Happy Birthday, love

Hi! This is the Special Bonus Chapter of Chess Pieces #4: Lucius D’Angelo, which you assisted me in writing during my Wattpad x Kumu Write With Me Livestream on September 27, 2022!

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I feel uneasy. Tambak ang mga papeles na nasa harapan ko, papers that I needed to review and sign but I haven’t done even a single task since I’ve got into work. Though I tried to get my job done pero tititigan ko lang ang folder at susuko rin dahil wala roon ang isip ko.

I let out a heavy sigh.

Damn it.

Ah… fuck.

I don’t know what to do anymore. This has been bugging me. Every. Single. Day. Bawat araw ay kinokonsensya ako. Pakiramdam ko, niloloko ko lang si Angela. I didn’t even mean to prolong hiding my real identity.

It’s just that I tend to forget everything every time I am with her. Nakakalimutan kong nagpapanggap lang ako. Kung sino ako. Every moment I’m with her is pure bliss. And I didn’t want that to end.

But then, I knew I couldn’t hide this forever. Ayoko rin namang habang-buhay na magsinungaling o magpanggap na ibang tao. Ayokong maging huli na ang lahat bago ko pa maamin sa kanya kung sino talaga ako.

It’s Angela’s birthday today and I finally decided to tell her the truth. That I am Lucius D’Angelo.

I smiled. If anyone would see me right now, they would think I’m crazy. Ngumingiting mag-isa.

But… I just suddenly wondered how Angela would react when she realized that she introduced herself as the girlfriend of Lucius D’Angelo in front of the actual Lucius D’Angelo. How would she react when she realized that she made me act as Lucius D’Angelo when I am Lucius D’Angelo?

Ah… I’ll bet her reaction would be cute.

Pero nawala rin agad ang ngiti ko nang may iba na namang maisip.

What if… she’ll get mad instead?

God damn. That’s possible. She might even think I’m deceiving her. I had a lot of time to tell her the truth but I didn’t. Pinagpatuloy ko pa rin ang pagpapanggap. And what if… she really gets mad at me then leaves?

Napasabunot ako sa sariling buhok.

Ah, fuck. It’s scaring me. I’ve never felt this scared in my entire life. Ilang beses nang nanganib ang buhay ko pero ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang ganitong takot.

I don’t want to lose Angela. It would kill me.

“Sir, Mr. Von Amstel is here to see you,” I heard Glen’s voice, my secretary, over the intercom.

I sighed. I blindly tried to fix my hair before I answered Glen.

“Let him in.”

Ilang sandali ay bumukas ang pinto ng office ko. I saw Loki, who’s eyes immediately darted to where I was sitting.

“Fourth, what’s up?” I asked when he went in and closed the door behind him.

Tinungo n’ya ang lugar kung saan tumatanggap ako ng bisita. There was a set of sofas there and he sat on one.

“I’m bored,” he said as he crossed his legs.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“And you think there would be something interesting here?”

Mula sa kinauupuan ay tinitigan n’ya ako. Agad kong pinatay ang anumang emosyon na nasa mukha ko. But damn it, this is Loki. This fucking royalty is really something.

A cunning one.

I cleared my throat and pressed the intercom.

“Glen, bring us an Earl Gray tea and coffee, please.”

“Right away, sir.”

I stood up. Umupo ako sa one-seater sofa, sa bandang kanan ni Loki.

“Ishtar’s not here,” Loki said it like a statement but I nodded.

“You might not see her often here from now on.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me, obviously curious.

“Something happened?”

I didn’t want to tell him about it so I just shrugged my shoulders. Good thing he didn’t push me to tell him everything.

Maya-maya pa ay dumating na si Glen dala ang mga inuming iniutos ko sa kanya. He put down the cup of tea in front of Loki while the cup of coffee was in front of me. We both thanked him before he left.

I sipped on my coffee. Gano’n din ang ginawa ni Loki sa tsaa n’ya. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagkawala ng buntong-hininga nang maibaba ko ang tasa na hindi naman nakaligtas kay Loki.

Fucking royalty.

“You have a problem. I could tell.”

“How?” I dared asked but fuck. Nothing could escape this mischievous Prince.

He cocked his head in my direction, looking at something above my head.

“Your hair’s in a mess.”

Napamura ako. Hindi ko siguro naayos nang mabuti ang buhok ko kanina.

“Maybe I was just banging some girl before you came and she was grabbing my hair as I gave her an intense orgasm.” Sinubukan ko pang lumusot.

But fuck, as soon as I said those words, I felt guilty. Naalala ko si Angela at isipin pa lang na ginagawa ko iyon sa ibang babae ay pakiramdam kong nakagawa na ako ng malaking kasalanan.

And of course, Loki noticed my reaction. The bastard has that cunning smirk on his lips.

“Nah…” He even chuckled. “So? What’s up?”

I sighed. Should I tell him? But… what if he’d laugh at me?

No… Loki isn’t like that. He’s actually a great listener. Dapat pa nga akong magpasalamat na si Loki ang nandito ngayon. Baka kung ’yung tarantadong si Creed pa ang kinausap ko, kaninang pagpasok pa lang sa opisina ay pinagtawanan na ang magulo kong buhok.

And… maybe… I could use a friend.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself to open up.

“I met someone.”

Agad na tumaas ang isang kilay n’ya habang humihigop ng tsaa.

I frowned. “Don’t you fucking laugh at me.”

Mukha namang hindi naapektuhan si Loki sa babala ko at kaswal na ibinaba ang tasa sa lamesa.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Your eyes tell otherwise.”

He just smirked. “And then?”

Dahil nasimulan ko na ang pagkukwento ay itinuloy ko na. I told him the story minus some details I just want to keep between Angela and me. Those were our moments and I don’t want to share them with anyone.

Loki seemed amused while I was talking. Well, who wouldn’t? I was even amused at how Angela and I met. At how our story continues.

I don’t believe in destiny but… With Angela, I even want to thank it. Para bang ibinigay ng tadhana sa akin si Angela pambawi sa magulong buhay na meron ako.

“Anong pangalan ang pinakilala mo sa kanya?”

I stilled. For some reason, I wanted to whack Loki’s head on the table in hope that he would get amnesia and forget everything I just told him. Bigla kong pinagsisihan ang pagkukwento sa kanya.

Fucking damn it. This guy is just… unbelievable. Hindi pinapalagpas ang kahit na ano. Kahit ang kaliit-liitang detalye. I was even hoping he would get pass this information but damn… This is Loki.

Fucking genius.

When I looked at him, he was playing with his lips using his thumb and forefinger. And fuck. I knew that mannerism of his. He always does that whenever he finds something amusing to him. And interesting.

Napamura ako.

“So?” untag pa n’ya nang matagal akong hindi sumagot.

Ah, fuck it.

“Lester…” I trailed off.

Loki raised an eyebrow at me as he sipped on his tea.

He wants the full name, alright.

I cleared my throat.

“Cervantes.”

Nasamid si Loki. Ibinaba pa ang tasa at tumikhim. I could see that he was trying to fight back a smile, probably as a consideration to me dahil problemado ako rito. Pero hindi rin naman napigilan at napangisi na.

“I’m quite wondering how he’d react if he knew about this,” he said.

I glared at him. Kilala ko kung sino ang tinutukoy n’ya.

“Subukan mo lang sabihin sa gagong ’yon… Kung gusto mong ipagkalat ko rin ang alam ko. That little boy at the party when we were kids, right?”

Mukhang nakuha ni Loki ang banta ko dahil nawala ang ngisi sa labi n’ya. It was my turn to smirk this time.

I could still remember the look in his eyes back then. Fucking whipped.

Loki cleared his throat.

“And? You want to tell her the truth this time?”

Saglit akong natigilan. Bumalik na naman ang kung anong bumabagabag sa ’kin kanila lang.

“I’m… I’m planning to.”

“But?”

I sighed.

“I’m worried she might get mad at me.”

“She probably will.”

Tinapunan ko s’ya ng masamang tingin pero kaswal lang s’yang humigop sa inumin n’ya. It’s irritating me. Sana pala ay hindi ko na lang s’ya inalok ng tsaa.

“Thank you for making me feel better,” I sarcastically said.

“What are you expecting, Lucius? She’ll be ecstatic when she discovers that the man she’s been dating is the real Lucius D’Angelo? You’ve been deceiving her all along. Of course, you should presume a negative response from her.”

I groaned and buried my face in my palms, feeling helpless. Tangina, hindi man lang nagpasintabi. He just told me everything I’m afraid of!

“I don’t fucking know what to do anymore. She might leave me.” And that would kill me.

“You should tell her.”

Malapit ko na talagang murahin nang harapan ’tong bwisit na prinsipeng ’to.

“What?”

“Tell her,” sabi n’ya na parang ganu’n lang kadali. Puta kung gano’n nga edi hindi sana ako nahihirapan ng ganito.

“But you said she’ll get mad.”

“Then apologize. And woo her again. But this time, as Lucius D’Angelo.”

When I didn’t say anything, he stared at me intently.

“Don’t you think it’s better not to keep anything from her? To be your honest and true self instead of being fearful that she will discover your lies? Don’t you want her to know that it is Lucius D’Angelo who’s in love with her?”

Of course, I want it… I want that. Gusto kong ipagsigawan sa buong mundo na may isang Lucius D’Angelo na mahal na mahal si Angela Salazar.

The side of my lips rose, realizing that Loki had told me what I wanted the most.

“Thanks, man.”

Inubos n’ya ang inumin n’ya.

“I didn’t know you’re such a pussy.”

“Shut up.”

Loki didn’t say anything but the smirk on his lips told me that he got rid of his boredom. Because of me.

Ah, fuck it. Makakabawi rin ako.

But at least, I’m sure of what to do now.

Nang matapos ang office hours ay dumiretso kaagad ako sa mall kung nasaan ang cake shop na pinagpagawaan ko ng birthday cake ni Angela. Pero hindi ko inaasahan ang taong makakasalubong ko. And it looked like she was surprised to see me here too.

It was Ishtar.

Napatigil s’ya sa paglalakad at napatitig sa akin. I saw hesitation in her eyes. Mukhang nagdadalawang-isip kung babatiin ako o hindi. Pero tuloy-tuloy lang akong naglakad at nilagpasan s’ya.

It’s better this way. Paying her any more attention might give her hope. Kailangan kong ipakita na wala s’yang aasahan sa akin.

I only love Angela. She’s the only woman for me. I’ve never felt this much happiness ever since she came into my life.

And I didn’t want to lose this. ’Cause I think I would never find something like this ever again.

Gabi na nang makuha ko ang cake na ipinagawa ko. Papalabas na sana ako ng mall nang madaanan ang isang jewelry shop.

This idea has also been in my mind but I just couldn’t find the right moment to do it. Lalo pa nga at hindi ko pa nasasabi sa kanya kung sino talaga ako.

Now is the right time for it. I’ve never been this sure in my entire life.

I decided to enter the shop and looked for a ring. Natagalan pa nga ako sa pagpili. Kung hindi lang sinabi sa akin ng isa sa sales associates na nandoon na magsasara na ang mall, hindi ko pa mamamalayan kung anong oras na.

Holy crap. I just never knew it is so fucking hard to choose a ring.

Oh, fuck it. Angela’s surely waiting for me. I need to go home now.

At para namang nakiayon sa akin ang singsing at kinuha na ang atensyon ko. There it was, just on the corner of the display racks. A diamond ring with a simple cut. Simple like Angela but they both have that something that caught my attention.

As the store lights hit the ring, it glistened. I didn’t know if my eyes were just fooling me but the glint actually made a shape.

Like an angel’s wings.

When I finally got the ring, nagmamadali na ako sa pag-uwi. I cursed when I checked the time and saw that it was already ten in the evening.

Goddammit, Lucius. Ngayon ka pa talaga na-late ng uwi!

Halos balyahin ko na ang elevator button para makaakyat agad. And when the elevator doors opened, I almost ran to my unit’s door and opened it. Nagmamadaling pumasok ako sa loob.

“Angela, I’m so—”

I think my whole world stopped when my brain registered what I was seeing. The whole living room was dim. The only light lighting the room was from the moonlight passing through the opened veranda. May mabining hangin na pumapasok din sa loob. The curtains slightly swaying from the cold breeze.

And an angel was sleeping on the sofa.

I sighed. I bet Angela fell asleep while waiting for me. Lumapit ako at inilapag ang box ng cake sa coffee table. I saw that there was another box of cake there too. Angela probably bought a cake for herself.

I smiled softly. Akala ba n’ya makakalimutan ko ang birthday n’ya? Mas importante pa nga ang araw na ’to kaysa sa mismong birthday ko.

I took off my coat and laid it on the armrest of the sofa. I uncuffed my sleeves and rolled them to my elbows before I crouched down in front of Angela. I stared at her sleeping face.

Ah… She really looked like an angel. My angel.

Inalis ko ang ilang hibla ng buhok na tumatabing sa mukha n’ya. Hindi ko na rin napigilan ang kamay kong humaplos sa makinis n’yang pisngi. I smiled when Angela stirred on her sleep.

“Angela…” I tried to wake her up as I continued caressing her face.

She slowly opened her eyes. Nang magtama ang mga mata namin, parang biglang naubusan ng hangin ang baga ko.

Holy fuck. I’m in love with this woman so much.

“Huh?” Angela still looked disoriented from sleep. She blinked and her vision focused on me. “Lester?”

Nabawasan ang ngiti sa mga labi ko sa pangalang itinawag n’ya sa ’kin.

We will correct that later, my love.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

Bumangon s’ya habang kinukusot ang mga mata.

“Okay lang.” She glanced at the wall clock and smiled at me. “Birthday ko pa rin naman.”

“Pero pinaghintay kita.”

She shook her head. “Nandito ka na naman. Nakaabot ka sa birthday ko. Iyon ’yung mahalaga.”

I still felt guilty I made her wait on her birthday. And Angela might’ve seen it in my face. Natawa s’ya pero ngumuso rin.

“Ano ba, Lester? Uubusin ba natin ang natitirang oras ng birthday ko sa kaka-sorry mo?” nagtatampo n’yang tanong.

That did it. Ayokong nagtatampo s’ya. So, I sighed and smiled.

“I bought you a cake.”

Bumalik ang ngiti sa mga labi n’ya.

I would do everything to always see that smile on her face.

“Talaga? Bumili rin ako ng cake ko!”

I chuckled and stood up.

“Let me light the candles.”

Kinuha ko ang lighter at inayos ang mga cake sa coffee table. I sat down beside her on the sofa. Sinindihan ko ang mga kandila sa bawat cake.

“Woah…” There was awe in Angela’s voice. Her eyes shining with the candlelight. “Ang dami kong cake ngayon! Samantalang dati, lumilipas ang birthday ko na wala akong cake.”

I reached for her and tucked the strands of her hair behind her ears.

“I’ll buy them for you from now on. Kahit hindi mo birthday, bibilhan pa rin kita.”

Ang laki ng ngiti sa mga labi n’ya nang tumingin sa ’kin. Her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Thank you, Lester.”

I smiled before I sang her happy birthday. Nangilid ang luha sa mga mata n’ya.

“Happy birthday, love,” I said when I finished the song. “Go on. make your wish.”

She stared at the cake for a while. Then chuckled.

“Hala, hindi ko alam kung ano pang mahihiling ko. Pakiramdam ko nasa ’kin na ang lahat.” She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. “Magpapasalamat na lang ako.”

I stared at her. My heart beat fast against my chest. As if it was a wild animal wanting to get out of its cage.

I closed my eyes as well and I uttered a silent thanks for giving this woman in my life. There is nothing I could’ve asked for.

“Tapos na!” masayang sabi ni Angela at pumalakpak pa. I opened my eyes and smiled at her.

“Let’s eat?”

We started eating the cake. We got one slice of each cake. Sa kanya ay ang cake na binili n’ya while I cut mine. Then we cut both slices in half and exchanged them so we both get to taste the each cake.

Pinigilan ko ang ngiti ko. Fucking shit. This made me feel giddy. I feel like we’re newlyweds sharing our wedding cake.

Nagpahinga lang kami saglit pagkatapos kumain. I looked at Angela who was leaning her back on the backrest, looking happy and contented.

I took a deep breath.

“Angela.”

“Bakit?” She turned her head to the side to look at me.

“I have something to tell you.”

“Ano ’yon?” she asked. Her eyes were not leaving my face.

Fuck! I’m nervous! Tangina ngayon lang ako kinabahan ng ganito!

“Uhm… My name… I’m not…” Fuck! I’m stuttering!

Angela was just looking at me but I saw in her eyes the confusion as to why I’m acting like a fucktard.

Tangina. This is embarrassing.

I cleared my throat.

“Hindi talaga Lester Cervantes ang pangalan ko.”

There. I said it.

She frowned. Of course, she’ll frown.

“Ha?” She looked so confused. Of course, she’ll get confused!

But still beautiful.

“Hindi Lester Cervantes ang pangalan ko,” ulit ko pa.

Ilang sandaling nakatitig lang sa ’kin si Angela. I knew she was just assessing the words I’ve said so I just let her. Maya-maya ay napakurap s’ya.

“Nagsinungaling ka sa ’kin?” may hinanakit na tanong n’ya at pakiramdam ko ay sinikmuraan ako roon.

“No! I—” I sighed. “I didn’t mean to. Wala sa plano kong magpanggap. Ayoko lang… Ayoko lang na matakot ka at layuan mo ’ko kapag nalaman mo kung sino talaga ’ko.”

“Bakit? Sino ka ba talaga?” She looked even more confused.

I took another deep breath and stared intently into her eyes. I wanna see every bit of her reaction when I finally say it.

Fuck. This is now or never.

“I am Lucius D’Angelo.”

I waited for her to say anything. Pero nakatulala lang s’ya. She was just looking at me casually and it was my turn to get confused this time.

Hindi ba n’ya narinig? I even made sure to say it clearly.

“Angela—” Uulitin ko na sana ang sinabi ko. But Angela let out an awkward chuckle.

“Wow… Inaantok pa yata ako. Kung ano-ano’ng naririnig ko, Lester.” Kinusot n’ya pa ang mga mata bago tumingin sa ’kin. “O baka naman ikaw ang inaantok na? Kung ano-ano na tuloy ang pinagsasabi mo d’yan.”

Alright… This might take a while. But I’m willing to be patient. Kahit gaano n’ya pa katagal bago maintindihan. And I’m willing to explain every detail to her.

“Angela, totoo ang sinasabi ko,” I said. “My name is Lucius D’Angelo. The real Lucius D’Angelo, owner of D’Angelo Hotels and Corporation.”

She let out another nervous chuckle. Nakita ko ang unti-unting pagbalot ng takot sa mga mata n’ya na pilit n’yang pinagtatakpan.

Wait… What is she afraid of?

“Lester, hindi magandang biro ’to.” Her voice even shook.

Umiling ako.

“I’m telling you the truth. Here.” Inilabas ko ang wallet mula sa back pocket ng pantalon ko at kinuha roon ang mga I.D, credit card, and even my calling card. Ibinigay ko iyon sa kanya.

Her hands were shaking when she took those things from me. Tinignan n’ya ’yon isa-isa.

“Pa… paanong—” I saw how blood drain on her face as she stared at my I.Ds.

“Hindi ko ginustong magpanggap na ibang tao,” I started to explain. “I wanted to tell you the truth for so long. Pero naunahan ako ng takot na baka magalit ka at layuan ako. So, I just continued my act. It’s just that you make me the happiest whenever I’m with you. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t think— Angela!”

Napatigil ako sa pagpapaliwanang nang bigla s’yang tumayo at mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa kwartong ginagamit n’ya. I stood up and ran after her pero bago ko pa s’ya maabutan ay mabilis n’yang naisara ang pinto. She even locked the door!

What the hell?

“Angela!” I knocked on the door. Dinig ko pa ang pagtili n’ya. Nagulat yata sa pagkatok ko. “Angela! Buksan mo ’to, love, please.”

“Ayoko!” she shouted. Her voice was shaking.

Fuck! What the hell is happening?

“Love, please… Let’s talk,” mahinahon kong sabi pero wala akong nakuhang sagot mula sa kanya.

I sighed.

“You know I have a spare key and I could open this door if I want to, right?”

“Subukan mo lang!” Nahalata kong mas nanginig ang boses n’ya. “Magagalit talaga ’ko, Lester! O Lucius! Ah! Bahala ka d’yan!”

I sighed. Naisandal ko ang noo sa nakasaradong pinto.

“I’m sorry…” I said softly, still making sure she could hear it. “I’m sorry kung pakiramdam mong niloko kita. Ayoko lang talagang mawala ka sa ’kin, Angela. Mahal na mahal kita.”

I waited for her to say something. Pero wala akong narinig mula sa kanya. Mabigat ang pinakawalan kong paghinga.

She needed time, I guess. Handa ko namang ibigay ’yon sa kanya. Pero ’yung lalayo s’ya at iiwan ako, iyon ang hindi ko kayang ibigay sa kanya.

I was about to go and sit on the sofa when I heard a movement from the other side of the door. Napatayo ako nang deretso. Angela’s unlocking the door!

The door opened and I saw her. She was looking down. Hindi masalubong ang mga mata ko.

“Nahihiya ako sa ’yo… ng sobra,” she said it so softly I barely heard it. She buried her face in her palms. “Nakakahiya mga pinaggagawa ko.” Her voice was muffled against her palms.

Nakatayo lang ako roon at nakatingin sa kanyang nakayuko pa rin. I was trying to read her reactions. Pagdating yata kay Angela, parang ang bagal-bagal kong maintindihan ang lahat.

But when I noticed her ears were red, I realized she was embarrassed.

I shouldn’t have. I know I shouldn’t but I couldn’t help smiling. Damn. Hindi dapat ako naaliw sa sitwasyon pero iyon ang nararamdaman ko.

And, fuck. The relief to know that she was not mad and would not leave me flooded my system.

“Oh, love…” I chuckled and pulled her. I hugged her tightly.

Hinampas n’ya ang balikat ko bago isinubsob ang mukha sa dibdib ko.

“’Wag mo nga ’kong tawanan!” masungit n’yang sabi pero hindi ko na mapigilan ang ngiti ko. It’s alright. She couldn’t see it anyway.

Damn… I remember the first time I saw her. How feisty she was nang pinagsabihan n’ya ang driver ko. I almost forgot that she could act like this. Masyado kasi s’yang mabait.

“Okay, okay. Just don’t get mad at me,” sabi ko pero nakangiti naman.

“Pinagpanggap pa kitang si Lucius sa harap ng mga katrabaho ko. Eh, ikaw naman pala talaga si Lucius!”

I bit my lower lip.

“That’s an unforgettable experience.”

“Binayaran ko pa ang pamasahe at t-shirt na binili mo kasi akala ko wala kang pera!”

“Well, I really didn’t have any cash with me that time.”

“Kasi mayaman ka kaya laging card lang ang transactions mo!” Hinampas n’ya ulit ako sa balikat. “Pinagmayabang ko pa sa ’yong boyfriend ko si Lucius nu’ng akala kong naghahanap ka ng trabaho!”

I laughed when her voice sounded like she was really embarrassed. Mas ibinaon pa ang mukha sa dibdib ko na parang gusto nang magtago roon.

“That came true though. I’m now your boyfriend.”

Nag-angat s’ya ng tingin. I saw her frowning at me. Her eyes even squint.

“Tuwang-tuwa ka, eh, ’no?”

I chuckled as I kissed the tip of her nose.

God… She’s the cutest.

“I’m the happiest when I’m with you.”

She pouted. I had this strong urge to kiss her lips this time pero nakita ko ang pag-aalinlangan sa mga mata n’ya.

“Ikaw talaga si Lucius D’Angelo?” she asked. Mukhang naninigurado po.

I tried to hide my smile because of her cuteness.

“Yeah… ’Yung Lucius na madaldal at biglang nagsabi sa ’yong liligawan ka n’ya.”

She groaned as she blushed. Naaalala rin siguro ang kwentong sinabi n’ya sa ’kin noon. Muli n’yang isinubsob ang mukha sa dibdib ko.

“Nakakahiya talaga! Grabe ka rin magregalo sa birthday ko, ’no? Kahihiyan pa! Thank you, ha?”

I laughed. The sarcasm in her voice was too obvious. Niyakap ko s’ya nang mahigpit.

Goodness, Angela… You really know how to make me happy. I could only smile and laugh like this whenever I’m with you.

We stayed in that position for a while. I was gently caressing her back, soothing her, hoping she would calm down. But I know it will take time. Baka nga hindi na mawala ang hiya n’ya sa tuwing maaalala n’ya ang mga nangyari.

But… those moments are the reasons why our time together is so precious. Something I knew I would treasure forever.

“Nagsinungaling din naman ako sa ’yo,” she said after a while.

“Hmm?” Sinubukan kong silipin ang mukha n’ya.

Bahagya s’yang humiwalay sa ’kin para tignan ako. But I still didn’t let her go. My arms were still around her waist. Her eyes were shy as she stared at me.

“Ang sabi ko, magpapasalamat lang ako. Pero humingi ako ng birthday wish. Alam mo ba kung ano ’yon?”

“Ano?”

When she wrapped her arms around my neck, I smiled. Napangiti rin s’ya.

“Hiniling ko na sana hindi ka na mawala sa tabi ko at makasama kita habang-buhay.”

God…. I love this woman so much.

I gulped the emotions in me. Tangina. Only Angela could do this. She could make me smile, laugh, and at the same time, cry out of so much happiness.

“Then let me make your wish come true,” I said.

I took a step back away from her to fish that velvet box out of my pocket. Binuksan ko iyon at iniluhod ang isang tuhod ko sa sahig.

I heard her gasp. Naitakip pa ang mga kamay sa bibig. Then, her tears flowed down her eyes as she stared at me kneeling in front of her.

“I know you said you wanted to get a house and lot on your own before we get married, and I’m willing to wait, Angela. For you. Always for you. But I still wanna do this. I’ve never been this sure in my entire life. Ikaw lang ang nakapagparamdam sa ’kin ng ganitong kaligayahan. Ikaw lang ang babaeng nakapagparamdam sa ’kin ng ganitong pagmamahal. And I don’t want to let this go. I love everything about you and I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.”

I took a deep breath. With teary eyes, I smiled at her.

“Angela Salazar, will you marry me?”

Napahagulgol s’ya pero sunod-sunod na tumango. Hindi ko na napigilan ang luhang tumulo rin sa mga mata ko lalo na nang marinig ko ang sagot n’ya.

“Oo naman! Pakakasalanan kita, Lucius…”

Isinuot ko sa kanya ang singsing bago tumayo. I cupped her face and I only realized I was still crying as my vision was blurry when I stared at her face which was also brimmed with tears.

“Thank you, love… I love you so much, Angela.”

She smiled at me.

“Mahal na mahal din kita, Lucius…”

Goddamn… My name sounds so good with her voice.

Ah… I got more than what I wanted.

Pinunasan ko ang mga luha sa pisngi n’ya bago tinawid ang distansya ng mga labi namin. I closed my eyes as I felt her lips against mine.

As I opened my eyes, it was her name that I saw, carved on the tombstone. Mapait akong napangiti kasabay ng pagsigid ng sakit sa dibdib kong hindi ko makayanan.

How I wished that something like that really happened to us. How I wished that all of that were true and not just my imagination. How I wished that she was in front of me, smiling. How I wished that she was with me, telling me how much she loves me, saying my name.

How I wished na mayakap ko ulit ang kaisa-isang babaeng mahal at tanging mamahalin ko.

But no. All of those wishes wouldn’t come true anymore. No matter how hard I try. No matter how hard I pray. ’Cause the truth is, I’m here. Standing in front of her grave.

It’s been ten years. I’m still here.

Angela is gone.

I will never get to see her again.

“Happy birthday, love.”

And she will never know that Lucius D’Angelo was the one who fell in love with her.