hugs and
kisses and sometimes he'd touch me. He said that's how he showed his love for me.
Then I discovered that he's also doing it to my sister._ I was so happy knowing
that he also loved my sixteen year old sister. But she wasn't as happy as me. She
was mad and scared at him. Then that horrible night happened. Alam mo 'yon hindi
ba?" Tumango siya. Napansin kong nanginginig ang nakakuyom niyang mga kamay._ It
made me snickered.

"His men sold us to a very rich and evil man. Umpisa palang pinahirapan na kami. It
was only slaps at first then he would always request for my sister. Bumabalilk sa
kwarto namin ang ate ko nang may mga pasa at umiiyak. Magulo ang damit niya at
buhok. Her usual glow disappeared. I would always comfort her after. Ngingiti lang
siya tapos sasabihin niyang maging malakas ako at matatag. After that... my sister
died. She committed suicide by hanging herself in the bathroom. I found her myself.
I was young, weak and na_ve. All I could do was cry and weep. I didn't eat. I
didn't talk. I couldn't sleep. Then I remembered her telling me to be strong. I
tried to be strong."

Humina ang boses ko. Nararamdaman ko ang pagod at nawawala na ang bisa ng
anesthesia. I needed to get out of here.
"I tried to escape his radar and kept myself invisible. Marami siyang kagaya ko
kaya hindi imposible. My life was quiet until I turned thirteen. He had a business
meeting with people same as him at home. He didn't notice me but one of his friends
did. He smiled and called me cute. Natakot ako at nagmadaling lumabas. That night,
I was requested to his room. Nanginginig ako sa takot. I was thinking that he'd
beat me again after a long time. That same night, I discovered the things he did to
my sister and he'd done the same to me. He r aped me over and over until he was
satisfied."

I stopped when I heard him released his breathe.

"R-Raine, I... Ah."

"What would your sorry could do now?"

Umiling iling ito. "You don't need to continue this."

I smirked. "But I'm just getting started so listen."ς Wala na siyang nagawa. "In
fact, hindi ko pa nasasabi na nabuntis ako."

"W-what?"

"You heard it right. I got pregnant twice. It happened when I was fourteen and
sixteen. Kapag nalaman niya lagi nya kong binubugbog. That causes them. Severe
beatings. Good thing one of his business partners killed him. End of story."

"What happened after? At bakit parang wala lang ang paraan ng pagkwento mo?" Mariin
pero mahina niyang sabi. These things were already in the past. So parang wala na
sa'kin ang mga to.

"Don't push your luck and speaking about being lucky... That event made me
incapable of bearing a child so even if that mind blowing sex you've thought we had
done happened, something else would never happen."

He was glaring at the white wall. He had this dark aura around him. It's funny
seeing his reaction. Hindi ako nagkamali. He's an entertainment too.

His expression softened the moment he looked at me. "You've been through a lot."

I narrowed my eyes. "Don't look at me like that."

"Hini kita kinaaawaan if that's what you're thinking."

That's not what I meant. "I know that look. I know what effect I have on men such
as yourself. Whatever you have right now, stop it."

The side of his lips arched up. "I'll do whatever I want. I'm not one of your
puppets."

Really, uh. Let's see about that.

I held this tense hand and his muscles relaxed immediately. He let me pull him
closer until our body touched. He resisted at first but we all knew that I was
irresistible to all men.

"Oh, Aiden." I whispered. He pushed himself closer carefully. He's cautious and I
felt like he's treating me like a fragile vase.

Pathetic.
Let's tease him a little.

"What?" Maangas niyang sabi.

Playing touch are we?

I slipped my hand under his shirt and let my hand roam around his waist and back.

"Don't let this affect you, okay. And don't let your guard down. Someone might stab
you from the back."

Ibinaon ko ang injection sa tagiliran niya at inubos ang laman nito. He immediately
stood up with wide eyes from shock and inspect the area.

I smirked and waved the injection in front of him before I threw it. Unti unting
bumabagsak ang talukap ng mga mata niya but he's fighting it. Good Luck with that.

He was already in the floor, passed out when the door opened.

"You're late."

"I'm sorry, miss. Nakita ko kasi siyang pumasok. Hinintayin ko sanang-"

I cut him off. "Stop talking and get me out."

Tumalima ito at inakay ako. "Let go." Sabi ko bago lumabas.

"Pero, miss..."

I threw him a cold look. Para siyang tangang hindi mapakali sa takot matapos akong
bitawan. Where the hell did Ramon got this from? Stupid dog.

I felt pain from my side with every step but I hid the pain. No one should ever see
me weak that's why I diverted my attention to the people I passed by. Like that
pregnant woman. Her stomach's so big.

What if someone pushed her and she tripped? I wanted to see her fall on her
stomach. Bloody nice.

Or that kid who I looked like he was bitten by an animal on the hand. Poor kid...
He's crying. Just cut the arm, people! The rabies might spread.

Those were too painful. Weren't they? I know... I could always have a wild party
for shooting people to cut their pain short. Or more better if I close this fvcking
building. Trapping them and let Raul burn this all down. Fantastic!

"Ito na po ung report, Miss Rainne." Agad na binigay ni Raul ung folder nang
makasakay ako sa sasakyan.

I saw him taking glances at me thru the mirror. He was cautious around me. I could
also feel the tension coming from the man beside him.

Maybe they could sense that I'm in a foul mood while I read the file. The paper
crumpled on my tight grip. I was so pissed and I could really hurt anyone right
now. Fvking hell! I wanted to shout.

Initsa ko sa kanila ung folder.

"W-what do you want us to do, Miss?"

"Destroy all my traces. I want my records clean. Understand?"

"Yes, miss." Sabay nilang sabi.

I was gritting my teeth from anger. Not because of the files about me that they
stole from Aiden. I was mad at myself. I was mad because I told him the truth.

I didn't know what happened. What did he do to me? I should have lied. So why?

You are a pain in the arse, Aiden.

"Nasa loob po sila, Miss Rainne."

Dire diretso akong pumasok sa isang kwarto ng isa kong hide-out. I saw the two of
them eating lunch when I entered.

Let's finish this. I need to rest.

"Thank you, gentlemen for cooperating by telling me everything."

"That's okay, ma'am. It's already been a long time since he asked us to kidnap and
sell someone. The last time was his niece. We really don't like that guy anyway."

"The little beauty? I remember her clearly." The other one butted.

I didn't let my disgust exposed to them. Damn they ate like a pig. They have mo
manners at all. These Chinese ate and smelled like pigs. Disgusting.

"You can have your reward after eating."

I immediately left after. I didn't wanna see their smiling faces while shouting
their thanks to me. Unfortunately, rewards were differently from me. Kagaya ng
pampatulog na nasa kinakain nila.

"Burn them."

"Yes, Miss Rainne."

I entered the car and we left him. Raul already knew what to do. He had done this
many times. I needed to recover.

I was thinking... Everything's now over. What would happened next? Ano nang pwedeng
mapaglibangan?

I could always destroy someones life. I was an expert to that but then again...
Could that be as entertaining as this one? Could that make everything as exciting
like the previous?

Biglang pumasok sa isip ko ang mga nangyari. Mula nong magkita kami ni Alonna sa
mansion na pinagbilhan sa'min. She was pathetic and weak. I hated her in an instant
since we talked inside the cargo. Pa'no ba naman... She had nothing else to do but
to cry. Stupid girl. Crying wouldn't solve anything.

Pareho kaming nasa ospital non nang mabalitaan kong dinala siya sa ospital ng mga
baliw. I didn't pay attention. I couldn't care less kahit na mamatay siya any time.
But then I saw Nicholas in the TV beside Aiden. I immediately knew that they were
related. That girl always talked about her family. Like I said... she was stupid.
I didn't know what came in to my mind when I decided to help her. I could plot
killing Nicholas on my own. Hindi ko siya kailangan.

Pareho sila ng kapatid niya. Making my actions out of control. She was weak,
stupid, pathetic, soft, innocent, pitiful, irritating and...

Reminded you of your old self.

"Welcome back, Miss Rainne." Bati ni Raul nang makalabas ako sa eroplano.

Hindi ko pinansin si Raul at dumiretso sa sasakyan. After many months ay bumalik

ulit ako sa Pilipinas. I took a break and had a vacation in Singapore and India.
Nothing special happened. It's boring.

"May dadaanan tayo."

"Opo, Miss Rainne."

I stood a bit far from the celebration. I hid behind a tree. My red fitting dress
might gave me away once they look at my direction.

They were all standing while smiling widely as the priest started the event. Konti
lang ang tao dahil private event ito. The twin was holding each other's hand beside
their excited parents. Nine was bouncing up and down, trying to take a peek of what
Alonna was carrying.

Binuhat siya ni Kristoff at si Seven naman ay kay Aiden. Inilapit ni Alonna ang
hawak niya sa pari. She was like carrying a very precious thing.

The christening ended with all smiles and laughter.

I narrowed my eyes at Aiden.

That fvcker owed me a life. Kinuha niya ang premyo ko. The life Alonna promised me
to have after our little revenge.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang magpaalam ito kay Alonna at Kristoff bago
sumakay ng sasakyan. I walked back to the car, smiling.

Hindi ako madaling makalimot, Aiden. You took the life I wanted and you'll pay it
back no matter what... with life. I guess I need to pay my new toy a visit today.

Be ready, Aiden... Cause we'll be playing hard and wild.

Move away... Rainne is in the multi media.

Special Chapter
Matigas ang panga niya at nagngingitngit ang mga ngipin ng pumasok ito sa kwarto.
Opisina niya ito sa loob ng bahay. She was really, really pissed. She was hell
pissed.

Alam niyang nakasunod ang asawa niya pero wala siyang pake. Nabwibwiset siya kay
Kristoff dahil sa nangyari kanina. Dapat masaya siya ngayon eh. Sinurpresa pa niya
ito kanina sa opisina pero siya pa ang nasorpresa. Ang walanghiya! Nakakainis.

Sumarado ang pinto. Gusto niyang ihambalos ung pinto mismo sa mukha niya. Alam
niyang ang matinong asawa ang nagsara nito. Gusto niyang matawa sa salitang matino.
Matino ba talaga ito?
"Hon, pag-usapan natin ung nangyari kanina. Hindi mo dapat ginawa 'yon. I'm very
disappointed in you."

Hinarap niya ito, nakataas ang kilay. "Are you defending her? Your mistress?"

"I told you... Ms. Perez is my secretary. Just. My. Secretary."

"Then why are you defending her?" tumaas ang tono ng boses niya.

"Pinahiya mo ung tao."

"And you think I care. That bitch deserves it. Buti nga sinampal ko lang siya and
you have the guts to flirt with her. In front of me. Ang kapal ng mukha niyo. What
if I didn't come? Should you both do it all the way?"

"Honey... " Malumanay niyang sabi. Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito at lumambot ang
ekspresyon. "You know how much I love you. May pinapaliwanang lang siya sa report
na dinala niya."

Hindi niya napigilang umikot ang paningin dahil sa sinabi. "Explaining my ass.
Nakadikit ung dibdib niya sa braso mo. I know when someone's plotting something. I
know when someone's doing something. Kilala mo ko."

"Don't you trust me?"

"I do. It's her I don't trust."

Marahan nitong hinaplos ang braso niya. "Then believe me."

Tumunog ang telepono nito kaya hindi nakapagsallita si Alonna. Naiinis pa rin siya
pero hindi na sa Kristoff. Kung hindi don na lang sa sekretarya niyang malandi.
Kapag hindi ginawan ng paraan to ng lalaki, siya na ang gagawa.

"Hello, Ms. Perez?"

Mas lalong tumaaas ang inis niya nang marinig kung sino ang kausap. Tinalikuran
niya ito at naglakad sa likod ng lamesa. Pinagtuunan niya nalang ng pansin ang
naudlot na trabaho. Bahala siyang makipag-usap. Flirt all he want. Bahala siya.

Nagkakamot ito ng noo nang tinignan niya. He looked frustrated. Oo nga pala. Dahil
sa ginawa niya kanina ay na-cancel ung isang meeting niya. Naging mas busy siya
ngayon dahil ibinigay na ng ama nito ang pamamahala sa winery nila. Maybe it's
about that. If it's about his bitch... she's going down. No one will take away her
man.

Lumapit ito sa kanya matapos ng tawag. "I need to go." Pinanatili nito ang paningin
sa mga papeles. Rinig niya pagkawala ni Kristoff ng mabigat na hangin bago
magsalita. "Let's continue our talk later."

Sunod na narinig niya ay ang mga yapak nito at pagsarado ng pintuan.

Look at that! Hindi man lang niya ko hinalikan bago umalis. Bwisit siya.

Pinagpatuloy niya nalang ang pagtratrabaho kahit nagngingitngit ang kalooban niya
sa galit. Hindi mapigilang mag-isip ng kung ano. Pa'no kung may gawin silang
milagro? Malandi ang oportunistang babaeng 'yon at alam niyian may balak ito sa
asawa niya.

Naisipan niyang bumalik kaso baka mas lalo pa nila itong pagtalunan. Ayaw niyang
makipagtalo dahil kahit anong pilitn iyang patatagin ang sarili, agad siyang
lumalambot pag nagsimula nang maglambing ang asawa. Kaya napapa-OO nalang siya sa
sinasabi ni Kristoff.

"Mommy, are you busy?"

Napatingin siya sa pinto. Sa sobrang pag-iisip niya ay hindi niya namalayan na

pumasok ang kambal niyang anak.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya. "You have tons of dresses in your closet so why are
you wearing your brother's shirt? Again."

"Because it's more comfortable." Nine shrugged.

Napailing siya nang makitang suot na naman nito ang t-shirt at shorts ni Seven.
Hindi niya alam kung anong nasa isip ng anak niyang babae dahil lagi nalang niya
sinusuot ang damit ng kakambal niya. Hindi narin ito mahilig sa manika at puro
rubber shoes ang gusto. Ganyan na siya simula nung sampung taon siya. Dalawang taon
na'ng nakakalipas. Lagi rin itong nasa labas kasama ng mga barkada nila. Buti
nalang at nandyan si Seven para bantayan ang kapatid.

"You both need something?"

Alam niya kung bakit nandito ang kambal. Tatanungin na naman siya ng isang bagay na
ayaw niyang sabihin sa kanila.

"We'll come back when you're not busy, mom." Magalang at bahagyang nakangiting sabi
ni Seven. Bumaling siya sa kapatid at hinawakan ang kamay. "Let's go, Nine."

"No, Seven. There's no such time because she's always busy. C'mon, mom... Just tell
us how you and father met. Ayokong magsinungaling sa assignment namin."

"Then ask your dad when he gets home." Maang maangan niyang sabi.

"Not dad. Father as in our real father. Was it love at first sight or he courted
you? Mom, please."

Tinignan niya ang nagmamakaawang mata ni Nine. Lalong nadagdagan ang inis niya
kanina. Good thing that she's wearing an eye patch dahil baka magwala na siya sa
galit pag nakita niya ang asul nitong mata. Hindi siya sumagot at tumingin lang
hanggang sa bumuntong hininga si Nine at sumuko.

"Let's go, Nine." Nagpatianod ito sa hila ni Seven.

"Do you really want to know?" napahinto sila.

"Yes."

Nakikita niya ang pananabik ng dalawa tungkol sa tunay nilang ama. They thought
they had a fairytale story that gone wrong pero malayo sa fairytale ang nangyari sa
pagitan nila.

It was hell.

"I was kidnapped and was sold as a slave. You're father bought me. He was a high
profiled or most wanted drug dealer and human trafficking violator. He r.aped me
and beat me 'til my face was unrecognizable. I used to look like you, Nine. But
thanks to several operations, there were no traces of similarities between us now
well... except for your eye. Police shot that devil to death."
Nanigas sa kinatatayuan ang dalawa. Hindi makapaniwala sa narinig. Mabigat ang loob
niya habang binibitawan ang bawat salita. She didn't want them to know pero mapilit
sila. Matalino ang mga anak niya. Better tell them now. I know they'd understand.

"You can go write that in your assignment. Ask your dad if you don't want to
believe the truth."

.............

Kasalukuyan siyang namimili ng pantulog nang maramdaman niya ang pagpulupot ng

braso sa kanyang bewang.

Dama niya ang init mula sa palad nito kahit na may suot siyang roba. She let out a
contented sigh when she felt his warm breath over the crook of her neck.

Her heart suddenly hitched faster heartbeats and she felt hot all of the sudden.
Pinasadahan ng isang palad nito ang kanyang mga dibdib. Dahan dahan pababa sa
kanyang puson. Napapikit siya ng mga mata.

Her nipples hardened into a tight beads that's visible against her silk robe.
Bumaba ang init na nararamdaman niya sa gitna ng kanyang mga hita. Bumalot sa kanya
ng matinding pagnanais para sa kanyang asawa.

Ilang taon na ang nakakalipas pero ganito parin ang epekto ni Kristoff sa kanya.
It's been a long time but every time he touches or looks deeply into her eyes, her
heart doubles it's pace.

Kinakabahan parin siya pag nasa paligid si Kristoff. It was like falling in love
with him again and again.

Pinaharap siya nito at agad na sinakop ang kanyang mga labi. Binitawan niya ang
sanay susuotin niya sa pagtulog at pinulupot ang mga braso sa leeg nito.

She pulled herself and his face closer as they deepened the kiss. Their tongues
coaxed every inside part of each other's mouth.

"Inilapat ko siya sa ibang department."

"Hmmm?"

Binigyan siya nito ng mga mumunting halik sa kanyang buong mukha pababa sa leeg.

"Birthday ng anak nila Maureen at Greg the next day. We're invited."

Hindi niya na nga matandaan ang sinabi ng asawa. Her attention was taken by
Kristoff's lips nibbling her earlobe.

She closed her legs a bit and tightened the already damped and soaked eagerness
between her thighs.

May dapat pa pala silang pag-usapan. Ang bagay na bumabagabag sa kanya kanina pa.

"Honey..."

"Bakit, honey ko?"

Isang ungol ang napakawalan niya ng hapitin ni Kristoff ang kanyang balakang
palapit. He rubbed his bulge against her wet sex. The tick, hard and long manhood
tightening his pants, demanding to be free.

The way he rubbed it felt good. It poked her heated core that skyrocketed her
desire for him.

It felt oh, so good.

She imagined grabbing and holding it. Nangangati at nag-iinit ang mga kamay niya na
kunin ito. Iniisip niya itong umuungol habang hawak hawak niya ang pagkalalaki
nito. Squeezing it and moving her hands faster up and down before being replaced
with her mouth.

Siguradong mag-iingay ang asawa sa sarap.

She gave him the taste of what she could do to it by rubbing it.

He groaned low and she loved the sound of that.

Pinigilan ni Kristoff ang kanyang kamay na ipapasok sana sa slacks nito. He cupped
her face with both hands and covered her mouth with his.

He didn't need to ask to enter for she willingly opened for him. Always.

Mabilis niyan tinanggal ang coat at neck tie ng asawa nang hindi napuputol ang
kanilang halikan.

Binuhat siya nito at nilapag sa kama. Lumayo muna si Kristoff para tanggalin ang
kanyang mga damit.

Sinabayan niya ang titig ng asawa habang nagtatanggal ito ng damit. His expression
was clouded by desire and admiration for her.

She decided to tease him by pushing the collar of her robe aside, exposing her left
breast. Dinagdagan pa niya ito ng pag-angat ng kanyang kanang tuhod na nagpapakita
ng makinis at mahabang niyang hita.

Napakagat siya ng labi ng makita ang pagdilim ng mga mata ni Kristoff. The room
wasn't dim or dark. Lights hugged the whole room kaya naman kitang kita ni Kristoff
ang katawan niya.

And she too saw all of his especially the proud glory that stood high and ready for
her. It was hard, thick and big. God, she really wanted to do something with that.

Nakatitig lang siya don at napabasa ng labi. Agad itong nawala sa paningin niya ng
kubabawan siya ni Kristoff.

"You want this do you..." She moaned his name and breathe heavily nang paulit ulit
nitong pasadahan ng kanyang pagkalalaki ang kanyang entrada. Ipinapasok niya ito ng
bahagya tapos ay tatanggalin. It frustrates and excites her at the same time. "Do
you?"

"Ooohh.. Shit yes! Now!"

"Not yet, honey. Papasabikin muna kita. You will moan, shiver and scream my name
over and over again. I want to taste and touch every part and inch of your body
first... and I want another baby."

Napasinghap siya sa gulat at napaarko ng likod nang biglang ipinasok ni Kristoff

ang dalawa nitong daliri sa pagkababae niya.
Nablangko ang isip niya. Gusto niyang maalala ang huling sinabi nito pero pa'no
kung mabilis na naglalabas pasok ang mga daliri nito sa kanya.

Forget it! She just want to feel him all over and inside her.

She's hell sure that she's already gonna come. That fast? Damn those fingers!

"What are you doing?"

Kakatapos lang nila magtakik pero sa halip na magpahinga ay tumayo si Kristoff at

kumuha ng unan. Natatawa siya habang inaayos nito ang unan ang ilalim ng balakang
niya.

"Sinisigurado ko lang na nahulog ko ung time deposit ko." Nakangiti nitong sagot.
"We'll withdraw it in nine months time."

"Oh..." Ngayon niya lang naalala ang sinabi ng asawa kanina. "Disapprove. The bank
temporary freezes all its transactions because the owner can't get pregnant today."

"What? Dammit! Kala ko tama ang computations ko at fertile ka ngayon. Irregular ba

ulit ang menstruation mo?"

She couldn't help but giggle when Kristoff took his phone on the side cabinet and
opened a pink flower application icon. Tinabihan siya nito sa kama at kinumutan
sila pareho.

Seryoso at nakakunot ang noo nito habang timitingin ng kalendaryo.

"Stop that." Inagaw niya ang phone at pinatungan niya ito. "Wala ring nagyayari
kahit magcompute ka pa dyan."

"What do you mean? Don't you want to-"

"Because honey, I think I'm already 3 weeks pregnant."

His eyes grew wide making her smile. "Are you sure? How are you sure? Nagpa check
ka na ba sa OB? Shit! Na-stress pa kita kaninang umaga. Huwag ka nang pumasok
bukas."

"Calm down, daddy. Nagtake ako ng pregnancy test and I don't feel anything weird
kaya no need for OB yet. Tatapusin ko lang ang sked ko til weekend then I'll set an
appointment with the doctor."

"Daddy..." He dreamily sighed. "May bagong tatawag na sa'kin ng daddy. May pang-
apat na tayo."

"Speaking of children..." Nakaramdam siya ng pag-aala sa naalala. "I told them

about their father."

"I know..." Pinirmi siya ni Kristoff sa ibabaw at hinawakan ang balakang nang
tinangka niyang umalis. "They asked me about it."

"Natatakot ako, honey. Baka magbago ang tingin nila sa'kin. Okay na naman ang lahat
'di ba? I tried concealing about that part of my life but I lost control. Do you
think they'll hate me?"

"Shhh, honey. Their fine. A little upset but fine. Hindi sila galit sa'yo. Seven
just ask if that's the reason why you ignored them before. Si Nine naman kumbinsido
sa sarili na kaya mo pinaglalagay siya ng eye patch lagi noon ay dahil pareho sila
ng kulay ng mata."

"Then what happened?" She buried her face on the crook of his neck and breathe in
his scent. It calmed her. Pati narin ang marahang paghaplos ng asawa sa kanyang
likod.

Pinakinggan niya kung pa'no niya inassure sa mga bata na wala silang dapat ipag-
alala pa. That it was all in the past.

She didn't mean to make them feel ignored. Wala na rin siyang nararamdaman na galit
kapag nakikita niya ang asul na mata ni Nine. In fact, she told her she could
forget about using that thing that hides her eyes. Pero mukang nasanay na ito ng
may suot na ganon.

She felt like a pirate she said.

Everything's okay now. Everything's forgotten. She loves her children. Their
children. Seven, Nine, Kris and she even loves the unborn baby in her stomach.

Good thing Kristoff was here to help her with everything. He was telling how they
listened to him with serious and guilty expressions. Na sana hindi na daw sila
nagpumilit magtanong.

Kristoff did all the talking to them. Mas lalo pa niya itong minahal. Hindi niya
maisip na wala sa tabi niya ang asawa. Dati, sa paghihiganti umikot ang buhay niya.
But Kristoff and their kids are her life now. Everything in her life revolves
around them.

"Thank you, Kristoff. Thank you for being there_ throughout the darkest part of my
life. You made me see the light i failed to see. You didn't just made me see it.
You became the light itself. You did that and now you're doing it for our children.
You made me fall madly and deeply in love with you even more. I'm sorry I doubted
you with that slut secretary of yours. Hindi ko dapat ginawa 'yon. Nabulagan lang
ako ng selos. But I will never do that again because I love you, Mr. Dela Vega and
I'll choose you over and over again even in my next life."

Hindi niya napigilang mapaluha. The man she loved was looking at her with the same
emotion. Love and pure adoration. Trust and respect. All the things she wanted to
have when she was left to be broken. Now she has it and more.

He didn't not just fixed her...

He made her a better person.

He smiled and was about to say something when the door bursted open.

The door wasn't even locked?

Kris, their four year old son who bears the same look as his husband was wearing
his hulk toy hands.

Nakasilip ito sa labas mula sa kwarto nila. He was giggling.

Bakit gising pa siya? Ang sabi ng yaya niya ay tulog na ito. Is he still playing?

"Kris? Anong ginagawa mo dito, little man?" Tanong ni Kris at sinuot ang boxers
niya. Siya naman ay inayos ang nakatakip na kumot.
Sinulyapan lang sila nito at bumalik ang tingin sa labas. "Be quiet, daddy. Ate
Nine will see me."

Bumukas ng tuluyan ang pintuan at pumasok si Seven. Parang hindi nito napansin ang
napaatras na kapatid at nagdire diretso sa kama. Agad siyang humiga sa tabi nito at
niyakap siya.

Nagkatinginan sila ng asawa.

"Seven, son what happened?"

Something was off. Nahalata niya ito agad nang lumapit siya. Hindi rin nito sinagot
ang tanong ng daddy niya.

Biglang sumigaw si Kris habang tumatawa. Narinig din nila ang hiyaw at sigaw ni
Nine mula sa labas. Tumatakbong lumabas si Kris.

"I'll check on them."

Tumango siya at tinignang lumabas si Kristoff. Binaling naman niya ang atensyon kay
Seven. Humiga siya ng maayos.

"Are you hurt, Seven?" Umiling lang ito habang nakasubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya.
"Then what's the problem?"

Humigpit ang yakap ni Seven. Sa mga anak niya, si Seven ang pinaka malambing.
Always looking out for his siblings. Laging humahalik sa kanya at laging inaalala
ang nararamdaman ng kahit na sino sa kanila.

Nine on the other hand is the feisty one. Always speaking what's on her mind pero
mailap din sa ibang tao. She's adventurous and always curious.

"Seven?" Nag-alala agad siya ang magtaas baba ang balikat nito. He was crying.

"Mommy, don't hate me and Nine, please..."

Oh, God! Amoy alak siya.

"Are you drunk?"

Umiling ulit ito at nagtaas ng tingin sa kanya. "We won't ask a-again about that.
J-just don't ha-hate us, mommy." He said between sobs.

"Baby, I don't hate you or Nine..."

"Really?"

"Yes..." Hinaplos haplos pa nito ang buhok ng anak. "You're one of the best things
that came in my life. Muntik na kong makagawa ng malaking pagkakamali n'on. I was
thankful that your father was there. I didn't mean to neglect or hurt both you and
your sister. Everything's settled now and I will love you even if I die."

Mabilis siya nitong dinambahan ng yakap at halik. Tumatawa na ito ngayon at paulit
ulit na sinasabi kung gano siya kamahal.

Nakangiti siya kahit na nabibigatan siya sa anak. This kid is only twelve but
already stood five feet five. Konti nalang ay magiging magkasing tangkad na sila.

"Do you want chocolate, mommy? I love chocolates. I have chocolates under my
pillow. But let's make it a secret from Nine, mommy. She always takes away my food.
She can have my clothes but not my chocolates."

Kanina lang umiiyak ito pero ngayon ay malawak ang ngiti habang nagkwekwento.
Parang nakalimutan na nga nito ung kanina. Halata rin na lasing ito. Mapungay ang
mata at namumula.

"Sa'n ka nakakuha ng alak, Seven?"

Tumingin lang ito sa kanya. Napalingon siya sa pinto ng may malakas na kumalabog na
parang nabasag mula sa labas.

Hinahanap niya agad ang kanyang roba at sinuot. Mabilis na hinawakan ni Seven ang
kamay niya nang matapos ito.

Natagpuang niyang basa ang sahig pagdating nila sa baba. Rinig niya ang mga sigaw
at halakhak ni Nine.

"What the hell happened here?"

Lumapit si Aling Mila sa kanya na halatang galing sa pagtulog. Yung ibang maids ay
may hawak na mop at walis.

"Ma'am kasi po si Nine tinulak yung malaking aquarium."

"Where is she?"

"Nasa pool po sila ni Sir."

Agad siyang lumabas. Hawak niya parin si Seven.

True to her words, glasses from the broken aquarium were scattered on the floor.
Basang basa rin ang sahig.

Nakita niya pa si Kris na dumampot ng isang patay na isda. He was looking intently
at it and she was observing him. Wala na ang laruan niyang berdeng kamay.

Then Kris lifted the fish closer to his mouth.

"Kris, do not eat that."

The kid pouted. Talaga ngang balak niya kainin ito. What the hell is going on with
everybody?

Inutusan niya ang isang maid na kunin si Kris at ilayo sa mga bubog bago sila
lumabas.

"I'm the captain of this ship and I will sail on every ocean in the world, aye!
Who's with me? Arrr."

"I am, captain." Seven shouted. Hinila niya ito pabalik nang tangkaing tumakbo.

"Nine stop messing around. Lumapit ka dito." Pagod at naiinis na sabi ni Kristoff.

"Never, mate! If the ship goes down, the captain goes with it."

Biglang tinalon ni Nine ang sofang papalubog na nasa pool. Kung pa'no napaunta don
ang sofa ay hindi niya alam.
Sinong makakaalam ng takbo ng utak ng mga anak niya? They're twelve, drunk and
emotionally unstable.

Ilang beses na inabot ni Kristoff si Nine ngunit nabigo siya. Naulog ito sa pool na
ikinatawa ng anak na babae.

When he got out of the pool, soaked and pissed, he shouted. "That is enough, Nine
Dela Vega. Get in here. NOW!"

"She's dead, mommy. Daddy's mad." Bulong ni Seven.

Wow! Ngayon niya lang nakitang ganyan ang asawa. Believe it or not, that turned her
on.

-------

This is it guys. It's finally over and complete.

Salamat sa inyong mga votes and especially the comments. Mas ginaganahan kasi ako
pag may nagco-comments.

Special thanks to...

forever_addicted --- naka bold yan cuz you're really special.. huehuehue.. Isa ka
sa mga masipag magcomment eh... Salamat sa pagiging aktibo..

himesui --- Ito na po ang special chapter. POV ni Alonna

tanjei -- Salamat sa papuri.. Ang laki na ng ulo ko...

anna-ann --- Feeling ko hindi naman ako magaling na writer... Talagang mahusay lang
kayong umintindi...

_Exodus_ --- Sa final chap lang ba ang mallinaw..? lol

Gracielamp --- Huwag kang masaktan.. Ang bangs mo ingatan.. Sakin kasi ingat..
tagatago ng pimples sa noo ko.. lol

SehunLoveAddie -- Malay mo si Aiden ang ma mission failed... lol

kimmehhh --- Happily ever after... hindi siya ang father.

yugiebaby --- Special chapter na 'to... Walang kasunod pag bitin eh pero pasulyap
sulyap naman si Alonna sa kwento nila Aiden

YujeongJeong --- Enjoyin ang pagbabasa dahil baka mawala na naman... Loko kasi si
Watty eh..
xnsusbsushsuusnsisns -- Hirap nitong itype, girl... lol

LoisLane_17 --- Paborito kong Lois Lane is Kristin Kreuk... Aka si Maro.. and yes,
si Olivia WIlde si Rainne... pero hindi Rainne ang real name niya.

albaniasincebirth --- now alam mo na ba ang nangyari sa anak ng footang si Maureen?

Kilala mo ba si Greg?

GethcalrincO --- Hindi ako kinikilig kay Rainne at Aiden... Naiinitan ako.

AMAZONA05 --- Salamat sa paghanga... Love you.. muah.

iamharia ---- Meron na silang story... chapter 1 pa nga lang... next week na ung 2

PocketbookEra --- Ikaw! Kilala kita... Isa ka sa mga mahilig magcomment... Salamat
sayo... baka di mo napansin pero dedicated sayo to... ;)

Kheytlbasco --- Ito ung request mo... hinabaan ko pa.. lol

heartbreakerannie --- Meron po silang story... The Wild Cat.

Chuffyhan --- Bitin pa rin ba? Last chapter na to eh..

my2010 -- salamat po sa walang sawang pagbabasa at pagcomment..

nicaLhey --- eggzoited na iketch kay Aiden...? Meron na...

Nicxiestrabz --- Special chapter na to... Enjoy.. :)

Pati sa inyo...

ImSerene , sophialll , stolentino29 , Kate_Hyolyn , meimeilala , elijah112582 ,

xxjacknjillxx ,

joannelayesa , bigboyprince , BiatchesCodee , Lemaary , melit8 ...

Yung ibang hindi ko nabanggit pasensya na... Isipin niyo na kung di dahil sa inyo
ay wala itong istoryang 'to..

I started it but you guys made it going 'til the end of Alonna's journey...

I LOVE YOU ALL!

LABLAB...

Warming the Ice Queen's Tears.... signing off

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