NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL PART 1

Amazonas

"... AND THE BV Hall is in session!" malakas ang boses na sabi ni Knight
habang nasa loob ang lahat ng BV Hall at nasa podium naman ito. He and
his wife were this New Years' main organizers. "Ang pagtitipon na 'to ay
para sa ating preparasyon sa paparating na bagong taon—pero ang totoo
niyan, magtutulakan lang tayo ng kung sino ang magbabayad ng lahat."

Everyone chuckled because all of them agreed with Knight. They all knew
that was what was going to happen.

"Kaya naman nandito kami," anang boses babae sa pintuan ng BV Hall at

lahat ng kalalakihan sa loob ay napatingin do'n.

It was Czarina who spoke and behind her were their wives who were smiling
at their own husbands.

Knight's eyes immediately seek his wife, SM, and smiled when he saw SM
walking towards him on the podium, while the others were now together
with their husband and scolding them for not telling them about this
session.

"Mi reina..."

SM smiled and kissed the corner of his mouth. "We came to save all of you
from all your craziness and weirdness."

Knight just pouted and hugged his wife. "Nag-uumpisa pa nga lang kami."

"Sa kabaliwan niyo?" SM teased him. "Walang mangyayari sa session na 'to.

That's why, we, the amazonas, are taking over."

"Fuck, yeah!" Ruth shouted from Beckett's lap. "We're here to save your
asses."

"Yeah!" The amazonas agreed in unison making the members of Jumbo

Understanding Club to just nod their heads and let the amazonas hold the
reign because they all believed in one motto: 'Happy wife, happy life.'

"SM," sabi ni Themarie na nakatayo sa likod ni Shun at nakayakap kay Shun

mula sa likuran. "You take the lead. We all know how crazy your husband
is."

"Yeah."

"Yep."

Everyone agreed.

Sumama ang mukha ni Knight habang mahinang natawa naman si SM at humarap

sa asawa.
"Is that okay, baby?"

Knight was a soft man when it came to his amazing and loving wife, and of
course, Knight was already used to his wife being on the front and taking
reigns while he listened and backed her up when needed. "Sure, mi reina."
Tinuro ni Knight ang whiteboard na inihanda nila para sa session nilang
'yon. "I'll be your secretary."

SM chuckled while Zapanta threw a black marker and an eraser at Knight to

use on the whiteboard.

"Okay." With a wide smile, SM faced everyone present. "Good morning,

everyone."

The woman smiled and greeted SM back, while the men just greeted SM
formally. For the amazonas, SM was the sweetest and the most caring
person they knew. They would always run to SM for assistance, but the
husbands' knew the other side of SM was scary as hell! They wouldn't dare
treat SM like she was just a normal person after witnessing and knowing
what SM could do.

SM continued, "let's talk about the five main things we need this New
Year. First, food and drinks. Second, the venue and helpers. Third, the
fireworks. Fourth, the design team and the sound system. And the last
one, the fun and games." SM clasped her hands as she roamed her eyes.
"Okay, let's tackle the first main thing. The food and drinks. We'll
focus on Filipino dishes this year."

Kaagad na nagsulat si Knight sa whiteboard ng 'Food and drinks' and

beside that was an open and close parentheses with the words 'pinoy ako'
inside making everyone shake their head.

Knight, who was oblivious to the reason why the people inside the Hall
were laughing, moved according to his wife's movements. That's how they
always were and it made him happy seeing his wife taking the lead this
New Year. For him, SM was born to lead. Always. And he was a very proud
husband.

"Magpapa-cater ba tayo?" tanong ni SM sa lahat. "Or should we hire a

cook? Or should we employ the help and food of the restaurants we know? O
kaya tulad no'ng pasko, kaniya-kaniya ng handa ng pagkain at dadalhin
nalang sa venue? Which do you prefer?"

Raine spoke. "Let's do what we did on Christmas. It's more intimate that
way."

"Agree." Themarie nodded.

Grace smiled. "Okay. I'll bake cupcakes—"

"Except that, Gracey," kaagad na pigil ng lahat kay Grace.

"Yes, mooncake," sang-ayon ni Valerian sa lahat saka hinalikan sa balikat
si Grace na nakaupo sa hita nito. "I think it'd be best if you cook some
pasta. You're getting fucking good at that, right?"

Grace kissed Valerian because he cussed and pouted. "But my cupcakes are
for the kids."

"No use stopping her," ani Themarie. "Lagyan na lang natin ng label ang
cupcakes ng 'Grace's Demon Cupcakes'."

Tumayo si Grace at namaywang kay Themarie habang mahaba ang nguso.

"Thems, you're bullying me again. Nilagyan ko na nga ng vanilla extract
'yon."

"Hindi ba dapat lagyan naman talaga 'yon?" patanong na sabi ni Thorn.

"Gracey." Lumapit si Berry kay Grace saka niyakap ito mula sa likuran at
inalo-alo ito. "How about I'll help you with your cupcakes?"

Grace turned to Berry and grinned. "Really?! Yey! Okay!"

"SM will help as well," dagdag ni Berry at kaagad naman na tumango si SM.

Nag-thumbs up si Berry sa lahat habang yakap ito ni Grace na

nagpapasalamat. When everyone saw Berry's thumbs up, they all calmed
down. They all know they've been saved.

"Kilalang-kilala talaga ng mga inosente ang isa't-isa," ani Czarina.

Anniza pinched Czarina's cheek. "That's why you should stop influencing
those two, and Lucky as well. Sila na nga lang ang inosente sa 'ting
lahat..."

Czarina snorted. "I'm just sharing my knowledge."

Napailing na lang si Anniza saka pinaningkitan si Eliza na ngingisi-ngisi

sa narinig. "Ikaw din, Eli. Mas malala ka pa kay Cza. Stop spreading your
green-ness!"

Eliza chuckled. "Sharing is caring."

"Agree!"

Nag-apir pa si Cza at Eli na ikinailing na lang ng lahat ng nakakikilala

kung gaano kahalay ang dalawa. Czarina plus Eliza was a deadly
combination to be reckoned with when it comes to the sex department.
After spending time with them, Anniza knew how lewd the two could get.
Hindi niya kinakaya.

While Haze leaned in at Eliza and whispered on Eliza's ear. "Thanks for
the tip last week. My hubby is happy."

Khairro who happened to hear Haze chuckled and kissed Eliza. "Babe, you'd
been sharing again, huh?"
Eliza just grinned proudly.

Si Ymar naman ay napailing habang yakap ang asawa. "Banana, ano na naman
ang ginawa mo?"

"Wala, ah!" kaagad na kaila ni Czarina na hindi naman naniwala si Ymar.

He knew how crazy his wife was.

Then Krisz spoke, returning back to their topic. "Kami na ang bahala ni
Train sa inumin. We'll bring lots of vodka and beer."

Terron raised his hand. "We'll bring barbecue and grilled pork belly."

"Sige. Ready ko na rin ang tubig," sabad ni Iuhence na kaagad na pabirong

piningot ang tainga ni Mhelanie. "Aww! Aww! Mhel, baby, ouch!"

"He didn't mean that," ani Mhelanie na nakangiti saka tumingin kay SM,
"we'll bring pork hamonado, pork menudo and Bicol Express."

"Mhel, baby, ang dami niyan," reklamo ni Iuhence sa asawa.

Mhel glared at Iuhence. "Bakit? Hindi ka malakas kumain? Hindi ka nag-

uuwi ng pagkain sa bahay pagkatapos ng party?"

Hearing that, Iuhence hugged his wife. "Suko na ako."

Mhelanie smiled sweetly at Iuhence. "Good. Be a good hubby and I'll make
you very happy."

Iuhence grinned. "Good hubby, activated."

Dark raised his hand. "We'll bring something with beef. Tatlong putahe."

"I'll cook," ani Anniza.

Everyone clapped. Everyone knew that Anniza was a good cook.

"We'll take care of all the fruits," ani Hunt na sinegundahan ng asawa
nitong si Tessmarie.

"Thirteen fruits per family and also some other fruits. Lahat ng prutas,
bibili kami. We'll take care of it."

"Goto sa 'min," sabad ni Khairro na nakangisi. "Magdadala ako ng maraming

kalderong goto."

Then Eliza raised her hand. "Plus dozens of boxes of donuts."

Then everyone was silent, thinking what they should bring.

SM asked. "Anything? Anyone?"

"Wala pa kaming maisip," nakangiwing sabi ni Red.

Humigpit ang yakap ni Phoenix sa asawa. "We're still thinking about it."

"Same," sabay na sabad ni Titus at Mace.

"Sa ngayon, kanin lang ang gusto kong dalhin," ani Calyx. "Mas mura."

Etheyl tsked. "Don't mind him. I'll think of something."

"Maybe cookies." Calyx grinned and winked at his wife.

Etheyl flicked Calyx's nose. "Tumahimik ka kundi ikaw ang isasaing ko."

Calyx just chuckled and kissed his wife's temple.

"And the others?" SM asked.

"Wala pa kaming maisip," anang iba na hindi pa nagsasabi kung anong

dadalhin sa New Year celebration nila.

Then Tyron spoke. "Okay. Settled na kaniya-kaniyang dala na lang ng

pagkain. If may naisip na kayo, send it to our group chat so everyone
could adjust. Wala dapat magkapareho ng dala kaya umayos kayo."

"Yes, Pres." Sumaludo pa ang mga baliw.

Napailing na lang si Tyron saka iminuwestra ang kamay kay SM para ito na
ang magsalita.

SM thanked Tyron. "Okay. Our second topic is, venue and helpers. Any
suggestion?"

"Kaparehong venue na lang no'ng Christmas," ani Cali. "And for the
helpers, let's take care of it, Lunatics."

Every man inside the hall nodded and agreed.

"Sa upuan at mesa na gagamitin, ako na ang bahala," ani Thorn na siya
ring hiniraman ng upuan at lamesa no'ng nagdaang pasko. "For helpers,
I'll ask the employees in my restaurant."

"I can also ask my Mom's men to help," sabad ni Andrius.

Ivy encircled her arms around her husband's shoulder. "Corazoncito, I

don't think that's a good idea. It's a New Year's party, not a killing
party. Your Mom's men can't help."

"Oh, right." Andrius tsked. "Sorry. Mom's help is only good when there's
killing involved."

Sumabad si Reigo. "I'll take care of the helpers. Would one hundred and
fifty helpers do?"
Napangiwi na lang ang iba dahil alam nilang hindi 'yon imposible kay
Reigo. He came from a very rich family.

SM smiled at Reigo. "Thanks, Reigo. That'll do."

Tumango lang si Reigo saka tahimik na humilig sa balikat ng asawa nitong

katabi nito.

"Okay, next is..." Nilingon ni SM ang asawa na abala pa rin sa pagsusulat

sa whiteboard. "Fireworks."

"The royals and nobles will take care of it," mabilis na sabi ni Terron.

Dark seconded. "Yeah. Leave it to us. We'll make it grand."

Terron looked at Knight. "We'll text you your contribution."

Knight looked innocently at Terron. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Jacques will pay for
me. He's a rich motherfucking Marquess anyway."

Napailing na lang si Terron at Dark. The Marquess always pays for Knight.

"Mahiya ka naman kay Jacques." Dark tsked. "Ang yaman-yaman mo."

Knight tsked. "Marami akong palams sa bahay."

"Fuck off." Valerian tsked. "Si Jacques at Cloud ang namimili ng

groceries, hindi ikaw."

"Val!" Grace scolded Valerian for cussing, then kissed him afterwards.

Habang humaba naman ang nguso ni Knight. "I pay for the electricity!"

"Nope. Jacques does," sabad ni Shun.

Nagpapadyak na parang bata si Knight. "It's my house! At saka bigas ko

ang kinakain nila!"

"Nope. Cloud bought it with Jacques' money," pangbubuko ulit ni Shun kay
Knight.

"Siiingkiiiit! You traitor!"

Shun chuckled. "Actually, wala siyang gastos sa bahay nila. Kahit 'yong
cake niya, si SM at Val ang taga-bili."

Sumabad si Pierce. "Damn, Velasquez, and here we thought Iuhence was the
worst."

"Hey!" kaagad na reklamo ni Iuhence. "I buy my own rice!"

"Oh, fuck you!" Train tsked at Iuhence. "Marami kang utang na bigas kina
Eva."
"Nagbayad na ako!" Iuhence exclaimed. "And it happened only once!"

"Kung gano'n magbayad ka na rin sa 'kin!" Train snapped at Iuhence.

"Ayoko nga." Iuhence crossed his arms in front of his face. "See this? It
means no! Ayoko! Never! Nope! Not going to happen!"

Napailing si Lander. "At nag-umpisa na naman ang dalawa."

"Are they always like that?" Vienna asked her husband.

Lander nodded. "Yep. Never changing."

The Coleman twins groaned.

"If only I could put a tape on their mouths every time this happens," ani
Lash saka niyakap ang asawa na nakaupo sa hita nito.

Lath tsked while his arm was wrapped around Haze's shoulder. "Busalan
niyo nga 'yang si Iuhence. Mhel, I hope you don't mind."

Mhelanie just shrugged. "Just don't hurt him."

"Mhel! Baby!" Iuhence exclaimed.

Mhelanie just kissed Iuhence's lips and said, "shut up or I'll kick you
out of our room."

Iuhence immediately became obedient before sticking his tongue out at

Train who became even more pissed.

Napailing naman si SM. Palagi talagang nagbabangayan si Iuhence at Train

kapag magkasama. Personal man o sa chat dahil sa utang ni Iuhence na ayaw
nitong bayaran.

SM cleared her throat and continued talking, not minding Iuhence and
Train who were back to arguing again. "Okay. Our fourth concern: the
design and sound system."

Gladz raised her hand. "Tess, Syl and I will do the design."

Syl nodded. "Sure. But let's do it later. I'll be busy tomorrow. I'm
visiting my sister, Ria."

"Sige," sabay na sagot ni Tess at Gladz na naging matalik na kaibigan ni

Syl sa loob ng Bachelor's Village mula ng lumipat ito doon.

Then Faith raised her hand. "Red, Ruth and I will take care of the sound
system."

"By the way," sumabad si Knight sa usapan. "The Vitale twins are joining
us this New Year with Luther San Diego."
"That's good," ani Evren. "I talked to Lysander as well. I think they'll
come visit this New Year to celebrate it with us."

"That's good news," sabad ni Khairro. "Wala ang gago na 'yong noong
huling pasko at New Year. Maraming maniningil ng pamasko sa kaniya."

Nagtawanan ang mga kalalakihan na naroon saka napailing naman ang mga
kababaihan.

Then SM spoke. "I think our design and sound system is now settled, so,
let's move to the last concern. The fun and games. What do you have in
mind?"

Kaagad na sumagot si Knight. "Games for kids and games for adults. It's a
must."

Napailing na lang si SM sa narinig na sinabi ng asawa.

"Madali lang mag-isip ng mga palaro para sa mga bata," wika ni Beckett.
"Kaya unahin muna natin ang laro para sa matatanda."

"Mga isip-bata kamo," ani Gladz sa sarkastikong boses.

Ruth sighed. "At heto na naman tayo sa kabaliwan na nagaganap taon-taon."

SM laughed. The games for adults happen every year and each year it gets
crazier and crazier.

"Hayaan niyo na," wika ni Anette sa reklamo ng mga amazona. "Masaya naman
sila sa kabaliwan nila."

Napailing na lang ang mga amazona pero alam ni SM na hindi naman ang mga
ito tututol. They might complain about their husbands' craziness, but
they always indulge them when it comes to this. It had become part of
their New Year's celebration.

Andrius raised his hand. "Musical chairs!"

Ymar added. "Bring me would be nice."

Everyone laughed at the memory of 'bring me' last year.

"The 'bring me' last year was chaotic as hell," ani Themarie. "May
napasubsob pa sa semento sa pagmamadali."

"Yeah, someone even climbed a roof," natatawang sabi ni Czarina.

Eliza tsked. "Sino ba kasi ang nanghingi ng pako sa bubong, hayon,

nagkaniya-kaniya ng akyat sa sarili nilang bahay."

Lahat napapantastikuhang tumingin kay Eliza at sabay-sabay na nagsabi ng,

"you did!"

Eliza stilled. "Oh? Me?" Tumawa ito. "Ang galing ko talaga."

Everyone shook their heads, but not Khairro who hugged Eliza tightly
while grinning and whispering something on Eliza's ear.

Then Terron raised his hand. "The boat is sinking. It's a good game."

"Pabitin!" Knight hurriedly added. "Ako ang gagawa ng pabitin!"

"Nice! Nice!" Everyone was clapping at their game ideas.

"Luksong-baka!" Knight added again and every crazy one agreed. "Chinese
garter!"

"Ohh!" Everyone got excited. "Good game! Let's play that!"

Napailing na lang ang amazona na nakikinig lang sa kabaliwan ng kanilang

mga asawa.

"Blanket run!" Knight added again.

Valerian frowned. "Is that even a fucking thing?"

"Of course!" Knight sounded so sure, but SM knew better. Her husband was
making up things again. "You will sit on a blanket and I will hila-hila
you to the finish line."

Valerian looked flatly at SM. "How could you even tolerate him?"

SM shrugged. "He's my husband."

"Yeah! I'm her handsome husband!"

"She didn't say handsome though," ani Shun na inaasar si Knight.

Knight crossed his arm over his chest. "Dinagdagan ko na. I'm praising
myself because I'm awesome. Anyway, let's play Tipsy Waiter."

"What's that?" Ream asked.

"Spin the person around and then let them walk to the finish like without
spilling water from the cups of water on the tray," Knight explained.
"Cloud suggested it."

"Then Could is gonna win, hands down," ani Dark. "You know how he is."

Knight nodded while touching his chin. "Yeah. Maybe that's why he
suggested it."

"Wait," Ivy drawled. "Shouldn't we think of kids games instead?"

Ruth raised her hand to get Ivy's attention. "May sagot ako riyan. Kasi,
nagfi-feeling bata ang mga gago. Gusto pa yatang talunin ang mga tunay na
bata."
"Ganyan naman sila palagi." Umingos si Gladz. "Mga isip-bata."

Ivy looked at Andrius. "Now that I think about it, yeah, you are isip-
bata, Corazoncito."

Andrius just chuckled and kissed his wife.

SM interjected. "We have lots of games now and you can add more on our
group chat before the New Year. Kami nang mga babae ang bahalang mag-isip
ng palaro para sa mga bata. Now, we'll go to the hardest part, the
prizes."

Everyone was silent.

"Looks like no one likes to shoulder the prizes," natatawang sabi ni SM

habang nakatingin sa kalalakihan sa loob ng BV hall.

Habang ang mga amazona naman ay napaiiling na lang. Alam nilang mga
makakapal at kuripot ang mukha ng mga asawa nila, pero hindi naman ang
mga ito talaga kuripot lalo na sa kanilang mga asawa at anak.

"How about instead of monetary, the prize should be an effort or

something," suhestiyon ni Cadmus.

"Like slavery?" tanong ni Khairro.

"Oh! That's nice!" sabay na sabi ni Czarina, Eliza, Ruth at Faith.

"Okay. Services it is," ani SM saka nagsabi ng suhestiyon. "How about,

ahm, ang matatalo sa laro ay siyang maglilinis ng venue kinabukasan?"

Napangiwi ang mga kalalakihan.

Then Vienna added. "Ang mga matatalo rin ang maghuhugas."

Nez added, "puwede ring ang mga matatalo ay lilinisin ang bahay ng
nanalo?"

"Hell no!" The men shouted.

Eva added. "Puwede ring kung sino ang matatalo ay gagawin lahat ng
sasabihin ng nanalo."

"No way!" The men shouted again, making the amazonas grin.

"Oh, I would love to see that." Faith smirked. "Para naman matuto ng
leksiyon itong mga isip-bata."

"That's unfair!" Beckett shouted.

"Nope. It's actually sounds fun," ani SM na matamis na nakangiti. "If you
don't want to do labor, then do the easiest way out. Win."

"How the hell is that easy?" Thorn demanded.

SM's sweet smile widened. "It's not. Lahat kayo, mga competitive, kaya
nga masaya 'to panigurado. Mga ego niyo ang nakataya. Isn't that fun?"

The amazonas all chuckled and some laughed and they all said, "yeah! It's
fun."

Akmang magrereklamo pa ang mga kalalakihan pero nang makita ang matatalim
na tingin ng kani-kanilang mga asawa, natahimik na lang ang lahat at
kaagad na nagplano na manalo kahit anong mangyari.

While Knight smirked smugly. "Don't even bother fighting. I'm going to
win and you'll all gonna clean my house. Hah! Cloud will be very happy
this New Year!"

Everyone grunted because they all knew how competitive Knight could be.
He's a crazy ass motherfucker after all. Si Knight ang pinaka-sinto-sinto
sa kanilang lahat. Ito ang nanalo sa palaro na 'bring me' ni Eliza noong
nagdaang bagong taon.

Yes. Knight managed to pull out a nail from his house's roof, earning a
scolding from SM and Cloud. That's how competitive Knight was.

"Then it's settled," SM said with a sweetest and brightest smile.

"Meeting adjourned, everyone."

Cali grunted. "We're gonna lose."

"Come on, don't be pessimistic." Tyron tapped Cali's shoulder.

Cali pointed his finger at Knight. "Ang sinto-sinto na 'yon ang kalaban
natin! His happiness is seeing us doing his bidding while annoyed and
pissed. I'm pretty sure it's not just labor. He will use us thoroughly."

Sumama ang mukha ni Knight. "You make it sound like you're all
prostitutes and I'm gonna use you thoroughly."

"Oh, fuck you!" Valerian hissed.

While everyone shuddered and threw their footwear at Knight who easily
evaded every footwear that was thrown at him while laughing his ass off.

"Hindi mo tutulungan asawa mo?" tanong ni Vienna kay SM na nakababa na sa

podium at kausap ang ibang amazona.

SM shrugged. "That's his happiness. At kung tatamaan man siya, ayos lang.
Buti nga magtanda. He started it."

Grace spoke. "Ganyan naman na talaga 'yang si Knight. Kahit noon pa. Ang
hilig niyang mang-asar."

SM smiled. "My husband lives for it."

Thems shook her head. "No wonder everyone would grab every opportunity to
annoy Knight. It's revenge."

SM laughed. "Yeah."

"Mi reina!" Bigla nalang dumating at yumakap si Knight mula sa likuran ni

SM. Mukhang nakatakas ito sa mga kaibigan nito. "Let's go home. I miss
our babies." Then he kissed SM's neck. "I promised mí princesa that I'll
buy her donuts."

"Okay. Okay." Nakangiting nagpaalam si SM sa mga kausap saka humarap siya

sa asawa. "At saan ka bibili ng donut?"

"I asked Elizabeth."

Speaking of Eliza, someone hugged SM from behind, this time it was Eliza
while handing Knight a box of donut.

"Here yah go, kuya." Then Eli rested her chin on SM's shoulder. "We'll
visit later. Kunin lang namin ang mga bata."

"Okay."

Eli kissed SM's cheek goodbye before leaving with Khairro while SM and
Knight started walking, side by side. Their arms were hugging each
other's waist from behind.

And behind them were Grace and Val, and, Thems and Shun. Their houses
were in the same direction so the three couples went home together while
conversing from time to time.

Pero bago pa sila makarating sa kani-kanilang bahay, iritadong hinahabol

na ni Shun at Val si Knight na tumatawang tumatakbo. Inaasar na naman
kasi nito ang dalawa.

While SM, Grace and Thems just shook their heads as they watched their
husbands play tagged in the middle of the street like kids.

Sanay na sila sa mga asawa nila. Walang bago.

Then from behind them, they heard Berry's voice. "SM! Gracey! Thems!"

When they turn around, they saw Berry riding on the motorcycle with
Cadmus on the wheel. At tumigil iyon sa harapan nila saka bumaba si Berry
at kaagad na yumakap sa kanilang tatlo. Berry was a very sweet woman and
they're already used to Berry's greetings—a tight hug.

"SM." Para itong bata na yumakap sa baywang ni SM saka pinahaba ang

nguso. "Can I ask for a favor, please?"

SM finds Berry adorable, so of course, she nodded. "What is it?"

"Puwede ka ba naming imbitahan para magbigay ng munting speech sa

anniversary ng Foundation namin?" malambing na tanong ni Berry. "Please?
You're a woman with wide knowledge and experience. They'll be very
inspired and motivated by you."

"No need to butter her up, she'll say yes," sabad ni Thems.

SM chuckled. "Thems' right. I accept."

"Yey!" Then Berry hugged the three again before bidding goodbye and going
back to straddle the motorcycle with Cadmus. "Thank you, SM. I'll visit
tomorrow so we could talk about it. Now, we have to go home. May inaway
na naman daw si Summer."

Kumaway na lang si SM, Grace at Thems sa papalayong si Berry. Summer was

Berry's second daughter and she was a badass rebel kid.

"Hindi pa ba tapos maghabulan ang mga baliw?" tanong ni Thems at kaagad

na hinanap ng mga mata nila ang kaniya-kaniyang asawa.

Nope. They're still playing tag.

Napailing na lang ang tatlo at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad hanggang sa wakas

ay nakarating din sila. And thankfully, the three idiots finally stopped
playing tagged and went back to them.

Inakbayan ni Knight si SM habang nagpapaalam sila sa apat saka pumasok na

sila sa gate ng bahay nila.

"I think this New Year is going to be a blast," ani Knight saka hinalikan
sa gilid ng noo si SM. "I'm glad I get to spend it with our huge family."

SM smiled. "Yeah. I'm glad, too."

Knight twisted open the doorknob and pushed the door opened. Hindi pa
sila tuluyang nakakapasok ng marinig nila ang boses ng apat na anak.

"Momma! Daddy!"

A smile immediately stretched into SM and Knight's lips.

Indeed, this New Year was going to be a blast. Everyone was going to
attend. It's like a reunion.

A reunion of crazy ass, weirdos and oddballs combined. It's going to be a

riot—an unforgettable New Year's riot.

CECELIB | C.C.

NEW YEAR SPECIAL: Part 2

POSSESSIVE 21: Knight Velasquez

NEW YEARS SPECIAL

Mí familia

"KUYA!" Kaagad na napalingon si Knight sa pintuan ng kusina ng marinig

doon ang boses ng nakababatang kapatid. It was Nite, together with
Midnight and the two were grinning from ear to ear at him.

Chuckling, he spread his arms at the two who went running towards him to
hugged him. For Knight, even when the two already had a family of their
own, they were still his little brothers.

"It's been a year, huh?" Ani Knight sabay gulo sa buhok ng dalawang
kapatid. "How are you, two?"

"I'm good." Sagot ni Midnight.

"I'm not good." Kaagad na reklamo ni Nite, "I was in Athens the whole
year! Fuck!"

"Well, it's work." Ani Midnight.

Nite snorted at Midnight. "Easy for you to say. You live just hours away
from Kuya. You can visit him anytime, but, even though you're annoying,"
Nite hugged Midnight from behind, "I still miss you, Kuya Night."

Kaagad na nalukot ang mukha ni Midnight na panay ang tulak kay Nite
palayo.

"Get off! I said, get off!"

Knight just laughed at the two. Nite was still clingy at Midnight and
Knight was still the big brother. Hindi siya tinuring na kakambal ni
Midnight.

Baliw kasi si Midnight at sobrang tino naman niya kaya hindi talaga
puwede.

"Where are the wife and the kids?" Knight asked while looking around.

"SM's café." Sagot ni Nite. "Girl bonding, she said. She missed SM."

"Same." Ani Midnight, "you how much my wife's adores SM."

Natawa nalang si Knight. Midnight and Nite wives adored SM to the core
for some reason. SM became their big sister.

"How's work?" Tanong niya sa dalawa.

Nite shrugged. "Getting intense in Athens."

Midnight shrugged. "I don't even want to talk about it. Gusto kong
magbakasyon."

"Then you're in the right place." Ani Knight saka ngumisi. "We'll play
games this New Year. It's going to be a blast."
"Oh." Nite grinned. "What kind of crazy games are we talking about here,
Kuya?"

"Chinese garter."

Cloud chuckled who was just listening, before handing beers to the three
brothers. "As long as you don't pull out a nail from our house's roof
like last time, my lord, then it's going to be fun."

Knight grinned at Cloud. "You'll never know. Kaya nga maghahanda na ako
ng martilyo. It took me a long time to find last year! Muntik na akong
matalo! Fuck! Unacceptable!"

Cloud grinned back. "My lord, we change the house's roof last year to
concrete tile, remember?"

"Holy fuck!" Knight tsked, annoyed, then suddenly, he grinned, "normal na

bobong lang ang shed sa likod bahay nila singkit. 'Yon nalang."

Napailing si Midnight sa Kuya niya. "Kuya Shun will curse you non-stop."

Knight just shrugged. "Ganun talaga kasi mahal na mahal niya ako."

Nite laughed. "Ate Thems should be jealous of you now."

Knight just chuckled at Nite before looking at Cloud. "Where's that

motherfucking Marquess, by the way?"

"Fetching our parents from the Airport."

"Oh." Knight smiled. "Ngayon ang dating nila? Nice, nice!" Knight
grinned. "New Year is really the best! Natitipon tayong lahat."

"That's true." Nite said, "Dad and Maman is also on their way here."

"Same with SM's parents and Uncle Kee." Ani Midnight na inubos ang beer
na laman ng bote.

"Uncle Kee?" Gagad ni Nite, "then Kam's gonna be here this New Year as
well?"

"He's always here." Ani Knight. "You know how Kamden is."

"I heard my name, my dearests!" Kamden's loud voice came from the
kitchen's door. "I miss you too!" Then he went to man-hug Knight who was
already used to Kamden's clinginess. "My darling! How are you? You look
ugly today."

Knight looked at Kamden flatly. "You're ugly today too, honey-bunny."

Kamden just chuckled and went to man-hug Midnight. "Midnight, my little

darling, how are you?"
Midnight sighed. He was already used to Kamden's weirdness. "I'm good,
Kam. Stop hugging me!"

Kamden chuckled and went to hug Cloud, but Cloud took a side step to
avoid Kamden.

"I suggest you do not do that." Ani Cloud saka humilig sa lababo, "I have
a baby dragon who would bite your head off."

Kamden tsked. "Don't you miss me, Cloud, love?"

Umiling si Cloud. "Nope."

Kamden pouted and went to hug Thanatos from behind. "Of course, how are
you, pumpkin?"

"I'm fine 'til you hugged me." Thanatos answered grumpily.

Kamden grinned. "Of course! We're best friend after all!"

Sumama ang mukha ni Thanatos pero hinayaan naman si Kamden na yakapin

ito.

"Mga kuuuyaaaa!" Sigaw ng kilalang-kilala nilang boses at kaagad na

tumingin ang lahat sa pintuan ng kusina. It was Elizabeth who immediately
hugged them. "How are you mga Kuya? Gu-guwapo natin, ah."

"At nambola na naman." Ani Midnight saka niyakap ang bunsong kapatid.
"How are you doing, Eli?"

Eliza smiled and pulled away from her brother's embrace. "I'm amazing, as
usual."

"How's your husband treating you?" Nite asked while Kamden was still
clinging on him.

Eliza's smile widened even more. "My Pangit is the greatest! No one can
compare."

"Good." Sabay na sabi ni Midnight at Nite na tumango pa.

"Where are the kids?" Tanong ni Knight kay Elizabeth.

"Living room with Pangit." Sagot ni Eliza saka yumakap sa nakakatandang

kapatid. "Kuya kabalyero, na miss kita."

Knight snorted, but still managed a smile. "What? Anong kailangan mo?"

"Pangit and I is planning to move here." Panimula ni Eli.

Knight just knew it when Elizabeth needs something from him. "And?"

"And I don't like his house here in BV." Eliza pouted and tsked. "It's
too faraway! So we called Kuya Singkit and Kuya Tamad to ask if there's
still an available lot in this block, but the answer was negative.
But..."

"But, what?" Knight was now listening intently.

"But, Kuya Singkit said that the vacant lot beside your house was yours
as well, so," Eliza pulled a cute face at her brother, "I'm hoping we
could purchase it from you?"

"Sure." Walang pag-aalinlangan na sagot ni Knight. "Mas mapapanatag ako

kung malapit ka lang."

"Yey!" Eliza jumped in happiness them she ran out of the kitchen while
shouting, "I'm going to tell Pangit!"

"She is always hyper." Komento ni Kamden.

"Well, you know her." Midnight shrugged.

"I wonder what happened to my innocent little sister?" Ani Nite saka
bumuntong-hininga at humarap kay Kamden. "How's your marital problems?
Don't even lie."

Kamden shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I do, really?"

"So the divorce will still push through?" Midnight asked, worried of
Kamden.

Tumango si Kamden saka ngumiti. "Happy New Year to me."

Knight got up and spread his arms, "group huuuuug!"

Chuckling, all the men on the kitchen, except for Cloud, attacked Kamden
with man-hugs, suffocating Kamden.

"Okay! Okay!" Kamden escaped their embraced, chuckling. "I'm okay." Then
he went back to resting his arm on his best friend, Nite, shoulder again,
"just like T-rex," that's his endearment for his father, "I can't
tolerate cheating, so I'm calling it quits."

"And your kid?" Knight asked.

Kamden shrugged. "She doesn't want Kaiden, so he'll be with me." Then
Kamden joked, "is it just me or I'm really like T-rex now? Damn! I don't
want to be a dinosaur single father."

They shook their heads at Kamden's joke, but they all know the upcoming
divorce was not going to be easy on Kamden.

"Won't that affect your kid?" Midnight asked Kamden. "I mean, being in a
broken family and all..."
"It's better than hearing us argue and shout at each other everyday.
That's what's not good for him." Ani Kamden saka bumuntong-hininga. "And
my kid is smart. He'll understand. I just have to explain it to him."

Knight nodded. "Our house is open for you anytime you need it."

"Good to hear that." Kamden grinned, "because I'm planning to stay here
after the divorce. It will be good for Kaiden to be with his cousins for
a little while."

Knight nodded and everyone went silent and somber.

Kamden tsked. "Come on! Don't be somber. It's just a divorce."

"It's a big deal, Kam." Nite flicked Kamden's forehead. "Even if you act
nonchalant about it, I know it's affecting you somehow."

Kamden went silent, and then sighed. "I know one thing, I'm not going to
get married again. What's so good about it anyway? It's just a piece of
paper that would cause you so much trouble when the time comes that you
want to rip it off."

Cloud handed Kamden a glass filled with rum and not beer. "Iinom mo
nalang 'yan."

"Hell, yeah!" Kamden shouted before drinking all the rum from the glass.

Knight was worried of Kamden as he finished his glass of rum. If he was

in Kamden's shoes, he'd go crazy for sure. He couldn't even think of a
life without his mí reina. His wife had become a part of him — like an
important limb that he couldn't go on without. Just imagining it hurts
like hell.

But mí reina would never leave me. Never. Knight believed in that.

His mí reina loved him as much as he loved her. They would go length for
each other. Would do anything for one another. They're both willing to
adjust to compliment each other. Willing to sacrifice for their family.
Willing to do anything to make each other happy.

Knight knew why Kamden's marriage fell apart and he promised to himself
not to do what Kamden's soon to be ex-wife did. Cheating destroys
relationships. And that's an unarguable fact.

Kamden didn't want to talk about his upcoming divorce and was genuinely
thankful when Jacques barged in to the kitchen and his eyes immediately
went to Kamden, surprising the latter.

Tinuro ni Kamden si Cloud. "Your Nube is there, love. Not here."

But Jacques was focused on Kam as he walked towards him. "Did you fucking
know?" Jacques was snappy as he asked.

Kamden frowned. "Know what, Jacques, love?"

"My Mom!" Jacques hissed before pointing at Kamden, "and your Dad!"

Kamden was now genuinely confused. "What about them?"

"Mom said they're together! Like, romantically!"

Kamden's mouth fell as the glass on his hand dropped. "Holy. Fucking.
Shit... I'll be damned..."

"You know how fucking horrified I was?!" Jacques hissed. "I couldn't even
say a fucking word because Mom looked happy!"

Kamden was still frozen in shocked. "Good God ... nagbinata ulit si T-
rex."

Jacques was so annoyed that Cloud had to step in and calm Jacques down.

"Babe, relax. As long as they are happy."

Jacques looked at Cloud helplessly, then at Knight like he was asking for
assistance.

Knight shrugged. "Their happiness is a must," aniya, "accept your Mom's

decision just like how she accepted yours."

Parang nanghihina na yumakap si Jacques kay Cloud habang si Kamden naman

ay parang wala sa sariling nililinis ang basong nabitawan nito at
nabasag.

Then out of nowhere, Kamden joked, or was it? "If T-rex is in a

relationship at his age, then I still have hope." Seems like a light lit
up in his eyes. "Fuck! I feel so fucking hopeful now!"

Knight chuckled. "All wrinkly and old, but your Dad is the man."

"Fuck, yeah!" Kamden grinned.

While Jacques was mumbling worriedly, "My mom ... my mom... is in a

relationship. My mom... fuck..."

Grinning, Kamden who looked happy now went to wrapped his arm on Jacques'
shoulder. "Jacq, labs, we'll be brothers now. Baka naman puwedeng
umutang."

Jacques looked at Kamden flatly. "Fuck you."

Kamden laughed like he was genuinely happy. "I can't believe I have a
Marquess brother now. Fuck! Shit! So amazing. Are you not happy, Jacques,
labs?"

Jacques glared at Kamden like he wanted to kill Kamden. "Have you

forgotten that you're a Duke?"
Kamden stilled. "I am? Haven't accepted that title yet. I don't want it."

Jacques tsked. "That's the reason why your wife is leaving you. You don't
want the title, but she wanted to be a Duchess."

Kamden faced Jacques. "Jacques, my labs, correction. I'm the one who
wants the divorce. And second, if it's the title she was after, then it
was a good thing she didn't get it. It's for someone worthy. Well ... I
have to find that someone. Again. And third," Kamden grinned at Jacques,
"we're going to be siblings!"

"Fuck off! Fuck off!" Jacques started cursing again and only stopped when
their whole family entered the kitchen, except for the kids.

"Mí reina," kaagad na yumakap si Knight sa asawa ng lumapit ito sa

kaniya. "Where are the kids?"

"Playing with their cousins on the living room." Sagot ni SM na yumakap

din ng mahigpit kay Knight. "Parker is with them."

Knight was relieved hearing the last part. They could always count on
Parker when it comes to looking after the kids. But because Parker was
already in College, he only comes home on Holidays, like now.

"Honey-bunny!" Uncle Kee called out to Kamden in happiness.

Kamden let go of Jacques. "You looking sharp, T-rex! Been working out?"

Uncle Kee flexed his imaginary muscles before he went to man-hug Kamden
who laughed and hugged his father back.

"You look like shit, honey-bunny." Komento ni Uncle Kee ng kumawala sa

yakap ni Kamden at tiningnan nito ang anak mula ulo hanggang paa. "You
okay?"

Kamden chuckled. "Okay as I can ever be."

Tinapik ni Uncle Kee ang balikat ni Kamden. "It'll get better. We're
here."

Kamden smiled. "I know."

Knight felt SM left his side to hugged Kamden like she was consoling him,
"nandito lang kami. Whatever happens, whatever you need. We're here for
you."

Tumango si Kamden saka tinugon ang yakap ni SM. "Thanks, Couz. Ikaw
talaga ang paborito kong pinsan."

"Ako lang ang pinsan mo." Naiiling na sabi ni SM saka kumawala kay Kamden
at binati saka kinausap naman nito si Midnight, Nite at Eliza na kasama
na ngayon ang kani-kanilang asawa na karga-karga ang mag-iisang taong
gulang palang na anak ng mga ito.
Between the four siblings, Knight had the large number of kids and
they're not babies anymore. While the rest, Midnight and Nite's kid were
just months or a year old.

While SM was conversing with her husband's siblings, Knight was

preoccupied by his own parents and SM's. Asking about the Organósi and
how they were doing for the past months that they hadn't seen each other.

And Kamden was annoying Jacques again and Jacques was calling Cloud for
rescue.

The whole kitchen was in a mess 'til little cute voices shouted from the
kitchen's door.

"Happy New Year!"

They all turned their heads to the kitchen and saw the kids grinning from
ear to ear at them before running to their own parents, except for
Elizabeth's months old baby who was in Parker's arms and the two were now
walking towards Jacques and Cloud.

Akmang bubuhatin ni Knight ang bunsong anak ng bigla nalang itong tumakbo
palayo sa kaniya para makipagbangayan kay Kaiden na kaagad namang lumaban
at umalis din sa braso ng ama nitong si Kamden.

The two argued about languages, making the adults chuckled and shook
their heads at the two.

"I can't even spell right." KN commented on Mint and Kaiden's argument
while stuffing his mouth with food. They didn't even know who gave him
ice cream. Probably Midnight.

"It's because you don't like reading." NK scolded KN.

KN pouted at NK. "Reading is boring. Let's play instead!"

NK sighed. "KN, you're already going to School—"

"Blah! Blah! Blah!" KN shouted playfully before running towards his

grandparents and asking for food.

Akmang susugurin ni NK ang kapatid ng pigilan ito ni Maple. "NK, huwag

kayong mag-away ni KN. Momma said it's bad."

Thankfully, NK listened to his sister. "Okay, I'm sorry, Ate Maple."

"It's okay." Hinaplos ni Maple ang buhok ni NK na parang inaalo ito.

"Let's be nice to each other."

Napangiti si Knight sa panganay na anak saka niyakap ito at hinalikan sa

nuo. "Such a good big sister." Puri ni Knight sa anak. "Anything you
want, mí princesa?"
Umiling si Maple saka ngumiti sa pamilya nilang natipon sa kusina. "Being
here ... is enough."

Knight's face softened. "Do not forget, mí princesa. We are your family."

Maple smiled at Knight. "Yes, Daddy."

Hinalikan ulit ni Knight sa ulo si Maple saka ginulo ang buhok ni NK. "Go
and break Mint and Kaiden apart. Baka magsuntukan ang dalawang 'yon."

Kaagad namang sumunod si NK.

"Let's have a snack, everybody." Anunsiyo ni Cloud saka kasama nito si

Jacques na naghain ng meryenda sa lamesa.

Everybody sat on the table while the kids were running around the
kitchen, playing, except for KN who surprisingly went to sit on his lap
and asked him to fed him.

Knight happily obliged and fed his cutest and fluffiest son.

Panay tawa ni Knight habang sinusubuan niya ng meryenda si KN dahil

naglalambitin ito sa leeg niya at hinahalikan siya sa pisngi, saka
yayakap, saka bababa, tapos babalik na naman sa pag-upo sa hita niya.

Nahihilo siya sa ginagawa ng anak pero pinakain pa rin niya ito hanggang
sa umalis ito sa mga hita niya saka tumakbo patungo sa mga batang
naglalaro.

"So ... what's the plan for the New Year?" Mufasa, SM's father, asked.

"Loads of fun and games." Sagor ni Khairro.

"Like last time?" Uncle Kee asked while frowning.

"Yep." Eliza grinned. "It's going to be a riot. Nakahanda na ang 'bring

me' ko."

SM shook her head. "Please, no nails from the roof again, Eli. We have to
change our roof because of it."

Tumawa lang si Eliza saka tinanggap ang pagkaing isinubo rito ni Mommy
Blythe.

"Puwede kaming sumali sa palaro?" Tanong ni Midnight.

Tumango si SM.

Sumabad ang asawa ni Midnight, "mukha namang welcome lahat ng isip-bata."

Midnight pouted at his wife. "Well, I am your original baby before

Night."

Midnight's wife just chuckled and fed Midnight with a smile.

"I don't want to go home after New Year." Anang asawa ni Nite. "Can I
stay here?" Then she glanced at Nite, "can we? It's so boring in Athens.
You're always working. Always out of the house and out of the country."

Nite kissed his wife's temple, "I told you, I have to work to make the
world a better place for the kids."

"I know that." Nite's wife sighed. "It's just that, it gets boring and I
don't even want to leave the house because your enemies might get to me,
so..."

"Stay with us for a while." SM suggested making Nite's wife grinned.

"Really?! Thank you, Ate SM!"

"Let her stay." Sabad ni Kamden na beer na ang iniinom, "you don't want
what happened to me to happen to you, Pumpkin. When women get bored, shit
happens."

Everyone went silent and Kamden who just realized what he said
immediately apologizes to Nite's wife. "Sorry. I didn't mean you. It's
just that ... you know."

"It's okay, Kam." Nite's wife smiled. "I don't mind."

Kamden looked down. "Sorry."

Nite's wife got up and went to hugged Kamden from the side. "It's okay,
really. I know why you said it and I know you're going through something.
We're just here for you, Nite and I. If you need us, we're here."

Kamden nodded. "Thanks, love."

Nite cleared his throat. "How many times do I have to tell you?! Don't
call my wife 'love'!"

Nite's wife just chuckled before going back to Nite's side.

Kamden tsked at everyone. "It's just — fuck it! Everyone has a partner."
Tinuro nito ang ama na katabi si Mama Ramona, "even T-rex have one, and
he's fucking old! And here I am. Getting a divorce while I'm still fresh.
How fuck up is that? And it's fucking New Year! This honey-bunny is not
happy!"

"Group hug!" Knight, Midnight, Nite, Khairro and Uncle Kee shouted and
attacked Kamden with their arms ready to hug Kamden.

"You're suffocating me, you bastards!" Kamden shouted while struggling to

escape the tight embrace of everyone.

Then Midnight's wife commented, "I just can't believe she would cheat on
Kamden. Kam's a very nice guy."
"That's why Kam deserves better." Ani SM saka kalmadong ngumiti. "But if
that woman thinks that she could do this to Kam without consequences, oh,
she's in for a rough ride. And if she ever thinks of milking some money
from Kam, she won't live to tell the tale."

Napangiwi ang lahat ng nakarinig kay SM. It may not seem like it, but SM
dotes on her only cousin a lot. So they knew that that woman will surely
regret ever cheating on Kamden.

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Kamden ng tinigilan na rin ng kalalakihan

ang group hug. "So ... anong mga laro na pang matanda sa New Year?" Pag-
iiba nito ng usapan. "I'm going to defeat Shun-babe this time."

"Chinese Garter." Sagot ni Knight.

"Fuck!" Biglang tumayo si Kamden. "Mag-pratice na tayo. Walang matatalo

sa pamilyang ito!"

Napailing nalang ang matatanda at kababaihan ng nag-practice nga ang mga

baliw at pumunta pa sa salas kung saan maluwang.

Naging sunod-sunuran naman ang lahat para panoorin ang mga ito.

And for some reason, no one even asked how Knight managed to get a hold
of a Chinese garter in the first place.

"Okay!" Tinuro ni Kamden si Midnight at Nite. "You two hold the Chinese
Garter. Knight-darling and Khairro-babes will go to fucking war against
me!"

Sumunod naman ang dalawa saka sa tuhod muna inilagay ang Chinese garter.
Madali lang 'yon sa talong naglalaban, kahit ang mga bata ay sumali rin
na panay ang tawa, lalo na si KN na siyang tanging nahirapan dahil
sobrang lusog.

Pagkatapos ng tuhod, naging pigi, tapos beywang.

"Go, Daddy! Go, Daddy!" The kids who couldn't conquer the Chinese garter
were now cheering.

While Uncle Kee was cheering for Kamden. "Go, honey-bunny! Make Daddy
proud!"

"Knight! You better win!" Wika naman ni Daddy Ambrose. "If you lose, I'm
going to be very mad at you!"

"Go, Pangit!" Pumalakpak pa si Eliza. "If you win, I'll give you a
prize!"

Samantalang si SM naman ay napapailing nalang saka natatawa kapagkuwan

dahil sa kabaliwan ng asawa niyang nauna pang lumukso sa Chinese garter.

From waist to shoulder and then to the top of their head.

Pumalakpak ang lahat ng makitang madali lang 'yon natalon ni Kamden,
Knight at Khairro. Actually, Knight did a flipped to reach the Chinese
Garter. He's that competitive.

"Malakas ang laban natin." Ani Midnight na tumatango pa. "Magagaling!

Magagaling!"

"Of course!" Knight puffed his chest, "I'm the most amazing!"

"Most amazing!" Sigaw ni NK, KN, Mint at Maple bilang suporta sa ama ng
mga ito.

Knight grinned at his kids. "Yes. Daddy is amazing!"

"And I'm awesome!" Ani Kamden.

Kaiden clapped his hand. "Daddy is awesome!"

"Yes, kiddo!" Malapad ang ngiti na binuhat ni Kamden ang anak.

"Ako naman ang pinaka-guwapo." Ani Khairro na nagmamalaki.

Eliza snorted. "Uwi, Pangit. Hindi ba sabi ko sayo, pangit ka?"

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Khairro habang humahaba ang nguso. "Sabi ko nga.
Pangit ako."

Eliza grinned happily. "That's my Pangit!"

Then SM spoke to Knight. "Baby, ano palang balak mo sa pabitin mo? New
Year is past approaching."

Biglang ngumisi si Knight na para bang may masamang binabalak. "I have a
plan, mi reina."

Natawa nalang si SM. "Why did they even let you handle the 'pabitin'?"

"Nakalimutan nilang sinto-sinto si Kuya." Sagot ni Midnight.

Tumawa lang si Knight saka pabulong na sinabi sa kanila ang plano nito sa
pabitin.

Napangiwi ang lahat at napailing naman si SM ng marinig ang buong plano

ng asawa. Mukhang talagang magkakaroon ng riot sa larong 'pabitin' dahil
sa pinaplano ng asawa.

SM couldn't wait to see the craziness unfold. This New Year will
definitely be more crazier than the last.

That's for sure.

CECELIB | C.C.
NEW YEAR SPECIAL: Part 3

POSSESSIVE 21: Knight Velasquez

New Year Special

Happy New Year

"...five ... four ... three ... two ... oneeee!" Happy shouts filled the
whole Bachelor's Village when the clock strikes twelve and it was finally
New Year. Everyone was shouting and clapping in glee and the kids were
jumping up and down as the fireworks erupted and started painting the sky
with bright lights and sparkles.

The nobles who resides in BV hired a team to safely lit up the fireworks
from a safe distance.

"Happy New Year, everybody!" Kaniya-kaniyang bati ang lahat ng naroon sa

kalsada kung saan ang venue ng New Year's Party.

Happy faces and wide smiles, these are the emotions visible on everyone's
faces. From adults to kids. Everyone was happy and enjoying themselves as
they share the food they made for New Year and eat with families and
friends.

While fireworks were painting the sky with liveliness and happiness, the
whole BV was filled with utensils and plates clanging at each other as
everybody enjoyed the good food on the three buffet table on the center
of the street.

And in one of those buffet table, Knight could see his son, KN, trying to
reach the meat balls made by Cloud.

Chuckling to himself, seeing how his chubby and fluffy son was
struggling, he went to pick up KN and helped him with his food. Cloud and
Jacques were busy setting up the games for kids and his wife was busy
with Mint, and the other were busy with his other kids, so it had to be
him.

Ang dami kong anak. Natawa si Knight sa naisip saka inayos ang pagkakaupo
ni KN sa braso niya habang karga-karga niya ito. "May gusto ka pa? I'll
get another plate for you, you want, kiddo?"

Umiling si KN at nabasa kaagad ni Knight ang emosyon sa mukha ng anak.

Knight sighed. "Sorry, fluffy KN, your Papa Jacq is busy. Si Daddy muna
kasama mo habang wala si Papa Jacq mo."

KN didn't respond.

Kinarga ni Knight ang anak patungo sa mesa nilang pamilya saka ini-upo
ito sa upuan at umupo naman siya sa tabi nito.
Knight frowned when he saw KN not eating the food on his plate.
Magtatanong sana siya sa anak ng maalala niyang palagi itong sinusubuan
ng pagkain ni Jacques.

So Knight took the spoon and fork, and he fed his fluffy little lord who
immediately opened his mouth and smiled. Napangiti naman si Knight, lalo
na nang lumipat ng upo ang bunso niyang anak na lalaki sa hita niya.

Knight felt warmed all over. KN seldom does this. That's why when KN was
being like this, he treasured it.

"Daddy!" It was Maple who called him and hugged his neck before kissing
his forehead and then she fed him a whole sushi. "Happy New Year!"

Knight immediately chew and swallow before smiling and greeting his
eldest back. "Happy New Year to you too, Princess. Enjoying yourself?"

Nakangiting tumango si Maple. "I just came here to greet you. See you
later, Dad."

Napangiti nalang si Knight habang pinagmamasdan si Maple na tumatakbo

patungo sa mesa kung nasaan ang anak ni Tyron na si Timber at si Ace na
anak naman ni Titus.

He was happy that Maple was able to recover from her childhood trauma. To
see her smiling and conversing with other kids her age was heart warming.

But suddenly, Knight lost his smile while looking at the table Maple was
in. "But why the fuck does she has to be so friendly with those fucking
boys? Unacceptable!"

KN who was eating meat balls answered him. "Because Ate Maple is awesome.
She's one of the boys, Daddy."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Knight. "Wala akong pakialam. She's still a kid! Our
princess! How dare those boys!"

KN continued eating, "okay."

Napailing nalang si Knight at akmang pupuntahan si Maple ng may yumakap

sa leeg niya mula sa likuran at hinalikan siya sa batok.

Instantly, Knight felt warm. "Mi reina..."

Napangiti si SM saka hinalikan siya sa nuo. "I know what you're about to
do. Don't bother Maple. Let her grow up in her own way. Wala namang
masama makipag-usap sa mga ka-edad niya."

Knight pouted at his wife. "Mi reina! They're boys!"

"So? Kilala naman natin ang mga kausap niya."

Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ni Knight. "They're boys!" Ulit niya. "She's
our Princess!"
Napailing nalang si SM sa asawa. "You are not going to ruin Maple's New
Year. Let her be."

Knight slumped on his seat, but immediately strengthened his back when
his little Princess climbed on to his lap.

"Happy New Year, Daddy!" Sweet Mint greeted him with a sweet wide smile.

"Happy New Year to you too, little Princess." He kissed Mint's forehead.

"Daddy, ah!" KN already had his mouth wide open for food.

Kaagad namang sinubuan ni Knight ang anak saka ginulo ang buhok ni NK na
kalalapit lang sa kaniya at binati siya ng maligayang taon. "Happy New
Year to you too, kiddo."

He was enjoying his time with the kids when he heard Cloud's voice from
the speaker.

"Time for games, kids!"

Kaagad siyang inabandona ng mga anak niya dahilan para yumakap siya sa
asawa habang nakaupo siya at nakatayo naman ito.

Natawa nalang si SM ng makita ang mukha ni Knight.

"Mi reina, inabandona ako ng mga anak natin para sa palaro."

Chuckling, SM caressed her husband's hair. "I have nothing to say than
'mana sayo e'."

Knight immediately shut up and just hugged his wife who hugged him back
as well.

"Knight?"

"Hmm?"

"Have fun tonight."

That put a smile on Knight's lips as he looked up at his wife. "I will,
mi reina."

SM smiled back before she leaned in to place a soft kiss on Knight's

lips, and when she pulled back, her smile on her lips was back. "Baby,
tonight's your night so go and be crazy."

Knight laughed at his wife. "Only you would want me to be crazy."

SM shrugged with a smile. "The childish, the serious and the crazy
you ... I love them all, so be crazy tonight. I know you will be. I don't
mind."
Tumayo si Knight saka sinapo ang mukha ng asawa para halikan ito ng
mariin sa mga labi kapagkuwan ay niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit. "If its
craziness, mi reina, you can count on me. Te amo." Then he kissed his
wife goodbye before running towards the center of the venue where the
kids were playing.

Napangiti naman si SM habang pinagmamasdan ang asawa niyang malakas ang

boses na tsini-cheer ang mga anak nila na manalo sa palaro. It was not
only Knight, but all the fathers whose kids were playing was there,
cheering their own kids to win.

Tinungo ni SM ang mesa na kinuupuan ng mga amazona na nanunood sa

kabaliwan sa harapan nila.

"They're starting..." SM commented.

Everyone on the amazona table just shrugged their shoulders like it was
nothing and SM knew. They were all used to it. This happens every year
after all.

Meanwhile, at the podium, on the center of the venue where the games were
held, the game ended and it was time for another game for kids.

At ang laro sa pagkakataong ito ay 'pabitin' para sa mga bata. Ang daming
chocolates na nakasabit. Mayroon ding mga pulang envelope na pera ang
laman.

"My princesses, aim for the red envelope!" Bilin ni Iuhence sa dalawang
anak nito na naka reindeer outfit. "It's money!"

Hersheys and Kisses both nodded and whispered, "money."

"Kiddo, you know what to do, Eiji. Aim for the red envelope." Bilin ni
Shun sa anak nito.

"Red envelope." Bilin din ni Valerian sa kambal nitong anak.

Halos lahat ng ama na naroon ay pare-pareho ang bilin sa anak. Unahing

abutin ang red envelope.

Knight looked at her Princess, Sweet Mint. When Mint felt his stare, she
looked at him with a pout. "I promise I won't beat them up to get my
money."

Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Knight. His kids were not exactly normal,

like the others. Only a number of kids here in BV could actually keep up
with Mint. NK and Maple was not part of this game, because they have
another set of pabitin for them. Matatangkad na kasi ang mga ito. At wala
siyang po-problemahin kay KN. Siguradong mahihirapan naman itong tumalon
sa lusog nito. Si Mint ang inaalala niya.

His daughter was a competitive little Princess.

"Princess," niyakap niya ito mula sa likuran, "this is not war, okay? Be
calm."

Sweet Mint smiled sweetly at him. "As long as they don't grab my money,
then okay, Daddy."

Nanghihinang bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Knight, lalo na nang mag-umpisa

ang pabitin. Hinang-hina siya sa pag-aalala baka may itulak ang prinsesa
niya pero laking pasasalamat niya ng walang pinatumba ang anak niya.

Habang pataas at pababa ang pabitin, mataas ang talon ni Mint. Mas mataas
sa lahat ng bata na naglalaro.

"Go! Go!" Namamaos na si Knight sa kakasigaw. "Go! My princess!

Annihilate them! Gooooo!"

Mint kept grabbing the red envelopes. Nang makita ni Mint na nahawak ni
Ymarina ang red envelope, para itong naging lastikman na humaba ang kamay
at inagaw 'yon.

"Yey! Motherfucker!" Sigaw ni Mint na ikinatigil ni Knight ng marinig.

"Yes! Yes!"

Then there's only three red envelope left. The boys were trying to grab
it, but Mint would never let them. She already set her eyes on the three
red envelope. So she did the unthinkable, she climbed on KN's shoulder
and used KN as her height boost to reached the red envelope.

"Ouch! Ouch! Mint! You're squeezing my fluffy neck!" Sigaw ni KN habang

binabalanse ang katawan para hindi ang mga ito matumba.

"Don't be a pussy!" Sigaw ni Mint. "My money!"

Habang gumigiwang ang katawan ni KN, gumigiwang din ang katawan ni Knight
na nasa likod lang ni KN, gumagalaw ayon sa galaw ni KN para bantayan ang
dalawa para masalo niya ang mga anak kung matumba ang mga ito.

Mint grinned widely when she grabbed the remaining two red envelope. With
her wide grin, she turned to him and shouted 'Daddy!' as she let her body
fell from KN's shoulder.

Knight was quick to catch Mint on his arms.

While KN was pouting. "Wala akong nakuha!"

Still with a wide grin, Mint showed KN the treasures she got from the
'pabitin'. Hindi lang pera ang nakuha nito, marami ring chocolates na
binigay nito kay KN.

KN immediately hugged Mint. "Thank you, Little Princess."

Mint smiled at KN. "Welcome, Kuya fluffy!"

Satisfied with the out come of the game, Knight looked at the new set of
'pabitin' for kids the same height as NK and Maple. Medyo may mga edad
na.

Maple was jumping up and down in happiness while grabbing what she could,
while NK just looked at the 'pabitin' with a calculated look and then
after a couple of seconds, he jumped to grab the thickest red envelope.

Natawa nalang si Knight. Ano pa bang aasahan niya kay NK? He's probably
calculating the distance, the height and the force he had to exert before
grabbing his locked target.

NK just jumped twice. One for the thickest red envelope and the other one
was to grab the bag with most chocolate whom he gave to KN afterwards.
While Maple shared her chocolates with her siblings as well.

Pagkatapos ng pabitin, may dalawa pang laro ang mga bata bago natapos ang
palaro nila at nagkaniya-kaniya ng takbo sa ina ng mga ito para ipakita
ang mga napanalunan.

And as the kids' game concluded, the games for adults started.

Some were stretching to get ready, some were already competitive and
kissing their wives for good luck while Knight was just clinging to his
wife and kissing his wife's neck.

"Matatalo ka sa ginagawa mo." Ani SM sa asawa. "No sex for you if you
lost."

Kaagad na bumitaw si Knight sa pagkakayakap sa asawa saka tumakbo patungo

sa gitna ng kalsada. "I'm gonna wiiiiiin! My life is at stake!"

Napailing nalang si SM kapagkuwan ay natawa habang pinagmamasdan niya ang

asawa. Ganun din ang mga kasama niya sa lamesa. They were all watching
the game that was about to start while the kids were cheering and some
were playing. Alam nilang lahat kung gaano kabaliw ang mga asawa nila
kaya naman expect the unexpected sila palagi kapag ganitong kaganapan.

"We're the host." Cloud announced over the microphone before the games
for adult starts.

"... for some reason." Jacques added sarcastically.

Everyone chuckled.

"So, ahm," Cloud looked at the faces of the crazy people In BV. Everyone
looked excited, specially his lordship, Knight, "let's start?"

"Hell, yeah!"

It was Jacques who spoke on the microphone next. "Well, first game for
you crazy people is ... musical chairs. Yey." Jacques said the last part
with fake enthusiasm. "We have one rule for this game. Don't break the
chair."
"So we can fight?" Phoenix asked.

"Yeah." Sagot ni Jacques. "Just don't break the chair. If you break a
chair, you're gonna pay a fine worth two thousand peso."

"The fuck?!" Iuhence exclaimed. "So what do you want us to do? Sit like a
dainty porcelain princess?"

Jacques nodded. "Yeah."

"Fuck." Calyx cussed.

"And the prize?" Dark asked.

Cloud answered, "all the losers will clean the house of the winner." Then
he smiled at his lord, Knight, "my lord. Be sure to win. I don't want to
clean the house after New Year."

Knight smiled back with smugness. "Leave it to me, Cloud!"

"But first," may ipinakita si Jacques na folder na may lamang papeles na

gawa ni Atty. Evren Yilmaz, "this is a legal agreement. You all need to
sign it before the game starts so no one would escape the loser's
punishment. Fee for escaping the loser's punishment is five million
peso."

Everyone cussed and was reluctant to sign, but they still did it.
Agreeing to the punishment and fees included on the agreement.

Finally, the first game, the musical chair, started with thirty plus
chairs in a circle shape. At dahil marami ang sumali, hindi lang basta
isa ang matatanggal kundi tatlo.

Kaniya-kaniya ng sayaw ang mga kasali sa laro habang binabantayan ang

bawat nadadaanang upuan. Everyone was wary and ready to pounce at the
nearest chair.

"You have to dance!" Cloud shouted when he saw some lunatics just
leisurely walking. "You can't just walk. Dance!"

And because of that, everyone started dancing like a stripper.

Napailing nalang ang nanunood kapagkuwan ay napuno ng tawanan ang buong

paligid ng tumigil ang kanta at nagkaniya-kaniyang hagilap ng upuan ang
lahat. There were pushing, cussing, even kicking, but in the midst of
chaos, the chair remained undamaged.

Of course, no one wanted to pay a fee for a broken chair.

Reigo, Iuhence and Lash were out.

"Fuck!" Napasalampak sa semento si Iuhence. "I don't want to clean, damn

it! Fuck It!"
Lash just chuckled and Reigo just shrugged before going to his wife's
side.

Then the musical chair started again. Lysander was pushing Calyx when the
music stopped. While Lysander was pushed by Blaze and claimed the chair
carefully.

"The fuck?!" Lysander was pissed. "I came back from Seattle just to lose?
Make me win, fuck it!"

Cloud hid his chuckle. "Sore losers, please sit down."

With their shoulder down, Lysander, Ymar who was showing his midle finger
at Lath for being pushed down and Lath who lost the chair he was fighting
for against Ymar to Dark went back to their wives, pouting.

And the musical chair continued. One by one, the lunatics started losing.
There was subtly kicking and pushing, and after a couple more songs, It
was now down to six participants.

Knight, Phoenix, Titus, Khairro, Blake and Blaze.

"This is unfair!" Reklamo ni Khairro nang silang anim nalang ang natira
para sa musical chair. "Phoenix and Titus is going to team up, I can feel
it in my bones! Of course, the Vitale twins will team up as well. What
the fuck will happen to me?"

Shun answered. "You have Knight."

Khairro looked at Knight. "Nope. He still want to bury me after all these
years."

Knight smirked. "Good that you know."

Khairro shuddered. "So unfair, but fuck It. Cue music!"

Shaking their heads, Cloud and Jacques continued the music. The six
participants were chuckling except for Khairro who's on alert.

"Fuck! Ayokong maglinis!" Khairro cussed again.

"Go, Pangit!" Eliza cheered. "I'll give you a prize if you win."

And that motivated Khairro. When the music stopped, he didn't kick nor
push, he stole a chair then he ran and in a safe distance, he carefully
place back the chair on the floor and sat there with a wide grin.

"You cheater!" Phoenix pointed his finger at Khairro. "That's cheating!"

Titus chuckled. "Well, It's not against the rule."

"Yep," sang-ayon ni Knight na nagnakaw din ng upuan na mauupuan.

Phoenix who got defeated tsked. "Fucking lunatics."

And the musical resumed with a new rule. No stealing chairs and running
away.

"My Lord! Don't you dare lose!" Sabi ni Cloud sa boss niyang baliw.

"Don't pressure me, Cloud!" Knight was so focused that when the music
stopped, he kicked Titus on the gut to have the chair. "Sorry, bud.
Walang personalan."

Titus tsked while caressing his own stomach. "Fuck, Velasquez. Do you
want us to clean your house that bad?"

"Yep." Knight grinned. "My house is huge and I need cleaners and you
motherfuckers will be my janitors."

Napailing nalang ang mga natalo.

"Manalangin tayo na sana hindi manalo si Knight." Ani Iuhence. "Aalilain

tayo ng sinto-sinto na yan!"

Mhelanie pinched Iuhence cheek. "Idadamay mo pa ang panginoon sa

kalokohan niyo."

The musical chair continued with four participant and three chairs.

Pagiling-giling pa ang sayaw ni Knight habang umiikot sa tatlong upuan.

Parang chill lang pero may binabalak naman.

Nang tumigil ang kanta, kaagad na sumigaw si Knight. "Blake! Si Lucky!

Nahimatay!"

Blake instantly panic, not realizing that Knight tricked him. Only
realizing a moment later when Blake saw Lucky talking to SM.

Matalim ang matang tumingin si Blake kay Knight na naka peace sign ang
mga daliri. "Gago talaga..." Blake tsked and looked at Blaze. "Kapag
natalo ka, sasaksakin kita."

Tumawa si Blaze. "Sabi ko nga."

Tumunog ulit ang musika at sumayaw si Knight, Blaze at Khairro na panay

ang tingin sa dalawang upuan.

Nang tumigil ang musika, biglang sumigaw si Sweet Mint. "Papa Blake! Si
Fiery! Nasubsob!"

Blaze lost his concentration and immediately looked for his daughter only
to realized he was tricked by Knight's daughter.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatingin si Blaze sa anak ni Knight na nag-thumbs

up pa sa ama nito habang malapad na nakangisi. Napailing nalang si Blaze.
Mag-ama nga.
Nag thumbs up din si Knight sa anak na karga-karga ni Kamden kasama si
Kaiden. "Good strategy, mi princesa, but don't do it again. It's bad."

Sweet Mint pouted. "It's for Papa Cloud. He needs to rest. We need
janitors, Daddy."

Lahat ng natalo ay napangiwi kay Sweet Mint. Pare-pareho ang nasa Isip ng
lahat.

Mag-ama nga ang dalawa.

"Okay! The finale!" Cloud played the music and the game continued with
one chair remaining.

Habang sumasayaw si Knight at Khairro, masama ang tingin ni Knight kay

Khairro.

"What?" Khairro asked, frowning.

Knight just nonchalantly shrugged, like he was innocent, but when the
music stopped, he spoke to Khairro so fast. "Kapag nanalo ka hindi ko
ibebenta sa inyo ni Elizabeth ang bakanteng lupa sa tabi ng bahay ko."

Nabitin ang pag-upo ni Khairro sa narinig na ginamit naman ni Knight para

agawin ang upuan saka parang hari na umupo doon.

Napatanga ang lahat kay Knight.

"Fuck! You're this desperate for house clean up?" Tyron asked.

"Nope." Knight chuckled. "I just hate losing."

Napailing ang lahat.

"Bagong taon pero masamang karanasan kaagad." Napailing si Cali.

While on the podium, Cloud was announcing the winner. "And the winner of
Musical chairs for adult is, Count Knight! A round of applause."

No one applauded but Knight. Everyone who participated was a sore loser.

"What's that?" Tanong ni Train ng makitang bumana si Jacques sa podium at

may dala itong kulay yellow na parang malaking ribbon.

"Sash." Sagot ni Jacques saka wala man lang pag-ingat na isinuot iyon sa
balikat ni Knight. "Para sa nanalo."

Napangiwi ang lahat ng makita ang nakasulat sa sash.

'Musical Chair Champion'.

Nagmamalaki naman na tumayo si Knight saka inaayos ang sash na suot. "I'm
so amazing. Kita niyo 'to?" Tinuro pa nito ang sash. "Champion!
Champion!"

Si Sweet Mint lang at Maple at pumalakpak. "Yey! Daddy is a champion!"

And the rest ignored Knight's craziness as they listened to Cloud.

"And the next game is ... 'Bring me'." Ani Cloud.

Then Jacques added. "Your wives contributed to this 'Bring me' game by
sending us what the want you to bring. We have three 'bring me' with
prizes from your wives, so good luck. It's not going to be easy."

"Ready?" Cloud asked.

"Hell, yeah!" Everyone shouted, excited.

"Okay." Binasa ni Jacques ang unang nakasulat sa notes ng cellphone niya.

"The winner will have an eat-all-you can voucher in Lady SM's Café for a
week. So, lunatics, bring me ... Grace's cupcake—"

Immediately, Lander who was near the buffet table where Grace's cupcakes
were placed picked up a cupcake and brought it to the podium. "I won—"

"I'm not done yet." Ani Jacques saka tinapos ang nakasulat sa note niya.
"Bring me Grace's cupcake ... and eat it, by Themarie Alfonso — Kim."

Lander instantly paled as his eyes widened in fear.

Grace who heard the 'bring me' smiled and clapped her hand. "Yey! Don't
worry Lander. I put a lot of vanilla extract and some things in there."

Face full of dread and regret for picking up the cupcake so fast, Lander
took a small bite while sweating bullets.

And one bite was all it took for Lander to ran to the bathroom, for god
knows what.

Nang mawala si Lander sa paningin nila, parang may dumaang anghel sa

buong BV sa katahimikan. Para ngang may mga insekto pang maririnig.

Then Grace, the baker of the cupcake, smiled innocently while playing
with her own fingertips. "Oops..."

After a while, Iuhence commented. "This is a very deadly 'Bring me'

game."

Lahat ay tumango bilang pagsangayon.

Grace pouted at her husband. "I didn't mean it."

"Of course, mooncake." Valerian kissed Grace's forehead. "I know you mean
no harm."
"Mean no harm?" Cali asked in a whisper so Grace and Valerian wouldn't
hear them. "Did they see Lander's face? He was so close to death!"

"Okay!" Cloud broke the silence and dread in the air, "the next bring me
prize is from Mrs. Calderon, an eat-all-you can voucher in Mr. Thorn
Calderon's Restaurant for a month."

"For a month?!" Calyx gaped. "Hell, yeah! I'm going to win this shit!"

"Nope! It's mine!" Iuhence hissed and readied himself.

"Pangit! Ipanalo mo 'yan! It's food!" Eliza shouted at Khairro from the
table.

Khairro flexed his arm muscle. "Leave it to me, babe."

"Okay." Jacques spoke while reading his notes again, "bring me ..."
tumingin siya sa mga kasali sa laro, "a used barbecue stick from Eva's
barbecue."

And everyone scattered. Cussing and looking around In a hurry. Ang iba
naghanap sa buffet table, ang iba sa sahig at ang iba naman ay sa mga
hugasan.

"Fuck! Nasaan na ang mga basura?!"

"Basura ka kasi talaga Iuhence e." Wika ni Train pero nauna na Itong
maghanap sa basurahan at nakipag-agawan dito si Iuhence.

Then out of nowhere, Midnight went to the podium while finishing a

barbecue he was eating. "Here's the stick. I'm done."

"Hey! That's cheating!" Calyx snapped.

"Huh?" Midnight looked innocently at Calyx. "Pero ang sabi 'used barbecue
stick'. Ibig sabihin puwedeng kainin muna ang barbecue saka ibigay ang
stick."

Knight smiled smugly. "Hah! That's my brother! Te amo, little brother!"

Midnight chuckled. "Love you too, Kuya."

"Hey! Where's my I love you too?" Nite demanded.

"Sino ka na nga ulit?" Midnight asked Nite mockingly and Nite just went
to the podium and hugged Midnight from behind while Midnight was
struggling to free himself.

Midnight and Nite's wives were laughing at the scene while taking
pictures.

Napailing nalang ang lahat ng pati sash ay inagaw ni Nite kay Midnight at
ito ang nagsuot.
'Barbecue stick Champion' ang nakasulat sa sash kaya naman hinayaan ni
Midnight na agawin 'yon ng nakababatang kapatid. That 'title' was so
lame.

"Okay! The next bring me prize is ... ahm," napangiwi si Jacques, "it's
kind of different."

"How different?" Evren asked.

Si Cloud ang nagpatuloy. "Kapag nanalo ka, exempted ka sa kaparusahan na

para sa mga talunan."

"And what's the punishment for losers?" Hunter asked.

Jacques chuckled before answering, "isang linggong taga-hugas sa

Restaurant ni Mr. Calderon."

Lahat bumaling kay Thorn at tiningnan ito ng masama.

"What?" Thorn raised his hands like he was surrendering, "It wasn't me."

"This bring me is from Elizabeth Velasquez—Sanford." Ani Cloud.

Everyone went silent. Dread consuming their body. They all know how crazy
Eliza was, just like her brothers.

"Bring me," Cloud tsked when he saw the notes on Jacques' phone, "this is
chaos."

Mas lalong kinabahan ang mga kasali sa laro, pero kailangan nilang
manalo. Walang may gustong maghugas ng isang linggo sa Restaurant ni
Calderon. That Restaurant had so many costumers. It'll be the death of
them!

"Bring me," Cloud looked at the lunatics getting ready to pounce and win,
"a piece of your house's roof."

"Damn!"

"Fuck!"

"Fucking shit!"

"Dammit!"

Kaniya-kaniya ng mura habang kaniya-kaniya rin ng takbo patungo sa bahay

ng mga ito.

It was chaos. Lahat ayaw maghugas sa Restaurant ni Calderon kaya naman

kaniya-kaniyang akyat ng mga ito sa bubong ng kaniya-kaniyang bahay, pero
nauna si Knight dahil Inihanda na nito ang martilyo at hagdanan, kanina
pa. He knew this was coming. He could feel it.
And so, in the middle of the night, Bachelor's Village was filled with
the sound of hammers. Mas maingay pa 'yon keysa sa sound system nila at
fireworks. Habang si Eliza naman ay panay ang tawa na ikinailing ng
lahat.

SM pinched Eliza's cheek. "Inatake ka na naman."

"What?" Eliza looked at SM innocently. "Ang bait ko na nga sa bring me

ko, Matamis na Lunes."

"Mas malala kamo." Gladz tsked.

Napailing nalang ang mga amazona na nasa lamesa saka pinangkukurot ng mga
ito ang pisngi ni Eliza, maliban kay Czarina na bini-video pa ang
kabaliwan ng sariling asawa.

Then they heard Cloud spoke. "Wow. Just wow, my lord. You actually
destroyed our roof?"

Knight grinned. "What can I say? I was fucking ready."

"Daddy is awesome! Awesome!" Wika ni Mint at Maple sabay palakpak.

"So proud of you, darling!" Sigaw naman ni Kamden na kumakaway pa kay

Knight. "Your honey-bunny Is so proud."

Jacques spoke on the microphone. "Losers, you can come back now and stop
destroying your roof. May nanalo na. 'Yong sinto-sinto. The motherfucking
Count."

Everyone came back with a sour face, even Thorn, because even though he
owns the Restaurant, he would still wash the dishes.

So now, Knight had to sashes. The first one is 'Musical Chair Champion'
and the second one Is 'Roof monster'.

"Mi reina! Look!" Knight was grinning from ear to ear as he showed his
wife his sashes. "Look, mi reina! I have two titles now."

Chuckling, SM got up and kissed her husband on the lips. "My baby is
amazing."

Knight grinned. "Yes, I am."

SM let our a short laughed. "Go back there and win more."

"You can count on me, mi reina. Te amo!"

"Te amo." SM replied with a smile and just let her husband enjoy.

The 'Bring me' game finally concluded and the next game begin in an
instant.
'The blanket game' suggested by Knight. The game was done by five person.
Two person would do the pulling and the remaining three person would sit
on the blanket. Kailangan mabilis ang paghila para makarating kaagad sa
finish line at syempre pa, hindi dapat mahulog, umapak o humawak sa lupa
ang mga naka-upo sa kumot.

"Okay! Group yourselves into five!" Sigaw ni Cloud. "Let's start the
blanket game! The prize is, all the losers will clean up this mess
tomorrow while the winners will be sleeping peacefully."

First group: Knight, Valerian, Shun, Nite and Kamden. — Knight and Kamden
will pull.

Midnight couldn't participate because his kid was clinging to him.

Second Group: Phoenix, Titus, Hunter, Khairro and Nate. — Phoenix and
Titus will pull.

Third Group: Iuhence, Tyron, Train, Terron and Calyx. — Calyx and Iuhence
will pull.

Fourth Group: Evren, Dark, Cali, Lysander and Thorn. — Evren and Dark
will pull.

Fifth Group: Ymar, Lath, Lash, Reigo and Ream. — Lath and Ream will pull.

Sixth Group: Blake, Blaze, Andrius, Beckett and Pierce. — The Vitale
twins will pull.

Lander was still nowhere to be seen after the cupcake incident.

"We're ready!" Everyone shouted while their kids cheered for them —
cheering for their own father to win.

Parker, Cloud and Jacques distributed the comforter the participants

would be using and when everyone was settled and ready, Cloud spoke.

"Get ready." Cloud went back to the podium. "In three! Two!" A couple of
seconds passed before Cloud shouted, "one! And puuuulllll!"

The six group started pulling while the kids and wives cheered them on.

"Fuck!" Halos lumabas lahat ng ugat sa katawan ni Lath. "Matatae ako sa

bigat niyo! Mga tang-ina kayo!"

Ream was laughing his ass of while pulling. "Fuck! This is torture! Dapat
tatlo ang hihila!"

"Sorry! Nautot ako sa bigat. Tang'na!" Iuhence shouted while pulling with
Calyx.

"Fuck! Fuck! Pull! Ayokong matalo! Ayokong maglinis!" Sigaw ni Calyx.

While the Vitale twins were pulling with ease. They have rhythm. They
were sure to win. Ang grupo nila ang nangunguna sa blanket race.

Until Beckett lost his grip on the blanket and he rolled to the ground.

Everyone laughed.

"Group six. Disqualified!" Sigaw ni Jacques na siyang nagbabantay sa

palaro. "Group five! Magpatalo nalang kayo. Sayang effort."

"Group one is making a comeback." Parang announcer na sabi ni Cloud.

"Sila ang nangunguna sa blanket race."

"Fuuuck!" Evren cussed. "My veins are about to popped out! Fucking
heavy!"

"Hurry up! Pull!" Lysander ordered Evren. "Bumili ka nalang ng ugat sa

mercado marami doon."

"Fuck you, Callahan!" Sigaw ni Evren na panay hila pa rin.

"A little more strength, T!" Dinig nilang sigaw ni Phoenix. "Pull!
Maabutan na natin si Knight."

Knight and Kamden who heard that pull even faster. Walang pakialam ang
dalawa kung nag-uumpugan na ang ulo ng tatlong sakay ng kumot na hinihila
basta umabot lang sila sa finish line.

Kamden and Knight were practically running and the three passengers on
the blanket were cursing the two non-stop.

While Phoenix and Titus did the same. They ran after Knight and Kamden's
team.

But at the end, they couldn't keep up and Knight and Kamden's team won.

"And the winner is Group one!" Anunsiyo ni Cloud. "The rest will clean
this mess up tomorrow. Good luck!"

The losers grunted while the winners were doing a happy dance.

"The next game. Chinese Garter." Anunsiyo ni Jacques. "And after that,
our last game is 'Lunatics went to Marker."

Kaagad na nabuhayan ng loob ang mga kasali sa laro at nakalimutan ng mga

ito ang pagkatalo.

"The winner of Chinese Garter will received a two months eat-all-you can
voucher from Lady Anniza's Restaurant!" Cloud announced.

At syempre, dahil pagkain ang premyo, lahat interesado.

"Let's start!" Ani Jacques at kaagad nag-umpisa ang larong Chinese

Garter.
It was by group again. The same group from the blanket game. Everyone was
competitive.

Someone was doing a back flip, front flip and mid-air flip just to win,
but no one could defeat the pros of Chinese Garter — Knight and Kamden.

"I told you already that we're going to lose to that sinto-sinto, but did
anyone listen?" Reklamo ni Cali na natalo na naman.

Dark laughed while watching Knight do a happy dance for winning again and
also annoying Valerian. "Mas nakakapagtaka kung hindi manalo si
Velasquez. He's very competitive."

"We're doing this for him anyway." Sabad ni Evren.

Blake nodded. "Well, It was fun running around and competing, and look,
he's smiling from ear to ear. He's happy."

"Thanks for doing this every year." Ani Shun na sumalampak ng upo sa
semento kasama ng mga natalo. "That Spaniard Count needs It. He's always
busy with tons of responsibilities so playing around like this is a big
help."

"Well, it's fun." Natatawang sabi ni Beckett.

"We did start playing games every New Year for Knight," ani Tyron, "we
wanted to ease his burden and worry and just have fun and play. But now,
playing games has become part of our New Year. It has become our thing."

"True." Phoenix agreed. "Our New Year Is not complete without these crazy
games anymore."

"And hey," Andrius interject, "one for all and all for one, remember?"

Lahat sila mahinang natawa ng marinig ang sekretong motto nilang lahat
pagdating sa pagkakaibigan nila.

Then they all heard Cloud's announcement. "Our next game is 'Lunatics
went to market'. Same group. It's a race. The prize is five million peso
sponsored by Marquess Jacques Sotelo."

"Fuck! I have to win!" Biglang tumayo si Shun. "Fuck! Knight! We have to

win! I want that five million!"

Knight grinned. "Leave it to me, Singkit!"

Pero hindi lang si Shun ang nabuhayan ng dugo, halos lahat. Lalo na si
Calyx at Iuhence.

"The game is simple." Cloud explained the mechanics, "you will form a
line and each one of you will take your clothes off except your boxers
and you will put these clothes on." It's a set of woman's clothes. Flat
shoes, long skirt, halter top and bandana. "After you put these on, you
sill carry a basket full of ten kilos of rocks. Keep in mind that while
walking, you have to be fast while being graceful. Act like you're
carrying a basket full of flowers then ten kilos of rocks. Be dainty and
shake those booty, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Copy!"

Habang naghahanda ang mga sasali, naging interesado naman ang mga amazona
na panoorin ang kaniya-kaniyang asawa na magsuot ng pambabaeng damit.

And when the game finally started everyone was laughing their asses off
seeing their husbands wearing women's clothing and walking while shaking
their hips vulgarly and trying not to drop the ten kilos rocks on the
basket with a shaky smile because of the basket's heavy weight.

The other players who were waiting for their turn was laughing and
rolling on the ground seeing their friends being a dainty woman.

Kahit si SM ay tawang-tawa habang pinagmamasdan ang asawa na barakong-

barako sa suot nitong damit pangbabae. Sapo-sapo ni SM ang tiyan ng
makitang kuminding-kinding pa si Knight habang nasa braso nito ang
napakabigat na basket.

"Baby! Baliktad ang skirt mo!" Natatawang sigaw ni Red sa asawa nitong si
Phoenix na naglalakad na.

Phoenix immediately fixed the clothes while walking.

"Lash! Don't forget the flat shoes!" Paalala ni Nez sa asawa.

"Oh, fuck!" Lash cussed.

"Yong bandanan mo Ymar!" Natatawang sabi ni Czarina. "Itali mo. Sperm!"

"Pangit! Sobrang pangit mo!" Sigaw ni Eliza. "I love you!"

Khairro laughed and made a heart with his hand and showing it to Eliza
who laughed as well and sent a flying kiss.

"Blaze! Don't be a big baby and put that halter top on already!" Sigaw
naman ni Happy na tawang-tawa sa ekspresyon sa mukha ng asawa nito habang
nagdadamit.

"Go, Cad!" Sigaw naman ni Berry. "You're rocking that halter top!"

Cadmus just shook his head.

"Buti nalang talaga wala ang asawa ko rito para pagtawanan ako." Ani
Lysander habang sinusuot ang pangbabaeng damit na kahuhubad lang ni Cali.

"Say, sex!" Ani Yrozz na kinunan ng larawan si Lysander, "I'll send it to

your wife."
"Fuck you, Yrozz!" Ani Lysander saka nagmamadaling binuhat ang basket at
naglakad.

"Go, Ream! Flip your hair!" Sigaw ni Syl na tawa rin ng tawa.

"Go, Kam." SM cheered for Kamden as well when it was his turn to put the
clothes on. "Shake it. Shake It."

Kamden didn't just shake his booty, he even put his hand on his hips as
he walked with grace, flipping his imaginary hair, waving his hand like
he had fans and he was moving his shoulders seductively.

No one could beat that, but Kamden forgot his basket and laughter filled
BV again when Kamden's team got disqualified.

Shun was sulking for not winning the five million.

The winner was the Vitale twins group, but they gave the money to Shun.
For his foundation, making Shun happy again.

"And thar concludes our night." Ani Pierce.

"Nope. We still have one game." Ani Knight na pumuntang podium at siya na
mismo ang nag-announce. "Jacques! Cloud! Bring it out!"

Kaagad namang inilabas ni Jacques at Cloud ang pabitin na ginawa ng mga

ito nuong isang araw. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit nawala ang dalawa sa
podium.

"Our very own pabitin!" Malapad ang ngiti ni Knight pagkatapos iyon i-
anunsiyo.

"Oh!" Terron was excited. "Nice! Nice!"

"What's on the paper bags?" Tanong ni Hunter. Iyon ang mga nakasabit sa
pabitin.

Knight grinned. "Surprise!"

Jacques and Cloud immediately set up the adult's 'pabitin' and the one
who would control it was Knight.

"Have fun." Ani Cloud na nakangiti.

Hinila ni Knight ang lubid na naka-konekta sa pabitin para itaas iyon.

"Come on, lunatics! Pinaghirapan ko 'to."

Napapantastikuhan namang tumayo ang lahat sa ilalim ng pabitin habang

nakatingala.

"Bakit parang nakakatakot malaman kung anong laman ng paper bags?" Tanong
ni Lysander.
"I'm feeling the same fear." Segunda ni Train.

"Well, we all know Knight." Sabad ni Shun.

"This better be good, you fucking Spaniard Count!" Sigaw ni Valerian kay
Knight.

"I want to know what's inside those paper bags." Ani Blake na nakatingala
sa pabitin. "Lower it already, Velasquez!"

Tumalon si Blaze at sinubukang abutin ang paper bag pero mataas iyon.

"Ready?" Knight shouted.

Everyone shrugged and said, "no choice!"

"You're gonna like it!" Natatawang sabi ni Knight.

Everyone was reluctant to jump, because they all know how crazy Knight
was. Who knows what's inside the paper bag, but they didn't want to spoil
Knight's effort so they were forced to jump and grab something.

Pero mabilis si Knight, halos hindi makakuha ang mga nasa ilalim ng
pabitin dahil tumataas kaagad 'yon.

That's why Phoenix shouted while pointing at Knight. "Attack the Count!"

Tumigil nga ang lahat saka inatake si Knight para mabitawan nito ang
lubid.

At nang bumagsak ang pabitin, nagkaniya-kaniya ng kuha ang mga baliw sa

nakasabit doon.

Napasimangot si Knight na napa-upo sa semento dahil sa pag-atake rito ng

mga baliw. "Hey! That's cheating! Dapat tumalon-talon kayo na parang
bata!"

"Not gonna fucking happen." Valerian tsked before opening the paper bag
that he got. Kaagad na nalukot ang mukha ni Valerian ng makita ang laman
niyon. "What the fuck is this?"

Pare-pareho ang mukha ng mga baliw ng makita ang laman ng paper bag na
nakuha ng mga ito. Si Knight naman ay panay tawa na napahiga na ito sa
semento habang tumatawa.

"Is this a fucking Knight Velasquez bubble head?" Hindi makapaniwalang

tanong ni Beckett habang inuuha ang gawa sa kahoy na figurine na hawak.

Lath shook the bubble head. "Look ... it even has his name."

Knight was still laughing. "That's my new years gift. Accept it with open
heart, motherfuckers! I-display niyo sa bahay o sa opisina niyo, baka ma-
miss niyo ako—" bago pa matapos ni Knight ang sasabihin, dinumog na siya
ng mga kaibigan at inatake.
Knight was just laughing his ass of while everyone was shaking their head
at Knight while beating him up — playfully. Yes, playfully. They're not
really hurting Knight. They were just shoving him to the ground and
restraining him like it could restrain his craziness 'til they got tired
and finally left Knight alone.

It was a fun night. Full of happiness and laughter. Sharing food,

bonding, laughing with everyone, joking around and just staying together
to celebrate New Year.

But good things never last. The New Year's Party came to an end, but
everyone went home with happy faces and contented smiles.

After settling the kids in their room, Knight and SM went to their room.

Knight sat on the long sofa while SM sat on Knight's lap, facing her
husband and wrapping her arms around her husband's body.

"Knight?"

"Hmm?" Knight just hummed.

"Happy New Year."

Knight smiled in contentment as he wrapped his arms around his wife's

body. "Happy New Year too, mi reina. More New Years to us."

SM pulled away from her own embrace to cupped Knight's face, then she
placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Te amo, mí caballero."

Knight laughed and replied with the softest expression on his face. "Te
amo también, mí reina."

And this time, it was Knight who placed a soft kiss on SM's lips and was
followed by a deep kiss, with tongue and the next thing they know, they
were naked on the bed, feeling each other's body, making love again and
again — celebrating New Year.

T H E E N D
El final

CECELIB | C.C.