PROLOGUE

“Jan wait!” He grabs my right arms as he forcefully faces me to him, looking at me with those teary eyes that shouts a lot of pain and betrayal. “Is it true?” sounds almost like a whisper or gasp.

I smirked and roughly pushed his hands away from my skin, before I stood straight in front of him. Stare at him from head to toe, his personality is so dense and boring.

He’s wearing a white shirt and those simple waste black pants that didn’t really make sense with fashion, that fucking nerdy glasses and all this shits weird stuff and books he’s holding.

This guy has been with me for almost 5 months and now it’s time to end these shits with him. I sneak a glance at my friends behind him from afar before I look back at him. Those eyes again, it’s so annoying and pisses me off.

“Yes” I answered and looked away, I saw from the side of my eyes that my friends were smiling with victory. This is what these bitches want, I’ll feed them well.

“W-why?” he whispered, I frowned at him and said, “Why not?”

“I thought we’re doing it right, I thought you were true, I thought you really liked me” I saw how Hazel glared at me when they heard what he said, I jolted unnoticedly and avoided his gaze.

“That’s fake, it was all part of the bet, ok” I said, and watched him weakly shake his head before the let go of those books and let it fall on the floor. I gulped and hesitated to speak because I know I’m doing this wrong.

But Hazel and my friends are watching me, I need to do this. “Can we just forget about the bet and let’s just continue this, Jan?” he was begging, reached my hand and gently caressed it.

“Ano ka ba hibang! Niloko kita, ginawa ko lang iyon dahil sa bet at ngayon tatapusin ko na lahat ito” I pushed him once again, “Come on Jan, I will just think of this a misdemeanor and continue giving my best for you, just don’t end us please” My lips literally parted as he kneels in front of me, hugged my leg and begged like I was the only person he ever loved.

“What the– Ano ba!” I yelled at him and started kicking him away until he let go of my legs and seat on the floor crying. “Wala na tapos na, lahat ng nangyari sa atin ay peke hindi totoo, hindi kita magugustuhan, isa pa tignan mo ang sarili mo, napakaboring mo!” I know that’s a bit harsh but even though that makes me feel bad, I need to do it so he will stop and wake up, wake up to the reality that I just played him like a dumb toy.

“Jan, place I can change for you” that was the most weak and desperate sound he said, that punched my conscience, I turned my back at him and “You don’t have to do that for anyone, do it for yourself, bye” that’s how I ended my time with him.

I walk far from him without turning back. I know from the start that we are going to end in this situation but, “Putik ang s-sakit” My voice just cracked because of my aching chest. I smile and start hitting my chest while walking faster and faster.

“Hooo” I whisper when I started having a hard time to breath, agad kong kinuha ang inhaler ko at agad itong ginamit, mabilis akong naglalakad habang patuloy na hinahabol ang aking paghinga.

I hide behind this wall and calm myself, that makes me shed tears but I instantly wipe it up when I hear my friends are coming. “Jan” Hazel called my name, that’s why I faced them and hid my inhaler in my pocket.

“Bayad” I said and smiled at them; I won the bet so they need to pay me fifteen thousand pesos. Hazel smiled at me before he handed me the money and tapped my shoulder, “You did great Jan” she said. “Ako pa ba” I confidently said and flashed a fake smile.

“Ang galing mo talaga Jan, ikaw na talaga haha” Beverly said and pull me as we walk out of that university.

Habang patuloy silang nagkwekwentuhan tungkol sa nangyari kanina, hindi ko magawang maging masaya dahil unti-unti akong kinakain ng konsensya dahil sa mga ginawa at sinabi ko sa kanya.

“Where are we going to eat?” Hazel said and sweetly smiled at us, I hesitated because I don’t want to spend money this time, “Don’t worry, my treat” she said while looking at me, ngumiti ako at kumamot sa aking ulo.

“Ahm.. sige mauna na kayo, may nakalimutan ako sa gym” I whisper and didn’t wait for them to say anything and just turn my back and run back inside the university, bumalik ako sa lugar kung saan ko siya iniwan pero pagbalik ko ay wala na siya doon.

I slowly sigh and shook my head, “Sorry”, inilabas ko mula sa aking bulsa ang perang napanalunan ko sa bet at ang buntong hininga bago naglakad papunta sa dean’s office.

Mabigat ang aking pakiramdam habang papalapit sa office pero nandito na ako, mas kailangan ko itong unahin.

I knocked and open the door, “Miss Rivera, you’re here” Our college Dean smiled at me as I step inside her office and handed her the payment for the graduation, for me to be able to graduate this year.

“Thank you so much po sa paghintay sa akin, at pagbigay sa aking ng pagkakataong makapag ipon po Ma’am” I said, urge a smile at her. She tapped my shoulder before she said. “You deserve to graduate this year Miss Rivera” she said and that makes me at peace.

I did bad things for this, I even hurt someone for this, I’m filled with conscience but this is for my future.

Lumabas ako ng office na iyon at tuluyang umuwi sa bahay, “Ma nandito na ho ako” sambit ko pagbukas ko ng pinto, maliit lang ang bahay namin at hindi ako pinanganak na may gintong kutsara at tinidor, pinanganak ako sa buhay ng mahihirap at kinailangan kong gawin ang lahat ng iyon upang maitaguyod ang pag-aaral ko.

“Jan, nandyan ka na pala, tara na dito at naglaga ako ng kamote” mahinhin na sambit ni Mama bago lumabas mula sa maliit naming kusina, ngumiti ako ng makita siya at agad siyang nilapitan, I hugged her so tight. “Teka! Jan jusko matumba tayo, bakit anak?” tanong ni Mama na puno ng pag-aalalang matumba kaming dalawa.

I chuckled and continued hugging her, “Gagraduate na ako Ma” I whispered, she stopped for a second before she said, “Talaga anak! nako, diyos ko maraming salamat po!!!” bakas sa boses ni Mama ang saya kaya ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata bago nanatili sa kanyang piling.

I’m sorry Ash,

---

“Congratulations to our graduate student, be successful and make your dreams come true” all the students around me clap and cheer, and smile widely.

This is it, I finally finished college!!! And gonna make my dream come true!

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH JAN!!!” I instantly turned right and spread my arms wide for a big hug coming from my cousin. “Congrats!!! huhu inggit ako!” she said as we both jump while hugging, “Hayaan mo gagraduate kana din naman next year!” Sambit ko.

“Ayieee oo nga, ah basta congrats!!!” She said and handed me a bouquet of flowers. “Maraming salamat Seah” I said and my childhood best friend Willow showed up, “Congrats” she said and gave me a book as a gift, we all laughed, what do I expect to receive from a writer, malamang libro.

“Wala bang bago dyan Willow” biro ni Seah, “What it’s a great book, it will help her to––” hindi na siya pinatapos magsalita ni Seah at agad tinakpan ang labi. “Doon lang kami kay Tita ah” Seah said and pulled Willow with her. I chuckled and saw Hazel, Beverly and Veca walking towards my place.

“Congrats to us!” They said and gave me a peck on my cheeks, “Oo, congrats sa atin” Sambit ko at nginitian sila, “Oh, By the way we are having a celebration party at the gym later tonight, you are coming right?” Hazel said.

“A-ahmm oo naman” sagot ko, “I knew it, see yah later” she said and wink at me.

Ngumiti ako at pinanood silang maglakad papalayo, they are all wearing a great and expensive dresses and heels, samantalang ako ay nakasuot ng hiniram na dress mula kay Seah at isang doll shoes mula kay Willow.

“Sana lahat na lang ng tao ay ipinanganak na mayaman” bulong ko bago tumuloy kila Seah, Willow at Mama.

Umuwi kami sa bahay at kumain ng ng niluto ni Mama na pansit bago ako naghanda sa pagpunta sa party. I just wear a simple white dress galing sa aparador ni Mama at isang simpleng sandals.

It just took me a minute to arrive at the university gym, and a loud sound of music pervades the whole place. I sigh before I step inside and see Hazel and others near the door. “Jan, akala ko hindi ka makakarating eh” They said, “Ako pa ba?” sambit ko bago kumuha ng maiinom at pinanood ang mga estudyante na nagsasayaw sa gitna.

“He’s here!” Hazel said that caught our attention, and looked to where she’d run. I slowly moved the glass of beer away from my lips when I saw who she was with. He enters the gym like a famous artist that makes everyone’s jaw drop.

I sure and I know who he is, because he makes my heart beat crazy even with those glasses. But now he’s not wearing any thick glasses, plain shirt and boring black pants, now he’s wearing an expensive tuxedo and his hair is firmly fixed.

He’s so handsome tonight, although I know that he’s handsome but he changed this time.

He really changed.

“A-Ashton” I whispered when our eyes met.

“Everyone meets my boyfriend Aston Lynx Del Mundo” Hazel said and smiled at everyone inside the gym. B-boyfriend?

“Woahhh congrats!!!!!” Everyone cheered and greeted them well, until they stood in front of me and Ash stared straight into my eyes, which I quickly avoided.

“Thanks to you Jan, without you Ash won’t change himself and realize that I’m the one he really likes, it was always worth it to use you for a cost” Hazel sweetly said but all the words came out from her mouth is trash.

“Ash seryoso ka ba dito?” Tanong ko at muling tiningnan si Ash sa kanyang mga mata. His eyes were heartless, I don’t see any signs of the real Ash I know.

“Yes, thanks for playing me, I finally see my worth” he coldly said before he turned his back on me and walked away.

“Here, you might need this for seeking a job” Hazel said and handed me a small envelope of money, before he followed Ash and talk to other people, I watch them dumb founded and I must say Ash really change and it makes him a great boyfriend for a rich kid like Hazel.

Tiningnan ko ang perang binigay sa akin ni Hazel bago tumalikod, pero sa kasamaang palad nakasalubong ko ang waiter na nagseserve ng wines kaya, “AY!” sigaw ko ng matumba sa sahig at maligo ng red wine.

Lahat ng tao ay nakatingin sa akin, ang iba ay nagsimulang mag tawanan sa pagkat naging pula ang puti kong dress, my eyes met his blank gaze that makes me shed tears, stand up and run away.

Umiyak ako habang tumatakbo papalayo sa lugar na iyon, ginamit lang ako ni Hazel! I stop and look at the money she gave me. “AHHHHH!!” I shouted out of frustration and pain, before I threw the money and ran home.

I have no right to be mad, for all of this my fault.

This is my karma.

“Jan nandya— teka anak anong nangyayari sayo bakit ka umiiyak” agad akong dumiretso sa kwarto ko at isinara ang pinto. Inaatake na ako ng hika kaya agad kong hinanap ang inhaler ko pero hindi ko ito makita sa loob ng aking bag. Malakas na ang tunog ang aking paghikbi at paghabol sa aking hininga, sumisikip na rin ang aking dibdib.

“Jan anak buksan mo ito” she was behind my door, but I don’t want her to see me like this, my vision started to get blurry as I lose air inside my body and I can’t really find my inhaler, sobrang hirap akong huminga at sobrang lakas na ng pag iyak ko.

“Jan buksan mo ito!!!” sigaw ni Mama pero hindi ko na magawang abutin pa ang pinto dahil nanghihina na ako at unti-unti nang dumidilim akong’ aking paningin. “M-ma” I tried to call her but I didn’t make any sound when I said that, I was just crying and gasping the whole time.

I slowly lay on the floor trying to sustain air inside my body but my asthma was overtaking all my strength. The door opened and my mother instantly ran towards me and put the inhaler on my mouth.

I desperately inhaler on it, para na akong aso sa sobrang lakas ng paghinga at paghigop ko dito. “Diyos ko anong nangyari sayo Jan” umiiyak na sambit ni Mama habang niyayakap ako.

I lean on her chest and keep gasping for air, while tears keep falling. This is my fault.

A weeks after, “Sorry Miss Rivera, we’ll call you again if there any space for you” pangalawang tawag na mula sa mga kumpanyang pinag aaplayan ko ito, at ni-isa sa kanila ay walang space at walang tumatanggap sa akin.

“AHHHH BIGYAN NIYO NA AKO NG TRABAHO PLEASE LANG!” sigaw ko habang nakaupo sa bubong ng bahay. Dahil dito lang malakas ang signal ng cellphone.

Walang gana akong pumasok sa loob ng bahay at tumuloy sa kusina kung saan nagluluto si Mama ng toge, “Ma wala pa rin daw space para sa aki––hmf” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang bumaliktad ang sikmura ko sa amoy ng toge.

Sumuka ako sa sink at biglang nakaramdam ng panghihina.

“Jan anak ilang araw ka nang ganyan” mahinang sambit ni Mama habang hinahagod ang aking likod, nang matapos akong sumuka hinarap ko siya ng may takot sa aking puso.

“Jan buntis ka ba anak?”

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: this story fiction name, characters, business, events, places,incidents are produced by the author’s imagination or dreams, any resemblance to the actual persons or events are purely confidencial.

this story might contain mature scene, strong language that are not suitable to very young readers, please read this at your own risk.

This story are purely unedited and have lots of error please if you have encaounters typo’s language error please bear with me, will try my best to fix it in any moment.

This is a Prequel THE DELICATE PREGNANT VIRGIN, OVERLY CRUEL & EPHEMERAL LOVE so I suggest that read them first before you read this story.

---

7 years later,

“The economic uncertainty driven by the Law charges and other new lunch resort business has pushed struggling companies over the edge into bankruptcy proceedings. Our company is one of those businesses facing bankruptcy. I’m sad to say that we are closing today and this is goodbye.” Ano!!!

“We will do our best to send help for other employees who will have a hard time searching for a job. We promise to reach out, in exchange for this irresponsible act for the company, thank you for staying with us for a long term” Ano! Hindi pa nga ako regular dito, magsasara na agad!!!

Hindi ko magawang isara ang pagkakanga-nga ko dahil sa mga nangyayari. Nakatulala kong’ tinanggap ang final pay for the last labor. “Pasensya na Rivera” sambit ng head manager namin na nag-aabot ng aming huling sweldo.

Dahan-dahan kong’ tinignan ang sobreng nasa aking kamay, hindi ko akalain na ngayon ko na matatanggap ang huli kong sweldo dito. Actually, pangalawa pa lang ito! Ano ba namang buhay ito oh!!!!

Kung kambal ka nga naman ng malas oh!

“We will reach out” the boss said, and slowly all the employees started packing their things and leaving the building. Ganon din ang aking ginawa kahit hindi pa rin talaga nagproprocess sa akin na wala na akong trabaho bukas.

“Seryoso ba ito?” bulong ko.

---

“1340 plus 3468 minus 235 divided by 21 equals?” I whisper while reading my son’s homework. Why do kids these days have this kind of question on their homework, samantalang ako highschool ko na natutunan mag divide and I was 12 years old already at that time.

I was about to turn my back and call for help from a calculator when, “4796.80952381 or 4796.81” my lips literally parted when he answered it so fast. Nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng harapin siya at makitang tila wala lang sa kanya ang pagsolve sa math question na iyon.

“6789 plus 1349 minus 456 divided by 90 equals 8132.93” halos bumagsak ang aking panga ng panoodin siyang i-solve ang homework niya. “Hindi mo na pala kailangan ng tulong ko” Sambit ko at nag krus ng braso sa aking dibdib.

He fixes his glasses, “I didn’t ask for help Ma, ikaw po ang nagpupumilit tulungan ako” sambit niya at tila hindi ako binigyan ng kahit konting sulyap. Hindi ko alam kung pilosopo ba ang anak ko o sadyang ganito lang talaga siya makipag usap.

“Hmf!” agad kong nilingon ang tumawa sa aming likuran, at tiningnan siya ng masama. “Kasi naman Jan, alam mo namang matalino yang anak mo, sisiw lang sa kanya yang homework niya kaya dapat hindi kana nag-abala pa hahahaha” Seah said while ironing her uniform. She laughs so loud that’s why I glare at her and look at Willow. “Willow oh!!!” sumbong ko pero tumawa lang si Willow at umiling-iling.

“I can do this Ma, you can rest” bumalik ang atensyon ko sa anak ko ng magsalita siya at halos patapos na siya sa assignment niya.

Hindi ko na nagawang magsalita, dahan-dahan na lang akong tumayo at hinarap sila Seah at Willow. Umupo ako sa sofa at pabagsak na isinandal ang aking ulo sa sa gilid nito bago pumikit. “Paano naging ganyan katalino ang anak ko?” bulong ko.

“Malamang mana sa tat––tata niyang maganda” sambit ni Seah at hindi tinuloy ang totoong sasabihin ng tingnan ko siya ng masama. “You’re so careless Seah” sambit ni Willo habang busy pa rin sa kanyang ginagawa.

“Sorry” Bulong ni Seah at nag peace sign sa akin, I just glared at her before I rested my head once again. “Wala na naman akong trabaho” mahina kong sambit pero kapalit non’ ay ang malakas na pagbaba ng plantsa at laptop nilang dalawa.

“ANO!! NANAMAN!!!” sigaw nilang dalawa, kung kaya’t napapikit at takip ako ng tenga sa lakas ng boses nilang dalawa. “Edi ba kakaumpisa mo pa lang dyan last two months!!!” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Seah kaya mas lalo akong napapikit, mali siya isang buwan at kalahati pa lang ako doon.

“Isa’t kalahating buwan palang siya doon” mahinang sambit ni Willow na lalong nagpanga-nga kay Seah. “BAKIT!!!” sigaw nito sa akin bago ako binato ng unan mula sa couch.

Sinalo ko ito bago sinagot ang kanyang tanong, “Nag ka bankruptcy problem ang kumpanya” bulong ko.

“Ano ba naman yan, bakit ba lagi kang sinusundan ng kamalasan, nong nakaraan nasunog yong banko na pinagtatrabahuhan mo at sa araw pa ng pag-iisang taon mo doon! Tapos ngayon ganito pa wala pang dalawang buwan!!” pinatay ni Seah ang plantsa bago umupo sa tabi ko at tila nanghihinayang din para sa akin.

“Wala karma ko na ata ito habang buhay” mahina kong sambit bago sila tiningnan, nagbuntong hininga si Willow bago tumayo at umupo rin sa aking tabi. “Ano ka ba lahat ng bagay may katapusan, yung karma mo noon, tapos na iyon at isa pa alam kong makakahanap ka rin ng trabaho agad” she said and hold my hand.

I smile at her and look at Seah, she looks so problematic about it, “Bakit ganyan mukha mo?” tanong ko sa kanya, “Daig mo pa ako, excuse me ako kaya ang nawalan ng trabaho dito” sambit ko, “Kasi naman nakakainis” she said, I know she care a lot.

“Bakit natatakot ka ba na hindi ako makakapagbigay ng share dito sa renta ng apart––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng magsalita siya at hinampas ang aking hita gamit ang unan na nasa tabi niya.

“SIRA BAKIT NAMAN AKO MATATAKOT! KAHIT HINDI KANA MAGBIGAY ANO KA BA JAN!” sigaw niya at niyakap ako. I know she would react like this; I urge a smile before hugged them back. “Ok lang ito makakahanap ako ng panibagong trabaho wag kayong mag-alala” sambit ko.

“Ma tapos na po” nilingon namin ang anak ko ng ipakita nito ang tapos niyang homework. “Tapos mo na agad?” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, “Yes, it’s easy Ma” he said, stood up and remove his glasses.

“Oh, sige kumain ka na pala ng sopas dyan” I said and pointed at the bowl on the dining table. He looks at it before he flinches, He hates eating. “Maybe later, or never” he said and ran inside our room.

“HOY BATA KA KUMAIN KA SABI EH!” I stood up, and walked towards the door. It’s locked. “BUKSAN MO ITO!!!” sigaw ko pero hindi na ito sumagot pa, at siguradong hindi na ako nito papansinin kahit anong katok ko dito.

“EIGHT BUKSAN MO ITO ANO BA!!!!” I still tried it, kahit alam kong hindi ako pagbubuksan nito. “EIGHT WAG MONG HINTAYING MAGALIT AKO, ANO BA BUKSAN MO ITO!” kinakalabog ko na ang pinto pero wala itong talab sa kanya.

“Oh,” napalingon ako kay Willow ng abutan niya ako ng susi ng pinto. Agad ko itong kinuha ang binuksan ang pinto, nakita ko si Eight na nakahiga sa kama at nagbabasa na naman ng libro.

“TYRANT AUGUST RIVERA, HUMANDA KA SA AKIN!” I said and jumped into the bed, attacking him with tickles. “MA!!! HAHAHA STOP!” This little guy always acts like a grown-up man, but in fact he’s so cute and still my baby.

“SINABI NI MAMA KUMAIN NG SOPAS YAN DIBA, MAKULIT NA ANG EIGHT NI MAMA HA! ITONG SAYO” maloko kong sambit at tinadtad siya ng halik.

He giggled so loud and that is the cutest giggled I will always want to hear.

After that tyring play, I made him eat the sopas and after that he read again and slowly fall asleep, dahan-dahan kong kinuha ang libro mula sa kanyang kamay bago ito ibinalik sa bookshelf na pinagawa ni Willow para sa kanya. Tinanggal ko na rin ang salamin niya bago siya inayos sa pagkakahiga at kinumutan ng maayos.

I let out a deep breath before I lay beside him and gently rub his hair. I’m living here with my cousin Seah and our friend Willow, nangupahan kami ng apartment dito sa manila para malapit sa aming mga trabaho.

Pero ngayon wala na naman akong trabaho kaya alam kong mahihirapan na naman kami nito, ayaw ko rin naman umasa na lang sa pinsan ko at kay Willow. Sobrang dami na nilang ginawa para sa amin.

Habang pinagmamasdan si Eight napatingin ako sa papaubos ng inhaler sa side table, dalawa ito dahil isa para sa akin at isa para kay Eight, dahil sa lahat ng pwede niyang manahin mula sa akin ay yong hika ko pa.

kamukhang-kamukha siya ng Tatay niya, pati ang ugali nito ay kuhang-kuha niya kaya naniniwala talaga ako na may kadikit akong malas dahil kamalasan din ang ibinigay ko sa anak ko. Pero ginagawa ko pa rin ang lahat, ngayon nasa grade three na si Eight at may scholarship siya mula sa private school na pinag-aaralan niya ngayon, kaya hindi ako masyadong namomroblema doon.

Pero kahit na ganun nais ko pa rin iparanas kay Eight lahat ng karangyaan na para sa kanya, itinago at hindi ko ipinaalam sa kahit na sino ang tungkol sa kanya maliban sa aking pamilya at kay Seah, Willow.

Hindi rin ito alam ng ama niya, at mas mabuti na ring hindi niya alam na may anak siya dahil sobrang layo na ng narating nito. Alam kong masisira lang namin ni Eight ang magandang buhay nito sa oras na nalaman niyang nag eexist si Eight.

Kaya ko namang buhayin si Eight, at kakayanin ko kahit ano man’ ang mangyari. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at agad naghanap ng maarig pasukan na trabaho sa internet. Sana naman ay pagpalain ako kahit ngayon lang ho ulit, magkaroon lang ho ako ng trabaho please lang lord.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong gumising at naabutang nagluluto ng almusal si Willow, “SI seah?” tanong ko habang dumudukot ng garlic bread na kanyang niluluto. “Maaga daw ng duty kaya umalis ng madaling araw” she answered while cooking eggs.

“Ako din maaga akong aalis ngayon, maghahanap ako ng trabaho ikaw na muna bahala kay Eight ah, pahingi ako nito, “ naglagay ako ng garlic bread sa isang plastic bag bago ito pinasok sa aking bag at nagpaalam, “BYE!” tumakbo ako palabas ng apartment at mabilis na bumaba ng hagdan.

“Manong Jojo!!!” sigaw ko ng makitang saktong padaan ang paborito kong tricycle driver. “Magandang umaga Jan, utang mo” he said, I laugh at him seat inside his tricycle and say, “Si Manong Jojo naman oh, next week ko nalang bayaran iyon, total sobrang gwapo mo naman ngayon eh tignan mo oh, bagay na bagay sayo ang walang ngipin ang cute nyo para kayong baby face” biro ko.

Wala na lang itong nagawa kung hindi napakamot sa ulo, at ngumiti. “Hala sige, nadaan mo na naman ako sa biro mo, saan ba ang punta?” tanong niya, I smile at him and say the address of the company I’m going to apply for.

“Dagdag ito sa utang mo ah” he said, “Oo naman po Baby Jojo hahaha” I joked and we head to my target company to apply for.

Mga ilang minuto lang ay nakarating na kami sa malaking kumpanyang ito, bumababa ako at halos mabali ang leeg ko sa pagtingala sa dahil sa sobrang taas ng building na ito. “Abot ba nito ang langit?” bulong ko. “Mukhang abot” napalingon ako kay Manong Jojo ng sumabat siya at tila nakatingala rin sa aking tabi.

I smiled before I exhaled and cheered myself up, “HA!” I chanted, hinarap ko si Manong Jojo bago hinawakan ang magkabila niyang pisngi, “Magsilbi kang pampaswerte Manong Jojo” sambit ko bago hinalikan ang makitab niyang ulo dahil may pagkakalbo siya eh to the point na buhok sa balbas na lang ang meron siya sa mukha the rest mukhang makitab na bola ng manghuhula na.

“Loko ka talaga Jan!” Hinghal nito kaya tumawa ako at tuluyang naglakad papalapit sa entrance ng kumpanya.

“Good morning Miss, saan po ang punta nila?” salubong sa aking ng guard. “Ah mag-aapply sana ako, may hiring kasi akong nakita sa internet” sagot ko at ngumiti ng pagkalaki-laki.

“Naku ma’am hindi kasi tumatanggap ng mga magaapply na walk in dito, kunin ko na lang ho yong resume nyo tapos maghintay na lang kayo ng tawag” kinuha nito ang resume ko bago pumasok sa loob at iniwan ako dito na nakatanga lang.

“Ganon pala dito” bulong ko bago tumalikod at nakitang papaalis na si Manong Jojo. “MANONG JOJO!!!” sigaw ko at hinabol siya, “Bakit?” tanong niya. “Pasabay na lang ulit pauwi tatawagan na lang daw ako eh” sambit ko.

“Nako naman Jan, doble na ang utang mo sa akin ah” he said, I just laugh at him and step inside, nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi dahil sa pakiramdam na hindi ako matatanggap sa trabahong ito.

“Malas na naman Jan” bulong ko sa aking sarili bago umuwi ng bahay.

Nakakapanghina ng loob pero kakayanin, para sa anak ko.

“Tiwala lang Jan, tiwala lang”

“Oh bakit bumalik ka kaagad” tanong ni Willow ng buksan ko ang pinto, gising na si Eight at kumakain na ng almusal. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at kumagat sa sandwich na hawak niya.

“7:23 palang ah, tapos agad? Hindi ka natanggap?” patuloy na tanong ni Willow habang tinitingnan ang relo niya. Bagsak balikat akong sumagot, “Tatawagan na lang daw ako, at isa pa di daw sila tumatanggap ng walk in, daming arte” bulong ko ng bandang huli kong sinabi.

“Nako, pag ganyan ibig sabihin hindi ka tanggap, at kailan pa nag bawal ng walk in s apagaapply, kalokohan” singhal ni Willow. Dahil sa sinabi niya napangiti na lang ako at kumain kasama si Eight.

Edi kung ayaw nila sa akin, edi wag maghahanap ako ulit ng iba!

“So, ano ako pa rin ba ang maghahatid kay Eight oh ikaw na?” Tanong niya pagkatapos kumain, inaayos ko ang necktie ni Eight ng tanungin niya iyon kaya agad akong sumagot, “Ako na lang din, total nakabihis na rin ako” she nodded and washes the dishes.

Dahi writer si Willow, sa bahay lang siya nagtatrabaho at hawak niya oras niya kaya kadalasan siya ang nag-aalaga kay Eight pagwala ako. “Ready ka na?” I whispered to my son, he nodded and fixed his glasses before I held his hand and stepped outside the apartment.

Dahil malapit lang ang school niya sumakay na lang kami ng tricycle ulit, sayang tinaguan na ako ni Manong Jojo edi nakalibre sana. Tumuloy kami sa school niya, “Oh, ito ang baon mo, mag-aral ka ng mabuti ah” I said while we’re standing in front of the gate, bawal na kasi parents sa loob.

“Yes, Ma” he said, leading closer and kissing my cheeks before he went inside.

“Bye!” I wave at him, watch him walk inside the school with his big pack bag filled with books.

“Tignan mo oh, yan yong nanay nong batang matalino na sinasabi ni Junny ko, disgrasyada kaya walang ama yong bata” natigilan ako ng marinig ang mahinang bulungan na iyon mula sa dalawang nanay na nasa likuran ko.

“Ay kawawa naman yung bata, ang gwapo at matalino pa naman din walang ama” tumaas ang kilay ko dahil sa pagka chismosa ng mga pugitang ito, kaya nanlalaking mata ko silang hinarap pero bago ko pa ibuka ang bibig ko tumunog ang cellphone ko.

Kinuha at sinagot ko ang tawag mula sa unregistered number, “Hello?” tanong ko.

“Is this Miss January Hillary Rivera?” isa itong babae na mukhang profesional may salita. “Yes” sagot ko. “Yes, I’m Ellie from D.M. corporation, your resume reaches us and you are qualified for the job. If you have spare time today, would you like to attend the interview?” napanganga ako dahil sa sinabi nito na ikinapagtaka ng chismosa sa harapan ko.

“Sure, sure, sure pupunta na ako ngayon na” sagot ko, “Great, see you in a minute I guess” she said and I turn off the call. “AHHHHHHH!” dahil sa tuwa ko ay pinaghahampas ko sa kilig ang dalawang chismosa na ito. “ARAY!” sigaw nila kaya tumigil ako at nginitian sila ng pagkatamis-tamis.

“Hi, I’m disgrasyada” I playfully said before I stick my tongue out and make face in front of them, “Panget nyo… PO” magalang kong sambit bago umalis at tumuloy sa kumpanya.

“You are hired Miss Rivera, welcome to the company” hindi ko mapigilan ang aking pag ngiti dahil sa tuwa, may trabaho na ako. “Thank you so much” I said, shaking hands with her before I stood up.

Magpapaalam na sana ako ng may tumawag sa telepono sa kanyang tabi, sinagot niya ito at sunod-sunod na tumango. She finished talking on the phone and looked at me with a smile on her face. “The CEO wants to see you” she said, at walang pagdadalawang isip na naglakad palabas ng HR office.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi sundan siya sa pinakamataas na floor ng building at dumiretso kami sa CEO’s office. “Dahil secretary ka, dito ang magiging table mo” sa labas ng pinto ng CEO’s office ang table ko.

Teka? Secretary? Hindi iyon ang inapplayan kong’ trabaho ah? Mabilis kong binuklat ang resume ko at tiningnan ito, nanlaki ang mata ko ng pinalitan nila ang Finance assistant ng Secretary of the CEO.

“Teka miss hindi ito ang trabahong inapplayan ko” sambit ko pero nginitian niya lang ako at binuksan ang pinto ng CEO’s office. “Yan lang ang available eh” she said, gently pushed me inside and closed the door.

Hindi ako ready sa ganito! Bakit ba hindi ko ito tiningnan kanina!

I instantly gulp when the CEO fakes a cup before he slowly turns his chair. My world just stopped when he faced me and our eyes met.

Bumababa ang mata ko sa name plate na sa harapan ng table niya at binasa ito. It says Ashton Lynx Del Mundo, CEO of D.M. Corp. (Del Mundo Corporations).

DM… D-del Mundo, ANG TANGA MO JAN BAKIT HINDI MO NAKITA IYON.

“Rivera” he calls my surname.

“Del Mundo,” I whisper.

Chapter 2

Ashton Lynx Del Mundo, CEO of D.M. Corp. (Del Mundo Corporations).

DM… D-del Mundo, ANG TANGA MO JAN BAKIT HINDI MO NAKITA IYON.

“Rivera” he calls my surname. “Del Mundo,” I whisper. Teka totoo ba ito? Baka panaginip lang ito, pasimple kong kinurot ang aking hita upang siguraduhin. “Hssss” napainda ako ng konti dahil Tangina totoo nga.

He peeps on my resume with that serious face and slowly look back at me, “Rivera, January Hillary” he whispers and keep saying my whole name, tila kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko ng marinig muli ang kanyang boses sa sobrang tagal ng panahon, it’s been seven long years.

Gaya ng nakikita ko sa mga magazines, mas nagmatured na siya, he looks like a very powerful businessman, he even looks better that the last time I saw him.

He was staring straight at me, and I couldn’t move a muscle. I know that there is a possibility that I will meet him again, but I didn’t expect that it would be in this kind of situation.

The way he gape at me, makes me sweat so hard, even though the whole room is air conditioned, parang gusto kong mapaihi dahil sa halo-halong emosyon na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Bakit sa dinami-rami ng kumpanyang pwedi kong pasukan ito pa ang pinasukan ko sa puntong ito.

Ikakamatay ko na ba ito? Alam niya kaya ang tungkol sa anak ko? Oh, diyos ko parang awa mo na wag po. Hindi niya na kailangan malaman ang tungkol sa anak ko.

Kailangan kong ipakita na sa kanya na wala lang ito sa akin, na wala akong tinagong importante sa kanya, kailangan mong umaktong parang wala lang Jan. pilit kong sambit sa aking sarili. Wala siyang alam! At wala kailanman.

I urge a fake smile and stand straight, act like I’m still cheerful in this fucking situation, “Asht––” hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin ng biglang nagbago ang kanyang expression, at ang aura sa kanyang paligid.

He suddenly leers at me, uplifting that powerful aura around him that seems to make the whole room uncomfortable for me. I didn’t show him how I flinch a little and try my best to hide this fear he’s building up inside of me. “It isn’t germane to call a CEO with his first name Miss” he seriously said, making me part my lips a little bit.

“January” he uttered my name once again, it’s making me weak. “Sounds familiar” he whispered, I was stiff when he said that, he’s acting like he doesn’t know me. “I think I heard your name somewhere, well probably in a calendar, I guess” he sarcastically uttered and looked at my resume, moving to the second page of it, where my diploma’s comfiled.

“We went to the same university, do we know each other?” he asks and looks at me like he knows nothing, making me confused. Joke ba ito? “Ahm—” I didn’t have a chance to speak when he continued talking. “Well enough with this, I just wanna ask you one thing” I gulp when he gazes again.

“Will you be able to cope up with the pressure?” he asked, “Ye—” again, he cut me off, “This company is no joke, this corporation isn’t just a single entity, this is a wide branch of composed individual companies. I need a person who would be able to cope up under pressure, not fake, liar and useless in the workplace.” hindi ko alam kung ako lang ba ito o sadyang may double meaning ang sinasabi niya.

“I can work understre—” hindi na naman ako natapos dahil nagsalita siya agad, “Better prove that, co’z I won’t be investing to people who is not capable of being true and loyal…” Iba talaga eh, “When it comes to work” he continued.

Aston swing his swivel chair to face the side where there is a good view from above here, hindi na ako nagsalita dahil, hindi ko rin naman alam ang sasabihin ko sa pagkat hindi ko magawang mag-isip ng matino sa puntong ito.

Kung ngayon pa lang ay nanginginig na ako sa kakaibang pakikitungo niya, mas mabuti pa atang maghanap na lang ako ng ibang trabaho. “Being my secretary should maintain the smooth running of an office through a variety of administrative and , particularly my meeting with the investors, board members. You should carefully and neatly handle my office schedules, coordinate meetings and visits, organize files, answer phones and perform a huge array of other essential tasks for my proposals.” he kept on talking but the only thing that is running on my mind right now is to seek a new job instead.

“Ahm magbabackou—” hindi na talaga ako nakapagsalita, “You must work and input to your mind that your work should be fast but steady. I want everything neat as I work. Office ru—” ako naman ang hindi nagpatapos sa kanya ngayon at malakas na nagsalita. “Hindi na po ako tutuloy magtrabaho dito Sir” I said.

He stopped, intertwined both hands and rested his chin on it, while staring straight into my eyes. “Too late” he whispered and smirked. Itinaas niya ang isang paper na nagsasabing employee’s contract na pinirmahan ko kanina sa HR office. “You already signed 2 years contract Miss Rivera, it’s too impulsive of you signing in and intanly backing up, that is not professionalism, if you continue showing this kind of attitude in my pride” tumigil siya at ngumiti na mala demonyo, hindi talaga ito ang Ash na nakilala ko.

He glances at his watch and lean back through his chair, “You’ll start tomorrow, 7 am asap” tumayo siya at walang sabi-sabing naglakad at tumigil sa tabi ko. We are facing the opposite side but I could see him smirking devilishly. “Welcome to Del Mundo Corporations Jan” he said before he steps out of this suffocating office and leave me hanging, dumb founded.

Hindi maganda ito, “Ahh lord panginoon, guide me” I whisper, bago ako lumabas ng opisinang iyon at tuluyang lumabas sa kumpanyang ito. Sumakay ako ng tricycle pauwi at naabutang nagsusulat si Willow.

“AHHHHHHHH I’M DOOMED NA TALAGA WILLOW, PATAYIN NYO NALANG AKO, KAYO NA ANG BAHALA KAY EIGHT, IPAGKAKATIWALA KO SAYO ANG PAG-AARAL NIYA, KAY SEAH NAMAN ANG LIFE HEALTH NIYA, MAY KONTI AKONG IPON SA BANK ACCOUNT NIYA SABIHIN MO GAMITIN NIYA IYON SA PAGPAPATAYO NG SARILI NIYANG BAHAY, PAKAININ NYO SIYA LAGI NG BROCCOLI, PAGNAGKAGIRLFRIEND NA SIYA I-ENTEROGATE NYO, HANAPAN NG PERSONAL BACKGROUND TAPOS PAGIKAKASAL SIYA SABIHIN MO DALHIN NIYA ANG PICTURE KO SA ALTAR PARA MAPANOOD KO KAHIT PAPAANO ANG KASAL NG ANAK KO KAHIT PATAY NA AKO. TAPOS PAGNAGKAAPO NA AKO WAHHHHHH SANA KAMUKHA KO TAP––” isang throw pillow ang tumama sa mukha ko kaya natigilan ako at pabagsak na humiga sa sofa.

“Hoy! Ano bang pinagsasabi mo dyan?” Kunot noong tanong ni Willow sa akin bago isinara ang laptop at tumaya ng nakapamewang sa aking harapan. I pouted and hit my chest. “Nakatanim na ata ang kamalasan sa akin Willow WAHHHHH” umupo ako at niyakap ang hita niya. “Huh?” naguguluhang tanong niya.

“May trabaho na ako wahhhhh huhu” I was crying out loud on her legs but I didn’t shed tears. “Oh, anong iniiyak mo dyan kung may trabaho ka na pala?” tanong niya sa akin.

“Boss ko ang Tatay ni Eight” sambit ko bago yumuko at nagpatuloy sa pagdadrama.

“Seryoso ba?” tanong niya bago hinawakan ang baba ko at iniharap sa kanya, I nodded while pouting. “Oh my gosh” her lips turn into a big letter O before she, “AHHHHHHHH ANG GANDANG PLOT NG STORY KO YAN!!!!” she shouted and pushed me away and ran back to her laptop.

“Wow galeng” sarkastiko kong’ sambit bago pabagsak na humiga sa sofa. Anong gagawin ko?

Lumipas ang ilang oras na nakahilata ako sa sofa at walang ibang na isip kung ano ang dapat kong gawin ngayon, pero ni isang sagot wala akong nakalap.

“PATAYIN NYO NA LANG AKO” sambit ko, at biglang bumukas ang pinto ng bahay. Agad akong humarap sa pinto at nakita ang anak kong hinuhubad ang kanyang sa patos, teka, tumingin ako sa orasan at 12 pm pa lang bakit umuwi na ito?

“Eight, bakit nandito ka?” tanong ko bago tamad na bumababa mula sa sofa at umupo sa sahig. “They suspended the class Ma/” he said, fixing his glasses before he put his uneaten lunch box on the table and headed straight to our room. “Anak ko ba iyon? Oh, matandang lalake?” Tanong ko.

“Anak mo na matandang lalake” sagot ni Willow at patuloy pa rin sa pagtatype. Wala na akong ibang narinig dito sa loob ng bahay kung hindi ang tunog ng keyboard ng laptop niya.

“Eight, kakain na” sambit ko ng ihain ko na ang tanghalian namin dito sa lamesa, habang tinatawag siya kumuha ako ng kain at ulam at inilagay sa isang mangkok, bago inabot sa busy na si Willow. “Thank you, love you” she said, still not giving any glance, g na g siya sa sinusulat niya. Ni-hindi man lang nag-alala sa sitwasyon at problema ko.

I just shake my head and start eating with Eight for lunch, “Kailan nga pala ang kuhaan ng card niyo nak?” tanong ko habang ipinaghihimay siya ng tilapia. “I already have it, kukunin ko po” sambit niya at tumakbo sa loob ng kwarto. Ilang saglit lang ay lumabas siya dala-dala ang card niya.

He handed it to me before he goes back eating, nang buksan ko ito ang GWA niya agad ang nakita ko, napanga-nga ako ng makitang 99.5 ang final grade niya. Almost 100 na, talaga bang anak ko ito.

I smile and kiss him, “Anong gusto mong itreat ko sayo nak? Dali sabihin mo bibilhin ni Mama, dahil deserve mo” I sweetly said while fixing his bangs. “Treat me nothing Ma, Hindi ko po kailangan ng reward for that, I did that because I want to and if there is someone that should be treated right now, it should be you, because of that I’ll treat you a kiss Ma kahit na wala kang nasasagutan sa homework ko haha” he said and kiss me on my forehead.

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako sa sinabi niya o maiinsulto, sinubukan ko naman sagutin pero tangina may mga pinag-aaralan talaga tayo na dapat kinakalimutan na pag grumaduate na, at kasama doon ang math. Tumawa at ngumiti na lang ako at nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain.

Pero kahit na sinabi niyang ayaw niya ng treat, bibilhan ko pa rin siya. Alam kong matagal niya nang gustong magkaroon ng J.K Rowling book kaya bibilhan ko siya. Nang matapos kumain gaya ng ugali ni Eight tumulong siya magbanlaw ng hugasin bago pumasok sa kwarto at nagbasa ng libro.

Kinuha ko ang tyansang iyon na lumabas ng bahay sandali ng hindi niya napapansin, bibilhan ko siya ng libro sa national bookstore. Mabilis akong nakarating sa mood at dumiretso sa National Bookstore, I bought him a Happy Potter and the Philosoper’s stone at agad umuwi ng bahay.

Sumilip ako sa kwarto kung saan naabutan siyang idinidikit ang natanggal na pahina ng libro niya, luma na kasi ang mga ito kaya kusa na ng naghihiwalay ang ilang pahina.

He was so serious fixing it, kaya pinanood ko muna siya at biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko ng makita si Ash sa kanya, I gasp a bit loud because of that. My heart beats so fast. Napalingon sa akin si Eight. “Ma?” he asked.

Bumalik ako sa aking sarili at ngumiti, “Wala lang nak hahaha sige basa ka lang” I said turn my back and hide the book on Seah’s room. Bukas ko na lang ibibigay sa kanya.

We had dinner together at gaya ng routine hugas ng plato at pagpatak ng 1 am kailangan ko gumising para pagbuksan ng pinto si Seah. pumupungas pungas kong binuksan ang pinto, “TOTOO BA?!” pero tuluyan akong nagising ng hawakan niya ang magkabilang braso ko.

“Huh?” tanong ko, “Gaga totoo ba yong tinext sa akin ni Willow, Boss mo daw si Ash—hmmm” tinakpan ko ang bibig niya bago isinara ang pinto at hinila siya papasok. “Oo” bulong ko.

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata at tianggal ang aking kamay sa kanyang bibig, “Oh my ampalaya!!! Paano yan?” tanong niya.

Bagsak balikat akong umiling ng walang kumpsyansa sa buhay, “Hindi ko rin alam” bulong ko. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman yong bigat ng sitwasyon na ito, at ang kirot na dulot ng presensya ni Ashton sa buhay ko.

“Basta ganito na langa ng gawin mo, isipin mo Boss mo lang siya at hindi mo siya kilala, hindi siya ang ama ng anak mo at hindi siya ang lalaking minaha––” I stop her with a glared and said, “Hindi”

“Ay hindi pala haha” she said and laugh.

Tama iisipin ko na lang na hindi ko siya kilala at hindi siya malaking parte ng buhay ko.

Sino ba si Ashton Lynx Del Mundo?

Kinabukasan habang natutulog pa si Eight inilagay ko sa tabi niya ang librong binili ko bago naligo at nagbihis, I just wore a simple white dresser shirt and a black ankle pants. Black heels. Itinali ko rin ang aking buhok bago nag ayos ang naglagay ng make up.

“Seah, sabay ako sayo” sambit ko, pagkasalabas ko ng kwarto at naabutan siyang inaayos ang net sa buhok niya. “Sige sige” sambit niya. Naghanda ako ng lunch box ni EIght para mamaya at almusal nila Willow, nagbaon na rin ako para sa akin dahil ayaw ko nang gumastos para sa tanghalian ko mamaya.

“Tara na?” tanong ni Seah habang papalabas na ng bahay, I drink a cup of coffee before I nodded and follow her outside, pero palabas pa lang ako ng pinto ng biglang may yumakap sa bewang ko at isiniksik ang mukha sa aking tiyan. I chuckled and joke, “Bakit? Gusto mo bumalik sa tiyan ni Mama?” he looked up to me and frowned those thick brows.

I laugh and stroke his hair, “I love you Ma, thank you for this” he whispers and showed me his new book, “I love you more” I said before I bend down and kiss his head, “Sige na papasok na si Mama, nag almusal ka na dyan ok, see you later” he cheerfully nodded and watch us leave.

Eight is not that showy kid, he’s more of a serious, genius and sarcastic attitude but deep inside he’s that sweet and charming little boy.

“Oh, safety first” sambit ni Seah ng iabot niya sa akin ang extra helmet niya, sinuot ko ito at sumakay na sa likuran niya. May scooter si Seah para madali siyang makapasok at dito ako laging sumasabay.

Ilang minuto lang ay nandito na kami sa tapat ng kumpanya, tinanggal ko ang helmet at inayos ang aking buhok. “Mag-ingat ka ah” sambit ko bago ngumiti sa kanya. “Oo naman ako pa ba?” mayabang na sambit nito.

I smile at her and watch her leave but slowly I realize that I saw my bag left on her scooter, pero tangina malayo na siya. “AHHHHH SEAH!!!!” sigaw ko.

Wala akong choice kung hindi sumakay ng jeep at habulin siya, kung minamalas ka nga naman. 6:45 na!!!

Nang makarating sa tapat ng hospital, tumakbo ako papasok at agad siyang hinabol. Nakasabit sa packbag niya ang bag ko. Saktong papasok na siya sa isang pinto ng marinig niya ako at gulat akong tiningnan. “Oh, bakit nandito ka?” tanong niya. Nagbuntong hininga ako bago siya hinila patalikod at kinuha ang sumabot kong pag sa packback niya, at ipinakita ito sa kanya.

“Ay!” sambit niya, kinuha ko ang inhaler ko at ginamit muna ito bago ako napa sulyap sa wall clock dito sa hospital. 6:59 na!!! “SHIT!” sambit ko bago nagmamadaling iniwan si Seah doon at mabilis na lumabas ng hospital kaso. “Aray!” nabangga ako sa kung sino. Nang tingnan ko ito, “Gwapo” bulong ko, para akong nakakita ng anghel na bumababa sa langit, nakasuot siya ng puting uniforme at napakagwapo niya.

Ang bango pa, “I’m sorry Miss, I wasn’t looking where I’m going to, I’m badly sorry” he apologized and looked so worried. I smile and “Wala, ok lang pala haha di pala masakit” pabbe kong sambit.

Dahan-dahang bumababa ang aking tingin sa kanyang uniforme at binasa ang pangalan nito sa lab gown na suot niya. DOC. L.E. HERRERA, iyon Doctor siya, shems ito na ba ang futur– napatingin ako sa wrist watch niya at nakitang 7:00 am na!!!

“AYYYY LATE NA AKO!!!!!” sigaw ko, at agad tumawag ng jeep at sumakay dito.

I was so scared every time one minute passed by, “Punyeta traffic pa!” bulong ko, lumingon sa akin si Manong driver at nakasimangot na nagsalita, “Edi kung ayaw mo sa traffic ne, lumipad ka” he said, tumaas ang kilay ko dahil doon, joke time ba ito ah?

“Sorry manong pinutol kasi yung pakpak ko ng bumababa ako mula langit kaya hindi ako makalipad” pilosopo kong sagot bago siya ngiinitian ang pagkatamis-tamis.

Nakakainis naman, 7:20 na! Patay ako nito!

Halos mag quarter to 8 na ako nakarating sa kumpanya, paglabas ko pa lang sa elevator ay agad ko nang nakita siyang nakatayo sa harapan ng pinto ng kanyang opisina.

Parang may kung anong itim na usok ang lumalabas mula sa kanya, at tila ang tiningin nito ay nakakamatay. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad papalapit sa kanya habang punong-puno ako ng pawis.

The moment I stand in front of him, he hazes and…

“You’re fucking late Rivera!!!”

Chapter 3

“You’re fucking late Rivera!!!” Halos napapikit ako dahil sa kakaibang tono ng kanyang boses, tila ba sobrang laki ng kasalanan na aking ginawa dahil sa tono nito. Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ang aking mga mata at tiningnan ito.

“Didn’t I say 7:00 am A.S.A.P!!!!” napaatras ako sa takot ng kanyang boses, “S-sorry nagt-traffic kasi sa bandang—–” he cut me. “Traffic was never an excuse Rivera! You should come here earlier if you know that you’ll possibly get stuck in traffic!” he said.

Luh, hindi ko naman alam na magtratraffic ng ganun katagal ah, “Sorry Sir” iyon na lamang ang sinagot ko, nakasimangot ako nitong inismidan bago pumasok sa loob ng kanyang opisina at padabog na isinara ang pinto.

I cover my ears because of it, and slowly sit on my table. Pero kakaupo ko pa lang ay biglang lumabas muli siya sa kanyang opisina at, “Scan all of this file and send it to me at the end of the day” napanga-nga na lang ako sa sobrang daming files ang ipinatong niya sa aking harapan.

“Since my secretary backout a week ago, this is a whole last week record of company files. Finish it today. He said that while he’s busy with his phone and after I nodded, he started walking inside of his office again.

Napatingala ako ng konti habang nakatulalang pinagmasdan ang mga files na ito, ngayon araw? “Lahat ng ito?” bulong ko. Halos sobrang bagal ko kumilos dahil hindi ako makapaniwala na ito ang bubungad sa unang araw ko dito.

“Seryoso ba?” Tanong ko sa aking sarili bago tinanaw mula sa glass window si Ash, he was reading and not using any glasses. Sa pagkakaalam ko malabo na ang mata niya ah. Napatalon ako sa gulat ng bigla siyang tumingin sa akin, dahilan upang magtama ang aming mga tingin.

He blankly stared at me and pointed at his wrist watch before he mouthed the word, don’t fucking waste time. Kaya mabilis pa sa alaskwartro akong tumalikod at nagsimulang trabahuhin ang mga files na ito. “Kaya ko ito!” bulong ko sa aking sarili bago nabuntong hininga at lakas loob na nagsimula, dahil alam kong matatapos ko ito ngayong araw.

I scan, search, type, scan again, print, record, scan again, print again, type, sear— “Hi, New Secretary?” natigilan ako sa pagscan ng may babaeng nagsalita sa harapan ng table ko.

“Huh?” I whispered, she smiled so sweetly before she chuckled and greeted me, “Hi, you are the New Secretary, right?” her voice was so soft and calm, she’s wearing a pink corporate attire that makes her so pretty and fresh. When she smiles wider, I’ve notice that she has braces, pasok na pasok siya sa crush ng bayan.

“Oo” Tugon ko, tumango siya at naglagay ng pink na paper bag sa taas ng mga papeles na nakakalat sa table ko, “Macaroons” she said, “Talaga?” tanong ko at tiningnan ang laman nito, mukhang masarap. “Yes, I heard kasi na darating na ang bagong secretary ngayon kaya nag bake ako, I’m friends with the old one, kaya I’m hoping that I can be friends with the new one too, the name is Genevieve Louise Arial, you can call me Louise” sobrang hinhin ng boses niya, ang sarap pakinggan sa tenga.

I smile and offer my hand, “January RIVERA, Jan na lang”

“Wow, I like your name, by the way I’m at the executive office, Mrs. Jimenez team” she said, kahit na hindi ko kilala kung sino ang tinutukoy niyang Mrs. Jimenez tumango na lang ako ng may ngiti sa aking mga labi, maganda siya nakakahiya na polosopohin ko ang sagot ko sa kanya.

“How old are you?” She asks, “24”

“25, Let’s have lunch together” ngumiti siya bago naglakad papalayo, I just watch her all the way out in this floor before I continue my work, at halos mag-aalasonse na pero wala pa rin ako sa kalahati nito, palang ¼ palang ata ang natatapos ko.

“Ouch” Inda ko sa pagkangalay ng aking likuran, nag iinit na ang pwet ko dito sa upuan na ito, dahil halos 4 hours na akong nakaupo at hindi nag iiba ng posisyon para lang matapos agad ang mga files na ito.

“Jan” agad akong napatingin sa elevator ng bumukas iyon at tawagin ni Louise ang pangalan ko, lunch break na, nagunat ako at nginitian siya. “Let’s have lunc—” hindi natapos ni Louise ang sasabihin niya ng bumukas ang pinto ng CEO at lumabas mula doon si Ash.

Seryoso niyang binigyan ng masamang tingin si Louise bago nagsalita, “I don’t remember that I let you take breaks since you have to finish all of this today?” he seriously said, he’s talking to me but he’s glaring at Louise.

“Ahm..sige Louise mamaya na lang ako maglulunch hehe” I said, Louise look pity on me before she turn her back and walk out of this floor. Nanatiling nakatingin si Ash kung saan umalis si Louise, kaya hindi ko napigilang magsalita at magkumento sa kanyang inakto. “Hindi mo naman kailangan pagtaasan ng boses yung tao, pwede mo namang sabihin na hindi ako pwedeng mag lunch” I said.

Mapangahas niya akong hinarap, at tiningnan ng masama. “I didn’t ask for your values advice, finish that today! And fix this!” madiin niyang sambit at ibinababa sa table ko ang isang folder.

“Fix my schedule, I need that when I come back here, one hour” he said, turn his back, walk towards the VIP elevator and leave. Tiningnan ko ang laman ng panibagong folder na binigay niya, at naglalaman ito ng schedule niya for this afternoon kailangan niya ito after one hour, it means 12 pm kailangan tapos ko na ito.

Dahil doon nataranta akong hinawi ang files na ginagawa ko para unahin ito, akala ko pa man din ito ng tambak na files langa ng tatrabahuhin ko ngayong araw hindi pala. Pinilit kong bilisan ang aking kilos at pag tapos ng schedule na ito para hindi mapagalitan.

11:45 pm ay natapos ko ang pagkagawa ng schedule niya, at nagsisimula na ring tumunog sa gutom ang aking tiyan, buti na lang ay nagbaon ako kanina, I look around before I slowly move down and seat under the table and eat lunch while scanning the files here on the chair.

Tahimik at nag enjoy ako sa pagkain ko dito sa ilalim ng lamesa ng biglang may mamahaling sapatos ang aking nakita sa harapan ng table ko. I stopped chewing and waited for a second before I saw Ash lean down and catch me eating under the table with rice in my mouth.

He frowned before he stands straight and I heard him say, “Get out of there” dahil sa pagmamadali kong tumayo nauntog ako sa table begoe nakalabas at tumayo sa harapan niya na punong-puno ng kanin sa aking bibig.

“Where is my schedule?” he seriously asked without even cutting those scaring stares. I get what he asks from my table and give it to him, he opens it and checks before he looks back at me and clenches his jaw.

“Finish this file before 7pm” he darkly said, gazing at my food on the table before he entered his office. I gasp for air because of that, nagalit ata siya dahil kumain ako ah? I slowly seat on my chair, sinara ko ang baonan ko at ibinalik ito sa aking bag at nagpatuloy sa files na ito.

Habang busy ako sa pag priprint, may employee na lumabas mual sa elevator na katapat ng table ko at nakangiting lumapit sa akin, “Hi, nandyan ba sa loob si Mr. Del Mundo?” magalang niyang tanong bago muling ngumiti. He looks so cute. “Oo nandyan siya sa loob” sagot ko, he bows his head before he knocks, “Come in” sagot ni Ash mula sa loob kaya tuluyan na siyang pumasok.

I resume printing, nasa kalahati na ako, konti na lang. “Konti na lang Ja––AY!” nagulat ako ng biglang nakarinig ng malakas na pagkabasag sa loob ng opisina, kaya agad kong binitawan ang new print at walang sabi-sabing pumaosk sa loob ng opisina. “Anong nangayayar—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng galit na nagsalita si Ash.

“You should be fucking responsible for this Benidez, what a careless fucking act. Are you even using your brain?!!?! This is useless!!!” galit niyang sambit, kaya natigilan ako at hindi makapaniwala na ganito siya kaharsh sa kanyang mga empleyado.

“Sir but we really can’t afford to produce that much in just a mon—” He was cut out when Ash glared at him and hit his table. “I don’t fucking care, if you can’t do it better leave this company” the way he speak is intimidating and powerful.

“Pero Si—”

“You’re fired!” my lips parted when he heartlessly said that and threw those papers on this poor cute guy’s face. “I don’t need fucking waste here in my company” he utters before he leers at his laptop and act like nothing.

Nakita ko ang pagluha ng cute na lalakeng ito bago, dahan-dahang pinulot ang mga papel sa sahig, lumapit ako sa kanya at tinulungan siyang magpulot. He was trying his best not to cry but tears kept falling from his eyes.

Umiiwas din siya ng tingin sa akin habang tinutulungan ko siya, “T-thank you” he whisper when I handed him the rest of the papers on the floor, tumayo kami at hinarap niya si Ash.“I accept your decision Sir, thank you po” he whisper before he run out of this office.

Tiningnan ko si Ash na parang wala lang sa kanya yung kanina, “Hindi ata tamang ganon ang trato mo sa empleyado mo” Sambit ko, I feel bad for that guy, he seems so nice and hard working.

“You don’t tell me what to do! You are just my employee, now leave before you end up just like him” walang puso nitong sambit bago ako tiningnan ng seryoso, at tila napaka makapangyarihan nito, kusa akong natahimik at wala sa sariling lumabas ng silid na iyon.

Ibang-ibang Ashton ang nakikita ko ngayon, hindi siya ganito. Hindi ko akalain na kaya niyang maging ganong klaseng tao, napakawalang puso at sobrang manipulative niya. Ang Ash na kilala ko ay ang kabaligtaran niya.

I slowly sit on my chair with disbelief, and still feel bad for that guy.

“Konti na lang” bulong ko ng tinuloy ko ang pagscan ng mga files. It’s 6:00 pm already isang oras na lang, limang files na lang ang kailangan kong tapusin. “Jan, hindi ka pa ba uuwi?” napatingala ako ng sumulpot sa aking harapan si Louise.

“Louise, ikaw pala ahaha hanggang 7pm ako eh,” sambit ko, tumango siya bago umupo sa chair sa harapan ng table ko, “How was your first day?” masigla niyang tanong pero mahinhin pa rin ang kayang boses.

“Ok naman ahahaha” sagot ko at tiningnan ang mga tinapos kong files, she smiles. “By the way, you seem not scared of the Boss?” she uttered. Kumunot ang noo ko, bakit required bang matakot sa kanya?

“Bakit?” tanong ko, she glanced at the CEO office before she leaned closer and whispered. “Terror ang CEO natin, all of the employees know how heartless and monster he is when it comes to the company.” mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko dahil doon, monster talaga?

“Ganyan na ba siya dati pa?” tanong ko, she even moved closer and continued whispering. “Ever since Mr. Survey Del Mundo turned his position to him, the company became more massive and powerful because he’s really good at handling the investors and board members but he’s so strict and perfectionist, so little mistake makes him a monster. Well when he started hindi naman siya ganyan ka harsh, but there’s a rumor that since the day he broke up with that Hazel Miranda the model, he changed and became so heartless. They said he really loved her” she said, naging pangit ang timpla ng mukha ko ng marinig ko muli ang pangalan na iyon.

“Tsss napakaisip bata naman pala” sambit ko, she nodded, “So immature” pagpapatuloy kong sambit, so, nagtagal pala talaga sila ng babaeng iyon, bagay siya, parehas walang puso.

“Who’s immature?” natapatayo sa gulat si Louise dahil sa pagbukas ng pinto at pagsasalita ni Ash.

He looked at me and raised those thick eyebrows, “I didn’t know that you work so irresponsible Rivera, do I need to find another secretary?” he asked.

I avoid his gaze and, “No, Sir” sambit ko at mabalis na bumalik sa aking trabaho, sumulyapa ko aky Louise at sumanyas siya na aalis na, kaya tumango ako at nagpatuloy.

“I didn’t know that you like gossip Jan, tss” he sarcastically said before he went inside his office.

Iniisip niya ba akong chismosa!!!!

Bagay talaga sila ni Hazel magsama sana ulit silang dalawa!!!!

Chapter 4

“Ahh, tapos na din” itinaas ko ang aking dalawang braso sa aking pagtayo, bago nagunat-unat ng aking katawan. Pakiramdam ko sobrang nangalay ang aking likuran kaya hindi maiwasan ang pagtunog ng aking mga buto sa likuran.

Dahil doon nagunat pa ako ng konti, at nakaramdam na rin ng antok at pagod. I yawn and continue moving my body, when he suddenly steps out of his office, the reason for me to be stiff and left with this awkward position.

I mean, this is an awkward position, I was bending down my back a bit with both of my arms up high. Also, my hair is so messy co’z I scratched it while finishing the files. Nang marealize ko na ang haihiyan ng itsura ko sa kanyang harapan, agad akong tumayo at inayos ang aking sarili.

“Ahm…t-the files are done Sir” I said, he just waited for me to hand him the files and nodded which is a bit weird, “Don’t be late tomorrow” that’s just what he said before he left the place.

“Ganon lang yon’? Walang pa thank you Jan ang galing mo natapos mo ng isang araw ang trabaho na dapat ay isang linggong proseso, wow” sambit ko at tila umaakting na siya at pasimpleng ginagaya ang boses niya.

“Hay” pabagsak akong umupo sa swivel chair ko at nagpahinga saglit bago inayos ng mga papeles na nakakalat at sinigurong sarado ang office at tuluyang umuwi ng bahay.

“Manong para” sambit ko pero puta, hindi tumitigil yung driver ng jeep. “MANONG PARA HO!” sigaw ko at nagsimula na rin magsalita ang ibang pasahero para sa akin, “Ay!” sambit ng driver at doon lamang tumigil. Tangina isang kanto ang layo ng itinigil niya sa bahay namin, ang galing.

“Salamat manong, bili ho kayo ng cotton bonds minsan para naririnig niyo ho yong pasahero” sambit ko bago bumaba ng jeep, kaya nga ako ng Jeep para hindi maglakad pauwi pero maglalakad rin pala ako.

Habang naglalakad may dalawang lalakeng nagpapaswit sa akin kaya tumigil ako at tiningnan sila. “Shhhht shhhht” pagsabay ko sa ginagawa nila kaya natigilan sila at tinignan ako.

“Saya mang bastos at maging isang walang kwentang tao sa ekonomiya? Ano inom-inom lang kayo dyan, palamunin sa bahay at nangbabastos pa ng kapwa tao? Anong mangyayayari sa inyo nyan? Lakas nyong mangbastos eh nakaasa pa rin naman kayo sa pera ng nanay nyo, hoy magtrabaho kaso hindi yong palamunin at manyak kayo dito sa kalsada” I said and rolled my eyes on them, “Aba loko toh ah” tumayo ang isa sa kanila habang may dalang baso ng beer at bago pa ito makapalit sa akin, isang malakas na sapak ang kanyang na tanggap.

“Mamili ka ng babastusin mo” I uttered before I watch him getting carried by his friend, “Tss, pabigat sa bayan” bulong ko bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad at tumigil sa isang karinderya na malapit sa bahay.

“Isang sisig nga po nay, tapos isang pirasong fried chicken” sigurado akong nagsusulat pa rin hanggang ngayon si Willow kaya bibili na lang ako ng lutong ulam, dahil hindi ko na rin kayang magluto sa pagod.

“40 plus 65, 105 lahat” sambit ni Nanay at inabot sa akin ang supot ng binili ko, “Nay 100 na lang ho sige na” malambing kong sambit, “Nako, sige na nga” sagot ni Nanay at kinuha ang bayad kong 100 bago nag-asikaso ng ibang bumibili, I smile and smell the food I bought before I cheerfully walk through our apartment.

Binuksan ko ang pinto, at gaya ng inaasahan ko nakapatay ang ilaw at tila tahimik dito sa salas, ang nagsisilibong ilaw lamang na meron dito ay ang ilaw mula sa aming silid, pagpasok ko sa kwarto naabutan kong nagsasagot ng homework si Eight habang si Willow ay tahimik na nagsusulat sa kabilang side ng kwarto.

“Eight hello nak” I said and walked toward him while removing my shirt. I kissed his forehead while he’s still focused on his homework. “Welcome home ma” he uttered and continued writing. I smile and mess with his hair a little bit before I sit beside Willow and read what she’s writing.

“The way he looked at me was like a cherry that blooms beyond alaska, impossible but possible rarity, ackk ang corny naman Willow hahaha” I teased her, making her stop and remove those writing glasses.

“Alam mo panira ka” she hazes at me, so I laugh even more. “Hahaha mamaya na yan kain muna tayo” isinara ko ang laptop niya bago lumabas at inihanda ang pagkain namin sa hapag.

Sabay-sabay kaming kumain at nagkwento lang si Willow ng mga idea’s sa stories niya na tila suportado naman ni Eight, Willow is like his first teacher, simula bata siya si Willow ang ang impluwensya sa kanya ng mga libro kaya hanggang ngayon, libro ang nagpapasaya sa kanya.

Pero ang sadyang katalinuhan nito ay malamang hindi galing sa ni isa sa amin, kung hindi sa walang pusong lalaki na iyon.

After eating naabutan kong natutulog na si Ash sa kama katabi ng librong binabasa niya, this was always his sleeping routine, I smile put the book aside and clean the room, his books and other stuffs. I even take a quick shower before I lay down beside him holding his hands.

Habang pinagmamasdan siya, hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti, I genuinely smile because he genuinely makes my life happy, complete and free. With him I feel free and on cloud nine. He was the reason why I kept pushing forward, na kahit anong kamalasan ang hirap ang kailangan kong harapin, ay haharapin ko pa ra sa kanya.

“If time comes where you’ll meet and know everything about the truth, please stay with Mama” I whisper, hugging him as I sleep beside him.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong nagising, mag maaga kesa sa kahapon kaya mas naunahan ko pang gumising si Seah, I already cook champorado para kay Eight at ang babaunin niyang lunch sa school.

“Oh, aga mo ah?” lumabas mula sa kanyang silid si Seah na naka uniform na at nagpapatuyo ng buhok, Nginitian ko siya, “Ayaw kong malate nakakamatay” sagot ko, dahilan para tumawa siya at nag-tali na ng buhok.

“Mahirap bang makatrabaho ang tatay ng anak mo?” tanong niya na may malokong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Umiling na lamang ako at hindi sinagot ang kanyang tanong.

Tumawa na lang siya at hinayaan ako sa aking ginagawa dito, when I already finish it all, I walk with Seah outside the apartment at sumabay sa kanya, and this time I’m making sure not to forget my bag.

“Oh, mag-ingat ah” I said as I stepped out of her scooter, she nodded and wink at me. “Yes, Ma’am” sagot niya bago tuluyang umalis, Seah look more cheerful today.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng kumpanya ng exact 6:30 am at wala pa masyadong tao dito sa loob ng kumpanya, halos mabibilang lamang sa kamay kaya dumiretso na ako sa itaas at naghintay sa aking table.

After a few more minutes, exactly at 7:00 am, he arrived. “Good morning Sir” pagbati ko ng may ngiti sa labi, pero ang hindi ako pinansin at dire-diretsong pumasok sa kanyang opisina at isinara ang pinto.

“Sungit” bulong ako bago umupo at binuksan ang laptop ko, I was about to put the password when “Ay p*ke mo!” gulat kong sambit ng gatambak na folders na naman ang inilagay niya sa table ko, halos hindi ko na siya makita sa sobrang dami nito.

“Finish this tonight” he seriously said and go inside, hindi man lang ako na bigyan ng chance magsalita dahil agad siyang pumasok sa loob. “Hooo! Kaya mo ito Jan, kinaya mo ka hapon malamang ngayon din” I cheered up and start grinding.

Kaya kong tapusin ito, buong araw kakayani–– “Come with me” napatingin ako sa kanya ng lumabas siya sa kanyang opisina at sinabi iyon, “Saan po?” tanong ko. Wala pa akong kalahati.

“Lunch meeting outside, you have to record all the details that would be discussed between two individuals” he seriously said walk towards the elevator, kaya sumunod ako agad, kahit hindi ko pa tapos ang pinapagawa niya.

“Sir hindi ko pa po kasi tapos yung mga fil—” “Ground floor” he cut me by telling which button I should click inside the elevator. Sinunod ko ang sinabi niya at pinindot ito, bago muling nagsalita, “Yong files po hindi ko pa tap––”

His phone rings kaya hindi na ako natuloy at hinayaan siyang makipag usap sa cellphone niya, hanggang sa makarating kami sa parking kung saan may naghihintay na black Tesla para sa kanya.

Sumakay siya sa back seat at ganun din ako, tuloy-tuloy siyang nakikipag usap hanggang sa umandar na ang sasakyan at tumuloy kami sa mamahaling restaurant. He steps out of the car and walk straight inside, ako naman taga sunod lang.

Pagdating namin sa tapat ng VIP area kung saan may pinto tumigil siya at inilayo ang cellphone sa tenga bago ako binulungan, “I change my mind, stay here and just wait for me” he ordered.

Tumango ako at pinanood siyang pumasok sa loob at isinara ang pinto, akala ko ba sabi niya kailangan ko irecord ang meeting tapos biglang nagbago. Bahala na nga, saglit lang naman siguro yon maghihintay na lang ako dito.

…

…

…

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TANGINA DALAWANG ORAS NA! NANGINGINIG NA SA NGALAY ANG MGA HITA KO DAHIL SA PAGTAYO KO DITO! KUMAKALAM NA RIN ANG TIYAN KO! AKALA KO BA SAGLIT LANG ANG MEETING!

Pina Padyak-padyak ko ito habang sinusubukan ibsan ang pamamanhid, pero grabe dalawang oras na akong nakatayo dito bibigay na mga hita ko. Nang maisipan kong umupo sa sahig biglang bumukas ang pinto kaya hindi natuloy.

“Thank you very much Mr. Galves, it’s always a pleasure” he said and I watched them talk before that old rich guy left at kami na lang na iwan dito. He looks at me and says, “Time to go back” iyon lang? Gutom na ako ano ba hindi mo ba ako ililibre man lang?!

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa ang kung ano at nauna nang naglakad palabas, naiwan ako dito na hindi makapaniwala, pinaghintay niya ako ng dalawang oras dito, nihindi man lang ba siya nag-alala sa akin.

Nanghumakbang ako para sumunod sa kanya napahawak ako sa pader dahil nanghina ang hita ko dahil sa ngalay, “Tangina” bulong ko at pilit lumabas ng diretso.

Sa pagbalik namin busy siya ulit na makipag-usap sa mga investors sa phone kaya wala akong ibang inatupag dito sa gilid kung hindi pigilan ang pagtunog ng aking tiyan.

Gutom na talaga ako, nakabalik kami sa opisina na parang wala lang sa kanya at tumuloy sa kanyang office. Habang ako ay kumain ng lunch, ng sobrang lat, alastres na nag hapon ngayon pa lang ako kakain.

Tapso itong mga file na ito, kumain ako ulit habang nagtratarabaho. Walang tigil na pagscan, hanggang sa unti-unti ko nang nakikitang nagsisiuwi ang ang ibang mga empleyado.

Pati si Ash lumabas na rin sa kanyang opisina at sinabi, “After you finish that put it on my table, finish it tonight understand” matalas niyang sambit bago tuluyang umalis.

Napatingin ako sa oras at sa dami ng files na hindi ko pa tapos, “Wala kang choice kung hindi mag over time” I whisper to myself before I continue everything up and finish it at exact 10 pm.

Inilagay ko ang lahat sa table niya bago hinang-hinang bumababa sa lobby, pagbaba ko nakasalubong ko si Louise. “Oh, bakit nandito ka pa Jan?” tanong niya sa akin. “Ah, may tinapos lang” tugon ko.

“Gaya ng ano?” tanong niya, wala na akong lakas magpaliwanag sa kanya kaya ipinakita ko na lang sa kanya ang copy na meron ako ng isang file. Kunot noo niya itong binasa bago ako hinarap. “Huh, eh next week pa ito kailangan ah? Bakit parang tinapos mo ata ngayong araw lang?” sambit niya na nagpalaki ng aking mga mata.

“Ano!?!”

“Ang sabi ko, itong record files na ito next week pa ito kailangan bakit ka nag OT para dito, eh may ilang araw ka pa para unti-untiin ito” hindi ako nakaimik sa sinabi niya s apagkat tumunog ng malakas ang aking tiyan dahil sa gutom.

Ibig bang sabihin hindi naman pala importante itong files na ito para tapusin ngayong araw bakit niya piantapos agad sa akin ito?

Sinasadya niya ba ito?!?!?!

“Del Mundo, pinaglalaruan mo ba ako!!!”

Chapter 5

“Tama na yan, matulog na po” malambing kong sambit kay Eight bago kinuha ang libro sa kanyang kamay at ibinalik ito sa book shelf. He nodded before he covered himself with the blanket, he always uses.

I lay down beside him and let him wrap his arms around my waist and rested his head on my arms. “How’s school?” I ask, as I stroke some strands of his hair. “It’s cool” sagot niya, napansin kong may gusto siyang sabihin, kaya tiningnan ko siya at hinawakan sa kanyang baba.

“May sasabihin ka po ba?” Tanong ko, he looked at me before he avoided my gaze and sigh, “I just wanna ask, what would my dad look like Ma?” he asked. Natigilan ako sa kanyang tanong at napatingin sa ceiling ng kwarto.

“Ahm…kamukha mo syempre” sagot ko at tila nakikita ang itsura ni Ash sa ceiling ng kwarto. My son is a mini-Ash but I can say that my son is better than him. “Like me?” he uttered, raising his head, “Ma I want to be a pilot and an engineer when I grow up” bigla niyang sambit kaya bumalik ang aking tingin sa kanya.

I smiled and put his bangs on the side, “Talaga?” Sambit ko, he nodded and continued, “I wanna be a pilot, so I can bring you to a different country and become an engineer, because I will build the best house for you, just wait for me Ma” he confidently said before he tightened his hug and sleep on my arms.

Hindi ko maiwasang maluha dahil sa saya, tuwing nagsasabi sa akin si EIght ng mga ganitong bagay, pakiramdam ko lahat ng hirap ko ay nagbubunga, Eight’s happiness and dreams are my goals, at gagawin ko ang lahat para maabot niya ang lahat ng iyon.

“Gagawin ni Mama ang lahat para maabot mo ang lahat ng pangarap mo” I whisper, kiss his forehead.

Habang pinagmamasdan ang aking anak biglang pumasok sa aking isipan ang ginawa ni Ash sa akin ngayong araw. Napakawalang puso, pinapahirapan niya ako at alam kong sinsasadya niya iyon.

Kung gusto niya akong nahihirapan, pwes ipapakita ko sa kanya na kaya kong gawin lahat ng ipapagawa niya at hinding-hindi ako matatakot sa kanya.

Seah’s POV

I wake up with the sound of my alarm clock, kaya kahit nakapikit pa ang aking mga mata, dahan-dahan na akong tumayo mula sa kama bago tumuloy sa banyo at nag toothbrush, I already took a shower even though my whole system is still sleepy.

I’m an intern nurse and this is how my life start, 4:00 am taking shower with cold water, just to wake my whole system up, pero mukhang sanay na ito kaya wala nang talab ang malamig na tubig sa akin.

After taking shower, I need to dry my hair up bago ko ito itali dahil, madaling sumakit ang ulo ko pag itinatali ito ng basa. Paglabas ko ng kwarto naabutan ko nanamang naghahanda ng almusal si Jan.

“Mukhang may kasama na akong gumising lagi ng madaling araw ah, sobrang strict ba ng tatay ni Eight kaya kailangan ganito ka kaagang gumising?” biro ko kaya isang masamang tingin lang ang aking natanggap mula sa kanya.

I chuckled and continued drying my hair as I started eating some bread, I rarely eat breakfast dahil wala na akong oras maghanda pero good thing Jan is waking up early, so I can eat breakfast na.

After eating I fixed my white uniform and wore a blue cardigan, my backpack and my wrist watch. “Tara na” napalingon ako kay Jan ng magaya na siyang umalis, I nodded take a last glance on the mirror before we step out of the house and head straight to her workplace.

“Salamat, mag-ingat ka sa pagpunta sa hospital ah” sambit ni Jan pagkababa niya ng scooter ko, I smile brightly and nodded, “Yup” tugon ko bago umalis at tumuloy sa hospital.

This is my second week here as an intern nurse, inilipat kami dito ng mga kasamahan ko, kaya medyo bago-bago pa kami sa lahat.

Nakangiti kong ipinark ang aking scooter sa parking bago nakangiting pumasok sa hospital, “Good morning Manong” masigla kong pagbati sa security guard. “Good morning ganda” biro nito na ikinatawa ko. “I know right hahaha” sambit ko at pumasok sa loob.

“Good morning!” I greet the nurses in the nurse quarters. They smile at me and napansin kong nagkukumpulan sila, at bilang isang magiting na chismosa lumapit ako at nakinig sa kanilang usapan. “Anong chika?” tanong ko.

“So, ito nga diba alam niyo namang may sikat na gwapong doctor dito, nakita ko siya kahapon shet nalaglag panty ko gurl!” may kasamang hampas na sambit ni Gorge, isa sa mga kasamahan ko at baklang nurse dito. Hinampas ko siya pabalik at, “Tanga ka nagpapanty ka ba?” pilosopo kong tanong na agad ikinalukot ng kanyang mukha.

“Edi brief, panira ka talaga tangina kang bruha ka!” inis niyang sagot kaya tumawa ako, “Anong itsura? Sure ka bang gwapo? Baka naman mukhang shokoy yan, panget pa man din ng taste mo sa lalaki” pambabara ko. Tiningnan niya ako ng masama at hahampasin sana ulit ng matigilan siya at natulala silang lahat sa aking likuran.

“Huh?” tanong ko bago lumingon para tingnan ang ikinatutulala nila, it was like a slowmo scene, he walks like an angel sent from above, parang tumigil ang pagtibok ng puso ko at tila hindi ako nakahinga sa segundong dumaan siya sa nurse quarters.

He’s wearing a sky-blue dresser shirt underneath that white lab gown, he’s neat hairstyle, clear skin and thin lips, those eye glasses and blazing gaze. Makalaglap panty nga. Habang pinapanood namin siyang dumaan dito sa amin, pasimpleng hinila ni Gorge ang buhok ko at bumulong. “Gaga siya yon!” he whispers at pinaghahampas ang aking braso hanggang sa lumagpas na ito sa amin quarters.

I don’t know but suddenly I walk out of the nurse quarter and follow him with stares until he enters the pedia room.

“Oh, nga-nga ka ngayon, shokoy pala ah, ah shet nahulog panty day? Iyon si Doctor Herrera last year lang lumipat dito yan pero ang sarap na agad” pang-aasar ni Gorge sa akin, habang hindi pa rin ang momove on ang puso ko, at tila bumilis ang tibok nito bigla.

I sigh and whisper, “Ang g-gwapo”

“Truth!!! Ang gwapo diba, papang papa, Doc anakan mo ako” kinikilig na sambit ni Gorge kaya bumalik ako sa aking sarili at hinila ang akanyng buhok gaya ng ginawa niya sa aking kanina. “Gaga wala kang matres” sambit ko.

“Ah basta, Doc pasukin mo ak—” hindi niya tapos ang sasabihin niya ng sikuhin ko siya, dahil nasa harapan na pala namin ang head nurse ng hospital. “Anong papasukin Gorge?” seryosong tanong nito kay Gorge.

“Ahm.. magrounds na po ako Ma’am” I said and left George there with a playful smile on my lips.

I take my morning rounds sa mga assigned patients ko, at last ang paborito kong room. “Good morning po Nana” masigla kong pagbati pagpasok ko sa loob ng silid, this is my first patient here last week and until now.

“Good morning Nurse Seah, ganda ng ngiti natin nak ah” she’s a 74 years old lady with a severe case of leukemia, she’s strong and still fighting. “Syempre po Nana, nakita ko na ho ata ang Doctor na mapapangasawa ko” I said while checking her out.

“At sino naman iyon? Anong pangalan?” natatawang tanong nito sa akin, I smile, “Si Doctor Herrera Nana, sobrang gwapo talaga” he was so dreamy, “Talagang love at first sight talaga Nana, yong puso ko tumigil sa pagtibok ng makita ko siya, tapos sabi ng puso ko sa aking shet ito na ang mapapangasawa ko” I said.

Nana laugh at me, kaya nagpatuloy pa ako sa pagsasalita. “Naimagine ko na talaga ang future ko sa kanya na moment I saw him Nana, liligawan niya ako agad pagnakita niya ang ganito kong ganda, yung tipong gagawin niya ang lahat para mapaoo ako tapos papakipot ako ng konti, tapos oo ako then kakasal kami, magkakaroon ng mga seven na anak…ay masyadong marami mga lima na lang ano sa tingin mo po Nana?” tanong ko.

She kept on laughing before she mouths at my back, lumingon ako at agad napatayo sa gulat ng makita itong nakatayo sa aking harapan, he clenched his jaw before he look at Nana and speak. “Doctora Diaz wasn’t here, so she asks me to check on you while she’s out, how are you feeling Mrs. Quintana?” he gently said and checked Nana’s record.

Nakatanga langa ko dito sa gilid habang pinapanood siyang gawin ang rounds kay Nana. sobrang bilis at lakas ng pagtibok ng puso ko, tila bawat galaw nito ay napakagwapo.

“You’re doing well, keep it up Mrs. Quintana” he said, standing straight and urging those charming smiles. “Ah, Doc si Nurse Rivera” nanlaki ang mata ko ng ipakilala ako ni Nana dito, taranta akong napatayo ng tuwid ng harapin ako nito.

“Intern?” he asks with a calm tone of his voice, shet pakiramdam ko mabubuntis ako agad sa boses niya pa lang. “Yes” nakangiti kong sagot.

He nodded before he speaks, “Im Doctor Lynus Herrera, nice to meet you” halos maubusan ako ng hangin sa katawan ng marinig ang kanyang pangalan, parang bagay sa akin ang apelyido niya. Chelseah Eunice Herrera, ay pak bagay.

Ito na talaga yon, “I have to go” paalam nito kay Nana bago tumuloy sa pinto, we watch him stop in front of the door and glance back, “By the way, I don’t to interns” he said and leave.

Napanga-nga ako sa sinabi niya, ako ba ang tinutukoy niya? Hindi daw siya pumapatol sa mga interns!?!?!

“Mukhang basted ka kaagad nak” natatawang sambit ni Nana, kaya agad akong napanguso.

“Nana naman eh!”

Willow’s POV

I was standing in front of Eight’s school, waiting for him to come out dahil uwian na nila. Ako ang incharge sa paghatid sundo sa kanya since I’m the only one who’s not that really busy.

While waiting someone tapped my shoulders, “Tita tabi po kayo sa gilid dadaan po ang sasakayan” kunot noo akong sumunod sa kanyang sinabi, pero anong tinawag niya sa akin? Tita? Mukha na ba akong matanda?

“Thank you po” he said and stepped inside the school gate. Tita?!?!?!

Napatingin ako sa salamin dito sa gilid at pinagmasdan ang aking sarili, isang mabigat na pagbutong hininga ang aking ginawad dahil, oo nga mukha akong Tita sa itsura ko, I’m wearing a floral blouse and a below knee squarepants and a simple doll shoes. Mukha nga akong tita, my hair is a bit messy din, para tuloy akong nanay na kakatapos lang magluto at agad dumiretso sa school para sunduin ang anak.

I didn’t have time to mind myself dahil wala na akong ibang ginawa kung hindi magsulat, kung magpapahinga man ako, I’ll invest that on sleeping and teaching Eight with his studies.

Wala akong oras mag-ayos ng aking sarili. “Tita Willow” napatingin ako sa gate ng lumabas na doon kasama ang ibang bata si Eight. “Hi, there” nakangiti kong sambit bago inabot ang kanyang kamay at sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa sakayan ng Taxi.

I have book signing today, kaya tutuloy na kami sa Publishing house. Lagi kong dinadala doon si Eight kaya sanay na siya doon at kilala na ng ibang empleyado. It’s easy for me to work there because I know, may nagbabantay sa kanya while I’m busy.

“Maning para sa tabi na lang po” bumababa kami sa gilid ng building para hindi na namin kailangan dumaan sa harapan kung saan maraming taong naghihintay. “Tara, Eight” binuhat ko siya pababa at naglakad kaming dalawa papunta sa back entrance kung saan wala masyadong tao.

“I’ll just work for a couple of hours, I’ll leave you inside the library , you’ll just read there and wait for me ok” sambit habang naglalakad kaming dalawa, Eight nodded while holding his bag.

“Do you want to eat anythi—ouch” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng may nakabangaan ako. “Sorry po Nay!!!” Sambit nito.

Napahawak ako sa balikat ko na tinamaan nito bago siya tiningnan, a teenager. NAY!!! “It’s fine” iyon na lamang ang sagot ko bago siya nilagpasan. “Sorry po talaga!” He said I just nodded once again and walked inside.

“Mga kabataan nga naman ngayon” I whisper. “Ay nandito na si Willow, kasama ang gwapong bebe na si Eight,” sambit ng editor ng story ko na si Faye. I smiled at her and handed her Eight. “Go kana doon” bulong ko kay Eight, at pinanood siyang dalhin sa library ng publishing house na ito.

They have a mini library here that Eight really enjoys.

“Here’s the pen, Willow” Miss Urie handed me some pens that I’ll use on signing. Tiningnan niya ako at kunot noong sinabi, “What’s with the look, nako naman Willow tara nag muna saglit”

Hinila niya ako sa office niya at pinagpalit ng damit, she made me wear a simple white shirt and tack it in on my square pants. “May mask ka ba dyan?” tanong ko. I usually wear mask while signing dahil ayaw kong makilala ng readers ko ang mukha ko.

“Yes, here hindi ko makakalimutan yan” ianbot niya ang isang kulay pink na mask sa aking bago ako dinala sa venue kung saan naghihintay ang mag readers ko.

“Let’s welcome the writer of Love you to the Bones, Pillow writer!!!” they all clap as I sit in front. “Form a line so we can start smoothly” Miss Unrie said and guide my readers in the lines and as I start signing the book.

“Miss Pillow, ang ganda po ang stories niyo, maglalabas po ba kayo ng book 2 po?” tanong ng isang reader while I’m signing. “Sure” sagot ko, and then next.

I need to finish this quickly dahil, kahit na bang alam kong ok lang si Eight sa library, I don’t want him to wait for so long. Sobrang daming tao kaya madyo pinapapawisan na ako habang pumipirma kaya kumuha ako ng tissue. “Wait” I said sa susunod na reader bago tumagilid at pinunasan ang aking mukha at patagong tinanggal ang aking mask at nagpupunas ng pawis.

After doing that I look back on my reader in front, and suddenly realize that he was watching me the whole time and saw my face. And he’s the kid that I bumped into a while ago.

“Ikaw yung kanina?!?!” he whispered with disbelief.

Oh no!

Chapter 6

It’s been a week since I’ve worked here, at isa lang ang masasabi ko, hindi na nakakatuwa, tangina!

“Rivera!!!!” Agad akong tumayo at pumasok sa opisina ni Ash, “Yes, Sir?” I ask, standing in front of his table. “Print out all the details about this proposal, in 30 copies” inabot niya sa akin ang halos kasing kapal ng dictionary na folder.

“30?” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, at agad niya akong tinaasan ng kilay bago tinanong, “Any problem with that?” he asks in a sarcastic tone, kaya mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin at tumango. “30 copies, copy that” sagot ko.

After kong lumabas ng opisina niya padabog akong pumadyak-padyak bago naglakad papunta sa xerox machine. Punyeta 358 pages ito tapos 30 copies each! “Aghhhhhrrrr!!!!” naiinis kong sambit bago pinindot ang xerox machine at umupo sa gilid kung saan nagsisimula ko nang paghiwahiwalayin sa iba-ibang protion para madali kong ma print ang copies.

“Kailangan mo ba ng tulong?” napalingon ako ng makita si Louise sa pinto, I smile at her and “Oo” sagot ko, ngumiti siya bago binuksan ang dalawa pang machine at nagsimulang nang xerox ng dalawang portion.

“Maraming salamat Louise, 30 copies kasi kailangan” sambit ko, “Wow, 30 that’s a lot, saan naman gagamitin ng CEO ang ganon karami?” tanong niya, yan din ang tanong na kanina pa nakatambak sa aking isipan, saan gagamitin ng lalaking iyon ang ganito karaming copies, magtatayo ba siya ng publishing company!

“Wait tatawag ako ng tulong” sambit ni Louise, I nodded at her and resume printing, mukhang aabutin ako ng hapon dito. “Here, this is Jel and Cass, they will help up” dumating si Louise na may kasamang ibang employee, “Nako, nakakahiya naman baka maabala ko trabaho niyo” mahina kong sambit.

“Hindi ok lang, gusto namin tumulong” they said and the four of us work on thet fucking 30 copies.

“Need help?” napalingon kami ng may ilang employee din na kaibigan nila ang gustong tumulong, and that suddenly lightens me up, the hope of finishing all this copies today became possible because of them, and it really make me happy.

“Thank you so much sa tulong niyo” sambit ko nang tulungan nila akong buhatin ang mga natapos na copy papunta sa table ko, they all smile at me, “Walang ano man, glad that we help” Jel said and they leave, naiwan si Louise kaya niyakap ko siya at muling nagpasalamat. “Thank so much, hindi ko ito matatapos kung wala ka”

She chuckled, tapped my back and said, “No problem, always ask for my help ok” I nodded like a polite kid, watched her leave and faced this paper, I pursed my lips then carried it all before I slowly walked towards the door and knocked.

“Come in” he answered inside, dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto at diretsong inilagay sa table niya ang lahat ng copies. “Tapos na po Sir” I said, putting up a straight face on him, he raised his brows and stared at me, like he didn’t believe me on what I just said.

“30 copies?” tanong niya, “Yes, Sir exact 30 copies” tugon ko, he raised both of his brows, he shrugged his shoulders, acting like nothing worth paying attention to. “Ok, leave” he uttered and went back to what he’s doing a while ago.

Hindi makapaniwala ko siyang tiningnan bago, tumango at naglakad palabas. I work on fixing his schedule and when the time stops at 1 pm, I knock on his door and say, “Sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Codovez at exactly 1:30 pm” paalala ko.

Papakinggan ko sana siya sa loob ng biglang bumukas ang pinto at bumungad ito sa akin, mabilis akong lumayo sa pinto at tiningan siya, “Come with me” he said, hand me his laptop and walk.

I followed him like what he said and his driver drove us to the Cordovez Company at doon sila nag meeting dalawa, I just remained seated behind him, recording all of the important details that we talked about during their meeting. I even take notes about it.

While listening I can really say that Ashton is a smooth, manipulative businessman. In just a snap he made Cordoves sign the investment contract. After their discussion Mr. Cordoves signed it without any hesitation.

Hindi makapaniwala akong nanonood dito sa gilid, at hindi maiwasang mamangha sa talino at galing ni Ashton sa pakikipagusap sa investors. I didn’t expect him to be this good.

“A pleasure to work with you Mr. Cordoves, thank you for trusting our company” Ash stand up and same us Mr. Cordoves, “I’ll be looking forward to the company’s success Mr. Del Mundo’’ he said and they kept talking about some sort of thing. Ash handed me the contract and I quickly put it inside the folder here inside the laptop bag.

Tila nakasunod lang ako sa kanila habang naisipian ni Mr. Cordoves na ilibot si Ashton sa buong kumpanya. At dahil nakaheels ako at medyo mahaba-habang lakaran ito, hindi ko mapigilang makaramdam ng pagod at sakit sa paa.

Halos inilibot nga kami sa buong building, itong boss ko parang hindi napagod at pinagpawisan. I even catch him glancing at me with a smirked on his face, hindi ko alam kung para sa akin ba iyon o sadyang nakasmirk lang siya kanina pa.

“Hssss” mahina kong sambit ng tingnan ang aking paa, namumula na ang gilid nito. Natapos ang paglilibot namin na may paltos na ako sa aking kaliwang paa. Pero pinilit ko itong tiisin.

“Thank you very much, we’ll take our leave now” paalam ni Ash dito, nakaramdam ako ng saya ng malamang babalik na kami sa kumpanya. Mapapahinga ko na ang paa ko. “Drive us to the site” nanlaki ang mata ko ng pagpasok namin sa sasakyan ay sinabi ni Ash sa driver na pupunta kami sa site.

Nang mapansin niyang nakatingin ako sa kanya, he grins and ask, “What’s the problem Rivera?” he asked.

Wala sa sarili akong umiling at tumanaw sa bintana, ang sakit na ang paa ko. Ilang minuto lang ang lumipas ay nandito na kami sa site, sa pagkakaalam ko ito yong bagong branch na pinapatayo nila.

Nanghina ako ng makita na kasagsagan ng init sa labas, tapos bago-bago pa ang dadaanan namin. Nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa bintana ng biglang buksan ni Ash ang pinto sa harapan ko he lean down and smile at me, “What are you waiting for Rivera, follow me” he’s smiling devilishly, and purposely look at my heels before he offer his hand.

I look at him fearlessly, lumabas ako ng sasakyan ng hindi tinanggap ang kanayng kamay, “No thank SIR!” madiin kong sambit, kumirot ang sugat ko sa paa dahil sa pagtayo ko, “Let’s go” he said and walk wearing that safety yellow helmet.

Susunod na sana ako ng abutan din ako ng safety helmet, “Ma’am pakisuot po” sinuot ko ito gaya ng gusto nila at sumunod kay Ash. I had a hard time walking not just because of my wound but also because the place is rocky.

“Faster Rivera!” rinig kong sambit nila mula sa di kalayuan, “Yes, Sir” sagot ko kahit gusto ko nang magpaa na lang dahil sa sobrang hirap maglakad. “Ouch” mahina kong sambti ng makaramdam na rin ng hapdi sa kabilang paa ko, pareho na silang may sugat.

“We are under 40% of the progress Sir,” the engineer said while we keep walking, bakit ba kasi kailangan pa nilang maglakad habang nag-uusap pwede namang manahimik na lang sa isang lugar at doon mag usap.

Tagaktak na rin ang pawis ko dahil sa init, “Great” sagot nito, at patuloy pa silang nag-usap tungkol sa materials at iba pang tungkol sa building. Kaya sobrang tagal namin dito at patuloy na naglalakad, gusto ko nang maluha dahil sa kirot ng paa at sugat ko, isabay mo pa ang init.

Sinagad talaga nila ang pag-uusap at paglalakad hanggang sa matapos na at sumakay na kami ng sasakyan, gustong-gusto ko nang tanggalin ang heels na suot ko dito sa loob ng sasakyan pero hindi ko magawa dahil sa lalaking ito.

Parang hindi man lang napagod at pinagpawisan, pagbalik namin sa kumpanya halos humiga ako sa upuan ko dahil sa pagod at tuluyan ko na talagang hinubad ang heels na suot ko.

“Hayyy salamat” mahina kong sambit, I stand up leer at his office before I walk with my bare feet towards the coffee area, alam ko kasi na may first aid kit doon. Gagamutin ko muna ang sugat ko.

I seat at the back of the door para walang makakita sa akin, at sinimulan kong gamutin ang sugat ko. “Hssss ouch, ouch, ouch” I whimper in pain while putting some ointment on it, after treating it I put on some bandaid and step out of the coffee area.

“What is this?!” nagulat ako ng biglang may nagsalita sa gilid ko, nang tingnan ko ito isang matandang babae na mukhang sofistikada at nasa edad 50+ ang nakatingin sa akin ng masama at lalo na sa aking paa.

Napatayo ako ng tuwid, “Ma’am” sagot ko. Kahit na hindi ko ito kilala. “WHERE IS THE CEO?!” galit na sigaw niya.

Dahil sa lakas ng sigaw niya alam kong narinig ito sa loob ni Ash kaya ilang saglit lang ay bumukas ang pinto niya at tiningnan kami, “Mrs. Cancino, what are doing here?” Tanong niya dito sa matandang nasa harapan ko.

“Who is this Mr. Del Mundo?” galit niyang tanong, bakit ba galit siya? “She’s my secretary” sagot ni Ash at tiningnan ang aking paa. I saw him clenched his jaw and glared at me. “This is so unprofessional, bare feet in an office area!!! EWWW!!!” maarteng sigaw nito, bago tuluyang pumasok sa loob ng opisina ni Ash.

He glared at me before he closed the door so hard. “Bakit galit?” bulong kong tanong bago bumalik sa aking upuan at nagsimulang magtrabaho.

“Ano namang masama kung nakapaa ako? Hindi naman sila ang papasukan ng lamig sa paa ah” bulong ko habang patuloy na nagtatrabaho.

Tumunog ang telephone sa tabi ko kaya agad ko itong sinagot. “Yes, sir?” nakakonekta lang itong telephone sa telepono sa loob ng opisina ni Ash kaya wala ng ibang tatawag dito kung hindi siya lang.

“Bring us some coffee and put those fucking heel of yours” galit nitong sambit mula sa kabilang linya, I slowly nodded before I answered “Ok, Sir” sagot ko bago tuluyang ibinababa ang tawag.

Pinagtimpla ko sila ng kape at kumatok sa pinto, “Come in” I bring the coffee inside and put it on the table. The lady keeps on staring at me with disgust, kaya naiilang akong tumingin sa kanila.

“Meron pa po ba kayong kailangan Sir?” tanong ko, seryoso lang akong tiningnan ni Ash bago magsalita, “Nothing, you can leave” he said, I nodded and was about to walk out when my heels hardly hit my wound causing me to lose balance.

Buti na lang ay nakahanap ako ng alalay upang hindi matumba pero, “AHHHHHH!!!!” nagulat ako ng sumigaw ang matandang babaeng ito, nanlaki ang mata ko ng makitang nabuhos sa kanya ang hita kapeng iniinom dahil sa paghawak ko sa kanyang braso.

Napabitaw ako at agad siyang tumayo. Ash also panics and tries to hand her some tissues but this lady is so grumpy and keeps on shouting. “THIS IS SUCH A DISGRACE DEL MUNDO!!!!” she shouted and walked away.

Malakas nitong isinara ang pinto at sumigaw pa ulit sa labas, kaya napapikit ako sa sigaw. Ash problematically massages the bridge of his nose before he looks at me and hazes.

“You are so careless!!!!” galit niyang sambit, “Sorry Sir” iyon nalamang ang aking sinagot, “You–” he stop and sigh, “Get out before I fired you out” natitimpi niyang sambit, kaya wala sa sarili akong lumabas at iniwan siya sa loob.

I bite my lower lip and continue my work, “Hindi ko naman sinasadya ang OA niya” bulong ko, napaka OA ng matandang iyon. Nakasimangot kong tinapos ang trabaho ko, at habang naglalagay ng gamit sa bag lumabas si Ash sa kanyang opisina.

“Goodbye Si—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko dahil hindi ako nito pinansin at dire-diretsong umalis.

“Tss” I haze and head straight home.

“Oh, anong nangyari dyan?” tanong ni Seah pagpasok niya sa pinto, naabutan niyang ginagamit ni Willow ang sugat ko. “Paltos, nag ikot ng buong building at naglakad sa construction site” sagot ko.

“Huh? Bakit ano bang trabaho mo? Secretary ba o superviser?” maloko nitong banat kaya umirap na lang ako at pinanood si Willow na gamutin ang sugat ko.

“Kamusta sa trabaho?” tanong ko sa kanya, umupo siya na may malaking ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

“Nakita ko na ang future ko sis, ang gwapo as in, makalaglag panty at bra the best” exaggerated niyang sambit, kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Willow at kunot noo umiling.

Kumain kaming tatlo at tumuloy na ako sa kwarto. As soon as I opened the door, I saw my son sleeping soundly in our bed.

Umuwi ako ng tulog na si Eight kaya hindi ko na siya nakausap, at nakasabay kumain. Muli akong tumabi sa kanya at niyakap siya habang siya ay tahimik na natutulog. Magchahcarge lang ako saglit.

This angel is the source of my energy.

Hindi ko namalayan nakatulog na rin ako sa tabi niya at nagising nalang ako sa tunog ng alarm ko. Tamad na tamad akong bumangon at napangiwi ng kumirot ang sugat ko sa paa.

Sumasakit din ang muscle ko sa hita dahil sa paglalakad kahapon, pinilit ko pa ring maligo at mag luto ng almusal kahit na pakiramdam ko ayaw ko munang bumangon sa kama.

I cook fried egg, hotdog and friend rice para sa almusal. Ipinagluto ko rin si Eight ng chicken nuggets para sa baon niya at ganun na rin ang binaon ko. “Good morning” maganda ang gising ni Seah sa uri ng kanyang pagbati kaya tumango ako bilang sagot at sabay kaming kumain.

“Bilisan mo na Sis excited na akong pumasok at makita ang future ko” excited niyang sambit at ganadong lumabas ng bahay, I just shake my head put the dishes on the sink before I left a note para kay Willow.

I went to our room and kissed Eight’s forehead before I left the house and headed straight to the company. “Thank you sa paghatid, ingat sana magkita kayo ng future mo” I said making her smile brighter. “Sureness!!!” she said and drove away.

Pumasok sa loob ng kumpanya na tila parang walang gana at energy, parang gusto ko na lang mahiga at matulog ngayong araw.

“Good morning” kakaupo ko pa lang sa table ko ng sumulpot si Louise na may dalang kape. “Magkape ka para magising ka” malambing niyang sambit. I smile and say, “Thank you, kailangan ko talaga ito ngayon”

“I know, ‘’ she chuckled and also put a cupcake on my table. “My sister tries to bake and she kinda bakes a lot so I bring some of it here” she said before she stood up, “Kainina mo yan ah, Kita na lang tayo mamayang lunch.” I instantly agreed with her and smiled.

Biglang naging ok ang umaga ko dahil sa kape at cupcake.

While I was taking a big bite on the cupcake Ash arrived and caught me in that act, he stopped, frowned his brows before he hazed “Tsss” and went inside his office.

Mabilis kong sinubo ang buong cake at inayos ang aking sarili, I drink the coffee straight up and start working.

“Rivera” I raised my head up when Ash stepped out of his office and handed me another file. “Check this and reprint it again” he said.

Kinuha ko ang inaabot niya at binuklat, binasa ang nakapaloob at agad kumunot ang aking noo ng marealize na kakatapos ko lang nito i-reprint noong nakaraang araw ah. “Sir, I just re-print this the other day” sambit ko.

He gives me those the hell I care stares before he speaks, “I don’t like it, reprint it again with different type of bond paper” my lips parted because of disbelief.

I saw him smirk before he enters his office, I bit my lower lip to control my irritation bago ako tumalikod at iritableng nagpapapadyak.

“Nakakainis ka!Grrrrrrrrr!!!” mahina kong sigaw at nanggigigil na hinawakan ang file na ito. “Ang sarap mong sapakin!!!!” Tangina ka!!!

“What”

“Ay palaka!!!” I turn my back and…

“Do you want to punch me?”

Chapter 7

“Do you want to punch me?” nanlalaki ang mata kong nakatingin kay Ash na nakadungaw sa pinto ng kanyang opisina, tila seryoso ang kanyang mukha.

“Ang sarap mo. oo ang sarap mong maging boss hahahaha” halos gusto kong sampalin ang aking sarili sa lumalabas sa aking bibig ngayon, natataranta ako at parang pakiramdam ko ay mapapagalitan any moment now.

“It’s not appropriate to fantasize your boss inside the workplace Rivera, be professional geez” he confidently said before he went inside and close the door, hindi makapaniwala akong napasinghal dahil sa sobrang lakas ng hangin dulot ng bagyong Ashtongdemonyo.

Nanggigigil kong pinaghahampas ang hita ko bago nagsimulang magtrabaho, dahil baka kung hindi ako gumawa ng ibang bagay, baka maisipian ko na lang kumuha ng kutsilyo at saksakin ang lalaki na nasa loob ng opisinang ito.

“Kalma Jan, mabait kang tao, mabait ka” paalala ko sa aking sarili, at tinapos na ang pinapagawa niya. Inireprint ko sa magandang copon band bago ko inilagay sa magandang folder at tumuloy sa kanyang opisina.

I knock before I open the door, at naabutan kong may kausap siya sa telepono kaya nanahimik muna ako sa gilid. Hintayin ko nalang matapos siya dahil mabait na tao naman ako.

“Yes, it’s better to have a steady compounded amount and regular dividends in large investments, Soler, yeah… Better than mid and small cap funds if you are looking for long-term and steady returns of incomes right….” sinong kausap niya? Panibagong investors nanaman ba? Eh kaka close lang namin ng isa kahapon ah?

“Exactly… High quality funds with liquidity more than small and mid-cap funds, right. Yes Soler, and safe and predictable returns.” while he’s talking I kinda see my son in him, I imagine him wearing those coats and ties as a pilot or engineer.

Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti habang nakikita si Eight na magiging successful someday, Siguradong mas triple ang gwapo ng anak ko sa Ashtongdemonyo na ito.

“Soler, corporate capability represents the identity of your firm as perceived by both your employees and customers. It is your ability to perform better than competitors using a difficult to replicate set of business attributes. If I were you, I would invest before it’s too late” ano daw? Pang matalinong tao ata yong ganong explanation.

“Hahaha that’s right” my heart skip beat as he laughs genuinely, ngayon ko lang siya nakitang tumawa simula nag magkita kami muli, dahil sa kanyang pagtawa, tila nakita ko ang dating Ashton na kilala ko.

It was there, but it’s just hiding from his strong personality.

“Are you done checking me out Rivera?” tanong nito sa akin kaya bumalik ako sa aking sarili at nagulat na tapos na pala siyang makipagusap sa telepono.

Imbis na matakot, umismid ako bilang tugon, lumapit sa kanyang lamesa at inabot ang reprints na inutos niya, “Sir, ito na po yong ipinareprint n’yo, siguradon hong nasa MAGANDANG bond paper yan PO!” pinipilit kong maging magaang pero naglalaban sila ng pagiging sarkastiko ko.

“Ok, put it here and bring this out to the finance team, tell them to double check the calculations and this to the marketing team” napatingin ako sa itinuro niyang folder na blue at isang box na hindi ko alam ang laman.

I was just standing right there and said, “Sir, tatawag lang po ako ng ibang employee to carry tha—” he cut me out and said, “Why? Can’t you carry it? I mean the marketing team is on the floor below” I was caught off guard by that, “Hindi mo ba kayang gawin ang ganitong simpleng trabaho Rivera?” This is the first time I heard him speak Tagalog and it just makes him more powerful.

That dark steamy tone of voice, “Kaya ko po” sagot ko, bago ngumiti ng napakapekeng tamis sa kanya. “Kayang kaya,” nilapitan ko ito at binuhat, ipinatong ang folder sa itaas ng bow at binuhat ito.

Putcha parang anim na kilo ng bigas ang bigat nito ah! He was watching me struggle on carrying, and that’s what he wanted to see, me struggling so I’m not gonna give it to him. Nang mabuhat ko ito ng maayos, hinarap ko siya at muling ngumiti. “I love this job, it’s so EASY!” I said sarcastically before I walked out of that hell room.

Hanggang sa lumabas ako ramdam ko pa rin ang mapanghamon nitong mga ngiti kaya hindi ko mapigilang higpitan ang pagkakahawak sa box sa pagkat punong-puno na ako sa Ashtong na iyon!

Konti na lang talaga Ashton, konti na lang!

Hirap na hirap kong pinindot ang botton dito sa elevator bago ako tuluyang nakababa sa susunod na floor kung saan nandito ang office ng finance team at Marketing team.

Inuna ko muna ang marketing team at ibinagsak ang box sa gilid dito, “Oh, Miss Rivera bakit binuhat niyo po ito dito pababa, sinabi na po namin sa CEO na pupuntahan namin yan mamaya para kunin ng boys, bakit binuhat niyo po mag-isa?” bungad sa akin ng manager dito.

Dimonyo ka talaga Ashtong! “Ah… kasi mabait akong tao haha” lumabas ako doon ng kumukulo ang aking dugo, nakakainis sarap pumatay.

Tumuloy ako sa finance team at hinanap ang manager, “Excuse me Miss, nandito po ba si Mrs. Chaves?” tanong ko sa babaeng nakatalikod dito sa gilid, hinarap niya ako at tila para aking na starstruck ng pagmasdan ang maganda nitong mukha at kutis.

“Mrs. Chaves isn’t here, pero pwede ko namang tingnan yan, let me check?” kinuha at iniscan niya ang papers bago ako hinarap, “What’s wrong with this?” she asked me with frowned brows.

“The CEO wants to double check it” tugon ko, she hazed and suddenly became irritated. “I already checked this three time, why would he ask for a double check?” huh? Ibig sabihin natriple check na ito tapos inutusan niya pa akong gawin ito.

Halatang-halata ka na Ashtong! Sinasadya mo ang lahat ng ito. I darkly sigh before I go upstairs and give the folder back.

“Did they double check it?” tanong niya, I smirked and say, “Correctio Sir, four-time check na yan, kasi na triple check na po pala KAHAPON!!!” madiin at malakas kong sambit sa huling word.

“Oh, really?” kunwaring walang alam niyang sagot, “I must have forgotten” bulong niay bago yumuko at nagpatuloy sa trabaho. I smile at him with the mids of killing him before I walk out of that room.

After work umuwi ako diretso sa bahay at naabutan na nakasimangot si Eight kaya agad ko siyang nilambing, “Kamusta ang baby chuchut ko” mapaglaro kong sambit at niyakap siya.

“Ma, I’m in the middle of circulation progress not now geez” natigilan ako sa uri ng pagkakasalita niya, tila narinig ko si Ashtong sa kanya. Hindi pwedeng maging kagaya ng Ashtong na iyon ang anak ko.

Hinawakan ko sa kamay si Eight at niyakap siya, “Don’t be grumpy ok, bad yon” wag kang gagaya sa tatay mong na develop sa sama ng loob.

“Sorry Ma” he sweetly said.

Willow’s POV

“Sorry Ma” pinanood kong cute na magsorry si Eight kay Jan, habang itinatali ang aking buhok at sinusuot ang mask ko, kailangan kong pumunta sa publishing house tonight para pumirma ng international orders.

“Malapit na daw umuwi si Seah, maiwan ko na kayong dalawa dito uwi ako mamaya” sagot ko at kinuha ang aking bag bago tuluyang lumabas ng apartment, I wear a cup under my black hoodie hanggang sa makarating ako sa publishing house.

“150 copies for tonight kaya ba Willow?” tanong ng editors sa akin habang inilalagay ang iba sa table ko. I smile and didn’t expect na may bibili ng mga libro ko galit sa ibang bansa.

This is overwhelming, I smile and start signing. Madyo marami ito kaya nakakangalay sa kamay pero mukhang sanay na rin ito kaya wala na lang ang ngalay sa akin.

It took us 4 hours to sign at 11:30 na kami na tapos, “Thank you so much Willow, this is for you” they handed me a bucket of bubble gum ice cream. I genuinely smile, bow my head before I step out of the exit door.

As I step out, “AHA!” nagulat ako ng may biglang sumulpot na lalake sa gilid ko, teka this guy? Siya yong nasa book signing.

“Ikaw yung kanina?” nagpanic ako at tinakpan ang bibig niya bago pa malaman ng ibang readers ang alam nito. “Wag kang maingay bata” sambit ko, he nodded and with that I slowly remove my hand on his lips.

“I’m a fan of you since you started, I’m Rios Del Verde third year college student, 19 years old” pagpapakilala nito sa gitna ng book signing kaya hindi ko napigilang magsungit at maging pilosopo.

“I didn’t ask kid”

“What the hell? You shock the whole out of me!” I haze at him before he stands straight and smiles at me. “What are you smiling at?” tanong ko.

“Can you take off your mask and the tie on your hair?” tanong niya kaya lalong kumunot ang noo ko, “I won’t do that” I firmly said before I walk past him but suddenly, he pull my tie off making my hair fall down “HEY!” and as I face him he takes that chance to remove my mask without hurting me.

He stops and stares at me as I face him, “I know I would fall in love with you” he whispers and holds his chest where his heart is located.

I haze, grab my tie and mask back before I step away from him, chuckled and say.

“Lakas mong mag joke bata”

Jan’s POV

“Eight matulog na, tama na yan bukas ulit” I said while fixing the bed for him, he stood up with his pajamas on before he put the book back and lay down here in the bed.

“I’m sorry Ma,” he gently said, kaya tiningnan ko siya, “Para saan nak?” tanong ko habang kinukumutan siya at inaayos ang unan niya. “A while ago Ma, I didn’t mean to be grumpy, I just had a little irritation bout’ the homework po” he wrapped his arms on my waist and looked at me with those puppy eyes.

I chuckled before I kiss his forehead and speak, “It’s ok, naintindihan ko naman, basta ang pangako mo lang kay Mama ay wag na wag kang magiging rude at grumpy sa ibang tao, hindi maganda yon” wag kang gagawa sa tatay mo.

He nodded so politely before he kissed my cheeks and leaned on my arms, “I won’t be rude and grumpy” he whispered and slowly fell asleep. Mabilis siyang hilahin ng antok dahil pagod lagi ang mata niya sa pagbabasa, wala na atang ginawa itong anak ko kung hindi magbasa sa bawat oras ng buhay niya.

Nang makatulog na siya tumayo muna ako at lumabas ng kwarto, I sat on the couch and clean my wound, medyo hindi pa ito magaling at makirot pa rin, salamat sa mabait kong boss.

“Alam kong sinasadya mong pagudin ako, alam ko iyon Ash hindi mo ko maloloko. Bumabawi ka” bulong ko.

Paulit-ulit at paikot-ikot lang ang trabahong ipinapagawa niya sa akin, walang katapusan na trabaho, ginagawa ko ang lahat para matapos yon sa exact time na sasabihin niya tapos malalaman ko na tapos na trabaho na pala iyon, ipanulit niya lang sa akin para pagudin ako.

“Kung sa tingin mo susuko ako sa mga pagpapahirap mo, pwes hindi, at isa pa ang tagal na non ah, kung naghihiganti ka hindi ba sobrang late na??!!?!!!! Hindi ka pa ba nakakapagmove on ah” hingal ko na akala mo kausap ko talaga siya.

“At isa pa hindi ba nakabawi kana noon, ano pang inaarte mo ngayo—”

“Huy sinong kausap mo?”

“Ay palaka!” gulat kong sambit ng kalabitin ni Seah ang likuran ko, “Bakit ka nanggugulat?” tanong ko, kakauwi niya lang bakit hindi ko narinig ang pagpasok niya?

“Mas nakakagulat ka noh, nagsasalita ka mag-isa dyan, akala ko nababaliw kana” she said remove her mask and bag on the couch before she seats beside me. “Kumain ka na ba?” tanong ko.

“Yup tapos na,” malungkot nitong sambit kaya hinarap ko ang kanyang mukha sa akin, “Bakit ganyan ang mukha mo?” kunot noo kong tanong.

“Hindi pumasok future ko eh, kainis excited pa man din ako” ito nanaman tayo sa future na tinutukoy niya, “Alam mo matulog ka na, baka bukas pumasok na iyon tapos may eye bags ka” tumayo na ako at naglakad papalapit sa kwarto.

“Maganda ako kahit may eye bags noh” sambit niya bago ako umiling at pumasok sa kwarto at humiga sa tabi ni Eight.

I kissed his cheeks and sniffed his hands before I lay down and hugged him up. I was about to sleep when my phone lit up, which means it had a massage.

Inabot ko ito at nakakita ng unregistered number na text, when I open it. I already know who this is. Napatingin ako sa oras at 1:57 am na bakit nagtetext ito.

From Unknown,

I have an important meeting tomorrow, you should arrive at 5:30 am, don’t be late.

ANO! 5:30 AM?! SOBRANG AGA NAMAN NON!!!!!

Ano ito panibagong idea para pahirapan ako, kulangin sa tulog ganon?! Pwes hindi ako papayag, ayaw ko nga.

“

Bahala ka sa buhay mo“

Chapter 8

ring ring

Naalimpungatan ako sa pagtulog ng tumunog ang alarm clock ko ng around 4:30 am, I just feel so tired and exhausted kaya mas pinili kong hindi bumangon at matuog pa ng konti.

Deserve ko naman ito.

Pinatay ko ang alarm at agad bumalik sa pagtulog, I hugged Eight and go back to sleep. Agad akong nakabalik sa pagtulog dahil sa nararamdaman kong pagod, hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan na tuloy-tuloy na ang pagtulog ko.

Nagising na lang ako sa ingay ng phone ko, “Ahmmm” I groaned, because it keeps on ringing, nagunat ako at pilit na bumabalik sa mahimbing kong pagtulog hanggang sa patuloy pa rin ang pagtunog nito kaya hindi ko na kinaya, “Aghhhhhh!!!!!! Ano ba!!!” malakas kong sambit, I reach for my phone and realize that Eight wasn’t here beside me.

Naaninag ko na ang sinag ng araw mula sa bintana, kaya mas ipinikit ko ang aking mata bago sagutin ang tawag na ito. “H-hello?” I ask and continue laying on the bed.

Ang bigat talaga ng katawan ko ngayon, nakakatamad kumilos.

“WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU RIVERA!!!” malakas na sigaw mula sa kabilang linya, I instantly move the phone away from my ears before, I widely open my eyes and realize something.

I slowly look at the clock, a deep terror feeling runs up my body when I see that it’s already 7:00 in the morning.

“DON’T FUCKING TELL ME THAT YOU’RE STILL ON BED?!” galit na sigaw mula sa aking cellphone, kahit hindi ito nakadikit sa aking tenga rinig narinig ko ang lakas ng boses nito.

“Patay” sambit ko, nang tuluyang nagising ang buong sistema ko.

“OH, RIGHT YOU ARE SO DEAD RIVERA!!” rinig kong sigaw nito, kaya hindi na ako nagsalita, pinatay ang tawag at mabilis na tumakbo sa banyo upang maligo.

It just takes 5 minutes to finish dressing up myself, hindi ko na nagawang mag suklay ng buhok at maglagay ng make up dahil sa kakamadali. Tumakbo ako palabas ng pinto habang itinatali ang aking basang buhok.

Naabutan kong nag-aalmusal si Willow kasama si Eight, malamang nasa hospital na si Seah. nagmamadali kong hinalikan si Eight, “Papasok na si Mama, ingat kayo ah, araw mabuti Eight” sabit ko, sumubo ng isang pandesal bago tumakbo palabas.

“Manong para, para!” pagpara ko sa taxi pero puta pagpara ko may ibang sumakay, “HOY AKO ANG PUMARA DON AH!!!!” hindi ko na nagawang magreklamo dahil agad itong umalis, “PARA!!!” tawag ko sa parating na Taxi, pero ang gagong driver tiningnan lang ako at nilagpasan kahit wala siyang pasahero.

“Tangina naman oh! Pasakayin niyo na ako!!!” sambit ko at parang pinakinggan ang pagmura ko at isang taxi ang tumigil sa harapan ko, “Thank you lord” bulong ko bago mabilis na sumakay. “Manong sa Del Mundo Corporation po bilis”

“Yes, ma’am” determinado akong makarating ng mabilis sa kumpanya ng, “Nako naman oh” mahina kong sambit ng makita ang haba ng traffic.

Patuloy na tunog ng tunog ang cellphone ko, mas pinili ko na lang na wag itong sagutan at magfocus makarating ng mas mabilis. “Matagal pa ba ito manong?” tanong ko.

“Nako, oho ma’am ganitong oras ang traffic” sagot ng driver, kaya bagsak balikan akong napasandal sa upuan at pinakiramdaman ang kalahati kong’ katawan na parang nasa hukay na, ngayon pa lang parang naririnig ko na ang malakas na sigat at galit na mukha ni Ashton.

“Patay na talaga ako nito” bulong ko, ilang minuto lang ay umusad na ang traffic at nong malapit na, “Manong ito ho ang bayad hanggang dito na lang po ako tatakbuhin ko na po” inabot ko ang bayad at agad bumababa.

I ran as fast as I could and as I arrived inside the elevator, I stood stiff and silently prayed for my life, sana hindi dito matapos ito.

I feel so damn nervous as the elevator open, diretso ang tingin ko sa pinto ng kanyang opisina, at bawat hakbang na aking tinatahak ay kapalit ng salitang you’re fired.

I knocked and force myself to look fearless, para makita niyang hindi ako natatakot sa kanya. After knocking the door bigla kong na realize na hindi dapat ako matakot sa kanya, pinapahirapan niya ako kasi gusto niya maghiganti at sumuko ako, papakita ko sa kanya ang hinahanap niya.

Katapat niya, I stand straight and cross my arms on my chest, waiting for him to open the door and see my fearless face.

Pero kahit anong pahanda ko, kahit alam kong bubukas ito ano mangoras, I couldn’t avoid to flinch when he open it and meet me with those mad stares. Nanghina ang tuhod ko doon pero taas noo ko pa rin siyang tinitigan gaya ng kanyang ginagawa sa akin.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” sigaw niya sa aking harapan, hindi ako nagpatinag at nakatingin lang sa kanya, “DIDN’T I TELL YOU THAT I HAVE IMPORTANT MEETING!“sobrang galit siya, kitang-kita ko ang ugat niya sa leeg sa bawat salitang kanyang binibitawan.

“I overslept Si––” hindi niya ako pinatapos, “I DON’T FUCKING CARE TSS!” he shoute, grabbed my wrist and pull me out of the company.

“I didn’t close this agreement with Monte Carlos, you’re dead!” madiin niyang hinawakan ang palapulsuhan ko ng sabihin niya iyon sa napaka seryosong tono.

Tiningnan ko lang siya na tila mas lalong naging dahilan ng inis niya at matapos akong papasukin sa sasakyan at pabalibag itong sinara.

“Fuck this!” he hazes as he enters the car and he drives us somewhere.

Kaming dalawa lang, walang driver. I cross my arms again and look at the window like I didn’t do anything, bakit ako makokonsensya eh kaya naman ako napasarap sa tulog dahil pagod ako.

Siya naman ang may kasalanan nito.

Seah’s POV

“Hoy, anong sinisilip-silip mo dyan!?” napalingon ako kay Gorge ng kalabitin niya ako, I smile at him and say, “Hinihintay ko future ko” sagot ko, nandito kami sa nurse quarters sa lobby, at habang wala pa akong gaanong ginagawa hinihintay ko ang pagdating ni Dr. Herrera.

“Akin yon eh! Mang-aagaw ka gaga!” inis niyang sambit at hinapas ang braso ko, I smile devilishly and look at her, “Tanga mas bagay kami kaya bigay mo na sa akin, isa pa ako pwedeng anakan ni Dr. Herrera ikaw wala kang mantres noh!” confident kong sambit.

“Seah” Gorge said, kaya mas ngumiti ako, “Oh, wala ka masabi haha akin na kasi si Dr. Herrera, wag ka nang umasa” nakangiti kong sambit ng bigla niyang kurutin ang kamay ko at tumingin sa aking likuran.

Nanlaki ang mata ko dahil sa kanyang ginawa bago tumawa ng peke, “Joke hahahaha galing ko mag-joke noh” pagpapalusot ko.

“It seems like your joke is wasting your time intern, shouldn’t you be on rounds?” hinarap ko si Dr. Herrera ng magsalita ito sa aking likuran. “Ahhh Doc nandyan kana pala, opo ito na nga po ako papunta na magrarounds na” sambit ko, inagaw ang form ni Gorge at mabilis na tumakbo palayos doon.

“Ang tanga mo Seah” bulong ko at hinampas ang aking ulo bago gawin ang aking trabaho. After doing some rounds nakasalubong ko si Nurse Dallia, isa sa mga trainor namin.

“Good morning ma’am’ pagbati ko, “Tamang-tama Nurse Seah pwede bang ikaw muna ang mag inject sa mga bata sa room na ito, may kailangan lang akong gawin” she said and handed me the sterile syringe at sterile needle kasama ang mga ii-infusion sa patients.

“Ahm—”

“Thank you very much” she said and left me with no choice, tiningnan ko ang room na sinabi at tumuloy na doon.

“Good morning kids,” bati ko pagpasok so sa loob ng room na ito. They all just look at me for a seconds bago muling bumalik sa kanilang ginagawa, I read the name of the patient that should undergo infusion at hinanap ito sa kanila. Every room here consists of 4 patients.

“Love Constantine” when I called her name he stopped and blankly glanced at me. “Injection time” masigla kong sambit pero padabog lang siyang umupo ng maayos at itinaas ang sleeve ng suot na hospital gown.

Inihanda ko na ang gagamitin at hinawakan ang kanyang braso, her mom is standing beside me but I didn’t feel nervous dahil confident ako sa infusion, I practice these many times.

“Ok, inhale” malambing kong sambit bago dahan-dahang inilapit sa kanya ang syringe, I was about to do it when this kid moves and, “AHHHHH OUCH MOMMY!” nanlaki ang mata ko ng maling pwesto ko naiturong ang syringe.

The kid pulls it out and throws it away, kaya mas lalong nag bleed. “ANONG GINAWA MO!!!” nagulat ako ng biglang sumigaw ang Mommy ng patient at tinulak ako ng malakas.

“MOMMYYYY” the blood keeps flowing from the wound kaya agad akong tumayo para sana agapan ito ng biglang dumating si Doctor Herrera, “Hey, hey Love baby, calm down” he gently said and in that instant Love calm down and Doctor Herrera treat her wound and continue the infusion on the other arms.

“Done, no need to panic” he said, tahimik lang akong katayo dito sa gilid, “ANO BA YAN DOC DAPAT HINDI NIYO IPANAPAHAWAK NG MGA WALANG ALAM NIYONG NURSE NG MGA BATA TIGNAN MO ANG GINAWA NYAN SA ANAK KO” napayuko nalang ako dahil sa sinabi ng patient.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Constantine, this won’t happen again” Dr. Herrera bowed his head and sincerely apologized before he stood straight and left. Sumunod ako sa kanya, “Doc, hindi ko naman po sinasadya ang nangyari Doc, Love suddenly move po kaya nagkamali ng in—” he cut me out and spoke.

“You know what, just quit!” natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. “P-po?” I uttered.

“If you are here because some doctors are hot then just quit this job, you’re not meant to be a nurse if you’re like this, just quit” he seriously said before he walked away.

That just stabbed my heart, I pouted and felt so down.

“Sakit non’ ah” maluha-luha kong bulong.

Jan’s POV

Hindi ako nagsalita habang nasa byahe kami, at hindi ko rin alam kung saan kami pupunta dahil medyo matagal na ang byahe namin. Lumabas na rin kami ng Manila kaya alam kong medyo malayo ito.

“Tagaytay?” bulong ko ng mabasa ang sign, nasa tagaytay kami? Dito ang meeting?

The car stops in front of Antonio’s Restaurant.

Pinanood kong bumaba si Ash ng sasakyan at doon ko lang napansin na nakasuot siya ng medyo makapal na coat at vest. So handa siya? Hindi man lang ako nainform na Tagaytay pala ang meeting.

Baliw ka ba Jan, paano ka maiinform kung late ka na gumising.

Bagsak balikat kong tiningnan ang aking suot, I’m wearing a white see-through sleeveless blouse and paired it with black above knee pencil skirt and just simple doll shoes.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng sasakyan at bumaba, gaya ng inaasahan, ang malamig na simoy ng hangin dito sa tagaytay ang yumakap sa aking balat. At dito ko masasabi na mali ako ng choice ng damit na sinuot.

Kung minamalas ka nga naman oh, pasimple akong humawak sa aking braso dahil sa lamig. Dahil manipis lang ang aking blouse tagos na tagos talaga sa akin ang lamig.

Naglakad na papasok sa loob si Ash kaya wala akong choice kung hindi sumonod, kulang na lang magdikit ang mga hita ko sa lamig. Medyo hindi maganda ang panahon ngayon dito kaya doble ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin.

Pagpasok namin sa loob mas lalo lang akong nilamig, kaya tumigil talaga ako sa paglalakad at nangatog sa lamig. Mahina ako sa lamig tangina naman oh!

Napansin ata ni Ash na hindi na ako nasa sunod sa kanya kaya nilingon niya ako at kunot noong’ nilapitan. “What is this?” he asked with frowned brows.

“Ahmm…n-nilalamig ako” tugon ko kaya tiningnan niya ang suot ko, when he sees my hand started shaking a glimpse of smirk flashes from his lips before he looks behind me and, “I’ll help you” he said.

Bago siya naglakad sa kung saan, pinanood ko siyang lumapit sa isang table ng magjowa, naglabas ng pera sa wallet at kinuha ang paper bag na hawak ng babae. Nakatatak dito ay costomate.co.

“Thank you” he said before he walked towards my place and handed me the paper bag.

Nanlaki ang mata ko ng makita ang laman nito, “Hindi maaari!” bulong ko at tiningnan siya, he smirked lean close to my ears and whisper. “Wear this or freeze to death Rivera” he playfully said.

My lips parted because of that and slowly take out this jacket out of the paper bag, nilalamig na talaga ako, hindi ko na kaya. Kahit na sobrang kahihiyan at sama ng loob ng nararamdaman ko sinuot ko ito at pinagtitinginan na ako ng mga tao.

This jerk smile devilishly, he made me wear a kiddie jacket with a bunny ear hoodie na nakatayo talaga, tapos yong klase ng telang gamit dito ay parang balahibo talaga ng rabbit.

At may buntot na bilog pa ito sa likuran!!! Aghhhh patayin niyo na lang ako!!!

He smirked before he looks at me and say,

“Let hop in” pang aasar niyam at nauna nang naglakad.

“Nakakatawa yon?!!”

Chapter 9

Hindi ko magawang maging komportable, dahil habang hinihintay naming dumating ang kameeting nitong demonyong ito ay pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao sa palagid, at ang mas malala ay kinukuhanan ng litrato.

Pasimple ko na lamang itinago ang aking mukha at sumilip, yumuko ako at nagkunwaring busy sa aking cellphone.

“Excuse me, Bunny” nagulat ako ng may batang lumapit sa akin at nakangiti akong tiningnan, I rose my head to look at her and glance at this man beside me, we are both confused where this kid came from.

“Hello” I greeted her because she’s not talking to me, she’s just staring at me with a cute smile on her face, she’s even holding my right thighs. “Hiiiii” malambing niyang sambit, she looks so amazed at me, and raises her arms up, doing the close open thing on her palm like she’s reaching for the ear of my jacket.

Yumuko ako upang maahawan niya ito, she giggled and slowly tried to climb on my lap, I help her and let her seat on my lap. She even smiles wider when she’s near me, she’s so cute.

“Delancy darling, oh no, I’m so sorry” napalingon kami ng dumating ang mommy niya, “Bunny” this cutie said when her mom was about to get her, she hugged me and hid her face on my chest.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Miss, Delancy come here” Her mom is a bit old, kaya I bow at her and smile, “Ok lang po” sambit ko, bago hinawakan ang kamay ng cute na batang ito, when I hold her hand she rose up and look at me. “Hello, Delancy, right?” malambing kong sambit, dahan-dahan itong tumango bilang sagot.

I smile at her and whisper, “Your Mommy’s calling you, you need to go na” imbis na pakinggan ako ay niyakap niya lang ako “Bunny” she whispers and nakaisip ako ng paraan.

“Do you want to take a picture with Bunny?” I whisper, parang nabuhayan siya dahil sa sinabi ko, hinarap niya ako muli bago ngumiti at “I’m gonna have picture with bunny and I will put it on my room” she said.

“Sure” sagot ko at inayos ang pagkakakandong sa kanya bago kami kinuhanan ng litrato ng Mommy niya, ibinaba ko siya pagkatapos at inayos ang kanyang buhok. “Thank you, Bunny,” she said.

“You’re welcome” I answered and watched her go to her mom, hold her hand and take their leave, she even took a last glance at me before she stepped out of the door, kaya hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti, ang cute.

Nang tingnan ko si Ash ay tila busy lang ito sa tablet niya, I rolled my eyes and was about to drink water when, “Ahm.. excuse me can my son take a photo with you?” my lips parted when a number of parents came to me with their childrens.

Hindi ako nakasagot at tiningnan si Ash para humingi ng tulong, he gazes at me before he look at his phone. “Monte Carlos is here; you can just stay here be back later” malokong nitong sambit bago pumasok sa pumunta sa kung saan.

Hindi makapaniwala akong nakaupo dito, at dahan-dahang ibinalik ang tingin sa mga bata dito. “S-sure” sagot ko ng makita ang mga ngiti sa labi ng mga bata.

1 hour later, “Thank you so much Bunny, you’re so cute I’m gonna die” napapikit ako ng kurutin ang batang ito ang pisngi ko bago bumaba sa at lumapit sa kanyang Mommy. “Thank you so much, here” nakangiti akong inabutan ng 200 pesos ng Mommy ng bata bago sila umalis.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng matapos na ang mga nagpapa picture na mga bata, punyeta ginawa ba naman akong mascot dito, halos lahat ng batang pumapasok ay nagpaicture sa akin.

Ang sakit na ng panga ko kakangiti, tangina. I massage my jaw and re-tie my hair. Mukha na akong losyang dahil sa kakulitan ng mga batang nagpapapicture.

“Ahm excuse me ma’am,” nanaman, “Ano?” tanong ko dahil pagod na ako, pero nagulat ako ng isa sa mga waiter pala ang lumapit sa akin, “Yes? Bakit?” tanong ko.

“What you’re doing is not allowed here Ma’am” kumunot agad ang aking noo dahil sa sinabi niya, anong ginawa ko? “What?” I ask.

“Bawal po kasi dito myung ganyan ma’am, nakasuot po kayo ng costume para kumita ng pera sa mga costuers namin, nagagalit po yong manager namin, kaya kung pwede lang ho umalis na po kayo dito” mabilis akong umiling dahil sa sinabi niya at sinilip ang pinto na pinuntahan ni Ash, nasaan na ba yon.

“It was a misunderstanding, hindi ko intensyon mag cause ng crowd kanina, ano kasi yong bat—–” hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko ng tawagin niya ang guards. Nanlaki ang mata ko dahil doon, “Teka”

“Umalis na po kayo ma’am, alam na po namin ang modus niyong ganyan” he said “Modus?” and the guards grab my arms and politely assist me out, hindi na ako nagsalita dahil pinagtitinginan na ako ng mga tao.

Malakas na pagsinghal ang aking ginawa ng hindi makapaniwala akong nangyari sa akin ito, “Anong tingin nila sa akin parte ng mga nagmomodus operandi!!!” I hazed, kicked the rock in front of me and hugged myself.

“Mas malamig dito sa labas” umupo ako sa gilid ng entrance dito at hinintay ang demonyong lalaki na iyon. Sinadya niyang iwan ako doon dahil alam niyang mangyayari ito, I bite my lips out of irritation and grip my fist.

“Napaka sama talaga ng ugali!!!” bulong ko at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa aking sarili, ang lamig.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto bumukas ang pinto at lumabas na rin sa wakas ang demonyong ito.

“Why aren’t you inside?” aba nagtanong pa nga ang gago, if I know pakana niya lahat ng ito. “Ah kasi nilalamig ako doon kaya NAGPAPAINIT AKO DITO SA LABAS!” madiin kong sambit, at inirapan siya bago naglakad papunta sa sasakyan.

Halos manlambot na ang aking mga hita dahil sa pangangatog pero hindi ko ito ipinakita sa kanya. Tapos na ang pagiging boss niya, kung gusto niya akong pahirapan dapat harap-harapan hindi yong pasimple.

Hindi na ako magpapakapeke dito, “Are you cold?” tanong nito ng buksan ang pinto ng sasakyan, I fakely smile at him and answered, “No, I’m hot! Tss” I said in a sarcastic tone before I stepped inside the car.

Pagpasok sa loob agad kong hinubad ang bunny na jacket na ito at hinagis sa likod, siniguro kong nakita niya ang ginawa kong iyon, para alam niyang hindi ako natutuwa. He smiles and says, “Why? It looks cute on you” He teasefully said before he started the engine and drove our way back to Manila.

While on the ride, I purposely remove my doll shoes and cross my thighs up, he instantly notices that and says, “What is that?” he asked.

“Ah ito? PAA bakit wala ka nyan?” ipinakita ko sa kanya ang paa ko na nakasuot ng medyas at itinaas pa ito, bakas sa mukha nito ang pandidiri, mga mayayaman nga naman oh.

Malinis naman ang paa ko ah, “Put those damn shoes on Rivera!” he said darkly but just like what I said, I’m done with this paapi serye with him. “Ayaw ko nga pinagpapawisan eh papahanginan ko muna” itinaas ko pa ito sa tapat ng aircon kaya agad kaming huminto sa tabi ng kalsada.

“What the fuck!” He hazed, and faced me with those mad eyes. Taas kilay ko siyang tiningnan bago umakting na parang walang ginagawa. “What did I do Sir?” I said, making him clenched his jaw out of frustration and tighten his grip on the wheels.

“Stop this nonsense and put those damn shoes on!” he said pointing at my doll shoes. “Pero Sir, pawis po talaga ang paa ko babaho po ito pagkinulob” tinggal ko ang suot kong medyas at ipinakita ito sa kanya, agad siyang lumayo at nandito. “Fuck!” he hazes ng medyo ilapit ko sa kanya ito.

“Put that fucking thing away geez!!!” he panic when I left my teeth up, inosente ko siyang tiningnan at ipinakita ang aking paa, “Sir oh, kahit I check mo pa pawis talaga” sambit ko, sumiksik siya sa pinto ng sasakyan na tila diring-diri sa aking medyas kaya inilapit ko pa ito sa kanya. “Yan Sir, oh check niyo pa po, pagpinilit niyo po akong suotin ang medyas ko babaho po yan lalo, amuyin niyo p—–”

“FUCK!!! FINE!!!” he shouted push my arms away and seat properly, “Fucking fine, do whatever you want just put that thing away from me!!!” he hazes, loosen his neck tie and wipe that small sweat on his forehead.

I pursed my lips to stop me from smiling before I put my sock back again and didn’t wear the shoes. “Fuck” heard him whsiper before he starts driving again.

Kala mo ah!

Lagot ka ngayon sa akin, hindi ako natatakot sayo.

Days passed by hindi na ako nagpapatalo sa kanya, “Rivera aren’t you listening to me, I said redo this part” galit niyang sambit habang nakatayo ako sa harapan ng lamesa niya, hindi ko siya binibigyan ng pansin sa halip ay mas naging busy ako sa pagtanggal ng tinga sa aking bunganga.

And that makes him even pissed off, “ARE YOU SILENTING?” he shouted, doon ko lang siya tiningnan at sumagot, “Ano po?” innocently said, he hit the table and stared at me with those dark eyes.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” he madly cursed but I remained cool, “I will redo it Sir, is that all?” magalang pero peke kong sambit. Umigting ang panga niya dahil sa sinagot ko, ipinaramdam ko sa kanya na wala akong pake sa galit niya, at nginitian lang siya lalo kaya kinuha ko na ang papers na ipinauulit niya bago ngumiti muli.

“Wag ka nang magalit Sir, gagawin ko po ito agad” I made sure that he noticed that my smile wasn’t even real before I turned my back on him and was about to step out of his office.

When he speaks, “I am not even done talking Rivera, are you disrespecting me!” madiin at puno ng pagtitimpi niyang tanong, I glance at him with a fake bright smile and strictly answered.

“Yes, Sir”

“WHAT!!!” he shouted. I smirked, walked towards his table, leaned a bit closer and said, “I said No Sir, I am not completely and perfectly disrespecting you?” I said before I wink at him, stood straight and turned my back on him.

“Don’t turn your back on me, women” I open the door without even looking back at him.

“I’m not scared of you!!” I uttered.

“Oh, you better be sweetie” he darkly said, making me smirk, step out of that room.

“Sweetie mo mukha mo, gago!”

Willow’s POV

“Seah aga mo ah” bungad ko sa pagpasok ni Seah dito sa bahay, she looks down and stress out, and she just nod at me before she walks to her room and taps Eight’s head before closing the door.

“What’s wrong with her?” I whisper before I turn of my laptop, kakatapos ko lang magsulat ng isang chapter kaya magpapahinga muna ako kahit sandali.

“Tita Willow” I looked at Eight when he called me and showed me a list, “What is this for?” I ask.

“We have a cooking lesson tomorrow and I need those ingredients, can you buy me those Tita?” he’s talking in a sweet tone kaya wala talaga akong rason para tumanggi. “Of course, I’ll buy this na agad agad” I pinch his cheeks before I stand up leer at my wallet, grab them out together with my mask and cellphone.

“Stay here, call Tita Seah if you need anything, I just buy these things” I said, gently push him back to their room and went outside, head straight to the market.

Kaya mas gusto kong walang nakakakilala sa totoo kong itsura bilang writer dahil ayaw kong makakuha ng atensyon ng ibang tao, I just want to walk here at peace and do my thing.

I went to the grocery store to buy some ingredients on the list and look at a cheaper price outside, through the dirty market.

Nang mabili ko na ang lahat, pumunta ako sa 7/11 para bumili ng ice cream dahil napakainit, tapos nakahoodie pa ako. I bought two, one for me and one for Eight, I’ll bring this home. Sasakay naman ako ng tricycle kaya hindi ito matutunaw.

Pagpunta ko sa counter, nagbabayad na ako ng biglang may sumingit at inilagay ang libro na sinulat ko sa counter, “Pasingit lang miss, emergency” this guy said, kaya pasimple akong yumuko at itinago ang aking mukha.

Libro ko iyon eh, this might be a reader.

“Sir, saglit lang po tapusin ko muna si Ma’am siya ang nauna eh” the lady in teh counter said, kaya inabot ko na ang bayad ko.

Napalingon ako sa lalaking nasa tabi ko, at agad nanlaki ang mata ko ng makita nag batang ito nanaman. “Ma’am do you have smaller cash the—” hindi ko na pinatapos ang sasabihin ng babae at kinuha agad ang ice cream at sinabi, “Keep the change” I said.

“Teka?” The kid beside me recognized my boys so I instantly turned my back and ran out of that place.

“PILLOW!” rnig kong sigaw nito, when I glance back halos tumalon ang puso ko sa takot ng makitang hinahabol niya ako. “SHIT!” mas binilisan ko ang pagtakbo ko at agad lumiko, tumalon ako sa trash malaking lalagyanan ng basurahan para hindi ako nito makita.

“PILLOW SANDALI!!!!” narinig ko ang paglagpas niya sa basurahan na ito kaya nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Pero maling desisyon iyon dahil…

“PUTANG INA ANG BAHO!” sigaw ko.

Ash’s POV

“I am not even done talking Rivera, are you disrespecting me!” I said darkly, she’s pissing me off so much, she’s not even paying attention to anything I said, this woman is really testing my patience.

“Yes, Sir” I heard it right, she said yes!!! What the fuck!

“WHAT!!!” I shouted. And fuck she just smirked, walked towards my table, leaned a bit closer to my face and said, “I said No Sir, I am not completely and perfectly disrespecting you,?” I tighten my grip on the pen I’m holding on because I fucking know that she’s faking those smiles.

This woman is getting on my nerves! Seh tunr her back on me and confidently move that fucking body smoothly geez! “Don’t turn your back on me, women” she opens the door without even giving shits on me.

“I’m not scared of you!!” she uttered fearlessly, and that just makes me smirk devilishly.

“Oh, you better be sweetie” you better be, she chuckled and close stepped out.

So, this is how she wanted to play,

“Oh, game on”

Chapter 10

“Good morning!” I whisper to myself as I open my eyes in a bright touch of sunrise. Ngayon lang ulit ako gumising ng mag sinag na ng araw, I miss this.

Umupo ako mula sa kama at tiningnan ang kanina pa vibrate ng vibrate kong phone. As I check it, puno na ito ng miss call mula kay Ash, that makes me smile devilishly before I stretch my arms up, with a bright smile.

Tumayo ako ng may ngiti sa labi, aasarin ko pa siya lalo, at tingnan natin kung sino ang unang susuko sa aming dalawa. I take a shower and really take my time inside, naligo ang ng mabuti, I also dance while scrubbing some part of my body.

Then after that I also take time on choosing clothes to wear in this beautiful morning I have. I decided to wear a simple white blouse and top it with navy blue cardigan, jeans and white converse.

“La la la la laaaa” I was humming a music in my mind while dressing up, lumabas ako ng kwarto at naabutan si Eight na kumakain ng almusal kasama si Willow. “Good morning sa na pa ka gwapo kong anak” masigla kong sambit, kunot noo akong tiningnan ni Eight dahil doon, umupo ako sa tabi niya na panay ang tingin niya sa akin.

“Ang ganda ng araw ngayon noh” I said, Willow just nodded at me and continue eating, I feel so happy, knowing that I’m pissing somebody off.

“Ma, are you ok?” Eight ask me and reach for my forehead, tila parang tiningnan kung may lagnat ako kaya natawa ako, “Ok lang ako, bakit naman hindi magiging ok ni Mama” mas lalong kumunot ang noo niya dahil sa sagot ko.

“Yeah, you’re definitely sick” he whispers and resume eating, tumawa na lang ako at patuloy na pinakiramdaman ang pagvibrate ng cellphone ko sa aking bulsa, naiisip ko na agad ang itsura ni Ash habang tinatawagan ako.

And that makes me even happier. Today I chose to play with his games. Kung ganito maglaro ang bagong Ashton Lynx Del Mundo pwes, makipaglaro siya sa dating Jan na nakilala niya.

Dahil marami pa akong time inisin si Ash naisipan kong ako na lang ang maghatid kay Eight sa school, dahil sobrang dami kong time.

“Aren’t you going to be late for work Ma?” tanong ni Eight sa akin habang nasa loob kami ng tricycle papunta sa school niya, ngumiti ako ng malawak at hinarap siya, “Hindi nak, sobrang bait ng boss ni mama kaya kahit anong oras ako pumasok” sa sobrang bait niya parang hihilingin mong kunin na ni san pedro.

Eight just nodded at me and as we arrived in front of his school gate, nagbayad ako sa trike at lumuhod para pantayan siya, “Mag-aral mabuti ah” sambit ko, inayos ko ang kwelyo niya. “Yes Ma,” he uttered and kissed me on the cheeks.

“Ewwwww si August tignan nyo kinikiss niya ang mommy niya” napalingon kami ng may ilang student kagaya ni Eight ang nagtawanan, tatayo na sana ako para pagalitan sila ng pigilan ako ni Eight, “I can do this Ma” he whispers and walk towards those kids.

“Yes, I kiss my mom because I love her and she never let me down, kissing her is the only thing I can do for now to pay all her hard work, bet you can’t do that to your mom Josh because all you know is to bully others with your small brain, I feel bad for you” hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin kong maramdaman, kung yong kilig ba na sinabi ng anak ko o yong pagkamangha sa kalmado niyang pagsasalita.

“IKAW!” agad akong tumayo ng ambahan ng suntok nong Josh na iyon si Eight, “HOY!” I shouted at him making him stop and look at me. Lumapit ako sa kanya at tiningnan siya ng masama. ’

“Subukan mong saktan ang anak ko, makikita mo ang hinahanap mo, sa oras na malaman kong dumikit ang palad na ito sa anak ko puputulin ko ito” hinawakan ko ng medyo mahigpit ang kamay ng batang ito upang matakot at tumatalab naman.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata bago siya binitawan at mabilis silang nagtakbuhan papasok ng gate, hinarap ko si Eight ng may ngiti sa labi. “Sabihin mo sa akin pagbinully ka non’ ah” I said.

“He can’t do that to me Mom, mana ata ako sayo” he said and urged that cute smile. “Talaga, manang-mana” I said, kiss his forehead and gently push him inside the school, “See you later” sambit ko at pinanood siyang maglakad papasok.

He glances at me, fix his glasses on and continues walking. Hinintay ko hanggang matanaw ko ang pagpasok niya sa room nila bago ako umalis at pumara ng taxi. “Manong sa Del Mundo building po” I said.

Nang umandar na ang taxi, kinuha ko ang aking cellphone mula sa bag at nakita ang ilang missed calls and text galing kay Ash at binasa ko ang ilan dito.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

Where the fuck are you RIvera?

From Ashtongdemonyo,

Are you really testing my patience?!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

I will not think twice and just fire you, if you didn’t show up here.

“Edi wow” I whisper while reading.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

What the fuck, you’re 1 hour and half late!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

WHERE ARE YOU! I CAN’T START WORKING WHERE IS MY FUCKING SHEDULES!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

WHAT THE HELL, WHAT’S TAKING YOU SO LONG!!!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

8 am, exactly 8 am and you’re still not here. I’m going to find a new secretary!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

Fucking answer my calls!!!! You women!

I just smirk and look at the clock, 7:48 am na, gusto kong magpakita sa kaniya ng 8:59 para lalo siyang mainis. Pagbaba ko ng taxi may nakita akong naglalako ng puto at kutsinta, bigla akong nagutom kaya bumili muna ako.

“Manang pabili po, tig-bente ho nay” magalang ong sambit. Mahaba pa naman ang oras ko hahaha, bahala siyang mamatay sa galit sa itaas.

“Ito iha, nako napakaganda mo” sambit ni Nanay na nagtitinda ng puto at kutsinta, I laugh because of that and said, “Nako nay nangbola pa, sige na ho sayo na ho ang sukli” sambit ko bago kinuha ang biniling puto at kutsinta at tumuloy na sa loob ng kumpanya.

Pagsakay ko sa elevator sumulyap ako sa oras sa aking cellphone, 7:58 na, I smirked and the as it open exact 8:59 I stand in front of his door and knocked.

Agad itong bumukas at ang mapangahas nitong mga tingin ang sumalubong sa akin, “What the fuck, Rivera!!!” galit niyang sambit bago tumuloy sa loob at tila nagtitimpi na hinintay akong pumasok.

I confidently step inside with my chin up and smile out, nakapamewang siyang tumayo sa aking harapan at tinitigan ako, at dahil matangkad siya kinailangan kong tumingala ng bahagya para suklian ang kanyang mga titig.

I stare back at him with my teasing expression, I watch him clench his jaw and move close to my face, I don’t flinch because I know that’s gonna happen. “Where do you get the guts to show up with this expression, after being late for too long!” madiin at nanggigil niyang sambit. It was almost a whisper but it’s so dark, I can even see some veins on his neck.

“You delayed some of my work and waste my time on texting you” galit niyang sambit, I grin and said, “I didn’t ask for your text Sir, your schedule is on my table, pwede mo namang kunin yon kung gusto mo po talagang magtrabaho ng maaga” pilosopo kong sagot kaya mas lalo siyang nagalit at hinawakan ang kamay ko.

“You are really testing my patience Rivera, don’t wait for me to end my limit, you might regret it” he moved closer and suddenly looked into my lips, that caught me off guard, watching him intensely staring at my lips, makes me feel uncomfortable.

He tightens his grip on my wrist and continue staring at my lips, hindi ako handa sa ganito, kaya hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko, biglang nawala ang tapang ko at pilit nilalapanan ang aking sarili, wag kang titingin sa labi niya.

He even moves his face closer to the side of my face, halos tumaas ang balahibo ko sa katawan ng maramdaman na inaamoy niya ang buhok ko habang patuloy niyang pinagmamasdan ang aking labi, his eyes were so dark and I tried my best not to look on his lips but as he exhales, his breath touches my skin and I can’t help to glance at those lips.

“I don’t play games without thrill, and pleasure is the thrill Rivera, try to play with me and I’m telling you, you’re not gonna win” he darkly whispered. Doon ako bumalik sa aking sarili at agad iniwas ang aking mukha papalayo sa kanya, umatras ako papalayo sa kanya at binawi ang aking kamay sa mahigpit niyang pagkakahawak.

“I don’t wanna delay other work Sir, I’m heading out” I said and turned my back on him.

I stop in front of the door open it and say, “I’ll play this game, it sounds thrilling” I glance at him, smirked and continue, “Be ready”

I step out of his office and head straight to my table, pagkaupo ko sa kaing swivel chair doon pa lamang ako nakahinga at tila bigla akong inatake ng asthma kaya agad akong yumuko sa ilalim ng lamesa at kinuha ang inhaler sa loob ng aking bag.

Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso, at tila nakaramdam ako ng konting kaba sa nangyari kanina, that’s not supposed to be like what I imagine, suddenly he changes the game and if I need to play with it, I will play with all my cards out.

Seah’s POV

“Ok, 1..2..3” I whisper and impale the strange on the fake arms, and continue the infusion procedure, nandito ako ngayon sa loob ng walang taong silid upang practisin ang paginfusion ko.

I need to practise this, and make it perfect so what happen last time won’t happen again, kailangan kong ipakita sa batang iyon na kaya ko, at hindi ako walang kwentang intern. I studied this for almost half of my life.

Nang magawa ko ng maayos ang unang infusion, umulit ako muli para makasiguro. I inhale and exhale before I fix my bangs and do it again. “Ok, 1..2..3..” I whisper and do it again.

“Hoooo” mahina kong sambit ng matapos ko ng maayos ang pagpapractice. “I can do this” I whisper to myself before I clean these things up and step out of that room, head to the nurse quarters and take my rounds.

After my rounds agad akong lumapit sa head nurse namin upang hengin ang trabaho ng infusion for today, “Ma’am pwede ho bang ako na lang po ang gumawa nito, sige na ho” sambit ko habang hinahawakan ang kamay niya.

She looked hesitant when I said that because she knows what happened last time but I really need and want to show them that I can do it.

“I don’t know Seah––” I cut her out and begged, “Sige na ho, pagbigyan niyo na po ako, promise I won’t mess up this time” I said and tried to convince her. She sighs before she slowly nods.

“Fine” she said and handed me the things I needed, I smiled brightly, “Thank you so much Ma’am, promise I won’t fail you this time” I said. “I’ll look forward to that, good luck” she tapped my shoulder before letting me attend that room again.

Hindi ko maiwasang kabahan habang papalapit sa room na iyon, pero pilit kong pinapalakas ang aking loob upang magawa ko ito ng maayos at maipakita sa kanila na kaya ko.

Huminga ako ng malalim bago tuluyang pumasok sa loob, agad nila akong tiningnan, I bow my head a bit and greet them, “Good morning po” pagbati ko pero nanahimik lang sila at pinanood ako.

“Mommy” Love holds her mom’s hand when she sees me putting the things in front of her bed. “Bakit ikaw ulit!! Bakit pumayag sila na ikaw ulit ang mag injection sa anak ko!!!”

“Ma’am I’m really sorry for what happened last time, it was an accident but I promise this time I won’t fail” I said. “HINDI! Hindi ako papayag na ikaw ulit ang gagawa nito sa anak ko! Wala ka namang alama sa ganitong bagay!” galit na sambit nito.

“Love promise I won’t hurt you again” I gently said and try to convince Love but she just hugged her mom even more.

“AYAW NG ANAK KO! TUMAWAG KA NG IBANG NURSE, AYAW NI LOVE SAYO!” sigaw nito sa akin kaya yumuko ako at tila pinanghinaan na ng loob.

I badly want to prove myself. That I can do this, because I’m a nurse and I was born to do this.

“Please Love” I whisper.

“TUMAWAG KA NG IBANG NURSE!!!––” natigilan ang Mommy ni Love ng biglang may nagsalita sa aking likuran. “Try it on me first” napalingon ako ng makita si Doc. Herrera.

“P-po?” I ask.

“Try it on me first” sambit nito bago umupo sa aking harapan and offer his arms for the injection.

He glances at me before he faces Love and says, “If I can do this, you can too, I’ll go first and you’re next, ok?” he gently said, making Love slowly nodded.

Tiningnan niya ako bago bumulong, “Go on” he whispers, kaya agad akong kumilos at kinalma ang aking sarili, kahit kinakabahan ako ginawa ko ito ng tama.

“See, she’s not gonna hurt you, now your turn, don’t worry I’ll be here” pagkatapos ni Doc. Herrera hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Love at hinayaan akong injectionan si Love, sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko habang ginagawa iyon pero nakahinga ako ng maayos ng magawa ko ito ng tama.

Love exhales and urges a smile on me, and that just makes me happy. “Good job love” Doc. Herrera said before he urged a handsome smile and walked out of the room.

“Sorry, sa mga nasabi ko, iniisip ko lang ang kaligtasan ng anak ko” Love’s Mom said, kaya agad akong ngumiti, “Wala ho yon, naiintindihan ko po, mauna na ho ako, bye Love” I said, bow my head and step out of that room.

Hinabol ko si Doctor Herrera, “Doc!” I said making him stop, I stood in front of him with a wide smile on my face.

“Thank you sa pagtulong niyo sa akin” masigla kong sambit.

He frowned his brows on me and said, “I didn’t do that for you, I did that for Love, she should be injected before 10, and that’s not gonna happen if I didn’t do that” he seriously said and started walking again.

Sinundan ko siya at hindi ko maiwasang matuwa, “You still help me, and that means a lot” I said and wink at him, he hazes at me and continue walking.

“Doc my chance ba ako sayo?” tanong ko.

“WHAT!”

Chapter 11

“Doc my chance ba ako sayo?” tanong ko.

“WHAT!” malakas nitong sambit at tiningnan ako kaya agad akong ngumiti at nag peace sign, “Shock yan Doc, hahaha mauna na po ako” I said and walk pass through him with a bright smile on my face.

Naglakad ako ng may ngiti sa labi, I feel so good at least na pakita ko na kaya ko at napatunayan kong mabait talaga ang future husband ko

Sureness na aalagaan niya ang magiging anak namin, I stop walking and look back at him, he was still standing there staring, I mean glaring at me.

“Doc, I’ll take my shot, be ready” sambit ko bago kinikilig na tumakbo palayo, I will really gonna take my shot this time, masyado niya nang’ nakuha ang puso ko.

After that I take a lunch break and saw him buying food outside kaya agad kong tinago ang baon ko at tumakbo papalapit sa kanya, “Doc!” I said as he stepped out of the building, I stood beside him and asked, “Doc naniniwala ka ba sa love at first sight?” tanong ko.

He hazes at me and, “No” diretso nitong sagot kaya lumipat ako sa kabilang gilid, “Eh sa love at second sight?” I act like John Loyd sa, My amnesia girl. “No” he just repeated his answer kaya hindi ako napagtinag, lumipat muli sa kabilang gilid habang mabilis siyang naglalakad. “Eh sa love at third sight?” I ask with a charming smile.

“No”

“Fourth sight?”

“No”

“Fifth sight?”

“No”

“Sixth?”

“No”

“Seven––”’ he cut me out and spoke. “Stop, I said no already, and even if that is a thousand sights, I will not love someone like you, put that in your mind intern” he said and totally walked away from me.

Naiwan akong nakatayo dito dahil sa sinabi niya pero gaya ng sinabi ko mas matibay pa ako sa shield ni Captain America kaya hindi ako susuko. “DI MO SURE DOC!!!!” sigaw ko kaya mas lalo niyang binilasan sa paglalakad, I chuckled and whisper.

“Di mo sure”

Jan’s POV

Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago tumayo sa harapan ng pinto ng demonyong ito, naglagay ako ng piso sa magkabilang tenga ko para hindi ako mabingi pagpasok ko sa loob.

Tiningnan ko ang oras at hinintay ang exact, 8:59 am para kumatok. “1..2..3..4..5..——” hindi ko natapos ang pagbibilang ng biglang bumukas ang pinto at hinila ako nito papasok.

“YOU ARE REALLY PISSING ME OFF!!!” madiin at galit na galit nitong sambit, he was gripping on my arms so tight and he are so close to each other right now, this should be an awkward moment for me but just like I said I’ll play his game and if flirting is part of it, then game on.

“Good morning” pagbati ko kaya mas lalong lumalim ang kanyang mapanganib na pagtigtig, his jaw clenched before he speaks, “Yesterday exact 7:59 am and now 8:59?! Are you up at 9:59 tomorrow?!?!?” galit nitong tanong.

“Maybe” confident kong sagot at tiningnan siya ng may mapangasar na ngiti sa aking labi. “You’re fired!” he uttered, I instantly laughed and said, “According to my contract I was signed to work here for a span of two years and the only person who can terminate that contract is the owner of this company” I said.

“And that’s me” sagot niya, “No, it’s your father” pilosopo kong sagot kaya mas lalong humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking braso, “You are really getting into my nerves” he darkly whispered.

“Bakit dugo mo ba ako para dumaloy sa ugat mo?” I even teased him more, reason for him to gritted his teeth, “Now you’re really playing it huh! How bout’ this” he whispers and in just a snap his lips touch mine.

He kissed me in a rough way, I kissed him back but instantly caught his lower lip and bit it so hard. “Agh!” he groaned and immediately stopped the kiss, making me pull his lips and give him a cut.

“FUCK!” he shouted, blood started running from his lips, I licked my lower lip and smiled at him.

“Nice game” I uttered before I turned my back to him. He stopped me by grabbing my wrist but intanly let go when someone knocked on the door. I smirked and walked toward it and opened the door for Louise.

I saw him wipe his lips and try to hide it, “Mr. Del Mundo, Mr. Soler are waiting for you at the lobby” Louise look at me confused look but I just smile at her and step out of the office, bumalik ako sa aking table at pinunasan ang aking labi.

My heart is beating so fast, “Hooo!” I exhale and start working, even if my hands are trembling.

Tiningnan ako ni Louise, but I just smile at her and watch her leave before I start working on the papers on my table.

Mga ilang minuto lang ay lumabas mula sa kanyang opisina si Ash, tiningnan niya ako ng masama bago nagsalita, “You’re coming with me, bring that file with you” he seriously said and quickly walk towards the elevator, sumunod ako sa sinabi niya at dinala ang file na tinuro niya.

Pagsakay sa elevator, panay ang hawak niya sa kanyang sugat sa labi, kaya hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapangiti, buti nga sayo!

Pagbukas ng elevator agad siyang naglakad papunta sa lobby at sinalubong ng isang gwapong lalaki, “Soler” tawag ni Ash dito, ah ito pala yong Soler, akala ko babae. “Del Mundo” ang gwapo ng boses nito.

Tumayo lang ako dito sa gilid at hinayaan silang mag-usap, “Oh, is this your new secretary?” napatingin ako dito ng ako ang tukuyin nito, tiningnan nila akong dalawa, bago sumagot si Ash habang masama pa rin ang tingin sa akin.

“Yeah” walang gana niyang sagot, Mr. Soler smile at me and offer his hand, “Hi, I’m Harris Kysler Soler, you can call me Kysler, and you are?” he gently asks, he’s so charming, parang lumuwag ata ang garter ng panty ko.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at tinggap ang kanyang kamay, “Good morning Sir, I’m January Hillary Rivera po, you can just call me Jan” sagot ko. “Wow, nice name, my birth month is January” he said and kept on smiling at me.

Nanatili ang titigan namin ni Kysler ng biglang may umepal, “Aren’t we leaving?” he seriously said and walk between us, kaya nabitawan ko ang kamay ni Kysler.

“Yeah, let’s go” nakangiting sambit ni Kysler bago pinauna akong maglakad at tumuloy kami sa isang black Van na nakaabang sa labas ng lobby. Agad pumasok si Ash sa loob at umupo sa bandang likuran, napangiti ako ng marealize na magkakatabi kami ni Kysler, kaso paupo pa lang ako ng bigla akong hilain ni Ash paupo sa likuran. “Ay!” sambit ko.

He didn’t look at me and just crossed his legs and read on his tablet. “Gusto ko sa harapan” sambit ko at sinubukan tumayo pero hinarang nito ang mahabang hita sa aking dadaanan kaya wala akong choice kung hindi maupo dito sa tabi niya.

“Epal” bulong ko but he just glanced at me and licked his cut. “Ok, let’s go” Kysler said as he sat in front of us.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at nagsimula nang umandar ang Van. nang mapansin kong papunta kami site hindi makapaniwalan kong tiningnan si Ash, naka heels ako!!! Talaga bang sinasadya niya talaga!!

“Seryoso ka ba?” mahina kong sambit, he didn’t look at me but I saw the side of his lips arched.

Demonyo talaga!

Nakasimangot akong bumababa ng van ng makita ang bago-bagong daan dito sa site. “Let’s go” nakangising sambit ni Ash bago anunang maglakad, halatang nang-aasar eh! “Here let me help you” napalingon ako kay Kysler ng ioffer niya ang braso niya sa akin.

That suddenly lighten my mood, kaya humawak ako sa braso niya at sabay kaming sumunod sa demonyong nauna. “So, this will be the new building of Del Mundo, Soler” Ash start talking while walking and showing Kysler around.

“Opss, be careful” pero mas mukhang busy sa akin si Soler kesa sa mga pinagsasabi niya, I smile and act gentle, “Thank you” I whisper, he smiles at me and we continue walking, pero agad natigilan ng makitang pinapanood kami ni Ash ng lukot na lukot ang mukha.

“Are you listening, Kysler?” he seriously asked. Kysler chuckled and smiled at him, “Sorry, what did you say again?” hindi ko napigilang ngumiti dahil sa sinabi nito kaya bakas sa mukha ni Ash pagtitimpi.

“Tss, Rivera hand me those files” he ordered and I was about to hand it to him when Kysler volunteered “Let me” he whispered, get the file from me and give it to Ash. “It will be hard for her to walk with heels we can just tour around without her” Kysler charmingly said.

Tiningnan nila akong dalawa bago nagsalita ng sabay,

“Rivera, sit there and wait” “January, you can just wait for us there”

Tumango ako at naglakad pabalik sa van at pinanood silang maglakad palayo, “Bro what happen to your lips?” I heard Kysler ask him.

Nakita kong natigilan si Ash sa tanong na yon kaya natawa ako, “Nga-nga Ash” bulong ko.

“This is nothing, I just got hit by a wall, so flat” my lips parted because of what he said and instantly look at my chest, alam kong sinasadya niyang iparinig iyon sa akin eh, nanggigigil akong huminga ng malalim at pinanood silang maglakad palayo.

“Madapa ka sana!” I prayed.

Naghintay ako ng isang oras dito sa tabi ng Van bago sila nakabalik, “Let’s have some lunch somewhere near here” Kysler said pagsakay namin sa loob ng Van.

“Yeah, Sure” sagot nitong demonyo sa tabi ko. Kysler glance at me with a smile on his face kaya ngumiti ako ng pagkatamis-tamis sa kanya.

“Tss” singhal nitong nasa tabi ko, kaya nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi.

Tumigil kami sa isang luxurious restaurant malapit sa site at tumuloy sa isang VIP spot, sumunod lang ako sa kanila, “Table for two Sir?” tanong ng waitress sa kanilang dalawa, na halata namang nagpapacute.

“No, Table for three” sambit ni Kysler at marahan akong hinila sa kanilang gitna. Napatingin sa akin ang waitress bago umirap at dinala kami sa table for three.

“Here” Kysler pulled a chair for me and Ash did the same thing, so I’m stuck on choosing which chair to sit on. Pero dahil mabait ako kay Ash…

“Thank you Kysler” umupo ako sa tabi ni Kysler at binaliwala ang ginawa ni Ash. he hazes at me and seat in front of me with those dark stares.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at nakipagusap kay Kysler, “Where are you from Jan?” tanong nito sa akin, “I’m from Laguna Sir” sagot ko, “Wow, don’t call me Sir, stop the formality just call me Kysler or baby haha just kidding” he said kaya tumawa ako ng medyo malakas upang asarin pa lalo ang nakasimangot sa aming harapan.

“May I take your order Ma’am, Sir” tanong nong waitress, “I’ll just have the regular steak” diretsong sambit ni Ash. “I’ll have some pesto, how bout’ you Jan what do you want?” Kysler asked.

“Pesto na lang din” malambing kong sambit, “Tss’ singhal ni Ash kaya nagmake face lang ako sa kanya habang kausap ni Kysler yong waitress, his eyes widened when he sees me do that, making him pissed off.

Dahil doon naramdaman kong ang pagsipa niya sa heels ko, sa ilalim ng lamesa. I kick his shoes back and he fights back, we are kicking each other under the table while we’re glaring above it.

“Tss!” Ash haze suddenly changed his expression, he smirked devilishly and I was stiff when he slowly lifted up his feet into my legs, slowly stroking it up, kaya hindi ako nakahinga ng maayos. Halos tumayo lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan dahil doon, at bago pa ito umakyat ng tuluyan sa itaas.

I kick his in between with my heels, “FUCK!” sigaw nito kaya agad tumingin sa kanya si Kysler. “Bro what happened to you?” nag-aalalang tanong nito dito.

Ash bite his lower lip and tries to smile at him, “N-no.. I’m f-fine, just going to the r-restroom” namimilipit siyang tumayo at pilit naglakad ng tuwid papunta sa restroom.

Pinipigilan kong tumawa dahil doon,

“What happened to him?” bulong ni Kysler, kaya napangiti ako.

“Hindi ko din alam eh” hahaha…

Chapter 12

After a minute of waiting for the demon, he steps out of the restroom with sweat on his forehead, kaya mas lalo ko pa siyang inasar, “Sir, ano pong’ nangyari sa inyo bakit pawis na pawis ho kayo?” malambing kong tanong.

Kysler looked at him and waited for his answer. Ash glared at me for a glimpse of time before he smiled and answered, “My stomach, kinda weird,” he said and acted cool. I smirked and said, “Ahh natae ka Sir? Ok lang yon Sir, kami lang ho nakakaalam diba” hinarap ko si Kysler at hinawakan sa kanyang braso.

Kysler nodded and leer at him, “Yeah, Bro we understand, don’t worry won’t tell this to anyone” mahinhin na sambit ni Kysler kaya hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti, “No, that’s not what I me—” I cut Ash and say, “shhhhhhh… naiintindihan namin Sir” I whisper and pull him to seat in front of me.

“I didn’t po––” again he was cut when Kysler tapped his shoulder, “We understand Bro, no need to explain” he said.

Bakas sa mukha ni Ash ang pagtitimpi at nang tingnan niya ako kulang na lang ay umusok na ang mata at ilong nito dahil sa galit, I just wink at him and face Kysler. “Sir. Kysler, ilang taon na po kayo?” I ignored those galred and focused on this charming prince beside me. Sabi nga nila wag iwasan ang demonyo sa paligid, meron sa harapan ko ngayon.

“I’m actually 26, turning 27 next month, I’m a bit old tho,” he said.

“Nako hindi ah hahaha, single ka?” tanong ko, at kasabay naman ng pagkasamid ng isa dito sa aming harapan, we both look at him while he’s drinking water.

“He’s single but you’re not his type” siya ang sumagot imbis na si Kysler kaya sumama ang timpla ng mukha ko, epal ka talaga!

Kysler chuckled before he looks at me and say, “Lately I think I like loud and funny women” he gently said as he stare at me with genuine smile, enebe kilig ak— natigil ang pagngiti ko kay Kysler ng muling sinamib ang demonyo sa harap.

“Makati po ba ang lalamunan niyo Sir?” sarkastiko kong tanong, he stop drinking and face me with those challenging stares, “Yeah, a little bit” sagot nito, a little bit eh kung umubo siya daig pa ang may cancer kung umubo. “Tss” I haze.

“Let’s continue eating,” Kysler said before he put prawns on my plate. “Thank you” malambing kong sambit.

“Tsss” singhal ni Ash sa harap, kaya tiningnan ko siya bago kinain ang prawns na bigay ni Kysler sa mapang-asar na paraan, after eating I stick my tongue out. “I’ll cut that!” nanggigigil niyang bulong sa akin.

“Gawa” bulong ko pabalik, hindi na maipinta ang kanyang mukha kaya humarap na ako kay Kysler at patuloy nakipag kwentuhan.

Matapos kumain ng lunch bamalik sila sa site at iniwan ulit nila ako dito sa van, kaya pinagpatuloy ko na lang ang pagbabasa ng possible schedules ni Ash this coming week. While working here inside my phone ring, kaya agad ko itong kinuha mula sa loob ng aking bag.

“Hello?” I ask. “Hello, Miss Rivera, I would Like to congratulate you and your son,Tyrant ranked one in the science-math fair, if you’re not busy can you attend this awarding ceremony this afternoon, 3pm” sambit ng guro ni Eight mula sa kabilang linya, bakit hindi ko alam na sumali si Eight sa ganitong bagay.

“Actually ma’am may work po kasi ako ngayon, pero papuntahin ko na lang ho ang tita ni Tyrant dyan to receive the award together with my son, thank you so much po” I gently said, hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti dahil sa achievements na nakuha ng anak ko. “You’re welcome ma’am, you have a genius son” sambit nito mula sa kabilang linya bago ko binababa ang tawag.

After that I instantly dialed Willow’s number and call her, gaya ng inaasahan kailangan pa ng limang missed call para lang masagot niya ang tawag. “Hello! Kanina pa ako tumatawag ah!!!!” bungad ko.

“Ay, sorry nagsusulat kasi ako bakit ka ba napatawag?” tanong nito mula sa kabilang linya, “Punta ka sa school ni Eight ng 3” sambit ko.

“Huh? Bakit mamaya pang 5 ang uwian nila ah,” she confusedly said, “May event sila ngayon at may awarding daw mamayang hapon, kailangan ng parents hindi mo ba alam na science-math fair nila ngayon?” tanong ko, madalas kasing mas updated si Willow sa study ni Eight dahil siya ang laging kasama nito kesa sa akin.

“Hindi ko napansin, sige pupunta ako maliligo na ako bye” she hangs up the call, so I let my phone slid inside my bag and continue reading this files and schedules inside the Van.

Inabot na kami ng gabi sa site dahil sa kung ano-ano pa ang pinagusapan nilang dalawa, tungkol sa materials, future ng branch at kung ano-ano pa. “January, where do you live?” tanong ni Kysler sa akin habang nagbabyahe na kami paalis ng site.

“Ahm.. sa 2286 Leveriza St, po” sagot ko, ngumiti si Kysler at sinabi, “Ok, Ash, I’ll drop you by and send Jan home after” he said making this grumpy guy beside me frowned, “No, she can go home by herself no need for that, just drop us in front the company” sagot nito.

“No, it’s ok” pagiinist ni Kysler kaya nginitian ko siya, “Are you ok with that Jan?” tanong nito sa akin at hinarapa ko dito sa likuran, “Ye––” I was about to answer when this demon faked a cuff, the reason for me to look at him and watch him give me those deathly glares.

The way he stared at me was like telling me ‘Don’t you dare say yes’. Kaya dahan-dahan kong hinarap si Kysler ng may malungkot na mukha, Kysler just smile at me and waited for my answer.

“What do you think?” tanong nito, sinilip ko saglit si Ash, I saw him smirked when he knows I would say no, kaya… “Yes, sure” sagot ko na ikinalaki ng mata niya.

“Ok, manong let’s head to the Del Mundo company and after that Leveriza St.” Kysler said.

Sumandal ako ng may ngiti sa labi, when I look at Ash, he was glaring at me but I just acted like I don’t see him.

Tumigil kami sa tapat ng company at napilitang bumababa si Ash pero panay pa rin ang masamang tingin sa akin. “Got to go bro, see you tomorrow” sambit ni Kysler bago sinara ang pinto ng van.

Umandar na ang Van at iniwan si Ash doon…

“One point Rivera!!!” mahina kong bulong at ngumiti.

Willow’s POV

“Good Job student’s and thank you parents and guardians for cooperating with this event, the awardees, keep it up, again thank you very much” tumayo na kami ni EIght at naglakad palabas ng school matapos ang awarding ceremony nila.

“Bakit hindi mo sinabi kay Tita na may sinalihan ka palang ganito ah?” tanong ko kay Eight habang naglalakad kami palabas, he giggled and hugged his book, “I’ve wanted to surprise the three of you” he calmly said and smiled at me.

“Sus, haha sige na nga anong gusto mong price galing kay Tita Willow?” Tanong ko habang hawak ang kanyang kamay.

He thinks for a second before he speaks, “I think Ice cream would do” kunwaring matanda tono niyang sambit, we both laugh at each other because of that, “Ok, Ice cream ang gusto ng manong na maliit” I pinch his cheeks before we head straight to the nearest convenience store.

“Oh, sige pumili kana, kahit anong gusto mo” sambit ko at hinayaan siyang maglakad magisa papunta sa pwesto ng mga ice cream, sumunod ako at pinanood siyang pumili, habang lumilipas ang panahon, hindi ko napapansin na lumalaki na talaga si Eight, may sarili na rin siyang desisyon, samantalang noon hindi siya makatulog ng hindi ko siya kinukwentuhan ng harry potter.

“This and that Tita” masiglang sambit nito, kahit na mmatured at matalino si Eight hindi pa rin mawawala ang pagiging jolly niya pagdating sa mga gusto niyang bagay gaya ng ice cream.

“Ok, tara dalhin na natin sa counter” I said, he nodded, grabbed the Ice creams and walked towards the counter first. “Good evening Mommy, ang gwapo po ng anak niyo” my lips just parted when the cashier girl said.

“Ahm hin—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng magsalita siya muli, “Pangilan anak niyo na ho ito? May anka ho ba kayong kasing edad ko, mukhang maganda ho ang lahi niyo” halos mahulog ang panga ko dahil sa sinabi niya, ako may anak na kasing edad niya eh mas mukha pa nga siyang manang sa akin eh!

“Can you not ask and just do your job miss” nakasimangot na sambit ni Eight kaya tinakpan ko ang bibig niya, tila parang na offend si Girl kaya ginawa niya na ang trabaho niya at hindi na nagtanong pa.

“Eight bad yon” bulong ko kay Eight kaya tiningnan niya ako, “She’s making you feel old eh!” singhal nito. “Shhh..‘’ I whisper and just cover his mouth while he stands in front of me.

“Bale, 349 pesos po lahat” nahihiyang sambit ng babae. I nodded, got my card in my wallet and was about to give it to her when someone already handed a black card in her hand. “Here Miss” sambit nito.

nang tignan ko kung sino ito agad akong napalayo sa kanya, “Ikaw!?” Sambit ko.

“Here Sir, thank you ma’am, sir, come again” bago pa siya sumagot inabot na pabalik ng babae yong card niya at inabot nito ang Ice cream kay Eight, before he faces me.

“Hi, Pillo—” bago pa nito matapos ang sasabihin niya ay kinuha ko ang panyo ko sa bulsa at ipinantakip sa kanyang bibig bago hinila silang dalawa ni Eight papunta sa park na malapit.

We stop in a bench and that’s when I let go of his hand, he was staring at me, kaya hinarap ko si Eight at inabot muna sa kanya na ang wallet at cellphone ko. “Bakit ka nandito?” tanong ko sa batang ito.

He smiles at me and say, “Hoping to see you, and I did” tila masigla nitong sagot, “Pwes nakita mo na ako umalis kana bata” I said, he pouted and speak, “Can I stay here for a bit, since I also wanna eat ice cream?” tanong nito kay Eight, imbis na ako ang kausapin.

Eight looks at him while busy eating ice cream and say, “Sure” he said, tapped the seat beside him and they both started eating ice cream together. Wala akong choice kung hindi pabagsak na umupo sa kabilang gilid ni Eight.

This is crazy!

Mas tinago ko na lang lalo ang aking mukha sa suot kong mask at cap, “It feels like a dream” nalingon ako sa lalaking ito ng biglang nagsalita.

Kumunot ang noo ko ng makitang panay ang ngiti niya, “I can’t believe I’m eating ice cream with the author of the book I love” he said and glance at me, kaya agad akong umiwas ang tingin.

“I hope, next time I could treat you somewhere nic––” I cut him off and said, “Stop dreaming Kid, it might disappoint you” I blankly said. “Why not, I mean I was just dreaming of this before and now it’s happening” he said, bakas sa mukha ng batang ito ang paghanga.

Kaya umiling na lang ako at hindi siya pinansin, “How old are you again?” I ask.

“19 years old turning 20 ne––” hindi ko muli siya pinatapos, “Why are you reading my books?” I ask.

“Why not?” patanong niyang sagot kaya hindi ko mapigilang suminghal, “Stop reading my book and just focus on your study kid” I said, stand up and hold Eight’s hand, “let’s go?” I ask.

Tumango si Eight at tumayo, “Why would you want me to stop reading your stories?” kunot noo nitong tanong sa akin. May Ice cream pa ito sa kanyang pisngi kaya pinunasan ko ito gamit ang panyo ko at ibinigay na lamang ito sa kanya.

“You’re too young for that” I said and turn my back on him.

“How old are you?” Tanong nito sa akin kaya natigilan ako sa paglalakad kasama si Eight, hindi ako sumagot pero ang magaling kong inaanak ang sumagot para sa akin.

“She’s 27 years old, turning 28 this fifth of september” sagot ni Eight.

“28” bulong nito, kaya hinarap ko siya muli at nagsalita, “See Kid, I’m too old for you, so stop dreaming about it” I calmly said.

Tinalikuran na namin siya at nagpatuloy sa naglalakad pauwi, “Age is just a number!!!” sigaw nito ng may kalayuan na kami sa kanya.

I just shake my head, and when we reach the apartment, open the door and enter, Eight suddenly speak. “Tita, you and that guy look good together” sambit ntio kaya nanlaki ang aking mata.

“Hoy anong pinagsasabi mo dyan, eight don’t read too much romance book” sambit ko at nagpunas ng pawis, bakit bigla akong pinawisan?

“I don’t read romance story Tita, Mom would kill me” he said and went inside their room.

Umupo ako sa sofa at pinaypayan ang aking mukha gamit ang aking kamay dahil tila biglang uminit, “Init bigla ah” bulong ko sa aking sarili.

“Hoooo!”

Jan’s POV

“Thank you sa paghatid Mr. Kysler” I said as I step out of the Van, “I said just call me Kysler, right” nakangiti niyang sambit kaya natawa ako at napakamot sa aking ulo.

“Sorry, Kysler” I said, ngumiti lang kami sa isa’t-isa at hindi ko maalis ang aking tingin sa kanyang magandang mata, he’s eyes were so mesmerizing, kulay bughaw na may halong berde napakaganda, parang dagat kung titignan at kumikinang pa ito tuwing natatamaan ng ilaw.

“Ahm.. so, I’ll see you tomorrow Jan” sambit nito, tumayo ako ng tuwid at tumango, “Yes, see you tomorrow” I said and watch him leave.

Hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti sa aking labi dahil sa ganda ng mata nito, tumalikod at papasok na sana ako sa apartment ng biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko.

Text ito galing kay Ash kaya napairap ako bago ito buksan at basahin.

From Ahstongdemonyo,

You’re so dead, Rivera!

Chapter 13

“You’re Dead mo mukha mo” bulong matapos mabasa ito at tuluyan nang pumasok sa apartment, pagpasok ko sa loob naabutan kong binubuksan ni Willow ang electricfan at tila pinagpapawisan at namumula ang kanyang mukha.

“Anong nangyari sayo?” I ask. “Ay bata!” gulat niyang sambit, she even seat gasping for air dahil sa gulat.

“Gulat na gulat?” sambit ko bago binitawan ang aking bag sa gilid ng sofa, “Nandyan ka na pala” she said while wiping her sweat. “Bakit pinagpapawisan ka dyan?” tanong ko habang kumukuha ng tubig sa ref.

“Wala! Mainit kasi!” kumunot ang noo ko dahil parang galit siya kung magsalita, at tila parang may iba sa kanya, “Ok” tugon ko, “si Eight, nasa kwarto?” tanong ko sa kanya, pinapaypayan niya ang kanyang mukha bago tumango.

Matapos ko uminom ng tubig tinitignan ko lang siya na tila hindi mapakali, hanggang sa kinuha niya na ang kanyang laptop at nagsimulang magsulat. Umiling na lamang ako at tumuloy sa aming kwarto, kung saan naabutan kong may kinukuhang kung ano si Eight sa ilalim ng kama.

“Anong kinukuha mo dyan?” tanong ko, na umagaw ng atensyon niya at dahilan para mabilis siyang tumayo at inayos ang salamin. “Nothing Ma” he said and instantly ran inside the bathroom.

Naiwan akong nakatayo dito sa tapat ng pinto, bago lumapit sa gilid ng kama, lumuhod at tiningnan kung ano yong kinukuha ni Eight sa ilalim. “Ano bang meron dito?” I utter as I try to seek what my son’s trying to get under the bed.

Dahil madilim dito sa ilalim, wala rin akong makita, sinubukan kong kapain na lamang ito hanggang sa may naabot akong parang papel sa ilalim. “Ano to?’ I whisper as I get it and sit on the floor properly.

My lips parted when it’s not just a simple paper, it’s a photo booth picture of me and Ash when we’re in third year college. My heart skipped a beat as I remembered those times, memories that still got a special space in my heart.

Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti habang pinagmamasdan ang mga nakakatawa naming pose noon, he still got his thick glasses here. “Nerdy boy” I whisper and realize how much the Ashton I know changed.

He really changed a lot.

“Ma?” agad kong itinago sa aking likuran ang litrato ng makitang nakatayo si Eight sa tapat ng pinto ng banyo.

“Yes?” pabalik kong tanong, “Did you get it?” he asks, agad umakyat ang kaba sa aking buong sistema ng tanungin niya ako, nakita niya kaya ito?

“A-ang a-alin n-nak?” naguutal-utal pa ako dahil sa sobrang kaba na aking nararamdaman ngayon, halos naririnig ko na ang mabilis at mabigat na pagtibok ng aking puso.

“My book, nahulog po kasi sa ilalim, I can’t get it” he said, kneel down and check it underneath the bed, libro ang kanyang kinukuha.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag at sumilip sa ilalim at nakita ang librong tinutukoy niya, dahil medyo makapal ito, naaninag ko agad at naabot. “Here” sambit ko at inabot sa kanya ang libro niya.

“Thank you, ma,” he said and kiss my forehead, umakyat siya sa kanyang upuan bago inilagay ang libro sa kanyang book shelf. Habang ako naman ay pilit itinago ang litrato sa ilalim ng aking unan.

Muntikan na yon’ ah.. Matapos ilagay ni Eight ang libro sa shelf agad siyang may kinuha sa kanyang bag at inilabas ang isang maliit na trophy at isang certificate. Agad akong napangiti ng makita ang kanyang award. “Wow ang galing naman nag Eight ni Mama” I said, pull him towards me and plat kissed on his cheeks and forehead.

“Proud si Mama sayo, lagi mong tandaan yan ah” I whisper, “I know that, Ma” he whispers and wraps his small arms around my waist. We stayed like that for a minute before he decided to sleep and lay beside me.

I was watching him while he sleeps when my phone rings again, tiningnan ko ito at mabilis na umupo ng makitang si Ash ang tumatawag. Tumayo ako mula sa kama at agad naglakad papasok ng banyo bago ito sagutin.

“Hello!!” singhal ko matapos itong sagutin, “What did you just said?” galit na sambit ni Ash mula sa kabilang linya ng marinig ang pagsinghal ko sa salitang ‘Hello’.

“Bakit ka ba tumawag? Tapos na ang working hours ko ah!” walang galang kong sagot, I heard him inhale and exhale from the other line, halatang nagtitimpi nanaman ang gago.

“Be careful on your tone Rivera, kahit wala nang working hours, remember I’m your fucking boos!” this is the first time I heard him speak tagalog again, tangina bakit ang ganda pakinggan! Ay hindi naiinis ka Jan manahimik ka, naiinis ka! Paalala ko sa aking sarili bago nagsalita, “Wala naman hong nakasulat sa contract ko na kailangan ko pa kayong galangin sa oras ng pagtulog ko” pilosopo pero may galang kong sambit.

“Tss, wake up early, I have a morning business meeting in Baguio, we have to arrive there at 10 so, be there in front of the company at 4 am.” he said. Ang aga naman!!

“Ang aga” sagot ko, “Bakit may angal ka?” nagtatagalog muli siya, kaya hindi ako agad nakabanat pabalik. Sumimangot na lamang ako at alam kong kailangan kong sundin ang sinabi niya dahil important meeting yon.

“Don’t you fucking play with me this time Rivera, this is an important meeting! Be late and that’s the end of your contract” mapagbanta nitong sambit. “Oo na, oo na papasok ako ng maaga BOSS!” I emphasized the word boss before I hung up the call.

“4 am? Wala na bang mas aaga pa don!”

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong gumising gaya ng napag usapan, naligo ako ng ganong kaaga kaya hindi ko mapigilang magtatalon sa loob ng banyo dahil sa lamig ng tubig, pinipigilan ko na lang din sumigaw sa bawat pagbuhos ko ng tubig sa aking katawan.

Matapos maligo, I decided to wear a black pants paired with two overlaps white longsleeve and top it with a thick jacket, dahil ayaw ko nang maulit ang nangyari sa Tagaytay kaya nag handa na ako.

Nang humarap ako sa salamin hindi ko mapigilang tawanan ang aking sarili dahil sa doble-doble kong damit, “Mukha akong pupunta sa alaska ah” bulong ko habang nagpipigil ng tawa.

Kinuha ko ang aking mga gamit pati na rin ang aking cellphone at wallet bago dahan-dahang binuksan ang pinto at lumabas ng kwarto.

Pagharap ko sa salas, nanlaki ang mata ko ng makitang nasusulat pa rin si Willow sa gilid. “Hoy!” I whisper and tap her shoulder.

“Hindi ka natulog?” tanong ko, mukha na siyang zombie dahil sa laki ng kanyang eyebags at halos gulo-gulo na ang buhok nito. “Patapos na ako” sagot niya at tila wala sa sarili, kaya dahan-dahan ko siyang binitawan at tumayo ng maayos.

“Sige pala, kaya mo bang ihatid mamaya n’yan si Eight sa school?” tanong ko, tumango lang siya at type pa rin ng type, I nodded and walk outside the apartment, bumababa at agad akong tumawag ng tricycle papunta sa kumpanya.

“Aba himala hindi pa nagtetext ang demonyo” bulong ko ng buksana ng aking cellphone, quarter to 4 am na pero wala akong na receive na text mula sa kanya. “Baka nandon na ito” I uttered.

Nakarating ako sa tapat ng building lahat-lahat pero wala akong nakitang sasakyan ng Ashtong na iyon dito sa tapat.

Umupo ako sa gilid upang maghintay, pero tangina! Sumisikat na ang araw wala pa ring Ash na dumarating! “Oh, Miss Rivera ang aga niyo ho ah” kanina pa ako nandito ngayon lang ako na pansin ng guard, kaya ngumiti lang ako dito bago tumayo at sinubukan tawagan ang lalakeng iyon.

Tangina joke time ata ito eh! Tinawagan ko siya pero halos maglilimang tawag na ako ay wala siyang sinagot, ring lang ng ring ang cellphone nito. Punong-puno na ako! Dalawang oras na aking naghintay dito ah!

Sa huling subok ko ay sawakas sinagot na niya ito. “He—” I cut him and, “ANO ITO JOKE TIME AH! SINADYA MONG PAPUNTAHIN AKO DITO PARA PAGHINTAYIN MO AKO NG GANITO KATAGAL AH!!!” sigaw ko.

Nakita kong nagulat ang guard sa aking kaya nag peace sign kaso habang nakasimangot na hinintay ang sagot ng gagong ito. “F-fuck” mahinang sambit nito sa kabilang linya kaya natigilan ako.

“Y-you a-are so f-fucking loud” paos na sambit nito, “Paanong hindi ako sisigaw eh, pinaghintay mo ako ng dalawang oras dito sa labas ng kumpanya!!! Dalawang oras!!!” nangigigil kong sambit.

“D-didn’t I t-texted you t-that I c-cancelled the meeting” My brows frowned because of that and instantly scanned some texton my phone and he was right, 2:45 am nagtext siya pero hindi ko nabasa, I mean nabuksan ko pero hindi ko binasa.

I stamp my feet out of irritation, sayang paggising ko ng umaga! “Are you in f-front of the c-company r-right now?” Tanong nito sa akin. “OO!” inis kong sagot.

“B-buy me s-some m-medicine for flu, and b-bring it h-here in my p-pad” sambit nito at umubo-ubo pa. “I-I’ll s-send y-you m-my a-address, be h-here in f-five m-minutes” he said and turned off the call without hearing my answer. Hindi pa nga ako pumapayag eh!

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi hubarin ang jacket na suot ko at itinali ito sa aking bewang bago naglakad papunta sa malapit na Drug store. Bumili ako ng mga tinext niyang gamot bago tumuloy sa address na sinabi niya.

My neck hurts as I ache my head up just to stare at this big condominium, “Pangmayaman” I whisper before I enter and head straight to the elevator and click the 20th floor.

Tuloy-tuloy lang akong naglakad papunta sa silid na sinabi nito, I stop when I’m in front of this Matte black door that have a gold plate name na Del Mundo. “Ito na yon” I whisper and knock.

Nakailang katok na ako pero walang sumasagot at sinubukan ko ulit siyang tawagan, pero hindi niya sinasagot. Nanghawakan ko ang doorknob ng pinto nagulat ako ng bukas ito, kaya tuluyan na akong pumasok. My lips parted as my eyes roamed around the whole place, it was filled with books, halos lahat ng pader ay marong book shelf at libro.

Matutuwa si Eight pagnakita niya ang lugar na ito, sobrang daming librong pweding sabihin, lumapit ako sa mga ito at hinawakan ang ilang libro bago nakarinig ng malakas na ingay mula sa isang pinto dito.

“Ash?!” I immediately let go of my bag and jacket when I heard that sound, and ran as fast as I could to reach that door and open it.

As soon as I open it, I saw him sitting on the floor while touching his head, his bed is so messy, and he also look so messy, gulo-gulo ang buhok nito at namumutla ang kanyang mukha.

I was about to walk towards him when he started vomiting, “AY!” sambit ko habang sumusuka siya, lumapit ako sa kanya at hinagod ang kanyang likuran. Pilit kong iniiwasan tingnan ang pagsuka nito pero habang naririnig ko ito, tila parang nasusuka na rin ako.

Tinakpan ko ang aking bibig at ilong habang hinihintay na matapso siya dahil nasusuka na rin ako. When he stopped vomiting, I started rubbing his back and waited if there’s more before I helped him to stand up and sit on the bed.

“Nako naman” I whisper and lift his feet up, tie my hair up and started guiding him towards the bathroom, “Magpalit ka muna ng damit mo” I said. “I wanna take a shower” he whispered, his eyes were closed and he’s so weak right now. “Anong shower eh ang taas ng lagnat mo!” sambit ko.

“I feel sticky and sweaty, I hate it” he said as we enter the bathroom, “Hindi magpalit ka lang, sandali kukuhanan kita ng damit, hintayin mo ako dito” tumakbo ako papunta sa walk-in closet niya bago kumuha ng pajama’s na kulay gray at isang white sando.

“Ito oh, magpalit ka na, kaya mo ba?” tanong ko, tiningnan niya ako ng masama bago sinabi, “I’m just seak, I can still move” he haze, aba talagang kahit may sakit na demonyo pa rin“ “Edi wow” sagot ko at sinara ang pinto para sa kanya.

Hinarap ko ang suka nito sa sahig, “Ewww!’ I whisper before I head to his walk-in closet and find something that I can use to clean his vomit. Kumuha na lang ako ng isang plain black t shirt nito at ginawang pamunas ng sahig.

“Hindi ko naman pala alam na pati katulong ay magiging trabaho ko na” inis kong sambit ng tuluyan ko nang matanggal ang suka sa sahig. Pero habang naglilinis dito sa sahig bigla kong naalala ang pagsipa ko sa Junior niya kahapon, “Hindi kaya yon ang dahilan kung bakit siya nilagnat?” mabilis akong nakaramdam ng konsensya dahil sa ideang iyon.

Hindi kaya iyon ang dahilan?

Habang nagpupunas ako bumukas ang pinto ng banyo at lumabas siya doon, hanghihina at kumakapit siya sa pader habang naglalakad kaya lumapit ako sa kanya at tinulungan siya hanggang sa makarating sa kama.

“Nalinis ko na ang suka mo, kumuha lang ako ng black t-shirt sa close—” he cut me off and say, “WHAT?” he asked.

“Ang sabi ko kumuha lang ako ng black t-shirt mo doon sa closet mo ito oh” pinakita ko sa kanya ang ginamit kong t-shirt. “WHAT THE FUCK! THAT’S EXPENSIVE! WHY DIDN’T YOU USE THE MOP!” he said.

“May mop ba?” tanong ko. “THERE! YOU DIDN’T USE YOUR EYES!” He shouted, ngayon ako pa ang mali! Pasalamat nga siya nilinis ko na yong suka niya eh!

“WOW AH, IKAW NA NGA TINULUNGAN GALIT KA PA!!” sigaw ko pabalik,

“Bahala ka nga dyan!”

Seah’s POV

“Hello mga bata, nandito na si Nurse Wonder woman shhhhh…BOOM!” masigla kong sambit habang nakikipaglaro kila Love at sa iba pang batang pasyente dito sa hospital. Matapos ang nangyari nong’ nakaraang araw naging ok na kami ni Love at tila mas naging komportable na sila sa akin, kaya inilagay ako ng head nurse dito sa mga bata.

“Wonder woman help me, help me ahhh” sigaw ni Love habang itinataas ang kanyang teddy bear, ngumiti ako bago inayos ang suot kong pulang kapa mula sa kumot ni Jake at kunwaring lumipad papalapit sa teddy bear ni Love.

“Wonder woman is always here to save everyone” I said and have her bear, nagpalakpakan sila kaya inilagay ko ang dalawang kamay sa magkabila kong bewang, kinain ang candy at sinabi. “DARNA!” sigaw ko.

All the kids laugh at me, and that just makes my heart happy, making my patients happy.

“Darna tulungan mo ako!!” Sigaw ni Gino na isa ding patient dito sa room, tumakbo ako papalapit sa kanya at sinabi, “Anong maitutulong ni Darna sayo?” I spoke. “Darna, pwede ba kitang pakasalan?” he said and showed me a paper ring.

I gasp and laugh after, “Ikaw ang bata-bata mo pa eh, hindi pwedeng pakasalan ni Darna nag patients niya grrrr!!” sambit ko at kinikilit siya. Nagtatawanan ang lahat ng bata ng—

“Ehem” agad akong napatayo ng makita ang head nurse at si Doctor Lynus na nakatayo sa harapan ng pinto. “Hihihi” kids giggled at me and when I looked at Love he pointed to my cape.

Doon ko lang na realize na may suot pala akong kapa, agad ko itong tinanggal at nakangiting ibinalik kay Jake. “Hehehe” awkward kong pagtawa, bago lumapit sa kanila. “Ma’am” nahihiya kong pagbati at yumuko sa kanilang dalawa.

“You’re doing a great job Seah, dumaan lang ako dito at nakasabay si Doc. Herrera” head nurse said and smiled at me, “She’s doing great right Doc.?” tanong nito kay Doc. Lynus kaya automatic ko itong tiningnan at hinintay ang pagtawag.

“Yeah” walang ganang sagot nito ng titigan ako, panaka cold ng sagot niya pero daig ko pa ang nanalo sa lotto, ano ba doc buntis na ata ako.

“I’ll go ahead, Doc. Herrera will check on the kids, assist her Seah ok,” mabilis akong tumango ng sabihin iyon ni Ma’am at tuluyang umalis, tumuloy sa loob si Doc at nag run ng checkup sa mga bata.

Tinulungan ko lang siya hanggang sa matapos niya na ang lahat ng bata, “Ang galing ni Gino ah, Dahil dyan ikikiss siya ni Darna” nakangiti kong sambit habang inaayos ang kama ni Gino, I kiss his forehead and other kids started teasing him kaya nagtawanan na kaming lahat.

Hanggang sa nahuli kong nakatingin sa akin si Doc. he instantly avoids my gaze, “I have to go” sambit nito at agad umalis, “Wait lang kids ah, puntahan ko lang ang asawa ni Darna” I joked and run after my future husband.

“DOC!” sigaw ko, kaya tumigil siya sa paglalakad at buntong hininga akong hinarap.

“What now?” he hazes.

“Naiinlove kana sa akin noh” confident kong sambit. “And where did you get that?” tanong nito. Pinasok ko ang aking kamay sa aking suot na cardigan bago inilabas ang heart shape kong kamay mula doon. “Galing sa puso ko Doc.” bakas sa mukha niya na hindi niya nagustuhan ang banat ko pero sure ako, ako ang nagustuhan niya.

“In your dreams intern” he said. “In my dreams Doc, asawa na kita, ingat ka magaling akong mag manifest baka bukas akin kana” one-point Seah!

“Never gonna happen” he hazed and walked away.

“IMAMANIFEST KO TALAGA TO DOC. INGAT SAYO!!!” sigaw ko habang naghaheart shape sa kanya.

Jan’s POV

“OH1 LUGAW MO! PASALAMAT KA NILUTUAN PA KITA PAGKATAPOS MO AKONG SIGAWA—HUH? NASAAN NA YON?” tanong ko pagpasok ko sa kwarto niya, iniwan ko siya dito ah.

Nasaan na yon?

“HOY NASAAN KANA?” tanong ko, binitawan ko ang dala kong lugaw bago lumapit sa banyo upang silipit ito, pero wala ito doon.

Tumuloy ako sa pinto ng walks in closet niya at binuksan ito, “AY PANDESAL!” sigaw ko ng kasabay ng pagbukas ko ay ang paglabas niya na nakatopless.

Halos matatatlon ako papalayo sa kanya ng makitang nakatopless siya, “BAKIT KA NAKAHUBAD!!!! BASTOS!” sigaw ko.

“Can you lower down your voice!” he hazed and slowly walked towards the bed and seat, “I was drinking and I was cuffing in the middle of drinking so I spilled some water into my shirt and pants so I changed.

“Nagchange? Eh nakahubad ka?!” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit at pilit iniiwasan tignan ang abs niyang 6 pack yum––susmaryosep, mali!

“I feel irritated with my shirts on, I’m fine this way” he said and started eating the lugaw that I cooked. While eating he was checking some business matters on his tablet. Hindi ko tuloy napigilang magsalita. “Nilalagnat ka na nga trabaho pa rin?” Sambit ko.

He stopped and looked at me, “If I don’t do this, your job tomorrow will be doubled, do you want that?” tanong niya habang sinusuot ang eyeglasses niya. “Ayaw” duh, sinong tao ang gustong madoble ang trabaho nila hindi ba!

“Sige magtrabaho kana pala” sambit ko at inirapan siya.

“I didn’t forget what you did yesterday Rivera!” nanlaki ang mata ko ng sabihin niya iyon, “Ah hehehe tapos kana kumain diba, ililigpit ko lang haha” kinuha ko ang pinagkainan niya.

But he grabbed my wrist and put the bowl at the side table without letting go of my hands. “Not so easy” putik kahit na may sakit siya ang lakas niya pa rin!

“Ano…naiwan kong bukas yong ref mo sa labas, isasara ko lang ah” pagpapalusot ko pero hindi niya pa rin ako binibitawan, “Let it be, I can pay the bills” casual nitang sambit.

“Ah! Yong oven mo nakabukas baka sumabog tayo dito, papatayin ko lang” another pagpapalusot ko, he smirked and put his table on the side, “Why would you use open on cooking porridge?” napapikit ako ng madiin dahil tama siya!

“Yong, gripo sa kusina nakabukas pa baka bahain ang bahay mo” sinusubukan ko nang hilain ang kamay ko mula sa kanya ngunit hindi niya ito binibitawan.

“My tap water is automatic, Rivera” tama siya. Wala na akong takas nito!

“Binatawan mo pala kamay ko, crush mo ak––AY!” bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko, nagulat ako ng hilain niya ako pahiga sa kama niya at umapibabaw sa akin.

Parang nawalan ako ng hininga ng titigan siya sa ibabaw ko, he’s wearing his glasses, and because of that I suddenly felt deja vu.

My heart starts pounding so fast and something inside my stomach is panicking…

“You put my chance on having a son in danger yesterday Rivera” he seriously said, you already have one gago!

Before I spoke, his lips crashed into my lip.

We kissed.

Chapter 14

Willow’s POV

“Oh, bakit nandyan ka pa? Don’t tell me hindi ka natulog?” Seah ask me as she step out of her room while fixing her hair, tama sila ni Jan, wala akong tulog, hindi ko alam biglang nagsilabasan lahat ng scene’s na gusto kong isulat simula kagabi.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero isa lang ang alam ko tapos ko na ang part 3 ng story ko, “Done” I uttered as I finally save it and move it into my USB. nagunat-unat ako dahil sa grabeng ngalay ang aking nararamdaman tila namamanhid ang likod ko.

“Sabi ko nga hindi ka na tulog, patingin nga” kinuha niya ang laptop ko at binuksan ang sinulat ko, binasa niya ito saglit habang kumakain ng pandesal. Napatingin ako sa orasan at hindi makapaniwalang magaalasais na pala ng umaga, talaga palang wala akong tulog, at hindi pa ako pwedeng matulog dahil ihahatid ko si Eight sa school.

“Wow, ang ganda ng ending gurl, kinilig ako bakit ganyan ka, saan mo galing ang utak na yan, pahirap nga” sambit ni Seah ng ibalik sa akin ang aking laptop, I smile at her and ask, “Ok ba?” mabilis siyang tumango sa tanong ko kaya nakahinga ako ng maayos.

“Umalis na ba si Jan?”

“Oo, kanina pa nagulat nga ako ang aga niya umalis, sabi may meeting daw sila ni Ash sa Baguio, baka nga hindi umuwi ngayong gabi yon” I said, stand up walk through the kitchen to prepare Eight’s lunch box.

“Baguio? Baka naman masundan na si Eight n’yan ah” malokong sambit ni Seah kaya hindi ko napigilang tumawa, “Sira ka baka marinig ka” bulong ko, tinakpan niya ang kanyang bibig pero tumatawa pa rin siya.

“Sige na nga, papasok na ako ingat kayo dito ni Eight, hinihintay na ako ng future ko eh” kinuha niya ang susi ng scooter niya bago tuluyang umalis ng apartment, naiwan akong mag-isa dito sa kusina.

Nagluto lang ako hanggang sa tuluyan nang sumikat ang araw at lumabas si Eight sa kanilang kwarto na nakasuot na ng kanyang uniform at mukhang bagong ligo. “Oh? Bakit ganyan itsura mo hahaha” natatawa kong sambit ng lapitan niya ako, magulo ang pagkakatali niya sa neck tie niya kaya mas lalong nag mukhang cute siya, lumuhod ako upang ayusin ito at pati na rin ang buhok niya.

“Naligo ka mag-isa mo? Kanina ka pa ba gising?” I ask, I also arranged some of these shirt’s button dahil mali-mali ang pagkakabotones nito, it’s cute that Eight tried to stand one on his own, he’s really growing up well.

“I wanna show you guys that I can do it na Tita, but I think I need to study a little more about the progress on fixing a necktie, I’ll just read something about it” he said and fixed his glasses, I chuckled and pinched his cheeks. “Ok, before you would study about how to fix a necktie, you should eat first” I said and gently pushed him toward the dining chair.

We both eat together and I just take a quick shower before I we both head to his school, pero pagbaba namin ng tricycle kunot noo kong nilapitan ang guard at sinabi, “Manong bakit wala hong estudyante?” tanong ko.

“Nako ma’am nagkaroon po ng emergency seminars ang mga guro natin kaya nagbalita ho na walang pasok ang mga estudyante” tiningnan ko si Eight dahil doon, he just arched his shoulder.

He also didn’t know anything about it,

“Wala ho kasi kaming natanggap na text, pero sige ho, mauna na ho kami” hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Eight at muling nag tawag ng tricycle. “Punta na lang tayo sa Publishing House, sayang naman ligo natin kung uuwi agad tayo sa bahay, ipapasa ko lang itong manuscript ko ok” I said.

“Ok Tita” Eight said, sumakay kami ng Tricycle at dumiretso sa building ng publishing house, at pagpasok pa lang namin sa loob inaasahan ko na ang reaksyon ng ibang staff. “Oyy, nandito na naman si Pogi” ani ng isang editor dito.

“Eight punta ka muna sa Library dali” I whisper into his ear before I watch him walk toward the library, pagpasok niya doon agad akong dumiretso sa editor ko at ibinigay ang manuscript ko. “Paki double check na lang pwede” I said.

“Willow!” napalingon ako ng dumating si Ma’am Rich, ang isa sa may ari nitong publishing house. “Good morning ho ma’am” pagbati ko. Nginitian niya ako at sinabi, “Tamang-tama na nandito ka, busy ka ba?” tanong niya, sa uri ng tono ng pagtatanong niay at tila parang hindi ka pwedeng humindi kaya hindi ako naka sagot agad.

“Ahmm…hin––” she cut me off and immediately grabbed my wrist and pulled me. “Tamang-tama, next week pa ang schedule ng signing mo for shipping pero total nandito ka na, might as well start signing na para hindi tayo rush next week, just 430 copies lang naman, we can do this whole day right” whole day lang? Ano to joke?

Wala akong nagawa ng hilain ako nito sa loob ng signing area, umupo na ako sa table at hinintay ang mag-aassist sa akin sa mga libro. “Willow, this is Rios our new trainee” nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng makita ang batang ito sa harapan ko, at nakasuot ito ng ID na gaya sa editor ko kaya alam kong dito siya nagtatrabaho pero bakit? Hindi ba estudyante pa lang siya?

“Siya ang tutulong at mag-aassist sayo ngayong araw, gwapo hindi ba” Ma;am Rich said and step out of the room, naiwan kaming dalawa ng batang ito. “Hi” masiglang pagbati niya.

Kunot noo ko siyang tinitigan bago tinanong, “Wala ka bang pasok? Hindi ba sabi mo college student ka?” I ask.

“Yeah, but I can manage my time, trust me” he said and wink at me, binuhat niya ang isang malaking box ng mga libro at inilagay ito sa aking gilid, “Hey! What are you doing?” taas boses kong tanong ng bigla siyang umupo sa harapan ko.

“I’m going to help you, Miss. Author” he gently said.

You gotta be kidding me!

Jan’s POV

“You put my chance on having a son in danger yesterday Rivera” and before I knew it, his lips cracked into mine.

My eyes widened because of it and I can’t even move a muscle as he’s lips started to move, bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaibang init sa paligid naming dalawa na tila hindi ko nagugustuhan.

“Hmmmm” I tried to close my lips purse it, so he would stop be he didn’t, at maslalong nakadagdag sa kakaibang pakiramdam ang init ng kanyang labi sa pagkat may sinat pa ito.

Sinubukan kong magpumiglas pero tila mas nililinlang ako ng kanyang matamis na paghali, kaya bago pa ako tuluyang malunod sa kakaibang sensyon na kanyang binubuo ay nanlaban na ako.

“AH!! FUCKING SHIT!!!” namilipit siya at humiga sa tabi ko habang pilit na inaalalayan ang bagay na sinipa ko, Mabilis akong tumayo mula s akama at hinarap siya, pinanood ko siyang magpagulong-gulong sa kama habang ninanamnam ang sakit ng pagsipa ko sa junior niya.

I just cross my arms on my chest and kept watching him, he even stood up and jump for a multiple time para lang maibsan ang sakit na kanyang nararamdaman.

“Ano iisa ka pa ah!!” panghahamon kong sambit ng maupo siya sa kama niya, he glared at me and shout, “ARE YOU REALLY TRYING TO KILL ME RIVERA?!” oh, bat galit?

“Ay sabi ko na nakalimutan kong nakabukas ang gripo sa kitchen eh, tignan ko lang ah” sambit ko at agad tumakas sa silid na iyon, nakahinga ako ng maayos ng marating ko ang kusina.

I suddenly felt the urge to touch my lips, my blood ascent into my face because of the heat he built up a while ago. I know I shouldn’t be feeling this but some memories from the fast suddenly burst out inside my mind and I can’t take it out of my head right now.

“Ano ba naman ito Jan, tumigil ka!” paalala ko sa aking sarili, umupo ako dito sa high chair at inilabas ang ilang files sa bag ko, dito ko na lang muna tatapusin ang ibang trabaho ko.

I happen to work for an hour already, and wala akong naririnig na ingay mula sa kanyang silid kaya, itinabi ko muna ang aking mga files na ginagawa bago kumuha ng isang basong tubig at naglakad papalapit sa kanyang silid.

I knocked and slowly open the door, nangsumilip ako nakita ko siyang nakaupo sa kama habang nakasandal sa headboard nito at tila nagtatrabaho nanaman, there’s a lot of papers around his bed.

Pumasok ako at inilapag ang tubig sa side table niya, when he looks at me, I step back like a meter away from him para hindi niya ako mahawakan. “Akala ko pa naman natutulog kana? Hindi ba may lagnat ka bakit trabaho ka pa rin ng trabaho?” I ask with frowned brows.

Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kanya at hinipo ang kanyang noo at leeg, nang makita kong itinaas niya ang kanyang kaliwang kamay, “HEPPP!” mabilis akong lumayo mula sa kanya, “Hindi mo na ako malilinlang!” I uttered and moved away even more.

“Pagbibigyan at palilipasin ko ang ginawa mo sa akin ngayon, but remember I never forget” he seriously said while still focused on his laptop. I just make fun of what he said inside my mind and stop when he glances at me.

“By the way, I’ll let you go home now, pack some things for approximately 3 days” agad kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya at hindi nagdalawang isip magtanong, “At bakit naman?!” walang galang kong tanong.

He glared at me because of that, that’s why I repeated, “I mean saan po pupunta Sir” malambing kong sambit. He hazes and face his laptop. “Siargao” halos mahulog ang eyeballs ko dahil sa panlalaki ng mata ko, dahil sa kanyang sinabi.

“Siargao?” I uttered, he nodded and say, “Apparently the person we need to meet in Baguio already flew to Siargao for his vacation and you know that this investor is very important for the corporation, so we need to follow him in Siargao and try to earn his trust, we’ll go to the airport tomorrow at 3 am”

“Pero Sir, hindi ba pwedeng ikaw na lang ang pumunta?” dahil sa sinabi ko tiningnan niya ako ng nakataas ang dalawang kilay, “Are you kidding me? Isn’t it your job to assist me since you’re my secretary, or you want me to find a new one?” sagot niya, kaya bagsak balikat akong huminga bago sumagot.

“Hindi po” ano ba naman ito! Tatlong araw kong’ hindi makikita ang Eight ko, hindi ko ata kaya yon.

“You can go now, I’m feeling better, I’ll see you tomorrow” he said straight and continued what he’s doing. I had a long face while nodding at his order before I started walking out of his room.

“Don’t be late!” pahabol nito pagtapat ko sa pinto, I just nodded as an answer and head straight to home.

Pag-uwi ko sa bahay ay walang tao, kaya kinailangan ko pang hanapin ang duplicate ng susi ng apartment sa ilalim ng paso. “Nasaan kaya si Willow?” I whisper and enter the apartment.

Dahil maaga p anaman at maaga rin akong gumising kanina, i-idlip muna ako at mamaya na magi-impake ng gamit.

“Siargao kasama siya? Diyos ko lord gabayan niyo po ako” I whisper as I sleep.

Willow’s POV

“Done” agad akong tumayo at lumayo sa batang ito ng matapos ko lahat ng pinipirmahan kong libro. Balak kong umalis agad at kunin si Eight sa library ng may humawak sa aking kamay.

I stop and look at him, “Excuse me?” I uttered as I look into his hands holding mine, “Ay” he let go of my hand and rub the back of his head, “Pwede ba kitang ihatid pauwi?” he asks with a charming smile.

Pero hindi tatalab sa akin yan, he’s too young to have effect on me. “No” “Yes” I instantly look beside me when I head Eight’s voice, nakatayo siya sa aking tabi habang nakatingin kay Rios.

“Do you have a car?” akala mo matanda nitong tanong, Rios stood straight and answered, “Yes I have” sagot nito.

Eight hold my hand and say, “Drive us home then” maangas nitong sagot at hinila ako papunta ng elevator. “Eight hindi tayo magpapahati—” he cut me off and said, “Tita, bawas pamasahe and I know you’re tired let him drive for us” sambit nito at tiningnan si Rios sa aming likuran.

“Yes, I love to drive you home” Rios said and put on that charming smile again, I avoided it and just looked at my phone.

“Wait for me here” mabilis na tumakbo si Rios papunta sa parking lot at iniwan kami dito sa tapat ng building, nakaramdam ako ng inip sa paghihintay sa kanya kaya nagdesisyon nang umuwi. “Tara na Eight nagugutom na ako, mag tricycle na lang ta—” kinalabit ako ni Eight kaya natigilan ako at itinuro niya ang paparating na Tesla Roadster na kulay dilaw.

“This KID is something Tita” malokong sambit ni Eight at tila ipinunto pa ang salitang ‘Bata’ kaya hindi ko mapigilang mapanganga.

“Sorry, medyo natagalan sa paglabas sa parking” bumukas ang bintana nito at hindi makapaniwala ko siyang tiningnan, totoo ba na sa kanya ito? “This is yours?” I ask.

“From my dad” sambit niya bago lumabas at pinagbuksan kami ng pinto. “Let’s go Tita” tinulak ako ni Eight papasok at agad kumandong sa aking hita, “Woah, I just read this on magazine” bulong pa nito ng tuluyan kaming makasakay.

“Let’s go” hindi makapaniwala akong nakatulala dito sa loob ng sasakyan ng magsimula na siyang mag drive, napakaganda ng tunog ng sasakyan niya, kung ganito siya kayaman bakit nagtatrabaho pa siya bilang part timer sa publishing house?

“Bakit ka nag apply sa publishing house kung mayaman ka naman pala?” I ask out of nowhere.

“Ahmm.. I wanna see you every day that’s why” diretso nitong sagot kaya napairap ako.

“Ano bang gusto mo sa akin bata? Hindi ba sinabi ko na sayong hindi ako pumapatol sa bata” I said and I can’t stop sighing.

“Ikaw ang gusto ko”

“Stop this game kid, I’m not playing with you” I said and he stop the car in front of our apartment, at bago pa siya magsalita agad ko kaming bumababa ni Eight mula sa kanyang magarang sasakyan.

“Umuwi kana at umalis sa publishing house, wala kang mapapala sa akin” Seryoso kong sambit at tuluyang pumasok na sa loob ng apartment, narinig ko pang kinausap siya ni Eight bago sumunod sa akin.

“Better luck next life bro” he teased him, “Eight, tara na dito” I said and he ran toward me. I took a last glance at him and saw him staring at me with those sad and pitiful eyes.

Hindi ako mahuhulog sa ganyan, “You’re too old Willow” I whisper.

“But your heart’s not” napatingin ako kay Eight ng sabihin niya iyon at tuluyang pumasok sa loob ng apartment namin.

“That’s impossible” I whisper.

Jan’s POV

“Be careful there, Ma, text and call us ok” sambit ni EIght habang yakap-yakap ang bewang ko, he also wakes up at 2am in the morning para lang makita akong umalis. “Yes po, mag-iingat si Mama doon, kaya dapat si EIght din, papa salubungan siya ni Mama ng libro galing sa Siargao kaya dapat good boy siya ok” I said and kiss his forehead.

“Yes!” he cheered up and walk me to the door, tinulungan ako ni Willow sa paglabas ng daffule bag ko, at hianwakan si Eight paglabas ko.“Tatawag ako ok” I said and kiss Eight once again. Mamimiss ko to’.

“Mag-ingat sa byahe” Willow said, bumababa na ako sa hagdanan at tumawag ng tricycle papunta sa tapat ng kumpanya, at hindi gaya ng kahapon pagdating ko roon nandito na ang sasakyan ni Ash.

“Put your things at the back” he said, kaya binuksan ko ang pinto sa back seat at inilagay ang mga bag ko doon at doon na rin umupo, kaya kumunot ang noo niya at tiningnan ako ng masama.

“Am I your driver?” he asked, “Hindi ba?” tanong ko sabay tiro sa kanyang kamay na nakahawak sa steering wheels ng sasakyan. “Ikaw ang mag dadrive so ikaw yung driver?” pilosopo kong’ sambit kaya mas lalo niyanga kong tiningnan ng masama.

“One.. two…” he starts counting, “Ayaw ko sa harapan baka kung anong gawin mo sa akin” sambti ako at pilit nagmatigas.

“I will not do anything to you… yet!” galit niyang sambit at isinara ang pinto sa passengers’ seat at galit na nagdrive papuntang airport.

A minutes after we arrived to the airport at saktong 3am ang flight namin kaya nakapagboard agad kami. Ang sabi 1-hour lang daw ang travel hour papuntang Siargao kaya hindi na kailangan uminom ng gamot sa pagkahilo.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 4B7 with service from Manila to Siargao. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately five minutes time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you.” kinakabahan na ako dahil nagannounce na, first time ko lang sasakay sa eroplano, at baka ito na rin ang last, mamatay na ata ako dito.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang aking nararamdaman, gusto kong maihi pero hindi na ako pwedeng tumayo.

“What are you doing?” napatingin ako sa katabi kong demonyo ng tanungin niya ako habang patuloy ang paghinga ko ng malalim at pagdarasal. “Nagprapray malamang, hindi mo alam yon?” pilosopo kong sambit.

He glared at me and was about to get mad at me when the plane started the take-off, I inhaled so hard and grip on his arms. “Ouch, fuck!’ he groaned when I grip on him so tight as I close my eyes and try to calm myself.

Nanatili ako sa ganong posisyon hanggang sa marinig ko na ang stable na paglipad ng eroplano.

I slowly open my eyes and look at the window, “Wow” ang ganda ng tanawin mula dito sa taas.

“Riveva, let go” napalingon ako kay Ash ng bumulong siya sa aking tenga, when I look at him I inantly let go of him and gasp. Sobrang lukot ng dresser shirt niya dahil sa mahigpit na pagkakahawak ko sa kanya.

“Sorry” I whisper, but he just hazed me and ignored me the whole flight. At dahil wala akong kausap at alam gawin habang nasa byahe, halos buong flight akong nagpipigil sumuka.

Hanggang sa mag land na ang eroplano sa Siargao at pababa na kami ng eroplano, “Thank you for choosing our airline, Ma’am Sir, enjoy your honeymoon” nahihilo at nasusuka na nga ako ganito pa ang maririnig ko kaya hindi ko napigilang tingnan ng masama ang babaeng ito.

“Rivera let’s go, stop staring!” Bulong ni Ash sa likuran ko pero hindi ako tumigil kaya kinailangan niya pa akong itulak papalayo sa babaeng iyon, honeymoon mukha ba kaming maghohoneymoon ng demonyo?

Pagbaba namin sa hagdan hindi ko na tagalaga kinaya kaya—, “WHAT THE!!! RIVERA!”

I vomit in front of everyone, kaya mabilis kaming inassist ng employee ng airport, binuhat na rin ako ni Ash sa kanyang likuran upang hindi kami makaabala ng ilang pasahero.

“You are such a pain in the ass!” he whispers as we arrive out of the airport and head to the hotel, may nakalagay na plastic sa aking mukha para pag may pahabol suka, si Ash ang naglagay, diba ang talino!

Tumigil kami sa tapat ng hotel pero tila umiikot pa rin ang paningin ko kaya hindi ko mapigilang mapaupo sa sahig pagkababa ko ng sasakyan.

“Fuck!” singhal ni Ash at muli akong binuhat papasok sa hotel.

Umiikot ang paningin ko pero biglang luminaw ng makarinig ako ng pamilyar na boses.

“Ash, Jan you’re finally here” my eyes wide open and I flash a big smile.

“Kysler,” I said.

“Kysler” Ash mocked me.

Chapter 15

“Ash, Jan you’re finally here” my eyes wide open and I flash a big smile.

“Kysler,” I said.

“Kysler” Ash mocked me. I couldn’t control not to make a face at him, he’s really an asshole. “Nakakatawa yon?” mahina kong singhal, but this guy just hazed me and faced Kysler.

“What happened?” kunot noong tanong ni Kysler habang tinitignan kaming dalawa ni Ash. “It’s her first flight” sagot ng lalaking ito, kaya hinarap ako ni Kysler bago ngumiti. “Really? How cute” He uttered, “Enebe hende nemen haha” I playfully said, making him laugh.

Nagulat ako ng bigla akong ibaba ni Ash kaya napakapit ako sa kanya ng wala sa oras, we’re so close to each other because of that and he whisper, “Funny” then after that he make me strand straight and fix his shirt while I glared at him.

“Are you alright? Feeling well?” napalingon ako kay Kysler ng halalayan nito ang braso ko at malambing akong tinanong, agad nawala ang pagkasimangot ko dahil sa kanya, ngumiti ako at sumagot. “Ok na ako”

“Tsss” I frowned when this other guy kept on running the mood, he saw me glaring at him that’s why he did the same thing before he spoke. “Let’s head straight to the meeting, are they already inside?” seryoso niyang tanong kay Kysler.

“Yes” sagot nito at muli akong nginitian, “Here come with me” nagulat ako ng bigla akong abutan ni Ash ng makapal na files at hinila papasok sa isang pinto dito sa lobby, sumunod naman si Kysler kaya nagpigil akong sumimangot dahil baka makita niya.

Pumasok kami sa isang meeting area kung saan may mga ibang investors na an nandito pati na rin si Mr. Fajardo. “Let’s start” pinaupo ako ni Ash sa upuang nasa tabi niya bago nagsimula ang meeting, Kysler speak in front, kaya wala akong ginagawa kung hindi panoorin lamang siya na may ngiti sa labi.

“What are you doing?” I stop when this Demon whisper at me, “Nakikinig malamang” pilosopo kong sagot, hinila nito ang aking kamay at inilapit ang labi sa aking tenga. “Don’t just fucking sit there, do your job” he darkly said, I rolled my eyes on him stand up.

“Where are you going?” he confusedly asks, “I’m doing my JOB sir” bulong ko pabalik, pero imbis na hayaan akong umalis hinila niya ako ulit pa upo at inilapit lalo ang upuan ko sa kanya. “Your job is to take some notes about the meeting and stay beside me!” he firmly said before he clenched his jaw and pulled me even closer.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi nagsulat ng mga pinag uusapan sa meeting, I even felt his hand on the back of my chair. Kaya alam kong wala talaga akong kawala dito, nang magsimula siyang makipagusap sa ibang investors dahan-dahan at pakonti-konti kong inuurong palayo ang aking upuan ng bigla niyang hilain ito sa ilalim at hinawakan ang aking hita.

I tried hitting his hands on my thighs but he’s fucking good in dodging it, his holding my thighs like’s he’s owning it and because of that, it really makes me feel uncomfortable. Pilit kong itinutulak ang kanyang kamay papalayo pero mas lalo lang humihigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin.

And I don’t want to make any commotion here inside, so I tried my best to remove his hands on my tights but I still can’t win between him. “Bitawan mo ako! Manyak!” bulong ko sa kanya ng simulang kausapin ni Mr. Fajardo si Kysler.

“I might be a pervert, but only for you, so if I were you, you’ll shut your mouth and behave as I say so, you don’t want me to do something here?” the way he said something, I instantly gulped and behaved as he said.

“Good girl” he whispers and caresses my legs underneath the table.

Hindi ko magawang gumawa ng paraan para bawian siya dahil napunta ang tingin sa akin ni Kysler, he’s staring at me with that charming smile.

“Don’t look at him, look at me” rinig kong bulong ni Ash kaya napalingon ako sa kanya, and with that he starts discussing things about the company and the agreements.

I can’t disagree that Ash is really a smooth talker, the way he speaks could attract a hundred investors and a thousand girls. Even the way his accent sounds makes him look more genius, I can see Eight in the future as I was staring at him.

“Our Corporate Mission is the whole of the main idea, corporate purpose and drivers behind a corporation, which sends Del Mundo company, it’s executives and employees along its way in a particular direction, right?” Everyone agrees with him and with that he ended the meeting well. “I’ll see everyone tomorrow, for now let’s rest and enjoy Siargao” sambit ni Mr. Fajardo bago nakipag kamayan sa lahat.

“I appreciate the effort on flying here just for this meeting Mr. Del Mundo, you never fail to amaze me, your dad really makes a good decision on letting you handle the corporation, you are really doing it great, Let’s see if you’d be able to close the deal onto the next days” Mr. Fajardo said as he shook hands with him and he gazed at me.

“By the way this lady beside you is really beautiful, I didn’t know that you have a girlfriend” I smile because of the compliment but the last word didn’t make sense, “No, Mr. Fajardo, I’m his sec––” Ash cut me out and grabbed my waist.

“My wife,” he said, turning my lips in an O shape and my eyes widened.

“Wow, I didn’t know you’re married, great, enjoy the place” he said and left this room. Pagkalabas nito agad kong tinulak palayo si Ash, “Anong sinabi mo?!” I haze.

“Hahahaha” napalingon kaming dalawa ng tumawa si Kysler, “You guys look so good together, by the way I love the wife thingy Bro, but I think your wife didn’t know about it? I bet it happens in your dreams” Kysler teases him, Ash just smirks and says, “Maybe” and they both leave me here hanging with widened eyes.

Sumunod ako sa lobby at tumigil ng harapin ako ni Ash, “Here’s your room keys” he said, kukunin ko na sana ang susi mula sa kanya ng ilayo niya ito. “Or you wanna share rooms with me?” he playfully said.

“In your dreams!” I said and stamp on his feet, grab the keys and leave.

“Fuck!” heard him haze. “Bro, what happened to you?” Kysler asked him. I just smirked and stepped inside the elevator.

Umakyat ako sa third-floor kung nasaan ang room ko, at inayos ang aking gamit sa loob, “Three days lang ito Jan, saglit lang ito” I whisper and after fixing my things, agad kong kinuha ang aking phone at tinext si Willow.

To Willows,

Nandito na ako sa Siargao, kumusta si Eight dyan?

After a few seconds Willow instantly reply and say,

From Willows,

He’s inside the school already, pauwi na ako sa bahay, ingat ka dyan.

Hindi na ako nag reply pabalik dahil alam kong hindi na niya ito babasahin dahil magsusulat na ito, I just decided to take a nap. Nagising na lang ako ng tumunog ang phone ko dahil sa may tumatawag.

I grabbed it even though my eyes were still closed, “H-hello?” pumupungas-pungas kong sagot.

“Come down here, let’s eat lunch and bring the note with you, 15 seconds” diretsong sambit nito mula sa kabilang linya bago binaba ang tawag, dhail doon tamad akong umupo at inabot ang notes na sinulat ko kanina sa meeting.

Tumayo na ako mula sa kama at napatingin sa aking cellphone ng makarecieve ng text mula dito.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

1

“Talagang nagbibilang!” I haze.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

2…

From Ashtongdemonyo,

3..

“Punyeta, ito na nga oh!” I started running out of the room, and headed straight to the elevator and watched him keep on counting through text.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

4…

From Ashtongdemonyo,

5…6…

“Sandale lang naman!” natetense ako sa pagbibilang ni Gago ano ba!

From Ashtongdemonyo,

7…8..9..

From Ashtongdemonyo,

10..

Bumukas na ang elevator kaya mabilis akong lumabas at tumakbo papunta sa restaurant dito sa baba. “Saan na ba yon?”

From Ashtongdemonyo,

11…12…

“Nasaan na ba yon?” my eyes roam around the reastau, trying to find him.

From Ashtongdemonyo,

13…

From Ashtongdemonyo,

14…

“AYON!” I said and ran as fast as I could before he sent his text.

“15!” Sambit ko sabay hampas sa kanyang lamesa, he looked at me, crossed his arms in his chest, rested his back on the chair and said, “Good, have a seat and eat your lunch” he said and got the files in my hand.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo sa harapan niya habang pinagmamasdan ang laptop, tablet at ibang folders sa harapan niya. “Pati ba naman dito, dala mo lahat ng yan?” tanong ko.

He just stared at me and continued reading with his specs on, “Just shut up and eat” he seriously said.

“Kumain kana ba?” walang galang kong tanong, habang inaayos ang aking pagkain, He ordered pasta for me with mash potatoes. “I’m full” he answered, “Bakit ka full, eh hindi ka pa nga kumakain simula kaninang nasa manila tayo” sambit ko.

“I’m used to it” walang ganang sagot nito at busy pa rin sa trabaho, I sigh and steal the note from him. “Kumain ka muna, sabay na tayo” I said, hindi naman maganda na ako kakain tapos ang boss ko hindi, baka anong isipin ng ibang tao.

“Hey, give that back to me!” nakasimangot niyang sambit, I make face at him and push his tablet and laptop at the side and say, “Kain muna Sir.” magalang kong sambit bago siya nginitian ng napakatamis at umorder ng pagkain para sa kanya.

Itinabi ko ang notes sa aking likuran, kaya wala siyang nagawa kung hindi mag buntong hininga at hinintay ang pagkain niya. When he’s food was served, he started eating.

“I don’t eat this” he whispered and put the tomatoes at the side of his plate. Hindi ko napigilang ngumiti at tumawa, “Hanggang ngayon ba naman hindi ka pa rin kumakain niya, wala kang pinagbago hahahaha” I said.

But Ash stared at me and said, “I’ve changed because of you,” he said, making the atmosphere awkward, “Ah! Ang sarap nito woah!!! Ang sarap, ayaw mo nyan akin na” pagiiba ko sa usapan at kinuha ang tomatoes sa plato niya.

He just gazes at me before he started eating again, “Ahaha sarap” sambit ko hanggang sa matapos kaming mag lunch at nagpatuloy sa pagtatrabaho. Dito kami nagtrabaho sa restaurant hanggang abutin na kami ng dilim and we already take our dinner together.

“That’s all for now, we’ll finish this tomorrow, take rest” he said, stood up and bailed.

Tumanga ako at tumuloy na sa itaas upang magpahinga, pagpasok ko sa room ko agad kong binitawan ang aking cellphon at wallet sa kama bago naghubad at sinuot ang robe, pumasok ako sa banyo at humarap muna sa salamin.

I stared at the mirror for a second but I was stiff when I noticed a small hole behind me that I could see through the reflection of the mirror and there’s an eye on it.

“AHHHHHHHH!” I shouted and instantly ran outside, and as I opened the door of my room, I bumped into Ash’s chest. “Why are you shouting?” he asks and held bto of my arms, napatingin ako sa pintong kaharap ng room ko at nakita ang agmit niya sa loob.

Magkatapat ang room namin? “Hey Jan, why are you shouting?” he repeated and that’s when I got back to my senses and started shaking, “There’s a hole inside the bathroom, may sumisilip doon while I’m inside” I whisper.

“What the fuck!” he gritted his teeth and intanly walked towards the next door to my room, he kicked it and it crashed the door open and went inside. “Ash!” sambit ko at sinundan siya sa loob.

“YOU FUCKING PERVERT! HOW DARE YOU LAID YOUR EYES ON HER!!!!! FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!” he shouted as he started punching this middle-aged man, who’s naked and has an erection.

I gasp when I realize what he’s doing with that hole!

“YOU DIRTY OLD MAN!!! YOU’RE GOING TO DIE IN MY HANDS! HOW DARE YOU MASTURBATE WHILE STARING AT MY WOMEN!!!!” hindi ko makilala ang Ash na nakikita ko ngayon, everything around him is so dark, and he’s really damn mad.

“ASH TAMA NA!” I tried to stop him but he’s not silencing, maya-maya lang ay dumating si Kysler at binalutan ako ng towel at kasabay niya ang pagdating ng guards at police. Kysler stops Ash from beating that guy and lets the police bring him out of this hotel.

“I’ll go with the police,” Kysler said and followed them downstairs. Nilapitan ko si Ash at hinawakan sa kanyang braso. “Are you ok?” I ask and stare at his fist filled with blood.

Imbis na sumagot hinawakan niya ang aking kamay at hinila pababa sa lobby, he even removes his shirt and give it to me while we’re inside the elevator.

Tumuloy kami sa front desk, “Sir. we are really sorry for what happen, but don’t have any available rooms now, yon na lang po ang natirang available room since fully booked po lahat ng rooms natin” the front desk girl said.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” Ash haze and grab my wrist again and bring me towards his room.

“Teka!!!” I said, wag mong sabihin dito ako matutulog sa kwarto niya.

“You have no choice, stay with me or stay in that room again!”

Chapter 16

“You have no choice, stay with me or stay in that room again” he seriously said before he opened the door through his room and stepped inside while waiting for my answer.

I glanced agledly to my room, felt fear as I paranoidly thought that there could be other possible holes that someone could use to watch me inside.

“Kunin mo pala yung gamit ko sa loob” I said as I nibbled my fingers with each other and stepped inside his room. “Wow, if I’m not mistaken, I’m your boss here?” he said in a sarcastic tone, I strutly leered at him before I speak, “Kung ayaw mo edi doon nalang ako matutulog, kahit na may manili—” before I could finish my word, he didn’t dawdle any single seconds and walk inside my room to grab my things and bring it here inside his room.

Umupo ako sa sofa sa harap ng Tv habang pinapanood siyang bitawan ang lahat ng gamit ko sa loob ng kanyang silid, “Can I use the bathroom?” I ask.

Tumigil siya at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa bago sinabi, “You better be” he said and I was him gulp a little.

I shrug my shoulders before I grab some clothes to change inside his bathroom, I feel anxious as I step inside, parang na trauma ata ako sa nangyari sa kabilang room kaya hindi ko magawang pumasok ng tuluyan sa banyo.

“Do you want me to go inside with you?” agad akong napatingin kay Ash ng tanungin niya ang bagay na iyon, “Joke ba yon?” I ask and try to chuckle in a fake way.

He stood straight and said, “No, if you’re scared there’s no reason not to say it, so do you want me to come with you inside?” he asked, “Kaya ko noh!” I confidently said as I stepped inside and trudged through the shower area.

I was shaking as I tried closing the door, I could not close it because I feel so anxious and scared, but I need to close it, but before I could close it, Ash stop it using his hand, shove the door open and gently held my wrist, pull me inside the shower room and close the sliding shower door.

“I’ll stay here, take a shower, don’t worry I won’t look” he said and turned his back on me.

“As if naman maniniwala ako sayo” I said as I rolled my eyes and start undressing, I mean nakita niya naman ito wala na rin naman silbi kung mahihiya ako, at isa pa may anak na ako.

I also turned my back to him and started taking shower. I kept glancing back, hoping that I would catch his sneaking pick but as I finished, he didn’t move nor turn his head back. I cover my whole body with the robe and leisurely open the sliding door.

“Done?” He asks, I stop and answer, “Oo, pero hindi mo ako malolo––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng bigla na lang siyang naglakad palabas at iniwang bukas ang pinto. My jaw just plummeted as I watched him do that.

Did he really not take even just a glance? Maniwala?

I walk out of the bathroom fully dressed up with my night pajamas. Nakita kong nakahiga na siya sa kama niya habang nagbabasa sa kanyang tablet kaya naglakad ako papalapit sa sofa at inayos ang unan at kumot doon.

The sofa is spacious and because I’m not that big, when I lay down on it, there is still an extensive space for me to move. Sinilip ko si Ash na busy pa rin sa pagbabasa bago nagsalita, “Matutulog na ako” I said.

Ash just nodded at me like not putting any attention through what I’ve said. “Matutulog na ako” I said it again. This time he glances at me and nodded, pero dahil makulit ako, “Matutulog na ako, wag kang gagawa ng kahit ano ah!” mapagbanta kong sambit.

He stopped reading and looked at me, “What would I possibly do that to you?” he asked with a sour expression. I shrug and confidently said, “Baka kasi mamaya gapangin mo ako” I said with my head up high.

“I would rather not look at a flat surface, so dream on Jan” my confidence just tumbled because of what he said. That’s why I glared at him and threw a small pillow on his bed. “Hindi ako flat noh, alam kong’ alam mo yon! hmp!” I said, “Really, didn’t know that ‘’ he teasingly said, I heaved my arms up and showed him a middle finger before I lay down and slept.

Tumagilid at humarapa ko sa backrest nito, I also covered myself with the blanket and slowly I fell asleep before I knew it.

Ash’s POV

I couldn’t stop gritting my teeth as I controlled my anger inside for her not to notice it. I put my tablet on the side before I grabbed my phone and called Kysler. I walk towards the room’s terrace and loiter as Kysler answers the call.

“How is it going there?’ I darkly ask, I heard him sigh before he speaks, “Everything is fine, I’ve already talk with the police and send that old guy in jail, as for the report this guy already have multiple cases on harassment, they said that it was his modus put some holes in that hotel rooms, a voyeur.” Fuck that old guy, I should have killed him already, I can’t control my fist as it keeps tightens.

“I’ve also read some of the case where he successfully harass a lady who checked in that room, it says that after peeping some glimpse through that hole, he sneak inside that room during midnight and rape that girl who checked in that room, good thing Jan instantly notice him before that happen, I’ll fix this, you should go rest” I clenched my jaw as I turn of the call and remember that old man’s fucking nasty face, if I could ever see him again, he better pray for his life.

To release my anger, I creep some cigarettes from my pockets and light up, to smoke a little. I stopped smoking a month ago but I can’t help doing it while I’m this mad, I could nearly kill a person if I’m in this state.

I continue smoking as I finish two sticks before I calm down, after that I walk inside and stare at her.

She’s sleeping peacefully on that sofa; the sofa looks big for her because she’s not even that big enough to eat some space. But I know that it’s not really comfortable to sleep on the sofa.

I sigh before I walk towards the bed and lay down, as I lay down, I can’t find my peace while I rest but one thing is running inside my mind and that is…

I stood up, grabbed some pillows and the comforter, walked towards the sofa and lay down beside her. We both fit in this sofa, so I wrapped my arms on her waist and as I smell her scent, I slowly feel calm and sleepy.

“Hmm” he groaned as I interrupted her space but after a few seconds she moved and faced me, wrapped those small arms on my waist and rested her head on my chest.

With that I slowly fall asleep, faster than I expected…

Seah’s POV

“Bakla, can you attend room 304 for me, I need to run some checkup but my stomach can’t cooperate with me right now, please can you do it for me” sambit ni Gorge bago inabot sa akin ang kanyang gamit bago tumakbo sa banyo.

“Wag mo kasing pigilan pagtae mo” pahabol kong sambit bago lumabas ng nurse quarters at tumuloy sa room 304, nakaassign ako sa mga bata at si Gorge naman ay sa mga matatanda kaya first time kong magpunta dito.

Sobrang tahimik sa hallway nila, pero may isang silid na tila mag kumusyon, at nang tingnan ko ito nanlaki ang mata ko dahil room 304 iyon. I instantly ran towards it.

Pagpasok ko sa loob, my heart skip beat when an old man is aggressively making a commission. Nagkakagulo ang lahat dito at nagpapanic ang ibang matatanda sa room, na ito.

“Nurse Maxene” I uttered as I saw the nurse na kasamahan ni Gorge dito. “Nurse Seah” natatakot na sambit niya, hawak siya ng matandang lalake habang nakatutok sa leeg niya ang isang matalim na piraso ng basag na baso.

That old man’s hands were bleeding because of that sharp piece of glass, at malapit ito sa leeg ni Nurse Seah kaya mas lalong nakakatakot, gumawa ng kahit ano, dahil isang pagkakamali lang namin ay maaring malagay sa panganib ang buhay ni Nurse Maxene.

“Julio tumigil ka na diyos ko!” napalingon ako ng makita ang isang pasyente dito sa gilid na tila nanginginig na sa takot dahil sa nangyayari, I slowly walk towards her and hold her. “Lola wag ho kayong matakot” I whisper and look through the door hoping someone would notice what’s happening here.

“GUSTO KO NANG UMALIS DITO, HINDI NA AKO DINADALAW NG ASAWA KO DAHIL AYAW NIYO AKONG PALABASIN DITO!! KUNG HINDI NIYO AKO PALALABASIN PAPATAYIN KO NA LANG ANG BABAENG ITO” tatay Julio said, making me gasp in fear.

I stood up and caught his attention, “Tatay Julio, sandali lang ho” I said.

“Huminahon ho kayo” I tried calming him up and slowly walked towards him. “Wag kang lalapit!” madiin niyang sambit kung kaya’t natigilan ako. Nurse Max started shedding tears in fear.

“Tatay Julio, ako ho si Nurse Seah, papakinggan ko ho ang nais niyo, pakawalan niyo lang ho si Nurse Maxene” I said, “WALANG NAKIKINIG SA AKIN KAYA HINDI AKO NANINIWALA SAYO!!!” he shouted.

“HINDI NA AKO DINADALAW NG ASAWA KO DAHIL WALA NA KAMING PERANG PAMBAYAD SA HOSPITAL NA ITO, ILANG BESES KO NANG SINABI SA KANILA NA OK NA AKO PERO KINUKULONG PA RIN NILA AKO DITO PARA UMUBOG KAMI SA UTANG! GANYAN YANG MAYAYAMAN NA IYAN, ALAM NA NGANG MAHIHIRAP LANG KAMI LALO PA KAMING TATAPAKAN PABABA!” I hear his pain, but he shouldn’t be heard in this situation.

“Tay gagawa ho ako ng paraan, upang makalabas kayo dito at makausap ang asawa niyo, pakawalan niyo lang ho siya” I said and taking step closer undoubtedly.

“PAANO NAMAN AKO MAKAKASIGURADO NA GAGAWIN MO IYON!” I saw Tatay Julio’s eyes soften when he ask me but, he was just covered with problems, that’s why he’s doing this, and I fully understand that.

“Ako na hong bahala doon tay, magtiwala lang ho kayo sa akin” marahan kong sambit, “Parang awa niyo na ho tay, pakawalan niyo na po siya” dahan-dahan lumuwag ang pagkakahawak ni Tatay Julio kay Maxene kaya hinila ko siya ng dahan-dahan papalayo kay Tatay Julio.

At nang tuluyan ko na siyang mailayo kay Tatay Julio, hinarap ko naman si Tatay at sinubukan kunin ang patalim sa kanyang kamay, alam kong masakit na iyon sa pagkat nasusugatan na ang kanyang kamay.

“Akin na ho yan tay, gagamutin ko ho ang sugat niyo pagkatap––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng. “INTERN!” biglang dumating si Doc. Herrera at ang mga ibang lalaking nurse.

My eyes widened when that caused panic to Tatay Julio, that’s why when I faced him he accidently raised her arms up, and because I was standing close to him, that sharp thing caused an incision in my left shoulder.

I lost my balance because of it and I was about to fall on the floor when Doc. Herrera slither behind me and catches me.

“AHHHHHH!” Nurses surrounded Tatay Julio and got the sharp thing on his hand and pinned him in his bed before they injected some sleeping pills in his arms.

“GUSTO KONG MAKITA ANG ASAWA KO BITAWAN NIYO AKO—” he couldn’t finish what he said. And just slowly close his eyes and lose consciousness.

I wanted to stand up and go towards him when Doc. Herrera carries me out of that room. “He’s not doing anything wrong, he just wanted to see his wife” I whisper as my vision blurred because of tears that were about to shed.

“I know, but sadly her wife died three days ago” he answered and I burst out crying in his arms. I suddenly felt the pain that Tatay Julio felt and would possibly feel when he knew his wife was gone.

“Stop crying, let’s treat your wound” he whispered and brought me to his office. I sat on the hospital bed and instantly put down any uniform covered with blood from my shoulders and left my white tube inside.

I sob and watch him fix his gloves and look at my wound, I see him gulp a little before he tries to avoid looking in my skin. I know I’m sad, and this is not the right mood for this, but I still want to take a chance.

“Are you falling for me Doc? I ask.

He sighs and answers, “No!” and hardly pressed that cotton on my shoulders.

“OUCH!”

Jan’s POV

“Hmmmmm” I wake up with the morning sunrise touching my skin, I feel good as I open my eyes while laying here at this sofa, pakiramdam ko sobrang sarap ng tulog ko kagabi, hindi ko alam kung bakit pero I feel so energetic and active this morning.

Uupo na sana ako ng may ngiti sa labi ng biglang sumakit ang likuran ko dahil sa ngalay, “ARAY ARAY ARAY!!!” I shouted and felt that muscle lock.

“What the fuck!! What’s happening?!” Biglang bumukas ang pinto mula sa banyo at lumitaw ang naka half naked na si Ash, basa ang buhok nito at tila parang kakatapos lang maligo.

At yong abs niy—– ay hindi masakit likuran ko! “HALIKA SAGLIT DALI, ARAY KO PO!!! DALI!!!” sigaw ko, nagpanic siya at agad lumapit sa akin.

Dumapa ako sa sofa at sinabi, “HILUTIN MO SAGLIT DALI, MASAKIT!!!” I shouted.

“What?!” he confusedly and hesitantly asked.

“SABI KO HILUTIN MO BUNGOL KA BA!! DALI NA ANG SAKIT!” I shouted and pointed at my hips. “Fine, fine” he hazed and the seat beside me started massaging my back. Agad guminhawa ang kirot at pagkangalay na nararamdaman ko ng diinan niya ang pagkakahilot.

“Ayan hmmm” I said, ayaw nawawala na ang kirot. I heard him clear his throat while massaging him, kaya ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at ninamnam ang pagmamasahe niya.

Gandang umaga!

“Ayan dyan, baba mo konti ayaaannnnnnn hmmmm,ah” I said.

“FUCK!” pero nagulat ako ng bigla siyang sumigaw at tumayo. Nanghaharapin ko na siya bigla niya akong binalot ng comforter at narinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto sa banyo.

“Gago ka talaga! Ano ito playtime!” I haze when I remove the comforter to my head.

“Ang sama talaga ng ugali” I whisper and fix the pillow and comforters.

Mga ilang minuto rin siyang nagtagal sa banyo kaya todo pigil ako ng pagihi, hinintay kong lumabas siya, he steps out of the bathroom well dressed, “Saan po tayo pupunta ngayong araw Sir?” I ask.

He fixes his tie remove his specs, “You’re staying here, I’ll be having some lunch meeting with Mr. Fajardo alone, I’ll just call for lunch service so you don’t need to go out” he firmly said.

Ibig niya bang sabihin bawal akong lumabas? “Bawal akong lumabas?” Tanong ko.

“Bawal” he said and get his tablet, “Bakit naman! Gusto kong mag swimming sa beach” I said.

He darkly looks at me, enough to make me stiff and say, “I said no, you’re staying here until I came back, may that clear in your mind” he said and leave.

I bite my lower lip out of irritation and smile after, “As if naman susunod ako sayo, blee!” I said and ran to the bathroom to take a shower and change into my swimming outfit. I just wore a simple white crop top rash guard and paired it with black high waisted shorts.

Itinali ko ang buhok ko at inilagay sa water proof case ang aking phone at sinabit ito sa aking leeg.

I head straight to the beach side and watch people surfing, “Wow” I whisper and take some pictures and send it to Willow. Para makita ni Eight, he would love to go here someday.

“Jan” napalingon ako ng tawagin ako ni Kysler, he’s wearing a light board short, topless and holding a big surfboard in his right arms.

I felt amazed and in love with his looks, sobrang hot, “Nagsusurf ka?” tanong ko, hinawi niya paitaas ang kanyang buhok bago ngumiti at sumagot. “Since high school I guess, wanna try?” he asked.

“YES!”

Ash’s POV

“The deal is close, congrats Mr. Del Mundo, so what’s your plan after this are you leaving tomorrow?” Mr. Fajardo said as we shook hands as symbols of a sailed deal.

“I kinda wanna rest here for a couple of days, I guess” I answered. He instantly smiled and showed me those teasing stares. “I understand Mr. Del Mundo, you wanna have some alone time with your wife huh, am I expecting a small Ashton Del Mundo next year?” he playfully said.

I smirked and laughed with him. Jan would kill me if she heard these things from Mr. Fajardo.

“It’s already 3 pm, I should head to my cottage. My wife is also waiting for me, just like you but the difference between us is you could make babies hahaha” he joked and with that I walked him out of this VIP table here in the restaurant.

I walked back inside to get my things and I just decided to treat Jan for dinner outside. I bet she would like that, I headed straight to our room and when I was about to open the door someone called on my phone.

I answered it and say, “Kysler, I already close teh de—”

“JAN IS MISSING!” what? I quickly opened the door to our room and didn’t see her inside.

“We’re surfing together but she falls out the surfboard, after that we couldn’t find her”

“FUCK!”

Chapter 17

“JAN IS MISSING!” what? I quickly opened the door to our room and didn’t see her inside.

“We’re surfing together but she falls out the surfboard, after that we couldn’t find her” Kysler said from the other line, making me tightens my grip on my phone before, “FUCK!” I curse and in just a glimpse, I run as fast as I can towards the seashore.

What I was doing wasn’t a normal run anymore, I was totally sprinting, just to reach the seashore.

“Ash” Kysler was standing there with his surfboard, he looked so worried, “Where is she?” I ask in a serious tone, my heart starting to beat so fast and I feel uneasy as leer at those big waves.

The sun is hiding as the darkness dominates the beach. I could not stop clenching my jaw as I imagined that Jan was under those big waves. “She fell out of her surfboard while I tried to teach her how” Kysler said, and without any word I dive into the water.

I tried searching for her even though the waves are really strong, my chest starting to feel heavy as I could not find any signs of her here.

“Ash, we already did some reach under the water but I believe she’s not here anymore, come on, the waves are a bit dangerous, we can’t fight the currents” Kysler grabbed my arms and pulled me back to the seashore.

“I fucking need to look for her, what the fuck! What comes into her mind to try surfing!!!” I haze as I keep chasing arms, the wind and the cold breeze here are making me lose air easily.

“I invited her” Kysler uttered, I stop and gritted my teeth, trying to control my anger, fuck surfing! “FUCK!”

“Sir! Nahanap na po namin siya!” we instantly turned our backs when a lifeguard guy approached us, “Where is she?”

He pointed somewhere a meter away from where we’re standing, “Shit” I curse, taking big steps as I followed him and saw Jan, seated with a towel covering her body and her lips we’re so pale.

“A-ash” he uttered my name, as I darkly stared at her.

Jan’s POV

“Since high school I guess, wanna try?” he asked.

“YES!” masigla kong sagot bago kami tumuloy sa mga stall ng surfboard, they are for rent, at gaya ng inaasahan binayaran ni Kysler ang isang kulay pink na seurfboard para sa akin at sabay kaming tumuloy sa dagat.

Maganda ang alon, at parang sobrang saya mag surf kaya kahit hindi ako masyadong marunong lumangoy, susubukan ko pa rin.

“You’ll enjoy this” sambit ni Kysler. He started discussing the basics of surfing and I just listened to him and tried my best to learn while we’re still not in the water.

“Like this, spread your arms a bit, if you like to balance it more this would help. Just be stable in your mindset and balance” he said and gently held my hands as teaches me how to properly stand on the surfboard.

“Jan, keep in mind that paddling and Catching Waves is important. Do not paddle with both arms simultaneously, alternating between both arms at a steady pace, ok? Remember that, and catch the waves, proper timing, don’t worry I’ll tell you went to pop-up ok, I’ll give signals, so are you ready?” he said, everything he said just feels so easy when you think of it, but when we started and already in the water.

Bigla akong kinabahan, pero pinilit ko pa rin ang sarili kong gawin ito. “Here it comes, ready, pop-up” umupo na kami ni Kysler sa surfboard habang hinihintay ang tamang oras para sa wave.

“1..2..3.. go” we both stood up on our surfboard and with that, we caught a big wave and my feelings were overflowing. “Great job!” I heard Kysler say as we were riding the wave, but suddenly I accidentally moved my feet and lost balance.

“Ahhh!” In just a snap, I see myself under the water, sinubukan kong lumangoy paitaas pero parang hinihila ako pababa ng tubig, kasama na doon ang malakas na current ng alon dito sa ilalim ng tubig kaya hindi ko magawang lumangoy ng maayos.

Langoy ako ng langoy, I keep my feet and arms working but I start losing air, within a second, I just slowly lose consciousness.

Nagising na lang ako ng makaramdam ng may kalakasang tapik sa aking pisngi, “Miss, gising! Can you hear me? Miss?” dahan-dahan kong’ iminulat ang aking mga mata at unti-unti akong nasisinag sa mga flashlight na nakatutok sa aking mukha.

Pero ng tuluyan nang luminaw ang aking paningin, kunot noo akong umupo ng nakapalibot sa akin ang ilang babaeng naka uniform ng lifeguards. “Here” ang isa sa kanila ay binalutan ako ng pulang towel, bigla kong naramadaman ang lamig dahil doon.

At natigilan din ako ng marealize kong gabi na, at wala na ang haring araw.

“Ok ka lang?” tanong ng isang lifeguard sa akin, tumango ako at pakiramdaman ang aking sarili, ok naman ako.

“Shit” I stop when I heard Ash curses, napalingon ako at nakita siyang tumatakbo papalapit sa akin, he stops in front of me and stared with those dark eyes.

I gulped and say, “A-ash”

“Jan, are you ok?” Nagulat ako ng biglang lumitaw si Kysler sa aking tabi at hinawakan ang aking mga kamay, “Are you hurt? Tell me?” nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng hawakan niya ang magkabila kong’ pisngi sa harap mga tao.

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko, “Why didn’t you listen to me?” napatingin ako kay Ash ng seryoso siyang nagsalita habang nakatitig sa akin, para akong tinakasan ang dugo sa katawan dahil sa nakakatakot na tonong iyon.

My lips just parted, and I just don’t know what to say. Ang tanging nararamdaman ko lang ngayon ay takot, sa tono ng kanyang pananalita at sa uri ng kanyang pagtingin. Everything just looks dangerous, Ashton is dangerous.

Before I was able to open my lips and talk, he walked towards me and lightly pushed Kysler away and carried me up. “Thank you” he seriously said to everyone before he started taking our way out there.

Nang Tingnan ko siya, seryoso lang siyang nakatingin sa aming dadaanan habang mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa aking bewang at hita, “Ahmm—” he stops me, and say, “Later” parang tumayo lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan dahil sa nakakatakot na aura niya.

Pakiramdam ko napapaso ako sa kanyang balat, yong nakakatakot niyang aura na nakapalibot sa kanya at tila nakakapaso sa takot.

Nanatili kaming tahimik hanggang sa makapasok kami sa kwarto at dahan-dahan niya akong ibinababa sa sofa, tumuloy sa bathroom at lumabas ng may hawak na tuwalya at inabot sa akin.

Inabot ko ito at ipinangpunas sa basa kong’ buhok, seryoso siyang tumayo sa aking harapan, he crossed his arms and speak, “Why did you disobey me? didn’t I tell you that you’re not going anywhere until I came back, but what did you do?” napayuko ako dahil sa sinabi niya.

“Lumabas ako” tugon ko, I heard him haze, “And then what happen to you?” he asked.

“Nalunod” sagot ko, hindi ko magawang tingnan siya dahil sa uri ng kanyang mga tingin, tila sinasampal sa akin na kasalanan ko lahat, at aminado naman ako doon.

“You’re always so stubborn and look what it leads you to? You almost die!” galit niyang sambit, “Why didn’t you fucking listen to me in the first place!?” I purse my lips because I feel exhausted and his nags are irritating.

I just want to enjoy, and wala namang nakakaalam na mangyayari yon ah!

“Kasi nga stubborn ako” sarkastiko kong sambit, “What did you just say?!” he darkly asked. This time I look at him as I gain my pride and say, “Wala!” sambit ko, bago tumayo at tutuloy na sana sa banyo ng hawakan niya ang aking mga braso at pilit pinaharap sa kanya.

“And you’re mad now?” he said with an unbelievable tone, “Bakit bawal! At isa pa bakit ba! kung lumabas ako, choice ko yon’ at aksidente ang nangyari kanina, walang may alam na mangyayari yon! Wag ka ngang OA dyan! Tatay ba kita!”

“I’m your boss!” galit niyang sambit at hinila ako papalapit sa kanya, “And everything about you is part of my business” he darkly said, lakas loob kong tinanggal ang kanyang kamay sa aking braso.

“Hindi kita boyfriend kaya wag kang OA dyan!!!” I haze at him.

“I was once your boyfriend Jan!” he darkly said that shouts so much pain from the past.

“Oh, talaga, edi wow” I said and turned my back to him, quickly walked towards the bathroom and took a shower.

Huminga ako ng malalim ng magsimulang dumaloy at tubig sa aking katawan, aaminin ko, oo natatakot ako sa kanya kaya dinaan ko na lang sa pride ang lahat. “Akala mo boyfriend kung umakto! Tss!” I said and continued taking a shower.

Lumabas ako ng banyo na nakahiga na siya sa kama at busy sa pagbabasa sa kanyang laptop. “Tsss, sorry” I said.

But this guy just ignored me and continued reading, nagsososorry na nga yung tao eh! Dahil doon hindi na ako nag-abalang mag sorry ulit at tumuloy na sa sofa. I lay down and cover myself with the blanket and fall asleep.

Nagising ako ng wala na siya dito sa kwarto at may nakahandang almusal sa lamesa, kaya tumayo at kumain ako mag-isa. “Agh” I groan as my head aches. Hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ko.

Pagkatapos kumain, humiga muli ako sa sofa pero hindi talaga ako komportable dito dahil sa nararamdaman ko. Tumayo at malalim na buntong hininga ang aking pinakawalan bago magdesisyon na tumuloy sa kama at doon humiga, binalot ko ang aking sarili ng blanket pati na rin ang comforter sa pagkat, sobrang nilalamig ako ngayon.

Pinatay ko na ang aircon lahat-lahat pero grabe pa rin ang lamig na nararamdaman ko. I take a nap but I end up having a deep sleep the whole day. When I woke up, I started having a dry cough and colds, making it even worse.

Dahan-dahana kong tumayo pero sumakit ang kasu-kasuan ko, gusto kong uminom ng tubig pero hindi ko magawang tumayo. Balot na balot rin ako ng comforter dahil sa dobleng lamig na aking nararamdaman.

I grip on the side table and try to stand up but the door opens and Ash steps in, loosening his necktie and with frowned brows he asks me, “What’s happening?” nawalan ako ng balanse at muntikan nang matumba kaya mabilis siyang lumapit sa akin at inalalayan ako.

“What the fuck you’re burning!” binuhat at binalik niya ako sa kama. He grabs some water, meds and towel from his bag and sits beside me.

“Why didn’t you call me?” he seriously asks but in a worried tone. “Natulog ako b-buong a-araw” sagot ko, inalalayan niya ako sa pag-upo bago pinainom ng gamot at lukewarm water.

He sighs and help me to lay down, pumunta siya sa banyo dala-dala ang face towel at lumabas na pinipiga ito bago inilagay sa aking noo. “Don’t sleep,” he said when I closed my eyes, so I opened it again.

“You should eat first” he gently said before he called for food service and started wiping my arms with a cold wet towel. Pinanood ko siyang gawin iyon at tila nakita ko muli ang Ash na kilala ko.

It would be better if he didn’t change, but everything is too late. There’s no way I could fix the past.

After a few minutes the food service arrived and with that, I tried sitting on the bed, so I could eat on my own but he didn’t let me. “Let me” he said and started scooping a spoon of soup for me.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi hayaan siyang pakainin ako, he suddenly became calm and he didn’t speak the whole time he’s feeding me, he’s just focus on what he’s doing.

Nangmaubos ko na ang soup at huling subo na lang doon lamang siya nagsalita, “I’ll book a flight back to manila later and let’s go back tomorrow morning, I don’t like what’s happening while we’re here, it’s a mess” he gently whispers before he sheltered all the plates and bowls.

“Hindi ka kakain?” I ask, “I’m full” he answered and headed straight to the bathroom.

Nanahimik lang ako dito sa kama, hindi pa ako pwedeng matulog dahil kakatapos ko lang kumain, habang naghihintay napansin ko ang wallet niya sa side table. Pumasok agad sa isip ko na tignan ito pero pinigilan ko’ ang aking sarili.

“Manahimik ka Jan” I whisper, pero parang sinasabi nong wallet niya na kunin ko siya at buksan sa hindi malamang dahilan, kaya sinilip ko ang pinto ng banyo bago dahan-dahan itong kinuha at binuksan.

“Sabi nila wala daw cash sa wallet ang mga mayayaman eh, tingnan nga daw nat—” hindi ko natapos ang aking sinasabi ng makita ang picture sa wallet niya.

It just suddenly strikes straight into my heart, agad ko itong ibinalik sa side table at nagtalukbong ng blanket. “Bakit ka kumikirot” tanong ko sa aking puso.

I unexpectedly felt pain in my chest as I saw that picture of him and Hazel inside his wallet. Kasabay non’ ay ang pagbukas ng pinto ng banyo at paglabas niya mula doon. Nagpanggap ako na tulog hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan ang pagtulo ng luha sa aking mga mata at tuluyan na akong nakatulog.

Ash’s POV

As I went out the bathroom, I saw her sleeping already, covering herself with the comforter. I shake my head as I dry my hair and lay down beside her.

I slid my right hand underneath the comforter that’s covering her and searched for her hands, just to check if her fever had gone down. When I finally touched her hands, I could tell that she’s fine now.

I was supposed to get my hands back but she held it tightly and didn’t let go of it, I sigh as I felt calm in her hands. I slowly pull the comforter down to her neck and fix some strands of hair in her face.

She’s like a hot coffee that I need during daylight and a warm milk during night time, a bittersweet personality that I’ve always missed and a calming presence that I need….

back then…

“You’re a mess, but I like it, and I hate you” I whispered and covered her with a comforter again.

Jan’s POV

“Faster!” buti na lang wala na akong lagnat, kung hindi kanina pa ako nanghina sa kakamadali nitong lalaking ito.

Magbobook ba naman ang flight pagkaaga-aga tapos late naman palang gumising. “Ito na!” I said, I was walking and running at the same time just so I could catch up with him. Ang bilis maglakad!!!

Bumababa kami sa lobby ng resort at naautan si Kysler doon, “Bro, what’s with the rush?” tanong ni Kysler kay Ash nangtumigil kami sa harapan niya. “We’re late” Ash said while gasping for air, paano hiningal sa pagiimpake.

“What??” nagulat ako sa lakas ng boses ni Ash, kinuha niya agad ang cellphone sa bulsa at may binasa doon. Pagkatapos non’, umigting ang kanyang panga at tila naiinis na binalik ang phone sa bulsa.

“Hahaha, calm down bro, Let’s have breakfast first.” Kysler said and get my bag and carry it for me, “How are you?” he asked. I smiled at him and we started walking towards the restaurant together.

“Ok naman na ako haha” I said.

“Tss” atigilan kami ng malakas na suminghal si Ash sa aming likuran bago naglakad ng mabilis papasok sa loob ng restaurant.

Kysler just smiled at me and we followed him inside and ate breakfast together, “So, we’re doing a convoy?” Ash as while eating pasta.

“Actually bro, Mr. Fajardo borrowed the car, so I’ll have to go with you guys” Kysler said, nang tingnan ko si Ash biglang pumangit ang timpla ng kanyang mukha at kinuha ang tissue holder sa gitna at inilagay sa aking gilid.

“It’s seriously in the way” he whispers but only I could hear it, kunot-noo ko siyang tiningnan ng hindi ko maintindihan ang nais niyang iparating doon.

“Is it ok with you Ash?” Kysler asked. I glanced at him and watched him nodded like he really didn’t mean it.

After eating tumuloy na kami sa airport at tila parang wala sa mood si Ash, nakasimangot pa rin.

“Problema mo?” I whisper as we settle our seats inside the plane. I’m sitting between them.

“Don’t talk to me, talk to him instead”

Chapter 18

“Thank you, Ma’am, Sir” the flight attendant said as we arrived in Manila. Buong byahe ay wala akong ibang ginawa kung hindi makipagkwentuhan kay Kysler, sobrang saya niya kakwentuhan, hindi kagaya ng iba dyan.

Sabay-sabay kaming tumuloy palabas ng airport ng hindi pa rin nagsasalita si Ash, nauna pa siyang maglakad sa amin, “I’ll stop here, my service will be here in a minute, you guys should go ahead” sambit niya kaya nginitian ko siya, “Ok” Ash said and head straight to his car.

“Kita na lang tayo sa kumpanya Kysler” I said, “sure thing” sagot niya at niyakap ako bago tuluyang humiwalay ng daan, naiwan akong nakatulala dahil sa yakap an iyon.

“Are you coming or not!!!” napalingon ako ng umepal na naman si Ash, ang ganda na nag moment ko eh! Lumapit ako sa kanya habang naglalagay siya ng mga maleta sa trunk ng sasakyan.

“Hmm” I said and handed him my bag but he just looked at me and walked past me, leaving me with my bags. Wala akong choice kung hindi buhatin ang bag ko at ako mismo ang naglagay nito sa trunk, dahil walang dugo ng pagka gentleman sa katawan ang demonyong ’yon.

Sumakay ako ng sasakyan at padabog na sinara ang pinto. Pinagkrus ko ang aking braso sa aking dibdib bago umandar ang sasakyan.

Habang nasa byahe nagulat kami ni manong driver ng biglang nagprisinta si Ash na siya na lang mag drive, pinauwi niya na ang driver niya at pinasakay ako sa passenger seat. Habang nasa byahe nanatili akong tahimik at nakatingin sa bintana ng biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko.

Agad akong napangiti ng makita ang text ni Kysler,

From 09*********

Hi Jan, this is Kysler, save my number please.

Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti habang sinasave ang number niya pero, “AY!!!!” napasigaw ako ng muntikan nang sumubsob ang mukha ko sa windshield ng sasakyan sa biglaang pagpreno ni Ash.

“ANO YON! BAKIT KA BIGLANG HUMINTO?” hindi makapaniwala kong tanong, parang tumalon ang puso ko sa kaba dahil doon. Hanapin ko muna, napunta ata sa paa ko.

“Nothing, I just want to” he seriously said, ano to’ joke! “Sira ka ba? Papatayin mo ba ako ah?!” hindi ko mapigilang makaramdam ng galit dahil, delikado ang ginawa niya, paano na lang kung may sasakyan sa likuran namin edi nadisgrasya kami! Uuwi na nga lang mamamatay pa ako.

Hindi siya umimik ka mas lalo akong nainis, “Alam mo kanina ka pa eh! Ano ba talagang problema mo!” I ask and remove the seatbelt to face him properly.

“Nothi—” hindi ko siya pinatapos, “Hindi eh! Kanina ka pa eh! Sabihin mo anong problema mo hindi yung kung ano-anong ginagawa mo na ikakapahamak ko!”

“You are the problem here!” Suddenly his voice rose up, and when he faced me he was glaring at me. “Anong ako?!!” sigaw ko pabalik.

“YOU! YOU ARE FUCKING FLIRTING WITH KYSLER RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!” ano! Natigilan ako dahil sa sinabi niya at sinubukan magsink in agad ito sa aking utak.

Ako nakikipaglandian? Yon’ ba ang issue niya! “ANONG SINASABI MO! HINDI AKO NAKIKIPAGLANDIAN KAY KYSLER!!!” I said and hit the window out of irritation.

“YES, YOU ARE!” pagpipilitan niya, “HINDI SABI EH! BAKIT MO BA AKO PINAGBIBINTANGAN SA MGA BAGAY NA HINDI KO GINAGAWA!”

“I WOULD NOT BE LIKE THIS IF YOU’RE NOT DOING IT JAN! I BRING YOU WITH ME BECAUSE OF WORK, NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO FLIRT AND CAUSE ME A MULTIPLE AMOUNT OF TROUBLES!!!” galit na sambit niya, hindi ko maintindihan kung saan lahat nanggagaling ang galit niya sa akin ngayon.

Pero hindi na ako natutuwa sa mga pinagbibintang niya, “HINDI KO NAMAN GINUSTONG SUMAMA SAYO IN THE FIRST PLACE!!” I fight back.

“ISA PA BAKIT BA UMAARTE KA NA PARANG NAGSESELOS NA BOYFRIEND KUNG BOSS LANG NAMAN KITA! ALAM MO KAYA KA SIGURO HINIWALAYAN NI HAZEL DAHIL GANYAN KA KAHIGPIT SA KANYA, KUNG ANO LANG ANG ALAM MONG TAMA YON LANG PINAKIKINGGAN MO!! NAGBAGO KA NGA AT GUMUWAPO PERO ANG PANGIT NAMAN ANG UGALI MO!”

“We’re not talking about the past Jan” he whispered, “GANON DIN YON! LAHAT NG NANGYARI SA NAKARAAN NAGREREFLECT SAYO NGAYON, ALAM MO BUTI NA LANG TALAGA HINDI TOTOONG MINAHAL KITA NOON, DAHIL ANG SAMA KASI ANG UGALI MO! WALA TALAGANG MAGMAMAHAL SAYO NG TOTOO!!!” I shouted and my emosyon suddenly became out of control.

I could not filter out my words, “Fuck!” He cursed and hit the steering wheel so hard before he avoided my gaze and said, “Sit!” seryoso niyang utos bago pinaadar ang sasakyan ng sobrang bilis.

Tumigil kami sa kanto malapit sa apartment ko, “Step out” he uttered, padabog akong bumaba at kinuha agad ang gamit sa likod, pagka sara ko ng trunk agad siyang umalis.

Inis kong sinipa ang bato sa aking harapan, nang makaramdam ako ng pagsisisi dahil napakainsensitive ko. Hindi ko dapat sinabi yon, hindi ko alam bakit biglang pumasok si Hazel sa usapan, she just suddenly pops up in my mind during that tension between us and I happen to mention her during the fight.

“Ang tanga mo Jan” I whisper, right now I’m filled with regrets.

Seah’s POV

“Hoy Seah ano bang ginagawa mo halika na!” hinila ni Gorge ang braso ko habang nakasilip ako sa bintana ng office ni Doc. Lynus. “Ano ba, mamaya na hehe” kinikilig kong sambit habang pinapanood si Doc. na nakikipag kwentuhan sa cute na batang pasyente.

He’s smiling and laughing, sobrang gwapo niya, yong puso ko tuluyan na ata niyang nakamit. “Ano ba on duty tayo mamaya ka na lumandi dyan, tara na may rounds pa tayo” this time Gorge successfully pull me out that window and bring me to the quarters.

“Panira ka naman eh, ay wait!” Tumigil kaming dalawa ng bigla akong nagsalita, “Bakit?” tanong niya.

“Yong panty ko na hulog, kunin ko lang ah—”

“Hep!” She stopped me from turning back and pulled my uniform back collar instead, “Tatakas ka pa tara na!” he said. Nakasimangot tuloy akong sumunod sa kanya at mabibigat na hakbang ang aking ginawad para ramdam niyang panira siya.

“Mamaya ka na lumandi pag tapos na duty” he said and handed me the patients records.

I bite my lower lip and glared at me before we separate ways and start doing our jobs. Tinapos ko ang buong araw ko sa pagchecheck ng ibang pasyente sa second floor at nang matapos ko na lahat ng trabaho ko, excited akong naglakad pababa, papunta sa office ng future husband ko.

Nakita ko agad siyang nakatayo sa harapan ng pinto ng opisina niya kaya tumakbo ako papalapit pero mabilis akong tumigil ng may lumabas na babae doon, “Huh” I uttered, when I realize that, that girl is pregnant.

Kailan pa naging OB si Doc. Lynus?

Nakita ko kung paano inalalayan ni Doc. Lynus ang babaeng ito, puno ng pag-aalala at pagiingat.

My lips parted when I saw how beautiful that pregnant woman is, sobrang ganda niya.

At kung paano siya tignan ni Doc. Lynus, parang siya ang nagiisang babae sa mundo.

“Ang ganda niya right?”

“Ay palakang buntis!” muntikan na akong tumalon sa aking pwesto ng biglang nagsalita si Doc. Giver, isa sa head doctors sa hospital na ito. “Doc” I said and intanly bowed my head in front of him.

“Hahaha, don’t do that I feel so old when someone’s doing that for me” he said, tapping my shoulder and we both watched Doc. Lynus smiles at that pregnant lady.

“First love never dies, I guess” I was stiff when Doc. Giver said, anong ibig niyang sabihin.

“P-po?’ I ask.

He chuckled and held my shoulder before he pointed to that pregnant lady.

“That’s Mrs. Jimenez, that Doctor’s first love” he said and left.

“Huh?”

Mrs. Jimenez?

Jan’s POV

Days passed by, hindi ko nakikita sa office si Ash dahil may out of the country meeting day siya for two days. Kaya nagtrabaho ako ng mapayapa, pero nandon pa rin ang panggagambala ng konsensya ko.

Kaya napag isipan kong mag sorry sa kanya pagbalik niya, at ngayong araw iyon.

“Eight papasok na si Mama” sambit ko pagtapat ko sa harapan ng pinto, he stops reading and walk towards me, “Ingat po” he whispers and let me kiss his cheeks and forehead.

“Opo” nakangiti kong sagot bago tuluyang lumabas ng apartment at tumuloy na sa trabaho.

“Nandyan na siya” nakasalubong ko si Genevieve, at alam kong si Ash ang tinutukoy niya. Kaya tumango ako at tumuloy na sa elevator at umakyat sa opisina niya. Binitawan ko ang aking bag sa table ko bago huminga ng malalim at kumatok sa kanyang opisina.

Pero nakailang katok na ako wala pa rin sumasagot kaya, dahan-dahan ko na itong binuksan at nakita siyang busy sa kanyang tablet.

“Goo––”

“I’m not calling you here, get out” seryoso niyang sambit, kaya kunot noo akong tumayo sa harapan ng pinto. “Sir, it’s me Ja––” again he cut me.

“I don’t care, get out!”

“Pero Sir. gusto ko lang po sanang magso––”

“Again, I didn’t call any employee here in my office, so get out” seryoso at blankong’ tono niyang sambit.

“Pero Sir, ako ito si Jan hindi ibang empleyado” I said.

“What’s the difference? You’re also just an employee, now get out before I lose my temper.” this time he glanced at me, but I didn;t see any emotion in his eyes.

“Pero—–”

“GET OUT!”

Chapter 19

“GET OUT!!!” I was instantly stiff when he shouted at me, giving those dark but blank eyes. Wala akong makitang kahit anong emosyon sa kanyang mukha, I nodded, shook my head and step out of his office.

I gasp for air as I step out and blinked a number of times, just to make everything sink into my brain. Did Ash just treat me like what he normally treats other employees?

That thought sends shivers of pain in my chest for no reason. Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib dahil doon, bego dahan-dahan akong naglakad palapit sa akin table. I sit on my chair and start working even though my brain is not working.

I feel stuck in that thought for a couple of time, napapaisip ako kung galit ba siya sa akin? O may ginawa ba akong hindi niya nagustuhan habang wala siya?

I bit my nail while thinking of the possible reason for him to be that mad at me, but there’s only one thing that pops-up in my mind. What I’ve said that day to him, I know that’s the reason.

“Magsosorry naman na ako eh, hindi mo lang ako hinahayaang magsorry” I whisper, and speaking of the devil agad akong napaupo ng maayos ng bumukas ang kanyang pinto at ilang saglit lang ay lumabas siya na may dalang files.

He put it on my table and said, “Re-print it” he seriously said but those eyes didn’t meet mine. I was waiting for him to look at me but after saying that, he left.

Tiningnan ako ang files na tinutukoy niya at bigla akong natigilan ng makitang ito yung mga tinapos kong i-reprint last week habang wala siya ah, bakit papaulit. Dahil doon agad akong tumayo dala-dala ang mga files upang habulin siya.

“SIR!!!!!” I shouted, making him stop in front of the elevator and glance at me with frowned brows. “What now?” he seriously asked. He avoided my gaze again and continued glancing on his wrist watch.

“I’ve finished this last week Sir, may I know why you would want to reprint this copy?” I asked and showed him the inside files. “I’m not satisfied by its format, so change it” he said.

“Pero Sir. ito na ho ang nafinalize na copy, matatagalan po tayo if inulit pa ang format nito” pagpapaliwanag ko, because it took me the whole week to finish this format, and this is the most use format of the company reports.

He smirked and say, “If you can’t do it, then better work on your resignation letter, I would be nice and let you make one before I fired you for your unprofessional excuses” he firmly uttered, he was about to turn his back on me but I stop him and held his arms.

“Ash—” he cut me, “Don’t call me that” he darkly whispered.

Dahil doon dahan-dahan ko siyang binitawan at pinanood na umalis hanggang sa magsara ang elevator. What he said just feels so uneasy, talaga bang nagalit siya sa akin dahil sa mga sinabi ko?

I hit my head with this files and whisper, “Tanga-tanga Jan” bumalik ako sa table ko at walang choice kung hindi ulitin ang ginawa kong format, binago ko ang lahat simula sa umpisa.

“Haaah kaya mo ito Jan” I look at myself in the mirror before I flash a faint smile, and start working again. I didn’t take lunch break for this and when Ash came back in his office, he stops in front of my table and say, “Bring me some coffee in the boardroom” utos niya bago pumasok sa kanyang opisina at lumabas din kaagad para tumuloy sa boardroom.

Nanghina dahil sa pangangalay ang aking mga hita pero pinilit ko pa ring tumayo. My stomach is already making a weird sound because I’m hungry but there is no time for me to eat, I need to finish those reprints. Tumuloy ako sa pantry upang magtimpla ng kape ni Ash.

Habang nagtitimpla, hindi ko mapigilang humikad dahil sa gutom, habang naaamoy ko ang kape, mas lalo akong nagugutom. Huminga ako ng malalim bago ito binuhat at dinala ito papunta sa boardroom.

I knocked first before I slowly opened the door and saw him talking with the finance manager, and the accountant I’ve met before. “Sir” lumapit ako sa tabi niya at ipinakita ang kanyang kape, he nodded and pointed part of the table for me put it in.

Tumango ako at dahan-dahang lumapit sa kanya habang busy siya sa pakikipagusap sa mga ito, when I was supposed to let go of the cup my stomach suddenly aches, I hit the cup and the coffee discarded around the table.

“Oh my gosh!” mabilis silang nag sitayuan dahil dito, “Sorry po” I panic because of that and ignore my aching stomach and try to look for a towel to clean it.

“WHAT THE FUCK! You’re being so careless! Look what you’ve done!! The records are soaking wet!!! Geez!!!” I flinched when Ash burst out and kick the chair towards me, buti na lang ay hindi ito tumama sa akin.

“Ash!! You’re being rude!” sambit ng accountant na nakilala ko noon, she smile at me and say, “You can go now, don’t worry about this,” she said, bring out a tissue paper from her bag and clean the table herself.

“LET HER DO IT!!” sigaw ni Ash, at tiningnan siya ng masama nito bago muling lumingon sa akin, “Go now” she said, I shook my head and walk pass through him and leave them inside.

I bite my lower lip and hold my skirt a bit tight as I control my emotion. I feel so embarrassed getting shouted at in front of other people. The way Ash gets mad at me we’re so bad.

And I know it’s my fault, “Jannn” I whisper and go back to work.

Willow’s POV

“Natapos ka din sa wakas” mahina kong sambit bago naunat-unat, natapos ko na ang buong story na sinusulat ko, at dahil doon makakapag pahinga ako ng isang linggo. I just wish that the outcome of the ending would be positive from my readers.

“Mukhang kailangan ko atang i-treat ang sarili ko, after a long sleepless night, kailangan ko ng ice cream, deserve ko naman” I was talking to myself because I’m the only one here in the apartment, pumasok si Seah at Jan, nasa school naman si Eight.

I smile, stand up and wear some black hoodie, lumabas ako ng apartment na nakamask, black hoodie at maong na shorts.

Malapit lang naman ang convenience store dito kaya naglakad na lang ako, I was walking and having my own world when I notice someone, I know standing inside the convenience store together with a kid at his age, I guess.

Tumuloy ako sa loob at dumaan pa sa tabi nilang dalawa pero busy sila sa pagtawa at mukhang hindi ako na pansin, I try to grab another Ice cream to test if he would notice me in the second time but he did not.

“HAHAHA NAKAKATAWA KA TALAGA RIOS, WALA KA PARING PINAGBAGO” sambit ng babaeng kasama nito, kumunot ang noo kong nilagpasan silang dalawa at tumuloy sa counter.

“Here” I said and handed my ice cream to the counter and glanced back at them. “Hahahaha ikaw talaga hahahaha” my eyes widened when that girl laughed so loud, she even held that kid’s arms and rubbed it slowly.

“That’s weird” I whisper, “Here ma’am, 345 po lahat” the cashier said, “Ah” kinuha ko ang wallet ko sa bulsa at nagbayad, habang hindi maiwasang mairita sa patuloy na pagtawa ng babaeng iyon.

After paying and getting my ice cream, I leer at him once again and this time I know that Kid would notice me.

“1..2..3..4..5..” I was wrong, he didn’t notice me, they even walked past me. “Matutuwa si Mama pag nakita ka niya, alam mo naman ang lakas mo don eh” rinig kong sambit ng babae pagkalabas nila sa store.

I don’t know what to say, I just step out and watch them walk together, they even play while walking, “Tss, kids are kids, likes and wants are just going to last for a week” I whisper before I walk back home.

“I can’t believe he didn’t notice me,” I whisper.

Seah’s POV

“First love” mahina kong sambit habang nakaupo sa rooftop ng hospital, Yumuko at tiningnan ko ang lunch box na nasa aking hita, “Tss, eh ano naman kung may first love si Doc. ako naman true love niya” nakasimangot kong sambit bago tinusok ang lettuce at walang awa itong kinain.

“Isa pa, Mrs. Jimenez na ibig sabihin may asawa na….o baka hiwalay na..hmf” I gasp and cover my mouth, “WAHHHHHH hindi pwedeeee” malakas kong sigaw habang nakatakip ang aking kamay sa aking labi.

“Hindi maganda itong pumapasok sa isip ko! Paano kung hiwalay na yong Mrs. Jimenez na iyon sa asawa niya tapos hindi lang nagdidivorce, tapos..tapos…abangers si Doc. tapos…..wahhhhh hindi ko kaya, hindi ko kaya!!!” para akong baliw na nagsasalita mag-isa dito.

Binababa ko pa ang lunch box ko sa aking tabi upang tumayo at magdrama sa pader. “Ay putik ang uniform ko!” agad akong lumayo ng marealize kong madudumihan ang uniform ko, “WAHHHHHHHHH HINDI PWEDE, WALA PA NGA AKO SA LEVEL TWO, K.O. KAAGAD!” sumisigaw ako ng pabulong at dahan-dahan bumalik sa aking upuan.

Humiga ako dito habang yakap ang aking lunch box at, “Wahhhhhh, paano na ako? Wala pa man sinasaktan mo na ako Doc. paano na ang mga anak nating sperm cells palang magkikita pa lang sila ng egg cells ko, mawawalan sila ng ama huhuhu” I whisper and cover my face as I cry fakely.

“HINDI MAAARIIIII” pinagpapadyak ko ang aking paa bago tumayo at inayos ang aking lunch box, “BROKEN HEARTED AKO!!! ANG SAKIT HUHUHU” pagewang-gewang akong naglakad papasok sa loob ng hospital at nag-on duty na agad.

Habang naglalakad sa hallway hindi ko maiwasang sampal-sampalin ang aking sarili, dahil paulit-ulit kong naalala ang thought na iyon. Paano kung anak ni Doc yon pinabubuntis ni Mrs. Jimenez.

“Hindi pwed––” natigilan ako at agad nagtago sa gilid ng makita ko si Doctor Lynus na may kausap na gwapong lalaki.

Ayaw kong makinig sa usapan ng iba pero kung si Doc. Lynus ang usapan, nakakainin ko na lang ang sinabi ko.

“How are you?” my lips parted when that handsome guy speaks, shet pati bra ko malalaglag ko boses pa lang, ay joke loyal ako sa future husband ko.

“I’m doing great, you beat me once again huh” Doc. Lynus bitterly said. Bakas sa boses nito na may hugot. Nararamdaman niya sigurong broken hearted ako sa kanya kaya nasasaktan din siya, our hearts are connected.

“She has always been mine from the very start Ly, I did not beat you, you just lost on your own game, move on” kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa naririnig ko.

Parang ang lalim ng pinaguusapan nila, “I still love her, I’ll always do” Doctor Lynus said.

Nabitawan ko ang hawak kong records ng patients dahil sa sinabi ni Doc. napalingon silang dalawa sa akin kaya mabilis kong pinulot ito at tumakbo papalayo.

“Totoo nang’ broken hearted ako,” I whispered as I started pouting and controlling my tears.

Jan’s POV

“Sir, natapos ko na po” I said as I stood in front of his table and put the reprints in front of him. He was busy typing something on his laptop that he didn’t even glance at me.

It’s already 6:49 pm, at hindi pa rin ako kumakain, kanina pa tunog ng tunog ang tiyan ko pero pinilit kong tapusin ang reprints at new format na gusto niya. “Don’t go home yet, I have private meeting with a foreign investor at 8 pm, clean the boardroom area” diretso niyang sambit kaya tumango na lang ako at tumuoy palabas.

I head straight to the boardroom area and clean the place, niligpit ko ang mga nakakalat na papers, mga cups na ginamit, pinunasan ang lamesa at mga upuan. I even fix some interiors.

After that umupo ako saglit at uminom ng bottled water, natiningann ko ang oras at 7:30 palang, ibig sabihin may 30 minutes pa ako para kumain, kakain muna ako dahil nanghihina na talaga ako sa gutom.

“Kain muna tayo” I cheerfully said, stood up and step out of the boardroom, kaso paglabas ko ay biglang hinila ni Ash ang kamay ko papunta sa elevator. “As—Sir?” sambit ko habang tinitingnan siya.

“They came earlier than I expected” seryoso niyang sambit bago binitawan ang aking kamay hinintay bumukas ang pinto ng elevator sa lobby.

Nagmamadali siyang lumabas kaya sumunod na lang ako sa kanya kahit na nanghihina na talaga ako. Hindi na rin ako makapagisip ng matino dahil sa gutom.

“Good to see you Mr. Griffin” masiglang pagbati ni Ash sa mga ito, “content de te voir aussi(Good to see you too)” nagsalita ng french yong Mr. Griffin, hindi ko maintindihan, “Est-ce votre femme M. Griffin?(Is this your wife, Mr. Griffin?” tanong ni Ash pero Mr. Griffin lang ang naintindihan ko.

Mas lalo tuloy ang nahihilo sa mga pinagsasabi niya, napahawak ako sa aking tiyan ng tumunog na naman ito, buti nalang hindi nila ito napansin. “Oui, c’est Belinda ma femme (Yes, this is Belinda my wife)”

“Ravi de vous rencontrer Mme Belinda (Nice to meet you Mrs. Belinda)” inabot ni Ash ang kanyang kamay dito at hinalikan ang kamay ng asawa ni Mr. Griffin.

They all smile together until Ash speaks, “on y va (Shall we?)” tanong niya kila Mr. Griffin. “Oui oui (Yes, yes)” tumuloy na kami sa taas at dumiretso sa boardroom.

“Je veux te voir au bureau Del Mundo (I wanna see your office Del Mundo)” biglang nagsalita si Mr. Griffin kaya tumigil si Ash sa pagsara ng pinto, “Oui, venez-vous avec nous Mme Belinda (Yes, are you coming with us Mrs. Belinda?)” sambit ni Ash, pero umiling si Mr. Belinda at sinabi, “je vais rester ici (I’ll just stay here)”

Tumango si Ash sa sinabi nito bago ako tinawag at binulungan, “Don’t leave her alone here, I’ll be back in a minute” he whispers, I nodded and stand beside the door while Mrs. Belinda is busy on her phone.

Umalis na sila at kaming dalawa na lang ang naiwan dito, habang naghihintay biglang bumukas ang pinto kaya nagulat ako at sinilip ito, “Genevieve bakit?” I whisper.

“Hindi ko magamit yong printer ko pwede bang gamitin ko yong sayo” she said, “Sige, sige” tugon ko pero hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. “But I don’t know how to use yours, can you help me please, saglit lang ito promise sige na” she begged and tried pulling me out of the boardroom.

“Pero sinabi kasi ni Sir. na wag akong aali––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng tumulo ang luha niya, “Importante ito please” dahil doon sinilip ko muna si Mrs. Belinda bago huminga ng malalim at sinabi, “Sige saglit lang naman eh” hinila niya ako papunta sa table ko at tinulungan ko siyang mag print.

“Thank you so much” She said after we finish, “Walang ano man” sambit ko at tumakbo na siya pabalik sa office nila sa baba, huminga ako ng malalim bago naglakad pabalik sa boardroom.

“Jan?” agad akong napalingon ng makasalubong ko si Ash at Mr. Griffin. “Sir” I whisper.

“Didn’t I tell you not to leave Mrs. Belind––”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” natigilan kaming lahat ng makarinig ng malakas na sigaw mula sa boardroom area. Ash and eye look into each other before we run fast to the boardroom together with Mr. Griffin.

Pagbukas namin ng pinto nakita naming nakatayo sa umupan si Mrs. Belinda habang may ipis sa sahig. Mabilis kong hinubad ang heels ko at pinatay ito, “UNE HONTE! (A DISGRACE!)” malaka snitong sigaw ng makababa sa upuan.

“Honey” Mr. Griffin walks toward her and glared at Ash, “JE N’INVESTRAI PLUS DANS VOTRE ENTREPRISE!!!! (I WILL NOR INVEST TO YOUR COMPANY ANYMORE!!)” he shouted and bring his wife out of here.

I slowly glance at Ash, who’s darkly massaging the bridge of his nose, “A-Ash, a-ano k-kasi t-tinawag ako ni Gen—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang sinipa ni Ash ang upuan sa harapan ko.

“DO YOU FUCKING KNOW HOW IMPORTNAT MR. GRIFFIN AND HIS WIFE!! THEY ARE CAN GIVE 50% SHARE TO THIS FUCKING COMPANY, THIS IS JUST A ONE TIME CHANCES AND WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!” lumapit siya sa akin at tinitigan ako ng mabuti.

His eyes were filled with furry and madness. “YOU MESS IT UP!!!” he yelled that in my face.

“P-pero k-kasi s-si Gen—” hindi niya ako pinatapos at muling sumigaw, “FUCKING SIMPLE INSTRUCTION YOU CAN’T DO IT RIGHT!!!! SIMPLE INSTRUCTION RIVERA, SIMPLE!!!” what he said suddenly hit my controlled emosyon, kanina ko pa gustong umiyak sa pagod at gutom pero hindi ko ginagawa para lang hindi siya magalit sa akin pero ngayon hindi ko na talaga kaya.

“SIMPLE INSTRUCTION, YOU CAN’T DO IT RIGHT! DID YOU JUST WASTED YOUR TIME STUDYING ABOUT DISCIPLINE WHEN YOU CAN’T EVEN COMPLY IT TO YOURSELF!!! THAT’S STUPID!” galit niyang sambit.

“Nagkamali ako, p-pero hindi a-ako b-bobo” mahina kong sambit.

“REALLY? THEN WHY DID YOU FUCKING MESS THIS UP!!!! CAN YOU FUCKING PAY THE TROUBLE THAT YOU’VE CAUSE ME? YOU CAN’T. BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE MONEY!!!” that’s below the belt.

I burst out, I’m tired and fucking hungry, I’ve tried my best…!

“OO, NAGKAMALI AKO!! PERO HINDI IBIG SABIHIN NON’ NA PWEDE MO NANG MALIITIN ANG PAGIGING KAPOS KO SA BUHAY!!! WALA KANG ALAM SA PINAGDAANAN KO!! WALA!!!!” tears started rushing from my eyes.

“SUMOSOBRA KA NA!!! KUNG BUMABAWI KA DAHIL SA GINAWA KO SAYO NOON, OH AYAN NAKABAWI KA NA! AT MINALIIT MO PA ANG PAGIGING MAHIRAP KO, OK NA BA YON? ALAM MO TAMA LANG TALAGANG BET LANG ANG LAHAT NG NANGYARI NOON, DAHIL KUNG TOTOO MAN YON…” I stop and wipe my tears.

“SIGURADONG PAGSISISIHAN KO PA RIN!!!”

Chapter 20

“SIGURADONG PAGSISISIHAN KO PA RIN!!!” malakas kong sigaw, I weakly shook my head, covered my face and cried all out, tinalikuran ko siya at magtatangkang umalis na sa silid na ito pero pinigilan niya ako.

“Prove me that I’m wrong!” baritono nitong sambit bago hinawakan ang aking kamay at pilit na iniharap ako sa kanya. Madiin kong kinagat ang aking labi bago hinila pabalik ang saking kamay.

I stop, when I saw Genevieve walks in, bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkalito ng maabutan kaming dalawa sa ganitong sitwasyon. “Genevieve!” tawag ko sa kanya, tumayo siya ng tuwid at tila takot na umiwas ng tingin ng tingnan siya ni Ash.

“Genevieve sabihin mo sa kanya na tinawag mo ako at tinulungan kita kaya umalis ako hindi ba?” sambit ko, gusto kong isampal kay Ash ang katotohanan.

“Is that true?” seryosong tanong ni Ash sa kanya, pinunasan ko ang aking mga luha, at sinubukang kumalma bago pa ako atakihin ng hika.

“Genevieve sabihin mo na” I said, tiningnan niya ako bago humarap si Ash. “No Sir, I didn’t, I’m sorry” she quickly said, glancing at me when she said the word ‘I’m sorry’ before he shook her head down.

My lips parted because of what she said, hindi niya gagawin sa akin ito. I saw Ash clenched his jaw before he slowly faces me and say, “You can go now Genevieve” madiin niyang sambit, hinintay niyang umalis si Genevieve, pinanood ko siyang lumabas ng pinto at hindi makapaniwalang huminga ng tuluyan sumara ang pinto.

“See!” hinawakan ni Ash ang aking braso at hinila mula papalapit sa kanya, hindi ko maiwasang tumawa dahil sa ginawa ni Genevieve. “Nagsinungaling siya” I whisper.

“And now you’re blaming her, accusing someone huh” galit na sambit ni Ash, “Totoo ang sinasabi ko, nagsinungaling siya!” tugon ko at matapang siyang hinarap.

“I don’t fucking believe you” mapangahas niya akong binitawan bago sinipa ang upuan na sa likuran niya. Tears keeps falling again, “NAGSINUNGALING NGA SIYA, BAKIT BA AYAW MONG MANIWALA SA AKIN!!!”

He was shivering as he walks close to me and talk to me with his face are inches away, “A person like you who once lie, will always lie for the rest of your life, that’s why I don’t believe you anymore, ’cos you know what, you’re so good at it Ja––” hindi ko na siya pinatapos mag salita, I just saw myself slapping him so hard.

Tinulak ko siya palayo at tumakbo palabas ng silid na iyon, patuloy na tumadaloy ang luha sa aking mga mata, kinuha ko ang gamit ko at agad nilisan ang lugar na ito.

“Manong para!” malakas kong sambit at agad sumakay sa taxi ng tumigil ito sa aking harapan, mas bumuhos ang aking luha sa loob ng taxi, hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang magiging epekto ng lahat sa akin.

Kahit anong pilit kong maging malakas, kayang-kaya niya pa rin iparamdam sa akin na napakaliit kong tao, na wala akong karapatan dahil ganito lang ako.

“Ha…” nagsisimula na akong makaramdam ng sobrang paninikip ng dibdib at unti-unti ko na ring nararamdaman malalim kong paghinga. Hinahabol ko na ang paghinga ko kaya hinanap ko ang aking inhaler sa loob ng bag pero wala ito dito.

Naiwan ko ito sa table ko, imbis na magpanic pinilit kong pakalmahin ang aking sarili, “Manong pakibilisan ho” I begged the driver as I kept gasping for air.

Mabilis naman nitong pinaandar ang sasakyan at ilang saglit lang ay nakarating kami sa tapat ng apartment, inabot ko ang aking bayad mabilis na bumababa, malalaking hakbang ang aking ginawa upang makaabot sa tapat ng pinto ng apartment.

I knocked so hard while I gasped for air, I was also sobbing so loud, tears kept falling and as soon as Willow opened the door, I tried to take another step but I lost it.

“JAN!!!” natumba ako at unti-unting lumabo ang aking paningin.

“Mama!” I heard Eight’s voice but before I could see him, everything went black.

“Hillary anak may tao sa labas anak, paki puntahan muna at hindi ko maiwan itong niluluto ko” agad akong bumaba sa kahoy naming hagdahan at dinaluhan ang pinto gaya ng sabi ni Mama.

“Tao po” rinig kong sambit ng tao sa labas habang papalapit ako sa pinto, “Ito na!!” sambit ko at binuksan ang pinto ng aming habay, “Ano hong kailangan nila?” nakangiti kong tanong.

“Nandito ba si January Hillary Rivera?” tanong nito sa akin, tumango ako, “Ako ho yon, bakit po?” tanong ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang naglalabas ng isang maliit na sobre mula sa kanyang bag.

“Para ho sa inyo” sambit niya at inabot ito sa akin, “Mauna na ho ako” yumuko siya bago umalis, kunot noo kong sinara ang pinto habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kulay puting sobreng ito.

“Jan, anak sino yon?” pumasok si Mama mula sa likod ng bahay, nag pagpag ng kamay na lumapit sa akin, “Ano yan anak?” tanong niya at tinabihan ako, sinimulan kong buksan ang sobreng ito at mabilis na tumibok ang puso ko ng makita ko ang logo ng unibersidad na nais ko’ng pasukin.

Unti-unti ko itong inilabas mula sa sobre at binasa, “Nako anak anong sabi, alam mo namang hindi ako marunong magbasa haha” natatawang sambit ni mama at hinawakan ang aking likuran, natigilan ako at parang tumigil ang pagtibok ng aking puso.

“Yo-u pase? Anong ibig sabihin non nak?” kunot noong tanong ni Mama, dahan-dahan ko siyang hinarap bago tumulo ng tuluyan ang aking mga luha. “Maaa” bulong ko at yinakap siya ng sobrang higpit.

“MA NAKAPASA HO AKO, MAKAKAPAGARAL AKO NG KOLEHIYOOOO” sigaw ko, “Nako, diyos ko pa, maraming salamat, diyos ko nakapasa ang anak ko!!!” nagsimulang umiyak si Mama kasama ko.

Sobrang saya ko, natanggap ako sa scholarship program ang unibersidad na nais kong pasukan, dahil sa kahirapan, pumasok sa aking isipan na wag nang ipagpatuloy ang aking pag-aaral at tulungan na lang si Mama pero pilit niya akong pinatake ng exam na ito at ngayon nakapasa ako at handa na akong gawin ang lahat para sa aking mga pangarap.

Sa mga pangarap namin ni Mama. “Makakaangat tayo sa ganitong buhay ma, hintayin mo lang po ako” bulong ko.

---

Ito ang unang araw ko rito sa unibersidad, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na darating ang araw na makakatungtong ako sa ganitong klaseng eskwelahan.

“Aray!” mahina kong sambit ng may makabangga akong ibang estudyante. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking” mahinhin niyang sambit bago inayos ang napakamagara niyang bag.

“O-ok l-lang” mahina kong sambit, hinawakan niya ang aking kamay, “I’m Hazel, what’s your name?” tanong niya sa akin.

“January” tugon ko, “I’m January? That’s your name?” naguguluhan niyang tanong, hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti, dahil halos lahat ng tao ay ganito ang reaksyon sa aking pangalan.

“Oh my gosh, that’s so cool, I like it, by the way are you new here?” Tanong niya sa akin habang inaayos ang magulo kong buhok, “Oo” sagot ko, hindi ko maiwasang mahiya, mukha siyang mayaman pero nakikipag-usap siya sa isang kagaya ko.

“Oh my gosh, what’s your course?”

“Business Ad—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng hawakan niya ang aking kamay at agad hinila paakyat sa CABA building.

“I’m sure we’re gonna be a good friend, faster I’ll introduce you to everyone” excited niyang sambit hanggang sa makapasok kami sa isang block section class, ito yung nakalagay sa schedule ko.

“Hi guys, meet January she’s our classmate, Jan this is Beverly one of my girls” pagpapakilala niya sa kanyang kaibigan. “Hello” nahihiya kong sambit, “Hi” ipinakilala nila ako sa lahat at sinabi na kasama ako sa grupo nila.

Nong una hindi ako makapaniwala na kaibigan ko sila, pero nanatili kami sa tabi ng isa’t-isa ng halos tatlong taon. Si Hazel ang tumulong sa akin sa halos tatlong taon na dumating, siya ang nagbigay ng uniform ko, nililibre nila ako ng pagkain at tinutulungan sa mga projects ko.

“I can’t believe that we’re fourth year na,” sambit ni Beverly habang nakaupo kami sa outdoor table ng coffee shop na ito. “Oo nga malapit na tayo” masigla kong tugon habang umiinon ng tubig.

“Why are you only drinking water Jan, wait I’ll order you some frappe” hindi na ko na siya napigilan dahil mabilis siyang nakatayo at umorder sa counter.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi magbuntong hininga at hinayaan na lang siya, tumanaw muli ang sa magandang view ng kalangitan at naalala ang sinabi ni Dean sa akin.

“You have the chance to be one of our honor students this year, Miss. Rivera but I admit that graduating here in this university comes with fees that we need to pay, your scholarship funds do not cover all the expenses with the graduation, so you still need to pay to be able to graduate together with your classmate, are we clear on that?”

Isang malalim na paghinga ang aking ginawad sapagkat hindi ko maiwasang isipin kung paano ako kikita ng pera upang mabayaran iyon, ayaw ko namang sabihin at ipaalam ito kay Mama dahil dadagdag lamang ito sa mga iisipin niya.

“Here” agad akong ngumiti ng iabot sa akin ni Hazel ang binuli niyang frappe. “Maraming salamat”

“Is there a problem?” tanong niya ta hinawakan ang aking balikat, dahil doon naglaho agad ang ngiti sa aking labi at hindi maiwasang matawa ng peke. “Wala naman iniisip ko lang kung ano yong activity natin mamaya sa The Law on Obligation and Contract” pagsisinungaling ko.

“Oh, yeah I almost forget about that, I’ll just copy yours na lang mamaya ah” tumango ako bilang sagot at humigop sa frappe.

Kailangan kong kumita ng pera bago mag graduation.

“10 thousand pesos Jan, make that nerdy guy go crazy for you and break his heart before our graduation” hindi makapaniwala kong hinarap si Hazel ng sabihin niya iyon, tiningnan ko ang tinuturo niya’ng lalaki sa canteen ng university.

Nakasalamin ito at mag-isa lamang nagbabasa ng libro habang kumakain ng burger.

Manloloko ako ng ibang tao? Hindi ko ata kayang gawin yon. “Are you in Jan?” tanong nila sa akin. “Hindi ako sigu—” pinutol nila ang sasabihin ko at sinabi, “15 thousand pesos for this bet, are you in Jan?” natigilan ako dahil sa laki ng perang pinag-uusapan.

Nagnakaw ako ng sulyap sa lalaking tinutukoy nila bago magdesisyon. “Game” para kay Mama.

“Cool, make that guy fall for you and break him after, that sounds so fun right” nakangiting sambit ni Hazel, tiningnan ko siya at nakitawa nalang sa kanilang dalawa ng peke, habang patuloy ang pagsulyap ko sa lalaking iyon.

Patawarin mo ako.

---

“Hi, I’m January Hillary Rivera from College of Business Administration pursuing Public Administration” abot tenga ang aking pag ngiti habang nagpapakilala sa kanyang kaharapan, nagsimula ang bet ngayong araw kaya hindi ko ito pwedeng sayangin.

“I didn’t really ask that” he confusedly said, bumalik siya sa kanyang pagbabasa at tila ipinaramdam sa akin na wala siyang interest sa mga sinasabi ko, pabagsak akong umupo sa upuan dito sa library at bagsak balikat siyang pinagmasdan.

Mukhang mahihirapana ako dito ah, yan’ agad ang pumasok sa aking isipan pero hindi ko maiwasang pagmasdan ang matangos nitong ilong, ang mahaba nitong pilik mata at ang maliit na peklat sa itaas ng kanyang kaliwang kilay.

Nakasalamin siya ng sobrang kapal pero kung titingnan mo siya ng malapitan, nang kanyang mga mata.

Nagpatuloy na siya sa pagbabasa at hindi na talaga ako pinansin kaya tumayo ako at lumipat sa kanyang tabi, “Ano yang binabasa mo?” tanong ko, tiningnan niya ako kaya nginitian ko siya at kinindatan.

“Can you move away, you’re being too close” he whispered and try to move away from me, dahil doon mas lalo akong lumapit sa kanya, “May girlfriend kana?” I ask. “Miss look, I’m not here to have any conversation with you, I’m here to read alo—”

“May girlfriend ka nga?” hindi ko pinansin ang sinasabi niya at patuloy siyang tinatanong,

“No, I don’t have can you please go away” bakas sa mukha niya na gusto niya akong itulak pero hindi niya ako magawang hawakan. Kaya mas lalo lang akong lumapit sa kanya at ngumiti ng napakalawak.

“Talaga!” tumaas ang boses ko kaya nagpanic siya, bawal nga palang maingay sa library. “Shhhh!” pagbabawal niya sa akin, and I see that as my chance to take a shot.

“Gusto mo bang makipagdate sa akin?” nanlaki ang mata niya ng mas lumakas ang boses ko, “Miss can you lower down your voice, the librarian might hea—” I stop him and speak, “Tatahimik lang ako pagpumayag kang makipagdate sa akin” pangungulit ko.

“No, I don’t wa––”

“Huh ayaw mo!!!” This time pinagtitinginan na kami ng ibang esduyanteng nababasa dito sa loob, mas lalo siyang nagpanic at sinabi, “Miss, I don’t want to date anyone—”

“Edi goods, January pangalan ko hindi anyone, so ano? Sa linggo? 5pm?” pagpupursigi kong sambit. Mas lumapit ako sa kanya kaya ginawa niya ang lahat para iwasan ako, nang hindi siya sumagot umamba akong magsasalita ng malakas ng bigla niyang takpan ang bibig ko.

“Fine, fine sunday, 5pm, just shut your mouth” bulong niya bago ako binitawan at agad binuhat ang gamit palabas ng library.

“KITA TAYO SA MAIN GATE AHHH!!!” sigaw ko, “Miss. Rivera!!!” napalingon ako ng tawagin ako ng librarian, at bago pa ito lumapit sa akin, tumakbo ako papalabas.

Tumigil ako sa likod ng pinto sa kabilang room at doon ng tago at ginamit ang aking inhaler. “Hirap ng may hika” bulong ko, success! Kinuha ko ang notebook ko at isinulat doon ang araw at oras ng date namin.

“5pm” nakangiti kong sambit,

“Siguradong mahuhulog ka sa akin”

---

“Ang tagal naman non oh, pinaghintay pa talaga ang bab––”

“Sorry, got stock on traffic” napanga-nga ako ng makita siyang tumatakbo papalapit sa akin, he’s wearing a simple black dresser shirt paired with black pants, at nakatank in ito. Hindi ko inaasahan na ganito siya pumorma sa labas ng university.

Kung tatanggalin mo ang salamin niya hindi siya mukhang nerd, “Hey?” bumalik ako sa aking sarili ng magsalita siya sa harap ko. “Ano nga ulit ang pangalan mo?” tanong ko.

He avoided my gaze and said, “Ash..Ashton Lynxe Del Mundo” nahihiya niyang sambit, napangiti ako sa di malamang dahilan, basta nakakatawa siya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at hinila papasakay sa tricycle.

“Where are we going?” he asks and fixes his glasses.

“Basta akong bahala sayo, siguradong mageenjoy ka dito” bulong ko at sumakay kami sa tricycle at tumuloy sa isang lugar kung saan maraming masasarap na tusok-tusok, at chibog.

Huminto ang trike sa harap ng mga ito at agad akong nagbayad at hinila siya pababa, “TADAAAA, WELCOME TO CHIBOG LINE, DITO MAKAKALIMUTAN MO LAHAT NNG PROBLEMA MO SA BUHAY HAHAHA” masigla kong sambit at hinila na siya papunta sa stalls.

“Mayaman ka diba, siguradong hindi ka pa nakakatikim nito” sambit ko at nagsimulang kumuha ng kwek-kwek at fishball para sa kanya. “Actually, I already ate this type of food when I was in the orphanage,” he said.

“Orphanage?” tanong ko habang inaabot sa kanya ang mga kinuha kong pagkain.

“I’m adopted” sagot niya at tiningnan ako, nagtama ang aming mga tingin kaya agad akong umiwas at nagsalita, “Ahhhhh, ok gets ko na” sambit ko at nagmadaling kumuha ng akin. “Manong bayad” hirap ko siya matapos iaabot ang bayad at naghanap ng pweding upuan.

“Doon tayo” turo ko sa isang maliit na bench, he nodded and let me walk first. Umupo kaming dalawa dito at dahil maliit lamang ito, magkatabi talaga kami at nagtatama ang aming mga balikat dahil sa liit ng espasyo.

“Why would you ask me on a date like this?” tanong niya, nong una hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko pero ng tingnan niya ako bigla na lang akong nagsalita, “Gusto kitang makilala ng mabuti” huh? Saan nanggaling yon Jan? Tanong ko sa aking sarili.

“The’re nothing interesting about me, I’m just study and try to live” he said and chuckled, nahulog pabalik sa basong hawak ko yong kwek-kwek na nasa aking bibig dahil sa kanyang pagtawa.

Ilusyon ko lang ba iyon? O sandyang tumibok ang puso ko sa pagtawa niya? Hindi maari! bet lang ito Jan, focus.

“Oh, hahahah nahulog” tumatawa niyang sambit ng makita ang nangyari sa kwek-kwek ko, kinuha niya ang kanyang panyo mula sa kanyang bulsa bago ito ipinunas sa aking labi.

“You’re a messy eater hahaha” he said and smile at me, parang tumigil ang mga tao sa paligid dahil sa ngiting iyon at parang nabingi ako at tanging pagtibok ng puso ko ang aking naririnig.

Bakit ganito? HINDI! MALI JAN!

Nagulat ako dahil nagsitayuan ang balahibo ko sa mga ngiting iyon. Sinampal ko ang aking sarili sa kanyang harapan, rason para mabitawan ko ang hawak kong pagkain at nahulog ito sa damuhan. “AYYYY!” sigaw ko ng marealize kong natapon ang pagkain ko.

Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot dahil doon, “Kwek-kwek ko huhuuhuhu” naghihinayang kong bulong, 30 pesos pa naman iyon, nasayang lang!

“HAHAHAHHAHAHHA” kunot noo ko siyang tiningnan ng tumawa siya lalo, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you another one” he said, stood up and walk back to the stall, pagbalik niya binilhan niya ako ng mas maraming kwek-kwek.

“I didn’t expect that this would be fun,” he said, looking at the night sky and smiling.

Mali ata itong pinasok ko.

After that nagkwentuhan lang kaming dalawa tungkol sa kung ano-anong bagay, gaya ng business ng magulang niya at ang nawawala niyang kapatid.

Narealize ko na sobrang laking pressure ang hawak niya, wala pa man ay iniisip niya na paano papalaguin ang business ng Daddy niya. Kaya pala lagi siyang nagbabasa, naikwento niya rin sa akin ang istorya ng pag-ampon sa kanya.

Hindi ko inaasahan na sa ilang oras na ito makikilala ko ang isang tipo ng tao na hindi ko inaasahan na makilala.

Bumalik kami sa tapat ng main gate at doon siya bumaba, “Thank for tonight, it was fun” he said and smile before he walks towards that service car, “Ash!” tawag ko sa kanya.

Tumigil siya at hinarap ako, “One more?” tanong ko at ngumiti.

He fixes his glasses before he urges those smiles and say,

“One more”

Chapter 21

“Ash!!” malakas kong sigaw, tumakbo ako ng mabilis papalapit sa kanya. Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at hinarap ako, he urges that grin as he watch me run to him.

Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti habang papalapit sa kanya, pagkalipas ng ilang linggong kasama siya, hindi ko ipagkakaila na masaya ako tuwing kasama siya. “Tapos na ang klase mo” sambit ko pagtigil ko sa tabi niya.

He smiled and we both started walking together, “Yup, how bout’ you, did you finish your project already?” he asked. Tumango ako at nakangiting tiningnan siya, “Thank you sa pagturo sa akin, natapos ko ng mas maaga kesa sa inaasahan ko hahaha” I said.

“No, problem” he whispered, I face him, block his way and smile in front of him, “Ano one more?” I asked and winked at him while pouting my lips.

He fixes his glasses, hid those small smiles from me, kaya mas lumapit ako sa kanya, “You’re smiling, ibig bang sabihin niyan? One more?” pangungulit ko, he avoided my gaze before he nodded and acted cool.

Dahil doon natawa ako at hinawakan ang kanyang braso, “One more, let’s goooo” masigla kong sambit, itinaas ko pa ang aking kaliwang kamay na parang super hero bago hinila siya palabas ng university.

He was just smiling at me the whole time, and I admit that those smiles make me smile too.

Pumunta muli kami sa chibug line at doon kumain, “Here, mukhang kulang pa sayo yan haha” he said while he’s mouth is filled with fishball, binigay niya sa akin ang kwek-kwek na binili para sa sarili ng mapansing paubos na ang akin.

“Magpalit na lang tayo” sambit ko at ibinigay sa kanya ang fishball na binili ko, he chuckled and swap food with me, “Mabigat ba yan?” tanong ko at tiningnan siya, he confusedly looks at me and ask. “Ang alin?” he asked.

“Yong kamay mo mukhang mabigat, gusto mong hawakan ko?” nakangiti kong sambit, imbis na kiligin ay tumawa siya ng malakas, “Hahahahaha” natawa na lang din ako, dahil pati ako nacornihan sa sinabi ko.

“That’s good hahahha, give me more” he said, tumango ako at muling nag isip. “Kiss me if I’m wrong, but I know dinosaurs do exist” sambit ko.

“Oh god, hahahaha you got me that” he said, “Oh, ano mali ba ako? Kiss mo na ako” sambit ko at inilapit sa kanya ang aking pisngi, pero imbis na halikan ako, he held my chin, make me face him and wipe some sauce on the side of my lips.

That caught me off guard, and watching him wiping my lips makes my heart beat so fast.

“Are you a bank loan?” he asked out of nowhere, “Bakit?” wala sa sarili kong sambit, sobrang bilis at lakas ng tibok ng puso ko.

“Because you have my interest” he whispers, slowly letting go of my chin while smiling at me. Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad sa pagkat hindi nagsink in sa akin ang kanyang sinabi, hindi parin tumitigil sa pagtibok ang aking puso.

Wag mong sabihin na ikaw ang unang nahuhulog Jan! Tumigil ka! “Ah.. ahahhaha ang galing mo don ah, ako naman ulit” naiilang kong sambit pero pilit kong ipinakita sa kanya na walang epekto ang sinabi niya sa akin, dahil sa larong ito siya dapat ang mahulog sa akin at hindi ako.

“Peanut ka ba?” sambit ko, kunot noo siyang tumingin sa akin at hinintay ang susunod ko’ng sasabihin, “Kasi peanut-titibok mo ang puso ko” I said showed him a heart shape fingers.

“That’s so lame hahahhahahaha” panay ang kanyang pagtawa, dahil doon, patuloy kaming nagtawanan hanggang sa maubos namin ang pagkaing binili namin. “You’ll stay here, I’ll just get us some drinks, my treat” he said, fixing his glasses before he stood up and walked towards the drinks stall.

Pinanood ko siyang maglakad papalapit doon ng may ngiti sa aking labi, pero nawal iyon ng makita si Hazel na nakatayo sa di kalayuan. After that my phone rang and I received a text message from her.

From Hazel,

You’re doing great Jan, but remember time is running so fast.

I gulp as I read her massage and sigh, sinulyapan ko si Ash na naghihintay sa gilid ng stall, he gazes at me and urge that smile, “I’m sorry Ash” I whisper and smile back at him.

Ibinalik ko ang aking cellphone sa bag at ako na mismo ang lumapit kay Ash, “Tara na, uwi na tayo kailangan ko nang umuwi eh” hinawakan ko ang kanyang braso at inabot ang juice na binili niya.

Naglakad kami pabalik sa tapat ng main gate at doon nagpaalam sa isa’t-isa. “Sige Ash, kita nalang tayo sa lunes, thank you, bye” I said, waving at him and turning my back on him. Maglalakad na sana ako papalayo sa kanya ng tawagin niya ang pangalan ko. “Jan”

I stop and glance at him, I rose my eyebrows and wait for him to speak.

“One more” he uttered.

My heart skip beat as the sunset touch his face so well, parang nagslowmo ang paligid, ang paggalaw ng kanyang buhok dahil sa simoy ng hangin.

I urged a small smile and slowly nodded, “One more.”

Nagpatuloy ang systemang ganito sa aming dalawa ni Ash at habang lumilipas ang oras at araw patuloy kong pinipilit pagtakpan ang aking nararamdaman para sa kanya pero sobra niyang napapatibok ang puso ko.

“Jan,” he said while we’re walking in the middle of the university field. “Oh?” taong ko habang kumakain ng lumpiang gulay na nilibre niya sa akin.

Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at hinarap ako sa kanya, taas kilay ko siyang tiningnan at hinintay magsalita, anong sasabihin niya. “Ano yon?” tanong ko.

“Ahm….actually I lo—” hindi niya natuloy ang sasabihin niya ng, “Jan” biglang tawagin ni Hazel ang pangalan ko. Napalingon kaming dalawa sa kanya kaya dahan-dahan akong binitawan ni Ash at hinayaan akong lapitan si Hazel.

“Hazel bakit?” bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba dahil sa kanyang presensya. “It’s my cousin’s birthday tonight, you should come, bring him, Ash right?” tanong niya kay Ash.

I glanced at him and watched him nod, gaze at me and agreed with it. “A-ash sige pupunta kami” sagot ko. “Great” I turned stiff when Hazel slightly tightened her grip on my hands before she let go and left.

“Sigurado ka bang pupunta tayo? Hindi ba ayaw mo sa partie—” he cut me out, held my nape and pull me for a kiss.

We kissed in the middle of the field, and that fact made my eyes widened. He stopped the kiss and stared into my eyes.

“You win, I fall for you and let’s stop with this one more, let’s make it real” he whispers. Parang nagwala ang laman loob ko dahil sa kanyang sinabi, butterflies in my stomach gone crazy. My heart beats faster than I could ever imagine.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” he whispers and kisses the tip of my nose. “Seryoso kana ba dito?“Tanong ko.

“Deadly sure” he chuckled and kissed me once again.

“No more, one more” I whisper between our kisses. We both laugh together with that. This is real, my heart is beating for him, at alam kong kahit anong iwas ko nito hindi ko ito mapipigilan.

After that I made up my mind, stopped this bet and was real with my feelings for him.

Umuwi ako para magpalit ng damit, napag usapan namin ni Ash na magkita na lang kami sa university bago tumuloy sa party ng pinsan ni Hazel.

I couldn’t help smiling while staring at my reflection through the mirror, and kept imagining Ash’s face. He’s really making my heart burst out with emotions. He’s like a part of my blood that keeps running into my whole system.

I can’t even forget how our lips touches, I was fine daydreaming about him when I heard a loud noise downstairs, agad akong lumabas ng kwarto at bumaba sa hagdan, at dahil marupok na ang kahoy ng hagdan muntikan na akong mahulog buti na lang ay nakahawak ako sa pader.

“MAAAA? ANO PONG NANGYARI?” tanong ko pagpunta ko sa likod ng bahay, naabutan ko siyang nakayuko at lumuluha habang nakakalat sa sahig ang basag na baso.

“Ma? Bakit ho kayo umiiyak?” tanong ko, at inilayo siya sa basag na piraso ng baso. “Patawarin mo ako Jan anak, hindi kita ako makahanap ng pera para sa graduation mo, alam kong pangarap mo ang makpagtapos, pangarap natin iyon nak, pero mukhang hindi kaya ni Mama bayaran ang kailangan bayarin sa unibersidad mo anak, patawarin mo ako” niyakap niya ako ng sobrang higpit at patuloy na lumuha sa aking tabi.

Bigla nalang tumulo ang luha ko dahil doon, at tila naisip ang desisyon kong pagatras sa bet. Pagumatras ako wala na akong pambayad sa graduation, hindi ko pweding talikuran ang pangarap namin dalawa ni Mama.

“Ma, gagawa ho ako ng paraan huwag niyo na hong’ isipin iyon” I said and hugged her back, I waited for her to calm down until she fell asleep, nilinis ko ang basag na baso sa likod ng bahay at nagluto ng hapunan para kay Mama.

Umalis ako ng bahay at nagiwan nalang ng letter sa kanya na umalis ako at tutuloy sa birthday ng pinsan ng kaibigan ko.

“Hi” sambit ni Ash pagbaba ko ng tricycle, natawa ako dahil sa pagbati niya at pag-alalay sa kain palabas ng trike, “Ang sweet mo naman pala” biro ko pero tumawa lang siya at dinala ako sa tapat ng isang magarang sasakyan.

“Sayo ito?” tanong ko.

He nodded and open the door for me, sumakay ako doon na manghang-mangha. First time ko lang makasakay sa ganito kagarang sasakyan. “This was a gift from my dad, this is he’s old car, he gave it to me, but I seldom use it, I’ll just use it today, just to gain points on you” he joked, making me laugh.

“Ang korni mo tara na nga” pagiiba ko ng usapan, he just smiles at me and start driving. He even fixes his glasses while driving. Habang nasa byahe nagulat ako ng abutin niya ang aking kamay at hinawakan ito kahit na nagmamaneho siya.

“Ang lamig ng kamay mo” puna ko, “And your hands are warm, they are good for each other”

Kailan pa siya naging swebe magsalita, tumawa nalamang ako at ganon din siya hanggang sa marating namin ang sinabing lugar ng party.

“Guys, you’re here, come on have a drink” salubong sa amin ni Hazel. “Hazel, hindi kasi kami umiino—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng iabot nila sa amin ang dalawang baso ng alak.

“Come on, don’t be so KJ, Ash are you man enough to drink this straight up?” mapanghamon na sambit ni Hazel kay Ash, habang pinapalibutan kami ng iba naming kaklase.

Ash had no choice but to get it and drink it in front of everyone, at ganon din ako. Uminom kami kasama ang ibang kaklase namin hanggang sa tuluyan kaming malasing.

“We’re going home now, I’ll see you guys on monday, that was fun!!!” lasing na sambit ni Ash, buti na lang medyo ok, ok pa ang pakiramdam ko, nakakaramdam lang konting hilo pero hindi naman ganon kalala.

Inalalayan ko siya hanggang sa makasakay kami sa sasakyan niya, “Kaya mo bang mag drive nito Ash?” nagaalalang tanong ko. He put his seatbelts on and grinned, “Of course” he said and started the engine.

Kahit kinakabahan ako, nagtiwala pa rin ako sa salita niya at nangumandar na ang sasakyan maayos naman siyang nagmaneho. Kaya medyo kumampante na ang aking pakiramdam.

Pero nagulat ako ng bigla niyang itinigil ang sasakyan sa isang park kung sana wala nang taong nasa paligid.

“Ash bakit tayo tumigil? Nasusuka ka ba?” tanong ko habang tinatanggal niya ang seatbelt niya. “No” baritono nitong sambit, matapos tanggalin ang kanyang seatbelt, sinunod niya ang sakin at dahil sobrang lapit namin sa isa’t-isa hindi ko naiwasang mailang dahil nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang sensyon sa paglapit niya sa akin.

“Ash?” bulong ko ng tumigil siya sa aking harapan at malamlam na mata akong tiningnan.

“How?” tanong niya at dahan-dahan ibinaba ang tingin sa aking ilong. “Huh?” tanong how?

“How can you make my heart beats fast?” he asks and stare at my lips. Nahirapan akong huminga dahil sa sobrang lapit niya sa akin, halos sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko at ang lakas ng tunog nito.

Natatakot ako na baka marinig niya ito. “How can you make me feel freed when I’m with you?” he asks, slowly moves closer and teases my lips with his.

“How can you make me want to kiss you right now?” he whispers and locks our lips underneath the lights of the night.

He lifted me up and brought me to his lap as he sat back on the driver’s seat. He gently caresses my face and stares at me for a second. “Let me have the night,” he whispered.

I felt so hypnotized by his words and just nodded like I was clock arms following the flow of time.

His one hand wrapped around my waist as he started lifting up the brim of my shirt. He devour my lips like a pearl hidden under the depths of the sea. He kisses me with a lot of emotions and gentleness.

He made me feel safe in his arms as he laid those lips in each of every part of my body. That night, he made me the woman I dreamed about, and took care of me with every gentleness he knew.

I will never forget that night.

Days passed by graduation is getting closer and closer but my feelings for Ash are getting harder and deeper, that I can’t escape it anymore.

“Ayaw ko nang ituloy ang bet Hezel” lakas loob kong sambit, “Why?” tanong niya.

“Basta ayaw ko na”

“No, you can’t back out now, I will tell him about this!” matapos ko’ng sabihin iyon iniwan ko sila sa loob ng silid na iyon at nagtanggang umalis pero nakalubong ko ang dean.

“Miss. Rivera, your mom just passed by, hindi mo siya naabutan” natigilan ako sahil doon, “P-po?” hinawakan niya ang aking balikat at sinabi, “Let’s talk inside my office” sumunod ako sa kanya at lumabas ng office niya na puno ng luha.

Pumunta si Mama dito at lumuhod sa kanyang harapan para lang payagan akong grumaduate. Hindi ko inaasahan na gagawin ni Mama iyon, tila nadudurong ang puso ko habang iniisip kung gaano kababa ang ginawa ni Mama para sa akin.

Habang naglalakad nakasalubong ko si Hazel, “Are you really going to back out?” she seriously asked.

Napayuko ako at pinunasan ang aking luha, bago umiling at nagdesisyon ituloy ang bet.

“Today is the day then” sambit ni Hazel na ikinagulat ko, “Ano?” tanong ko.

Inilabas niya ang kanyang cellphone at ipinakita sa akin ang text niya kay Ash, nakasaad doon na bet lang ang lahat. “He’s in the university field, go there we’ll watch” she said and send the message to Ash.

Mabigat man sa loob ko, tinalikuran ko sila at umiiyak na naglakad papunta sa field, kung nasaan si Ash.

Nang makarating ako sa field nakita ko siyang nakatayo sa gitna habang pilit pinupunasan ang kanyang mga mata. I know he’s shedding tears and that makes me want to turn my back and run away from this.

Pinunasan ko ang aking mga luha at pilit na pinatigas ang aking sarili.

“Ash” tawag ko sa kanya, pinunasan niya ang kanyang mga mata bago ako hinarap, he even smiles at me act like he knows nothing. He looks at me with all the love he can show from his eyes but I choice to avoid it.

“Maghiwalay na tayo, tapos na ito” diretso kong sambit at balak na lagpasan siya at umalis agad.

“Jan waits!” He grabs my right arms as he forcefully faces me to him, looking at me with those teary eyes that shouts a lot of pain and betrayal. “Is it true?” sounds almost like a whisper or gasp.

I smirked and roughly pushed his hands away from my skin, before I stood straight in front of him. Stare at him from head to toe, his personality is so dense and boring.

He’s wearing a white shirt and those simple waste black pants that didn’t really make sense with fashion, that fucking nerdy glasses and all this shits weird stuff and books he’s holding.

This guy has been with me for almost 5 months and now it’s time to end these shits with him. I sneak a glance at my friends behind him from afar before I look back at him. Those eyes again, it’s so annoying and pisses me off.

“Yes” I answered and looked away, I saw from the side of my eyes that my friends were smiling with victory. This is what these bitches want, I’ll feed them well.

“W-why?” he whispered, I frowned at him and said, “Why not?”

“I thought we’re doing it right, I thought you were true, I thought you really liked me” I saw how Hazel glared at me when they heard what he said, I jolted unnoticedly and avoided his gaze.

“That’s fake, it was all part of the bet, ok” I said, and watched him weakly shake his head before the let go of those books and let it fall on the floor. I gulped and hesitated to speak because I know I’m doing this wrong.

But Hazel and my friends are watching me, I need to do this. “Can we just forget about the bet and let’s just continue this, Jan?” he was begging, reached my hand and gently caressed it.

“Ano ka ba hibang! Niloko kita, ginawa ko lang iyon dahil sa bet at ngayon tatapusin ko na lahat ito” I pushed him once again, “Come on Jan, I will just think of this a misdemeanor and continue giving my best for you, just don’t end us please” My lips literally parted as he kneels in front of me, hugged my leg and begged like I was the only person he ever loved.

“What the– Ano ba!” I yelled at him and started kicking him away until he let go of my legs and seat on the floor crying. “Wala na tapos na, lahat ng nangyari sa atin ay peke hindi totoo, hindi kita magugustuhan, isa pa tignan mo ang sarili mo, napakaboring mo!” I know that’s a bit harsh but even though that makes me feel bad, I need to do it so he will stop and wake up, wake up to the reality that I just played him like a dumb toy.

“Jan, place I can change for you” that was the most weak and desperate sound he said, that punched my conscience, I turned my back at him and “You don’t have to do that for anyone, do it for yourself, bye” that’s how I ended my time with him.

I walk far from him without turning back. I know from the start that we are going to end in this situation but, “Putik ang s-sakit” My voice just cracked because of my aching chest. I smile and start hitting my chest while walking faster and faster.

“Hooo” I whisper when I started having a hard time to breath, agad kong kinuha ang inhaler ko at agad itong ginamit, mabilis akong naglalakad habang patuloy na hinahabol ang aking paghinga.

I hide behind this wall and calm myself, that makes me shed tears but I instantly wipe it up when I hear my friends are coming. “Jan” Hazel called my name, that’s why I faced them and hid my inhaler in my pocket.

“Bayad” I said and smiled at them; I won the bet so they need to pay me fifteen thousand pesos. Hazel smiled at me before he handed me the money and tapped my shoulder, “You did great Jan” she said. “Ako pa ba” I confidently said and flashed a fake smile.

“Ang galing mo talaga Jan, ikaw na talaga haha” Beverly said and pull me as we walk out of that university.

Habang patuloy silang nagkwekwentuhan tungkol sa nangyari kanina, hindi ko magawang maging masaya dahil unti-unti akong kinakain ng konsensya dahil sa mga ginawa at sinabi ko sa kanya.

“Where are we going to eat?” Hazel said and sweetly smiled at us, I hesitated because I don’t want to spend money this time, “Don’t worry, my treat” she said while looking at me, ngumiti ako at kumamot sa aking ulo.

“Ahm.. sige mauna na kayo, may nakalimutan ako sa gym” I whisper and didn’t wait for them to say anything and just turn my back and run back inside the university, bumalik ako sa lugar kung saan ko siya iniwan pero pagbalik ko ay wala na siya doon.

I slowly sigh and shook my head, “Sorry”, inilabas ko mula sa aking bulsa ang perang napanalunan ko sa bet at ang buntong hininga bago naglakad papunta sa dean’s office.

Mabigat ang aking pakiramdam habang papalapit sa office pero nandito na ako, mas kailangan ko itong unahin.

I knocked and open the door, “Miss Rivera, you’re here” Our college Dean smiled at me as I step inside her office and handed her the payment for the graduation, for me to be able to graduate this year.

“Thank you so much po sa paghintay sa akin, at pagbigay sa aking ng pagkakataong makapag ipon po Ma’am” I said, urge a smile at her. She tapped my shoulder before she said. “You deserve to graduate this year Miss Rivera” she said and that makes me at peace.

I did bad things for this, I even hurt someone for this, I’m filled with conscience but this is for my future.

Lumabas ako ng office na iyon at tuluyang umuwi sa bahay, “Ma nandito na ho ako” sambit ko pagbukas ko ng pinto, maliit lang ang bahay namin at hindi ako pinanganak na may gintong kutsara at tinidor, pinanganak ako sa buhay ng mahihirap at kinailangan kong gawin ang lahat ng iyon upang maitaguyod ang pag-aaral ko.

“Jan, nandyan ka na pala, tara na dito at naglaga ako ng kamote” mahinhin na sambit ni Mama bago lumabas mula sa maliit naming kusina, ngumiti ako ng makita siya at agad siyang nilapitan, I hugged her so tight. “Teka! Jan jusko matumba tayo, bakit anak?” tanong ni Mama na puno ng pag-aalalang matumba kaming dalawa.

I chuckled and continued hugging her, “Gagraduate na ako Ma” I whispered, she stopped for a second before she said, “Talaga anak! nako, diyos ko maraming salamat po!!!” bakas sa boses ni Mama ang saya kaya ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata bago nanatili sa kanyang piling.

I’m sorry Ash,

Chapter 22

“Congratulations to our graduate student, be successful and make your dreams come true” all the students around me clap and cheer, and smile widely.

This is it, I finally finished college!!! And gonna make my dream come true!

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH JAN!!!” I instantly turned right and spread my arms wide for a big hug coming from my cousin. “Congrats!!! huhu inggit ako!” she said as we both jump while hugging, “Hayaan mo gagraduate kana din naman next year!” Sambit ko.

“Ayieee oo nga, ah basta congrats!!!” She said and handed me a bouquet of flowers. “Maraming salamat Seah” I said and my childhood best friend Willow showed up, “Congrats” she said and gave me a book as a gift, we all laughed, what do I expect to receive from a writer, malamang libro.

“Wala bang bago dyan Willow” biro ni Seah, “What it’s a great book, it will help her to––” hindi na siya pinatapos magsalita ni Seah at agad tinakpan ang labi. “Doon lang kami kay Tita ah” Seah said and pulled Willow with her. I chuckled and saw Hazel, Beverly and Veca walking towards my place.

“Congrats to us!” They said and gave me a peck on my cheeks, “Oo, congrats sa atin” Sambit ko at nginitian sila, “Oh, By the way we are having a celebration party at the gym later tonight, you are coming right?” Hazel said.

“A-ahmm oo naman” sagot ko, “I knew it, see yah later” she said and wink at me.

Ngumiti ako at pinanood silang maglakad papalayo, they are all wearing a great and expensive dresses and heels, samantalang ako ay nakasuot ng hiniram na dress mula kay Seah at isang doll shoes mula kay Willow.

“Sana lahat na lang ng tao ay ipinanganak na mayaman” bulong ko bago tumuloy kila Seah, Willow at Mama.

Umuwi kami sa bahay at kumain ng ng niluto ni Mama na pansit bago ako naghanda sa pagpunta sa party. I just wear a simple white dress galing sa aparador ni Mama at isang simpleng sandals.

It just took me a minute to arrive at the university gym, and a loud sound of music pervades the whole place. I sigh before I step inside and see Hazel and others near the door. “Jan, akala ko hindi ka makakarating eh” They said, “Ako pa ba?” sambit ko bago kumuha ng maiinom at pinanood ang mga estudyante na nagsasayaw sa gitna.

“He’s here!” Hazel said that caught our attention, and looked to where she’d run. I slowly moved the glass of beer away from my lips when I saw who she was with. He enters the gym like a famous artist that makes everyone’s jaw drop.

I sure and I know who he is, because he makes my heart beat crazy even with those glasses. But now he’s not wearing any thick glasses, plain shirt and boring black pants, now he’s wearing an expensive tuxedo and his hair is firmly fixed.

He’s so handsome tonight, although I know that he’s handsome but he changed this time.

He really changed.

“A-Ashton” I whispered when our eyes met.

“Everyone meets my boyfriend Aston Lynx Del Mundo” Hazel said and smiled at everyone inside the gym. B-boyfriend?

“Woahhh, congrats!!!!!” Everyone cheered and greeted them well, until they stood in front of me and Ash stared straight into my eyes, which I quickly avoided.

“Thanks to you Jan, without you Ash won’t change himself and realize that I’m the one he really likes, it was always worth it to use you for a cost” Hazel sweetly said but all the words came out from her mouth is trash.

“Ash seryoso ka ba dito?” Tanong ko at muling tiningnan si Ash sa kanyang mga mata. His eyes were heartless, I don’t see any signs of the real Ash I know.

“Yes, thanks for playing me, I finally see my worth” he coldly said before he turned his back on me and walked away.

“Here, you might need this for seeking a job” Hazel said and handed me a small envelope of money, before he followed Ash and talk to other people, I watch them dumb founded and I must say Ash really change and it makes him a great boyfriend for a rich kid like Hazel.

Tiningnan ko ang perang binigay sa akin ni Hazel bago tumalikod, pero sa kasamaang palad nakasalubong ko ang waiter na nagseserve ng wines kaya, “AY!” sigaw ko ng matumba sa sahig at maligo ng red wine.

Lahat ng tao ay nakatingin sa akin, ang iba ay nagsimulang mag tawanan sa pagkat naging pula ang puti kong dress, my eyes met his blank gaze that makes me shed tears, stand up and run away.

Umiyak ako habang tumatakbo papalayo sa lugar na iyon, ginamit lang ako ni Hazel! I stop and look at the money she gave me. “AHHHHH!!” I shouted out of frustration and pain, before I threw the money and ran home.

I have no right to be mad, for all of this my fault.

This is my karma.

“Jan nandya— teka anak anong nangyayari sayo bakit ka umiiyak” agad akong dumiretso sa kwarto ko at isinara ang pinto. Inaatake na ako ng hika kaya agad kong hinanap ang inhaler ko pero hindi ko ito makita sa loob ng aking bag. Malakas na ang tunog ang aking paghikbi at paghabol sa aking hininga, sumisikip na rin ang aking dibdib.

“Jan anak buksan mo ito” she was behind my door, but I don’t want her to see me like this, my vision started to get blurry as I lose air inside my body and I can’t really find my inhaler, sobrang hirap akong huminga at sobrang lakas na ng pag iyak ko.

“Jan buksan mo ito!!!” sigaw ni Mama pero hindi ko na magawang abutin pa ang pinto dahil nanghihina na ako at unti-unti nang dumidilim akong’ aking paningin. “M-ma” I tried to call her but I didn’t make any sound when I said that, I was just crying and gasping the whole time.

I slowly lay on the floor trying to sustain air inside my body but my asthma was overtaking all my strength. The door opened and my mother instantly ran towards me and put the inhaler on my mouth.

I desperately inhaler on it, para na akong aso sa sobrang lakas ng paghinga at paghigop ko dito. “Diyos ko anong nangyari sayo Jan” umiiyak na sambit ni Mama habang niyayakap ako.

I lean on her chest and keep gasping for air, while tears keep falling. This is my fault.

I open my eyes and a bright white light flashes into my sight, and as my eyes covered, doon ko lang na realize na nasa bahay ako nila Seah. I slowly lift up my body to seat but Seah instantly showed up and say, “Hep, Humiga ka muna kailangan mong magpahinga, ano ba kasing ginawa mo at sobra ka’ng inatake ng hika mo, hindi ba pinaalala na sayo ni Papa na limitahan mo ang emosyon mo, oh tubig” inabutan niya ako ng tubig at inalalayan sa pag inom.

“Nasaan si Mama?” tanong ko, matapos uminom. “Nandon sa labasan nagtitinda ng sampaguita para sa gamot mo,” dahil sa sinabi ni Seah napatingin ako sa bintana kung saan kasagsagan ng init ng araw at nasa labasan si Mama.

“Ano ba kasing nangyari? Nagtext si Willow nag-aalala na rin yon sayo” umupo siya sa tabi ko at pinunsan ang pawis sa aking noo.

I suddenly remember what happened last night, I felt so betrayed and used, dahil sa sarili kong kagustuhan at pangangailangan, binago ko ang isang napaka buting tao, sinira ko ang maayos niyang buhay.

He was so perfect, wala siyang ibang ginawa kung hindi iparamdam sa akin na pinagkakatiwalaan niya ako pero anong ginawa ko, sinira ko ang lahat ng iyon.

With that, tears started to fall from my eyes again, “Oh, bakit ka umiiyak?” tanong ni Seah pero imbis na sagutin ay niyakap ko siya ng sobrang higpit.

“Napaka sama kong tao, Seah, hindi niya na ako mapapatawad” Bulong ko habang humihikbi ng napakalakas. “Hoy! Wag ka ng umiyak ng sobra, ano ka ba!” nag-aalalang sambit ni Seah at hinagod ang aking likod.

I just lean on her and rest on her arms, as my heart dies inside. I broke the only person who sees the best in me.

“Kung ano man yan, lilipas din yan, ang isipin mo ngayon ay ang pangarap mong matulungan si Tita at makaangat sa buhay na ganito” ani ni Seah.

---

A weeks after, “Sorry Miss Rivera, we’ll call you again if there any space and job for you” pangalawang tawag na mula sa mga kumpanyang pinag aaplayan ko ito, at ni-isa sa kanila ay walang space at walang tumatanggap sa akin.

“AHHHH BIGYAN NIYO NA AKO NG TRABAHO PLEASE LANG!” sigaw ko habang nakaupo sa bubong ng bahay. Dahil dito lang malakas ang signal ng cellphone.

Walang gana akong pumasok sa loob ng bahay at tumuloy sa kusina kung saan nagluluto si Mama ng toge, “Ma wala pa rin daw space para sa aki––hmf” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang bumaliktad ang sikmura ko sa amoy ng toge.

Sumuka ako sa sink at biglang nakaramdam ng panghihina.

“Jan anak ilang araw ka nang ganyan” mahinang sambit ni Mama habang hinahagod ang aking likod, nang matapos akong sumuka hinarap ko siya ng may takot sa aking puso.

“Jan buntis ka ba, anak?” hindi ko nagawang magsalita ng bigla akong sampalin ng posibilidad na iyon.

“Anak, tapatin mo nga ako, buntis ka ba?” hinagkan ni Mama ang aking mga braso bago hinawakan ang aking pisngi at inayos ang aking magulong buhok. Biglang sumikip ang aking dibdib at hanghihinang napaupo sa sahig.

“Anak!” gulat na sambit ni Mama at agad lumuhod sa aking harapan, nang magtama ang aming mga mata, nahirapan akong huminga at tulalang napayuko. Hindi maari ito.

“Anak, alam kong wala ako’ng tinapos sa pag-aaral pero anak alam ko kung sino ang nagbubuntis sa hindi, dumaan ako dyan, ngayon anak tapatin mo ako buntis ka ba?” itinaas nito ang aking mukha upang tingnan sa aking mga mata.

Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko, bigla nalang tumulo ang aking luha at dahan-dahang lumapit sa kanya upang yakapin siya ng sobrang higpit.

---

“Congratulations you’re 4 weeks pregnant” my lips parted as I heard that from the doctor in front of us. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ni Mama sa aking kamay at nakita ko ang pagkagat niya ng kanyang labi upang pigilan ang nagbabadyang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata.

Napayuko ako at nagsimulang tumulo ang aking luha, “M-maraming s-salamat ho Doc” pilit na masiglang sambit ni Mama bago iniabot ang bayad na inutang pa niya sa Papa ni Seah.

“Tara na anak” bulong ni Mama at inalalayan ako sa pagtayo habang patuloy tumutulo ang aking mga luha. Lumabas at nilisan namin ang hospital ng hindi nagsasalita at hinintay na tulyan kaming makauwi sa bahay.

Sa pagtungtong ko sa loob ng bahay, agad akong napaupo sa panghihina at umiyak ng napakalakas, “Wahhhh” lumuhod at hinarap si Mama, niyakap ko ang kanyang mga hita at tuloy-tuloy na lumuha.

“Ma, patawarin niyo ho ako Ma” I whisper and sob even louder, “Shh..shh” mabilis na lumuhod si Mama sa aking harapan at nagsimula na rin lumuha, nginitian niya ako at hinaplos ang aking mukha.

“W-wag kang u-umiyak, k-kasama mo ako, k-kasama mo si M-mama, biyaya ito anak, tanggap ko ito at pangakong hindi ka papabayaan ni Mama” halos walang wala na akong marinig dahil sa sobrang hina ng kanyang boses.

“S-sorry m-ma, sinira ko po ang p-pangara—” pinutol niya ako at niyakap ng sobrang higpit, “Shhhh wag ka nang umiyak, gagawin ko ang lahat para maibigay natin sa anak mo ang buhay na hindi natin naranasan, magtatrabaho ako” bulong ni Mama sa aking tenga, at kahit anong iling ko sa ideang iyon patuloy niya akong niyakap at pilit ipinaramdam sa akin ang gabay na handa siyang ibigay para sa akin at sa batang nasa loob ng tiyan ko.

“Tara na, wag ka dito maupo ka sa upuan” bulong niya at inalalayan akong umupo sa isang upuan, nang ako ay harapin niya, pinunsan niya ang kanyang mga luha at ang akin, “Kukuha lang ako ng tubig sa kusina” mahina niyang sambit bago tumuloy sa kusina.

Imbis na maghintay, tumayo ako at sinundan siya sa kusina, tumigil ako ng makita siyang umiiyak sa tapat ng lababo, mahina at walang tunog siyang umiiyak sa harapan ng lababo.

At pagmasdan lamang siya ng ganito, pakiramdam ko sinira ko na lahat ng tyansang makaahon kami sa buhay, ang pamumuhay na ipinangako ko sa kanya ay tila hindi ko matutupad.

Sobrang binibiyak nito ang aking puso, kung kaya’t mabilis akong umakyat sa aking silid at nagsimulang magimpake ng aking gamit, hindi ko kayang manatili dito at pagmasdan si Mamang naghihirap sa kasalang aking ginawa.

Matapos mag impake, kumain ako sakama siya at hinintay ko ang kanyang pagtulog bago nagiwan ng letter sa kanyang tabi at tuluyang umalis ng bahay.

“Gagawa ako ng paraan Ma, makakaahon tayo sa hirap, giginhawa ang buhay natin.” mahina kong sambit habang papalapit sa bahay nila Seah, kung saan nakikita at natatanaw ko ang kanilang sasakyan sa harapan ng bahay nila.

Mabilis akong lumapit sa kanila ng makitang papasakay si Seah sa loob ng sasakyan habang may dalang malaking bag. “SEAHHHHH!!!” sigaw ko bago pa nito maisara ang pinto ng sasakyan.

“Jan? bakit ka nandito madaling araw na” tanong niya. “Saan ka pupunta?” diretso kong tanong.

“Lilipat ako ng apartment mas malapit sa university ko,” sagot ito. “Sama ako!” diterminado kong sambit. “Huh?” kunot noo niyang tanong. “Magtatrabaho ako, maghahanap ako ng pagkakakitaan, maghahati ako sa bayad sa bahay at kuryente please lang hayaan mo akong sumama sayo”

“Teka hindi ko maintindihan, BAKIT?” naguguluhang tanong niya, at bumaba ang kanyang tingin sa aking bag na dala. “Ano yan Jan? Naglaya––” hindi ko siya pinatapos at agad nasalita.

“Buntis ako” natigilan siya at hindi nakaimik kaagad, “A-ano?”

“Buntis ako at ayaw kong maging pabigat kay Mama dito, kaya lalayo ako at maghahanap ako ng trabaho, parang awa mo na hayaan mo akong sumama sayo” nanghihina kong sambit.

Tumulo ang aking luha kasabay ng pagkawala ng kumpyansang abutin ang lahat ang aking mga pangarap.

“Sige, Tara” sagot ni Seah at walang sabi-sabi akong inalalayan sa pagpasok sa sasakyan at tumuloy kami sa apartment niya.

---

“SEAH!!!!!! WILLOW!!!!! MANGANGANAK NA AKO!!!!!” malakas kong sigaw habang umiiyak dito sa loob ng banyo.

“OH MY GOSH!!!! WHAT DO I DO?!” sigaw ni Willow, habang agad na lumapit sa akin si Seah at inalalayan ako palabas ng banyo. “TANGA TUMAWAG KA NG TAXI!!!!” sigaw niya kay Willow.

“OO TAMA! SEAH TUMAWAG KA NG TAXI!” natatarantang sambit ni Willow. “HUH!? ANONG AKO, IKAW ANG TUMAWAG!!” nagkakagulo na kami dito sa loob ng apartment dahil sa malakas ko’ng pag iyak at malaka snilang sigawan.

“OO AKO, AKO PALA ANG TATAWAG!!” tumakbo palabas si Willow habang dahan-dahan kaming naglalakad ni Seah papalapit dito, “Huminga ka ng malalim, inhale, exhaale, inhale, exhale”

Tumuloy kami sa labas ng apartment at agad bumaba ng hagdan at isinakay ako sa taxi, sobrang kumikirot ang aking tiyan, pakiramdam ko ay parang pinipiga nito ang laman ko, bawat segundong lumilipas mas sumasakit ito.

“AHHH NANDITO NA TAYO SA HOSPITAL!!” sigaw ni Willow at agad akong tinulungan sa paglabas sa taxi, may naghihintay na hospital bed sa aking dito sa labad kung kaya’t agad nila akong inihiga dito at itinakbo sa delivery room.

“S-seah” takot kong sambit ng bitawan niya na ang aking kamay dahil hindi sila pwede dito sa loob ng delivery room.

“Kaya mo yan, nandito lang kami;” sambit niya bago sumara ang pinto at tuluyan na akong ipinasok sa loob.

“Push Mommy, push” sambit ng doctor, sobrang sakit nito pakiramdam ko ay nahahati ako sa dalawa, sobrang sakit, tumatagaktak ang aking pawis at walang katapusan ang pagtulo ng aking luha dahil sa sobrang sakit.

“I could see the head already, a little more push Mommy, almost there” mahinhin na sambit ng doctor.

“AGHHHHHHHHHHHH” I was shouting and crying in pain at the same time.

I did what she said and pushed, “Ok, one more” I thought that it’s the last but they kept going and with that.

I give it all out, “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” and with that I heard angels cry, I closed my eyes and weakly lay down properly and gasped for hair, they even put oxygen on my face so I could still breathe.

Nang iminulat ko ang aking mga mata ng inabot niya ang munting anghel sa akin, dahan-dahan ko itong hinagkan at niyakap ng buong pagmamahal.

He was moving and making those angelic grunts, he was covered with blood but all I could see is that, he’s the hope given in my life.

“A healthy Baby boy, congatiolation’s Mommy, ‘’ the nurse said and smiled at me.

I shed tears of joy as I have him in my arms already, my hope.

“Ang gwapo naman ng pamangkin ko mana sa akin, anong name niya” masiglang tanong ni Seah habang pinagmamasdan ito sa aking braso. Matapos nila akong inilipat sa ibang kwarto natulog ako ng isang oras at gumising agad upang mahawakan siya sa aking dibdib.

Nais kong lagi siyang nasa aking tabi, ang munti kong pag-asa.

“Anong magiging pangalan niya?” tanong ni Willow. I smile and caress my son’s face.

“Tyrant August Rivera” Del Mundo.

Chapter 23

Seah’s POV

“Kanina pa yan ganyan, mukhang malala na talaga siya” rinig ko’ng bulong ni Gorge habang tahimik akong kumakain dito sa cafeteria kasama sila. “Sabihin mo nga, may matino bang tao ang nakasuot ng sungglass sa loob ng hospital? At isa pa hapon na pababa na yong araw”

Isang malalim na paghinga ang aking pinakawalan bago sila tiningnan, “Naririnig ko kayo” walang gana kong sambit, agad nila akong nilapitan at hinawakan ang aking noo. “May lagnat ka ba? Ano ba kasing nangyari sa mat––AYYYYYY” sinubukan nilang tanggalin ang suot kong sungglass at agad din nilang binalik ng makita ang maga ko’ng mga mata.

“Anong nangyari sis, grabe mukha kang bullfrog sa mga mata mo!” nandidiring sambit ni Gorge habang hawak ang aking braso, I just sigh and try to control my tears again.

“Dalhin kana ba namin sa mental?” walang gana akong umiling sa kanilang ideya bago sila hinarap at bagsak balikat nagsalita. “May mahal na iba yong future ko” nagsimula muli akong suminghot ng sipon dahil nagbabadya nanaman ang aking mga luha, tangina!

“Wala na tayong mmagagawa dyan, magmove on kana lang hindi naman talaga kayo bagay ni Doc. Lynus” mahinang sambit ni Gorge kaya hinalikan niya ang palad ko, “Wow ah, thank you sobrang galing mo’ng mag comfort ng tao grrr” sabay hila sa kanyang buhok.

“Aray bakla!! Nagsasabi lang naman ako ng totoo, tyaka ang layo ng agawat niyo ni Doc. kung ako sayo maghanap ka nalang ng bago Doctor na malapit-lapit sa edad natin, ayon! Kagaya non,” napalingon kami ng may ituro siya sa aming likuran, isang Doctor na hindi familiar sa akin. May bagong doctor ba dito?

“Kaninang umaga lang siya dumating dito, intern doctor, malapit nang matapos ang internship niya at alam niyo ba kasing edad lang natin siya mga bakla, ang pangalan niya ay Doc. Rafael Yris Cornel, 25 years old galing USA. nag iisang anak ng Cornel, ang mga magulang niya ang isa sa may-ari ng share ng hospital na ito kaya gora na tayo dito” kunot-noo ko siyang tiningnan bago hinarap si Gorge, “Paano mo nalaman ang lahat ng iyon?”

“Ahhehee, nagresearch ako, alam niyo naman, basta papa alam ko” dahan-dahan ko’ng sinulyapan ang Doctor na tinutukoy niya, Cornel. Mukha ngang pangmayam.

Habang pinagmamasdan ito, halos mahulog ang panga ko ng lumingon ito sa pwesto namin, ngmuti at dahan-dahang lumapit sa aming table. Hindi ko napigilang kagatin ang aking labi ng bigla akong makaramdam ng malakas na pakurot sa aking hita, galing kay Gorge.

Nakatulala ko siyang pinanood, hanggang sa tumayo sa aming harapan habang hawak ang pineapple juice na inorder. He smiled at me and I flinched when he tapped my head with his free hand, leaned down and moved closer to my face.

Narinig ko ang pagsinghap nila Gorge sa aking tabi at ang paghigpit ng kurot nito sa aking hita. “What’s your name?” tanong nito sa akin, nararamdaman ko ang paghinga nito sa aking balat at hindi ko mapagkakaila na napakabango ng hininga nito, mas mabango pa ata sa buong pagkatao ko.

“S-seah” mahina kong sambit, he grinned, held my chin and wiped the side of my lips. Narinig ko ang sigawan ng ibang nurse sa paligid ng gawin niya iyon, kaya agad akong lumayo.

“Nurse Seah..?” He was asking for my surname, with that charming smile. Hindi ko nagawang sumagot pero itong katabi ko, masyadong epal. “Nurse Chelseah Eunice Rivera Doc” sagot ni Gorge.

This guy in front of me slowly nodded before he touched my sunglasses and lifted it up enough for him to see a glimpse of my whole face. Ibinalik niya ito matapos akong tiningnan at ginulo ang aking maayos na buhok. “I like your style; I’m looking forward to working with you” he said and winked at me.

“Cornel” lahat kami ay napalingon ng tawagin si Cornel ni Doc. Lynus na nakatayo sa entrance ng cafeteria. When he glanced at me, I instantly turned my back to him to hide my face.

“Yes?” rinig kong tanong ni Cornel kay Doc. Lynus. “Your uncle is calling you” I heard him say, and when I tried to glance at him, I saw him walking towards our table, so I quickly gathered my food and stood up.

“Mauna na ako sa inyo ah” nagmamadali kong sambit pero, “Intern, you’re coming with me” nagulat ako ng hawakan nito ang aking braso, bago marahang kinuha ang dala kong tray at ibinaba ito sa table at hinila ako palabas ng cafeteria.

“Ahm.. D-doc.. May g-gawin pa k-kasi a-ako po” mahina kong sambit habang hinihila ako nito papunta sa rooftop ng hospital.

“Shut your mouth” he seriously said and bring me up to the rooftop, doon niya lang ako binitawan ng makarating na kami sa rooftop at isinara ang pinto nito, bago ako hinarap.

“Doc, kailangan ko na pong bumababa, may gagawin pa po kasi ako” iwas kong sambit, pilit kong inilalayo ang aking tingin sa mga matang iyon.

“Anong gagawin mo?” seryoso nitong tanong bago humakbang papalapit sa akin, kasabay nito ay ang pagatras ko, upang makalaya sa kanya. “Magtatra—” hindi ko natapos ang aking isasagot ng muli siyang nagsalita.

“Going for another handsome doctor and confessing your pathetic feelings, is that why you’re here?” I was stiff when he said that, ano?

“If you’re working here just to flirt with any doctor of your taste, can you just quit and leave” galit na sambit niya, kunot noo kong tinanggal ang aking sunglasses bago naglakas loob tanungin siya.

“Bakit ba parang galit ka lagi sa akin Doc?” tanong ko, sumisikip ang dibdib ko dahil sa mapangmaliit niyang pagtitig.

“Because your fucking presnce pissed the hell out of me, you’re a good for nothing” he darkly said and move even closer, this time he pinned me in the wired wall and glared at me, like was his greatest enemy.

“W-wala na-naman akong ginagawang masama sayo Doc, bakit po ganyang ka magsalit—” he cut me off again, “That’s the point, you don’t have to do anything, it’s just you, your presence is so damn useless!” He said that to my face.

“You like me right! Then why are you flirting with that intern? Ganyan ka ba’ng klase ng babae—–” hindi ko na siya hinayaan pang tapusin ang pangmamaliit niya sa akin, at agad ko siyang sinampal.

I immediately shed tears, lahat ng pinipigilan kong luha kanina ay tila sumabog, “Suko na ako!” Sambit ko. He frowned his brows while holding his cheek that I slapped. He slowly faced me with that furious glare.

“Suko na ako, hindi na kita gugustuhin, nagkamali ako hindi ikaw ang future ko. Ang sama ng ugali mo!” lumuluha kong sambit at galit siyang tiningnan.

He smirked, stood straight and licked his lower lip. “So, you’re giving up, that means you’re going to stop and forget about me, right?” he furiously asked. I wiped my tears and nodded as an answer.

“Oo, kakalimutan kong nagustuhan kita, na inisip kong ikaw ang magiging asawa ko, magiging tatay ng mga anak ko, kakalimutan ko ang lahat ng iyon at tama ka maghahanap ako ng ibang Doctor yong mas gwapo sayo, matalino, mayaman at may mabuting ugali hindi kagaya mo!!!” I said that to his face.

He smirked and said, “Really? Then go ahead and try” he whispered and after that his lips touched mine.

He kissed me!

My heart stopped beating for that moment, my eyes widened and my whole-body stiff. He moved away and looked me in the eyes with those furious stares.

“Try to forget me now” he playfully said. My lips just parted and I’m just out of my senses right now.

“That kiss will make you love me so hard until it hurts” he whispered before he left me here hanging in cloud 9. I slowly touch my lips and my heart starts beating again.

“Hinalikan niya ako?”

Jan’s POV

“Mama, you’re awake!” pagkamulat ng aking mga mata, si Eight agad ang aking nakita, at nang bumaba siya sa kama agad siyang tumakbo palabas at tinawag si Willow.

Nahimatay ako kagabi, iyon nalamang ang naaalala ko. “Jan,” napalingon ako sa pinto ng pumasok si Willow kasama si Eight at may dalang mangkok ng supas. “Kumusta ang pakiramdam mo?” mahinhin na tanong ni Willow sa akin habang inaayos ang aking higaan.

“Ok naman na, salamat” sambit ko matapos abutin ang baso ng tubig na kanyang iniabot, habang si Eight naman ay umupo sa aking tabi at nagsimulang hipan ang sopas sa kutsara.

“Ma, say ah” he gently said and fed me with that sopas, I let him do what he wanted and looked at Willow. She was seriously staring at me, I know what that means, so I just smiled at her and waited for me to finish the sopas.

Nang maubos ko na ang sopas hindi ko maiwasang ngumiti ng, “Ma, stay still” utos ni Eight bago tumayo sa kama para lang punasan ang gilid ng labi ko at inalalayan ako sa pag-inom ng tubig.

He’s small and that makes him even cuter, he’s like a small old man taking care of her daughter. “Done” he uttered after wiping my lips, he stepped out of the bed, bringing the bowl and cup with him.

“Magbasa ka muna sa kwarto ko Eight” utos ni Willow sa kanya, Eight glance at me before he nodded and bring those thing together with him outside this room.

“Anong nangyari?” tanong ni Willow ng makalabas na si Eight, huminga ako ng malalim bago dahan-dahang naramdaman ang galit at sakit ng mga sinabi ni Ash sa akin kagabi.

“We had a fight, nawala ang importanteng investor niya dahil sa akin. His anger leads up to bringing back our past and that makes him loathe me even more, he said that he doesn’t believe me because I once lied to him and I will always lie.” I bitterly said and that built up anger inside of me.

Wala siyang alam sa mga pinagdaanan ko, sa paghihirap na hinarap ko habang pilit binubuhay ang anak niya. Ang pagsasakripisyo ko ng mga pangarap ko para sa buhay na minamaliit niya.

“What’s your plan now? I mean you’re working in his company” seryosong tanong ni Willow habang hinahawakan ang aking kamay.

“Magreresign ako, hindi ko kayang magtagal kasama ng isang taong hindi marunong makalimot at magpatawad! Wala siyang puso!” determinado kong sambit, “Kung yan ang gusto mo, susuportahan kita, nandito lang ako” she said and hugged me.

Matapos ang umagang iyon, matapos mananghalian gumawa na ako ng resignation letter ko bago nag-ayos at tumuloy sa kumpanyang iyon. Kahit ayaw ko siyang makita kailangan ko itong gawin, at sisiguraduhin kong ito na ang huling makikita ko ang walang puso niyang mukha.

“Manong dito na lang ho sa tabi” bumababa ako ng tricycle, inabot ang aking bayad bago hinarap ang building na ito, buong lakas akong huminga ng malalim bago pumasok sa loob at dumiretso sa opisina nito.

Hindi na ako kumatok pa at agad itong binuksan, “Del Mundo” sambit ko pagpasok ko sa loob ng kanyang opisina, he glances at me like he was expecting me here right now, “Yes?” he casually said and continued reading some paper on his table.

I bite my lower lip before I walk towards the front of his table and malakas na ibinababa sa kanyang lamesa ang resignation letter ko, “Magreresign na ako!” buong tapang kong sambit.

“You can’t” casual na sambit nito, agad kumunot ang aking noo dahil doon, anong ibig niyang sabihin. “I can and I will!!!” singhal ko, pero imbis na tingnan ako, humagikgik ito at nagpatuloy sa pagbabasa.

Nakita ko rin ang pagtulak niya ang resignation letter ko sa tabi niya hanggang sa nahulog ito sa trash bean, sa gilid ng kanyang table. Kinuha ko ito at padabog na ibinagsak sa lamesa niya, rason para makuha ko ang atensyon niya at tinignan niya ako.

“MAGRERESIGN NA SABI AK––” he cut me out and said, “I said you can’t, the contract says it all, no need for explanation, stay here and do your work” sambit niya at pinunit ang resignation letter ko.

“MAGRERESIGN AKO SA AYAW AT GUSTO MO!!!” malakas kong sigaw, “I’m sorry for what I’ve said, I know, I’ve gone too far last night” bigla nitong paghingi ng tawad, pero hindi na ako magpapadala sa pagpapanggap niya.

“HINDI NA MABABAWI NG SORRY MO ANG MGA NASABI MO KAGABI, NGAYON APRUBAHAN MO NA ANG RESIGNATION LETTER KO PARA TAPOS NA ITONG USAPAN NA ITO”

“Sorry to say, but we are not ending this conversation, so if I were you, I will not waste my time here”

“Hindi ka ba makaintindi sinabi ayaw ko nang magtrabaho dito eh! Ano bang hindi mo naiintindihan doon!!!” tumataas na ang boses ko dahil sa pagpipigil ko ng galit sa kanya pero parang wala lang ito sa kanya.

“You’ll choose to start working, or be in jail?” hindi ako nakaimik sa sinabi niya, mukhang hindi talaga ako makatakas dito, “ANG SAMA TALAGA NG UGALI MO!” idinaan ko na lang sa galit ang pagsasayangg ko ng oras sa paggawa ng resignation letter.

“Why are you so mad, I said sorry already” singhal niya at tila parang siya pa ang naiinis ngayon. “IKAW PA ANG GALIT NGAYON AH!!” mataas ko’ng boses na sambit.

He sighs and suddenly grabs my wrist and pulls me to sit on his lap. “Still mad? I should be the one who’s mad here, but since I’m mature enough to know my mistake, I’m saying sorry, what do you want me to do, just for you to forgive me? Gusto mo bang suyuin pa kita?” he moves his face close to mine, kaya mabilis akong umiwas.

He chuckled and say, “The old Jan I know, loves it when she’s being pursued, I guess nothing change, this Jan in front of me also wants to be pursued” he confidently said, that’s why I instantly stood up and glared at him.

“Oo, ako pa rin ang Jan na iyon, sinungaling pa rin ako, lahat ng sinasabi ko ag kasinungalingan, kaya tama ka gusto kong sinusuyo ako!!” hindi ko na napigilan ang aing galit, bago ako umalis tinapakan ko ang kanyang paa ng sobrang diin bago mabilis na naglakad palabas.

“FUCKING SHIT!!!!!” rinig kong sigaw niya mula sa loob. “Yan ang nararapat sayo!” bulong ko bago tumuloy sa aking table at bumalik sa trabaho.

Ilang minuto pa lang ang lumipas biglang may nagsalita sa harapan ng table ko, “J-jan” it’s Genevieve. Lumuluha niya akong hinarap bago nagsalita muli, “P-patawarin mo ako, n-natakot lang ako, h-hindi ko alam ang g-gagawin ko. I mean he don’t care about small employee like me kaya madali lang niya akong tanggalin dito, please forgive me, I was just so scared of him” lumanot ang aking puso ng makita siyang lumuluha sa aking harapan.

Kaya tumayo ako at niyakap siya, “Naiintindihan ko, pinapatawad na kita” bulong ko, mas lalo itong umiyak at niyakap ako ng sobrang higpit.

“I’m so sorry Jan” she whispered.

After that, nagpatuloy ang pagtatrabaho ko sa kumpanyang iyon makalipas ang isang linggo. Wala akong choice kung hindi panindigan ang putanginang kontratang iyon, at tiising makasama ang demonyong ito araw-araw.

At ang mga kalokohan niya, “Miss Rivera, for you” humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa aking ballpen ng may inaabot na malaking bouquet ng flower sa aking harapan.

“Oh my gosh, ang sweet!!!” sambit ng mga tao sa paligid, noon ay madalang ang mga empleyado sa floor na ito pero ngayon halos nandito sila tuwing mag darating na delivery para sa akin.

“Hindi ko tatanggapin yan” sambit ko, bago tiningnan ang tambak na flower at chocolates dito sa gilid ng table ko, simula nong bumalik ako hindi na ako tinigilan ng Del Mundong ito sa mga bagay na ito.

“Pero ma’am ako ho ang mayayari paghindi niyo ito tinaggap, parang awa niyo na ho tanggapin niyo na po” nagmamakaawang sambit ng delivery man, kaya mapangahas akong lumingon sa glass wall dito para tingnan ng masama ang taong nasa loob ng opisinang iyon.

He was busy on his tablet but he glanced at me when I glared at him. He urges that smile, close the blinds.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi tanggapin ang flowers na ito, “Maraming salamat ho ma’am” masiglang sambit ng delivery man bago tuluyang umalis. Umupo ako at tiningnan ang letter na nakalagay dito.

‘Am I forgiven?’ -ADM

“ASA KA!!” sigaw ko at sinigurado kong maririnig niya yon.

Chapter 24

“JAN MAY NAGHAHANAP SAYOOOOO!!!” dahil sa malakas na sigaw na iyon mula kay Willow, agad akong bumangon, dahilan para mahulog sa kama. “Aray! Tangina naman eh!” mahina kong singhal bago tumayo at sinilip ang mapayapang pagtulog ni Eight sa kama.

Buti na lang ay hindi siya nagising, dahan-dahan akong tumayo habang hawak ang aking balakang. Ang aga-aga, linggo ngayon at walang pasok kaya inaasahan kong makakapagpahinga ako ng buong araw.

“Ano ba yon? Ang aga-aga!” sambit ko pagbukas ko ng pinto, unang nasilayan ko sa paglabas ko ng kwarto ay ang nakabukas na pinto ng apartment habang nakatayo doon si Willow at isang malaking teddy bear.

Pumupungas-pungas akong lumapit dito, at nga tuluyan ko itong makita, doon ko lang na realize na delivery nanaman ito ng basura. “Good morning Ma’am, ikaw ho ba si Miss. Rivera? Para ho sa inyo” sambit ng delivery man, halos hindi ko na siya makita dahil sa laki ng teddy bear na hawak niya.

Pasinghal akong umiling bago ito kinuha mula sa kanya at ibinigay kay Willow, “Sayo na lang, at ikaw sabihin mo sa amo mo na, hindi ko kailangan ng mga yan, at hindi niya ako makukuha sa mga materyal na bagay!!! Salamat!” walang galang ko itong pinagsarhan ng pinto, bago bumalik sa aking kwarto.

“Grabe naman ata yon Jan, at isa pa anong gusto mong gawin ko dito?” sumunod sa kwarto si Willow dala-dala ang teddy bear na iyon kaya hindi ko maiwasang umirap bago magsalita. “Itapon mo, sunugin mo” I said and lay back on my bed.

Niyakap ko ang aking anak at muling umidlip, halos ilang araw na ang lumilipas at hindi pa rin ako tinitigilan ni Ash sa mga kalokohan niya. Kung ano-anong bagay ang pinabibili niya para ibigay sa akin, sa pagaakalang madadaan niya ako sa ganon, para mapatawad ko siya sa mga pinagsasabi niya.

Kinakain siya ng konsensya niya kaya niya ito nagagawa, at ito lang ang masasabi ko, maubos sana siya ng konsensya niya dahil hindi ko siya mapapatawad.

“Ma, wake up, it’s lunch time” naalimpingatan ako ng maramdaman ko ang maliit na palad ni Eight sa aking pisngi, at ng imulat ko ang aking mga mata, ang bagong ligong Eight ang aking nasilayan.

Agad akong napangiti ng makita ang malaanghel nitong mukha, “Ma, Tita Willow is already outside preparing lunch, and Tita Seah also” he whispers and fix his glasses, imbis na sumagot, niyakap ko siya pahiga sa akin at pinaghahalikan sa pisngi.

“Ayaw ko na atang pumasok bukas sa trabaho, dito na lang ata ako sa tabi ni Eight” bulong ko sa kanya, “You can’t do that Ma, if you jobless, we would not be able to eat and pay bills” matalino nitong sambit kaya natawa ako.

“Opo hindi na po, tara na ho sa labas manong maliit” sambit ko at binuhat siya palabas ng kwarto, habang tumatagal at lumilipas ang araw, bumubugat at lumalaki na si Eight. Lumalaki na ang anak ko.

Paglabas ng kwarto at pagpunta sa dining table, agad kumunot ang aking mukha ng makita na puno ang japanese food ang lamesa namin. “Saan galing yan?” tanong ko habang ibinababa si Eight sa kanyang upuan. Pagkababa niya agad siyang kumuha ng onigiri.

“Hmmmm, yum” he uttered, “Libre mo ito Seah?” tinapik ko ang balikat ni Seah pero ang gaga nakatulala lang at tila wala sa mundong ito. “Hindi, padala ito ng manliligaw mo” malokong sagot ni Willow kaya agad hindi gumanda ang timpla ng aking mukha.

“AY! WAG MONG KAININ YAN EIGHT!” mabilis kong sambit at sinubukan agawin ang kinakain nitong onigiri. “No, ma” he said, stood up and hid behind Willow’s back. “Akin na sabi yan eh” pilit kong sambit at hinabol siya, pero ayaw magpahuli, naghabulan kami ng paikot-ikot sa lamesa para lang sa pagkain na iyon.

“Hoy, tumigil na nga kayo, kumain na lang tayo. Jan, kahit na ba bigay ito ng boss mo at hindi maganda ang sitwasyon niyo ngayon, hindi pa rin maganda na tanggihan natin ang pagkain dahil biyaya ito ng diyos, mamaya magtampo ito sa atin, kaya halika na dito at kumain.” sambit ni Willow at hinila ako paupo sa tabi niya, habang umupo naman sa kabilang gilid niya si Eight.

“Kumain na” utos nito, wala akong nagawa kung hindi kumain. “Seah? Seah?” mahinang sambit ni Willow, habang sinusubukan kunin ang atensyon ni Seah, pero tila nakatulala pa rin ito at lumulutang ang kaluluwa sa kung saan.

“Ano bang nangyari d’yan?” tanong ko, “Hindi ko nga rin alam, magtatatlong araw na ya’ng ganyan, nong nakaraan halos walang ginawa kung hindi magkulong sa kwarto at humiga lang doon, ni hindi nga nagsasalita kaya napapaisip na rin ako kung nakakahawa ba ang pagkabaliw ng mga pasyente niya, baka nahawa na siya” bulong nito sa akin.

“Mukhang naexpose siya sa sakit ng pasyente niya kaya nagkaganyan” bulong ko pabalik, tumango si Willow bilang pagsasang-ayon. “Naririnig ko kayo,” nagulat kami ng biglang nagsalita si Seah.

“Ano ba kasing nangyayari sayo?” sambit ni Willow at binato siya ng tissue sa mukha, kinuha ito ni Seah at pimanpunas sa kanyang bibig, “Wala lang” sagot niya, at hindi kami naniniwala na wala lang yon.

“Ma, tita’s tapos na po akong kumain, I’ll just read on your room tita” sambit ni Eight at tumayo, hinalikan ako sa pisngi bago naglakad papasok sa kwarto ni Willow.

Dahil doon hinarap namin si Seah bago tinanong, “Anong nangyari sayo?” sabay naming sambit.

Huminga ng malalim si Seah bago sumagot, “Gusto ko na’ng kalimutan yung Doctor na iyon” seryoso niyang sambit. “Oh, bakit hindi mo gawin?” tanong ko.

“Paano ko kakalimutan eh hinalikan ako!!” agad namula ang mukha ni Seah ng sabihin niya iyon, kahit takpan nito ang kanyang mukha alam namin mas lalo lang siyang namula.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Willow bago muli itong tinanong, “Paano ka hinalikan?” tanong ni WIllow dito. Tinaggal ni Seah ang pagkakatakip sa mukha bago dinemonstrate sa amin kung paano ang halik na ginawa. “Parang ganito oh, muah, peroo matagal tapos pang sinipsip ng konti yong ibabang lab—” hindi ko na siya pinatapos magsalita at sinabi.

“Gaga, ang ibig sabihin ni Willow ay paano ka hinalikan? Paano? As in paano humantong sa halikan? Diba sabi mo hindi ka gusto non’? Hindi yong paano ginawa ang paghalik bobo!” singhal ko.

“Hindi ko din alam, basta ang alam ko ayaw ko nang maghabol sa kanya pero hinalikan niya ako at hinamon na kalimutan siya ngayon, paano ko siya makakalimutan ngayon eh kung yong paghalik niya na lang ang laging nasa isip ko!!!!” naguguluhang sagot ni Seah. She even messed with her hair and shook her head on the table.

“Alam mo….” nagsalita si Willow kaya tiningnan ko siya at hinintay ang sasabihin niya. “Magandang gawin scene yan sandali lang!!” kinikilig na sambit nito, kumuha ng isang onigiri bago tumayo at kinuha ang kanyang laptop.

Napairap na lamang ako at kumuha ng cereal sa ref dahil hindi ko kakainin ang bigay ng demonyong Ash na iyon. “Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko” inuuntog-untog ni Seah ang ulo sa lamesa kaya kumuha ako ng throw pillow at inilagay iyon doon. “Yan dyan mo ituntog sarili mo para magising ka, wag kang papadala sa halik, nakakamatay” sambit ko.

Kumain ako na masama ang tingin sa mga pagkain nakahain sa lamesa hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain at tulumoy sa kanya-kanyang kwarto para magpahinga. Buong araw kong nais matulog ngayon para may lakas muli ako bukas.

Humiga ako sa kama at kinuha ang aking cellphone upang magscroll lang ng kung ano-ano. Habang nananahimik ako dito biglang natigil ang aking pagscroll ng tumawag si Ash.

Walang pagdadalawang isip ko itong hindi sinagot at nagpatuloy sa pagscroll, ngunit tumawag ito muli. Hindi ko pa rin ito sinagot at nagpatuloy itong tumatawag naiinis kong binitawan ang aking cellphone sa side table at pinilit na lang matulog.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong pumasok at gaya ng inaasahan ko may breakfast at flowers nanaman sa aking table. Walang gana akong umupo at itinulak ito sa gilid kung saan nakalagay ang iba nitong binigay.

Nagsimula ako magtrabaho at hindi pinansin ang mga iyon, alam kong nasa loob na ng opisina nito si Ash, ata wala akong balak na batiin siya ng magandang umaga dahil siya lang ang sisira sa umaga ko.

Tinapos ko lahat ng files na kailangan kong tapusin at inayos ko rin ang schedule nito para ngayong linggo’ng ito. Maya-maya lang ay biglang bumukas ang pinto ng opisina nito at lumabas siya.

Hindi ko ito binigyan ng pansin at nagpatuloy sa aking ginagawa, “Stop what you’re doing and come with me” sambit nito at ipinatong pa ang kamay sa tapat ng aking lamesa upang makuha ang atensyon ko.

“May ginagawa ako” I firmly said, “Jan come with me” malumanay nitong sambit at hinawakan ang aking kamay, agad ko’ng sinubukan kumawala sa pagkakahawak niya pero hindi niya iyon hinyaang mangyari.

He gripped me a bit tight and pulled me up, “Ano ba!” singhal ko, “You’re coming with me Jan, I’m your boss and you’re my secretary, it’s your job to accompany me on my meetings, right?” malumanay siyang magsalita pero ibinibigay niya ang kanyang lakas upang hindi ako makawala sa kanya.

Buong tapat ko siyang tiningnan at sinabi, “Ayaw ko nga sabi eh!” matigas kong sambit. Ash smirked and in just a glimpse of an eye, I saw myself on his shoulder, he carried me like I’m a sack of rice.

“ANO BA!!!!!” sigaw ko pero hindi ako nito pinakinggan at nagpatuloy sa paglakad, tumuloy kami sa elevator at dumiretso sa parking lot ng kumpanya. Hindi niya ako binitawan kahit anong pagpupumiglas ko.

“IBABA MO AKO ASH ANO BA!!!!” sigaw ko, buti na lang wala tao dito sa parking lot ng ganitong oras. “Huh, so we are in the first name basis ah, Jan” maloko nitong sambit at kinuha ang susi ng kanyang sasakyan.

“IBABA MO AKO!!!!!” sigaw ko at hinampas ang kanyang likuran, pero parang wala lang ito sa kanya. Binuksan niya ang kanyang sasakyan at ipinasok ako sa loob, sinara niya ang pinto at ng subukan ko itong buksan ay nakalock na ito agad.

“TANGINA!” I haze as I watch him walk around the front of the car and enter the driver’s seat.

“Let’s have lunch together” he said and started the engine, wala akong nagawa ng umandar na ang sasakyan, alangan namang tumalon ako habang umaandar ako, papatayin ko pa ang sarili ko.

Dinala niya ako sa isang chinese restaurant at pagbukas niya ng pinto bababa na sana ako ng bigla niyang hinawakan ang aking kamay at binuhat muli ako na parang sako. “ANO BA!!!” sigaw ko.

“I know you’re planning to runaway” he whispers and bring me inside, lahat ng tao dito sa loob at pinagtitinginan kami, tinakpan ko ang aking mukha at ipinagdarasal ng tahimik ang kamatayan ng lalaking ito.

“Any reservation Sir?” tanong ng waitress sa kanya habang tinitingnan ako dito sa likuran nito. Tinakpan ko lalo ang aking mukha dahil doon. Gusto ko nalang maglaho ng parang bula ngayon.

May ibang taong pinicturan kami kaya agad ko itong dinuro, “HOY WAG NIYO AKONG PICTURAN!!!!! ISA!!!” sigaw ko.

“Reservation for Del Mundo” sambit ni Ash, “Jan, shut your mouth” mahina nitong utos sa akin. “Eh, kung binitawan mo ako hindi sana ako nagkakaganito!!!” nanggigigil na ako sa kanya, kung pwede ko lang siyang saksakin sa likuran, kanina ko pa ginawa.

“VIP room sir” napatingin ako sa waitress ng sabihin niya iyon, “Follow me sir,” she said and Ash started walking. Pinagpipicturan pa rin ako kaya tiningnan ko ng masama ang mga babaeng kumukuha ng litrato, kilig na kilig pa sila!

“Here Sir, please enjoy your meal” sambit nito ng pumasok kami sa isang private room na may table sa gitna na puno ng pagkain. Naglakad di Ash papalapit sa isang upuan at doon lamang ako ibinaba.

Mabilis akong tumayo ng tuluyan niya akong binaba, pero mabilis niya rin nahuli ang kamay ko at pilit akong pinaupo sa tabi niya.

“Stay still” he said that with authority before he nodded to the waitress. “Enjoy Ma’am/Sir” sambit nito bago lumabas at isinara ang pinto.

“Nasaan na yung makakameeting mo? Ang tagal naman, para matapos na ito at makaalis na ako!” mahina kong sambit pero imbis na sumagot, kinuha ni Ash ang table napkin at nilagay ito sa aking hita bago nilagyan ng pagkain ang aking plato.

Kunot-noo ko itong tiningnan bago nagsalita, “We are not meeting anyone today, we’re going to have our lunch together” he gently said before he brought out a box of Chanel and put it in front of me.

Binuksan niya ito at ipinakita sa akin ang isang mamahaling bracelet ng Chanel. “Forgive me for what I’ve said that day, I wasn’t really thinking that time.” He said seriously.

I chuckled, stood up and faced him. “Hindi mabubura ng pera mo ang mga salitang binitawan mo sa akin Ash! Kung ako sayo tigilan mo na ang kahibangan mong ito!” madiin kong sambit at nagtangkang umalis.

Kaso, biglang bumukas ang pinto at may pumasok na mga waitress na may hawak na letters. It says “Forgive me”.

Tiningnan ko si Ash na seryosong nakatingin sa akin, bago ako huminga ng malalim at nilapitan siya.

I lean down, close to his ears and whisper. “Tigilan mo na itong kalokohan mo, hindi na nakakatuwa!”

“I’m dead serious about this Jan, I mean it. I’m sorry” ngumiti ako sa kanya at pekeng tumango bago lumabas ng restaurant na iyon.

Bumalik ako sa kumpanya at nagpatuloy sa trabaho, hindi na siya bumalik pagkatapos non’. Umuwi ako ng maaga at nagpahinga. Lumipas ang ilang araw hindi pumasok si Ash sa kumpanya dahil sa sight at ibang lugar siya lagi.

Mabuti na rin iyon dahil mas nakapagtrabaho muli ako ng maayos, at tumigil na rin siya sa mga pagpapadala ng kung ano-anong bagay.

Naging mapayapa na ang araw ko at ngayon nagday off ako dahil. “NANDITO NA TAYO!!!!!!” malakas na sigaw namin ni Seah pagdating namin sa beach resort na paggagawaran ng kaarawan niya.

Birthday ngayon ni Seah kaya naisipan namin mag beach for 2 days and alam kong sobrang mageenjoy kami dito.

Tumuloy kami sa room namin at agad nag ayos ng gamit para mag swimming, may nakahanda rin na food sa ibaba dahil umorder si Seah ng food, darating kasi ang mga katrabaho niyang nurse.

“BAKLAAAA HABADUUUUUUU!!” napalingon kami ng dumating na ang mga nurse na katrabaho ni Seah, lumapit si Seah sa mga ito at niyakap isa-isa. “Guys ito ang pinsan ko, si Jan, ito naman si Willow at itong cute na batang ito ay ang paman—–” natigilan si Seah sa pagsasalita at napatulala.

Agad kong sinundan ng tingin kung saan siya nakatulala at nakita ko ang paparating na mga doctor. “Inimbitahan din namin sila Doc. total dayoff nila ngayon” sambit ng baklang nurse na kaibigan ni Seah.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Willow dahil doon, lumapit ang mga ito sa harapan namin at ang isa ay tila ang tinutukoy na lalake ni Seah. “Happy birthday, Intern” he said and smiled at her.

Hindi nakaimik si Seah at tila nakatulala pa rin. Pasimpleng hinila ni Willow ang buhok ni Seah para magsalita ito. Natauhan ito at agad umiwas ng tingin.

“Happy birthday, Seah, here for your” napatingin kami sa isa pang gwapong doctor na binati si Seah at inabutan ng maliit na paper bag ng Celine “Salamat Doc. Cornel” mahinang sambit ni Seah.

“Here’s my gift for you” bumalik ang tingin namin sa isang doctor, may dala itong louis Vuitton na paper bag, mukhang mamahalin ang regalo.

Nagtinginan kami ni Willow dahil doon, “If you don’t mind, I brought some friends” sambit ng Doctor na LV. lumingon kami sa kanyang likuran at halos mahulog ang aking panga ng makita ang mga taong paparating.

“My brother, his wife and my friend” sambit nito.

Nagtama ang aming mga tingin, at naramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Eight sa aking kamay. Parang nanlamig ang buo kong katawan dahil doon.

“This is my friend Ashton Del Mundo”

Chapter 25

“This is my friend Ashton Del Mundo” nanghina ang aking tuhod ng magtama ang aming mga mata, sinubukan kong hagkan ang kamay ni Eight sa aking gilid, pero natigilan ako ng hindi ko mahagilap ang kamay nito.

Kinapa ko ito upang hindi makakuha ng atnesyon mula kay Ash at ng hindi ko talaga ito mahanap. Pasimple akong lumingon, wala na sa aking tabi si Eight.

Lumingon ako sa aking likuran at nakita silang dalawa ni Willow na naglalakad papalayo, Willow looks at me and nodded before he brings him inside the resort. Nakahinga ako ng maayos dahil doon.

Nang bumalik ang tingin ko sa aking harapan nanatiling nakatitig sa akin si Ash kaya matapang ko siyang tiningnan. He urges that gently to smile at me but I just haze at him and turn my back on him.

“Sige kain na kayo haha” awkward nasambit ni Seah at hinila ang aking braso papalayo sa mga ito. “Nasaan si Eight?” kinakabahan na tanong nito, “Kinuha ni Willow” sagot ko, pareho kaming nanlalamig dahil sa kaba.

“Sorry, hindi ko alam na magkaibigan sila, at hindi ko alam na kasama siya sa mga doctor na darating, sorry” natatakot na sambit ni Seah, ramdam ko ang panginginig ng kamay niya kaya hinawakan ko siya at nginitian.

“Ok lang, hangga’t hindi niya nakikita si Eight walang mangyayari dito. Asikasuhin mo na ang mga bisita mo, aakyat lang ako sa itaas” mahina kong sambit bago siya tumango at doon ko siya iniwan.

Naglakad ako papasok ng resort ng at subukan kong silipin kung anong ginagawa ni Ash nagulat na lang ako ng nasa likuran ko na siya. I just gasped and felt like my soul jumped out of my body.

“Where are you going?” he seriously asked. Pero imbis na sagutin ko ang tanong niya, inirapan at tinalikuran ko lamang siya at mabilis na naglalakad papunta sa room namin.

Pagakyat ko sa itaas, halos tumalon ang puso ko sa takot ng makita ang appalabas na sila Eight sa room namin. Bamilis akong lumngon sa likuran upang siguraduhing wala doon si Ash.

Nang masigurong hindi ito sumunod, agad akong tumakbo papalapit kay Eight a hinila siya papasok sa kwarto. Malakas kong isinara ang pinto bago binitawan sa loob si Eight, he looked shock and just stared at me are I stroke my hair up and try to gain air for my body again.

“Ma?” tanong ni Eight, kasabay non ay ang paglabas ni Willow mula sa banyo, when she looks at me, na realize niya agad ang nangyari. “Eight, hindi ba sabi ko hindi ka lalabas” she said.

Eight confusedly stare at the both of us and ask, “Why can’t I go out?” he asked. “I wanna swim,” he said. Naglakas ako papalapit sa kama habang minamasahe ang aking ulo. Muntik na iyon.

“You can’t swim, just read books here inside” Willow said. Umupo ako sa kama habang pinapakalma ang pagtibok ng aking puso. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pag nangyari ang araw na kinatatakutan ko.

Hindi pwedeng magtagpo ang landas nilang mag-ama.

“Why? Ma? Why can’t I swim, I wanna swim” pagpupumilit ni Eight, “Eight high tide ngayon kaya delikado para sayo ang mag swimming sa labas, isa pa boring doon, dito na lang tayo at magbasa, here I bring some books” sambit ni Willow at isa-isang naglabas ng libro sa kanyang bag.

“No!! Gusto kong mag swimming!!!” sambit ni Eight, I was getting irritated because of this fea. Kaya hindi ko napigilang hampasin ang kama, dahilan para matigilan si Eight sa pagpupumilit.

“SINABING HINDI PWEDE DIBA, HINDI KA LALABAS NG ROOM NA ITO EIGHT, MAGBASA KA NA LANG DITO!!!” I shouted at him.

Kumunot ang noo ni Eight dahil sa biglaang kong pagsigaw, this was the first time I yelled at him and I admit it, I regret it in instant. “FINE!!” sigaw niya pabalik at kinuha ang librong inaabot ni Willo bago humiga sa kama at nagtalukbong.

Napayuko ako at napa sabunot sa buhok dahil sa inis, hindi ko dapat pinairal ang emosyon ko. “Eight, I’m sorry, just please stay here inside ok” nanghihina kong sambit, hinawakan ni Willow ang balikat ko bago tumango at sinabi.

“Ako na ang bahala dito, bumalik ka na doon para hindi ka mahalata” she said, huminga ako ng malalim bago tumayo at nilingon si Eight na nanatiling naka talukbong ng kumot. He’s mad at me.

Lumabas ako ng silid na iyon at muling huminga ng malalim bago tumuloy sa ibaba. Tinulungan ko si Seah sa pag aasikaso ng pagkain at ng ibang bisita. Alam kong nasa akin ang mata ni Ash kahit saan ako pumunta kaya ginawa ko ang lahat upang ipakita dito na wala akong pakialam sa kanya.

Natapos silang kumain at busy si Seah sa pakikipagusap sa mga nurse na kasamahan niya, kaya naiwan ako dito sa table sa gilid. I just decided to text Willow to check on Eight.

To Willow,

Kumusta si Eight? Galit pa rin ba?

Kinagat ko ang aking labi habang hinihintay ang reply nito, hindi ko sinustong sigawan si Eight.

From Willow,

He’s reading, ok na siya, nagtatampo lang ng konti, kausapin mo na lang mamaya.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng mabasa iyon, I’ll just let him understand everything later. I was silently sitting here after that text when a resort crew approached me. “Ma’am may bisita ho kayong nagpupumilit sumakay sa yacht doon, mukhang lasing ho…” sambit nito at may itinurong lugar malapit sa dagat.

Kunot noo ko itong tinanong, “Sino?”.

“Gwapong lalaki ho, amoy alak ko siya ma’am, hindi ko namin pagilian. Halika ho” sambit nito, agad akong lumingon sa table nila Ash, at nakumpirmang siya yon dahil wala ito sa tabi nong Doctor.

“Nasaan siya?” tumayo ako at sumunod dito, “Nandon ho ma’am, nagpumilit sumakay sa yate” magalang na sambit nito at itinuro ang yateng nakadoon sa gilid ng dagat.

“Akyat ho kayo Ma’am” inalalayan akon nitong sumakay sa yate. Pag Akyat ko dito agad akong naglakad papasok at hinanap si Ash dito sa loob ng yate.

“Kuya wala naman atang ta—ay” nagulat ako ng biglang umandar ang yate, at paglingon ko sa kuyang tumawag sa akin nasa tabing dagat siya habang umaandar papalayo sa kanya ang yateng ito.

“KUYA BAKIT UMAANDAR ITO!!! KUYA!!!!” sigaw ko pero nakatingin lang ito sa akin habang papalayo ng papalayo ang yate. “SEAHHHHHHHH TULONGGGGG!! SEAH!!!!” sigaw ko, pero alam kong huli na dahil medyo malayo na kami sa tabing dagat.

Naisipan kong tumalon na lang at lumangoy pabalik, kaso ng tingnan ko ang dagat nakaramdam ako ng takot. “Ishhh! Bakit ba kasi ang hilig mong manood ng shark shark yan tuloy natatakot ka!” sinampal ko ang aking sarili habang bumubulong.

“Jan” agad akong napalingon ng makita si Ash sa gilid ng yate, agad ko siyang nilapitan.

Nang makita kong matino naman siya at hindi amoy alak agad ko siyang inakusahan, “PLINANO MO ANG LAHAT NG ITO!!!” sigaw ko.

Agad siyang tumango at lumuhod sa aking harapan, “Anong ginagawa mo?!” tanong ko at napaatras ng konti dahil sa ginagawa niya.

“I’m sorry, I’m sincerely sorry, I was not thinking when I said those words to you. It was my mistake and I’m so sorry, please forgive me, I was a bastard” malumanay nitong sambit, pero hindi uubra sa akin yon.

“Kung totoong nagsisisi ka sa ginawa at mga sinabi mo, tumalon ka dito” sambit ko sabay turo sa gilid ng yate. Alam kong malalim na itong kinalalagyan namin kaya, confident akong hindi niya iyon magagawa. “Mapapatawad lang kita pagtumalon ka dit––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng agad siyang tumayo at tumakbo, tumalon sa dagat.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” I shouted and quickly looked at him. My heart beats so fast when he’s not showing up. “One, two, three, four, five, ASHHHHHH!! Six, seven, ISA ASH PAGHINDI KA NAGPAKITA!! eight, nine, ASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” kinakain na ako ng takot ng wala pa rin akong nakikitang Ash sa dagat.

“TEN! ASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” nanginginig na ang aking mga kamay sa takot, alam kong kaming dalawa lang ang nasa yate na ito, at pagnawala siya hindi na ako makakabalik sa resort.

At isa pa hindi ko naman hinihiling na mamatay siya. “ASHHHH ANO BA MAGPAKITA KA!!!!” malakas kong sigaw at pumunta sa likuran ng yate kung saan mababa lang at malapit sa tubig.

“ASHHHHHHHHHH!!!! OO NA PINAPATAWAD NA KITA MAGPAKITA KANA!!! ANO BA!!!!” sobrang bilis na talaga ng tibok ng puso ko dahil sa takot. Nagsimula na ring tumulo ang aking luha dahil ilang minuto na ang lumilipas.

“ASHHHHHHH MAGPAKITA KA NA!!! ANO BAAA!!!!!” sigaw ako ng sigaw pero wala pa ring Ash na nagpapakita.

“ASH ANO BA” lumalakas na ang aking pag iyak sa bawat segundong lumilipas. Nanlalamig na ako sa takot. “ASHH ANO B—AHHHHHHHHH” nagulat ako ng may humila sa aking kamay at nahulog ako sa tubig.

“AHHHHHHHHH” sigaw ko sa pag aakala na pating ang humila sa akin, pinilit kong umahon ng tubig ng may humawak sa aking bewang at pilit akong pinaharap.

“Hey, Jan it’s me” natigilan ako ng marinig ang boses ni Ash. umiyak ako lalo ng makitang buhay siya.

I burst out in fear and hugged him, “Hey, I was just kidding you, I’m alive haha” he whispered into my ears, but I was filled with overflowing fear, I just grip on him and cry on his arm. Akala ko mawawala na siya at malulunod na ako dito, kakainin ng pating at hindi na makikita ang anak ko.

Mahigpit ang pagkakayakap ko sa kanya, kaya inilayo niya ako ng konti sa kanya at hinawakan ang aking pisngi. “HINDI MO DAPAT GINAWA YON!!!” umiiyak kong sigaw at hinampas ang kanyang dibdib.

His smile faded when he saw fear all over my face, “I’m sorry, shhh” he whispered and hugged me this time.

He wrapped his arm around my waist underneath this cold freezing water. “Were you scared if I didn’t show up and die here?” he seriously asks kaya himapas ko muli ang dibdib niya.

“GAGO KA BA!!! MALAMANG!!!!” my heart still pounding so fast, hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pag namatay siya dahil sa akin.

“Shhhhh… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you” he gently whispered, I felt his kisses on my head down to my forehead.

I was sobbing so hard because of this fear, he caressed my face with both of his hands and wiped my tears. “I’m not dead, shhh stop crying” he whispered.

Tinitigan niya ako gamit ang mapupungay niyang mga mata bago dahan-dahang hinahaplos ang aking mukha pababa sa aking labi. He touched my lips and stared at it for a moment of time.

Suddenly that changes how my heart beats. Instead of feeling fear, those stares give me a different feeling inside my body. “I’m sorry” he whispered while still staring at my lips.

I stared back at him and when he looked back into my eyes, I felt hypnotized. He gently pulled me close to him, wrapping my small body in his arms and looking down at my lips again.

“I’m impulsive when it comes to you Jan, I can’t control my emotion” sambit niya habang nakatingin sa aking labi, na tila ito ang kanyang kinakausap.

“Whenever you’re involve, I feel so weak and loser, because you once make me feel like one” bakas sa boses nito ang lungkot ng sabihin iyon, “I should ruth you in hell because of what you did to me, but here I’m pleasing you again and begging for your forgiveness and sympathy” he grin bitterly.

“But I never heard you say sorry about the fast, but it’s ok” tumawa siya bago lumapit sa akin at hinagkan ang aking labi.

We kissed in the middle sea; his lip was sending me mixed emotions. The way he moves his lips just makes me lose my senses and just follow whatever it wants. He stops after a few seconds before we both swim and go back to the yacht.

When we were both on the yacht, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me to the higher level of the yacht which is the bow cockpit and kissed me once again.

I just lose it, and just follow what he’s doing. I was still sobbing between our kisses and he gave me comfort as he slowly sat and let me sit on his lap, wrapping my waist with his arms and gently pushing my nape close to him to deepen the kiss.

Ash slowly explored the inside of my lips, devouring every part of it. And move down to my chin, to my jaw and down to my neck.

I arched my neck for him to have a better access to my neck. He started sucking and licking my delicate skin.

“Hmmm” I whimper as he bites my neck, and moves down to my chest. I suddenly felt a slap of reality when he was moving down to my chest. I instantly move away from him and fix my shirt.

“Jan?” he asked me, I avoided his gaze and spoke. “IBALIK MO NA AKO SA RESORT NGAYON NA!!!” I shouted.

“Jan” he tried to reach my hand but I stepped back and slapped him, I looked at him. “I said let’s go back there!” madiin kong sambit bago naglakad papunta sa gilid ng yate.

Para akong sinampal ng katotohanan, hindi tama itong ginagawa ko! Hindi tama. Nagsimulang umandar ang yate pabalik sa resort at agad akong bumababa ng dumaong ito sa daungan.

Hindi ko na hinintay pa si Ash at mabilis na tumuloy sa loob ng resort.

I touched my lips while walking, and suddenly my heart aches. “Mali, Jan!”

Lynus POV

“What are you waiting for, apologies to her and give her your gift. Don’t just stare at her” I was staring at that intern for almost an hour and stopped as Farah whispered in my ears.

I know that kiss was a mistake, I didn’t really mean to make it sound and look bad. But it happens to be overfast with fear and jealousy. I became competitive when Cornel showed up and tried giving hints on him admiring her.

All my life I was beating my brother and thought that I still love Louen, but in the end, I realized that I just can’t accept that I lost this time. I stopped loving Louen since Tabi got cured, everything just became genuine feelings.

I just can’t show it to my brother, I want him to feel that I’m still a treat to him. But it’s not working. Now this intern really got my attention since that day we first met. She’s giving me too much attention and effort.

I kinda see myself in her. So, I limit myself and avoid her, but when I saw her getting attention from another man. I felt jealous and possessive at the same time. I could not control my emotions at that time, my words were overrun and out of control.

And I got scared when she said she’s going to stop pursuing me, I don’t want her to stop tho. This time I want someone to pursue me, and that’s her.

I kissed her, so she won’t forget about me. But my stupidity and ego showed up after that kiss so I said words that I didn’t really mean to say.

“I’m stupid” I uttered as I watch her laughing with her friends.

“Yes, you are” sagot ni Farah sa tabi ko. “Now, go and get that intern” she said, pushed me out of the couch and winked at me.

Huminga ako ng malalim at lumapit sa kanya, I saw her glance at me and when she saw me walking towards their table. She quickly stood up.

“Kuha lang ako ng drinks hahaha” she said and immediately avoid me. “Doc. Lynus, gusto niyo ho bang umupo dito, tara ho” one of the nurses pull me to sit on their table. Umupo ako at hinintay bumalik si Seah.

She went back but acted like I didn’t exist. “Intern” I tried calling her but she’s laughing out loud and ignored me.

“Intern…S-Seah” I said but again she’s not giving shit about me.

“Kuha lang ulit ako ng drinks hahaha” sambit niay kahit marami pang drinks dito sa table nila. Sinundan ko siya at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay.

Pero agad niya itong tinggal at galit akong hinarap, instead of looking at me. She looks at the head nurse who’s going to pass by us. “Head nurse pwede ho bang pakisabi kay Doctor. Herrera na busy pa ako” she said.

The head nurse confusedly look at me, “At pakisabi din sa kanya na kung gusto niya akong makausap maghintay siya doon” she said at pointed chair beside the pool.

I nodded and smile at the head nurse, “Head nurse, tell her that I’ll wait for her there” malumanay kong sambit at tumuloy sa sinabi nitong upuan.

I sat there and waited for her, I did her wrong, so I need to wait even if it takes an hour.

Seah’s POV

“Head nurse, tell her that I’ll wait for her there” sambit nito at naglakad papunta sa tinuro kong upuan kung saan tirik na tirik ang araw.

“Hmf! Maghintay ka dyan hanggang sa maging bato ka” I whispered and go back to our table.

I drink a lot with my friends, at dahil sa sobrang dami nalasing na sila Gorge kaya kinailangan pa namin siyang buhatin at dalhin sa room nila. Ginabi na kami sa pag inom buti na lang ay hindi ko masyadong nilasing ang aking sarili.

I’m a little bit tipsy but I can still walk and see things clearly. “Hay!!! Ang sakit ng likod ko sayo Gorge nakakainis ka!!” naguunat-unat kong sambit bago napatingin sa bintana ng room nila ng biglang bumagsak ang malakas na ulan.

“Hay buti nalang nakapasok na tayo dito sa loob, kung hindi basa tayo doon sa labas” sambit ni Hanna na isang nurse din. Tumango ako bilang pagsasangayon at sinabi, “Oh sige na kayo na ang bahala kay bakla, magpapahinga na rin ako” lumabas na ako ng silid nila at naglakad papunta sa room namin.

“Seah, nandito ka pa rin?” napalingon ako ng makasalubong ko ang head nurse. “Po?” tanong ko.

“Akala ko pinuntahan mo na si Doctor Herrera doon, kanina ka pa hinihintay non sa sinabi mong lugar” nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng maalala ang sinabi ko kakina.

Hindi ko na nagawang sagutin pa ang head nurse at agad ng tumakbo pabalik sa labas. Wag mong sabihin naghihintay pa rin siya doon, siguradong umalis na yon doon.

Hindi naman yon’ magpapabasa sa ulan. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko habang papalapit ako sa sinabi kong lugar. Tuluyan na rin akong nabasa ng ulan dahil walang silong dito sa labas.

Habang papalapit ako ng papalapit mas lumalakas ang pagdarasal ko na wala na siya sa upuan na iyon.

But I stopped and my heart also stopped beating, that can’t be true.

I saw him sitting on that chair under the rain.

“D-Doc.L-Lynus”

Chapter 26

“D-Doc.L-Lynus” halos kapos hininga ko’ng sambit ng tumayo ako sa harapan nito. Nahihirapan akong tingnan siya dahil sa lakas ng ulan at pareho na kaming basang-basa sa ilalim ng ulan.

Hindi ko mapigilan hawakan ang aking dibdib, nag magsimula itong kumirot. I felt so guilty, I didn’t mean to forget about it, akala ko hindi niya tototohanin ang kanyang sinabi. Isa pa sino ba naman ang matinong lalaki ang maghihintay sa taong alam niyang ayaw siyang kausapin.

He raised his head, stared at me, and stroked his hair before he stood up. Lumapit ako sa kanya. Katumbas ng bawat hakbang na aking tinatahak ay pagsikip ang aking dibdib. I’m sorry, hindi ko sinasadya.

We both stood up in front of each other before he urged that gentle smile and said, “Are you done being busy now?” he asks that with the warm tone of his voice.

Mas lalo akong kinain ng aking konsensya dahil sa sinabi niya, dapat galit siya sa akin ngayon, dapat pinagtataasan niya ako ng boses dahil pinaghintay ko siya ng sobrang tagal at sa ilalim ng malakas na ulan. Dapat galit siya sa akin, pero bakit ganito!!!

I was just staring at him, and didn’t say any word because I just wanna slap my face right now. I’m hurt, yes. But I’m not that ruthless of other people, I really didn’t mean it.

Sobrang sikip ng pakiramdam ko sa aking dibdib, bawat tibok ng aking puso ay tila isang pagtusok ng tinik sa aking puso, I feel the pain of making him wait for so long.

My tears started to shed and I shook my head, “I-I’m s-sorry” I was stuttering when I said that.

Umiyak ako sa kanyang harapan, at pilit isinasampal sa aking sarili ang aking ginawa. I mean, who am I to make him wait like this.

“I’m sorry” I whispered and cried out loud. I tried to cover my face, but before I could do that, he hugged me. Locking me in his arms under the cold strong rain.

As I rested my head on his chest, I burst out and hugged him back. “Sorry, I didn’t m-mean it” I uttered. Instead of answering, he just rests his chin on my head and gently caresses my back.

“It’s ok, I deserve this haha” malumanay nitong sambit bago ako dahan-dahan inilayo sa kanya at tiningnan ako sa aking mga mata.

Umiling ako at sinabi, “No, you don’t deserve this Do—” he cut me out with a peck of kiss. I was instantly stiff as he did that, he moved away with a smile on his face, bringing out something in his pocket.

Nang buksan niya ito sa aking harapan, my lips parted and slowly, I lift my hands up to my lips and cover it. He can’t do this to me, I’m guilty and I did something like this to him and now he’s giving me this.

“I’m sorry for what I’ve said and done that day, I wasn’t at peace that time. Also, I got threatened when Cornel started admiring your presence. I was too careless and rumbled and I said bad things to you. The truth is I don’t want you to forget about me, please forgive me and Happy birthday, Intern” he whispered, wiping my tears and walking behind me.

He made me wear this Tiffany & Co. necklace that I saw on the internet. If I’m right, I know this would cost 393,246.20 pesos. “I chose this Diamond Vine Circle Pendant in Platinum because it kind of reminds me of you, neat yet simple.” he uttered after hooking it in.

Hinarap ko siya at muli niyang pinunasan ang aking mga luha. “Stop crying, it’s your birthday, right?” natatawa niyang sambit.

Imbis na sumagot ay agad kong binato sa kanya ang dala kong twalya na medyo basa na rin. “Pumasok ka na sa loob” I said and run away.

Mabilis akong tumakbo hanggang sa kamarating ako sa loob ng resort at nagtago sa gilid ng hagdan. Hinawakan ko ang aking dibdib dahil sa hingal, at nakapa ko ang kwintas na kanyang binigay.

My face suddenly heated, my heart was pounding a bit faster than it’s normal beat.

“The truth is I don’t want you to forget about me”

“Is this a dream?”

Willow’s POV

“Eight, don’t even think about it” Napalingon ako kay Jan ng pagbawalan nito si Eight na lumabas sa terrace ng room namin. Pinanood kong sumimangot si Eight bago humiga sa aking tabi imbis sa tabi ng kanyang ina.

I smile and let him rest on my arms, I stroke his hair while scrolling on my phone, I decide to check my IG for some notifications and when I check it out.

I purse my lips when I see Rios account on my followers request. He followed me on Instagram a week ago. Hindi ko agad ito inaccept at sinubukan hindi pansinin pero ilang segundo lang ang makalipas na kita ko ang sarili kong papunta sa bio nito.

I checked out his account since it’s a public account. It’s impressive that he has 79.4k followers on Ig. binasa ko ang Bio niya at nakitang isa siyang freelance model and shareholder ng isang clothing line. And he owns a mini-coffee shop, I didn’t expect that.

He’s 19 years old yet he has a lot of sources of income, why the fuck did he work as a partimer in the publishing company? Is it really for me? That’s insane.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pag scroll sa kanyang account at nakita ko ang ibang model pictures niya na pinost niya. He’s some sort of a sports ambassador based on the caption on one of his pictures. “Wow, this kid is really something” I whisper.

Nagpatuloy pa ako sa pagbaba at natigilan ng makita ang isang larawan na tila umagaw ng aking atensyon. This was the same girl he’s with, in that convenience store. Siya yon.

The caption said ‘Boo’ and the picture is him and her laughing at each other in a university activity, they even wear the same yellow bond in their forehead. How sweet.

Kasunod ng post na iyon meron ulit silang picture together, the caption said ‘I would rather laugh with you and forget about the bad times’ kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa caption na iyon, ang corny!

Ang sumunod na post ay yung babae lang mismo, she’s eating ice cream and smiling at the camera. ‘Second women in my life, I love you’

I suddenly felt off on scrolling on my phone, kaya pinatay ko na lang ito at binitawan sa side table. I bit my lower lip and stared at the ceiling. That kid is playing with me.

He has a girlfriend yet he’s flirting with me. Kumirot ang puso ko ng maisip ang salitang iyon. Wag mong sabihing nahulog ka na sa batang iyon Willow?!

I don’t know why my heart is aching? Why did I feel bad when he didn’t notice me that day?

I can’t be in love with that kid!!! That’s a foolish thing to do Willow.

I slap my face and whisper, “Stop this nonsense Willow”

“Stop”

“LAMIG!” nagulat ako ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng room namin at pumasok ang parang basang sisiw na si Seah. Napaupo ako at agad siyang hinagisan ng twalya.

“Anong nangyari sayo?” tanong ni Jan sa kanya. Imbis na sumagot binalot ni Seah ang kanyang mukha gamit ang tuwalya at pumasok sa banyo.

“Anong nangyari doon?” bulong ni Jan. “Did you see her eyes? Did she cry?” tanong ko ng mapansin kong namumula ang kanyang mata kanina.

Jan just arched her shoulder and lay down again, she even covered her eyes using her arms and slept. “Eight, stop reading na, matulog kana sa tabi ni Mama mo” mahina kong sambit kay Eight kaya tumango siya at lumipat sa tabi ni Jan.

When Jan felt his son’s presence agad niya itong niyakap at kinumutan, hinalikan sa noo at sabay silang natulog.

I stared back at the ceiling, close my eyes after a second and say, “Stop, your feelings Willow”

I woke up at the afternoon sunrise, it was a bright and yet gloomy sky. Sinubukan kong ngumiti habang nag uunat ng katawan. I sat on the edge of the bed and gazed at the window.

“Why can’t I swim Mama?” napalingon ako sa aking likuran ng marinig ang boses ni Eight, he’s seating on their bed while Seah and Jan is fixing their dress.

“Hindi ka pwedeng lumabas ngayon Eight, uulan pangit mag swimming ngayon delikado” hindi makapaniwala’ng tumanaw sa bintana si Eight bago muling hinarap ang kanyang Mama. “It’s a sunny day Ma—” he was cut when Jan shut his mouth and spoke. “Pag sinabing hindi pwede, hindi pwede Eight. Diba sabi ni Mama wag makulit, stay here at babalik ako kaagad para makapagbasa tayo mamaya ok” malumanay na sambit ni Jan, pero bakas sa mukha nito ang takot para sa anak.

I understand how terror it is for her to know that the father of her child is just roaming around this resort. Bagsak balikat na humiga si Eight sa kama at tinakpan ang mukha ng libro bago nagpapadyak ng paa.

“Eight, just stay here with Tita, I need someone with me here” I said, stood up and fixed the bed. Nginitian ako ni Jan, she mouthed the word ‘thank you’ before she looked at Seah and spoke. “Tara na”

“A-ah, sige” Sagot ni Seah bago sila tumngin sa kain at lumabas ng kwarto’ng ito. “Why did they bring us here if we’re not allowed to swim? What’s the use of staying on a resort but you’re not allowed to enjoy the beach” singhal ni Eight, kaya tumawa na lang ako at nilapitan siya.

I seat beside him and say, “Ayaw mo bang samahan si Tita dito? At isa pa akala ko ba ang Eight na kilala ko, mas gugustuhin magbasa sa loob ng kwarto kesa sa gumawa ng outdoor activity?” Tanong ko.

“This is different Tita, but what can I do, I just read books the wholeeeeeee day…tsk” natawa ako sa kacutan niya, at pianood siyang dumapa sa kama ko malapit sa bintana at nagsimulang magbasa ng panibagong libro.

Ngumiti na lang ako at tumabi sa kanya, I also read books with him. We stayed like that for a couple of hours. At pagsapit ng ala sais ng hapon naisipan kong magshower. Binuksan ko ang TV bago humarap si Eight.

“I’ll just take a shower” I said and stepped inside the bathroom, took some shower and refreshed my brain so I could write.

It was just a 5-minute shower and I quickly stepped out of the bathroom. “The water is warm, it’s good to take a shower Eight, do you like to take a shower na rin?” taong ko dito habang siansara ang pinto ng banyo.

“No, thank Steve” kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sagot na iyon, nanghumarap ako sa kama, nanigas ako sa kaing kinatatayuan ng makitang wala doon si Eight. The book is there but Eight wasn’t there. And the one I heard was from the TV show.

Dahan-dahan akong lumingon sa pinto ng sildi na ito at nakitang nakabukas ito. “N-no”.

“Eight!”

Jan’s POV

“Come on Jan, talk to me” hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupunta sa kakaiwas sa lalaking ito. Hindi niya ako tinitigilan.

“Wala tayong dapat pag usapan Ash!” I said and kept on walking. Simula ng lumabas siya mula sa room niya ngayong hapon, hindi niya na ako tinigilan kausapin.

I don’t want to talk to him and open up what happened between the both of us yesterday. That was not supposed to happen.

“I just want us to talk Jan, I’ve already done everything I know to reconcile with you, come on” he’s voice sounds begging and soft, and it’s making me weak. But I can’t just give in!

“Not now Ash, I said not now” I said. Dumidilim na kaya kailangan ko nang bumalik sa kwarto at inawasan ang lalaking ito. I don’t want to give in just like what happened yesterday.

Doon ko na realize na kayang-kaya niya akong mapasunodin sa gusto niya, at mabilis akong makalimot dahil sa mga haplos niya.

I did a lot of bad things to him and he’s right I should be ruthing in hell.

“Jan, please” he begged, stopping me by grabbing my wrist and forcing me to face him.

“Ano ba Ash, sinabi hindi ngay––“hindi ko natuloy ang sasabihin ko ng biglang, “JAN!!!!” malakas na sigaw ni Willow mula sa aming likuran.

“W-willow?” I uttered, and then realization hit me when I saw her crying.

“Eight?” agad kong tinggal ang kamay ni Ash sa akin at mabilis na tumakbo papalapit kay Willow. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang niya ng balikat at tinanong. “Bakit ka nandito? Nasan si Eight?!”

“I don’t know, he went out of our room while I’m taking a shower. Sinubukan ko siyang hanapin pero hindi ko siya mahanap Jan” malakas ang pag iyak na sambit ni WIllow.

That just makes my heart stop beating! Eight!

“What’s happening?” Ash asks, and he’s already at my back.

“Anong nangyayari?” sumulpot si Seah sa likuran ni Willow at agad siyang niyakap ni Willow, tumingin ako sa dagat at agad tumakbo papalapit dito. Kung may pupuntahan man si Eight sa puntong ito, sigurado akong ang dagat ’yon.

“EIGHT!!!!!, EIGHT!!!!!! EIGHT!!!!!” malakas kong sigaw habang naglalakad sa tabing dagat at tinitignan ang mga bata sa paligid.

Sumisikip ang dibdib ko dahil sa matinding takot na aking nararamdaman.

“EIGHTTTTTT!!!!! EIGHT!!!! NASAN KA!!!! EIGHT!!!” nababasa na ako sa lakas ng alon ng tubig. Mas nakakadagdag kaba at panginginig ang tunog ng malakas na alon.

Eight anak ko, nasaan ka na?

“EIGHTTTTT?!” sigaw ko.

“Jan? Who’s Eight? Who are we looking for?” rinig kong tanong ni Ash mula sa kaing likuran, pero wala na ako sa tamang wisyo para isipin siya ngayon, kailangan kong mahanap ang anak ko.

“EIGH—–”

“AY YONG BATA NALULUNOD!!!” agad akong lumingon ng may sumigaw na babae sa tabing dagat, at may tinuturo siyang bata sa dagat.

Tumakbo ako papalapit sa kanya at tiningnan mabuti ang batang tinutukoy nito. It was a terror when I recognized that kid. “EIGHT!!!!!” malakas kong sigaw at mabilis tumulo ang aking luha.

I was about to run into the water when Ash quickly dived in and swam towards Eight. Napaupo ako sa lupa at makalas na umiyak. “EIGHT!!” I watch Ash save him and bring him here in front of me.

“EIGHT!!!!!!” kinuha ko siya mula kay Ash at niyakap ng sobrang higpit. “M-ma” he whispered.

Good thing he’s still in consciousness. “Bakit mo ginawa ’yun?!” nanginginig kong tanong.

“S-sorry Mama” Eight whispered and stood up in front of me, wiped my tears and urged a smile.

“Mama?” napalingon kami ay Ash ng magsalita siya, he was soaking wet and he was staring at EIght, doon ko lang naalala na ang lahat, agad akong tumayo at niyakap si Eight.

I hide his face beside me and we both walk. “Jan” tawag sa akin ni Ash. Pero mas pinili kong wag siyang pansinin at pilit itago sa kanya si Eight.

“Tara na sa loob” I whisper and kept on walking. “Kid, did you just call her Mama?” tanong ni Ash kay Eight, sinubukan silipin ni Eight si Ash pero pilit ko siyang hinarap sa akin.

“Don’t look back Eight” bulong ko, Eight confusedly look at me and continue walking.

“How old is he, Jan?” rinig kong patuloy na tanong ni Ash.

I continue walking while Eight tries to look back, “No, Eight” sobrang bilis na ang tibok ng puso ko sa takot. This can’t be the day, please.

“HOW OLD IS HE!!!!” sigaw ni Ash. and this time Eight stop walking and face him. “Eight, way—” hindi ko siya napigilan at tuluyan niyang hinarap si Ash.

“I’m 7 years old Mister” Eight answers him politely.

No..

“S-seven” Ash whispered and our eyes met.

No please this can’t be the day…

“He’s mine,” Ash whispered and a tear come out from his eyes.

Chapter 27

“HOW OLD IS HE!!!!”

“Eight, way—”

“I’m 7 years old Mister” Eight answers him politely.

No..

“S-seven” Ash whispered and our eyes met.

No please this can’t be the day…

“He’s mine,” Ash whispered and a tear came out from his eyes. Parang tumigil ang pag ikot ng aking mundo ng tumulo ang luha ni Ash habang nakatingin kay Eight.

“This must be a j-joke” I heard him whisper, while Eight, confusedly looked at me and said. “Ma, what does he mean?” my son started asking the question that I feared the most. Parang dinudurog at pinipiga ang puso ko sa sobrang kirot.

Hindi ko magawang magsalita, patuloy na lang tumulo ang luha sa aking mga mata habang nagpapalipat-lipat ang aking tingin kay Ash at Eight.

“Ma?” muling sambit ni Eight, dahan-dahan akong lumuhod sa kanyang harapan at hinawakan ang kanyang mga kamay. “Ma why are you shaking?” EIght touched my hands and tried to stop it from shaking and he even wiped my tears using he’s left hand.

I close my eyes as I feel his cold touch on my face. This might not be the time I want this to happen but right now I have no choice but to tell him the truth.

“Patawarin mo si Mama…” I was sobbing so hard as I tried to speak properly. I end up stuttering so bad and it just makes me cry even more.

Nagsisimula na rin akong mahirapan huminga dahil sa sobrang pag iyak. “M-ma?” muling sambit ni EIght bago nilingon ang lumuluhang si Ash sa kanyang likuran.

When he looks back at me, it seems like my genius son already understands what’s happening. He started breathing deeply, which is a sign of his asthma attack.

Hinagkan ko ang kanyang pisngi. Hinalikan ko ang kanyang noo, bago pinagdikit ang aming noo, “Patawarin mo si Mama, nagsinungaling ako sayo” I weakly whisper as my chest harden in pain.

“What do you mean?” he asks, he knows it but he chooses to ask me because he wants to hear it from me, which kills me even more. I could see the pain in my son’s eyes.

“He’s your father”

And that ends up there, Eight look at me with tears all over his eyes. Slightly move away from me before he face Ash and wipe those tears using his arms. Ash just stood in front of him crying.

“Eight” I whisper and reach for Eights hands but without a word, Eight run away from us.

“EIGHT!!!” sigaw ko at sinubukan ko siyang habulin pero pinigilan ako ni Willow at Seah. “Kami na ang bahala kay Eight, you have to face this now Jan” Willow said before they both run after my son.

Naiwan ako dito sa harapan ni Ash, He was looking at the sunset with tears all over his face. “Ha” he exhales, urging a painful smirk before he slowly sits on the sand staring at the sunset.

Nanginginig akong naglakad papalapit sa kanya at umupo sa kanyang tabi. I try to calm myself and look at the sunset the same as he does.

We stayed like that until the sun hides and the moon shines. We both stopped crying but our eyes were both swollen. He didn’t speak a word nor even glance at me. He just stared so far and kept the pain inside.

He was controlling himself not to burst out. And that even gives me a stab on my chest. This is my fault. I didn’t expect that this would be as painful as this.

I was silent yet the pain is there, the pain is eating us with silence. It’s killing me.

Hindi ko na hinintay lumipas ang oras, I gather all my strength and speak. “I’m s-sorry”

Muli nanaman tumulo ang luha sa aking mga mata dahil mas lalong sumasakit. We are not looking at each other. “I was scared, and hurt.. Nasaktan ako nung time na iyon, Alam ko na wala akong karapatan magalit at gawin lahat ng ito dahil ako ang gumawa ng masama sayo.. Ginamit kita para sa pansariling kong kagustuhan at pinagsisihan ko iyon. Hanggang ngayon pinagsisisihan at pinagbabayaran ko ang ginawa kong iyon. Pero tao lang din naman ako Ash, may dahilan kung bakit ko nagawa iyon at hindi ko ginustong saktan ka dahil mahal na kita pero kailangan ko iyon gawin.” all the pain of the past came back.

It’s all coming back in my chest, “Ginawa ko iyon dahil kailangan kong makatapos ng pag-aaral, kailangan kong i-ahon sa hirap ang mama ko, kailangan kong abutin ang pangarap niya dahil siya na lang ang meron ako, pero nagkamali na naman ako, ginamit kita at tama nga sila mabilis ang karma, nabuntis ako at mas lalong hindi natupad ang pangarap ng mama ko. Pero hindi ko pinagsisihan si Eight, siya ang nagsilbing lakas ko sa lahat ng paghihirap. Siguro nga kasalanan ko ang lahat at maari mo akong ilibing sa galit mo pero hinding-hindi ko ibibigay ang anak ko” I said and shook my head down.

“Hindi ko na hehengin ang kapatawaran mo dahil walang katumbas ang kasalanan na ginawa ko sayo, ilabas mo lahat ng galit mo sa akin pero parang awa mo na akin lang ang anak ko” I kept my words even tho I’m dying inside.

Nanahimik lang siya habang umiiyak ako hanggang sa bigla siyang tumawa. He bitterly chuckled and kept looking at the bright night sky. “You know what’s funny here, I’ve been used to this kind of life story and I didn’t expect it would happen to me” he said and tears fell up again.

He was laughing bitterly; you can hear the pain. “My Mom, my Adoptive mother hid my sister from my father back then, and my sister hid her child from her husband a year ago and now here I am being secrecy with my own flesh. You gotta be kidding me haha, fucking seven years” he said that while laughing sarcastically. He wiped his tears and kept on laughing in pain.

It makes me cry even more, “That fucking painful, and now you’re telling me that you don’t want me to have my child because he’s yours?” This time he faced me, with tears and pain flashes from his face.

I couldn’t bear to look at him, this is so painful. Mas lalo akong umiyak ng magtama ang aming mag tingin. Tumango ako bilang sagot sa kanyang tanong habang patuloy na lumuluha.

“He’s all yours” he firmly whispered, which made me stiff.

My lips parted as that word sink in into my mind, hindi ko alam pero mas lalo lang sumakit ang aking puso dahil doon. It felt like he doesn’t even care about Eight, like he’ll just let me have him on my own. He didn’t even fight for his right for his son.

Sobrang sakit, sobrang higpit ng pagkakakurot ko sa aking hita upang pigilan ang malakas kong pagiyak pero hindi ko na nakayanan. Yumuko ako at doon binuhos ang aking pag iyak.

I was shouting in pain, crying with disbelief.

He’s so mad at me that he doesn’t even want to consider his son on his side. He will just let me have him on my own, without any anger coming from him. This is more painful than the pain I felt a while ago. This is the worst.

I didn’t expect this from him.

“He’s all yours” he repeated. “Then, I will just make you mine, so I can have what’s yours, which is our son. I understand everything, the fear, the pain, the sacrifice and the love. I’m sick of this kind of story. Let’s change it” I slowly rose my head when he said that.

ano?

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t there at the hardest times, let me be here from this day forward. Let me be with you and let’s conquer the world together” parang tumigil muli ang pagikot ng mundo ko dahil sa kanya sinabi.

“P-pero s-sinakta––” hindi ko nagawang tapusin ang aking sasabihin ng bigla niyang hagkan ang aking labi, isang matamis na halik ang tumapos ng lahat ng sakit sa aking dibdib.

“I forgive you” he whispered between our kisses, gently biting my lower lip. “But in one condition, ‘’ he said. I didn’t speak, I just let him talk.

“Be mine again, and this time, no bet and secrets, I beg” I close my eyes and just silent to my beating heart again.

“Let’s start our real love story Jan, and let’s make the most out of it” he uttered, cupped my face and smiled at me.

That just melted me down and I just shed tears in front of him, I don’t know what I have done to deserve him. “What’s his name?” he asked, put some strand on my hair at the back of my ear.

“Tyrant August Rivera” I whisper.

He smiles and say, “Del Mundo” mas lalo lang akong lumuha dahil sa sinabi niya, ngumiti siya at niyakap ako ng sobrang higpit.

A hug that saves me from all this pain. My home.

“Ma” napalingon kaming dalawa ni Ash ng marinig ko ang boses ni Eight, he was standing in front of us with swollen eyes underneath those thick glasses.

He was sobbing while staring at us, and suddenly Ash chuckled, he looked at him and, “He’s like my prototype” Ash genuinely said.

Dahil doon tumawa na rin ako at hinila papalapit sa akin si Eight, he seated on my lap, facing Ash with frowned eyes.

“You’re my Dad?” seryosong tanong ni Eight kay Ash kaya natigilan kaming dalawa ni Ash.

Ash sat straight and answered, “Yes, Sir.” He suddenly looked nervous in front of his son.

“How old are you?” Eight asks, he’s like interviewing him.

“Twenty-five”

“Can you buy me a Harry Potter book set?” kunot noo kong tiningnan si Eight dhail doon. He looks so serious about it.

“Sure, I could give you a hundred of copies of that book” sagot ni Ash.

We both watched Eight nod his head before he stood up in front of his dad and offered his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you…” Ash look so nervous, “Dad” sambit ni Eight na agad nagpangiti kay Ash at niyakap ang anak ng sobrang higpit. He shed tears again before he glanced at me and mouthed the word. ‘Thank you’

After that heart felt hugged, Eight fixed his shirt and glasses like an adult man before he faced me and said. “I understand your sacrifice Ma, sorry I got mad a while ago, but now I understand it all, Tita Willow and Tita Seah explained it to me, thank you for everything Ma, I love you” he said and hugged me too.

My heart just jumps out of my chest right now, I can’t believe everything turns out like this.

“Come here Dad” utos ni Ash sa kanyang ama bago ito niyakap kasama namin.

Ash smiled at us and we hugged each other as a symbol of a new start.

---

“Hay balik na naman sa trabahooo” nakasimangot na sambit ni Seah habang papalabas kami ng resort. Tapos na ang stay namin dito at kailangan nang umuwi at magtrabaho.

Willow and I shake our heads at her and just smile. “Kailangan ka na ng mga pasyente mo Seah” pang-aasar ni Willow dito. Kaya mas lalong sumimangot si Seah at padabog na naglakad papalabas.

Paglabas namin tatlo sumalubong sa amin ang isang Van na itim, bumukas ang pinto nito ata lumabas mula doon si Eight. “Hop in girls” maloko nitong sambit bago sinuot ang shade ni Ash.

“Ay taray, yes Sir” masiglang sagot ni Seah sa pamangkin bago hinawakan ang kamay nito at kunwaring nagpaalalay sa pagsakay sa Van.

Lumapit naman sa akin si Ash at agad hinalikan ang aking noo. “How’s your sleep?” he whispers. “Ok naman, ikaw?” tanong ko, dahil kahit na nagkaayos na kami mas pinili ko pa ring matulog sa kwarto namin nila Seah at hinayaan si Ash kasama si EIght ng buong gabi.

“I didn’t sleep haha” sagot nito kaya tumawa kaming dalawa, siguradong hindi siya pinatulog ni Eight.

“Ehem” natigilan kami sa pagtawa ng pekeng umubo sa aming tabi si Willow. “Tara na, single ako eh, malamang bitter ako” masungit nitong sambit at sumakayna rin sa Van.

Ash smiled at me before he guided me riding the van and sat on the passenger seat together with his son. Bumalik kami ng Manila at dahil kasama namin si Ash mabilis lang kaming nakauwi.

Tumigil kami sa tapat ng amaing apartment at ibinababa lahat ng gamit. “Wag na yan” nagulat ako ng ibinalik ni Willow ang bag ko na nilabas ko na sa Van. “Bakit?” tanong ko.

Seah and Willow looked at me, smile and said, “Kinausap kami ni Ash kagabi, he asks permission if he could bring you and his son to his house daw, syempre umoo kami para mas malaking space na namin ni Seah sa apartment…char hahaha, sige na sumama ka na sa kanya dalawin mo na lang kami dito. At kami na bahala sa mga gamit niyo ni Eight” napalingon ako kay Ash na nakatayo sa gilid ng Van ng may ngiti sa kanyang labi.

“Sige na gora na” hinawakan ni Seah ang aking magkabilang balikat bago muling pinapasok sa Van. “Thank you” I whisper, they both smile at me, kiss me on my cheeks and whisper. “Balitaan mo na lang kami” tumango ako bilang sagot.

“EIGHT DALAWIN MO SI TITA AHHH!” sabay nilang sambit at binuhat si Eight. “I will bring you a lot of food tita Seah, and books for Tita Willow, I will ask Dad for money, he has a lot” natawa nalang ang dalawa sa sinabi ni EIght bago sila nagpaalam sa tuluyan nang pumasok sa apartment.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t ask you about this” Ash said, now he’s sitting beside me here at the back.

“Ok lang, oo din naman ang sagot ko” I said, he smiled and attempted to kiss me but Eight blocked his kiss with a book. “No kissing in public areas” he said and sat between us.

Ash just smiled at me, held my hand and we headed straight to his house.

Pagbaba namin ng Van hindi ko mapigilang mamangha sa sobrang ganda ng bahay. It’s a modern contemporary house. “I instantly called my caretaker to clean the whole house last night, since I’ve decided to live here with you and our son. I bought this a year ago after watching my sister getting married. I kind of expected to live here after but I felt so lonely living here alone, so I stayed at my condo instead but now I think this is the right time to use it. Do you like it?” he asks, wrapping his arm on my waist.

“I love it” sagot ko.

“Good, let’s go inside, Eight come on” sambit nito at samaby kaming pumasok sa loob ng malaking bahay na ito.

Sobrang ganda… this is our new starte.

---

“Eight stop reading, let’s eat and take a shower!!!” I shouted while stepping out of the kitchen, it’s been three days since our life turned around. In just a glimpse I’m living a life that everyone dreamed of.

I’m with the man I first fell in love with, “Good Morning gorgeous” Ash wrapped his arms on my waist as he watched me fix our breakfast on the dining table.

“How’s your sleep?” I ask. He smirked and whisper, “I didn’t actually sleep a lot since you didn’t stop using my body last night” agad ko siyang hinampas sa kanyang kamay ng sabihin niay iyon.

“Tigilan mo ako Ash” I haze, he chuckled in a husky voice before he caressed my stomach. Slowly moving his hand up to my chest.

“Ash!” subway ko pero patuloy siyang gumagalaw at agad lumayo ng lumitaw si Eight sa aming harapan.

“Gross” Eight whisper before he seats on. Ash just laughed at his mess with his son’s hair and we started eating.

Habang kumakain hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng kaba, at napansin iyon ni Ash. hinawakan niya ang aking kamay at tiningnan ako gamit ang mapungay niyang mag mata.

“It’s fine they’re gonna like you, my mom and sister will totally love you since you do the sma trick they do haha” he teases me once again kaya sinamaan ko lang siya nang tingin at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.

This is my first time meeting his family and I don’t know if it will go well…

Ash said that he’s sister is a little bit stubborn like his mom, that’s why I feel uneasy. Baka hindi nila ako magustan, baka magalit sila sa akin dahil tinago ko ang apo nila.

Baka hindi ako tanggapin dahil mahirap lang ako at pamilya sila ng Mayayaman.

After eating breakfast, mabilis kaming nag-ayos dahil sa mansion nila kami maglulunch. Hindi ko na maintindihan ang aking nararamdaman habang papalapit kami sa bahay nila.

Anong dapat kong itawag sa magulang niya? Anong sasabihin ko pagbinati ko sila? Tagalog ba o english? Kailangan ko bang magsalita ng pangmayaman? Hindi ko alam.

I shake my hands while leering at the car window. “Hey, haha, stop that, I’m telling you my mom is the sweetest and my dad is cool. You don’t need to impress them, be you” he whispered and smiled at me.

I just smile at him and continue looking at the window. Until we reach a big gate and a big mansion. It’s so beautiful.

Tumigil ang sasakyan sa parking at katumbas ng paghakbang ko papalabas ng sasakyan at ang mabilis na pagtibok ng aking puso.

“Ash son!” parang hindi ako huminga ng makita ang isang magandang babae na papalapit kay Ash. “Mom” sambit ni Ash, binuhat ko si EIght habang pinanood si Ash na yakapin ang kanyang ina.

I can’t believe she’s his mom, she looks so young. “Ash, nandito ka na pala” napalingon ako sa isang magandang buntis na babaeng naglalakad habang tulak ang isang gwapong lalaking nakasakay sa wheelchair.

“Dad, Ate” sambit ni Ash at hinalikan ang mga ito sa pisngi.

“Hi, I’m Cybelle. Ashton’s Mom and you must be Jan and this cute little thing right here is my handsome grandson?” nilapitan kami ng Mom ni Ash at agad ngnitian. She kisses me on my cheeks before he smiles at Eight. “Can I carry you Mister?” tanong nito kay Eight.

Eight didn’t speak, he just moved and let her carry her, this is the first time I saw Eight blush. “Are you my lola?” tanong nito sa mom ni Ash. “Oh, yes dear I’m your Mommylola” she said and filled EIght with kisses.

“Nice to meet you, January” agad akong humarap sa dad ni Ash ng batiin ako nito. “N-nice to meet you din po, Mr. Del Mun—” he cut me out and spoke.

“Call me Dad” he said and smiled at me. Hindi ako agad nakapag react dahil sa sinabi nito pero napangiti nalang ako ng ngumiti ito sa akin at tumango. “Hi, I’m Louen ‘’ I face his sister and instantly recognize her.

Siya yong accountant sa accounting team, “Ma’am” sambit ko, tuamwa siya bago lumapit sa kanya ang isang matipuno at gawapong lalake kasama ang isang pinaka cute na batang babae.

“HI!!!!!! I’M TABITHA!!!” malakas na sigaw nito at ngumiti sa aking harapan. “You don’t need to call me ma’am, call me Ate Louen, this is my daughter Tabi and my husband Leusam and this little watermelon on my stomach is Mister D. coming soon” she lightly said. I bow my head and say, “Nice to meet you po”

Sobrang tumatalon sa tuwa ang puso ko dahil sa mainit na pagtanggap sa akin ng pamilyang ito.

“Come on let’s go inside” Ash’s mom said, Ash wrapped his arms on my waist as we followed them inside.

“I told you, my family is cool, this is now your family too” he whispered and kissed the side of my head.

I smile and whisper, “I love this family”

Seah’s POV

“Seah” mabilis akong lumapit sa head nurse ng tawagin ako nito sa nurse quarter.

“Yes po?” tanong ko.

“I need you in Love’s operation room, you’ll assist Doctor Herrera with the operation. Are you ok with that? Don’t worry I’ll be there too” bigla akong kinabahan dahil doon. Hindi ko inaasahan na ngayong araw ako sasabak sa operation room.

I mean alam ko naman na darating ito pero hindi ko alam na ngayon at kasama pa si Doc. Lynus.

“Head nurse I don’t kn—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng tumunog na ang phone nito at agad niya na akong hinila papunta sa operation room dala-dala ang ibang gamit.

“You can do this,” she whispers as we step inside.

Pagpasok ko palang ay agad nagtama ang aming mga mata ni Doc. Lynus. I looked at him but he avoided my gaze and started washing his hands.

I felt uneasy with that but I chose to focus on the operation, naging assistant lang ako ng head nurse while she’s helping Doctor Herrera. I’m standing in front of him watching every move he takes and I admit, kahit anong focus ko sa operation my heart is still beating so fast.

And I know he is the reason for it.

The operation went well and my feelings aren’t kailangan kong linawin ang lahat ng meron sa aming dalawa kaya sinundan ko siya pagkalabas niya ng operating room.

“Doc!” I said and blocked his way. He stopped and avoided my gaze.

“What is it?” he asked.

My heart is pounding so fast, it’s like bursting out of my chest right now. What he did that night makes me realize that I’m really deeply in love with him.

“I still have feelings for you Doc. I love you” diretso kong sambit.

“No” my lips parted when he said no, what? Anong ibig niyang sabihin?

“P-po?” tanong ko.

“No, we can’t do this. And that night doesn’t assume anything from it, just forget about it. I’m sorry” he said and quickly walked away.

“What?” I was left dumb founded, everything doesn’t seem to sink in.

What is this?

Ash’s POV

“MOMMY I LOVE MY NEW COUSIN EIGHT!!!” We all smiled at Tabitha when he hugged eight in his face, making his face squish.

“If you love him that much, can you show him, he’s room Tabi?” Mom asked Tabi, and this cute little girl nodded and instantly dragged my son with her. Eight just went with the flow and followed her cousin.

“We’re done eating, you guys can go to the garden so we can have a talk, I’ll just help with the cleaning here” Mom said as we all stood up.

“Tutulong na po ako” Jan said and try to help the maid but ate grabbed her hand and say. “You’re coming with me” she said and pulled her to the garden together with Lj.

“Son” I stopped walking when Mom called me together with Dad. “Yes?” I ask.

“You’ve got yourself in a winning relationship, we love her” Mom said, tapping my shoulder and smiling at me. “Your mom is right, she’s a great lady” Dad complimented Jan.

“I think I did,” I said while grinning.

“By the way son, we have something to tell you” Their faces became serious and resumed talking.

“We’ve found your real parents” that news suddenly turns the mood off.

“Do you want to meet them?”

Chapter 28

Jan’s POV

“Bye bye Eight!!!” I can’t stop smiling while putting my seatbelt on. We spent the day here in the mansion and everything just went well. Now all I can hear is Tabitha’s loud voice saying goodbye to her cousin.

“Visit us every weekend Jan” sambit ng Mom ni Ash, she even held my hand while I’m inside the car already. “Promise me that” she said, I smiled and nodded at her.

“Great, alam ko kasing paghindi ikaw ang kinumbinsi ko siguradong hindi pupunta every weekend dito ang isa dyan” nakasimangot na sambit nito at tila pinaparinggan si Ash. Ash just hazed her mom and said, “Mom I’m running the company” he said.

“Mom, I’m running the company nyenye” Tita Cybelle mocks him and we both laugh together.

“BYE BYE EIGHT, NEXT TIME VISIT US IN OUR HOUSE MY DADDY HAS A BIG LIBRARY ON HIS OFFICE!” napalingon kaming lahat ng patuloy na kinukulit ni Tabi si Eight. “I’ll think about it” sagot ni Eight dito.

“Tabi come here na, we’re going home na rin” sambit ni Ate Louen bago hinawakan ang kamay ni Tabi at pinanood kaming umalis.

“Dad” Ash called his dad to say goodbye before we drove out of the mansion and headed straight home. While we’re near our house, I could feel that Ash seems a bit off, parang may malalim itong iniisip kaya hinintay kong makarating kami sa bahay.

“Take a bath and go to sleep” sambit ko kay Eight at hinayaan siyang maglakad paakayat sa kanyang silid.

Ash walks straight to our bedroom, sinundan ko siya doon. He was taking off his shirt as I stepped in, he sat at the edge of the bed and shook his head on his hands. He even sighs and strokes his hair up.

Umupo ako sa kanyang tabi at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay, “Are you ok?” I ask. Instead of answering Ash faced me and hugged me. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

He let out a heavy breath before he spoke, “Mom said that they found my real parents already, and they ask me if I want to meet them” he weakly whispered.

Hinagod ko ang kanyang likuran, “Gusto mo ba silang makita?” tanong ko.

It takes him a second to answer and say, “I don’t know? Do I need to?” walang gana nitong sagot kaya hinarap ko siya sa aking, hinawakan ang magkabila niyang kamay bago hinalikan ang isa sa mga ito.

“I mean they already left me in the orphanage, right? Why bother meeting again after a long year?” I could sense bitterness with his words. He still feels bad about being left behind in an orphanage and I don’t have a problem with that. I know his pain and if this is too much for him, then I will just support him whatever he wants.

“Ikaw, ano bang gusto mo? Makilala sila o wag na lang? Kung ano man ang desisyon mo susuportahan kita” I gently said.

“I don’t know, I just want to rest and forget about it” pagod nitong sambit at muli akong niyakap, ipinahinga ang kanyang baba sa aking balikat bago siniksik ang kanyang mukha sa aking leeg.

We stayed like that for a second before we both decided to rest and sleep on the bed.

“Should we spend the night doing something?” Ash asks out of nowhere, I look at him with a smile on my face and ask, “Akala ko ba pagod ka?” I ask and continue checking pictures on my phone.

“I don’t know, I suddenly feel energetic? Look” he said, I glanced at him and watched him flex his arms. Umiling lang ako at nagpatuloy sa pagtingin ng pictures, Ate Louen posted some pictures of us together in the garden and it look so good.

May picture din kaming lahat sa pinost niya kaya tinitingnan ko ang mga ito. This is my first time getting in a family picture. Sana sa susunod kasama na namin si Mama sa larawang ganito.

“Hey, did you just ignore my biceps? Hey, Miss, did you?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Ash sa akin bago gumapang sa kama papalapit sa kain. Nakasandal ako sa head board ng kama kaya madali niyang anilapit ang kanyang mukha sa akin.

He locked me with both of his arms at my side before he smirked at me and asked, “Did you?” he asked.

“Oo bakit?” matapang kong sambit, “Oh, Miss you miss the best part of your life” natatawa niyang sambit bago, dahan-dahang lumapit sa akin upang hagkan ang aking labi.

“Amma make you happy tonight, since my energy came back” he whispered between our kisses.

“MA!!!!” naputol ang paghalik ni Ash ng marinig namin ang boses ni Eight mula sa labas ng pinto. Ash looks at me with a desperate stare and says, “Can we just act that we’re sleeping already?” he whispers.

We really have a chance to do it freely because I his always around and last night was just a quickie. We are just teasing each other because we did it almost at dawn.

Eight always like to go inside our room at night like this. “Sira” tinulak ko siya papalayo bago tumayo at lumapit sa pinto. Pinagbuksan ko si Eight at agad itong pumasok sa loob.

“I wanna sleep here” he said and lay at the center of the bed together with his pillow. “Why? You can’t sleep?” Ash asked, I could hear disappointment in his voice that made me laugh.

“No, I wanna guard you guys” he seriously said while taking off his glasses. “Guard us? Why?” Tanong ko bago umupo sa kanyang tabi.

“Ate Tabi said that I should guard you” he said, crossing his arms on his chest. Ash and eye look at each other before we ask him again. “What’s the reason?” Tanong ni Ash sa kanyang anak.

Umupo muli si Eight bago kami hinarap ni Ash. “She said that I should guard you guys because the angel might come at night and give you a new baby. She said the last time she didn’t guard her parents, they got visited by an angel and the next thing she knew her mom got pregnant. I don’t want a sibling right now. So, I will protect you from that” nakita ko kung paano bumagsak ang balikat ni Ash dahil sa sinabi ng anak.

Nanghihina itong humiga sa kama at padang nagpapadyak ng paa. “THIS IS LEUSAM’S FAULT!!!!” sigaw niya, Eight just look at me and say, “Come here Ma, let’s sleep don’t worry you’re not getting visited tonight” muntikan na akong masamid dahil sa sinabi niya.

“O-ok” sagot ko bago humiga sa tabi niya at tinapik ang nakasimangot na si Ash. “Stop frowning” I whisper.

Pero mas lalo lang sumimangot si Ash dahil doon, “That’s not fair, Eight you should not stay with Tabi next time” hinampas ko ang braso ni Ash dahil doon. “Why?” tanong ni Eight sa kanya pero bago pa ito sagutin ni Ash ako na ang nagsalita.

“Joke lang yon ng Papa mo Eight, matulog ka na ok” I whisper kiss his forehead and hugged him.

Habang patuloy na nagbubugnot si Ash sa kabilang banda biglang tumunog ang phone niya kaya sinagot niya ito. “Hello, yes? Yeah, I remember that… sure” biglang umaliwalas ang mukha ni Ash habang kausap ang nasa kabilang linya at maya-maya lang ng matapos niya itong kausapin.

Bigla siyang humiga sa kama at hinarap ako, “Sino yon?” I ask.

He smiles at me and say, “You’re back to work ok, I need my secretary to come with me and attend a convention meeting in Singapore, for three days” bakas sa mga ngiti nito ang ibang binabalak.

Umiling na lamang ako at niyakap si Eight at natulog.

Mahirap nang dalawin ng angel…

Willow’s POV

“Susunduin din si Eight dito nila Mama bukas kaya ikaw muna bahala sa kanya ah” nakangiting sambit ni Jan habang inaabot sa akin ang bag ni Eight.

I make face at her and say, “Sus, wag mo masyadong ipahalata na excited ka sa honeymoon niyo sa Singapore” sambit ko, “Sira, business meeting yon, trabaho lang” hindi mapigilan ni Jan matawa sa kanyang sinasagot kaya hindi ko maiwasang mapangiwi.

“Ako na ang single, sige na basta magingat kayo doon. Ako na ang bahala kay Eight. Isa pa honeymoon lang wag muna dahil kayo mag baby ayaw pa ni Eight hahaha” sambit ko at sabay kaming tumawa.

“Oh, sige na aalis na kami malalate kami sa flight, Eight wag makulit dito ah” Sambit ni Jan. Lumapit si Eight kay Jan bago niyakap ito at sinabi, “Ma, buy me books ok” he said.

“Yes Sir” tugon ni Jan bago tuluyang bumababa ng apartment at umalis kasama si Ash.

“Hay nako, edi kayo na ang may lovelife” bulong ko, isinara ko ang pinto at agad na lumapit kay Eight. “Namiss mo ba si Tita?” tanong ko pero tila parang ayaw magpagulo ni Eight sa pagbabasa.

Kaya mas dumikit ako sa kanya at niyakap ang kanyang bewang, “Namiss ni Tita Willow si Eight. Si Eight kaya namiss si Tita?” panglalambing ko.

Pero hindi sumasagot si Eight, focus na focus siya sa binabasa niya kaya hindi ko makulit.

“Gusto ata ni Eight ng bubble gum flavor na ice cream?” When I said that, he instantly let go of his book hold my hand and said,

“I miss you so much Tita, let’s go buy ice cream”

“Hahahah ok ok” sambit ko at nagpahila sa kanya papunta sa malapit na convenience store.

“Yan gusto mo?” tanong ko, tumango siya at mabilis itong dinala sa counter. Habanag naghihintay sa counter, hindi ko maiwasang tumingin sa paligid.

Wala na siya, ilang araw na rin simula ng makita ko ang update sa ig nito. Tapos ngayon wala siyang paramdam.

“350 pesos Ma’am” I faced the girl and handed her the money.

“Pillow” I instantly turn around when I heard someone call my pen name, pero pagharap ko.

“Pillow na lang bilhin natin babe” I rolled my eyes when I misheard, bakit ba kasi amy magjowa ditong naguusap kung bibili ba ng unan o hindi!

Kainis.

Bakit ba hinahanap mo siya Willow!

Tumigil ka nga!

“Tara na Eight, umuwi na tayo” I said and urges a small smile.

That Kid just played with me.

Jan’s POV

“This is the final boarding call for passengers Jan and Ashton Del Mundo booked on flight 372A to Singapore. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time.” kasabay ng pagannounce ng pangalan namin ay ang pagpasok namin ni Ash sa gate three ng airport.

“We should have woken up a bit earlier” Ash whispered while we’re walking fast towards the plane.

I rolled my eyes on him, “Maaga ka’ming gumising Ash, ikaw ang hindi” turan ko at patuloy na naglakad ng mabilis papunta sa plane, buti na lang naabutan pa namin ang flight.

Nang akaupo na kami sa seats namin agad kaming nilapitan ng flight atttendant at tinanong, “Would you like some drinks Sir?” kumunot ang noo ko ng si Ash lang ang tinanong niya habang pareho naman kami ni Ash na hinihingal.

Kumikinang ang mata ng babaeng ito habang pinapanood si Ash na magpunas ng pawis sa aking tabi. Nang tingnan ko naman si Ash, ay aba kulang nalang buksan na ang buong butones ng kanyang shirt para lang punasan ang pawis.

“EHEM!” malakas kong pagubo, Ash looked at me but this flight attendant kept staring at his body. Ay wow, iba din!

“What’s wrong?” tanong ni Ash sa akin kaya tiningnan ko siya ng masama at sinabi, “Maghubad ka nalang kaya noh” sambit ko, na ikinakunot ng kanyang noo.

“What did I do?” inosente nitong tanong, tumaas ang kilay ko habang walang tigil si ate girl. Kaya tumayo ako at nakipagpalit ng pwesto kay Ash. “Excuse me!” tumayo ako sa harapan nito at doon lamang siya natigilan at tila umuwas ng tingin.

“Tubig Miss” sarkastiko kong sambit, “A-ah y-yess ma’am” nahihiya niyang sagot bago kami inabutan ng tubig at muling sumulyap ng tingin kay Ash at tuluyang umalis. Sinundan ko ito ng masamang tingin at natigil lamang yon ng hilain na ako ni Ash paharap sa kanya.

“What’s your problem hahaha, your face look so smudge haha” he said, napatingin ako sa dibdib niya at oo nga, sino ba namang babae ang iiwas ng tingin sa mag yan, ang yumm—“HEH! Ayusin mo nga yang damit mo!” inis kong sambit, binuksan ang bote ng tubig, at uminom.

Sa buong flight bawat dumadaan ang flight attendant na iyon, tinitignan ko siya ng masama kaya hindi siya nakakanakaw ng tingin kay Ash.

Iyon ang ginawa ko sa buong byahe habang itong lalaking katabi ko ay tinatawanan lang ako. “I didn’t know that you’re that possessive Jan, back then you were cool about everythin—” hindi ko na siya pinatapos at sumagot. “Shut up!”

He just laughs at me and when we arrived in singapore hindi nakatakas si Ash sa babaeng iyon. “Enjoy your trip Sir” may pahawak pa sa braso ni Ash, Ash just moves his arms away and wrap it around my waist kaya taas kilay kong tiningnan ang babaeng iyon. Akala mo ah!

“We’re staying in Raffles Singapore hotel for three days” sambit ni Ash pagsakay namin sa service na sumundo sa amin dito sa airport, inabot niya rin sa akin ang magazine ng hotel na pagstayan namin.

Halos mahulog ang panga ko ng mabasa ang presyo ng hotel na ito. “87, 536 per day?” grabe naman mahal nito! Tapos tatlong araw kami don!

“You’re not paying it, why do you look scared hahaha” sambit ni Ash at hinawakan ang aking kamay. Hindi ko ata kayang magwaldas ng ganong kalaking pera para lang sa isang trip.

“Wala bang mas murang hotel?” tanong ko, “Wala haha” tumatawa niyang sambit hanggang sa makarating na kami sa tapat ng hotel.

Pagkababa namin ng sasakyan, hindi ko maiwasang mangha sa ganda ng hotel na ito. Mukhang mansion ng pinakamayamang tao sa mundo ang itsura nito. Talaga bang dito kami mag stay for three days?

“Stop staring let’s go inside, we have meeting with Mr. Dy this afternoon, remember” hinawakan niya ang aking bewang bago hinila papasok sa loob.

Agad kaming inasist ng staff ng hotel at dinala sa isang napakagandang suite, nakikita ko lang ang mga ganitong klaseng kwarto sa TV ngayon nandito na ako sa isa. Sobrang ganda.

“Mister Dy will be waiting for us at the hotel bar later, so I suggest that you’ve talk a shower first and change your attire I’ll be fixing this file in instant” sambit ni Ash pagpasok namin sa loob, agad niyang inayos ang ka files sa bag. Napaka workaholic talaga!

Tumango ako bilang sagot at sinunod ang kanyang sinabi. I take a bath for 5 minutes and after that lumabas ako ng nakaayos na. I’m wearing a pink paired business suit and a peach wedge.

“You’re Done? Let’s get going” seryosong sambit ni Ash bago sinuot ang coat, binuhat ang laptop at ang ibang files. It’s working hour kaya dapat professional. “Yes, Sir” I said and followed him outside.

Pero pagsara ko ng pinto hinawakan ni Ash ang aking kamay at sabay kaming naglakad, “You’re too beautiful to handle, I can’t let you walk alone the world is filled with hunters and you’re a beautiful prey” he whispers before he kissed me on my cheeks.

“Dami mong alam” sambit ko at tumuloy na kami sa restau. bar ng hotel, kung saan naghihintay si Mr. Dy.

Lumapit kami dito at agad binati, “Mister Dy” sambit ni Ash at nakipag kamayan dito. “Hello, welcome to Singapore Mr. Del Mundo and this might be your—” Ash cut him and spoke.

“My wife, Jan” siya ang nagpakilala sa akin, kaya nakangiti akong kinamayan ni Mr. Dy at pinaupo kami. “Have a seat, have a seat” he said and made a sign gesturing to the waiter, then a few seconds after they served the food.

“I didn’t know you are married Mr. Del Mundo” Mr. Dy said, Ash glanced at me and held my hand. “Not yet but she’s my wife” he said before smiling at me. They started talking about a business deal and about the convention meeting tomorrow.

Nanahimik lang ako dito sa tabi nila at nakikinig since wala namang ibinilin si Ash na gagawin ko.

“Its a closed deal Mr. Dy thank you very much” Ash said when they agreed to their deals. At akala ko tapos na ang usapan doon pero hindi pa pala nag kwentuhan pa sila ng kung ano-ano tungkol sa business nila.

Nagsimula na akong makaramdam ng antok habang naghihintay sa kanila, pinigilan kong humikab at itinuon na lang ang aking atensyon sa grape sa plato ko. Kumain ako nito para may pagkaabalahan ako habang nag uusap pa sila.

Nanahimik ako sa pagkain ng maramdaman ko ang paggapang ng kamay ni Ash sa aking hita dito sa ilalim ng lamesa.

I leered at him but he’s busy talking to Mr. Dy. sinilip ko ang kamay niya sa aking hita at dahan-dahan niya itong pinipiga. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil doon at muling tinignan si Ash, pero ang loko akala mo walang ginagawa sa ilalim ng lamesa kung tumawa.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkain ng grapes at pinakiramdaman ang kanyang kamay, hanggang sa unti-unti itong tumaas sa aking hita, malapit na ito sa aking singit kaya nagsitayuan ang aking balahibo.

Nanlalaking mga mata ko’ng tiningnan si Ash pero wala. Parang wala lang sa kanya. Hindi ako nakahinga ng unti-unti niyang itaas ang suot kong palda. Sobrang bilis na ng tibok ng puso ko dahil doon, buti na lang may sapin itong lamesa kung hindi nakita naang panty ko sa ilalim nito.

His hand slipped at the side of my underwear. I was stiff when I felt him slowly playing with the garter of my underwear. Sinubukan kong pigilan ang kanyang mga kamay pero hindi siya nagpapigil at tila inosente at patuloy pa rin nakikipagusap kay Mr. Dy.

Sobrang bilis na ng tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kaba, maya-maya lang ay hinila niya pababa ang aking panty na mas lalong nagpakaba sa akin. Halos gusto na umalis ng kaluluwa ko sa aking katawan ng maramdaman ko ang malamig na hangin na humaplos sa aking gitnang bahagi ng katawan.

“You’re right Mr. Dy” napatingin ako kay Ash nag sinasadya niyang sagiin ang tinidor na nasa gitna namin dalawa. “Oops my bad” he said politely and got it on the floor. Kasabay non’ ay ang pagtanggal niya ng panty ko sa aking paa.

I watch him with wide eyes putting my underwear on his pocket before he continue his conversation with the old man.

Habang ako ay nakanganga dito at hindi makapaniwala na wala na akong suot na panty sa puntong ito.

Bakit kasi hindi ako nagsuot ng cycling!

Nakatulala lang ako dito sa tabi at pilit pinagdidikit ang aking dalawang hita. I feel so exposed right now.

Habang wala ako sa sariling wisyo lumapit sa akin si Ash at bumulong.

“I’m just taking it off, for an easy access later”

Chapter 29

Seah’s POV

“The patient doesn’t seem to be taking his meds in the morning, so you have to check him out every 9 am in the morning, then keep observing him if there’s any signs of swelling….Seah? Are you even listening?”

“Seah!!! Hey!! Nurse Seah!!!” bumalik ako sa aking sarili ng marinig ang malakas na boses ng head nurse sa aking harapan, she even snapping her fingers in front of my face.

“P-po?” tanong ko.

“I knew it, you weren’t listening, you’re spacing out during the whole explanation I have, gosh, Seah.” She said, massaged the bridge of her nose before she handed me a patient’s record.

“Just check patient one in room 207, make him take his meds, sharp 9 am” pagod niyang sambit bago ako tinalikuran, nanatili lang akong nakatulala sa kanya, dahil wala talaga akong naririnig na malinaw kanina habang nagsasalita siya.

“And Seah,” lumingon siya muli at tinawag ang sa’king pangalan, I stand straight and ask, “Po?” she sighs before she properly face me, crossed her arms on her chest and say, “If you’re spacing out, better gather yourself together, in this working field, being alert is a must,Our Hospital has a thousands of patients every day, we are here because we are saving them, if you’re like that you might lost a chance on saving one” seryoso niyang sambit bago tuluyang umalis sa aking harapan.

I was left dumbfounded with that, I feel so off today, no. I mean I felt so off since that day. Doctor Lynus is giving me so many mixed signals, and now. I don’t really understand him anymore.

Nawawala na ako sa sarili kakaisip sa malapuzzle niyang ginagawa. Hindi ko magawang booin ang kahit isa sa mga ito. Gulong-gulo na ako.

Huminga ako ng malalim bago tuluyang tumuloy sa room 207, bagsak balikat akong naglalakad, tila walang gana sa buhay, ni’hindi ko nagawang maglagay ng maayos na make up dahil sa pagkawalang gana ko.

I feel so unproductive, wala talaga!

“Good morning, guys” sinubukan kong pasiglahin ang aking boses ng batiin ko ang mga pasyente sa room 207. Pero kabaligtaran non’ ang aking natanggap na pagbati. “Wag kang plastik nurse, alam naming sawang-sawa na kayo sa amin dito kaya hinahayaan niyo na lang kaming makalimutan ang aming mag gamot, napakawalang kwenta nyong mga nurse” that just wake me up from being off.

I feel uneasy about that, “Ano hong ibig niyong sabihin?” tanong ko habang inaayos ang gamot na kailangan ipainom sa kanila.

“Sus, nagpapaka-inosente ka pa, hindi ba kayong mag nurse kunwari lang nakangiti at masaya na mag alaga ng pasyente pero ang totoo hinihiling niyo na lang mamatay kami para mabawasan ang trabaho niyo,” kumunot ang noo ko ng patuloy itong sinasabi ng isang matandang lalaking pasyente.

“Hindi ho ganon yong Ta—” I was talking politely to him but he suddenly pushed me away. A reason for the glass of water in my hand had fallen.

“WALA KAYONG KWENTA!!! KAGAYA KAYO LAHAT NG ANAK KO!!! NURSE SIYA PERO DAHIL SA PAG IBIG INIWAN NIYA AKO DITO AT UMALIS, MAS PINILI NIYANG ALAGAAN ANG TAONG HINDI SIYA MAHAL KESA SA SARILI NIYANG AMA!!!!” the patient suddenly burst out in anger and pain, he started crying.

Agad ko siyang nilapitan at pinigilang tanggalin ang oxygen niya but he keeps struggling and a one big push, I fall off the floor and he successfully remove the oxygen on his hands.

“DUGO!!!” another patient started shouting and when I looked at her, she was pointing at my hands. As I look at it, I suddenly weaken, my eyes become blurry.

“NURSE SEAH!!!” napalingon ako sa pinto kung saan dumating ang ibang nurse. They panic when they see blood all over my uniform. Mabilis tumulo ang dugo mula sa aking mga kamay.

I started feeling tired and stressed, to the point that I just slowly closed my eyes but before that happened, I heard him. “SEAH!” I opened my eyes a bit wider and saw him coming to me, but before he could reach my hands.

Doctor Cornel showed up, carried me in an instant and stepped out of that room so fast. He was carrying me like a bride and when I looked at the back, expecting for Doctor Lynus to stop him and get him from me.

But I was wrong, he was just there watching me getting away from him and slowly turned his back, and walked away too.

This is too much!

I think this is the end…

Jan’s POV

“I’m just taking it off, for an easy access later” mas lalong nanlaki ang aking mga mata dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon, at hindi napigilang masamid.

“Oh, are you ok Mrs. Del Mundo” putik! Imbis na maging ok ako, dumoble pa ang aking pag kasamid dahil sa tinawag sa kain ni Mr. Dy.

“Water, love” inabutan ako ni Ash ng isang basong tubig bago hinagod ang aking likuran. I drink it straight and smile at Mr. Dy after. “I’m fine, I’m fine!! Ok lang po” HINDI AKO OK! WALA AKONG PANTY SA ILALIM NG PALDA KO!!!

“I guess we must end the conversation here since your wife doesn’t look ok, she looks pale” sinong hindi OK na wala kang suot na panty sa pampublikong lugar.

“I must go, I’ll meet you tomorrow at the convention Mr. Del Mundo, and to your wife, I must go have a good night, everyone haha” parang santa clous nitong pagtawa bago tumayo at nakipagkamayan kay Ash.

Syempre tumayo din kami ni Ash upang paggalang sa pag-alis nito at ang tuluyan na itong makaalis agad kong hinawakan ang braso ni Ash at mabilis na hinila papunta ng elevator.

“What’s the rush Jan, are you that thirsty for my body?” mapang asar na sambti ni Ash kaya hinigpitan ko ang pagkakahawak sa kanyang mga braso. Kinakabahan ako ngs obra habang hinihintay na bumukas ang elevator.

“Chill love” patuloy na mapang asar na bulong ni Ash kaya tiningnan ko siya ng sobrang sama, gustong-gusto kong pagdikitin ang aking mga hita dahil dumadaan ang lamig ng hangin sa bahaging iyon at sobrang nakakataas balahibo. Pero hindi ko pwedeng pagtikitin ng sobra ang aking hita dahil baka kung anong isipin ng ibang tao.

Bumukas ang elevator at laking tuwa ko ng makitang dalawang matandang babae lang ang nasa loob, pumasok kami ni Ash dito at pumuwesto sa likuran ng mga ito dahil agad silang pumuwesto sa harapan namin.

Nangmaramdaman ko ang kamay ni Ash sa aking pwetan, pasimple ko itong pinapalo at itinataboy, pero patuloy niya pa rin itong ginagawa kaya sobrang gulo namin dito sa likuran.

R18

“Ash!” madiin kong sambit, at kasabay non ay ang pasimpleng pagsilip sa amin ng dalawang matatandang abbae. Kaya tumayo ako ng diretso at nginitian sila.

Ash just kept on messing up with me, until the elevator opens and ito yong floor na pupuntahan ng dalawang matanda. Nang lumabas sila nagsalita ang isa sa kanila“Iba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon, mapupusok, walang pinipiling lugar” Ash and I heard that right before the elevator door finally close up.

Hinampas ko ng malakas si Ash dahil doon, “IKAW KASI EH!!” Singhal ko, but he just laughed at me, grabbed my waist and put those filthy hands under my skirt. “Since you can’t wait for me to touch you, it’s a pleasure to do it he—” mabilis siyang lumayo sa akin ng tumunog ang elevator at bumukas ang pinto.

Isang malaking pamilya ang pumasok kaya naipit kami dito sa likuran, sobrang ingay nila at malalaking tao ang parte ng pamilyang ito kaya talagang ipit kami dito sa likod.

I was already struggling with the space we have here at the back but this Bastard beside me chose to make it even worse, he slowly touched my thighs up to my butt. I bit my lower lip to control myself.

He started massaging it and teasingly sliding his finger into my sensitive part. I gasped in silence when he started touching it.

I tried stopping his hands but he’s so into it. He didn’t let anything stop him.

“Ash!” madiin kong bulong, simpleng pagsuway sa kanya but he just smirked at me and start moving his finger faster and playfully down there.

I covered my mouth because of that and shook my head, as I closed my eyes so hard and controlled that sensation.

Ash continues doing it, but I know this needs to stop. Agad akong nag isip ng pwedeng magpatigil sa kanya at isa lang ang naisip kong paraan.

“Shit!” Ash instantly let go of me and groaned in pain silently. I just grabbed his thing down there and squashed it a bit hard, enough for him to stop playing dangerous games with me.

“How could you?” he whispered while trying to keep the pain. I just smiled at him and waited for us to arrive on our floor. Naunang lumabas ang malaking pamilya na ito at nang palabas na ako nagulat ako ng bigla akong buhatin ni Ash at itinakbo papunta sa silid namin.

“ASH!” suway ko pero sutil at hindi ito nakinig sa kain, binuksan niya ang pinto at agad kaming pumasok sa loob. “ASH SIRA ULO KA TALA—” hindi ko natapos ang dapat kong sabihin ng bigla niya akong sinunggaban ng halik. A kiss that really shut my mouth out.

He pinned me on the wall, wrapped both of my legs on his waist. Lock both of my hands above my hand but holding it with his right hand only.

He kissed me torridly, like a punishing kiss. He’s biting, sucking, licking it all.

Hanggang sa bumababa ang halik niya sa aking leeg. I bit my lower lip and tried my best to not get fooled by the pleasure that was starting to come out.

Pero nang magsimulang kagatin at sipsipin ni Ash ang ilang sensitibong parte ng aking leeg hindi ko maiwasang maglabas ng impit na ungol na lalong bumubuhay sa malahalimaw na aura ni Ash.

“This is your punishment for all the kick, hit that you’ve couse my buddy down there, he’s gonna ripped the hell out of you tonight” that just scared the hell out of me, pakiramdam ko hindi na ako mabubuhay kinabukasan nito.

“Ash baka pwede naman nating pagusapa—” he cut me out, and in just a glimpse of an eye, I saw myself locked off in our bed with this black ribbon tied up on both of my wrists.

“Ash ano, may regla ako ngayon” pagpapalusot ko, “That ain’t not a reason for me to stop Jan, and also I’ve observe your menstruation schedule it happens between the end week of the month, lucky me,we’re in the in the second week of the month” paano niya nalaman yon’!!!

“Wala ka nang takas sa akin ngayon Jan” he speaks tagalog, and I know that’s a sign of a monster getting out of him.

I couldn’t make any excuses anymore, and just before I could speak, he attacked me with a monster kiss, he was hungry for it. Exploring and savoring every part of my lips.

He was so aggressive, I breathed in when he moved down to my neck again, leaving every single part of it a mark.

He was doing it so well, the pleasure just overcame my walls, I acherd my back up as he kept doing it well. I close my eyes, bite my lower lip and control my moan.

His kisses suddenly went down to my collarbone, “Feel me Jan” halos maubusan na ako ng hangin sa buong katawan ng marinig ang boses niyang iyon, he’s using his sexy bedroom voice on me right now, and it’s killing me.

I widened my eyes when I heard a loud rip from my clothes. He was ripping all of it, every single part of it, leaving me with a whole naked serve in front of him. After pestering my clothes, he went straight to the middle of my mound and sweetly kidd my chest before he started giving attention to my breast, alternatively massaging it and sucking it.

“Ahh Ash” I could not help but to moan his name, he’s making me crazy for this pleasure.

I don’t know if a can arched my body anymore, I was being overdose with this steamy please. I can’t even move my hands because it’s tied up.

This is a real punishment; I badly want to touch him. His hands explored my body. I rushed some bloods up when I felt his finger back on his place again. In the middle of my thighs.

“Ash ahh” I can’t stop moaning; he’s started playing with it again. “Soaking wet” he whispered while not letting go of my mound.

“Do you like it here?” he whispers and starts with interesting fingers. Halos magwala ang buo kong katawan sa pagarko dahil sa kanyang ginagawa, “Ash sto-Ahh” I can’t stop him, I just want to hugged him and touch him too.

“Let me t-touch you” I said at tuluyan na akong nawala sa’king sarili.

He smirked and let go of me, he was kneeling in front of me, slowly unbuckling his belt and pants in front of me. You gotta be kidding me!!

He can’t do this to me, it’s savage!

He let out that big friend of his, it looked so mad. I closed my eyes and slowly felt it teasing my in between.

“I’m gonna make it fast” Ash said and in just a glimpse, my lips just turned into a big O shape, I ached my back so hard as he just slid it straight without any slow movements.

“Now beg,” Ash darkly asks.

Umiling ako dahil doon, hindi niya pwedeng gawin ito sa akin.

“Ash just move” utos ko but he didn’t move a muscle.

“Beg” he said with that smirk!

Umilinga ko bilang sagot at sinabi, “Gumalaw ka nalang Ash ano ba!!!”

“Nope, you need to beg for me to move” he seriously said and put a sign pointing finger to my neck and slid it down to my chest down to my stomach. “Gonna fill this up with my baby” he said pertaining to my tummy.

“ASH ANO BA GUMALAW KA NA!!!” sigaw ko, dahil nagsisimula nang sumakit ang aking puson.

“I don’t hear you”

“ASH!!!!”

“Beg, baby”

“ASH ANO BA!!! ISA!”

“Dalawa? Come on Jan, just beg and we’re gonna rock this bed”

“ASHHHH!!!”

“Jannnnn!!!” he’e mocking me in this kind of situation!!

“Beg” again he repeated.

“FINE! PLEASE ASH MOVE!” He licks his upper teeth sexualy before he speaks.

“That’s my girl,” he said and started moving. At first it was fine thrust but it turned aggressively, hard and deeper.

“Ahh… Ash.. agh”

He kissed me again while rocking my whole world, so wild.

“Fucking tight!” he groaned.

“Let go of my hand Ash” I whisper between our kisses.

“Yes, please” again!!!

“Please” hirap kong sambit, he nodded and gave me a sexy peck on the lips before he let my hands out.

The thrust went deep and it’s hitting the spot very well, and now I’m feeling something is about to pop inside of me.

“Ahh Ash.. I’m cumming” kapos hininga kong sambit, and with that, Ash just suddenly stops which leads me to a big disappointed look.

“BAKIT KA TUMIGIL!!!” sigaw ko. I’m almost there!!

He smiles get something from his pocket and it a ring, hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako o maiinis. Ang sakit na ng puson ko dahil sa pagtigil niya.

He leaned down to show me the ring and thrust once. I whimper and try to reach that pick.

“I will move faster if you said yes’ ’ he was thrusting so slow, it’s making it worse!

“YES!!! TANGINA ASH IPUTOK MONA!!!”

“Yes!” sambit niya at muling bumayo.

With that we both reached our climax and guess what, I’m engaged too.

“That was hot” hinihingal niyang sambit.

Hinampas ko ang kanyang dibdib dahil don’ at sinabi.

“GAGO!”

Chapter 30

Willow’s POV

“Knock knock!!!” agad akong napalingon sa pinto ng makarinig ng tao mula sa labas, tiningnan ko si Eight na busy sa pagbabasa bago dahan-dahang tumayo at lumapit sa pinto.

“KNOCK KNOCK!!!” mas lumakas pa ang matining na boses na iyon mula sa labas kaya mas binilisan ko ang aking paglalakad. “Sandali lang,” sambit ko habang papalapit dito.

Nang buksan ko ito isang cute na batang babaeng nakasuot ng princes’ jasmine na costume ang sumalubong sa akin. “Hi, Miss, may I ask if Eight is here?” she politely asked. Grabe ang cute niya!

“Hello” masigla kong pagbati, at umupo upang pantayan siya. She smiled at me and looked inside of the house where she instantly saw Eight. “EIGHT!! AHM.. can I come in, miss?” papasok na sana siya pero naalala niyang magpaalam sa akin kaya mabilis akong tumango bilang sagot.

Tumabi ako at hinayaan siyang pumasok sa loob, pinanood ko siyang maglakad papalapit kay Eight at tumabi dito. Eight is smaller than her but Eight acts like an adult.

“By the way Miss, my name is Tabitha, you can just call me Tabi. I’m his cousin” tumaas ang dalawa kong kilay sa sambit nito at paglingon ko sa pinto, saka naman ang pagdating ng isang gwapo at matipunong lalake. As in sobrang gwapo!

“Did my daughter just come in here without any permission?” shet! Pati boses ang gwapo, lumuwag ata garter ng panty ko dahil sa baritono nitong boses. Napakasexy, “I did ask permission Daddy!” malakas na sambit ni Tabi bago nakibasa sa binabasa ni Eight.

“Sorry for that, my daughter is such a loud girl” nakangiti nitong sambit kaya hindi ko ring maiwasang ngumiti at matulala sa napakagwapo nitong mukha.

Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakit napaka cute ng batang iyon, ang gwapo ng tatay.

“Hello” napalingon muli ako sa dumating na magandang buntis na babae, she’s wearing a blood red maxi dress and her baby bump is so visible yet she still looks gorgeous.

“Hi, I’m Louen, Ashton’s sister, we’re here for Eight. Mom asked us to get him, is he here?” mahinhin nitong sambit bago inalalayan ng kanyang asawa habang paakyat ng hagdan.

“Yes, nandito siya, pasok ho kayo” magalang kong tugon, bago sila pinapasok at pinaghanda ng juice na maiinom. They sat on the couch. “This reminds me our apartment in Baguio” rinig ko’ng sambit ni Louen habang inaabot ko ang juice sa kanila.

Nagapartment pala ang mayayaman? Akala ko condo ang meron sila?

“Eight, kunin mo na ang gamit mo sa loob, pinapasundo kana ng lola mo dahil” sinamahan ko si Eight sa dating kwarto nila ni Jan at inayos gamit niya, bago ito inilabas at iniabot sa kanila.

“I’ll just put this on the trunk”

“No, sabay-sabay na tayo, Ahm, Willow right, Jan tells me your name by the way. Hindi na kami magtatangga, aalis na rin kami ok, thank you so much for taking care of my nephew while Ash and Jan are away” she said, tapping my shoulder and smiling at me.

“Walang problema” sagot ko at inihatid sila palabas ng apartment, “Let’s go Eight” hinawakan ni Tabi ang kamay ni Eight at sabay silang maingat na bumababa sa hagdan dalawa, Eight glance at me waive his right hands.

Kumaway din ako sa kanya at pinanood silang bumaba, nang tingnan ko ang mag-asawa, halos makaramdam ako ng inggit habang pinapanood siyang lalagyan ng asawa niya, sobrang ingat at puno ng pagmamahal ang kanilang mga mata.

Kahit na ilang beses kong sabihin na ok lang ako’ng single, at masaya ako sa ganito. Minsan hindi ko pa rin maamin sa sarili ko na naiingit at hinahanap ko rin ang pakiramdam ng ganitong tipo ng relasyon. Pero sa edad ko’ng ito, mahirap ng makahanap ng totoong pag ibig.

I’m too old enough for fairy tales…

“BYEEEEEE!!!” Tabi shouted when they started the car engine and left the place. Naiwan ako dito sa tapat ng pinto ng apartment ko habang nagdadaydream sa ganung klase ng relasyon,

“White pillow soft as cloud, bright as the sky and lovely as it feels” agad akong napatingin sa baba ng marinig ko ang linya kong iyon sa bawat librong sinusulat ko. That’s the description of my pen name.

My lips parted when I saw him standing in front of the apartment building, staring at me with that bright smile. My heart beats abnormal when our eyes meet. Paano niya nalaman ang bahay ko?!

“Hi” he said and wink at me,hindi ko alam kung anong irereact ko, like ilang linggo ko siyang hindi na kita at isa pa may girlfriend siya diba!

Nang maalala ko iyon agad sumama ang timpla ng mukha ko at mabilis siya tinalikuran, at pumasok sa loob ng bahay. “WAIT!” rinig kong sigaw niya pero isasara ko na ang pinto, at laking gulat ko ng bigla niyang hinarang ang kanyang braso doon.

“AHH!” sigaw niya ng maipit ito, kaya niluwagan ko ng konti pero buo ang desisyon ko ng hindi siya kausapin, dahil iyon ang tama at isa pa diba nga may girlfriend na siya bakit nandito pa siya!

“Umalis ka dyan!” madiin kong sambit, “Are you mad?” casual niyang tanong habang nasa ganito kaming sitwasyon. Sira ulo talaga ang batang ito!

“Tanggalin mo nga yung kamay mo at umuwi na sa inyo!! Wala akong oras para sayo” Inis kong sambit at pilit tinutulak ang kanyang braso palabas ng maisara ko ng tuluyan ang pinto. Pakiradam ko kumukulo ang dugo ko sa kanya ngayon.

“Why do you sound mad? Did you miss me? Actually, I ha—” hindi ko siya piantapos at sinubukan ipitin ang braso, “Ouch!!” sambit niya ng maipit ng tuluyan.

Miss mo mukha mo!!!

“Umalis ka na, wag mo na akong guluhin pa! Ang bata-bata mo pa nangungulit ka ng mas matanda sa—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng buong lakas niyang itulak ang pinto dahilan para bumukas ito at mawalan ang ng balanse.

Bago pa ako mahulog sa sahig, hinila niya ang aking kamay at sinalo ako sa aking bewang, “Trespassing ka bat—” that was cut off because of a kiss.

Nanlaki ng literal ang aking mga mata ng halikan ako nito habang mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa aking bewang. He kissed me!!!

I panic and instantly push him, at dahil tinulak ko siya muli akong nawalan ng balanse pero gaya ng ginagawa niya kanina, his reflexes are so fast that he catches me once again and pull me against him.

“How many times do I have to prove to you that my age doesn’t refrain me for being a man, that can make you weak”

NO!

Seah’s POV

“Are you really sure about this nurse, Seah?, I mean if that situation really gives you trauma, we can just move you into another ward, like the kids wards you like it there right” sinusubukan akong kumbinsihin ng head nurse habang nakaupo ako ngayon sa harapan ng table niya dito sa office niya.

Pero walang gana lang akong ngumti at umiling, “Hindi na po Ma’am, buo na ho talaga ang desisyon kong lumipat ng hospital para matapos itong internship ko po, sana ho maintindihan niyo”

“I understand that, It’s just that I see so much potential in you. I feel bad about losing you here, our hospital needs a nurse like you” but your doctor doesn’t need a fool like me.

“Pasensya na ho talaga hindi na ho magbabago ang desisyon ko” ilang araw na rin ang lumipas simula ng buoin ko ang desisyon an ito, alam kong hindi madali ito pero mas pipiliin ko na lang lumipat kesa magstay dito.

That day when I got covered with blood, he just turned his back on me. He chose to turn his back on me when I wanted him to hold me. Doctor Cornel was the one who held me so tight until we reached his office and he treated my wound. He was so nice and he spoke a lot of things with me. That’s when I realize everything when Doctor Cornel help me with my wound and he said,

“Sometime we choose to love someone who’s giving us mix signals and ignore the ones who shows the clear signs, because we’re human, we choose what we desire not what’s good for us”

Nakita ko na kung gaano kalala ang epekto ni Doc Lynus sa akin, at kung pagpapatuloy ako dito, nakikita siya araw-araw baka hindi ko na talaga magawa ng maayos ang trabaho ko bilang nurse.

Kaya mas ok na aalis na lang ako, hindi lang ito para sa kanya kung hindi para sa akin na rin. Masyado akong umasa sa mga bagay na alam kong hindi ko kayang abutin.

“Ok, I understand and I would like to thank you for all the hard work you’re served here in our hospital. I yearn for your success as a nurse” I smile at her and say, “Thank you so much po”

Pinirmahan na nito ang papers ko sa pag move ng internship. Ngayon ang balak ko ay bumalik sa probinsya namin at doon ipagpatuloy sa hospital doon ang internship ko.

Magiging ok ako doon. “Thank you po ulit Head nurse ma’am” I said, she gave me a hug before I stepped out of her office.

Paglabas ko ng kanyang opisina. Dahan-dahan ko’ng hinubad ang aking nurse cap at naglakad papalabas ng hospital.

“Back from the start again Seah ‘’ I whisper and step out of the hospital main door.

Lynus POV

I was fixing my lab coat while walking in the hospital hallway. Heading to the nurse quarters to ask for Rivera’s assistance. I’ll be checking the kids out and I want her to assist me.

It’s been days since she got in with a patient’s accident. And I fucking admit that I was an asshole that day, I was going to get her but Cornel showed up like a super hero. The leading man of the story, I felt so down watching him holding her with warmth.

The day we got back from Seah’s birthday; I was so determined with my feelings yet realization hit me. I got too paranoid for the both of us, like our age difference was a bit high and that might cause us misunderstandings. What if I’m too boring for a young girl like her. I’m always busy and I won’t be a good boyfriend for her. I’m not good for her. That’s all inside my mind and that leads me on deciding to avoid her again like I do.

Dahil akala ko mawawala rin ang nararamdaman ko, but as days fast by, watching her losing her bright smiles I feel hell.

And now I’m here to redeem myself, and our relationship.

“Head Nurse” she’s the first nurse I saw in the quarters so I asked her. “Yes, Doc?” she asked.

“I need inter nurse Rivera for the kids ward” I said, “Doc. lilipat na ho ng hospital si Seah kaya wala na ho siya dito, kakasign lang ko lang ho ng approval niya. Kaya ho kung gusto niyo tatawag na lang ako ng ibang nur—” I didn’t bother listening for more, because what I;ve heard is enough.

Why the fuck is she moving to other hospital!?!?

“Where is she!?!!” I ask, she looks shocked at what I’ve asked. “Kakaalis lang ho Doc”

I couldn’t waste time right now, I ran fast, went straight to the lobby. Outside of the hospital, I saw her waiting for a taxi. Holding that approval paper in her hands.

I ran toward her place and immediately grabbed her hands. “WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU MOVING? WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU!?!” I ask.

Her eyes widened as she saw me in front of her, but those eyes turned bored when she looked at me. Get off my hands on her wrist and say. “Wala na ho kayo doon Doc, not your business” she bluntly said.

“Why are you moving?” I ask, and this time I tried to be calm.

“Pake mo!! Diba wala ka namang pake sa akin!!!” she said with fearsing eyes.

“I care for you,” I said.

“Oh, talaga kailan? Diba ikaw nga itong may pahintay hintay pa sa ilalim ng ulan tapos kinabukasan hindi mo ako papansinin tapos papabayaan mo akong maubusna ng dugo!” she was bursting out.

“No, I won’t let that happen to you” I said and tried to reach for her hands but she didn’t let me. She keeps on moving away from me.

“Alam mo kung hindi mo talaga ako gusto sana sinabi mo na lang ng diretso hindi yong paparamdam ka pero hindi naman pala totoo! Aalis na ako dito, dapat magsaya ka na dahil I quit! Panalo ka!” everything that comes out from her mouth right now, is rumble because of anger and I know where that is coming from.

It’s my fault, I know it.

“Don’t leave,” I begged.

“AALIS AKO DAHIL AYAW KO NA DITO! ARAW-ARAW LANG KITANG MAKIKITA, MASA—” I cut her out and speak.

“I like you! I have fallen in love with you so please don’t leave!!!” I said that straightforwardly.

She didn’t speak for a second but when she spoke, I should have wished she didn’t.

“Sorry, hindi na ako mapipigilan ng mga salitang yan ngayon, last week mo sana sinabi yan edi nakadikit pa ako sayo ngayon.” she uses a blank tone on me before she smirks bitterly and ride the taxi that stop in front of us.

I watch her leave without even letting me prove myself to her.

Stupid Lynus! You have the fucking entire month to prover her your feelings but you choose to be fucking dumb!!

“FUCK!”

Jan’s POV

“WE’RE HOME!!!!” malakas kong sigaw pagpasok ko sa bahay, sa wakas na tapos na rin ang threedays sa singapore at ngayon nakauwi na kami sa bahay.

Pagpasok palang namin sa pinto, narinig ko na ang tumatakbong si Eight mula sa hagdan at ilang minuto lang ay nakita ko na siyang tumatakbo papalapit sa aki— “DADDY!!!” nilagpasan niya ako at tumakbo kay Ash.

Nagpabuhat siya dito bago ito niyakap, “How are you bookworm” binitawan ni Ash ang buhat na bag at hinayaan ang maids na buhatin ito para sa kanya, bago niya binuhat ang anak at naglakad papunta sa sofa.

Umupo at kinandong niya si Eight, habang ako ay tila parang hangin lang sa sarili kong anak. Hindi niya man lang ako tiningnan ko pinansin man lang.

Umupo ako sa sofa na katabi ng inuupuan nila at hinihintay si Eight napansin ako pero busy siya sa pagtingin kay Ash. hindi na ata ako kilala ni Eight.

“I got you greek mythology book, this one The Art of war by Sun Tzu, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, The Greatest Secret in the World by Og Mandin and other more, check it out” kaya naman pala hindi ako pinapansin libro ang habol sa ama.

“Bumili din kaya si Mama ng libro para kay Eight” doon ko nakuha ang atensyon nito. Eight finally looked at me, went down from his father’s lap and sat beside me. “Hi ma” bati niay pero hindi siya nakatingin sa mukha ko, nakatingin siya sa kamay ko at sa ilalabas kong libro.

I smile and say, “TADA!!! BIG DICTIONARY PARA KAY EIGH–” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng agad siyang lumipat sa kanyang ama at hindi pinansin ang binili ko’ng dictionary.

“Haha better luck next life Love hahaha” pang-aasar ni Ash sa akin kaya padabog akong tumayo at tumuloy sa kwarto. “MAGAMA NGA KAYO, MAGSAMA KAYO!!!” sigaw ko.

At kasabay non’ ay rinig na rinig ko ang malakas na pagtawa ni Ash sa baba.

Akala niya ba nakakatawa, pwes hindi siya matutulog sa kwarto namin ngayong gabi. Manigas ka dyan sa labas! Okaya doon siya sa kwarto ng anak niya.

Few minutes later, “Jan love, come on let me in, I’m sorry that I have a better taste than yours” tingnan mo ganyan pa manuyo ang loko.

“HE MANIGAS KA DYAN!” sigaw ko.

“Love, I’m already hard,” he playfully said.

“ASHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!”

“Hahaha”

---

Weeks passed by, nagging ok, at masaya ang bawat araw namin tatlo. We are living like a happy family and now I’m working back at the company.

It’s good to be back. “Hi, Jan” I rose my head up when someone greeted me, “Genevieve ikaw pala, bakit?’ nakangiti kong tanong.

“Nothing really, I just want to ask you for lunch” she said and showed me a paper bag of food. I smile and say, “Sure” tumayo ako at pinatay ang aking laptop bago sumama sa kanya.

Kumain kami ng lunch sa cafeteria ng kumpanya, at gaya ng dati nagkwentuhan lang ng kung ano-ano.

“Wow engaged ka na?” sambit niya at hinawakan ang aking sing-sing.

“Oo” nahihiya kong sagot, habang biglang pumasok sa isip ko kung paano ako napaoo ng mokong na Ashtong na iyon!

“Kainino?” nakangiti niyang tanong bago lumapit sa akin, natawa ako bago bumulong sa kanya. “Kay Ash” I said.

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata, at napatakip ng bibig. “Ash? You mean the CEO?” bulong niay pabalik.

Tumango ako bilang sagot bago, “Shh wag mong sasabihin kahit kanino ah, ikaw lang ang kaibigan ko dito kaya sayo ko lang sinabi, invited ka sa kasal namin ah” masigla kong sambit.

She smiles at me and nodded as an answer, patuloy kaming kumain hanggang sa bumalik sa trabaho.

Pagsapit ng alasyenta ng gabi, kumatok na ako sa opisina ni Ash at naabutan siyang tambak ng files sa kanyang table.

“Ash hindi pa ba tayo uuwi?” tanong ko, lumapit sa kanya at hinila niya ako paupo sa kanyang hita. “I still need to finish this paper, you go home first, susunod na lang ako mamaya” he whispered that into my neck before he started giving me wet kisses on it.

“Sure ka? Tanong Ko, hindi naman ako pwedeng mag overtime din dito dahil walang kasama sa bahay si Eight kung hindi ang mga maid lang.

“Yes, Eight is waiting for you” he whispered before he hugged me so tight, let go of me and said. “The driver is waiting for you at the lobby, I’ll see you at the house later” he whispered before we shared a soft kiss.

“Ok, umuwi ka na kaagad pagkatapos mo dyan ah” tumago siya, at hinalikan pa ang aking kamay bago ako tuluyang lumabas ng kanyang opisina at umuwi ng bahay.

Birthday ko na bukas, actually pagsapit ng 12 mamaya birthday ko na. And I will surprise him instead with a steamy night he wants. Kaya pag uwi ko sa bahay, kumain kami ng dinner ni Eight at pinatulog ko na siya. Then I fixed our room, filled the bed with red roses and scented candles all over our room.

Napaaga ako ng pagaayos dahil 9:45 palang, naisipan kong itext si Ash.

To Ashtongdemonyo,

Kumain kana ba dyan?

Wala pang ilang segundo nagreply na siya agad at sinabi,

From Ashtongdemonyo,

Not yet, I’ll be a little late because I’m still in half of it, how bout’ you?

Naisipan kong hindi na magreply at pagdalhan na lang siya ng dinner doon, at sunduin na rin para makauwi kami bago mag 12 midnight.

Mabilis akong nagbihis at ibinilin si EIght saglit sa maids. Nagtaxi ako pabalik sa kumpanya at halos iilan na lang ang taong nandito pagpasok ko sa lobby.

Tumuloy ako sa itaas at dumiretso sa opisina niya, “Ash pinagdalhan na lang kita ng dinner tapos sabay na tayong umu––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko.

Nabitawan ko ang dala kong pagkain at biglang sumikip ang aking dibdib.

“Ash” That was a whisper coming from me, as I started panting.

Nahihirapan akong huminga, parang may malaking bato ang bumagsak sa aking puso.

“Genevieve”

Chapter 31

“Genevieve”

Nanigas ako sa aking kinatatayuan ng makita siyang nakaupo sa lap ni Ash. she was half naked, ang tanging suot niya na lang ay ang kanyang skirt at bra but her blouse is in the floor.

She slowly glanced at me when I called her name, nakahawak ang kanyang mga kamay sa dibdib at leeg ni Ash. “Jan?” Ash uttered my name but I just turned my back on them and stepped out of this place in an instant.

Sa paglabas ko ng pinto, mabilis akong tumakbo paalis. Kasabay non’ ay ang pagtibok ng aking puso sa makirot na paraan. Tila bawat tibok nito ay parang matinding pagkirot sa aking dibdib.

Ang bigat ng pakiramdam ko habang palabas ng elevator, pilit kong pinipigilan ang pagtulo ng aking luha habang tumatakbo papalayo. Mabilis akong nakalabas sa kumpanya at agad sumakay sa taxi.

Mabigat ang bawat paghinga ko ng makaupo ako sa loob ng taxi, pinapakalma ko ang aking sarili dahil ayaw kong’ atakihin ng hika. Naninikip ang dibdib ko kahit hindi pa ako umiiyak, hinawakan ko ang aking dibdib at patuloy na huminga ng malalim.

Tears were in my eyes already but I tried my very best not to cry, until I reached the house.

Sa pagbaba ko sa taxi, parang sinaksak ang aking puso ng mapatingin ako sa singsing na suot ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong nararamdaman ko ngayon pero ang tanging gusto kong gawin ngayon ay umalis dito.

Habang papasok ako sa gate nakita ako ang humaharurot na sasakyan ni Ash papunta dito kaya mabilis akong pumasok sa loob. I ran inside and headed straight to Eight’s room.

Pagbukas ko pa lang ng pinto, lumikha ito ng maingay na tunog kaya agad na gising si Eight. Pumupungas -pungas niya akong tiningnan bago nagtanong.

“Ma?” he ask but instead of answering him, kinuha ko ang bag sa gilid ng study table niya at kinuhanan siya ng damit mula sa closet ng silid na ito. He looks confused while watching me but I remain focused and fix his thing up.

“Ma? What are you doi—” hindi niya natapos ang sasabihin niya ng, “JAN! LET ME EXPLAIN!!” narinig ko ang pabukas ng pinto sa baba at pagsigaw ni Ash, kaya lumapit ako kay EIght at inayos ang kanyang magulong buhok.

“Pupunta muna tayo kay Lola, tara” I whisper and hold his hand, sumunod naman si Eight sa akin at sinuot ang kanyang sapatos kahit nakapajamas lang siya.

Agad kami’ng bumababa ni Eight sa hagdanan at nakasalubong si Ash na paakyat at tila tagaktak ang pawis. “Love, Jan, let me explain, it’s not what you think” he said, but I chose to ignore him and walk pass through him.

“Jan, please hear me out” hinawakan niya ang aking kamay pero mabilis ko itong tinanggal at patuloy na naglakad papunta sa pinto. Eight looked at his dad with a frowned and confused expression.

Wala siyang alam sa nangyayari pero bakas sa mukha niya na hindi niya gusto ang nangyayari. Ako rin naman hindi ko gusto ito, pero sa puntong ito kailangan ko munang umalis.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang aking nararamdaman, at baka mas lalo lang akong magulo pagnanatili ako sa tabi ni Ash ngayon.

My heart feels weak, scared and angry and I don’t know how to handle it right now.

Every step I take feels like a stab in my chest and Ash keeps hindering me from keeping my peace. “Jan, please I beg you, hear me out love please” patuloy niyang sambit habang hinahabol kami papunta sa pinto.

Hindi ako nagsalita at patuloy lang sa paglalakad, I made a straight face and focused on getting out of this house. But Ash blocked the door when I was about to open it.

“Jan, I said, hear me out—” I didn’t let him finish and look at him in the eyes and say, “Tumabi ka Ash” madiin at seryoso kong sambit, tila bawat letra ng sinabi ko ay may dalang hinanakit na nag palambot kay Ash.

“No, please hear me out” he said, reaching for my hand and starting shedding tears. “It was a misunderstanding Jan” his voice started cracking as he shed tears in front of me. He looks so pale, tired and weak right now.

“Please don’t leave” he was whispering while trying to wipe away his tears.

Pero nagmatigas ako at diretso siyang tiningnan, “Bitawan mo ang kamay ko” madiin kong sambit.

He slowly shakes his head before he cries, “Please not now, don’t leave let me explain” he whispers.

Ako na mismo ang nagtanggal ng kamay niya sa aking kamay bago binuksan ang pinto at sinabi, “Hindi ngayon Ash, sarado ang tenga ko para sa kung ano man ang sasabihin mo” I darkly said and still making myself strong in front of him.

“How long will that be close for my explanation?” he weakly whispered.

“Hindi ko alam” tangi kong sagot bago tuluyang lumabas kasama si Eight.

Sumakay kami ng taxi papunta sa bus station. Kahit kalagitnaan ng gabi, sumakay kami sa huling byahe at umuwi sa bahay namin.

Sa tahanan kung nasaan si Mama, dahil alam kong siya ang kailangan ko ngayon. Nanatili kaming tahimik sa buong byahe at pilit kong pinatigas ang aking sarili hanggang sa makarating kami sa babaan ng bus.

Malapit lang sa sakayan ng bus ang bahay namin kaya nilakad nalang namin ni Eight. Kalahating oras din ang byahe at saktong pagtapat namin sa harap ng bahay ay ang pagsapit ng alas dose ng gabi.

Birthday ko na.

“Ma?” napatingin ako kay Eight ng magsalita siya, he looks at me in the eyes and when a single shed of tears come out from his eyes. I suddenly burst out, I knelt and hugged him so tight.

Umiyak ako ng pasigaw habang yakap siya, at kasabay non’ ay ang pagbukas ng ilaw mula sa loob ng bahay. Eiht rubbed my back using his small hand and the door opened.

“Jan anak?” When I heard my mother’s voice, I started gasping for air. Hinahabol ko na ang paghinga ko dahil sobrang pag iyak.

“Naku, diyos ko Jan anak!” agad akong kinuha ni Mama mula kay Eight at napaupo sa tapat ng pinto habang pilit hinahawakan ang aking dibdib. “H-here” Eight whispered and handed his inhaler to my mother.

“Ito anak dali” ibinigay ni Mama sa akin ang inhaler habang patuloy akong umiiyak at naghahabol ng hininga. Mama hugged me while I kept gasping for air.

And when my eyes lock into my son’s teary eyes, I slowly calm down.

I felt so drowned in pain and everything just felt like a deja vu.

“Jan nandya— teka anak anong nangyayari sayo bakit ka umiiyak” agad akong dumiretso sa kwarto ko at isinara ang pinto. Inaatake na ako ng hika kaya agad kong hinanap ang inhaler ko pero hindi ko ito makita sa loob ng aking bag. Malakas na ang tunog ang aking paghikbi at paghabol sa aking hininga, sumisikip na rin ang aking dibdib.

“Jan anak buksan mo ito” she was behind my door, but I don’t want her to see me like this, my vision started to get blurry as I lose air inside my body and I can’t really find my inhaler, sobrang hirap akong huminga at sobrang lakas na ng pag iyak ko.

“Jan buksan mo ito!!!” sigaw ni Mama pero hindi ko na magawang abutin pa ang pinto dahil nanghihina na ako at unti-unti nang dumidilim ako’ng aking paningin. “M-ma” I tried to call her but I didn’t make any sound when I said that, I was just crying and gasping the whole time.

I slowly lay on the floor trying to sustain air inside my body but my asthma was overtaking all my strength. The door opened and my mother instantly ran towards me and put the inhaler on my mouth.

I desperately inhaler on it, para na akong aso sa sobrang lakas ng paghinga at paghigop ko dito. “Diyos ko anong nangyari sayo Jan” umiiyak na sambit ni Mama habang niyayakap ako.

---

I wake up with a bright morning sunrise coming from a wooden window of our house. My eyes were swollen and my head is aching but I choose to seat but I realize that Eight we’re sleeping beside me while hugging my waist.

Pinagmasdan ko siya at medyo maga din ang kanyang mga mata, alam kong dahil sa akin iyon kaya hinaplos ko ang kanyang pisngi at pinunasan ang dumi sa kanyang pisngi.

He looked so tired and I felt bad for not thinking of him first, last night. Masyado akong kinain ng aking emosyon at hindi ko man lang naisip ang maaring epekto ng nakita ni Eight kagabi. Alam kong naguguluhan siya sa nangyayari at hindi ko dapat ipinakita sa kanya ang nangyari kagabi.

He’s too young to understand things like this.

Humiga muli ako at niyakap din siya, he rustles a bit and hugged me tiger, rest his head on my chest and continue sleeping. Pumikit muli ako at natulog kasama siya. Kailangan ko munang magpahinga at ipahinga ang aking isipan dahil tila sobrang gulo nito.

Nagising ako nang wala na si Eight sa tabi ko, kaya mabilis akong tumayo at sumilip sa bintana kung saan na ririnig ko ang mahihina niyang hagikgik. Nakita ko siyang nakikipaglaro sa isang maliit na tuta habang pinapakain ni Mama ang alagang manok.

Nakangiti si Mama habang pinapanood si Eight na nakikipaghabulan sa tuta, this is her first time seeing him in person. Because I never had a chance to bring Eight here, dahil takot ako. Takot ako sa sampal ng katotohanan, pag tiningnan ko si Mama sa kanyang mga mata mas lalo ko lang naaalala na sinayang ko ang mga sakripisyo niya.

Pero sa puntong ito, alam kong siya lang ang kailangan ko.

“Jan anak, gising ka na pala” sambit ni Mama paglabas ko sa likod ng bahay. “Mama!” tumakbo papalapit sa akin si EIght habang buhat ang tuta at ipinakita sa akin.

“He looks like harry potter, see” sambit niya at ipinakita sa akin ang parang kidlat na marka sa noo ng tuta. “Oo nga noh,” tugon ko at pinunasan ang kanyang pawis bago hinayaan siyang maglaro kasama ang tuta.

Lumapit ako kay Mama na nakangiting pinanagmamasdan si Eight. “Napakagwapong bata” sambit niya ng tumabi ako sa kanya.

Pinanood namin si Eight, natumatawa habang nakikipag hilaan ng tela sa tuta. “Oh” napatingin ako kay Mama ng iaabot niay sa akin ang engagement ring namin ni Ash.

“Hinubad mo yan kagabi habang inaatake ka ng hika, hay nako January bakit ba ang hilig mong kumakatok sa pinto natin at ginugulat ako sa malakas mo’ng pag iyak.” umiiling na sambit ni Mama ng ibigay sa akin ang singsing.

Pinagmasdan ko ito at tila naalala ang pagluha ni Ash sa aking harapan. “Ikakasal na dapat ako Ma” mahina kong sambit.

“Pero nakita ko siya kagabi na kasama ang kaibigan ko sa opisina na naghahalikan” parang bumara sa kaing lalamunan ang mga salitang iyon kaya medyo nahirapan akong sabihin.

“Nakita mo ba na hinahalikan niya?” tanong ni Mama, kaya napaisip ako, nakatalikod sa akin si Genevieve at nakaharang siya kay Ash kaya hindi ko alam, pero halata nama’ng may ginagawa silang dalawa dahil nakatanggal na ang blouse ni Genevieve.

“Nagpaliwanag ba siya sayo?” tanong ni Mama. muli hindi ako nakasagot dahil hindi ko siya hinayaan magpaliwanag kagabi.

Tumawa si Mama ng tingnan ang aking mukha, “Hindi mo siya pinakinggan noh’?” natatawang sambit ni Mama. Tumango ako bilang sagot. Huminga ng malalim si Mama bago hinawakan ang aking likuran at sinabi. “Bumalik ka roon, at pakinggan mo ang paliwanag ng lalaking mahal mo, dahil kung mahal mo ang tao yon, handa kang masaktan sa katotohanan at handa kang magpatawad sapagkat ang panginoon ay nagawa kang patawarin sa lahat ng sala mo. Wala tayong karapatan hindi magpatawad anak” Nginitian ako ni Mama bago naglakad papunta sa loob ng bahay.

Naiwan akong nakatayo dito sa labas, at tila naalala ang mga sinabi ni Ash kagabi.

“Jan, please hear me out”

“No, please hear me out”

“It was a misunderstanding Jan”

“Please don’t leave”

“Please not now, don’t leave let me explain”

“How long will that be close for my explanation?”

Tumulo ang luha ko dahil doon, at napatingin sa singsing na ibinigay nito sa akin. Ngayon ko lamang napansin na may naka engraved pala na words sa loob nito.

Binasa ko ito at mas lalong naluha, it says.

-I will always long for you, January

“Eight, magbihis kana anak uuwi na tayo” malakas kong sambit at nang tiningan ko si Mama sa tapat ng pinto. Ngumiti siya bago tumango. “Happy birthday” she mouthed.

Babalik ako at papakinggan ang lahat ng sasabihin niya, at siya lang ang papaniwalaan ko. Dahil siya si Ashton Del Mundo, ang lalaking mahal ko at mamahalin ko.

---

Ash’s POV

“HOW DARE YOU SHOW UP YOUR FACE IN HERE AFTER WHAT YOU’VE DONE!!!” I was shouting with anger as she stood in front of my table.

She’s the fucking reason why Jan, leave me least night!

This fucking brainless bitch!

“Knock, knock” I was rushing to my work right now because I wanna go home before the clock hits 12 midnight. I wanna celebrate my wife’s birthday. And I’m finishing all of this so I could spend my whole day with her and our son tomorrow.

I’ll bring the both of them to anyplace they wish for.

“Come in” I said as the person outside kept knocking, I leer at the door when it opens and an employee shows up. What’s her name again? Genny? I don’t remember. “Yes? What do you need?” I ask.

I continued rushing things up and didn’t realize that she’s already standing beside me. I just stopped when she leaned down and pushed my swivel chair away from the table, before she stood up in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I ask, when she starts unbuttoning her blouse in front of me and completely removes it and throws it at the side. What the hell is this pest doing? I fucking wanna throw up while looking at her body.

“Ashton, matagal na kitang gusto at handa akong ibigay sayo ang sarili ko ngayong gabi” my eyes widened when she seats on my lap. I panic and push her away, the reason for her to hit the table.

“What fuck!” I haze.

I was about to move away when she hurriedly sat on my lap and leaned on my neck.

“Ash?” “Genevieve” I was stiff when I heard the food open and my wife’s voice. Fucking no!

“Jan” I uttered when our eyes met, but before I could push this fucking bitch, Jan turn her back on me and run away.

“FUCK!” I pushed this bitch so hard and she fell on the floor. “Ash, matagal na kitang mahal, ako na lang!” she said and hugged my leg when I tried to stand up and follow my wife.

“DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!” I darkly said and kicked her away.

“Don’t fucking show your flity face in front of me ever again, because I’m telling you I can kill you! stupid pest!” I said before I ran after my wife.

“Bitawan mo ang kamay ko” she said as she stared at me with pain in her eyes. Seeing her in pain makes me want to kill myself.

I slowly shake my head before I shed tears, “Please not now, don’t leave let me explain” I whisper, and beg because I just feel so tired and weak right now, I need her by my side.

But she chooses to push my hands away and say, “Hindi ngayon Ash, sarado ang tenga ko para sa kung ano man ang sasabihin mo” That just shuttered all my hope on fixing this problem right now.

And all I can do is to let her go for now and ask, “How long will that be close for my explanation?” I weakly whispered.

“Hindi ko alam” she said and left with our son.

I watch them leave and punch the fucking wall think of that bitch face, “Fucking Shit!”

“Totoo naman ang sinasabi ko Ash, mahal kita matagal na wala pa yang babaeng yan dito! Ako ang una mong nakilala, ako dapat ang pinili mo!!!” SHE’S CRAZY!

“I don’t even know you existed before my wife became FRIENDS with you!” she’s a fake friend and I hate fucking fake people.

“Pero mahal kita handa akong ibigay ang lahat sayo, mayaman ako hindi kagaya ng hampa––” i didn’t let her finish and hit the table so loud. “Don’t you fucking even go dare, because you are fucking worst that a thirsty rat, you’re fired and don’t fucking show up here or I’ll relly fucking kill you!”

“Pero totoo naman ang sinasa––”

“GET OUT!!!!!”

Jan’s POV

“Dito ka muna Eight, kukunin ka ni Mama mamaya, pupuntahan ko lang ang Daddy mo” sambit ko ng iwan ko siya sa loob ng apartment namin nila Willow.

“Sige na ako na ang bahala kay Eight, gumayak kana” sambit ni Seah.

“Wala kang pasok?” tanong ko, ang inaasahan ko ay si Willow ang maaabutan namin dito pero tila baliktad dahil nasa trabaho daw si Willow at si Seah lang ang nandito.

“Lilipat ako ng hospital sa atin, doon ko tatapusin internship ko. Aalis na rin ako bukas haha, sige na umalis kana baka hindi mo maabutan yon” she said and push me out of the door.

Tumuloy na ako papunta sa kumpanya dahil nagtanong ako sa maids namin kung nanadon ba si Ash pero sabi nila pumasok daw kaya alam kong nasa kumpanya niya.

Tumapat ako sa elevator at pagbukas nito agad kumulo ang dugo ko ng makita si Genevieve. I glared at her but she smirked at me and when she was about to pass my me, she whispers, “Ashton taste so good”

Sumabog ang kumukulo ko’ng dugo at hindi siya hinayaang makaalis, agad ko siyang sinabnutan at hinila ng malakas dahilan upang mapaupo siya sa sahig.

“AKALA MO BA HINDI KITA PAPATULAN AH!” sigaw ko at kinaladkad siya papunta sa gitna ng lobby, “OH MY GOSH! LET GO OF ME!!” she panicked, when everyone is looking at us, buti na lang may suot akong sumbrelo at shade kaya kahit videohan ako ng mga tao hindi ako makikilala.

“SABIHIN MO SA AKIN ANG TOTOO! HINALIKAN KA BA NI ASH?!” I ask. “Yes” diretso niyang sagot kaya mas diniinan ko pa ang pagkakasabunot sa kanya.

“YUNG TOTOO!” I shouted, she cried out loud in pain as she almost kissed the floor as I pulled her hair even harder.

“AHHHH OUCH!!! LET GO OF MY HAIR” she shouted.

“SAGOT!!!” sigaw ko.

“No, no, no he didn’t, I seduced him but he didn’t like me, let go of my hair please ouch” I smirked when I got the answer I wanted. “Madali ka naman palang kausap eh, tara hahatid na kita palabas” kinaladkad ko siya papalabas ng kumpanya at doon siya binitawan sa labasan.

“Pinapatawad na kita sa kung ano man ang ginawa mo, pero wag na wag ka nang magpapakita sa akin” I crossed my arms and look down on her. She was crying and covering her face before she ran away.

After that tumuloy ako sa loob at dumiretso sa opisina ni Ash.

I knocked and heard him answer weakly. “Come in” pagod niyang sambit.

Nangbuksan ko ang pinto nakita ko siyang nakayuko at tila walang tulog at minamasahe magisa ang kanyang ulo.

“Ash” when I said that he instantly stood up and looked at me. “Jan!” she said and ran towards my place.

He stopped in front of me and immediately shed tears. “Please let me expla—” hindi ko na siya pinatapos sa pagsasalita at agad hinalikan ang kanyang labi.

I gave him a peck that made him stop, he stared at me confusedly.

“W-what?” he whispers.

I just smiled at him and hugged him, “Everything is fine, you don’t need to explain a thing” whisper and with that he rests his face on my neck and cries.

“Shhh, I love you Ash” I whisper.

“I’ll always longed for you” he whispered while sobbing like a baby.

I chuckled and rubbed his back.

“Happy birthday, Jan,” he whispered.

“Thank you”

Chapter 32

Lynus’s POV

“What are you doing here? You should be doing something, don’t fuck up this time” I rose my head up as Leusam seated beside me here at the bar.

I was spending the whole day drinking and drowning myself with sorrows. I’m always a fucking fool and loser when it comes to love. I never win because I’m fucking stupid.

“I already did,” I said and took another sip, before I laughed with my stupidity.

“Want me to help you?” he asked, I leered at him with a smirk on my lips. “Now, you’re acting like a useful brother? But too late, she already left and I can’t do anything about it, I don’t deserve he—” I couldn’t finish what I’m saying when he punched me in the face so hard.

I even fell from my seat because of it. I slowly glance at him, wiping the blood from the side of my lips and ask, “What’s that for?” I ask.

But instead of answering me he offered his hand, and guided me back to my seat. We sat beside each other and he ordered another glass of drink.

“You already lost once, are you really gonna lose twice? This is not the Lynus I know, he’s so competitive and he’s doing anything to achieve his goal. I punch you to wake you up because you sound like a fucking sad boy who never turn into a real man” what he said suddenly fired up my ego.

“And you are the real man here?” I sarcastically asked. He nodded confidently before he loosens his tie and smirked. “I guess, because I’m not like you who give up that easily, my woman is on my side and her presence is enough to prove that I’m a man. Because I know how to fight for love, not like you who cry like a baby here, instead of thinking away to get that girl again” he takes a last sip on his drink before he stands up, fixes his tie back and looks at me.

“Get yourself together, don’t fuck up, I don’t raise you too lose” he said like he’s, my dad.

“You’re not my dad” I said, “But I’m the reason why you succeed because you want to beat me, I made you like that, now prove yourself and get married Dick head” he said and left.

Left me dumbfounded, I never imagined that he’s words would make me realize things. But he’s right.

It’s time for me to act like a real man.

I stood up, smirked and whisper, “Fuck that punch really help”

Seah’s POV

“Nurse Seah, pakikuha ako ng stock ng gloves sa storage room ng clinic please” Agad akong tumayo at tumango sa inutos ni Doctor Giron.

“Yes, Doc” masigla kong sambit at lumabas ng opisina niya, as I step out of the room, my smile faded away too. I didn’t know that this would be as lonely as I expected. I mean, malapit lang ako sa mga magulang ko at umuuwi ako sa bahay namin kasama ko na sila lahat-lahat pero pakiramdam ko may kulang.

Simula ng lumipat ako dito sa amin, bigla na lang nagbago ang lahat. I always feel off but I tried my best to be useful and helpful here in the clinic. Yes, Clinic. Ito lang kasi ang tumanggap sa akin dito sa probinsya, puno na daw ng intern ang hospital kaya kinuha na lang ako ni Doc. Giron upang maging assistant nurse niya sa sarili niyang clinic.

Pumunta ako sa likod ng clinic kung saan ang pinto sa storage room na sinasabi ni Doc. Giron. Binuksan at pumasok ako dito upang kumuha ng bos ng gloves.

Medyo malaki ang box kaya medyo na hirap akong isara ito. “Hop yah!” sambit ko ng tuluyang maisara ang pinto, binuhat ko muli ng maayos ang box bago naglakad papasok sa loob.

When I was about to step inside, my phone rang. Alam kong si Willow ito kasi sabi niya tatawag siya kaya idinikit ko sa pader ang box para sa alalay at kinuha sa aking bulsa ang cellphone ko.

Agad ko itong sinagot ng hindi na tinitignan ang caller, “Oh, sis ano bang chika, on duty pa ako eh—”

“I miss you” natigilan ako ng marinig ang familiar na boses na iyon, tumibog ng malakas ang aking puso ng marealize kung sino ang nasa kabilang linya.

“I miss you so bad” my lips parted as he keeps speaking, hindi ko inaasahan na maririnig ko ang boses niya ngayo’ng araw. Biglang nanghihina ang mga tuhod ko sa bawat paghinga nito sa kabilang linya.

Rinig na rinig ko ang mga ito at hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko, basta ang alam ko sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko at tila nagsimula ng tumulo ang luha ko.

“You shouldn’t leave,” he whispered from the other line.

And this time I tried to cope myself up and speak professionally, “Doctor Herrera, napatawag ho kayo? Ano hong kailangan nila” magalang kong sambit, at narinig ko ang malalim na paghinga nito sa kabilang linya.

“I need you” he said, and that sent butterflies in my stomach, a reason for me to cry even more. Don’t make me fall again if you don’t really mean if, because I’m telling you, I’m always weak for you.

“Stop this” I weakly said, hardly closing my eyes and tightening my grip on the box. I’m working, I shouldn’t be affected by this. We’re done.

“You shouldn’t leave” again he repeated what he said a while ago, I need to because if I didn’t, I’ll just hurt myself hoping for you to love me back.

Pinunasan ko ang aking luha, bago sinubukang patayin ang tawag pero muli siyang nagsalita.

“You shouldn’t leave, because now I need to drive a few hours again to go back to Manila with you” ano?

I gasp when someone wrapped his arms on my waist and put his face on my neck. Sa sobrang gulat ko hindi ko nagawang gumalaw at tila agad kong nakilala ang pabangong iyon.

Tumulo lalo ang aking luha dahil dito, this is impossible.

Hindi maaaring mangyari ito, “I love you and I need you as my personal lifetime nurse” he whispered in my neck, I could feel his warm breath against my skin and it gave me goosebumps.

“Panaginip ba ito?” I whisper.

“No” sagot nito bago hinawakan ang aking kamay at dahan-dahang kinuha ang box ng gloves mula sa akin at agad itong ibinaba. I was whimpering inside as he slowly caressed my stomach, up to my waist and made me face him.

I covered my face when I saw him, he’s real! He’s here.

I burst out crying and just covered my face. Doctor Lynus hugged me and gently caressed my head.

“I’m done being a weak second lead of this story, now let me have my own happy ending” he whispered, kissed my forehead and looked me in the eyes.

“Now, I’ll let you choose, love me or Marry me?” he whispers.

I laugh at him as he wipes my tears and meets those gazes, “Pwede both?” sagot ko.

He laughed at my answer and we shared a sweet kiss.

“Sure”

Willow’s POV

“Ano ba!” singhal ko at iniwiniksi ang aking kamay upang matanggal ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking kamay.

“Why not, you’re my girlfriend already. Why can’t I hold your hand?” nakapout nitong sambit habang naglalakad kami sa park. Hindi ko alam kung paano nangyari ito, basta bigla na lang naging ganito.

“Ayaw ko sa clingying tao!!” singhal ko at inis na tumigil sa isang bench, hinarap siya at tiningnan ng masama. Why am I stocked with this kid?!

“But you love me right?” he said with those puppy eyes, shit! Ang cute!

“O-Oo” I avoided his gaze as I answered, but copped my face and made me face him, look him straight in the eyes. “Great now let’s meet my parents” bigla niyang sambit bago ako hinila papunta sa isang malaking itim na van.

“TEKA AKALA KO KAKAIN LANG TAYO NG KWEK-KWEK?!” I panic.

“Later” nakangiti niyang sagot bago ako nginitian at pinasakay sa van, pagkasakay ko nagulat ako ng may tatlong taong nakaupo sa loob. They we’re all smiling at me and they all looked so expensive.

Sumakay na rin si Rios at pinaupo ako sa kanyang tabi, kaharap ang tatlong taong nasa loob. “Mom, Dad this is my girlfriend my soon to be wife Willow Railey Medina” nanlalaki ang aking mga mata ng tukuyin niyang Mom and Dad ang dalawang mag-asawang ito sa aming harapan.

Parang tumigil ang pagtibok ng puso ko sa takot, this can’t be happening!!!

Mukhang bata pa ang magulang niya, at isa pa nakakahiya nakasuot lang ako ng denim shorts at hoodie sa harapan nila, while there all wearing formal attire.

“Ahm h—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang tumayo ang mama ni Rios at niyakap ako. Tila nanigas ako sa aking iuupuan dahil dito. “You’re so lovely” sambit ng Mama ni Rios.

And when I look into his dad, he’s genuinely smiling at me. “I’m Rianne Del Verde and this is my husband Rico Del Verde we’re his parents, we’re here to finally meet you” sambti ng mama niya pagkabalik nito sa kanyang upuan pagkatapos ako’ng yakapin ng sobrang higpit.

I just nodded slowly because my there’s no words coming out of my mouth. “You are so lovely, just like what Rios said. You’re so beautiful and by the way I so much love your books” totoo ba ito? Gusto ko na lang kainin ng lupa sa puntong ito. Hindi ko alam ang nangyayari.

“My wife has plenty copies of your books iha” sambit ng Dad ni Rios.

“H-hindi k-ko po alam ang sasabihin ko” I bit my lower lip and shook my head down. “No, darling you don’t have to say anything, before you’ve stepped in here, before you accept our son, we already know who you are and we really like you” sambit ng mama ni Rios at tinabihan ako.

“Welcome to our family” she said. “Pero mahirap lang po ako” tugon ko.

“The hell we care, you are part of the family, period”

“Matanda po ako ng ilang taon kay Rios” muli kong sambit.

“Then should we settle the wedding already? We’re still not late to the calendar tho” ANO!? “PO?!” They all laugh at my reaction.

“He’s just kidding iha, but I’m seriously welcome to our family” his mom said. My heart just felt over welm, I didn’t expect them to accept me this warmly.

“Yes, welcome to the family” I was stiff when I saw the girl with Rios last time. The one he always posted on his instagram. “I’m Ria Del Verde, his sister” hindi! Parang gusto kong sampalin ang aking sarili dahil sa kagagahan ko.

Kapatid niya pala ito!!!

Ang tanga mo talaga Willow!!!

“Are you ok?” napalingon ako kay Rios ng tanungin niya ako. Agad akong umiling at nahihiyang tiningnan silang lahat.

“So, should we set a date for our wedding?!” sambit nito kaya hinampas ko siya.

They all laugh at me, and I guess this is going to be my new family.

Ash’s POV

“Come on it’s a Saturday, we can just visit them tomorrow” I lazily said while lying on the bed again after dressing up.

My love just glanced at me with a smile on her face while fixing our son’s shirt. “Ash, pinangako natin sa magulang mo na dadalaw tayo doon every weekend” she said while shaking her head off.

I haze and continue laying on the bed, “I don’t wanna go, can we just stay here inside our room?” I ask.

“You can’t Daddy, the angel might come!” Eight instantly disagreed with me, and that made her mom laugh at me. I sigh and say, “It’s not an angel son it’s a soldie—” before I could finish my word Jan, throw her scarf on my face.

“Bumaba ka na doon Eight susunod na kami” she said and watched our son go down the staircase before she went back and faced me.

“Tara na hinihintay na tayo doon” she put both of her hands on the both sides of her waist while staring at me. She’s fuckin’ beautiful, how can he be this stunning in a simple dress.

She’s making my heart beat fast fuck! I urged a smile before I sat in front of him and put her legs to make her stand between my legs.

I lean my head on her stomach and whisper, “Mom said, my real parents will come to the mansion later tonight, I don’t know if I really want to face them” I weakly whisper.

I don’t know what to feel right now, I don’t really know.

She copped my face and raise it up to face her lovely face, “Kaya mo ito, at isa pa malay mo ito ang bubuo sa pagkatao mo, hindi ka naman pinipilit ng magulang mong bumalik sa totoo mong magulang. Ang gusto lang nila ay makilala mo sila, you have no responsibility about it, you’ll just meet them like normal strangers do” she brightly whispers before she slowly sits on my left leg and fixes my hair.

I could stay my whole day staring at her like this, looking at her face, I could clearly see how wonderful my future is with her. She’s the bright moon that lights up my dark nights, my women, my lady, my human, my person. “I love you” I whisper.

She stops and looks at me, flashes those warm smiles and says, “Dapat lang hahaha” she confidently said before she stood up and was about to walk away.

I quickly stood up pulled her against me and hugged her so gently, “Whatever happens to us, let’s always promise each other that we’ll go home in each other’s arms at the end” I uttered as she rested her head on my chest, listening to every beat of my heart for her.

“Whatever problem, even if it’s painful. I will always go back to your arms” she whispered and as we were about to share a sweet kiss, a little one interrupted us.

“Excuse, what are you doing?” Eight seriously said while fixing those glasses he wears.

“Sumasayaw kami haha” Jan said and swayed me with her like we’re doing a cha-cha. I just genuinely laugh at her and dance with her.

“Adults are so weird” Eight whisper and leave us here.

That’s when Jan stops and just laughs at me, I give her a peck before I whisper something in her ears. “We should also dance in bed tonight, what do you think of my love” I teasingly said.

She pushed me away and hazed, “HEH! TIGILAN MO AKO DEL MUNDO!”

After that we head straight to the mansion and as part of the family routine, everyone is here, Ate Louen, Leusam and Tabi, Mom and Dad, Jan, me and Eight. We are spending weekends together.

“DINNER IN THE POOL AREA!!!” As we arrived its already lunch and we had just finished lunch together, now Tabitha is already suggesting dinner.

“Mamaya Tabi” Ate said as she pulled my wife again, that’s the reason why I don’t like spending the whole weekend here, I never get a chance to have solo time with my wife!

“Ash anak” I glanced at my mom when she called my name. “Yes Mom?” I ask when I walk towards her. She’s standing beside Dad’s wheelchair. They are both looking at me with an uneasy smile.

“Malapit na sila” she uttered and I already understood what that meant.

Suddenly I felt uneasy too, but I remained calm and I nodded at her. “Always remember this Ash, whatever happens today, we’ll stand at your back ok” Mom said and kissed my hand.

I smiled at her and hugged her gently. “I know that Mom” Dad also held my hand and gave me that kind of support I needed. I smile at him and sit in the garden watching my son play with Tabi and My wife laugh with my sister.

“You’re too in love with her, I can say” Leusam said as we sat on the same couch. “Are you also speaking to yourself?” I smirked at him and he grinned.

“Your sister is my dream, I could never unfall in love with her.” I have the same feeling with him, I could never see myself unloved as the first woman I ever loved in my whole life.

“You are using your sweet words too much; it feels creepy bro haha” I said and he laughed with me. “What can I say, I’m in love haha”

“Ash” we both stopped laughing when Mom called my name. “She’s here” when she said that, I leer at my wife and she looked at me and stood up.

I followed my mom towards the living room and I know Jan is walking to my back together with my sister and Leusam, she even held my hand from my back. When we stepped inside the house, I saw Dad talking to a middle-aged woman.

“Son, she’s Alexandra Larcon you’re real Mom” Mom said and I met gaze with my real mother.

“Hi–” I was about to speak when.

“Mama?” Jan said and looked straight to the women looking at me.

“Jan, anak?”

“What?” Dad uttered and looked at Jan for an answer.

“Siya po ang nanay ko”

What!?

Chapter 33

Ash“ agad akong napalingon kay Ash ng marining ko’ng tawagin siya ni Tita Cybelle. “She’s here” kasunod na sambit ni Tita, nakita kong tiningnan ako ni Ash. Bakas sa mukha nito ang takot at kaba kaya tumango ako sa kanya upang bigyan siya ng lakas ng loob.

He nodded back before he followed his mom inside the house, “Tabi, Eight stay there ok” Sambit ni Ate Louen bago kami sumunod sa loob. Naabutan kong naglalakad si Ash kaya lumapit ako sa kanyang likuran at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay habang ako’y nasa kanyang likuran.

I wanna make him feel that we’re here for him. Tumiggil kaming lahat sa tapat ng sala at lahat ng atensyon ko ay nasa likuran ni Ash at sa medyo nanginginig nitong kamay. “Son, she’s Alexandra Larcon you’re real Mom” natigilan ako ng marinig ko ang pangalan ni Mama.

Dahan-dahan akong sumilip at tiningnan ang babaeng magsasalita pa lamang, “Hi–” hindi ko na siya pinatapos magsalita at agad siyang tinawag. “Mama?” sambit ko habang nakatingin siya kay Ash.

“Jan, anak?” naguguluhan na sambit ni Mama, paano siya nakapunta dito? “What?” Tito Mikko said with a confused expression.

“Siya po ang nanay ko” mahina kong sambit, lahat kami’ng nandito ay tila natimik. “B-but she’s A-ash r-real M-mother” utal-utal na sambit ni Tita Cybelle, at doon lang nagsimulang magsink in sa akin ang lahat.

“M-ma?” mahina kong sambit at tiningnan si Mama sa kanyang mga mata, punong-puno ng pangamba at takot ang aking nararamdaman. Hindi totoo ito, hindi maari.

“Bakit ka nandito Jan?” tanong ni Mama pabalik, nagsimulang sumikip ang pagtibok ng aking puso. Hindi maari ito! Tiningnan ko si Ash pero diretso lang ang tingin nito kay Mama. he’s face is blank, he’s eyes were emotionless, but he kept clenching his Jaw.

Hindi ko alam ang nararamdaman ko ngayon, isa itong malaking kalokohan.

“DAD, MA WE GOT A BUTTERFLIES LOOK” malakas na sigaw ni Eight habang tumatakbo papalapit sa amin ni Ash kasama si Tabitha.

My lips just parted when Eight stood in front of us. “Diyos ko” mahinang sambit ni Mama, bago tumulo ang luha nito.

Tila sumabog ang puso ko ng makita ang pagpatak ng luha nito. Dahan-dahan ding tinanggal ni Ash ang pagkakahawak sa aking kamay. “A-ash?” I whisper but he chooses not to look at me and slowly steps back at me.

Tila nanghihina ang buo kong katawan ng iwasan niya rin ang tangkang paghawak ni Eight sa kanyang kamay. “Ash” sinubukan ko siyang tawagin at kunin ang kanyang atensyon pero tila wala itong naririnig.

Nakita ko ang pagtulo ng luha nito bago kami tinalikuran at mabilis na naglakad papalabas. “Ash!” Tita Cybelle tries to go after him but Tito Milo stops him, and she starts crying too.

Habang ako ay nakatingin lamang kay Eight na tila naguguluhan sa nangyayari, at nakatingin sa pa rin sa pinto na nilabasan ni Ash. “Diyos ko” rinig kong muling sambit ni Mama.

I glance at her and slowly seat on the floor, napaupo ako sa sahig sa sobrang panghihina.

Gulong-gulo ang isipan ko ngayon, hindi ito totoo.

“We’ll follow him” Ate Louen and Leusam said before they walk fast and go after Ash.

“Kids come with me” Sambit ni Tito Mikko at kinuha nila si Eight at Tabi. silang dalawa ni Tita Cybelle.

“I think you too need to talk, ‘’ Tita Cybelle said and closed the door to the garden as they stepped out of the house. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Mama dito sa loob ng bahay.

Dahan-dahan ko siyang hinarap habang patuloy ang pagtulo ng aking luha, she looks at me crying and covering her mouth. I don’t know what to feel right now.

“Jan” lumapit siya sa akin at sinubukan hawakan ang aking mga kamay, pero umatras ako. “ANO TO’ MA?!” sigaw ko.

She cried even more and kept trying to hold my hand. “Jan pakinggan mo muna ako anak” she begged, hinawakan niya ang kamay ko pero pilit akong kumakawala hanggang sa dahan-dahan siyang lumuhod sa aking harapan.

“Anak, pakinggan mo muna ako parang awa mo na” she begged and hugged my thighs. I avoided looking at her, arched my head and cry. “Sige na Jan, pakinggan mo muna ako anak sige na, parang awa mo na” I close my eyes and try to hold myself.

“Jan, pakinggan mo muna si Mama kahit saglit lang anak ko” umiling ako habang patuloy pinapakinggan ang kanyang pagiyak. Hindi ko na alam kung saan pa ako nasasaktan, hindi ko na alam.

“Sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo” madiin kong sambit habang nakatingin sa malayo at patuloy tumutulo ang aking luha. “Tumayo ka Ma” I said and let her stand up and take a step backward.

She slowly stood up and cry in front of me, “Anong totoo?” tanong ko, kahit na ang totoo ay ayaw ko nang marinig ang sagot dahil sobrang sakit na.

“Anak mahal kita, at totoong anak ko si Ash” mahina niyang sambit at tiningnan ako ng puno ng pagsisisi sa kanyang mga mata. dito ko lamang siya muling tiningnan at tinanong ang tanong na tila ayaw lumabas sa akin bibig simula kanina pa.

“H-hindi mo ba ako totoong anak?” nanghihina kong tanong, Pakiramdam ko alam ko na ang sagot pero natatakot lang akong isipin na tama ang aking hinala dahil buong buhay ko magiging isang malaking kasinungalingan kung totoo man ito.

Imbis na sumagot mas umiyak lalo si Mama at napaupo sa sahig. Tinakpan ko ang aking bibig at kasabay non ay ang pagguho ng aking pagkatao.

Dahil kasinungalingan lang ang lahat.

“Alam ko na ang sagot, h-hindi mo ako totoong anak, salamat dahil hindi magiging kasalanan si Eight sa diyos pero Ma, ang sakit dito oh, sobrang sakit. Buong buhay ko naniwala akong anak mo ako, buong buhay ko Ma!!!” I pointed at my chest as I looked at her in the eyes filled with pain.

Sobrang bigat ng pakiramdam ko pero pinipilit kong maging matigas sa harapan niya. “Patawarin mo ako Jan, anak ko” umiling ako at muling umatras.

“Tama na ang kasinungalingan Ma, pagod na ako, pagod na pagod na ako!!” madiin kong sambit bago mabilis siyang tinalikuran at tumuloy sa garden at agad hinanap ang aking anak.

“Eight” I called his name, he looked at me and instantly ran towards my place when he saw me crying. “Mama” he whispered as I carried him. Lumapit sa akin si Tita Cybelle at Tito Mikko.

“Jan” Tita Cybelle looks at me with those warm eyes, and it’s making me cry even more. Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako ng mahigpit.

I burst out beneath her arms and weakened. “Ahhhhhh!” isinigaw ko ang aking pagiyak habang dahan-dahan akong napaluhod sa sahig kasama siya at si Eight.

“AHHHHHHHHH!!!!” hindi ko na alam paano ko pa ilalabas ang aking nararamdam, sobrang sakit.

“Shhhh” Tita Cybelle whispered in my ears and kissed my head as she cried with me. “AHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Eight were just staring at me and when I looked at him, he pouted and slowly shed tears while looking at me.

I hugged him after Tita Cybelle moved away and hugged her husband. “Mama, don’t cry” Eight whisper into my ears.

Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagiyak, hanggang sa kinailangan ko nanaman ng inhaler. Kumalma ako ng patuloy akong yakapin ni Eight, hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang nakatulog sa aking palikat.

“She already left Jan; do you want us to drive you home?” malumanay na sambit ni Tita Cybelle habang papalapas kami ng bahay. “Hindi na ho, kaya na ho namin” tugon ko, pero hindi ito pumayag sa pagkat ipinahatid na lang kami sa driver nila.

Habang nasa sasakyan nakarecieve ako ng text mula kay ate Louen, na nagsasabing nasa bahay na daw namin si Ash at lasing ito ng konti.

Kaya pagdating sa bahay, nakapatay lahat ng ilaw. Inakyat ko sa kanyang kwarto si Eight bago tumuloy sa aming silid.

Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto, nakita ko agad si Ash na nakaupo sa dulo ng kama habang umiinom ng beer. Lakas loob ko siyang nilapitan at lumuhod sa kanyang harapan.

Sinubukan kong hawakan ang kanyang kamay pero mapangas niya itong iniwas at binigyan ako ng blankong tingin. Tumulo ang luha ko ng magtama ang aming mga mata.

“A-Apon ako Ash, h-hindi t-tayo magkapatid” That almost break me, but I remain in controlled and strong. Gusto kong maramdaman niya na ok lang ang lahat sa aming dalawa, na kailangan ko siya at kailangan niya ako sa puntong ito.

Gusto kong isipin niya na sa oras na ito isa’t-isa kami kukuha ng lakas upang harapin ito. “Great, she give her real fucking son away and adopted another kid” he bitterly said and straight up the whole beer.

And after that he threw it to the wall. Nabasag ito kaya napatakip ako ng aking tenga sa sobrang lakas ng tunog nito. I gasp when I felt something in my arms, nang tingnan ko ito nakakita ako ng daplis ng bubog dito na lumikha ng maliit na sugat sa aking braso.

Dahil ito sa tumalsik na mga bubog, peor hindi ko ito pinagtuonan ng pansin at muling hinarap si Ash. “Ash” mahina kong sambit at inabot ang kanyang kamay.

“Don’t touch me” walang emosyon nitong sambit. Pero pilit ko pa rin siyang inaabot. “FUCK! I SAID DON’T TOUCH ME!!!” he shouted.

Imbis na masaktan, niyakap ko siya at lumuha sa kanyang braso. “Naiintindihan kita Ash, please wag kang magalit sa akin, kakampi mo ako di––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng itinulak niya ako papalayo sa kanya at agad siyang tumayo.

“I don’t know Jan” he said and avoided my gaze.

Natulala ako dahil sa uri ng tiningnan na kanyang ibinigay sa akin. “Ash, galit ka ba sa akin? Ash hindi ko rin naman alam ang lahat ng ito” nanlalambot kong sambit.

“I know,” he bitterly whispered.

“Ash mahal kita, naiintindihan kita, sabihin mo sa akin ang gusto mong gawin ko” I said.

“I don’t know” walang gana niyang sambit bago naglakad papalabas ng kwarto.

That leaves my lips parted and as I weakly sit in the middle of this room. Doon ko lang napansin na basag lahat ng pictures namin dito sa loob ng kwarto.

Lahat ito ay basag, at kagaya ng puso ko matindi ang sira ng mga ito.

Niyakap ko ang aking tuhod at yumuko, my whole body is shaking. The pain is so powerful, I can’t be strong at this moment.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pag iyak hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako. Nagising nalang ako ng maramdaman ko ang maliit na haplos ni Eight sa aking mukha.

I urged a smile even though my eyes were swollen. I sat and hugged him. Nakita ko na ang kalat ng buong silid, ang mga basag na bote ng beer, basag na picture frames.

Binuhat ko si Eight at lumabas kami ng kwarto. Pagbaba namin sa living room nakita kong nakaupo doon si Ash kaya dahan-dahan kong ibinababa si Eight at bumulong sa kanya. “Go to your Dad and kiss him” he nodded and quickly ran to Ash.

“Good morning Da—” agad na tumayo si Ash at lumabas ng bahay at tila hindi pinansin ang kanyang anak. Eight looks at me, like he was about to cry, kaya agad ko siyang nilapitan at niyakap.

“Shhh wag kang iiyak, gusto mo bang pumunta muna tayo kay Tita Willow?” I tried to cheer him up, he nodded and sobbed a little. Tumayo kami at tumuloy sa kanyang kwarto.

Pinaliguan at binihisan ko siya. I was smiling at him whenever he looked at him just to make him feel that everything was ok. Ayaw kong ma stress siya sa kakaibang atmosphere dito sa bahay kaya kung kinakailangan ni Ash ng oras para sa lahat ng ito, aalis muna kami.

Pagbaba namin sa hagdan binulungan ko si Eight at sinabi, “Punta ka na sa pinto, susunod ako” I said, he nodded, fix his glasses before he walks outside the house.

Habang inaayos ko ang gamit namin kanina, at nakita ko si Ash na pumunta sa pool area kaya pupuntahan ko siya upang magpaalam. He was sitting there and just staring at the sky.

“Ash” sambit ko pero hindi niya ako binigyan ng pansin. “A-alis muna kami ni Eight, doon muna kami tutuloy kay Willow. Alam kung gusto mong mapag-isa at kung ’yon ang kailangan mo, aalis muna kami ni Eight, at kapag naging ok na ang lahat sayo.” I stop and try my best not to cry. “Alam mo kung saan kami hahanapin” hindi pa rin siya umimik.

Kaya dahan-dahan na akong naglakad papasok ng bahay at pinuntahan si Eight sa labas. Sumakay kami ng taxi papunta kay Willow. “Magcamping muna tayo kay Tita Willow ah haha” I faked a laugh and said that to Eight.

He looked at me and just hugged me, rested his head on my chest and remained silent.

I took a last glance at the house and thought of him.

Ash, hanapin mo kami agad, dahil hindi ko alam kung hanggang saan ko lang kakayanin ito mag-isa. Mabilis akong sumuko, kaya please lang puntahan mo kami agad.

Seah’s POV

“Masaya ako bakla na bumalik kana dito, gaga ka akala ko solo na ako dito!!” sambit ni Gorge habang naglalakad kami papunta ng nurse quarter. And yes, bumalik na ako sa hospital.

Kinausap ni Lynus si Doctor Giron kaya madali lang akong nakabalik dito. At ngayon hindi ako makapaniwala na boyfriend ko na siya.

Kakatapos lang ng buong araw namin sa hospital at ngayon off duty na ako, kaya pagdating namin nurse quarter agad akong nagbihis at nagpaalam sa kanila. “Bakla mauna na ako ah!’ masigla kong sambit.

“Taray masaya si Bakla iba talaga pag nakagayuma ng doctor” pang-aasar nito kaya binato ko siya ng tissue, at tuluyang tumakbo papunta sa labas ng hospital.

Tumayo ako sa gilid ng main exits at hinintay siya. Wala pang sampong segundo bigla na lang may humawak sa aking kamay at binigyan ako ng matamis na halik sa pisngi. Agad akong napangiti ng makita si Doc. Lynus.

“Where do you wanna eat?”

I wrap my arms around his and smile at him, “Kahit saan po Doc” sambit ko at sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa kanyang sasakyan.

He drives us to a fine dine restaurant kaya agad akong nag panic, “Naka Scrub Suit lang ako!!” I tapped his hand while he’s removing the seat belt on me. “That’s ok, you look cute on it” nakangiti niyang sambit.

“Oo alam kong cute ako pero hindi nababagay ang kacutan ko ngayon sa isang fine dine, mag Mcdo na lang tayo” sambit ko at hinawakan ang kanyang braso.

He smiled at me while I pouted at him, “Nandito na tayo, let’s go” he said and kissed me on my lips. After the kiss he smiled at me and wink, stepped out of the car and opened the door beside me.

Inalalayan niya ako sa pagbaba at hinawakan ang aking kamay, bago naglakad papasok ng restaurant. Hiyang-hiya ako ng pumasok kami sa loob dahil pinagtitinginan kami ng mga tao. Nakasuot ng mga customer dito ng mga elegant na damit samantalang ako ay naka Scrub Suit.

“Don’t mind them” he said and we headed to the table for two and had our dinner together.

Ito na ata ang pinaka kakaibang dinner ko sa tanang buhay ko, at ito rin ang pinakamasaya. I’m eating dinner with my Scrub Suit in a fine dine restaurant.

“Sasusunod mag Mcdo na lang tayo para hindi ako nakakahiya, tingnan mo pinagtitiningan tayo ng mga tao” bulong ko habang nagpupunas ng bibig. Natapos namin ang pagkain namin na pinapanood kami ng ibang tao dahil sa suot ko.

“You’re cute, that’s why there are looking at you” nakangiti niyang sambit at hinawakan ang aking kamay. “Alam ko naman yon ano ba” kinikilig kong sambit at tumayo na kami at naglakad papalabas.

“Gusto mo ba ng kwek-kwek Doc, libre ko—” hindi ko natapos ang sinasabi ko ng bigla siyang tumigil sa paglalakad. Nang tingnan ko siya nakatingin siya sa katapat naming mag-asawa at biglang binitawan ang aking kamay.

Dahil doon tiningnan ko ang mag-asawang nasa harapan namin. Medyo Hawig ni Doc. Lynus yung babae. Teka.

“Who is this filthy girl beside you?” the lady said and looked at me from head to toe. “She look fresh from the trash” mangmamaliit nito sa akin

“Mom, Dad” magulang niya ito.

Nang marealize kong magulang ito ni Lynus, nag sink in sa akin agad kung bakit niya binitawan ang aking kamay. Kinakahiya niya ako sa magulang niya.

I look at him and he look scared. I smirked bitterly, alam ko na agad kung saan ako lulugar.

Naglakad na ako paalis dahil alam ko nama’ng hindi niya ako ipaglalaban sa magulang niya.

“Seah!” bago pa ako makalayo hinawakan ni Lynus ang aking kamay at hinila pabalik.

“She’s not from the trash Mom, your attitude is!” nanlaki ang mata ko ng walang galang niyang sinagot ang kanyang ina.

“What did you sa—” he cut his mom and said, “and by the way she’s my girlfriend and you have nothing to do with her because she doesn’t talk to trash people” he said and pulled me for a run.

Hindi ako makapaniwala na ginawa niya iyon. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

“Doc. Lynus sandal—” sinubukan ko siyang patigilin sa pagtakbo pero pinatigil niay ako sa pagsasalita ng hilain niya ako at halikan sa gitna ng parking lot.

“I guess I’m a real man now” he whispers and deepens the kiss.

That makes me smile and makes my heart pound. This is my Man.

Jan’s POV

“Jan ayaw mo pa rin bang kumain kanina ka pang umaga hindi kumakain, hapunan na” nakapamewang na sambit ni Willow sa tabi ng pinto pero nanatili lang akong nakahiga dito sa kama at nakatulala.

“Wala akong gana Wil” I whisper and close my eyes. Naikwento ko na ang lahat sa kanya kanina kaya pakiramdam ko pagod na pagod ako ngayong araw. Ayaw ko na lang muna mag isip.

Si Ash lang ang laging tumatakbo sa isip ko, namimiss ko na ang yakap niya.

Tumulo ang luha ko habang nakapikit at agad ko itong iminulat ng may pumalipot sa aking bewang. Nang harapin ko ito nakita ko ang anak ko na niyakap ako mula sa aking likuran gaya ng laging ginagawa ni Ash pag natutulog kami.

I smile and face him, wrap my arms around him and hug him. “Mama, if it’s too painful we can take a rest and leave this place for a while” he whispered.

Napatingin ako sa kanya at tiningnan niay rin ako. As our eyes met tears started falling again. He sits in front of me and wiped my tears.

“Sometimes Mama, it’s fine to run away” he continued speaking and smiling at me.

“We can go back when you’re strong again, let go somewhere Mama” while he’s saying that, I realize that this is too much for him, seeing us fall apart, breaking. Maybe he’s doing this because he’s also having a hard time understanding us.

“Where do you want to go?” I ask.

“Far away” he whispered and hid his face on my neck as he started sobbing too.

I dried my lips up and nodded at him.

“Ok, where going somewhere faraway”

Chapter 34

Ash’s POV

I heard her foots step but I remain constantly gaze at the sky. “Ash” she calls me with that calm and loving tone.

But I chose not to look at her, clenched my jaw as I controlled my feelings. “A-alis muna kami ni Eight, doon muna kami tutuloy kay Willow. Alam kung gusto mong mapag-isa at kung ’yon ang kailangan mo, aalis muna kami ni Eight, at kapag naging ok na ang lahat sayo.” I can sense pain on every word she says and it fucking felt like hell.

I know that she’s trying her best not to cry. “Alam mo kung saan kami hahanapin” the last thing I heard her say before she left with our son.

I bit my lower lip before I slowly looked at the garden door where she left. Tears started falling from my eyes. I’m messed up. I don’t want them to leave but I’m drowning in pain.

I will just hurt them if they stay longer.

I don’t fucking know how to express my feelings anymore. I can’t look at her in the eyes either, because every time our eyes met, I fucking feel jealous, I felt so stupid. That’s why I can’t control my anger around her.

All my life, I was living in vain. Knowing that my mother doesn’t love me, that’s why she left me to that place, together with the nuns, lonely, scared and hopeless. But now knowing that she took good care of the women I love while she let me stand on my own. It’s fucking painful.

Even though I love Jan so much, Pain is eating me so bad. Everything is coming back to me.

Everything.

“S-sir Ash” I glanced at the back when one of the maids called my name. I wipe my tears and look at her.

“Nasa loob ho, si Ma’am Cybelle” she said. I nodded before I stroked my hair up and walked inside the house.

Natigilan ako ng makitang kasama ni Mom ang babaeng iyon, “Ash” Mom instantly walk towards me when she sees me coming, I was about to step back but she held my hand and cope my face with her gentle touch.

“Not now Mom” I whisper, she sheds tears in front of me and says, “It’s time son, listen to her explanation first, I understand if you don’t want to forgive her but please I just want you to listen. Please” she begged, hugged me and walked towards the garden. Leaving me with this woman.

Lumapit ako dito at umupo sa kaharap na upuan, she started crying again. “A-ash” she was stuttering and it’s pissing me off. I haze and avoid her gaze, I look away.

I was waiting for her next word but she didn’t speak, she continually cried.

“You’re just wasting my time” I uttered, stood up and tried to walk away but she stopped me and held my arms. “A-anak, h-hayaan mo akong magpaliwanag” she begged, I slowly removed her hands on my arms before I stood straight in front of her.

“Start explaining, why do you give your son away.” I asked bitterly.

Alexandra’s (Ash’s mom) POV

“Start explaining, why do you give your son away.” nadurog ang puso ko sa uring tono na kanyang ginamit sa akin. Puno ito ng saglit at lungkot at lahat ng iyon ay dahil sa akin.

Dahil sa maling desisyon ko noon…

“ALEXANDRA!!!! LUMABAS KA NA DYAN, PARANG AWA MO NA UMUWI KA NA SA ATIN” malakas na sigaw ni Caloy mula sa labas ng bahay. Nanginginig kong hinawakan ang kamay ng kaibigan kong si Theris.

Matinding takot ang aking nararamdaman habang patuloy na naririnig ang boses ni Kaloy sa labas. Matapos niya akong bugbugin agad akong tumakbo sa bahay ng kaibigan kong si Theris upang magtago mula sa kanya.

Pero alam kong kahit saan ako tumakbo, mahahanap at mahahanap niya pa rin ako.

Hawak-hawak ko ang munti kong supling habang patuloy na lumuluha dahil sa takot. Magiisang taon pa lang naming mag-asa ni Kaloy hindi ko halos akalain na ganito ang totoo nitong ugalil.

Gabi-gabi ay hinahalay at binubugbug ako nito tuwing umuuwi ng gabi. Kahit na bagong panganak ako ay sinubukan niya akong halayin pero pilit akong nanlaban kaya ngayon may malalaki akong para sa aking katawan at may dumudugong labi dahil sa malakas na pagsampal nito.

“ALEXANDRA KA PAG HINDI KA PA LUMABAS DYAN SUSUNUGIN KO ANG BAHAY NG KAIBIGAN MONG ITO! ISA!!!” mas humigpit ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ko ni Theris ng makaramdam na rin ng takot sa pangbabanta ni Caloy.

Alam kong maaring totohanin ni Caloy ang kanyang sinabi kaya kahit puno ako ng takot. Dahan-dahan ko’ng inabot ang aking anak na si Alexer kay Theris upang harapin si Caloy sa labas.

“Wag Xandra! Bubugbugin ka lang niya!!!” natatakot na sambit ni Theris kaya ngumiti ako sa kanya at hinawakan ang maliit na kamay ng aking munting angel.

“Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko pumunta ka sa kapit bahay at tumawag ng tanod at ipahuli si Caloy” determinado kong sambit kahit kumikirot pa rin ang aking pisngi na tila namamaga dahil sa malakas na sampal.

“Xandra natatakot ako baka saktan ka niya” nanghihina niyang sambit, “Gawin mo na lang ang sinabi ko Theris, ikaw na bahala kay Alexer,” hinarap ko ang aking supling bago ito hinalikan sa noo at dahan-dahang tumayo.

Naglakad ako papunta sa tapat ng pinto at tiningnan si Theris na papunta sa pinto, sa likod ng bahay upang gawin ang sinabi ko. Ngumiti ako sa kanila bago hinawakan ang door knob ng pinto.

Buong katawan ko ay nanginginig sa takot, malalim na paghinga ang aking pinapakawalan upang kumuha ng lakas ng loob upang buksan ang pinto.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto, marahan akong humakbang papalabas at tiningnan siya. Galit agad ang nakita ko sa kanyang mga mata. Nahirapan akong huminga ng bigla niya akong sakalin at itinulak sa pader.

“Akala mo ba natutuwa ako sa ginagawa mo Alexandra, ano tumakbo ka dito sa bahay ng kaibigan mo para maglandi at maghanap ng bago titikim sa katawan mo!” Madiin niyang sambit kasabay ng madiin na pagkakasakal niya sa aking leeg.

Hindi ko magawang huminga ng maayos dahil sa sobrang higpit ng kanyang pagkakasakal sa akin. Sinubukan kong tanggalin ang kanyang kamay sa aking leeg pero masyado siyang malakas. “H-hindi a-ack-ako l-lumalandi C-Caloy a-alam mo yon” kapos hininga kong sambit.

Bigla siyang tumawa at binaligad ako sa lupa, sobrang mali ng pagkakabagsak ko kaya napahawak agad ako sa aking balakang. Gusto kong umiyak sa sakit ng aking katawan pero tila napagod na sa kakaluha ang aking mga mata.

“ANG LAKAS NG LOOB MONG SUMAGOT!!!!”

“AHH!” sigaw ko at agad namilipit sa sakit ng tiyan ng sipain niya ako dito. Halos hindi na ako humihinga dahil sa sobrang sakit ng pagkakasipa niya sa aking sikmura.

“WALA KANG KARAPATANG SUMAGOT SA AKIN ALEXANDRA TANDAAN MO YAN, PINULOT LANG KITA SA DAMUHAN!! DAHIL SA AKIN NAKATIKIM NG PERA ANG MGA MAGULANG MO BAGO SILA MAMATAY, AKO DAPAT ANG SAMBAHIN MO, HINDI YONG LUMALANDI KA SA KUNG SINO-SINONG LALAKI DYAN!!!” sigaw niya, at hinila ang aking buhok upang kaladkarin papunta sa kalsada.

“AHH!! Parang awa mo na Caloy bit-bitawan mo na ak— AHHHHHH!” napasigaw ako sa sakit ng mad higpitan pa nito ang pagkakasabunot sa aking buhok, halos abot anit na ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking mga buhok. Sobrang sakit nito, pati na rin ang mga batong sumusugat sa aking hita dahil sa mapangahas niyang pangangaladkad sa akin.

“KUNG LALANDI LANG RIN NAMAN ALEXANDRA, MAS MABUTI PANG MAPAKINABANGAN MUNA KITA AT NG MGA KAIBIGAN KO BAGO KITA PAKAWALAN” halos nangilabot ang aking buong sistema dahil sa kanyang sinabi.

“Caloy, wag! Parang awa mo na, kakapanganak ko lang Caloy may anak tayo parang awa mo na wag!!” pagmamakaawa ko pero tila bingi ito sa aking boses at patuloy akong kinakaladkad sa tabi ng kalsada.

“ALEXANDRA!!” narinig ko ang sigaw ni Theris kaya pilit akong nagpumiglas, kasabay niay ang dumating na rin ang mga taga barangay at mga pulis, at agad kaming sinugod ng mga ito.

“TANGINA!” binalibag ako ni Caloy bago nagmamadaling tumakbo. Sinubukan pa nitong manglaban gamit ang kutsilyong nasa bulsa kaya pinaputukan siya ng mga pulis. Nakita ko ang pagbagsak niya sa lupa kasabay ng pagtagas ng dugo mula sa kanyang dibdib.

“ALEXANDRA, DIYOS KO”umiiyak na sambit ni Theris ng ako’y kanyang lapitan habang buhat-buhat ang aking anak. Napangiti ako ng masilayan ang aking supling. “ALEXANDRA MAY DUGO!!” sigaw ni Theris habang tinitingnan ang suot kong palda.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng hilo ng makita ang dumadaloy na dugo sa aking hita. Kasunod non’ ay unti-unting bumigat ang talukap ng aking mga mata at dahan-dahang nawalan ng malay.

Nagising ako ng makaradam ng pagkirot ng aking bewang, iminulat ko ang aking mga mata at nakita si Theris na tulog habang buhat=buhat ang aking anak na kanina pa iyak ng iyak.

“Theris” sambit ko, agad siyang nagising at binigay sa akin si Alexer. “Bibili lang ako ng maiinom sa labasan at sasalubungin si asawa ko” sambit niya bago ngumiti at lumabas ng silid.

Habang pianpatahan ang aking anak, napatingin ako sa katapat kong salamin. Halos hindi ko na makilala ang aking sarili dahil sa pambubugbog na inabot ko kay Kaloy. Maga ang aking mga mata at tila nangingitim ang ibang bahagi nito. At putok ang aking labi.

May malaking mga pasa aking braso at halos mangitim na ito sa sobrang lala. Malungkot kong pinagmasdan ang aking supling. Maya-maya lang ay pumasok ang isang pulis sa loob ng silid na ito at hinarap ako.

“Ikaw ho ba si Alexandra Larcon?” magalang nitong sambit, nahihiya akong tumango at iniwasan ang aking mukha dahil hindi ito kaaya-ayang tingnan. “Ako nga ho” tugon ko.

“Gusto ko lang hong ibalita sa inyo na nakatakas ko sa kulungan ang mag kaibigan ni Caloy na inyong asawa matapos malaman ang pagkamatay nito. Pagpapadala ho kami ng ilang pulis dito upang bantayan at siguraduhin ang inyong kalagayan ng anak niyo wag ho kayong mag-alala. Mauna na ho ako” sambit nito bago tumango at tuluyang lumabas ng silid na ito.

Muling umiyak si Alexer kaya mas tumindi ang takot na aking puso. Kasabwat ni Caloy ang mga kaibigan sa lahat ng kalokohan nito sa driga at alam kong ngako siya na ilalabas ang mga ito sa kulungan at ngayong namatay si Caloy dahil sa akin, siguradong ako ang habol nila ngayon.

Papatayin nila ako, tumulo ang aking luha dahil sa takot sa maaring mangyari sa amin ng anak ko kaya lumabas ako ng hospital ng hindi napapansin ng mga pulis na nakabantay.

Pagkalabas ko ng hospital nakita ko si Theris at Anton kaya nilapitan ko sila at agad hinila papasakay sa tumigil na bus. “Xandra?!” gulat na sambit ni Theris pagkasakay namin sa bus habang tinitingnan ako.

“Kailangan kong itakas dito ang anak ko, papatayin nila kami. Kailangan kong ilayo si Alexer sa lugar na ito” puno ng pangamba kong sambit. Agad naan nilang naintindihan ang aking gustong mangyari. Bumiyahe kami ng buong gabi upang makalayo sa lugar na iyon at tumigil kami sa isang maliit na center.

“Anong gagawin natin dito Xandra?” tanong ni Theris habang tiningnan ang mga madre na dumadaan. Tumutulo ang luha ko habang naglalakad sa loob. “Huy sagutin mo ako, bakit tayo nandito?’ tanong niya.

“Ililigtas ko ang kinabukasan ng anak ko” mahina kong sambit bago pumasok sa storage room dito sa likod ng center.

“XANDRA?!” hindi makapaniwalang bulong ni Theris sa akin. Umiyak ako lalo pero dahan-dahan kong ibinaba ang aking supling sa isang sulok ng storage room na may mga nakaimbak na lumang uniporme ng mga madre.

“Xandra hindi mo kailangan gawi––” hindi ko pinatapos magsalita si Theris at hinarap siya. “Kailangan ko Theris, alam nating lahat iyon. Mas ligtas siya sa piling ng mga madre dito” sambit ko at muling hinalikan ang aking munting angel.

“Patawarin mo si Mama anak ko, para sa ikaliligtas mo ito anak” bulong ko at muli siyang hinagkan at niyakap ng puno ng pagmamahal.

Dahan-dahan akong naglakad paatras, papalabas ng storage room at agad pumasok sa loob ng center kasama si Theris at Anton. Tinakpan ko ang aking mukha ng panyo bago kinalabit ang isang madre.

“Mother may nakita ho kaming usok mula sa loob ng storage room niyo” lumuluha kong sambit. “Nako diyos ko” sambit nito at mabilis na tumakbo papunta doon. Halos matumba ako sa panghihina dahil sa sakit. Pero inalalayan ako nila Theris at sinabi. “Halika na, kailangan nating lumayo dito upang mailigtas si Alexer” bulong niya.

At tuluyan naming niliyan ang lugar na iyon na puno ng hinagpis at matinding sakit.

“Patawarin mo ako, anak ko” sambit ko pagsakay namin sa bus.

Lumayo kami sa dalawang lugar na iyon, kung saan hindi kami matutunton ng mga kaibigan ni Caloy. Namuhay si Theris at Anton ng mapayapa, habang ako ay nangatulong upang pag ipunan ang kinabukasan ng anak ko, babalikan ko siya pag ako ay nakaipon na ng malaking pera.

Isang taon na rin simula ng iwan ko ng aking anak sa lugar na iyon, kamusta na kaya siya? Sigurado akong inaalagaan siya ng mabuti ng mga madre doon. Ngayong araw ay linggo kaya dadalawin ko ang kaibigan kong si Theris at Anton, pati na rin ang munti nilang prinsesa.

Kakapanganak lang ni Theris kaya bumili rin ako ng ilang pirasong mansanas para sa kanya. Pagkababa ko sa kanto malapit sa bahay nila nagulat ako ng makakita ng maraming tao sa paligid at may mga police na malapit sa bahay nila.

Agad akong tumakbo ng makitang na kapark ang sasakyan ng mga ito sa tapat ng maliit na bahay nila Theris.

“Ther—“nadurog ang puso ko ng makita ang mga katawan nila ni Anthon sa labas ng bahay, puno ng dugo at sigaw sa mukha. “AHHHHH!” sigaw ko, lumuhod ako at sinubukan hawakan ang kamay ni Theris pero pinigilan ako ng mga police.

“Miss, hindi pwedeng hawakan ang bangkay. Kaano-ano niyo ho ba ang mga ito” hindi ko nagawang sumagot dahil panay ang pag iyak ko. Durog na durog ang puso kong makita ang kinahinatnan ng aking matalik na kaibigan.

Hindi lang silang dalawa ang bangkay na narito, nakita ko rin ang bangkay ng mga kaibigan ni Caloy. “Mare nakipagbarilan ang mga armadong lalaki mga yan sa pulis at pinatay ang mag-asawa, sayang kakapanganak pa lang ng babae” rinig kong sambit ng mga babae sa likuran ko.

Natunton nila sila Theris at hindi ako! Ako dapat ang pinatay nila hindi si Theris at Anton. Kasalanan ko ito!

“Theris!!!” sigaw ko habang patuloy ang aking pagluha. Natigilan ako ng makarinig ng malakas na pag iyak ng sanggol. Agad ko itong hinanap at nakitang buhat siya ng isang babaeng pulis.

Kahit nanghihina akong tumayo lumapit ako ako dito at mabilis itong kinuha sa mga pulis. Kamukhang-kamukha ito ni Theris. Mas tumulo ang luha ko ng may bahid ng dugo ang pisngi nito habang nanginginig na umiiyak.

Marahan ko siyang niyakap at pinatahan. “Shhhh nandito na si Mama” bulong ko habang pinagmamasdan ang walang buhay na katawan ni Theris. Patawarin niyo ako Theris, pangako aalagaan ko ang anak niyo ng buong puso.

Makalipas ang apat na taon, nakaipon ako ng pera para bumiyahe pabalik sa center na pinag iwanan ko kay Alexer pero huli na ako. Nakita ko mula sa malayo ang anak kong masayang kasama ang mga mayayaman na tao.

Inampon siya ng mayaman na tao, at bakas sa mukha niya ang saya kasama ang mga ito. Tumulo ang aking luha ng makitang nakangiti ang aking anak, kasabay non ay nakaramdam ako ng takot na baka pag kinuha ko siya mula sa kanila ay hindi niya maranasan ang marangya at maayos na buhay.

“Mama?” tiningnan ko si Jan na buhat-buhat ko. Hinawakan niya ang aking mukha at pinunasan ang aking luha gamit ang kanyang maliit na hintuturo.

Niyakap ko siya at pinanood ang anak kong umalis kasama ang pamilya na nagpapasaya sa kanya.

Masakit man ito para sa akin, pero mas pipiliin ko na lang na ganito kesa sa pahirapan ang sarili kong anak sa buhay kung saan walang kasiguraduhan kung makakakain ka sa isang araw.

Ayaw kong mahirapan siya, ang pamilyang iyon ang magpaparanas ng buhay na nararapat sa kanya.

“Tara na Jan, uwi na tayo ni Mama” durog na puso kong sambit.

Para sa ikabubuti ng anak ko.

“Patawarin mo ako anak” panay ang pagtulo ng aking luha matapos maikwento sa kanya ang katotohanan. Nakaluhod ako sa kanyang karapan dahil sa panghihina pero nanatili siyang matigas at dahan-dahang lumayo sa akin.

“Give me some time” malamig niyang sambit, pinunasan ang tumulong luha sa kanyang mga mata at agad umakyat sa itaas.

Sobrang sakit para sa akin makitang nahihirapan ang dalawang anak ko. Lahat ng iyon ay dahil sa akin, sa mga kasalanan ko sa buhay. Hindi ko alam kung ano bang nagawa ko at pianparusahan ako ng ganito kasama. Pero naniniwala ako sa diyos at kahit na hindi na ako patawarin ni Ash. maiiintindihan ko, ang nais ko lamang ay ang magkaayos sila ni Jan.

Ayaw kong sirain ng buhay nilang dalawa. Pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito, lalayo ako at hindi na magpapakita muli.

“Patawarin niyo ako”

Cybelle’s POV

Pagpasok ko sa loob ng bahay matapos ang isang oras, nakita ko si Alexandra na nakaluhod at patuloy na umiiyak sa gitna ng living room.

Lumapit ako sa kanya at lumuhod sa kanyang harapan, niyakap siya at ipinaramdam sa kanya ang supporta bilang kapwa niya ina. I understand her, and I feel so pitiful because she has been through a lot and now, all she wants is her son’s forgiveness.

I hope Ash will give it to her before it’s too late. Tumigil siya sa pag iyak at pinunasan ang kanyang mga mata. “A-alis na muna ako, maraming salamat sa lahat ng ito Belle. Salamat sa pagmamahal na iyong ibinigay sa aking anak. Patawarin niyo ako sa aking panggugulo, tapos na ang trabaho ko dito, alam kong hindi ako mapapatawad ni Ash kaya aalis na ako. Nais ko lamang humingi ng pabor sa inyo” tumigil siya at hinawakan ang aking kamay.

I waited for her to speak and she said, “Mahal ko ang anak kong si Ash, sobra, at mahal na mahal ko rin si Jan pero maaring ito na ang huli naming pagkikita kaya pwede mo ba itong ibigay sa kanila sa kasal nila.” I shed tears as I felt her pain.

I don’t want them to end up like this. I know how painful her decision is right now. “Gawin niyo ang lahat para magkatuluyan sila ni Jan, mabuting bata si Jan at matinding magmahal, alam kong magiging masaya sila ni Ash sa isa’t-isa” she let me had the paper and stood up.

Wipe her tears and smile at me. Again, he glanced up the stairs and slowly turned her back and walked out of this house.

My heart is beating in pain.

The sacrifice of a mother is the most painful and genuine thing in this world.

Umakyat ako sa room ni Ash at pumasok dito, basag ang buong gamit sa loob at sobrang gulo dito. I can hear him sobbing from somewhere. I smile when I quickly know where he’s hiding. Just like what he always does.

Lumapit ako sa maliit na storage room dito sa walk in closet niya at binuksan ang pinto nito. I saw him sitting on the dark side of the small room, hugging his knee while crying like a baby.

I remember when I first saw him at the center.

“ASH!!! WAG KANG TUMAKBO!!!” pagpasok ko pa lang sa center ang malakas na sigaw na ni Sister Lidia ang aking narinig. Tila may hinahabo—“Ah!” may isang batang lalaki na bumangga sa akin ng may kalakasan kaya hindi ko mapigilang uminda sa sakit.

Natumba ito sa sahig at doon ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong pagmasdan siya, madungis, masuot na malaking sando na nakatali ng goma sa likuran habang nakasuot rin ng malaking shorts na tila nahuhulog sa kanya, hinahawakan niya lamang ito upang hindi mahulog.

Masipon at maluha-luha ang mga mata. Dahan-dahan akong lumuhod upang tulungan siyang tumayo pero agad siyang tumayo at tumakbo papalayo.

“ASH BUMALIK KA RITO!” tumigil sa harapan ko si Sister Lidia habang hinihingal at malalim ang paghinga. “Sino ho ang batang iyon Sister?” tanong ko.

“Iyon si Ash, batang inaalagaan naming mga madre, iniwan ng kanyang ina sa loob ng storage room ng center, may pagkamatigas ang ulo pero mabait siyang bata.” sambit ni Sister. Tumango ako at muling nagtanong. “Bakit ho siya tumatakbo papalayo sainyo?”

“May sinuntok kasi siyang isang batang pasyente dahil inasar siya na walang magulang at may walang kwentang ina. Kahit na iniwan si Ash ng kanyang ina dito sa hospital ng walang kamuwang-muwang, lumaki siya ng may pagmamahal sa hindi kilalang ina, kaya grabe na lang ang galit nito pagsinasabihan ng masama ang tunay niyang ina.” nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa aking puso dahil sa kawawang bata na iyon.

“Sige na hahanapin ko pa ang batang iyon, malamang nagtago na iyon sa malayo” tumango ako kay Sister at pinanood siyang maglakad.

Dito ko naisipang magtrabaho matapos lumayo kila Milo at sa aking anak na si Louen. Masakit man pero kailangan kong lumayo para sa ikabubuti ng buhay ni Louen.

Nagayos ako ng gamit sa isang silid na ibinigay sa aking ng mga madre at habang nagaayos nakarinig ang ng mahinang pag iyak mula sa kabilang silid, kaya dahan-dahan akong tumayo at lumabas ng kwarto.

Storage room ang katabi ng aking silid at malamang doon nanggagaling ang mahinang pag iyak na iyon. Marahan kong binuksan ang pinto ng hindi lumilikha ng kahit anong ingay at pumasok sa loob.

Nanggagaling ang mahinang tunog sa sulok ng storage room, may kurtinang itim ang nakaharang dito, kaya dahan-dahan ko itong hinawi at nakita ang batang si Ash na umiiyak habang yakap ang itim na tela.

My heart breaks as I see pain in her eyes, when I slowly kneel in front of him. He looks at me, akala ko itutulak niya ako papalayo pero niyakap niya ako ay umiyak sa aking balikat. This little kid cries in my arms like I’m his mom and I just can’t just let him be in vain at such a young age.

“A-anong pangalan mo?” tanong niya habang nakayakap sa akin. Ramdam ko ang maliit nitong kamay sa aking likuran kaya niyakap ko siya ng puno ng pagmamahal at nagpakilala.

“Bella,” I whisper.

I kneel in front of him and look at him, he glances at me before he hugs me and cries in my arms. “M-mom” he’s voice cracking because of his sobs.

“It’s ok, everything is gonna be ok” I whispered and rubbed his back. He weakly hugged me and hid his face on my neck. “I can’t undo the pain Mom, I can’t, I’m buried in pain. I want to forgive but I can’t right now. Mom I don’t know” parang bata nitong sambit. I nodded and made him feel that I fully understood him.

I know it’s not easy for him to forgive when all his life, he was longing for her real mother. “I’m jealous of her, I’m fucking jealous with Jan, Mom. I love her so bad but I envy her. She chose her instead of me” I can’t blame him, and I understand him.

“Shhh, she chose both of you, Ash. Alexandra chose the both of you but in a different way, that’s a mother’s love. You may not understand it now but I know someday you will. For now, I know it’s painful but I want you to fight for your love, your family, Jan didn’t do anything. She also lost her parents and now she’s also in big pain, she lives a life full of lies and you are the only truth in her. You two are in pain but that’s not enough for you to let the both of you fall apart” I whisper, he looks at me, so I had a chance to wipe his tears.

I smile at him and whispered, “Eight needs you” I said, and as I can see, that words enlighten he’s mind and he slowly nodded.

“I’m getting my family,” he whispered.

Tumango ako at ngumiti lalo, inayos ang magulo nitong buhok at damit. “Dungis naman po” I said and laughed at him.

He smiled and we both stood up, go down to this car outside the house. But as we opened the door an unexpected person showed up.

“Hazel?” Ash whispers.

It’s her ex-girlfriend Hazel holding a child in her hands, oh god, please no.

“Ash, I need to talk to you,” she said.

“For what?” Ash asked her with a confused expression, he didn’t get any single hint while I fully understood everything and this is a terror.

“This is Delancy, your daughter”

Chapter 35

Ash’s POV

“This is Delancy, your daughter” Hazel suddenly showed up out of the blue, telling me that this kid beside her is mine.

“What hell is this, Hazel?!” I haze, I don’t fucking remember any single thing about a night with her. Yes, she became my girlfriend for a long span of time but nothing happened between us. I knew that.

“Don’t play with me Hazel. I don’t have time for this, excuse me!” I said and was about to walk past them but a small cold little hand stopped me, held my finger and looked at me with those warm bright eyes. “D-Daddy” she whispered, the way her cold palm touches my skin.

I felt a goosebump and something inside of me, like an electricity fired up. Even my heart is beating so fast as our eyes meet. She feels like a part of me that has been lost for a long time. This can’t be real.

Bakit ako nakakaramdam ng lukso ng dugo sa batang ito.

“Ash, I’m telling you the truth. She’s your daughter” Hazel kept speaking but my attention is in this kid’s eyes only. What I felt towards her was the same thing I felt when I first laid my eyes on Eight.

This can’t be happening! Her tears started falling as she continued staring at me. She was holding my finger using her little hands. Suddenly, a flashback showed up in my mind.

I’ve met this kid before; she was a kid in Tagaytay. The one who took a picture with Jan. I’ve met her before.

“This can’t be real” I whisper and look at my mom, she was covering her mouth using her hands.

I was supposed to get my family, but this problem came up.

“I’ll explai––” I didn’t let Hazel finish her words and speak.

“I want a DNA test!”

I need to fix this; this can’t be real. I glanced at mom, she nodded and with that, I instantly walked towards my car and let them in. drove our way fast to the hospital and looked for Lynus.

I knock on his office and he opens it with a wide smile on his face. “Hey, Ash, why are you he—Hazel?” he looks confused as she sees her with me and leer on the kid who kept holding my hand.

“I need a DNA test and the result today” I said and let Hazel and this Kid go inside. “What is this mess Ash?” Lynus whispered at me as I walked past him. I clenched my jaw and whispered back at him. “I don’t fucking know either!”

“You’re fucked up” he whispers, facing the kid with a bright smile on his face. “Hi, what’s your name?” he asked her, “Delancy” she answered but hid behind hazel’s back.

My heart won’t stop reacting when this kid leers at me. She can’t be my daughter with Hazel. That’s impossible. “Ash” Hazel tries to get my attention but I choose to ignore her, and get this thing done already.

I need to get Jan and Eight.

Lynus did the test, and got some test samples from me and the kid. We waited minutes after he came back and said, “Bro, we can’t have the result for today, but I’ll promise we’ll all know the results tomorrow afternoon. For now, we need to wait” Lynus said.

“Fuck!” I stood up and punched the wall out of irritation. I can’t face Jan and Eight with this problem. I need to fix this first.

I kept punching the wall until my hands started to bleed. “AHHHH!!!” I stop when Delancy yells so loud and hides behind Lynus’ back.

“Bro, you’re scaring her” Lynus said, but I don’t give a damn. I glanced at her and now she’s shedding tears and her small hands are trembling. “Delancy, come here” Hazel called her out and slowly reached for her hands.

“Let’s meet here tomorrow at 1 pm exact for the results Hazel” I firmly said and turned my back to them.

I was about to step out of the office when, “DADDY!!!” Delancy shouted and hugged my legs. “Don’t leave me Daddy” she begged as she trembled so hard.

“Ash, please let her stay with you for tonight” Hazel uttered and begged me with those stares.

“No, that won’t happ—” I couldn’t finish my words when Delancy fell on the floor and lost consciousness. “What the!” I whisper, Lynus quickly runs towards us and gets the kid. He ran some checkups with her. “Does she have a weak heart?” He asks Hazel.

We all looked at her and waited for her answer, she slowly shook her head down and nodded.

“FUCK!” This is too much for me! Why is this happening to me!

“Kailangan natin siyang iconfine dito sa hospital for 24-hour para siguraduhin na rin ang kalagayan niya” Lynus said.

“I c-can’t stay here a-all n-night” Hazel said, with frowned brows I glanced at her and listened to her reason. “I’m working, my dad needs my help since our company is in bankruptcy. I need to go back there. Ash, please look after her. I promise i’ll be back tomorrow morning” hindi ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong tumanggi sa kanyang sinabi dahil mabilis siyang tumakbo palabas ng silid na ito.

“I guess you’re stuck with this little angel for the whole night, Ash. Remember kids have nothing to do with adults’ problems. So don’t get them involved with your anger” he said before he stood up and walked out of this room.

I was left here with this little thing. She was sleeping so soundly; she has a bright skin color but her face looks so pale and weak. She has the same eyelashes as I have, lips and hair color and she also look like me. The more I stare at her the more I recognize myself in her.

This can’t be happening; I can’t do this. If the test result is positive. I don’t know how to get my family back. This will break Jan’s heart, Eight’s trust.

I slowly lift up my hand and fix Delancy’s blanket but she suddenly moves and frowns. She grabbed my finger and hugged my arms. She groans and a tear falls from her eyes while she’s sleeping.

Her tears softened my heart and suddenly I just felt so tired of all of this. “Are you really my flesh?” I ask and slowly rest my head on the side of her bed, and before I know it, I fall asleep.

I wake up hearing a small sound of giggling, and slowly I open my eyes and I see Delancy playing with her doll. This is the first time I saw her smiling and the way she smiled felt so pure.

I sat properly and looked at her, when she saw me look at her, she smiled at me and spoke. “Daddy,” she said.

“How old are you?” I ask.

“Hmm” she showed me her six fingers and smiled. Eight is one year older than her. I felt scared of the possibilities because everything is slowly matching up.

“Do you want to eat?” I ask. She nodded politely and watched me peel some apple for her.

I stayed with her, just watching her play and smiling at me until we both ate lunch together. I fed her with porridge and fruits and after that we just waited. Hazel arrives at 12 pm.

“You are too early for tomorrow’s morning” I said in a sarcastic tone.

She cuffs and says, “Sorry, wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I took a nap and woke up so late. I’m sorry” she said.

“Mam” Delancy called her up, so I didn’t bother talking to her.

Few minutes later Lynus showed up with the results. I stood up and faced him. “Hindi ko ito binuksan kaya hindi ko rin alam ang result. Here see it for yourself” he said and handed me the brown envelope.

My blood is racing all over my both and I don’t know what to do with it anymore.

Slowly I pull the paper inside and read the results.

I was stiff when I read the result and it clearly says that.

“99.9% positive” Lynus read it and looked at me with disbelief.

“She’s your daughter!!” he uttered.

My whole world seems to stop and–

We glance back when someone gasps from our back, as I look at the door my life just falls into pieces. All the chances I was holding on crashes as her tears fall from her eyes.

“J-jan” Hazel whispers.

Jan looked at me with tears falling from her eyes. That just tore my heart into dusk and shed tears.

“JAN!” her cousin shouted as she ran away.

“JAN!” I tried running after her but Hazel stopped me and spoke.

“Stay please”

Jan’s POV

“Jan bakit kasi aalis pa kayo ni Eight. Tapos magpaalam ka pa kay Ash? Bakit hindi ka na lang bumalik sa kanya at ayusin niyong dalawa ng sira sa inyong pagkatao” sambit ni Seah habang naglalakad kami papasok sa bahay.

I decided to inform Ash about my decision. Para pag nagging ok na ang lahat. Alam niya kung saan kami hahanapin.

I don’t want this family to fall apart, so I’m still holding on.

At alam kong iyon din ang gusto ni Ash, sadyang naliligaw lang kaming dalawa ngayon sa ganitong sitwasyon pero pagdating ng oras alam kong babalik kami sa dati at muling tutuparin ang aming mga pangarap ng magkasama.

I knock on the door and step inside, nakasalubong ko ang maids at agad nila akong dinaluhan. “Ma’am Jan, wala ho si Sir dito nasa hospital ho” they said. Kumunot ang aking noo at nakaramdam ng kaba ng marinig ang salitang hospital.

“What happened to him?” I ask.

“Hindi ho namin alam, may babaeng dumating ho kasi dito kahapon tapos lahat sila at pumunta sa hospital pagkatapos. Rinig ko hong sabi ni Sir. ay kikitain niya si Doc Lynus” hindi na ako nagtanong pa at mabilis na hinila si Seah papunta sa hospital.

Baka may masamang nangyari kay Ash. I need to see him. Mabilis kaming nakarating sa hospital tinungo ang opisina ng nobyo ni Seah.

Pagkabukas ng pinto ay wala ito sa loob, “Nasaan na yon’?” bulong ni Seah ng hindi ito makita sa loob. Lumabas kami sa opisina nito at, “Ayon!” sambit niya ng makita itong papasok sa di kalayuang ward dito sa hospital.

“Tara!” sambit ni Seah at hinila ako para sundan ito.

Pumasok ito sa isang silid at sinundan namin siya, naiwang bukas ito kaya nakita namin ang likuran nito.

Nakita ko si Ash kasama nito at papasok na sana kami ng…

“99.9% positive” sambit ng nobyo ni Seah at doon ko lamang napansin si Hazel sa tabi ni Ash at isang batang naglalaro sa hospital bed.

Pakiramdam ko ay tumigil ang pagtibok ng aking puso at napuno ng takot ang aking buong sistema sa maaring susunod nitong sasabihin.

“She’s your daughter!!” he uttered.

Hindi ko napigilang suminghap dahil sa pagkakagulat at matinding pagkirot ng aking puso. Sumikit ito sa isang iglap at tila hindi ko na alam paano huminga ng maayos ng magtama ang aming mga mata.

“J-jan” Hazel uttered my name and it sounded like a stabbing knife in my ears.

Siya ang nag-iisang taong hindi ko kayang labanan simula noon pa man dahil alam kong kahit anong gawin ko ay hindi ako mananalo sa kanya. Hindi ko inaasahan na hanggang ngayon si Hazel pa rin ang sisira sa akin.

Tumulo na ng tuluyan ang aking ga luha at sobrang kirot na ang puso ko. Hindi ko na kayang pagmasdan pa silang dalawa ni Ash dahil tila bumabalik lang ang sakit ng nakaraan.

Tumakbo ako papalayo sa lugar na iyon at narinig kong sinigaw ni Ash at Seah ang pangalan ko pero sa puntong ito hindi ko na kayang magtagal pa rito.

Pakiramdam ko ay nalulunod ako sa sakit at pagpapahirap. Hanggang ngayon ang tingin nilang dalawa pa rin ang sisira sa akin.

Pagkalabas ng hospital dire-diretso lang akong tumakbo. “JAN!!!” malakas na sigaw ni Seah at agad akong hinila dahil muntik na akong mahagip ng sasakyan. Natumba kaming dalawa sa tabi ng kalsada at kasabay nito ay ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan.

“JAN ANO BA! PAPATAYIN MO BA ANG SARILI MO!!!” sigaw niya sa akin.

Hindi ko na napagilian ang aking sarili at agad siyang niyakap ng sobrang higpit. “AHHHHHHHH!!!” I burst out crying and shouted in pain.

“Jan” mahinang sambit ni Seah at hinagod ang aking likod. Umiyak ako ng umiyak sa kanyang braso at nagdesisyon tumayo, pinatigas ang aking sarili para hindi atakihin muli ng hika gaya ng nangyari dati.

“Jan?” she uttered and caressed my hands as I looked at her.

I wiped my tears and made up my mind.

“Aalis na kami ni Eight ngayon na”

Hazel’s POV

“Stay please” I whispered and begged him to stay.

“FUCK HAZEL!!” sigaw niya at biglang nagwala dito sa loob ng silid na ito.

“AHHH” Delancy shouted in fear, that’s why Doctor Lynus grabbed her out of this room. I cried as I watched Ash break and cry in pain.

Slowly I felt dizzy and just saw myself falling on the floor. After that everything went black.

I wake up with Ash sitting beside the hospital bed I’m in and just staring at nowhere. He looks so lost and messed up and all of that is because of me. Seeing him like this makes my conscience eat me harder.

All of those years, everything I’ve done goes back to me and now I’m in a big karma. Now I’m doing anything to make it alright and now is the time.

“Ash, I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and my dad’s company is in a major bankruptcy. My family is in deep debt, no one knows about my illness, kasi ayaw ko na’ng dumagdag sa lahat ng problema nila. Lahat ng ginawa kong masama noon ay bumalik na sa akin ngayon and this is all of that.” I said, Ash is not looking at me but I know he’s listening so I continue.

“Before I die, I want to tell you the truth before it’s too late. You might not forgive me with this but at least you know the truth right. Kill me after this, I’m fine with that but please take Delancy with you and let her meet her real mom.” That’s when Ash looked at me.

I smile at him when he looks at me with confusion on his face. This is the right time to fix the puzzle of truth.

“Delancy is Jan’s Daughter, and her son’s twins”

“W-what?” Ash whisper.

“Back then, nalaman kong nabuntis mo si Jan and you were already my boyfriend at that time. Kaya mas lalo akong nagalit kay Jan. She didn’t let anyone know about her pregnancy but I have ears everywhere. I followed her without you knowing it. Until she gave birth at my uncle’s hospital. I was so cruel, selfish and evil minded that time so I want her to suffer more. With my uncle’s help, during the delivery he manages to hide that Jan’s having twins. Kinuha ko si Delancy kay Jan ng hindi niya nalalaman na nag eexist ang kambal ng kanyang anak. I make her believe that she only has one child. After that I faked everything about Delancy, even her real, I made it six but she’s already seven years old just like her twin brother. She also has a weak heart because I didn’t really take good care of her. I brought her to Tagaytay and let my old maid take care of her. Hindi man ito kapanipaniwala but believe, I can do anything with my might back then. But now I lose everything at nagsisisi na ako kaya gusto kong itama ang lahat—” hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin ng galit akong sinakal ni Ash.

“WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE HAZEL!!! YOU ARE WORSE THAN AN EVIL!!!” tinaggap ko lahat ng galit na kanyang inilalabas at handa akong mamatay sa kanyang mga kamay ngayon.

“I’m s-sorry” sambit ko kahit na maubusan na ako ng hininga dahil sa kanyang pagkakasakal.

“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU” his nerves are visible on his neck and all I see in his eyes are pain and anger.

“ASH!!!!!!” The door opens and Lynus and Delancy show up. Buhat si Delancy ng pinsan ni Jan na si Seah.

Agad hinila ni Lynus papalayo sa akin si Ash bago ito sapilitang iniharap sa kanya, “Let go of me I’m gonna ki—” hindi natapos ni Ash ang kanyang sasabihin ng suntukin siya ni Lynus at galit siyang sinigawan.

“FUCK ASH THE KID IS WATCHING YOU!!!” he pointed out Delancy who was crying too hard in Jan’s cousin’s arms.

Tila na tauhan si Ash at umiyak, he cried out loud. “FUCK MY LIFE!!!!” she shouted.

“Ash wag kang umiyak dyan, habulin mo si Jan. Aalis na sila ni Eight ngayon at balak pumunta sa ibang bansa!” Seah yelled at him, which made him stop.

“It’s never too late Ash, if you drown yourself in anger and pain right now, you’ll lose them” Lynus said and handed him Delancy.

“Stand up and let this little angel meet her real mom and twins!”

“Daddy” Delancy called him and in just a glimpse Ash stood up and hugged Delancy in his arms. “I’m sorry” he whispered.

“What are you waiting for Ash?” Lynus said and with that Ash ran out of this room with Delancy.

I urge a smile and weakly close my eyes. This might be the time where I’ll take a rest.

After that I heard a loud noise of this machine beside me and pain ate my whole body.

“Hazel! No!” That’s the last thing I’ve heard before I take my rest.

Ash’s POV

My feelings are rumbled, truths in my life are killing painful but all I know right now is I need to take Delancy to Jan and fix our family back.

“Daddy” Delancy whispered as she stayed in my arms while we’re heading to the airport.

“Shhh, don’t cry, you’ll meet mommy” I whisper and tears keep falling from my eyes.

Her little arms are wrapped around my waist.

I can’t imagine how hard this is for all of us but I just want my family back before it’s too late.

As he arrives at the airport, I carried Delancy inside and shouted Jan’s name.

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

I run around the airport with Delancy and shout her name.

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“EIGHT!!!”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“EIGHT!!!”

Everyone is looking at me but I don’t care anymore, I need to see my wife and son.

I look at the flight board and weakly fall on the floor when Jan and Eight’s flight already left the country, just 10 minutes ago.

“No” I whisper.

“D-daddy” Delancy touches my face and smiles at me. as our eyes met, I saw Jan’s face in her. Those bright smiles, I hugged her.

“It’s too late”

EPILOGUE

Jan’s POV

“Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 99B to Chicago. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.” pinunasan ko ang aking luha bago tumayo at binuhat ang aking bag at hinila ang maleta namin ni Eight.

Now that everything is really messed up, I think we just need to run away to get rid of this pain.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nararamdaman ko ng malaman kung may anak si Ash kay Hazel. I know that it’s possible for them to have one since they’ve been in a longer relationship than ours but I still feel the pain.

And now it’s killing me inside, pakiramdam ko outsider kami sa mundo ni Ash na kailangan nang umalis dahil nandyan na ang totoo para sa kanya.

“Ma” napatingin ako kay Eight ng kalabitin niya ako at itinuro ang mga kasabayan naming pasahero na papunta na sa gate 3 ng airport. Ngumiti ako sa kanya bago lumunod sa kanyang harapan at inayos ang kanyang suot na salamin.

Alam kong kanina niya pa pinipigilang umiyak dahil ayaw niyang makita ko’ng malungkot siya sa desisyon ko. Kaya mas lalong mas masakit ito para sa akin. Niyakap ko siya at bumulong. “It’s ok to cry Eight” I whisper.

With that he suddenly burst out of crying, kahit na anong matured ng pag iisip ni Eight, he’s still young and baby for this situation. This is too much for him but he tries to handle it, and I know he can’t do this by himself like I do. We need each other.

“Shhhh” I rubbed his back as he cried even louder. This is the first time I saw him cry all out and see him in deep pain.

“I d-don’t want t-to l-leave D-daddy” he burst out and hid her face on my neck. “Sorry Mama, but I don’t wanna leave” he kept saying.

“I don’t want to leave, sorry Mama if I said that we can run away but the truth is I don’t want to leave, I want us to be with Daddy. Sorry Mama” mas lalo akong nadurog dahil sa kanyang mga sinabi.

Naging makasarili ako, at puro ang nararamdaman ko ang aking iniisip pero hindi ko ’man lang naisip ang maaring epekto ng lahat ng ito kay Eight. I choose to run away for myself and not for us.

Because the truth is that I need to face this for my son. My heart is breaking on every tear that drops on my shoulders. Eight is carrying all of this by himself, my poor Eight.

“I’m sorry” I weakly whispered and hugged him even more. “We’re not leav—”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“EIGHT!!!”

“JAN!!!!!!!!”

“EIGHT!!!”

Natigilan ako ng marinig ang malakas na pagsigaw ni Ash dito sa loob ng airport. Eight moved away to look around until we saw Ash standing there in front of the flight board. Weakly fall on the floor together with a little girl.

Dahan-dahan kaming lumapit ni Eight sa kanya at bawat hakbang ko appalapit sa kanya ay tila nagtatalo ang aking puso at isipan. Gusto ko siyang hagkan at yakapin, kumuha ng lakas sa kanya sa puntong ito pero pilit sinasabi ng isip ko na may ibang obligasyon si Ash sa ibang tao.

At kahit anong gawin ko ay hindi ko ito mababago.

We stood behind him, watched him cry and hugged this little girl in his arms. Habang pinagmamasdan siya naging buo ang desisyon ko at dahan-dahang pinakawalan ang kamay ni Eight.

He looks at me, sa lahat ng sakit na aking nararamdaman ngayon hindi ko magawang itanggi na mas nanaig pa rin ang pagmamahal ko kay Ash at kung ano man ang maging kapalit ng desisyon kong ito. Sa pagkakataong ito handa na akong sumugal at lumaban para sa kanya.

“It’s too late” I heard Ash whisper. Tumulo ang luha ko bago nginitian si Eight at dahan-dahang iniharap sa kanyang ama. “Go” I whisper in his ear and let him run to his father.

Eight didn’t hesitate and ran to Ash, hugged him from behind and I watched Ash look at him with pure joy and hugged his son and daughter with love.

“You’re here” Ash whispered and hugged him even tighter. Before he looked at me and our eyes met. Those stares suddenly brush out all the pain in my heart, all the hesitation, the doubts and sadness.

I cried and covered my mouth as he slowly stood up and walked towards my place.

Agad niya akong niyakap ng sobrang higpit, “Don’t leave me” he begged.

“I tried but I guess I’m bonded with you” I whispered and hugged him back. “Ash, patawarin mo ako dahil sinubukan muli kitang iwan sa ere, handa na akong sumugal at lumaban para sa atin ngayon. Tatanggapin ko ang anak niyo ni Haz—” he didn’t let me finish and kissed me on my lips.

“She’s our daughter Jan” he whispered between our kisses. Lumayo ako sa kanya at pinutol ang halik dahil sa kanyang sinabi. “A-anong ibig mong s-sabihin?” I ask.

“Long story but to make it short, she’s Eight twins” sambit niya at muling hinagkan ang aking labi. Muli. pinutol ko ito at tiningnan ang batang katabi ni Eight. They look like twins.

Siya yong bata sa tagaytay, “Hazel tells everything to me, pinaniwala ka niyang isa lang ang anak natin sa tulong ng Tito niya na may ari ng hospital kung saan ka nanganak. During the operation she steal her and hide her to all us” parang hinaplos ang puso ko ng marinig iyon.

Tiningnan ko ang batang babaeng ito at kasabay ng pagtulo ng luha niya ay ang matinding pangungulila na aking nararamdaman.

Paano nila nagawa ito sa kanya, “A-anong p-pangalan niya?” nanghihina kong tanong habang hindi pinuputol ang tingin sa batang ito.

“Delancy” Ash uttered her name and with that I just burst out crying and hugged her, wrapped her in my arms. My mind says this is crazy but my heart knows she’s mine.

That day in the delivery room, I knew that I already pushed one baby but they let me push once again, it’s because my children are twins.

“M-mommy?” I heard her whisper and cry in my arms “Yes, I’m your mommy” I whispered before I pulled Eight and hugged them both.

Having them in my arms suddenly makes me feel complete. All this time akala ko si Ash ang kulang sa akin, lahat ng pangungulila na aking nararamdaman sa loob ng pitong taon ay para pala sa kanya.

Knowing all of this breaks my heart but having them in my arms felt like a genuine lifetime happiness.

Ash hugged us too and looked me in the eyes. “I’m sorry for almost losing this” he was referring to our family.

I smile at him and say, “I love them and I love you and that’s all that matters” I whisper.

This might be the perfect love story I’ve dreamt off but this is the most wonderful twist in my life.

“I’ll always longed for you Jan”

“Me too”

Willow’s POV

8 Months passed by

“Willow sino pa ba ang hinihintay mo dyan magsisimula na ang book signing, nandon na lahat sa loob ang mga readers mo ano ka ba!” hinihila na ni Seah at Jan ang aking braso papasok sa loob ng building pero patuloy pa rin akong nakatanaw sa kalsada umaasang darating si Rios.

Pero ilang oras na ako dito, wala pa talaga siya. Alam ko namang may photoshoot siya ngayon para sa kumpanya nila at ipinaalam niay na ito sa akin. Sadyang umaasa lang akong sisipat siya kahit saglit dito pero mukhang hindi talaga.

“Tara na nga” bagsak balikat kong sambit at mabibigat na hakbang na pumasok sa loob.

Sinuot ang aking mask at hinarap ang aking mga readers. “Pillow everybody” pagpapakilala ng MC sa akin at pinaupo ako sa harapan kung saan magaganap ang book signing.

“Para maayos ang ating book signing, pumila ho tayo ng maayos” walang gana kong pinanood ang aking mga readers na pumila at magsimulang mag sign ng libro.

“Author Pillow fan na fan niyo po ako, sana po may book two ang libro niyo” ngumiti lang ako sa readers ko at patuloy na nag pipirma. Hindi ko maalis ang lungkot habang ginagawa ang trabaho ko dahil inaasahan ko talaga ang suporta ni Rios ngayon.

“Thank you po Author” sambit ng reader ko, tumango lang ako at hindi ito binigyan ng pansin dahil nga wala ako sa mood pero ng makaalis na ito bigla kong na realize ang boses na iyon.

I rose my head up and find that guy, I saw him walk out of the place with his signed book, at kahit naka hoodie siya kilalang-kilala ko siya. Tumayo ako at napangiti bago isinigaw ang kanyang pangalan.

“RIOS!!! ALAM KONG IKAW YAN!” sigaw ko na nagpatigil sa lahat ng tao dito sa loob. I watch him slowly turn back on me and take off the hood in his head, remove the;s sunglasses and smile at me.

Kakaibang saya ang aking nararamdaman ng makita siya dito, sabi niya hindi siya pupunta pero pumunta siya. He really must love me, and right now I love him as much as he loves me.

Sa harap ng maraming tao, tinanggal ko ang aking mask at inilugay ang aking buhok bago tumakbo papalapit sa kanya. I run to him and jump on him, binuhat at niyakap niya ako sa harap ng maraming tao.

“Akala ko hindi ka pupunta?” tanong ko.

“I wanted to read the end of your story, sabi mo nasa librong ito lang mababasa ang real end of the story” he said.

I smile at him and say, “You are the end of my story Rios” I said and kissed him in front of everyone.

And my story ends here.

Seah’s POV

“Everyone I want you to meet Seah my fiance” halos pumutok ang pantog ko sa kilig ng ipakilala ako ni Lynus sa harap ng kanyang pamilya at kaibigan.

Feeling ko talaga sobrang ganda ko ngayon, akala ko noon sa panaginip lang mangyayari ito pero ngayon totoo na siya.

“And let’s all congratulate her for passing and becoming a registered nurse.“uyy enebe neheheye eke. I smile at him and hide my face on his back as all of them look at me and clap.

Sabi ko sa kanya hindi na namin kailangan icelebrate ito pero he insisted and invited everyone for this dinner.

After that kumain na kami kasama ang Dad niya at ibang relatives nila. Syempre hindi pumunta ang Mom niya dahil masama pa rin ang dugo nito sa akin pero ok lang, magaling akong mag attract ng bagay-bagay kaya alam ko’ng magiging close din kami sa susunod. Hindi ko muna ipagpipilitan ang sarili ko sa kanya dahil balita ko may ginawa ng hindi maganda iyon sa unang manugang.

“Congratulations Nurse Seah” Lynus Dad greeted me while we’re eating.

“Thank you po Daddy” confident kong sagot kaya tumawa ito ng malakas. “You are really natural Seah, I bet Lynus won’t let you go now” he said and smiled at us.

“Nako dapat lang ho dahil limited edition lang po ako hindi na ako mahahanap sa iba lang lugar” sambit ko at tiningnan si Lynus at kinindatan. He laughed at me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Oh by the way, Dad, if you’ll excuse us for a moment. I want her to meet someone” biglang sambit nito at dinala ako sa kabilang table kung nasaan ang kapatid niyang si Leusam.

“Hey” tumayo ang mga ito ng makita kami at napatingin ako kay Louen na sobrang ganda kahit buntis. “I just want you to meet Louen in person, Seah, she was my first love” ay wow may paganito pala, ipapamukha sa akin kung gaano kaganda ang first love.

“Ah alam ko hahaha, nice to meet you” sagot ko habang pinipilit ngumiti sa harapan nila.

“Nice to meet you too, Seah” nakangiti nitong sambit.

Nginitian ko lang siya bago bumulong kay Lynus, “CR lang ako saglit” sagot ko bago tinggal ang kanyang kamay sa aking bewang at tumango sa mag-asawa at umalis.

Mabilis akong naglakad papunta sa banyo habang tumataas na nag dugo ko. Talagang kailangan niya pa bang ipamukha sa akin na maganda ang first love niya na mukha akong ingrown nito ah!!

“Badtri—hmf” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang sumulpot sa aking harapan ang nakangiting si Lynus at hinagkan ang aking labi ng walang pasabi.

“I was just messing around, and I just want to piss you off a little, ‘’ he said between our kisses. I pushed him and stopped the kiss, glared at him and said. “Nakakatawa yon?”

“Yes” he answered so quickly, that’s why I hazed him and said. “Alam mo, maging seryoso ka nga Lynus!”

Suddenly those teasing smiles turn into devilish smirks. “Oh, you don’t want me to get serious right now Seah, because if I get serious with you wearing this red dress I might get you pregnant right now”

“HOY!” napatingin ako sa paligid at tinakpan ang kanyang bibig.

“Ano anong pinagsasabi mo dyan Doc!” singhal ko dahil sa takot na baka may makarinig.

But this guy suddenly carried me like a bridal style and ran off the exit.

“Let’s start getting serious,” he said.

My face blush and I say, “HOY! DI PA AKO READY.. ILAN BA?”

Jan’s POV

“Let’s all welcome our brides” tiningnan ko si Seah at Willow sa kaing tabi bago namin tinahak ang daan papunta sa panibagong yugto ng aking buhay.

We are all getting married today and now I can’t express how happy I am to share these feelings with them. Now we are building our own family and that day starts now.

“Do you, Rios Del Verde, Lynus Herrera and Ashton Del Mundo take Willow Medina, Seah Rivera and January Hillary Rivera to be your lovely wedded wife?” tanong ng pare.

“I do” they all answered and Ash glanced at me as he looked at me like I was the only woman in his life.

“Do you, Willow Medina, Seah Rivera and January Hillary Rivera take Rios Del Verde, Lynus Herrera and Ashton Del Mundo as your husband?”

“I do” those words feel a cherish of love lock for the sis up us. This is our new chapter.

“I now pronounce you husbands and wife’s.” dahan-dahang kong hinarap si Ash at unti-unti niyang inaangat ang suot kong belo.

He was the bet that I accidentally fell in love with, had my twins with him and ended up marrying him for real. I want to grow old with him, spend the rest of my life with him. Take good care of our kids with him. Looking at him before I sleep and loving him for the rest of my life until my last breath.

He kissed me and we shared the most memorable kiss in my life.

“You light the fire in me Jan and I would never ask for more” he whispered after our wedding kiss.

I smiled at him, “I love you,” I said.

“I will always long for you” he said and once again we kissed.

“MOMMY DADDY!” naputol ito ng biglang may humawak sa aaming mga hita.

“Delancy, Eight” I said, tumakbo sila dito sa harapan upang pigilan ang pangalawang halik natin bago humarap sa photographer.

“SAY CHEESSE!!!!!” Delancy said and we all say.

“CHEESSE!!!!”

This is my story, I stayed strong in his beastful ways and now he’s mine.

Ashton Lynx Del Mundo is mine.

Mine alone.

FIN