One Lusted Affair

Welcome to One Lusted Affair!

This is the second installation of the series: El Refugio.

Previous title: **Impetuosity of Lust **

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual person(s), living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Do not distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this story from any way. Please obtain permission.

Warning: This story depicts life containing situations that might trigger and harm the life of the reader. It contains violence and many matured content that is not allowed for kids below 15 years of age. It might contain errors- grammatically, typographically or anything that affects the quality of the story. I do not proofread in each chapter and I will publish it unedited.

This story is a boyslove omegaverse (MPREG) story. If you are not fan of this genre, you may quietly leave this story. Do not hate my novel if you were disappointed. Thank you.

You have been warned!

Note: Updates will be once a week.

©️ pennocchio, 2022

About the Omegaverse

_Omegaverse is an alternative universe where male could possibly conceive their own child. _

Frequently Asked Questions.

1\. What is Third Gender?

\- In the world of Omegaverse, the third gender is Alpha, Beta and Omega along with Male and Female.

2\. How will you know about your Third Gender?

\- In the series of El Refugio, every character already knows their Third Gender from the day they were born. They inherited the genes from their parents. Some might have an special case where the Third Gender changes as the character grow. There will be a test called “Late-Manifestation Gender” conducted by the doctors in this series.

3\. What is Alpha?

\- Alpha is the dominant among the Third Gender. They’re are responsible for making an omega or beta pregnant because of their reproductive ability.

They are more attractive than betas. There characteristics differs to the mind of the author. However, they are somehow the most loyal and devoted to their omegas. They are the most possessive among all the Third Gender.

4\. What is Beta?

\- Beta is the average gender among the Third Gender. They have the characteristics of choosing their mate between Alpha and Omega. They are the most likely to go through “Late-Manifestation Gender”.

5\. What is Omega?

\- If a Male or Female is an Omega, they are mostly likely to get pregnant by an Alpha. They are the one who can carry the offspring of an Alpha. They are pretty, in a feminine way.

6\. What is the difference between Rut State and Heat Cycle?

\- Rut State is a mating period experience by a Dominant Alpha and that is time they can get an Omega pregnant. While the Heat Cycle is experienced by everyone in Omegaverse world, Omega frequently experience this cycle every month.

7\. What is Pheromones?

\- Pheromones are the scent from an Alpha and Omega to attract each other. To avoid public disturbances, emitting Pheromones in public places is banned in this world.

8\. What is Marking?

\- Marking is a special ability of an Alpha during mating. They can mark the Omega they want or love during their mating. If an Omega is marked by an Alpha, the Omega can’t mate with other Alpha aside from the Alpha who marked them.

9\. What is Knotting?

\- Knotting is an special ability of an Alpha in mating. It is the ability to heighten the pregnancy of an Omega.

10\. What is Bonding?

\- Bonding is a term used by Alpha and Omega when they both agreed to become mates. If an Alpha and Omega is bonded, they are most likely to end up with each other and marry.

Hello, please leave your questions about the world of Omegaverse here. I would gladly answer each questions from you.

Synopsis

El Refugio Boyslove Series #2

What it takes when you let yourself driven by lust?

For Tegan Paige Montero, a skilled high-level chef and the youngest most famous culinary artist in the country, he will sacrifice everything just to try and end his lusting desire for Sergio Rafael Almendralejo, a famous General of the Army for his perfectly handsome built and face that is desired by many.

It takes only one drop of Red Ginseng for Tegan Paige Montero to fulfill his lust but what awaits him are the consequences of his impetuous desires.

Note: Red Ginseng is used here for sex/libido enhancer.

**Coming soon… **

Prologue

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

00\. Impetuous

“Hngg…” Napatingala ang lalaki ng lalimanan ng babae ang pagpasok ng kaniyang bunganga sa kaniyang alaga. Napadaing siya ng tumama iyon sa kaniyang lalamunan.

“That’s so good, Seraphim. Go deeper and faster.” Habol ang hiningang sabi ng lalaki.

Napahawak na ito ngayon sa buhok at ulo ng babae habang ginagabayan niya ito sa bawat pagpasok at paglabas ng kaniyang bunganga sa kaniyang alaga.

He could feel the wetness of her mouth as he stroked his d*ck inside her. Her tongue was also playing circles inside her mouth, rubbing his shaft into much more pleasure.

“I’m coming…” Tinanggal niya ang kaniyang alaga, gamit ang kaniyang kanang kamay ay hinagod niya ng mabilisan ang kaniya.

Her face was so beautiful. Nakatingala na ngayon ang babae sa lalaki habang ang kaniyang bunganga ay nakabukas, nakalabas ang dila at naghihintay sa kaniyang pagputok.

Ilang segundo pang nilaro ng lalaki ang alaga nito hanggang sa pumutok nga ito sa mukha ng dalaga. Napapikit ang isa nitong mata ng matalsikan ng tamod ni Tegan Paige. Agad namang pinunasan ni Tegan ang kaniyang alaga at pinasok sa kaniyang brief at pantalon.

Naglinis naman si Seraphim ng kaniyang sarili ng tyempong dumating ang mga tagalinis ng kusina.

“Madami pa ang hindi nalinis dito oh,” Sabi ng isa sa dalawang naglalakad papasok. “May mga tumalsik na mga kalat dito!”

Inayos naman ni Tegan ang aking sarili at iniwan si Seraphim sa sulok ng kusina pagkatapos. Hindi man lang siya nagpaalam dito o kahit na tignan man lang ito at dali dali ng lumabas.

“Oh, Hi chef. Nandito ka pa pala.” Ani ng isa ng mamataan si Tegan.

“Yes, pauwi na ako ngayon. Good work for today,” Nakangiting sabi ni Tegan. Nilampasan niya ang mga ito at lumabas na nang tuluyan.

Tegan Paige Montero is a chef inside the biggest hotel in the country, the El Refugio. And a while ago, he was making out with one of the managers. Narinig niya pang binati ng dalawa ang manager nila kahit na may kalayuan na siya sa kanila. Nakalabas na siya sa restaurant at patungo na ngayon sa parking lot nang biglang mag ring ang kaniyang telepono.

“Hi, son. Are you still at work?” Tanong ng kaniyang mommy na siyang tumawag.

“Hello, mom. I’m going home now.” Sagot niya sa pagod na boses.

“You sounded tired, baby.” Sabi nito.

“I’m Paige, I’m okay.” Pabirong sabi ni Tegan.

“That’s why you need to find a girl or an alpha to take care of you!” Sabi ng kaniyang mama. Suminghal naman siya ng malakas.

His mom has been nagging him for years because he has been single for his entire life.

“If this continues, you won’t find a family!” Dagdag ng kaniyang mama.

“Good night, Mom. I’m driving now.” Sagot ni Tegan dito at agad pinutol ang tawag.

He is a 27 yet still virgin omega except for the fact that he has been sucked in many times. For his entire life, he never got into any serious relationship.

One of the reasons is that, his body is well built as if he was an Alpha. But in fact, he wasn’t. He has tried it with many girls but it was boring for him to do it with a girl.

He has spent his entire life studying and learning culinary arts. Kunti na lamang ang kaniyang time para mag explore pero nagagawa pa naman niya iyon kahit na hindi masyadong masasarap ang kaniyang mga experiences.

As a renowned culinary artist, Tegan Paige Montero has been working at one of the best hotels in the country. Aside from his work there, he has seen and heared many people doing that “miraculous” thing with each other. During his work at the hotel, he also saw the people there doing orgy.

And since he was an Omega with big built like an Alpha, no Alpha has been interested in him. Instead, kapwa niya Omega ang lumalapit sa kaniya.

He sighed as he drove his car back to his home. When he entered his empty-quiet condominium, he felt the loneliness creeping to his body.

He brought out one of his wine and a cup of glass and went to his couch. He turned on his tv and what comes first was an interview with a General.

On the news, the General was being asked about the current insurgency in Cebu.

“General Almendralejo, how’s the security of the people in Cebu right now?” Asked by one of the news reporters.

The General, who was wearing his uniform clenched his jaw before speaking. Napapalibutan siya ng microphone ng iba’t-ibang tv station.

Tapos na ang press conference na ginanap pa kanina kaya hindi alam ni Rafael kung bakit puro parin tanong ang bubungad sa kaniya sa paglabas niya sa building.

“General, is it true that you’re impotent?” Isa sa mga report ang nagtanong.

Dikit ang kilay na nagtanong si Rafael. “Who said that?” Mababakasan ng pagka-pikon ang kaniyang boses. “Whoever said that maybe hasn’t experienced how good my battle performance is in bed.” He said and walked away.

General Sergio Rafael Almendralejo was the most famous General in the army. It was due to the fact that he was very handsome. Tanned skin with a perfectly shaped god-like face, slightly sharp jaw line, long nose, heart shaped red lips, thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, and brown eyes. His ears were not so big but not so small either. His hair was black and short.

As for his body, it can’t be described with just one word. His military uniform can’t hide his biceps, his back and shoulders were wide. He is tall and has a big build.

“I like him,” Banggit ni Tegan sa kaniyang sarili. Nilabas niya ang kaniyang telepono at nag search tungkol sa lalaking kaniyang nakita.

KINABUKASAN ay maagang pumunta si Tegan sa gym para mag exercise. His duty at work is at night so he has nothing to do for the whole day.

He saw a familiar face on one of the treadmills. Napalunok siya ng makilala iyon. Kakakita at kaka-search niya pa lang dito kagabi!

General Sergio Rafael Almendralejo is in the house!

Without thinking, he went straight to the treadmill beside the General. Rafael was talking with someone on his earpiece. Paige was slowly walking on the treadmill, he was looking outside the building where the gym was located. He can hear Rafael’s voice and for him, it was so sexy and attractive for him. A deep voice with a clear tone of diction. He was listening and sometimes would look at Rafael.

Damn, this guy is perfection itself! He’s turning me on so much.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.” Saad ni Rafael sa kausap nito.

Sandaling tumahimik si Rafael at nagpatuloy sa pagtakbo.

“I didn’t even know that I have a fiancé.” Rafael sighed. “Fine, I’ll meet her tonight.”

Paige surprised at what he has heard, fell from the treadmill. Rafael who saw that went immediately to help Paige.

“Ouch!” Hiyaw ni Paige ng mahulog siya sa sementong sahig. It was his butt who landed first.

“Are you okay?” Tanong ni Rafael kay Paige ng lapitan siya nito. Hinawakan niya si Paige sa balikat.

Paige, who fell terribly, cried as an act. He looked at Rafael with his teary eyes. Rafael was looking at him seriously, with concern evident in his face.

“My butt hurts.” Sabi niya dito at bahagya pang nag-pout.

Rafael who was about to speak stopped. Tinignan niya ang mukha ni Paige na ngayon ay naka-pout ang labi at ang mata’y umiiyak. Lumunok siya.

“Get up first.” Sabi ni Rafael dito at tinulungan si Paige na tumayo.

Nakaramdam ng sakit si Paige sa kaniyang kanang paa kaya hindi maayos ang kaniyang paglalakad. Inalalayan siya ni Rafael patungo sa bench sa gilid, todo naman ang hawak niya sa naglalakihang bicep ni Rafael. Ang kamay naman ni Rafael ay nasa kaniyang biwang upang alalayan siya.

“Can you sit?” Rafael asked Paige.

“My butt still hurts. I don’t think I would be able to.” Sagot ni Paige dito at bahagya pa niyang hinagod ang kaniyang pwet. Naka-tyempo naman na tinitignan ni Rafael ang likod niya ng gawin niya iyon.

Inalis agad ni Rafael ang tingin niya doon. Ilang minuto silang nanatili doon habang inalalayan ni Rafael si Paige na kinakareer ang pagkahawak sa kaniyang balikat, medyo hinihimas pa nga niya iyon.

Paige was short. Hanggang balikat lang ni Rafael ang tangkad nito kaya kitang-kita niya si Paige kahit yukuan lamang niya.

Paige who was wearing a thin white shirt didn’t know that his nipples could be seen. What Rafael noticed the first time was Paige’s big bubble butt and stocked chest. Malaki ang pwet ni Paige dahil nakasuot lamang siya ng sobrang sikip na grey shorts. Ang kaniya namang chest ay kitang-kita ang pamumukol sa kaniyang puting manipis na damit, lalo na ang kaniyang nipples.

“Alright, sit on my lap for a while.” Walang pag-alinlangang suhestyon ni Rafael.

Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Paige ng marinig niya iyon. Hindi siya nakapagsalita dahil sa sinabi ni Rafael. Nakita na lamang niya ang kaniyang sariling nakaupo sa hita ni Rafael.

Rafael was the one sitting on the chair while Paige was sitting on his lap. Patagilid na nakaupo si Paige habang ang kaniyang isang kamay ay nakabalot sa balikat ni Rafael at bahagyang nakasandig sa dibdib nito.

“May masakit pa ba sa ibang parte ng katawan mo?” Tanong ni Rafael. Nakayuko si Rafael dito at tinitignan ang natutuwang si Paige. He seems to be enjoying this thing because Paige was smiling.

“U-uh, my back also hurts.” Saad ni Paige.

“This one?” Tanong ni Rafael. Ang isa kamay niya ngayon ay nasa likod na ni Paige at bahayang minamasahe iyon.

“Yes,” sagot ni Paige at bahagya pang humalinghing. “Lower please…” Malanding saad ni Paige.

Binaba pa lalo ni Rafael ang kaniyang kamay. Hindi sinasadyang nadiinan niya ang paghangod dahilan para madaing pa lalo si Paige at bahagyang gumalaw ang pwet nitong nakaupo sa kaniyang hita.

Rafael was looking at Paige who closed his eyes when he did that. Inulit pa niya ang ginawa niyang iyon ng makita ang reactin ni Paige. Rafael smiled. He liked the way Paige curved his back, slightly moaning, and biting his lips as his hands massage his back.

Paige who was surprisingly enjoying Rafael’s hands on his back felt the bulge forming underneath him. Something was hard down there. When he realized what it was, he immediately stood up.

Paige didn’t realize that he was enjoying what Rafael was doing with him. He looks at Rafael who is gazing at him with his brown eyes.

“Oh no. I forgot that I have something to do.” Flustered, Paige spoke. “Thank you.” Dagdag niya.

Maglalakad na sana siya ngunit pinigilan siya ni Rafael sa kamay.

“Can I ask for your name before you go?” Saad ni Rafael. Nakatayo na rin ito ngayon habang nakahawak sa kanang kamay ni Paige.

“Uhm… I’m Paige Montero.” Sagot nito at tinanggal ang pagkakahawak ni Rafael sa kaniya.

Masakit ang paa at pasuray-suray na naglalakad si Paige palabas sa gym.

A while ago, Paige was sure that what he felt was Rafael’s hardness. He was afraid because in fact, Paige was hard too while Rafael’s hands were massaging him. It feels so good. Rafael’s hands was big and was carefully massaging his back.

When Paige got back to his condo, he immediately went to the bathroom to ease his libido. He was so turned on by only Rafael’s hands massaging him.

KINAGABIHAN ay masayang nagtungo si Paige sa El Refugio. He went inside the restaurant with a smile he have never shown before.

Nagtataka ang mga kasama niya sa trabaho dahil sa kakaiba niyang kilos. And his foods were unusually so sweet, completely different to what he have made before.

“Hey, Chef Paige.” Manager Seraphim entered the kitchen.

Hindi siya pinansin ni Paige at pahuni-huni pang kumakanta habang ito ay nagluluto sa kusina.

“You seems happy today,” Seraphim said. Tinapik pa niya ito sa balikat para lang mapansin.

“Oh… What is that again?” Tanong ni Paige.

Ngumiti na lamang si Seraphim dahil sa kakaibang kilos na pinapakita ni Paige.

“You’re booked tonight.” Saad ni Seraphim.

“What?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Paige dito.

“The boss called a while ago. You’re booked to cook on the elite floor alone. She added.

This is normal within the chefs. But normally, the hotel would send atleast two chefs to accommodate the customer.

“The customer asked for you personally, go up there.” Seraphim spoke again.

Without hesitation, he went above and beyond without knowing who booked him. When he entered the room, he saw roses on the floor that leads a path to take.

He entered and went through the kitchen. He checked if everything was complete there. When he finished, he went to the balcony where the roses are headed for.

A guy was sitting on one of the chair in a table for two. Paige immediately knew who it was.

Rafael was looking at his phone when Paige saw him. Lumunok si Paige bago tuluyang lumapit dito.

“Good evening, Sir.” Paige was smiling when he approached Rafael. Agad naman siyang tiningala ni Rafael na inalis ang tingin sa cellphone.

“I will be your cook tonight. May I know what you’d like to have for your date?” Paige asked.

“I’ll take your best dish.” Rafael said while looking at Paige’s body. He was gazing from below to Paige’s head. Paige was wearing a chef’s attire.

Naiilang naman si Paige dahil sa pagtingin ni Rafael. Nakita pa niyang umigting ang panga ni Rafael habang tinitignan ang kaniyang katawan.

He went straight to the kitchen after than. Kahit nakatalikod na, ramdam niya parin ang titig ni Rafael sa kaniya.

As Paige ready the food, he was expecting that Rafael’s date would arrive but it never happened. He was done cooking but the date haven’t come.

He was now bringing the food on to Rafael’s table when heard Rafael’s conversation on his phone. Nakatayo at nakatalikod ito ngayon sa kaniya kaya kitang-kita niya ang likod ni Rafael.

“She didn’t come.” Saad ni Rafael. “She will not come okay, she just texted me that she will not come here.” Dagdag ni Rafael ng matapos magsalita ang sa kabilang linya.

Paige served Foie Gras as the main dish with other dishes on Rafael’s table after a while. Paige’s expertise on food is mainly from French cuisine. Everything he served right now is dished from France.

Rafael was now looking at him putting the food on the table.

“I’m hanging up, the food is here.” Rafael said while gazing at Paige.

“This is my best dish, I hope you enjoy it.” Saad ni Paige at nakangiting tinignan si Rafael.

“Everything looks good, they look tasty and sweet.” Malalim ang boses na sagot ni Rafael habang nakatingin sa kaniya. Dahan-dahang umupo si Rafael sa upuan habang hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Paige.

“But sadly, my date won’t come here. No one would eat this food.” Saad muli ni Rafael ng matapos siyang umupo.

Nagdikit ang kilay ni Paige.

“Would you mind if you join me here?” Tanong ni Rafael.

“Well, I am not allowed to do so.” Saad ni Paige. “But since we are inside this room and no one can see us, I can do that.” Dagdag ni Paige at nakangiti.

“Good,” Saad ni Rafael habang nakatingin parin kay Paige na nakatayo na ngayon sa tabi ng table.

“Oh, I forgot the drink. Let me take the best wine here.” Saad ni Paige at inalis ang tingin kay Rafael.

Paige who was smiling a while ago, but now it slowly faded as he walked straight towards the door. Napalunok pa siya ng i-lock niya ang pinto.

“God, guide me for what I am about to do.” Banggit niya at pumunta sa kusina. He opened the wine and brought out a little bottle of red ginseng. He poured a drop of red ginseng into the bottle of wine.

He always brings something like this with him. This red ginseng is created by him personally. He has dreamed of using this thing with another person. He has tried this already and he can say that this is really effective. For him, this was the best thing that he ever made for his entire culinary life.

Smiling, he went back to the balcony with a smile on his face to hide his nervousness. He was holding the wine with one of his hands and two glasses on the other.

“This is called La Fuerte, the strongest El Refugio wine.” Paige said. He was now sitting in front of Rafael.

“Is that true? I hope it doesn’t disappoint me,” Rafael smirked while looking at Paige.

“Your pain will go away when you try this. You’ll even forget that your date didn’t come tonight.” Paige said and smiled. Bahagya pa siyang kumindat kay Rafael.

Paige then poured the drink first on Rafael’s glass before his. Nang matapos ay hinawakan niya ang baso niya.

“Cheers?” Saad niya kay Rafael.

“Cheers.” Sagot naman ni Rafael at sabay nilang tinaas ang kanilang baso at bahagyang pinagbangga.

Paige was looking at Rafael who was drinking the wine. He also sipped at it and tasted the strong fiery taste of it.

Wine should not be this strong but El Refugio who owns this brand made it so that people would feel intoxicated.

“That’s strong.” Ani ni Rafael ng maubos niya ang isang baso.

Napalunok si Paige ng makita niyang naubos nga ni Rafael ang wine sa baso nito.

“Do you want some more?” Saad ni Paige.

To be continued…

Chapter 1

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

01\. Long Night

Ang bilis nang tibok ng puso ni Paige. Patuloy na umiinom si Rafael sa wine na may halong s*x enhancer. Ilang baso na ang nainom nito ngunit hindi parin tumatalab ang alak kay Rafael.

Ang alam ni Paige ay ilang minuto lamang ay e-epekto na agad ito. Kaya nagtataka siya kung bakit hindi pa tumatama ang ginseng kay Rafael. Hindi kaya ay immune ito sa mga poison? Dahil isa itong sundalo, marahil ay nag training din ito para maging immune sa kahit anong poison. Kaya baka hindi tatalab ang ginseng dito!

Ngumiti si Paige ng makitang naubos ulit ni Rafael ang isang baso ng wine.

“Do you want some more?” Tanong niya dito at tinitignan ang mukha nito.

“Yes… I don’t know why but the wine taste better today.” Saad ni Rafael. Nakita ni Paige ang paggalaw ng panga nito matapos itong magsalita. Madilim ang mga mata nitong nakatingin sa bote ng wine sa kanilang mesa.

Tumikhim si Paige para kunin ang atensyon ni Rafael.

“Hindi na ba talaga dadating ang date mo?” Tanong ni Paige dito.

Tinignan ni Rafael si Paige na ngayon ay binalik ang atensyon sa pagkain sa harapan nito bago niya sulyapan ang oras sa kaniyang Rolex watch.

“It’s near 11, I supposed she’s not going to come here.” Saad ni Rafael.

Malapit nang maubos ang pagkain sa harapan nilang dalawa pati narin ang alak kakaiba ang tama kay Rafael.

Iba ang lasa niyon sa normal na wine na iniinom niya. Though the wine was still the same as what he was used to drink, the wine on the table taste strangely different for him.

He knew that something was added on the drink. He was curious. But the wine tasted so good he wasn’t able to ask Paige.

Tumiim ang kaniyang bagang.

“I will be accompanying you then until…” Saad ni Paige ngunit hindi niya tinapos ang kaniyang sasabihin.

“Until what?” Tanong ni Rafael dito. Ngayon ay napako na ang kaniyang pangingin kay Paige.

Hawak pa ni Paige ang kutsara at tinidor sa kamay nito ng tignan niya si Rafael na mabusising nakatingin sa kaniya.

“U-until the food I cooked is finished.” Matagal na sagot ni Paige. Ilang minuto pa silang nagkatitigan ni Rafael.

“It will be finished soon if you eat this fast.” Ngumisi si Rafael at tinignan ang pagkain sa mesa. Paubos na ang pagkain sa harapan ni Paige habang sa kaniyang banda ay kunti pa lamang ang nagagalaw niya dito.

Lumunok si Paige.

“Uh.. Let me take another bottle of wine.” Saad ni Paige. Tumayo ito at mabilis ang lakad na nagtungo sa kusina.

Tinignan ni Rafael ang bote ng wine sa mesa. Paubos na nga iyon. Sa tingin niya ay isang baso na lamang ay ubos na iyon kaya binuhos na niya iyon sa kaniyang baso.

“Ha…” Ininom niya alak sa isang iglap lamang.

Dumaan ang kakaibang anghang sa lalamunan ni Rafael. Hindi niya maipaliwanag kung bakit masarap iyon sa kaniyang panlasa.

Malaki ang ngiti ni Paige ng maglakad siya pabalik sa mesa. Tinignan ni Rafael ang bukas na bote ng wine sa table. Bukas na iyon bago pa man dumating si Paige.

Bumalik sila sa pagkain. Paminsan-minsan ay nilalagyan ni Paige ang baso ni Rafael sa tuwing nauubos niya ito. Umiinom naman si Paige sa wine na kaniyang dinala ngunit hindi kasing dami ng iniinom ni Rafael.

“Is the aircon not working? I feel hot.” Saad ni Paige at bahagya pang pinaypayan ang sarili gamit ang kamay nito. “Are you not?” Tanong niya kay Rafael.

“Hmm… I’m feeling hot too.” Saad ni Rafael. “Strangely…” Bulong niya sa huli.

Hindi iyon narinig ni Paige. Umigting ang panga ni Rafael at gumalaw ang kaniyang Adam’s apple ng lumunok siya. Slowly, he could feel his member erecting as the moments past.

Paige is white that’s is why Rafael can see his face turns red as they continue to drink.

“Are you drunk already?” Tanong ni Rafael dito.

“I’m not. Why would I get drunk with a mere wine.” Sagot ni Paige.

Ngumisi si Rafael. “It looks like you’ll get drunk even if you’re drinking a milk.”

Nagkadikit ang kilay ni Paige at tinignan si Rafael.

“Ain’t that weak, remember that.” Dinuro niya si Rafael gamit ang isang daliri nito.

“You’re drunk.” Ngumisi pa lalo si Rafael. Ngayon ay siya ang naglagay sa baso nilang dalawa.

“We don’t have food anymore. Ano nalang ang kakainin na’tin?” Saad ni Paige.

Nilaro pa nito ang tira-tira sa plato nito gamit ang ang kutsara.

“You can eat me.” Biglang saad ni Rafael.

Napatahimik si Paige. Pumikit-pikit siya dahil sa kaniyang narinig.

“What?” Tinignan ni Paige si Rafael. Malalim ang tingin ni Rafael sa kaniya, sa kaniyang labi, patungo sa kaniyang leeg, pababa sa kaniyang dibdib.

“You can eat me next. I’m only the food you haven’t eaten yet.” Saad ni Rafael. Bahagya pang nakangisi ang labi nito.

“Are you joking right now?” Namumula na ngayon ang mukha ni Paige pati narin ang kaniyang tenga.

“I’m not.” Saad ni Rafael.

His hands that were on the table move slowly to reach Paige’s finger. He touched Paige’s hands sensually, sending shivers to Paige.

Tumayo si Paige sa kaniyang upuan at lumapit kay Rafael. Nakatayo na siya ngayon sa harapan ni Rafael na ngayon ay tinitingala na siya ngayon.

Paige thinks that Rafael is now affected by the wine. As far as he know, Rafael is someone who doesn’t make out to any male omega.

What he’s offering right now is something that he doesn’t want but it was the ginseng in his that telling him he wants to be eaten by Paige.

Paige bend down to kiss Rafael. Their eyes were both opened as their lips touches each other.

Paige was kissing Rafael for a peck to see his reaction but he gasped when Rafael’s hands went to his nape, pinning him down to kiss more.

Rafael’s lips move violently with Paige. It was so rough that Paige wasn’t able to move along with him for a while. Rafael’s lips were sealing Paige’s lips. And when Paige discern how Rafael moves, he kissed back as deep as what Rafael is doing.

Their lips were now moving with harmony. Their mouth opened, embracing each other’s lips and tongues were clicking.

Rafael left hands is moving around Paige’s body. It went from his nape towards his bottom. Rafael is now holding Paige’s ass and guiding him to move closely to him. While Paige’s hands were on Rafael’s nape and face as he kissed him deeply.

“Ha…” They both grasped for air when they both stopped kissing each other.

Rafael licked his lips. Their lips were so wet after they kissed.

Rafael is now holding Paige is one hand, not letting go of Paige.

“We’re just getting started.” Malalim ang boses na ani ni Rafael. Hinala niya si Paige patungo sa kaniya.

“Sit on my lap.” Rafael said.

Paige who was still thinking if what he’s doing is right obeyed out of Rafael’s dominance.

He went this far. He can no longer turn his back.

Paige is now sitting at Rafael’s lap. Even though Rafael is already sitting and Paige is on his lap, Rafael’s height still dominated. Tinitingala pa ni Paige ang mukha ni Rafael dahil sa tangkad nito.

“Do you feel my member below you?” Saad ni Rafael. Mainit ang hininga nito ng tumama iyon sa mukha ni Paige.

“Yes…” Tanging sagot na lamang ni Paige.

He felt it. The bulging member inside Rafael’s pants where screaming for it to escape the cage.

“You can’t turn your back now until I’m not satisfied tonight. Or it may take days for me to get satisfied.” Rafael said huskily. Umigting ang panga niya, madilim ang tingin kay Paige bago nito siniil muli ang labi ni Paige.

Paige was sitting on Rafael’s lap as they kissed each other. Bahagya pang napasandig si Paige dahilan para gumalaw ito at mahulog ang ibang gamit dahil doon. Ngunit hindi nila iyon pinansin at patuloy na naghalikan.

Their lips were moving perfectly at each other. Their heads were also going with the rhythm. And their hands were moving their own way. Paige was holding on Rafael’s nape. While Rafael is moving at Paige’s back towards his big round ass.

Sa bawat halik nila ay napapasabay ang katawan ni Paige kaya kumikiskis ang kaniyang pwetan sa alaga ni Rafael. Damang-dama ni Paige ang laki niyon dahilan para mamasa pa lalo ang kaniyang butas.

Pinikit na lamang niya ang kaniyang mata nang himasin ni Rafael ang kaniyang pwet. Their lips were still locked with each other.

“You kissed better than I thought.” Saad ni Rafael.

“Hngg…” Halinghing ni Paige ng halikan siyang muli ni Rafael.

Ilang minuto pa silang naghalikan bago tumayo si Rafael.

“Hold on to me.” Saad nito. Pinalibot naman ni Paige ang kaniyang kamay at paa sa katawan ni Rafael nang buhatin siya nito.

Hindi parin naghihiwalay ang kanilang labi habang naglalakad si Rafael patungo sa sofa ng kwarto.

“Hnng…” Tanging halinghing na lamang ni Paige habang patuloy ang kanilang malalalim na halik.

Binaba siya ni Rafael sa sofa. Nakahiga na siya ngayon habang nasa kaniyang ibabaw si Rafael.

Napigil ang kanilang halikan dahilan para bumukas ang mata ni Paige. Tinatanggal na ngayon ni Rafael ang suot nito.

Napalunok na lamang si Paige ng makita ang magandang katawan ni Rafael. It was so masculine and full of abs. Punong-puno ang mga muscles nito

It was a perfect art. A statue that screams sexiness and lust. It was perfect to be worshipped.

Paige’s hands went to feel Rafael’s abs. Rafael smirked when he saw what Paige did.

“We have a long night ahead. You’ll have a lot of time enjoying my body.” Saad ni Rafael at bumabang muli ang kaniyang ulo para halikan si Paige.

Bumalot na naman muli ang kamay ni Paige sa leeg nito para mahalikan ng mabuti si Rafael.

“Hngg…”

Paige felt Rafael’s hands on his breast. He was squeezing and molding it until he ripped his shirt to feel more of his body.

Napunit agad ang manipis na damit ni Paige. He moan when Rafael pinched one of his nipples and squeezed it again. Dahil may kalakihan ang dibdib ni Paige, masarap iyon na himasin. Ang malaking kamay ni Rafael ang nababalot ang isang dibdib ni Rafael.

Napaliyad pa siya ng sabay na pinisil ni Rafael ang kaniyang nipples.

They were kissing in a french way as their hands move around each body.

Until Paige’s hands went around Rafael’s body. Nakarating ang kaniyang kamay sa butones ng slacks ni Rafael. Hinimas niya ang muna ang bukol doon ng ilang minuto habang sila ay patuloy na naghahalikan. Tinanggal niya ang pagkakabutones ng slacks ni Rafael.

“Can I?” Paalam niya kay Rafael.

Hindi sumagot si Rafael sa halip ay bumaba ang halik nito sa kaniyang leeg. Kinagat pa nito ang kaniyang leeg dahilan para mapahiyaw siya ng malakas.

Rafael’s lips went down to his nipples. Lumiliyad na ngayon si Paige kaya naalis ang kaniyang kamay sa ibabang parte ng katawan ni Rafael. Nalipat iyon sa ulo ni Rafael.

Malakas na ngayon ang kapit ng kamay ni Paige sa buhok ni Rafael.

Rafael was biting, sipping, and sucking Paige’s nipple.

Looks like Paige was sensitive on that part that he immediately moaned loudly.

“Ughh…” Moan by Paige as Rafael continued playing with his nipples using his mouth while his hand is on the other.

“That’s so good… Keep going…” Saad ni Paige. Napapikit siya. Naninigas na ang kaniyang mga nipples dahil sa ginagawa ni Rafael.

Rafael was still kissing his nipples when his hands went to Paige’s slacks. He opened the button and slowly removed it along with Paige’s undergarments.

His lips is now on Paige’s stomach when he stood up.

“Turn your back to me.” Saad ni Rafael.

Nakatayo na ngayon si Rafael. Habang si Paige ay dahan-dahang sinunod ang utos ni Rafael.

Paige was now wearing nothing. His tender white is fully exposed. Thick thighs, round big chest and ass were shown in front of Rafael.

Nakatalikod na siya ngayon kay Rafael. Ang sofa kung nasaan sila ay nakadikit sa dingding ng kwarto kaya nakaharap na ngayon si Paige sa dingding habang ang kaniyang tuhod at kamay ay bahagyang nakatukod.

“Hngg…” He moan when he felt Rafael’s warm hand on his butt.

Hinimas ni Rafael ang kaniyang pwetan bago bahagyang dinidikit ang daliri sa butas niya. Malinis iyon at masikip. He have no hairs down there. And Paige maintained to make clean as always.

He always take care of his body more than anyone. Especially in his private parts.

“Your so clean and tight.” Rafael said. Nilingon siya ni Paige at nakita niyang tumiim ang bagang ni Rafael habang tinitignan ang kaniyang pwetan.

“I thought you have experience since you’re a good kisser. But I guess you aren’t.” Dagdag nito at madilim ang matang binalingan niya si Paige.

Paige was virgin after all. Does Rafael don’t want to take him since he was virgin?

Napalunok si Paige.

“We really have a long night ahead.” Rafael said. He smirked.

To be continued…

Chapter 2

Warning: Sensual narrative ahead🔞

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

02\. Buffalo’s Horn

This is the first time that Rafael would screw a virgin and an omega at that. For the past years, he have screwed only women that were no longer virgin. He never thought that this day would come.

This is something new for him. And somehow, he was amused by the sight, by this new experience.

He clenched his jaw as he looked at Paige.

Paige is looking at him nervously. Nakatalikod ito at nakatukod sa sofa. Kitang-kita ni Rafael ang kabuoan nito. Ang malinis at makinis nitong balat ay tumitingkad sa kadiliman.

Hinimas ni Rafael ang pwetan ni Paige. Matapos niyon ay bahagya niyang pinadaan ang kaniyang hintuturo sa butas ni Paige. Dahil sa kaniyang ginawa, napaliyad si Paige at napahalinghing. Kagat nito ang labi habang mapupungay ang matang nakatingin kay Rafael.

Wala itong saplot pang itaas kaya kitang-kita niya ang morenong hulmang-hulmang katawan nito. Dahil may kadiliman ang kwarto, hindi niya makita ang malaking bukol sa gitnang bahagi ni Rafael.

Due to the wine that they have drunk, they are feeling the unusual heat that causes their pheromones to strengthen and go wild.

Paige is unconsciously releasing his pheromones and for Rafael, it smells so sweet and tasty at the same time.

“It will take a while for you to get prepared.” Rafael huskily said.

Ipapasok sana niya ang isa niyang daliri ngunit sensitibong nagsara ang butas ni Paige.

“Relax and trust me.” Saad niyang muli at tinignan si Paige na namumula na ngayon ang mukha.

Ngayon ay yumuko si Rafael patungo sa pwetan nito. Paige is already wet but it wasn’t enough for Rafael. He wants it to be more wet to get an easy access and a much more wet hole to enter. They won’t need a lube if he’ll do this.

Napasinghap si Paige nang maramdaman ang mainit na labi at hininga ni Rafael sa kaniyang pwet. Kasama ng daliri nitong kanina pa naglalaro doon ay sumabay ang dila nito na ngayon ay dumadaan sa kaniyang sensitibong parte.

Rafael was slowly licking Paige’s hole. He was holding the two cheeks of Paige’s butt to open so that he could lick it much more better. He kissing Paige’s hole while one of his finger slowly poking at the rim of his hole.

“Hngg…” Halinghing ni Paige at bahagya pang napapaliyad dahil sa kiliting at sensual na dulot ng ginagawa ni Rafael sa kaniyang katawan.

Paige could feel his member starting to get hard as the moments past while Rafael was rimming his hole with his finger entering and out.

“Ohh…Faster please…” Paige moaned, pleadingly.

Rafael didn’t listen to what Paige said. Instead, he’s tongue slowly penetrated his insides while one of his finger opening his hole. Rafael’s other hand move towards Paige’s member. It was already hard, dripping a pre-c*m.

“Please…” Paige moaned again. He move his ass, asking Rafael to eat him more.

Without saying anything, looking darkly at Paige, Rafael entered another finger to his hole. He was amused when Paige flinched when he did that.

“Do you like this? Or should I move faster?” Rafael smirked as he spoke huskily.

His two fingers were now slowly entering Paige’s hole. It was now wet due to what he did a while ago. He licked his lips. He could taste the sweetness of Paige on his mouth.

Paige was so clean. It smells like PH care down there.

“Hnggg…” Paige didn’t answer, instead he moaned as Rafael’s fingers was moving inside his hole. Slowly and deeply, hitting his spot.

“You aren’t allowed to come just because of this.” Rafael said. He was still stroking Paige’s member when he felt that it was throbbing, a sign that Paige was about to come.

Tinakpan ni Rafael ang ulo ng myembro ni Paige, pinipigilan ito sa pagputok.

“If you’ll come this fast, we’ll stop.” He warned.

Binitiwan ni Rafael ang myembro ni Paige ngunit ang kaniyang dalawang daliri ay nanatili sa butas ni Paige. It was still tight for his two fingers. It wasn’t yet ready for him.

Linapit ni Rafael ang kaniyang mukha sa ulo ni Paige.

“You’ll listen to me, right?” Bulong niya sa tenga nito. Bahagya pang pinadaan ang kaniyang dila doon.

“Yes…” Paige said. His eyes were opened, it was watery due to the pain from opening his virgin hole.

It was painful. But due to the heat that Paige was feeling, he can no longer think about the pain. All he felt since the two of them kissed were pleasure.

He bring this to himself to begin with. He was bound to suffer due to his impetuous desires. This is what he wanted in the first place. He can no longer take back what he have done and what is about to come.

“Do you want to come?” Rafael asked huskily on Paige’s ear.

“N-no…” Paige answered, afraid that the pleasure will stop.

“Good.” Rafael said.

Rafael added another finger inside Paige’s hole. He saw clearly how Paige’s eyes closed, his face flinched, his body reacted, and he felt how Paige tighten his hole when another finger entered.

“Uhh…” Hiyaw ni Paige.

“Be a good boy, don’t come until I say so.” Rafael hoarsely said.

Paige could no longer answer when Rafael’s three fingers started to move inside his hole. The fingers were moving slightly faster than before. Paige could feel his member erected and tightened more.

Rafael’s other hand guided Paige’s head to turn to him. His lips sealed Paige’s lips, kissing him in a manner that was gentle yet deep and rough.

They both could feel each other warmth. Rafael’s pheromones were slowly going out of his body, making Paige reacted to it sensually.

Rafael is an alpha. Any beta or an omega would be dominated by his pheromones. They will fall to his control if he wants too. That is why, his pheromones slowly caged and entered Paige’s body. Controlling Paige to submit to his dominance.

Their pheromones were slowly united and mixed as their body move to rhythm of sensual desires for one another. The smell around the room started to blossom into a smell of a cherry tree. It was warmth and calm. Though every touches and kisses were adding hot to the temperature of their body, it was pleasure that shines as the continue.

Rafael started to become rough. Pabilis ng pabilis ang kaniyang daliri sa pagpasok at paglabas sa butas ni Paige.

“Hmm…” Halinghing nilang dalawa sa pagitan ng kanilang halikan.

Malalalim ang hininga ni Rafael sa bawat pagpasok ng kaniyang tatlong daliri. It was thrusting deeply, encircling around Paige’s hole, getting it opened and ready for him.

“Ugh… ohhh…” Ungol ni Paige sa bawat pagpasok ng daliri ni Rafael. Hindi makasabay ang katawan nito sa paggalaw ng daliri ni Rafael sa kaniyang kalooban.

Lumabas ang butil ng luha sa isang mata ni Paige. Dama niya ang pagkapunit ng kaniyang butas. It was painful, but it was good.

When Rafael felt that Paige is ready, he ordered Paige to turn around. He removed his fingers slowly, making Paige look at him in slight annoyance.

“On your back.” Rafael said.

Dahan-dahan sa nanginginig na mga paa, humiga si Paige sa sofa paharap kay Rafael. Kitang-kita na niya ngayon ang katawan ni Rafael sa kaniyang harapan.

Tinanggal ni Rafael ang suot nitong slacks. Sinipa niya iyon palayo ng matanggal. Nakita ni Paige ang mabuhok nitong legs. Ngunit mas napako ang kaniyang mata sa bukol sa suot nitong white boxer.

Malaki. Malaki ang bukol sa suot nitong boxer. Napalunok si Paige. The boxer tightened when Rafael’s member hardened more. Kitang-kita ni Paige ang hulma sa boxer nito.

Rafael was near Paige. Trembling, Paige’s hand move to the bulge on Rafael’s boxer.

“Can’t wait?” Rafael asked maliciously, smirking at the sight.

Hindi makita ni Paige ang mukha ni Rafael dahil sa dilim. Ang tanging nakikita niya lamang ay ang silhouette ni Rafael sa kaniyang harapan.

Hinaplos ni Paige ang bukol. It was hard and big.

“Take it out.” Rafael ordered hoarsely.

Without further thought, Paige move his hand to take Rafael’s member.

He was shocked when the member was revealed.

Nanlaki ang kaniyang mata at ilang beses na napalunok.

A buffalo’s horn were erected in Paige’s face. It was huge. Lengthy, veiny, brown, and thick d*ck.

Napalunok ulit si Paige. Nabitiwan niya ang boxer na suot ni Rafael.

“Hold it.” Utos ni Rafael.

Nanginig ang kamay ni Paige. Nanatili ang kaniyang tingin sa alaga nito bago sa mukha nitl Rafael na hindi niya makita.

“I said, hold unto it.” Utos ulit ni Rafael.

His member were erected as soon as it was taken out from his boxer. He knew he was big but he was still amused to see Paige reaction upon seeing his member.

“You’re not going to take back what you started, isn’t it?” Rafael clenched his jaw as he look at Paige trembling at the sight on his front.

“N-no…” Sagot ni Paige. Matapang niyang tinaas ang nanginginig niyang kamay patungo sa alaga ni Rafael.

When his one hand went to his member, he saw the difference. Hindi man lang nangalahati ang isang kamay ni Paige sa pagkalalaki nito. Kita pa niya ang umiigting na ugat ng hawakan niya ito.

“Move your hand,” Rafael darkly said when he felt his cold hands.

Paige slowly move his hand on Rafael’s member. Malaki ang pagkalalaki nito kaya hindi man lang pumalibot ang kaniyang isang kamay dito.

He watched many videos and he experienced many about this job.

Ngayon ay tiningala ni Paige si Rafael. Hindi niya makita ang kabuoan nitong mukha ngunit kita niya ang paggalaw ng panga nito. Dama din niya ang mainit nitong mga matang nakapako sa kaniya.

Paige opened his mouth. His hands were still stroking Rafael’s. Nilapit niya ang kaniyang labi sa ulo ng pagkalalaki ni Rafael. Hinalikan muna niya ito. Then, he blow at the tip like it was a candle.

Narinig niya ang mahinang tawa ni Rafael. He was amused.

Paige then guided Rafael’s member inside his mouth. Hindi niya iyon kaya sa unang beses kaya hanggang ulo lamang nito ang nakapasok sa bunganga ni Paige.

Inalis niya ang alaga ni Rafael bago sinubukan muli itong ipasok sa kaniyang labi. Now, it went inside his mouth deeply. Nabilaukan siya dahil doon.

“Do it slowly.” Rafael said, now holding Paige’s head.

He guided Paige’s head to his member. Gumagalaw pa ang kamay ni Paige sa pagkalalaki ni Rafael. He started to s*ck him again.

Now it was careful and gentle. And when Paige get used to how big he is, he immediately went faster. Dalawa na ngayon ang kamay ni Paige na nakahawak sa pagkalalaki ni Rafael. Sabay iyon na gumagalaw sa bawat pagpasok ng alaga nito sa bunganga ni Paige.

Napahawak si Rafael sa buhok ni Paige.

“Fuck…” Mura nito at napatingala.

It feels so good.

He can’t believe that Paige was still a virgin when he give a head this good.

Nakisabay narin si Rafael sa paggalaw ni Paige. He was now f*cking his mouth, making Paige’s eyes watery. Naiiyak si Paige sa laki nito.

Paige stopped and remove his member on his mouth. His hands were still stroking his member.

“Hmm…” Nagtatanong na ani ni Rafael.

“Why did you stop?” Tanong niya kay Paige.

Sumasakit na ang panga ni Paige dahil sa laki ng pagkalalaki ni Rafael.

“You’re so big…” Saad ni Paige.

“I know and all of this is yours.” Saad ni Rafael.

It was so big like a buffalo’s horn.

Paige went back s*cking Rafael. Hirap siya dahil sa laki niyon ngunit kinaya naman niya.

If his mouth could do this barely, what would happen to his hole when this thing will enter him?

Paige couldn’t imagine himself getting this thing inside him.

He was just enjoying this moment for now. He continued giving pleasure to Rafael using his mouth.

Rafael was holding on his head and clenching his hair while he was s*cking him. Rafael would curse when Paige went deep as he can. But Paige couldn’t do that since he was so big. Naaabot ng pagkalalaki ni Rafael ang dulo ng kaniyang bunganga.

Mangiyak ngiyak na nagpatuloy si Paige hanggang sa magsawa si Rafael dito at nagsalita sa sobrang paos na boses na siyang nakapanindig sa tenga ni Paige.

“That’s enough, lay down and open your legs.” Rafael said hoarsely.

To be continued…

Chapter 3

Warning: Sensual narrative ahead🔞

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 3

Excruciating

Paige laid down on the sofa while his legs were opened so that Rafael could position himself. His hands were on his legs, holding on it to balance himself.

Both of them could feel the rush inside their bodies, calling each other to unite already. Tinitignan ni Paige ang kabuoan ni Rafael na nakatayo sa harapan niya. It was a perfect sight to behold.

Matangkad si Rafael kaya kitang-kita niya ang katawan nito habang siya ay bahagyang nakahiga sa sofa. Malaki at malaman ang mga muscles nito. Mayroon din itong abs sa kaniyang katawan na siyang kinakatakam ni Paige.

Paige knows that he is thirsty for more. He wanted more. He lusted for this body to be his. He dreamt, he wished for this to come true that’s why he planned everything so he could have this chance.

He have prayed that he would one day eat this man. That’s why he can’t miss this chance. He couldn’t think of the consequences that would come after this night.

If he never did this kind of thing, he wouldn’t be in this place. That’s why, he would do everything to savour this moment. Dahil alam niyang maliit lamang ang chance na maulit pa itong muli.

“Take me, Daddy.” Paige teased. Binuka pa niya lalo ang kaniyang paa sa harapan ni Rafael.

Napalunok si Rafael nang makita ang posisyon ni Paige. Nakahanda na ang katawan nito sa kaniyang pag-arangkada. Kaya dahil doon, hindi na niya napigilan ang kaniyang sarili at mabilis na yumuko upang halikan si Paige. Pinalibot ni Paige ang kaniyang kamay sa leeg ni Rafael.

Matamis ang kanilang halikan at nagsisimula naring sumabay ang ritmo ng kanilang katawan. Gumagalaw ang kamay ni Rafael sa bawat sulok ng katawan ni Paige. Napapadaing si Paige sa tuwing tumatama ang kamay nito sa nakakakiliting parte ng kaniyang katawan.

“Hngg…” Ungol ni Paige ng tumigil ang kamay ni Rafael sa kaniyang butas. Napadaing pa siya lalo ng pinasok ni Rafael ang isa niyang daliri doon.

“I should get you ready first, baby.” Saad ni Rafael ng maghiwalay ang kanilang labi.

Napapikit si Paige at napahawak ng mahigpit sa katawan ni Rafael.

“Do you like this?” Rafael said hoarsely on his ear as he played on his hole.

“Ughh…” Tanging ungol ang naisagot ni Paige.

Paige’s mind were clouded by the feeling and hotness of what Rafael is doing on his hole. He could feel his hole welcoming Rafael’s finger as he felt it becoming more and more wet.

His world is shaking. Nanginginig ang kaniyang mga paa sa bawat pasok at labas ng daliri ni Paige. Pumapaikot iyon sa kaniyang butas hanggang sa dinagdagan nito ang daliri nakapasok doon.

“Ughh!” Malakas na ungol ni Paige. He felt Rafael kissing his nape.

“Do you want more?” Rafael said when his lips went to his ear.

“Hngg… Please… More…” Paige said pleadingly. He opened his eyes only to see Rafael’s eyes full of lust. He could see his own face on his eyes. And it reflected Rafael’s lust.

They both know that they want each other. Their bodies can’t deny it.

After a while, Rafael removed his finger and went up to position himself.

“I’ll enter now, you ready?” He asked Paige for consent sexily.

Tanging tango na lamang ang naisagot ni Paige sa tanong ni Rafael.

Pinapanood ni Paige ang ginagawa ni Rafael sa kaniyang harapan ngunit agad nawala ang kaniyang atensyon dito nang subukan nitong ipasok ang pagkalalaki nito. It was huge and big, enough for his hole to get wrecked.

Napatingala at napapikit si Paige ng pumasok si Rafael. He could feel the pain while Rafael slowly entered him.

“Ughh…” Mahabang ungol ni Paige at napahawak sa sofa upang kumuha ng lakas.

Damang-dama niya ang pagkapunit ng kaniyang butas. He was a virgin and even though Rafael fingered him a while ago, it wasn’t enough to ease the pain. Lalo na at sobrang laki ng kargada ni Rafael.

“Damn, you’re so tight.” Saad ni Rafael ng dumapa ito kay Paige nang tuluyang pumasok ang kaniyang alaga dito.

“You’re so big too.” Napapangiting saad ni Paige. Kahit na masakit ay nagawa pa niyang ngumiti. Masarap e, because it’s Rafael.

“Don’t move.” Rafael said. Hinawakan ni Rafael ang bewang ni Paige para hindi gumalaw. “It would be painful if I start now. Just tell me when you’re ready.” He said hoarsely on Paige’s ear.

Tumahimik na lamang si Paige dahil tama nga naman ito. Hindi pa nawawala ang sakit ng pagpasok nito sa kaniyang kaluoban. Rafael started kissing his neck that made him moan and somehow he forgot the pain.

Rafael continued planting kisses on his neck as the pain goes away and the pleasure came back.

“You can start moving now, Rafael.” Paige said.

“You sure?” Rafael asked politely. Hinalikan na lamang ni Paige ang labi nito bilang sagot.

Rafael move slow at first, electrifying Paige’s body. Damang-dama ni Paige ang pagkalalaki ni Rafael sa kaniyang loob ng magsimula itong gumalaw. It was excruciatingly moving inside him yet it was sending pleasure to his whole body.

‘I would never find a man like this.’ Paige said on his mind.

He smiled when Rafael changes the rhythm. It was becoming more and more fast, making him moan and call names of every gods.

“Fuck.” Ungol ni Rafael.

Rinig na rinig sa loob ng kwarto ang salpukan ng kanilang mga katawan. Ang kanilang halinghing at ungol ay dinig na dinig din. Maririnig rin ang maliit na ingay na ginagawa ng sofa na kanilang pinagsasaluhan.

It was a small space for both of them yet they manage to do it there. Matapos noon ay kung saan-saan na siya dinala ni Rafael hanggang sa makarating sila sa kwarto sa kanilang pang huling round. Hindi na mabilang ni Paige kung ilang beses silang nagkaisa bago sila mauwi sa kama.

It was a night that can’t be forgotten. Paige were much more satisfied that night. He never expected that much from Rafael.

Apparently, Rafael was good in bed and Paige would want to do it again with him.

Paige smiled a little while he walks inside the airport. He was about to ride the plane to Italy. He will work there starting today– a day after him and Rafael had sex.

To be continued…

Chapter 4

This chapter is unedited. I do not proofread.

Chapter 4

Taste Like You

Paige have been working in Italy for more than 3 years. All he does was cook and travel alone in all the corners of Italy and neighbouring countries. He lasted 3 years without sexual activities. The reason why?

He couldn’t forget the last intercourse he experience. He thinks that no one could satisfy him except that person.

Kaya tuyong-tuyo siya ngayon. He couldn’t even cum just by himself. Kaya matagal na rin noong nakapag palabas siya.

“You free tonight?” Trevor asked.

Trevor was also a Chef in La Caterielle, one of the famous hotel and restaurant in Italy. He was tall and tanned skin. Somehow, he was similar with Rafael but Trevor is more like Italian in looks.

Trevor has been hitting on Paige since the first day of his work here. But Paige, knowing that there was someone more hot, sexy, and handsome out there, couldn’t notice Trevor’s existence.

“No.” Paige coldly answered.

He was preparing the last dish for today’s work. It was his signature dish here in La Caterielle which has become famous since he made it.

It was a meat steak named “Surge”. It has a lot of flavours, juicy and meaty. And somehow, when Paige ate it, it tastes like Rafael. That was his aim in the first place when he made this dish. In order for him to clench his desires, he need to find ways to taste the feeling of that one night again.

Natapos na si Paige sa kaniyang ginagawa ngunit walang pumunta para kunin ang dish at i-serve kaya nagtaka siya. Sumilip siya sa labas at nakita niyang nag ku-kumpulan ang mga waiter and waitresses sa isang mesa.

Dahil doon ay siya na mismo ang nagdala ng kaniyang huling dish sa araw na iyon patungo sa customer. The room was far from the kitchen, it was the last private room on the corner of the restaurant.

The restaurant is big wide. Marami ang mga tables sa gitnang parte kung saan kumakain ang ibang customer na hindi afford ang private room ng restaurant na ito.

Somehow, Paige was happy along the way to the room. Since it is the last dish for today, he can now go home. He miss Whisky so much!

When he entered the room, there was no person inside. Kaya maingat siyang naglakad at dahan-dahan niyang nilapag ang pagkain sa mesa na puno na ng pagkain bago pa siya dumating.

Naghintay siya doon para batiin ang customer at ipaalam dito ang huling dish na order nito. It is a simple courtesy since the customer is bought the highest rated private room in their restaurant.

Nakatayo lamang si Paige sa gilid at naghihintay sa kaniyang customer. Sa tingin niya ay lumabas lang ito dahil nagalaw na ng kunti ang mga pagkain sa mesa. Tinignan lamang niya ang pagkain doon, nagtataka kung bakit ang mga luto lamang niya ang may kulang at halatang natikman na.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto ng CR sa loob ng room. Since the private room is big, may sarili itong comfort room sa loob.

Nanigas si Paige ng makita ang lalaking lumabas doon.

He knows. He knew this person. By mind, by heart and by his body. Every part of his humanity knew this person.

Paige reacted immediately when he saw the person. He couldn’t believe his eyes at first but his mind and the way his body trembled at the sight of this man, he knew he needed to get out of this room immediately.

“Where are you going?” A deep cold voice shrouded the whole room.

Before Paige could even hold the door knob, Rafael pulled his arms. Ngayon ay nakaharap na si Paige dito sa lakas ng pagkakahila ni Rafael sa kaniya.

Natikom ang bibig ni Paige. Hindi siya makapagsalita sa bilis ng tibok ng kaniyang puso. Nanginginig ang kaniyang kalamnan at ang kaniyang buong pagkatao.

This is danger. The whole room is dangerous for Paige.

The man is Rafael. It was the person he had last sex with and the person he left after he drunken him with that Red Ginseng.

“Weren’t you waiting for me, Mr. Chef?” Rafael aksed coldly. Paige could hear the sound of anger coming from the way Rafaels spoke, yet it contains a lot of patience and sending calmness to his nerves.

Somehow, the hand that pulled Paige was so careful he didn’t feel any pain from it.

“I just served the last dish for your order, Sir. I wasn’t waiting. I’m about to leave when you came out.” Paige finally spoke his first words after 3 years of not meeting Rafael. He smiled, hiding all the nervousness he is feeling.

“Hmm.” Rafael said. “Wouldn’t you explain something about this dish?”

Right, it was their rule to explain their dishes. It was the work of the waitresses and Paige knew this too. Si Paige mismo ang gumawa ng explanation para sa kaniyang mga dishes dito sa restaurant nila.

Napalunok si Paige bago nagsalitang muli.

“I’ll call a waiter for you, Sir. That is not my job to do.” Matapang na saad ni Paige at tinanggal ang kamay ni Rafael na nakahawak sa kaniyang kamay.

Tatalikod na sana siya ngunit nagsalitang muli si Rafael.

“I know the person who cook this dish. Would it be alright if I gave a zero rating for this dish and left my negative critiques?” Rafael seriously said.

Nilingon muli ni Paige si Rafael dahil sa kaniyang narinig. Madalim ang mga mata ni Rafael na nakatingin sa kaniya at nakatiim din ang mga bagang nito na para bang nagtitimpi.

Dahil malapit na malapit silang dalawa sa isa’t-isa, matindi ang kabang nararamdaman ni Paige.

“You can sit down first, Sir.” Saad ni Paige at bahagya pang sinenyas ang upuan sa mesa.

“I’ll call someone to do that for you.” Dagdag ni Paige.

“But I want it to be you. I wanna hear it from your mouth. The words of the owner of this dish.” Saad ni Rafael.

“Apparently, I can’t do it sir.” Sagot ni Paige. Kinakabahan pa siya dahil alam niyang may consequences na mangyayari sa patuloy na pagtanggi niya dito.

“You do it or I’ll give my ratings. A big ZERO for you.” Pagbabanta ni Rafael.

Napalunok si Paige.

Umalis si Rafael nang makita ang hesitasyon sa mukha ni Paige at lumapit sa upuan, kung saan nakalagay ang dish na dala ni Paige sa harap nito.

“Hmm… What would be your choice?” Tanong ni Rafael ng maupo siya.

Natahimik si Paige.

Sa huli, nag-explain siya kay Rafael tungkol sa dish nito. Nang matapos siya ay hinihiling ni Paige na huwag na itong magtanong. Dahil sa kaniyang explanation, marami siyang hindi sinali.

“I’ve heard this dish is inspired from someone. A person they say. Who was it?” Tanong ni Rafael.

Para bang tinraydor si Paige ng magtanong si Rafael. Hindi agad siya nakapagsalita.

“It is. But I can’t tell you who that person is.” Paige smiled when he answered.

“Hmm.” Kinuha ni Rafael ang fork at knife para subukan ang dish.

Kinakabahan si Paige ng dahan-dahan na kinain ni Rafael ang steak. Hindi ito nakatingin kay Paige ngunit labis labis ang tahip ng kaniyang puso.

“What can you say, sir?” Matapang na tanong ni Paige. It was some kind of habit, na magtanong sa kung sino mang titikim sa kaniyang putahe.

“Tasted like you.” Tanging banggit ni Rafael.

Nagulat si Paige sa kaniyang narinig. Namumula na ngayon ang kaniyang pisngi at mas lalo pa siyang kinabahan.

Ngunit sa bilis ng kaniyang reaction ay agad siyang tumakbo papunta sa pinto upang tumakas.

This was the thing he was afraid of. Takot siya na baka alam ni Rafael ang nangyari. Takot siya na makilala siya nito. Takot siya na baka naaalala nito ang nangyari sa kanilang dalawa.

The Red Ginseng is supposed to make the drinker forget what will happen when they get drunk with it.

But it seems like it fails with Rafael.

Bakit natatandaan niya ito? Bakit alam niya? Bakit kilala niya si Paige?

Ngunit bago pa man makatakas si Paige ay nasakop na ng bisig ni Rafael ang kaniyang bewang.

“You are no longer going out of my hand.” Rafael said, with firmness on his voice.

To be continued…

Chapter 5

This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 5

Aftermath

Bakit nga ba lumalayo si Paige dito? At the first place, it was him who lured Rafael to him. He did everything just so he could taste him. Ginusto niya, ginawa niya.

That was Paige’s goal. Na masubukan at matikman lamang si Rafael ng isang beses. Pero hindi niya alam na hahanap-hanapin niya ito, sumabay pa na paalis na siya ng Pilipinas noon.

“W-what are you doing sir?” Utal na tanong ni Paige dito at bahagyang tinutulak si Rafael ngunit malakas ang pagkakagapos nito sa kaniya.

Sa laki ng katawan ni Rafael, para lamang isang sako ng bigas si Paige dito.

“Why are you running away?” He asked.

“I’m not running a-away!” Paige shouted slightly at Rafael, it made him look like defensive.

Mas lalo pang hinigpitan ni Rafael ang pagkakahawak kay Paige. Magkadikit na magkadikit ang kanilang katawan sa puntong ito. Bahagya pang nakayuko si Rafael upang pumantay ang kanilang mukha ni Paige.

Subok na tinutulak ni Paige si Rafael nang tumahimik ito ng ilang sandali. Pero dahil sa lakas ni Rafael, nahihirapan siyang magpumiglas.

Napatingala si Paige kay Rafael. Nag simulang bumilis ang paghinga ni Rafael. He started releasing his pheromones unconsciously.

“Fuck.” Kumuyom ang palad ni Rafael at mahinang napasuntok sa pinto.

“W-what…” Nagulat si Paige. This is familiar with him but he couldn’t name it. He is not certain if this is heat cycle or rut state. Only Rafael knows what’s happening with him.

Bumaba ang mukha ni Rafael patungo sa mukha ni Paige. Paige could feel the heat coming from Rafael’s mouth when he breath. Napalunok si Paige at nanigas sa kaniyang kinatatayuan.

Bago pa man mailayo ni Paige ang kaniyang mukha, Rafael started kissing him on his neck.

And Paige gave him an opening to his neck that easily. Nanghihina ang kaniyang katawan, nanlalambot ang kaniyang mga binti, at nag iinit ang kaniyang kalamnan.

The atmosphere started to become different. Kumakalat na sa paligid nila ang pheromones ni Rafael. Slowly, it affected Paige. Lumalabas narin sa kaniyang katawan ang kaniyang mabangong pheromones.

For Rafael, it smells like a cherry blossom. It blossomed so well that he might think that he smelled it everyday. Although it happened years ago, the smell still lingers to his sanity. Tandang-tanda niya.

Ang kamay ni Rafael na nakatukod sa pinto ay unti-unting gumalaw upang balutin ang katawan ni Paige. Tumaas ang kaniyang halik sa tenga ni Paige.

Naririnig na ngayon ni Paige ang malalalim na hininga ni Rafael at ang nakakakiliti nitong hininga sa kaniyang tenga.

“Hngg…” Napadaing si Paige ng maramdaman niya ang dila ni Rafael sa kaniyang tenga.

Dinidilaan at sinisipsip ni Rafael ang kaniyang tenga kaya naman napapahalinghing siya. Nakakakiliti ngunit napaka-sarap.

“Fuck…” Ungol ni Rafael sa kaniyang tenga.

Agad na nanindig ang balahibo ni Paige ng marinig niya ang malalim na boses ni Rafael sa kaniyang tenga.

There, Paige got lost with the moment. Hindi na niya alam kung saan napunta ang kanilang katawan. Ang alam lang niya, may nangyari sa kanilang dalawa ni Rafael sa loob ng VIP room. It was vague but Paige could remember Rafael taking in different positions. Una ay nakatalikod siya habang nakadapa sa mesa. Pangalawa naman ay nakahiga sa mesa habang umuulos si Rafael sa kaniyang kweba.

Dahil sa tindi ng epekto ni Rafael sa kaniya ay hindi na siya nakapag-isip ng maayos. After that, he could barely remember that Rafael clothed him with the table cloth and shamelessly walked out of the room, with Paige on his arms. Binuhat niya si Paige palabas sa restaurant na nakabalot lamang sa table cloth.

He was half-asleep that time. Pumipikit na kaniyang mga mata sa pagod kaya hindi na niya nakita ang reaksyon ng mga tao sa kanilang paligid.

They were already in a room. Paige was laying down on the bed and Rafael was on his top.

“Can I?” Rafael asked while kissing him on his neck.

Ungol at tango lamang ang nasagot ni Paige sa tanong ni Rafael. He was completely lost. He was lost with the intimacy they have shared that when he woke up the next day, his body was so numb and sore.

“Paige couldn’t go at work for weeks. He has a flu,” Malalim na sagot ni Rafael sa kausap nito sa telepono habang nakatingin kay Paige na nakahiga sa kama.

Tulog pa ito kahit na palubog na ang araw. Sobra itong napagod sa nangyari sa kanilang dalawa ni Rafael dagdagan pa ng kaniyang pagod sa pagtra-trabaho.

It was a tiring day for Paige and it was doubled by Rafael. Kaya ngayon ay sobrang taas ng lagnat nito.

Hindi nga mabilang ni Rafael kung ilang beses niya itong inulos. Kaya ngayon ay nagu-guilty siya sa kaniyang ginawa.

What if, Paige would leave him again because of his cruelty last night?

What if, Paige would get angry at him for taking advantage of his body while he was asleep?

Rafael couldn’t control himself last night. It was his rut that controlled his body and mind. And now, he couldn’t think of what would be the aftermath.

Hindi parin nagigising si Paige hanggang ngayon. Ilang oras na itong tulog at ilang oras naring mainit ang katawan nito. Rafael was there all the time, binabantayan si Paige.

He did everything just so he could help Paige ease what he was feeling. Ilang beses pa niyang tinawag ang mga doctor upang tignan ang kalagayan ni Paige.

It was already past ten in the evening when Paige opened his gloomy eyes. The first thing he saw was the silhouette of Rafael at the balcony of the room. He was talking with someone over the phone.

Paige couldn’t feel his body. His body was numb all over. The entirety of his body was sore. Mahapdi, masakit, at nagugutom na siya.

Umigting ang kaniyang panga. The emotion on his eyes changed immediately. He was now throwing daggers at Rafael using his eyes. He was furious.

To be continued…

Chapter 6

This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 6

Virgin

Paige was mad but he kept quiet. Tinignan niya lamang si Rafael na may galit sa kaniyang mga mata.

He wanted to say something. He wanted to shout at him. But he couldn’t.

There’s something that’s stopping him from getting mad.

He doesn’t know what to say. A part of him is mad at Rafael but partly loved what happened between the two of them. May parte ng sarili niya na nagustuhan ang nangyari.

Sa ilang taong pantasya ni Paige kay Rafael, muli itong nakumpleto dahil sa nangyari. Nalaman niyang iba pala talaga kung mismong si Rafael ang nagpapaligaya sa kaniya kaysa sa bawat gabing ini-imagine niya si Rafael.

Ibang-iba. Mas masarap, mas makatotohanan.

“Say something. Do you need anything?” Rafael asked.

“Water.” He said, still looking mad.

Mabilis at maingat namang gumalaw si Rafael para pagsalinan at bigyan siya ng tubig.

“Ako na.” Paos ang boses na saad ni Paige nang akmang ipapa-inom ni Rafael ang tubig sa kaniya.

“Let me,” Rafael said. Walang nagawa si Paige kundi buksan ang kaniyang labi. Palagi naman.

Maingat at dahan na dahan na pina-inom siya ni Rafael.

Napansin ni Paige na paos ang kaniyang boses dahil siguro sa kaniyang malalakas na ungol kagabi kaya nawala ang kaniyang boses ngayon.

“Something else?” Rafael asked again after Paige stopped drinking.

“Nothing.” Paige replied shortly.

Masakit ang katawan ay bumangon si Paige. Nakatayo siya ngunit pero muntik na siyang matumba sa sakit ng katawan, mabuti na lamang at agad siyang naalalayan ni Rafael.

“Do you need to go to the bathroom?” Rafael asked, wondering why Paige stood up.

“I wanna go home.” Paige answered.

Napansin niyang suot niya ang may kalakihang t-shirt ni Rafael at shorts.

Biglang humigpit ang pagkakahawak ni Rafael kay Paige.

“Stay here and rest. Pagod ka pa.” Malalim ang boses na saad ni Rafael.

“No, I need to go home.” Pilit ni Paige.

“Your shirts are still drying up downstairs.” Saad muli ni Rafael.

“I have extra on my locker.” Saad ulit ni Paige at bahagyang humakbang.

Since they are still inside the building where Paige is working, may extra pa siyang damit sa locker room ng restaurant.

“No… You need to rest first.” Pilit ulit Rafael.

“Ano ba?!” Sigaw ni Paige na bahagyang kinagulat ni Rafael.

“What happened last night was a mistake! I violated my work ethics and let my customer fuck me all night! Hayaan mo akong umalis.” May galit na ngayong saad ni Paige.

Rafael couldn’t utter a thing. Humakbang pa muli si Paige ngunit nanatiling naka-alalay si Rafael sa takot na matumba ito.

“Bitawan mo ako, kaya ko na.” Saad ni Paige pero hindi nakinig si Rafael dahil alam niyang hindi pa kaya ng katawan nito na maglakad.

“Rafael, let us forgot the things that happened here.” Tumigil ng ilang minuto si Paige para makapag-isip ng sasabihin.

Alam niyang hindi siya papakawalan ni Rafael. Alam niyang hindi ito lalayo kahit ano man ang kaniyang sasabihin.

Kaya may naisip siyang palusot.

“I’ll let you hold me until we reach the ground floor. Once we stepped in outside of this door, wag mo ipahalatang may nangyari sa atin.” Saad niya ng malapit na sila sa pintuan.

“Paano? You can’t even walk properly.” Saad ni Rafael.

“Rafael, I’m married!” Biglang bulalas ni Paige na may galit parin. “Please, ayokong isipin ng ibang workmates ko na may ginagawa akong hindi maganda sa mga customers ko!” Dagdag niya.

Hindi nagsalita si Rafael ng ilang minuto at nanatiling nakatitig lamang kay Paige.

“You’re married?” Tanong ni Rafael.

“Yes.” Sagot ni Paige.

“To whom?”

“To someone else. You don’t need to know that.” Saad ni Paige.

“Then, why were you still tight like a virgin last night?”

Biglang namula ang mukha ni Paige sa sinabi ni Rafael. Iniwas niya ang tingin dito at humakbang ng isa pang beses ngunit medyo madiin ang pagkakahawak sa kaniya ni Rafael.

“If I was your husband, you won’t be that tight. You’re so fuckable that I would do you every time. I won’t let you be eaten by someone else.” Saad ni Rafael. “Now tell me, are you really married?”

Biglang humarap si Paige at sinampal si Rafael.

“I’m married! My husband was so respectful that he wouldn’t force me to have sex with him if I didn’t want to. He is not like you, monster!” Sigaw ni Paige dito.

Hindi nakapagsalita si Rafael.

“I’m not a sex toy, sir. I won’t let myself be fucked by anyone.”

Humakbang si Paige hanggang sa maabot niya ang pinto.

“I’m sorry, Paige.” Niyakap siya ni Rafael sa likuran dahilan para mapigilan siya nitong buksan ang pinto.

Paige was offended. It looks like Rafael view him as a sex play toy. Kaya siguro ito lumapit sa kaniya dahil ang habol lang nito ay makuha at matikman nito ang kaniyang katawan.

Biglang nanikip ang kaniyang dibdib. For years, nagbago si Paige. Hindi na siya gaya nong una bago pa sila magkakilala ni Rafael na kahit sino lamang ang pinapatulan.

After niyang masubukan si Rafael noon ay hindi na siya muling sumubok pa sa iba. Rafael made a standard for Paige. Or it was some kind of disease that made Paige stop from being a pokpok.

Akala niya nabago na niya ang kaniyang sarili. Ngunit sa tingin ng ibang tao, mukha parin siyang malandi.

And Rafael was a reminder that he still looks like a free meal that anyone could fuck and eat anytime that they want.

“I didn’t mean what I said. I’m sorry.” Rafael apologized again.

Why? Why is he apologizing?

He already said it. I’m a fuckable person.

Mukhang pokpok. Na kahit na may asawa na, gusto pa ding makanton ng iba.

Paige was trying to change himself over the years.

“I’m sorry I said that to you. I didn’t mean that.” Ulit nito.

Pinilit na piniglas ni Paige ang kamay ni Rafael sa pagkakayakap sa kaniyang katawan ngunit hindi niya iyon nagawa.

“Please, let me go. I can’t breathe.” Saad ni Paige.

To be continued…

Chapter 7

This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 7

Marked

Inalalayan nga ni Rafael si Paige patungo sa ground floor. Wala pa masyadong tao sa building dahil masyado pang maaga. Kaunting security guard lang ang kanilang nakita at nakapansin sa kanila.

“You can rest on my room, I paid it for three days.” Saad ni Rafael.

“No, I’m going home. My husband is waiting for me.” Masungit na sagot ni Paige dito at bahagyang napadaing ng sumakit ang kaniyang balakang.

How long will he fake things? How could he make Rafael stop following him? Ano pa ba ang kailangan niyang gawin para matigil na ito?

The restaurant was still close. Wala ng ibang paraan para makapasok siya doon kaya nilingon niya ang entrance ng building.

He decided to just go home. Kunti pa naman ang mga tao kaya wala na siyang pake kung sino ang makakita ng mukha niya ngayon or kung ano man ang sabihin ng mga ito sa kaniya.

“Just stay on my room please.” Sunod sa kaniya ni Rafael.

“No. I’m going home.” Matigas na saad ni Paige.

“Then, let me drive you home.” Saad ni Rafael ang nakasunod parin kay Paige hanggang sa makalabas na sila sa building.

Tinignan ni Paige ang kalsada. Kakaandar palang ng taxi kanina nang makalabas siya kaya wala siyang masakyan ngayon.

For the past years, he didn’t buy a car here. Dahil alam niyang uuwi din siya ng Pilipinas kaya hindi na siya bumili pa.

Nilingon ni Paige sa Rafael na kinausap pa ang guard bago siya tinignan nito.

“Stay right there.” Rafael warned. Umigting pa ang panga nito dahil sa tigas ng ulo ni Paige.

Pumasok si Rafael sa building at nagtungo sa parking para siguro kunin ang susi nito at ang sasakyan nito.

“Please sit down here.” Ani ng guard na lumapit kay Paige at binigyan siya nang mauupuan.

Masakit pa ang kaniyang katawan kaya naupo na siya agad.

Nagtaka siya nang hindi lumayo ang guard sa kaniyang tabi na animo’y binabantayan siya.

“Can you please go back to your post?” Awkward na saad ni Paige sa guard.

Hindi sumagot ang guard at nanatili lamang itong nakatayo.

Minutes have a passed, may dumating na taxi. Medyo may kalayuan iyon sa kaniyang pwesto ngunit matiim niya iyong tinignan.

This is the chance! Nasa isip ni Paige.

Hinintay niyang lumabas ang sakay nito para sana tumakbo papunta doon. Ngunit bago pa man siya makatayo ay nahawakan na siya ng guard sa kamay upang mapigilan.

“What are you doing?” Magkadikit ang kilay na tanong ni Paige sa guard.

“The mister ordered me to guard you, sir.” Sagot nito.

“Don’t you know me?” Malditong saad ni Paige at pilit na inalis ang kamay nito.

“I know you sir but…” Tangkang mag e-explain pa sana ito ngunit dumating na si Rafael sakay nang kotse nito at nagpark sa kanilang harapan.

Bumaba si Rafael at agad na dumako ang paningin nito sa kamay ng guard na nakahawak sa kamay ni Paige. Nang mapansin iyon ng guard ay agad naman nitong inalis ang kamay nito.

“I’m sorry sir, he was about to escape so I stopped him.” Iyon kaagad ang sabi ng guard.

Natameme si Paige ng sabihin iyong ng guard. What made him say that immediately to Rafael even though he had known Paige as the chef of the hotel’s restaurant?

The guard should have protected Paige as their chef and not this customer, who’s standing beside Paige right now!

Paige feel betrayed. Tinignan lang ni Paige nang masama ang guard pero wala itong nasabi.

Ilang minuto pa ang nakalipas ay nasa loob na siya ng sasakyan ni Rafael. Paige didn’t know if he own this car or he just rented this one. Who knows? Wala siyang pake.

Paige was silent throughout the time. He was contemplating on things that has happened!

And then he realised that something is wrong with him. His mood has been changing a lot, which was not normal for him.

This feeling…

Sick…

Nauseous of something he can’t name…

His brain is disturbed by something that he doesn’t know.

His hormones are reacting strangely within his body.

Then he realised, this is something that only manifested when one’s pheromones is disturbed.

He looked at Rafael who was driving silently towards the place he have said to him awhile ago.

He was calm and collected as he look at the driveway seriously. Something is glowing in his face!

His eyes were practically different now from what he have seen last night and all these years, in his pictures!

It’s blooming!

These signs shows that something changes in him! It’s apparent pero hindi niya agad napansin!

“You…” Matalim na ngayon ang tingin ni Paige kay Rafael.

Nilingon siya ni Rafael ng mabilis pero binalik din agad sa kalsada ang tingin.

“What? Do you need something? You hungry?” He said, clueless.

“What did you do to me?!” He shouted loudly. Paige bursts inside his car.

Nagulat si Rafael sa biglaang sigaw ni Paige.

“Hmm?” He look at Paige with a small grin on his face.

Paige tried to reach for Rafael’s head. Para sana hilahin iyon ng makita niyang ngumisi ito. Ngunit nasa ere pa lamang ang kaniyang kamay ay nanginig na ito at hindi na makagalaw.

His brain wants to do something to Rafael but his body says something else.

This is the effect of it!

“I guess, it’s taking effect now. I didn’t know it would work this fast.” He said, amusingly.

“What did you do to me!!” Sigaw niyang muli.

“I marked you.” Rafael said with a straight face.

The marked that he left in Paige is now taking place. Their pheromones is now intertwined within Paige’s body. Since Rafael marked him, his pheromones is now dominating Paige’s.

This is the side effect of marking. The Alpha is being put as the superior while the Omega is treated inferior to the Alpha. He is now dominating Paige!

Kaya kahit na gustohin mang saktan ni Paige si Rafael ay hinding hindi niya ito magagawa. Dahil ang katawan niya ay hindi kayang saktan ang kaniyang Alpha. It’s a complete defeat for him.

“Stop the car.” Frustrated na sabi ni Paige.

With the mark, Paige couldn’t do anything but to follow what Rafael wants in this lifetime.

Wala na siyang kawala pa!

“Stop the car.” Saad niyang muli kahit na malabo iyon dahil nasa gitna sila ng highway.

Hinawakan ni Paige ang pinto para buksan pero agad din iyong nag click hudyat na nagsara itong muli.

“Stay fucking here.” Malalim na saad ni Rafael.

Agad na nanginig ang buong katawan ni Paige nang marinig ang utos ni Rafael.

He’s doomed. Completely doomed.

There’s no escape anymore.

To be continued…

Chapter 8

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 8

Montero

“You were shouting for my name so bad, I couldn’t help but do it.” They were still on the road.

“That doesn’t justify what you’ve done to me.” Saad ni Paige.

Malalim ang hiningang ginagawa ni Paige. Maya’t maya ay sumisinghap siya, hindi makapaniwala sa nangyari.

“Anyway, I already spoke to the CEO of the company. You’re resigning today.” Rafael said, with complete firmness and authority on his voice.

“What?!!” Paige said. Gulantang na gulantang siya. “How could you?!” Ngayon naluluha na naman siya.

“You’re coming home to the Philippines with me so pack your things as soon as possible.” Dagdag ni Rafael at hindi pinansin ang sinabi ni Paige.

“This is kidnapping! I didn’t agree to any of this shit!” Saad ni Paige.

“I was too, when you put something on my drink years ago.” Natamihik si Paige ng rumihestro ang sinabi ni Rafael.

“This is just the beginning of the consequences of what you’ve done to me, Paige.” Tumiim ang kaniyang bagang ng sabihin niya iyon.

Dumating sila sa tower kung nasaan ang condo ni Paige. Hindi agad siya lumabas sa kotse ni Rafael.

What to do now? Wala na siyang kawala ngayon.

“I have a husba-”

“Enough with this bullshit, Paige. I had you check.” Seryosong-seryoso si Rafael nang sabihin niya iyon.

What is he plotting?

Is he exacting his revenge on Paige, after all these years?

Bakit ngayon pa?

Tuluyang gumuho ang kaniyang mundo ng pumasok siya sa kaniyang condo kasunod si Rafael.

They are going home immediately.

“What’s the rush?” Pilit na tanong ni Paige.

“Just pack up your bags. I have something urgent going on in the Philippines.” Saad ni Rafael.

“I’ll lose you here if we keep staying here.” Saad muli ni Rafael ngunit hindi na iyon narinig pa ni Paige.

The next thing Paige knows, nakasakay na siya sa airplane. Ni hindi na siya nakapag paalam sa kaniyang mga katrabaho.

At hindi niya rin nasabi sa kaniyang pamilya na uuwi siya sa Pilipinas. He went in the Italy years ago and it was all known by his family. Alam nilang plano talaga niyang magtrabaho dahil matagal na niyang pangarap iyon.

Ngayon na uuwi siya ay hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin sa kaniyang mga magulang. The last time that he contacted them was… two months ago?

They would be shocked to see Paige here. Hindi gusto ng kaniyang parents na umalis siya sa Pilipinas pero iyon ang gusto ni Paige kaya wala silang magawa. And Paige is all grown up… and mature.

He has no news of his family here in the Philippines. Tumatawag lang ang kaniyang mga magulang para kamustahin siya. He couldn’t care less about his other family. He’s all good with that.

Lumaking malaya si Paige, malayo sa bagay-bagay na ginagawa ng mga ito sa kanilang buhay. And due to that, he grew up distant to all of the other family members.

That was all good to him. In the first place, ayaw na ayaw niyang makihalubilo sa mga ito. Ayaw niyang makisalo sa mga ito, with the kind of business they are into.

Paige couldn’t get himself sitted with the same table as his other family members.

Hindi niya kaya. He couldn’t stand them.

The Monteros are nothing but a shame for him.

Kaya ang magulang lamang niya ang kaniyang nakakausap. Specially his mother.

Wala siyang pake sa iba niyang relatives at ganoon din ang kaniyang mga relatives sa kaniya.

The silence between Paige and Rafael inside the airplane is echoing. Walang nagsasalita sa kanila lalo na’t ang awkward dahil silang dalawa lamang ang sakay ng eroplano.

Gabing-gabi na ng nasa himpapawid sila. It’s 10:30 pm in the evening.

“We’re not going to stop. We’ll go straight to the Philippines so just sleep.” Saad ni Rafael ng masulyapan siya na dilat na dilat ang mata.

How about the engine of the plane? Bakit deretso agad sa Pilipinas?

There’s really something that is going on. Hindi lang talaga alam ni Paige.

Hindi na namalayan ni Paige na nakatulog siya habang iniisip kung gaano ka-unfair ang lahat ng nangyari. It has come to this. Wala na siyang takas kay Rafael lalo’t namarkahan na siya.

He has heard about the stories of marking. He was educated about it! Kaya alam niyang wala na siyang takas ngayon.

Nagising si Paige na buhat-buhat ni Rafael. Pinikit-pikit pa niya ang kaniyang mata para intindihin ang nangyayari. Buhat-buhat nga siya ni Rafael! In a bridal way!

“Ibaba mo ako!” Agad na saad ni Paige.

“I will not. Stay still.” Rafael commanded.

Walang nagawa si Paige. Balot na balot siya kaya nagtaka siya. He wasn’t familiar with the place pero napansin niyang isa iyong airport.

“Good evening, sir!” Narinig ni Paige ang nagsalita. Nilingon niya iyon. They were wearing a civilian uniform but he knew, it was a soldier. Sa tabi niyon ay isang itim na SUV. Tinted iyon kaya hindi niya makita ang loob nito.

Binaba ng lalaki ang kaniyang kamay na nakasaludo kay Rafael at binuksan ang SUV. Agad na sinasakay siya ni Rafael sa SUV. Matapos niyang makaupo ay tinignan lamang siya ni Rafael bago sinara ang SUV.

Sa loob ay kita niyang kinakausap pa ni Rafael ang lalaki bago sumulyap sa likod ng SUV kaya napalingon din si Paige doon. Nakita niyang may dalawa pang SUV doon at naroon sa labas nakita ang ilang pang mga non-uniform soldiers.

What’s going on? Takang tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang isip.

Maya-maya pa ay pumasok si Rafael at umandar na ang kotse. The driver was the one who greeted Rafael a while ago.

Paige was silent. Thinking of what’s going on. Gusto man niyang tanungin si Rafael pero alam niyang wala siyang mapapala doon.

Lalo na’t naiisip na niyang lahat ng ito ay bagay na kapalit ng ginawa niya noon. This is revenge!

If this is not revenge, why would Rafael kidnap him and bring him to the Philippines, unplanned? Without his approval.

Nakita ni Paige na nasa Clark Airport sila ng bumyahe na sila. Hindi niya alam kung saan sila patungo pero hindi niya na tinanong pa si Rafael.

Kumalam na ang kaniyang sikmura at antok na antok pa. Pero hindi na niya iyon sinabi pa kay Rafael.

Gusto na lang ni Paige na magpahinga.

Without knowing what’s about to happen, Paige sleep peacefully inside the van.

To be continued…

Chapter 9

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 9

Criminal

Things went so fast for Paige. Wala siyang kaalam-alam kung bakit siya nakauwi sa Pilipinas ng ganon kabilis.

Paige woke up the next day, in an environment that is not familiar to him.

Mag-isa lamang siya sa kama. Mahimbing ang kaniyang tulog kaya hindi na niya alam kung paano pa siya napunta doon.

His belongings were nowhere to be found. Ang tanging natira na lamang ay ang kaniyang mga damit at iba pang mga importanteng bagay.

The room was small. The solo bed were enough to fill the room and one small cabinet beside the bed. Maliit at masikip. Kakaiba din ang amoy ng kwarto.

He went to the door. He was trying to open it but he failed. It was locked from the outside.

Nilingon niya ang bintana sa harap nang makarinig siya ng mga hiyaw. From the window of the room, he saw men without upper shirts doing their morning exercise. They were soldiers!

From the looks of it, he is in a room on the second floor of the building. And from the outside, this is a military base!

‘What am I doing here?’

‘Where is Rafael?’

Binalikan pa niya ang pinto pero hindi parin niya iyon mabuksan.

Natataranta na siya. Agad niyang hinalungkat ang kaniyang maleta sa gilid at bigo siya ng makita wala na doon ang kaniyang ibang mga gamit. His phone is nowhere to be seen!

Gusto sana niyang tumawag ng tulong.

Bumalik siya sa pinto, ngayon ay pinaghahampas niya na iyon.

“Hello!” Sigaw niya sabay hampas ulit sa pinto.

“Anyone?! Let me out of here!” Sigaw niyang muli.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas na ganoon ang kaniyang ginagawa hanggang sa may dumating.

The person didn’t open the door, iba sa expectation ni Paige.

“Do you need something?” It was a male voice from the other side who spoke.

“Please open the door!” Sigaw ni Paige.

Natahimik ang nasa kabila. He didn’t spoke for a minute.

“Open the door!” Naiinip na saad ni Paige. Halos masugatan na ang kaniyang kamay sa kaniyang ginawang paghahampas sa bakas na pinto.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.” Saad ng lalaki.

Narinig ni Paige na mayroon pang dumating.

“Is he awake?” Tanong ng dumating. Babae na ngayon ang nagsalita.

“Yes.” Saad ng lalaki.

“Good. Brief him about what’s going on.” Saad ng babae bago umalis.

“Please let me out!” Sigaw muli ni Paige.

Tumikhim ang nasa kabilang pwesto.

“Why can’t you open this goddamn door!” Saad ni Paige. Galit na galit na siya ngayon, takot at labis na taranta ang kaniyang nararamdaman.

“Tegan Paige Montero.” Saad ng nasa kabilang parte upang mapatahimik si Paige.

“You are under arrest as the suspect for being the leader of an organization that smuggles illegal firearms from Italy to the Philippines and you are under the suspicion of being involved in human trafficking.”

‘What?’

Umawang ang labi ni Paige. What’s going on?

Leader?

Organisation?

Firearms?

Human… trafficking?

He knows goddamn nothing about any of it!

“This is wrong!” Sigaw niyang muli. “You got the wrong person! I didn’t do any of that!”

Nanghihina na si Paige dahil sa kaniyang sobrang paghahampas sa pinto.

He wants to go out. This is wrong.

Something tells him that this is dangerous. This place is dangerous.

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.”

Umalis ang lalaki makalipas ang ilang minuto. Pero patuloy parin ang paghahampas ni Paige sa pinto.

He was begging for his life. He was begging… begging… until he fell asleep besides the door.

Gabi na, paos na rin ang kaniyang boses sa kakasigaw. Nawalan na siya ng lakas.

The next day he asked to read the warrant of his arrest. Ini-offer iyon kahapon ngunit hindi niya natanggap dahil sa kaniyang kagustuhan lumabas.

Legit na para sa kaniya ang warrant of arrest. The paper has his full name on it.

What happened that made him a criminal overnight?

Umuwi lang siya ng Pilipinas ay naging criminal na siya.

“I need to call my family.” Paige said, medyo kalmado na ngayon. Dahil narin siguro sa pagod dahil sa kaniyang ginawa kahapon.

“Uh… which family?” Takang tanong ng nasa labas.

“My mom.” Saad ni Paige.

“I’m sorry, that might now happen today. We are still locating your mother and father.” Saad nito.

Nagulat siya doon. Locating? It means, hinahanap pa nila ang mga ito.

What’s going on?

Sobrang dami na ng tumatakbo sa kaniyang isipan.

Why didn’t he hear something about this?

Mabigat ang loob na umupo siya sa kama. What’s going on? Tanong niyang muli sa kaniyang isipan.

The last thing he remembers, he was with Rafael!

Right. Rafael must have known what’s going on. He can ask him!

With that hope, he went and asked if he could talk to Rafael.

“Hey!!” Sigaw niya.

Ilang minuto pa bago may pumunta sa kaniya.

“Can I talk with Rafael Almendralejo, the person who I was with when I came here?” Saad ni Paige.

“Rafael? General Almendralejo?” Saad nito.

“Yes!” Malakas na saad ni Paige.

“I’m sorry but you can’t. He is not here.” Saad nito.

“Why is he not here?” Tanong ni Paige. He was losing his patience again. His hope is falling.

“This is not where he works at. You were sent here by the police, not by General Almendralejo.”

“Then why am I not in the police station?!” Malakas na sigaw ni Paige.

“This is where you can be much more safer. This place will be your shelter for the mean time, until the hunt is over.”

Nawalan ulit ng lakas si Paige.

What is really going on?

Shelter?! This is not fcking shelter. This is fcking prison!

Days passed by, he is still inside the same room. Unaware of whats going on outside this place.

Hindi na niya alam ang gagawin. He is sick. Kahit ang kanilang family attorney ay hindi niya macontact.

He feels powerless inside this place.

Gustong-gusto na niyang maliwanagan sa nangyayari.

He was happy cooking food as a chef in Italy and he became a criminal right after he went back here in the Philippines?

How absurd.

To be continued…

Chapter 10

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 10

Fooled

How did things come this way?

It has been a week since then. Nakakulong parin si Paige sa kwarto. Sinubukan niyang pag tagpi-tagpiin ang lahat ng kaniyang nalaman sa mga nakalipas na araw.

He is assumed to be the “leader” of an organisation that smuggles illegal firearms in the Philippines and human traffickers that kidnapped people and sold their organs.

This is a big issue. And it’s not helping that he lacks information of what’s really happening.

Malapit na siyang mawala sa kaniyang katinuan dahil sa mga nangyayari.

Is this just a prank? Napatawa siya. If it’s, grabe namang prank ito!

Or is it Rafael? Is this part of him, taking revenge towards Paige?

Is he making Paige feel miserable?

His body is shaking just from the thought of it. Ayaw ng katawan niya na isipan ito ng masama pero iba ang binubulong ng utak niya.

Why did Rafael mark him?

Why did Rafael approach him after all these years?

Why now? Bakit niya ito pinabalik sa Pilipinas?

Why did he bring him here only to be in prison, chained without any proper reason?

Ni hindi man lang nito nagawang iproseso ang lahat.

Is this him making Paige pay for lying to him?

Is this him making Paige pay for the sins he have towards him? To the pain he have caused him?

Their relationship wasn’t that strong to begin with!

It was just a one night stand and there should be no big deal out of it.

Hindi iyon big deal sa totoo lang. Maraming gumagawa non.

Pero bakit niya ito pinuntahan sa Italy? At ibalik dito sa Pilipinas na nagmamadali?

Paige couldn’t stop thinking that this is all of his doing!

That Rafael planned everything from the start.

That he marked him so he could surrender to him.

Bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto dahilan para maputol ang pag-iisip ni Paige.

The person who went inside the room is a male wearing a formal tux and black slacks.

“Hello, Mr. Montero. I’m John Aldemino, I’ll be your lawyer for your case.” He said, smiling.

Tinignan lamang ni Paige ang bagong dating.

“Today, you will be moved to the Taguig Penitentiary. But before that, I would like to talk with you.” Dagdag nito na siya namang tinanguan ni Paige.

He has become weak for the past days. Wala na siyang ganang kumain sa mga nakalipas na araw kaya nanghihina na ang kaniyang katawan.

“Once we go out of here, the real battle will begin. I hope you are prepared for whatever may come once you set out your foot here.” Saad muli nito.

Prepared? Is he kidding Paige? Hindi nga siya prepared na makukulong siya sa pag-uwi niya dito sa Pilipinas.

He has no clue that this might happen once he sets his foot here in the Philippines.

Kung alam lang niya, hindi na siya umuwi. Hindi na siya nakipag usap pa kay Rafael. Hindi ito mangyayari kung pinigilan niya ang kaniyang sarili!

The first time he met with Rafael was already a trap. It was all proven the moment the lawyer showed him a video.

“We have captured the alleged leader of their organisation. Tegan Paige Montero is now in the custody of the Philippine Army, while we are still looking for Teron Montero and Elise Montero.” It was Rafael, speaking in the news with a lot of mic in his face.

Napaawang ang labi ni Paige sa gulat. Nanginginig ang kaniyang kamay na hawak ang cellphone kung saan nakaplay ang video.

He can’t believe this!

Teron Montero is his father and Elise was his mother!

What’s going on?!

“Since this is a joint operation between the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police. We are going to do everything that we could to capture everyone involved in this case.”

The news ended with that.

Paige was sure that Rafael’s intention was to capture him in the first place!

He was fooled.

“Now, Mr. Montero. The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police have many evidence pointing towards you, and your family. They have also captured other men that are working with you and your father. They have all confessed that they received orders from you and they have evidence for that.”

Gulat na gulat pa si Paige. Naging mas malinaw na ngayon sa kaniya ang nangyayari.

His father and mother are being hunted down and him imprisoned here without a single knowledge of what’s going on.

“This case is a big issue in the Philippines. All eyes are with this. The government, the people, the media, the armed forces of the Philippines and the world. That’s why, we need to be careful. But before that, I want to know everything from you.” Saad ng lawyer.

Hindi nagsalita si Paige at pinoproseso pa ang lahat ng mga nangyayari at kaniyang mga nalaman.

“I want to know it from you so that I can help you.” Kalmadong saad ng lawyer.

“I…” Nanginginig ang labi ni Paige dahil sa naghahalong emosyon. Takot, pangamba, pagtataka, at pag-aalala sa kaniyang magulang.

He doesn’t know anything about this.

He was never involved in the business of montero and as well as his mother.

He can’t say that he is innocent because he knows how the Monteros work!

He is the son of the patriarch of the Montero Empire. His father, Teron holds all the power within the family.

The Montero is one of the richest and biggest family here in the Philippines. They have all the sorts of businesses! From hotels, malls, ports, mines, and especially firearms.

But behind the name Montero lies within monsters that kills people.

Paige knew all of that. Paige knows that whoever comes against the Montero Empire will end up dead, either missing or suicide as a disguise.

He knew all of that. That is the biggest reason why he cut off everything from the family because he never wants to be involved in any of their scheme.

“I d-don’t know anything about this.” Paige said, with all honesty.

After a while, he was already handcuffed and was walking towards the exit of the base. He was transported to a prison within that day.

And on that same day, someone visited him.

Paige knew someone is manipulating this case. He was never involved to the matters of the family kaya hindi niya alam kung sino ang kalaban ng kaniyang magulang para humantong sa ganito ang lahat.

How could the patriarch of the Montero crumble? It’s only means that the enemy of my father was someone strong to do all this thing.

Someone who knows my father well. If not, normal people wouldn’t know that I am his son.

Tagong-tago iyon ng mga magulang ko. I don’t want to be involved in the family that’s why they never mentioned me as their son in their business meetings and conferences.

My father would never mention my name to anyone. To any of his business partner.

Someone close to him did all of this.

But when he met Leon, he had an idea.

To be continued…

Chapter 11

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 11

Caught

It was helpless. To be clueless of what’s going on, it was tormenting.

Walang magawa si Paige. Ni wala siyang mahingan ng tulong dahil sa bilis ng mga pangyayari.

He was now inside a jail, a truly prison room wearing the same uniform as the prisoners. Nasa silda na siya ngayon kasama ang ibang mga bilanggo.

Madilim na at nagsimula naring lumamig ang simoy ng hangin na pumapasok sa silda. Ang tanging meron na lamang si Paige ngayon ay kama na mayroong manipis na kumot.

Everything is completely new to him. He never expected that he could experience this in his life. Namuhay siyang malinis at malaya sa mga krimen.

He hasn’t done anything wrong. Mabait siya at mabuting tao. Walang criminal record o kung ano pa mang gulo.

If he has done something bad, it was putting the ginseng on Rafael’s drink that night. But it’s no big deal since he wasn’t poisoned. He didn’t die with that.

Rafael came back to his mind. How could he not notice it? How could he not realise that there was something wrong?

If Rafael really fooled him, he really did a good job.

Hindi niya napansin na may mali kay Rafael. He was completely bewitched by his beauty that he didn’t find him suspicious.

O sadyang magaling lang talaga mag tago ng intensyon si Rafael?

“Leon! Get me out of here!” Agad na tinakbo ni Paige ang pintuan ng silda ng makita ang isa sa kaniyang mga pinsan.

Leon Montero Natividad, he is one of the planted people of the Montero. The Montero had people planted everywhere in the government. Isa doon si Leon, kung saan na-assign ito sa National Police.

“I’m sorry to have you caught up with our families mess.” Saad ni Leon sa kaniya.

“It’s okay, just get me out of here.” Saad ni Paige, nagmamakaawa na ngayon. Nakahawak na siya ngayon sa kamay nito.

“Paige, I can’t. I don’t have the power to do so.” Leon said. Hindi mawari ni Paige kung namamalikmata lamang siya pero nakita niyang ngumisi ito.

“Why?!” Biglang sigaw ni Paige. It was his determination to get out that rushed into him.

Biglang nilapit ni Leon ang kaniyang mukha sa tenga ni Paige.

“Don’t you think… it’s about time you served your purpose for the Monteros?” Tanong ni Leon kay Paige sa kaniyang tenga.

Hindi agad nakapagsalita si Paige sa sinabing iyon ni Leon.

“You’ve got all the freedom before but it doesn’t mean that you’re completely free from your duties as a Montero.” Ngumisi si Leon.

“Your father… has sent you here, in his place so he could escape for himself.” Dagdag nito na siyang nagpanginig ng buong katawan ni Paige.

Natulala si Paige sa kaniyang nalaman.

If it’s his father, there’s no denying that he can do that to his son, Paige.

“It’s your father. You have no chance of getting out of here, you know that.”

Umalis na si Leon matapos nitong makapagsalita.

Paige was never a good son to his father, as well as his father to him as a son. Sobrang strict ng kaniyang tatay na sa bawat pagkakamali lamang niya ay grabe na ang kaniyang punishment na natatanggap.

He remembers the time when he broke one of his father’s antique jar when he was still young. He was thrown multiple times to a swimming pool with his hands and feet tied.

Hindi na alam ngayon ni Paige ang katotohanan. Naghahalo-halo na ang mga bagay na kaniyang iniisip.

Sa una, sinisisi niya si Rafael. Kasunod ay ang mga kalaban ng kaniyang parents. But he couldn’t deny the possibility that his father, let him be jailed so he could save himself.

Kayang-kaya iyong gawin ng kaniyang tatay!

Throughout the years of living alone, his father never abandoned him. Hinayaan lamang siya nitong gawin ang lahat ng kaniyang gusto. He remained as his father.

He was free to do everything he wanted up until now. As long as he does it perfectly and successfully, hindi siya papakialaman ng kaniyang tatay.

He proved that. He became the youngest successful and number one skilled culinary artist in the country.

But it seems that, this time his father chose to abandon him this way.

The next day, he tried to eat his food in the food hall of the penitentiary to recover his loss energy. Namamayat na siya at nanghihina na.

He need to have the energy to last for the upcoming days. He need to escape this situation somehow.

A group of prisoners walk passed him. Someone from that group dropped a piece of paper in the ground.

Hindi na dapat iyon papansinin ni Paige pero may bumulong sa kaniyang utak na pulutin iyon. Kaya pinulot niya ang papel.

He slowly open it.

“Do not trust everyone.”

It was written on the paper. Hindi alam ni Paige kung para kanino ang mensaheng iyon pero tinago niya iyon sa kaniyang bulsa.

“Matagal pa ang trial para sa kasong ito. The police and the army is collecting evidence and they are still looking for everyone involved in this case. Hinuhuli pa nila ang iba.” Saad ng lawyer ni Paige.

“What should I do to get out from this situation?” Tanong ni Paige.

“For now, the best thing you could do is to do nothing. We need to prepare against them. I’ll do my best to help you, in the name of the Law.” Saad nito.

“Here,” Pinakita ng lawyer ang isang folder sa harapan ni Paige.

“This is all the evidences that they have collected so far. I want you to identify them as fast as you could. And tell me everything you know about these evidence, with all honesty.”

Binuksan ni Paige ang makapal na folder sa kaniyang harapan. Makapal at sobrang dami niyon.

Agad na kumuyom ang kaniyang palad, nanginig ang kaniyang mga kamay, at naluluha na siya dahil sa kaniyang mga nakita.

All the evidence they have all points towards Paige.

Call logs, text messages, pictures and many more all lead to Paige, as the one who give orders.

May pictures pa doon na kasama si Paige nang kaniyang mga tauhan habang nililibing nila ang katawan ng isang tao.

Ang mga call logs na naroon ay ang records ng pag-uusap niya sa mga tauhan, pagbibigay ng utos para sa kanilang mga illegal na transactions.

May mga pictures pa ng foreigners na kasama siya habang mayroong mga firearms sa kanilang harapan.

Nakakatakot!

The evidences was all made so Paige couldn’t escape.

Napalunok si Paige matapos makita ang lahat ng evidence.

Someone who can manipulate these evidence to point towards him can only be done by his father!

“These are not true!” Nagalit si Paige at tinapon ang folder na kaniyang hawak.

To be continued…

Chapter 12

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 12

Death

When Paige woke up the next day, he was feeling unusually light. Tila ba wala siyang iniisip ng magising siya sa araw na iyon. Ang gaan ng kaniyang pakiramdam na tila ba hindi siya nakakulong.

Matapos kasi niyang makita ang mga ebidensiya ay tila ba nawalan siya ng pag-asa.

It was engraved in his head that this is all done by his family. That he was betrayed by his family in this way.

Dumating ang pagkain sa kaniyang silid sa umagang iyon. Nanatili lamang siyang nakahiga sa kama ng kaniyang silda habang nakatulalang nakatitig sa kisame.

Makalipas pa ang ilang minuto bago siya tumayo at kinuha ang pagkaing bigay ng guwardiya. Nasa ibaba iyon ng pinto ng kaniyang silda. Mayroong maliit na butas doon para ipasok ang mga pagkaing ibibigay sa mga bilanggo.

Nagmistulang robot si Paige ng kumain siya sa umagang iyon.

He doesn’t want to think for now. He is exhausted to all the things that are going on with now.

He never felt depressed in his entire life. Ngayon palang niya naramdaman ang labis labis na kalungkutan.

Sa umagang iyon ay nakatulala lamang siya sa kaniyang kwarto. Lumabas lamang siya ng pinalabas ang mga bilanggo sa field upang makapag-exercise.

Ang mga ibang bilanggo ay malayang nag-uusap at nag- e-exercise sa paligid. Habang si Paige ay nakaupo lamang sa gilid, tulala.

But what awakens his soul that day was the news from the tv. Nasa field siya ng makita niya ang mukha ng kaniyang tatay sa tv sa isang kwarto sa bilanggo. Office iyon ng mga guard dahil nanonood ang ibang guwardiya doon.

Tumayo si Paige upang lumapit sa bandang iyon. Nanginginig ang kamay at tuhod niya habang lumalapit siya sa pwestong iyon. Unti-unti niya ring naririnig ang bibalita sa tv.

It was about his father! His face was flashed in the tv for a breaking news.

“Breaking news. Teron Montero, shot dead on the spot by the joint operation of the PNP and AFP.” The first thing that he heard shocked the entirety of Paige’s body.

Agad siyang napaupo dahil sa gulat. Awang ang kaniyang labi dahil sa narinig. Biglang naging malabo ang kaniyang paningin. Hindi na niya marinig ang mga tunog sa kaniyang paligid.

“Teron Montero, the father of Tegan Paige Montero was shot dead by the police during the operation this early in the morning, said by the National Police. The suspect, armed and resisting the Police was shot “accidentally” by the men in uniform. The plan was to capture the suspect but the suspect continuously resist and was trying to run away.”

Tila natigil ang mundo ni Paige dahil sa balitang kaniyang narinig.

His father was dead.

Nasapo niya ang kaniyang labi dahil sa takot.

‘Who is the enemy?’ Agad niyang naisip.

He won’t believe that his father was shot accidentally. Alam niyang sinadsya iyon.

Kahapon lamang ay iniisipan pa niya ito ng masama at sinisisi kung bakit siya narito ngayon sa kulangan.

Pero ngayon, hindi na niya alam ang nangyayari.

His father, being killed is an evidence that he wasn’t betrayed by his family. Someone was plotting this. Someone… who’s powerful enough to destroy his family.

Hindi matanggap ni Paige ang balita.

Mayroong lumabas na bangkay sa tv. Nakita iyon ni Paige at nakumpirmang ang tatay nga niya ang nakahandusay sa lupa habang naliligo ito sa kaniyang sariling dugo.

“No…” Hindi makapaniwalang saad ni Paige.

How could this happen?

“Father…”

Mabilis na tumulo ang mga luha ni Paige sa kaniyang mga mata. Dahil sa mga sunod-sunod na pangyayari, hindi niya na nagawang umiyak. Kaya ngayon na narinig niya ang balitang ito, hindi na tumigil ang pagtulo ng kaniyang mga luha.

Agad siyang dinaluhan ng mga guwardiya ng makitang umiiyak siya habang nakaupo sa lupa. Hindi na nagawang sumagot ni Paige sa kanilang mga tanong kaya walan nagawa ang mga guwardiya kung hindi tignan ang katawan ni Paige.

Akala kasi nila ay nasugatan ito gawa ng mga kasama nitong bilanggo. Pero agad din nilang napansin na wala naman itong sugat kaya sinamahan na lamang ng mga guwardiya si Paige pabalik sa kaniyang silda.

Patuloy na umiyak si Paige sa kaniyang silda. Dahil narin siguro sa pagod dahil sa dami ng nangyayari sa kaniya kaya hindi na siya matigil ngayon sa pag-iyak.

Pero ang totoo, natatakot siya. Nabalot siya ng takot. Sobrang dami ng kaniyang nararamdaman ngayon pero pinapangunahan na siya ng kaniyang takot.

The most hunting enemy are the one’s that we don’t know. An enemy that we have no clue of. Hindi na’tin alam na baka nasa tabi na na’tin mismo ang ating kalaban at akma na tayong papatayin.

Nang makita niya ang bangkay ng kaniyang tatay ay tumindi ang kaniyang pangamba at takot sa maaring mangyari.

He is now feeling anxious of his own safety, kahit na mag-isa lamang siya sa kaniyang silda.

Ilang oras pa siyang umiyak bago tumigil nang ipatawag siya dahil mayroon siyang bisita.

Nang makita niya ang kaniyang lawyer ay agad niyang nilapitan ito.

“My mother. Do you have any news of my m-mother?” Agad na tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang lawyer.

Kapansin-pansin ang mugto sa mga mata ni Paige. Namumula din iyon dahil sa kaniyang matinding pag-iyak.

“Mr. Montero… Have you heard of the news?” Kalmadong saad ng kaniyang lawyer. Agad itong pumunta sa bilangguan upang tignan ang kalagayan ni Paige.

“Is she safe?” Tanong muli ni Paige.

He haven’t heard any news about his mother. Kaya labis-labis ang kaniyang pag-aalala dito.

“Please… answer me! Is my mother still alive?” Saad muli ni Paige. Medyo tumaas ang kaniyang boses.

“Your mother was nowhere to be seen in the scene. I guess, she wasn’t there. There’s a possibility that she’s still alive.” Saad ng lawyer habang tinitimbang ang kalagayan ni Paige.

“Possibility?!” Sigaw ni Paige.

It’s meant that his mother is alive but there’s a possibility that she’s already dead.

Paige rubbed his hands to his face exaggeratedly.

“There’s 1 minute left.” Saad ng radio.

“Mr. Montero.” Pagkukuha ng lawyer sa kaniyang atensyon.

Naglabas ito ng nakatuping papel sa kaniyang bulsa at nilagay iyon sa bulsa ng damit ni Paige sa kaniyang dibdib banda.

“Please hang in there. There’s a trial coming soon. We’ll go through this together.” Saad ng lawyer kay Paige.

Hindi na muling tinignan ni Paige ang lawyer na nasa kaniyang harapan nang kunin siya ng guard upang dalhin sa kaniyang silda.

Paige was staring at the hallway blankily. Blangko ang kaniyang utak habang naglalakad ngunit may nakakuha sa kaniyang atensyon.

It was Leon from the other side of the prison. He was walking towards a room together with someone.

Nakahawak si Leon sa braso ng kasama nito habang masayang nag-uusap.

Does he haven’t heard the news about his Father?

Nang tignan maigi ni Paige ang likod ng kasama nito ay napagtanto ni Paige na familiar ang taong iyon. The built of his back was familiar.

Kahit na likod lang ang nakikita ni Paige ay alam at kilalang-kilala niya kung sino ito.

Biglang lumingon si Leon sa pwesto ni Paige. And slowly… Leon smirked as he wrapped his arms around Rafael’s body.

To be continued…

Chapter 13

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 13

Bad

“How is he?”

“Why don’t you visit him yourself?” Lawyer John replied.

Kakapasok palang niya sa kotse sa labas ng kulungan matapos nitong bisitahin si Paige.

Hindi sumagot ang kausap nito habang nakaupo sa driver seat ng kotse.

“He looks devastated, sad, lonely, pitiful, tired, and sick.” He exaggerated. They were talking about Paige right now.

“Gio, namatayan siya. He needs someone to lean on! Someone who he can hold at this time. Sa pag-uusap namin kanina, I don’t think he can survive this alone.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

“He’s not alone. He is strong, I know for sure that he will do everything to live on.” Saad ni Rafael.

That was what he thought about Paige.

“He is a strongly independent person. He survived all throughout his life alone. Ni hindi siya humingi ng tulong sa mga magulang nitong mga nagdaang taon. That’s why…”

Hindi natapos sabihin ni Rafael kaniyang sasabihin ng biglang dumapo ang kamay ni John sa kaniyang mukha. Sinampal siya nito.

“Wake up, Sergio Rafael! You are being a jerk!I didn’t agree to work with you just to see someone suffering because of you. I didn’t work to torment him.” Saad ni John. He looks angry at Rafael.

Furiously, he added. “Just because he’s been independent all this time doesn’t mean he is strong. It’s okay to be independent but not all the time you can do everything on your own. He’s feeling alone and lonely at this time. He needs someone. He needs… you.”

Hindi nakasagot si Rafael. Napalunok siya at humigpit ang kaniyang pagkakahawak sa manebala.

Pinaandar niya ang kotse na siyang kinagulat ni John.

“Ha! I can’t believe that I befriend someone as bad as you.” Saad ni John dito.

Lawyer John has been friends with Rafael since they were young. He is now working with Paige, as by the request of Rafael.

Paige couldn’t get any lawyer at the time due to someone pulling strings. He has been red flag by the attorneys. Red flag means that lawyers shouldn’t be involved with Paige no matter, having their work at the line.

Rafael remained quiet for the rest of the travel but John continued to slander Rafael as they arrive at their destination.

“You’re stupid since we’re young, ‘wag mo naman dalhin hanggang ngayon!” Saad ni John.

“That’s enough for today. Go home.” Saad ni Rafael.

Hindi na siya tinignan ni John at agad na agad nitong tinanggal ang kaniyang seat belt.

“I will still work for this case. Not for you, but for Paige.” John said. Binuksan na nito ang pinto ng kotse at bumaba na.

“Don’t forget everything that I’ve said.” Dagdag nito bago sinara ang pinto.

Pinaandar muli ni Rafael ang kotse at pinaharurot iyon sa kalsada.

His hands were gripping the steering wheel so hard and he’s gritting his teeth.

“I can’t handle this either…” Saad niya bago pinaliko ang kotse pabalik sa bilangguan.

“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t keep this any longer.”

PAIGE was now in his chamber. Nakahiga na siya ngayon sa kaniyang kama at nakapikit na. Hawak niya ang papel na bigay sa kaniya ni Lawyer John kanina sa kaniyang kamao.

He’s so tired but he can’t sleep. Nakapikit siya ngayon pero hindi siya tulog.

He’s thinking… a lot of things.

Who is he supposed to trust?

Awhile back, he also received a paper saying not to trust everyone.

Should he trust the lawyer or should he also raise suspicion towards him?

What he saw a while ago satisfies the need for him to not trust anyone. Leon can’t be trusted. Although he is a family member, they weren’t close. He doesn’t know everything that happens inside their family right now.

“Father, what is this mess?” Paige asked himself.

He’s now thinking if his family leaves any clue to what’s going on right now. But he failed. They last talked two months ago.

Inaalala niya ang lahat hanggang sa umabot sa pagkikita nila ni Rafael ang kaniyang alaala.

Rafael showed up out of nowhere. How did he find him in the first place? But then, the type of his work somehow reminds Paige that Rafael can do that. He can find him if he wants to. Baka nga matagal nang alam ni Rafael kung nasaan siya.

As he was just thinking about Rafael, he felt his pheromones near.

Come to think of it, hindi niya naramdaman ang pheromones ni Rafael kanina habang kasama nito si Leon. Was he wrong? Or is it just his senses being dull due to fatigue?

Pagod na pagod na siya. Hindi siya nagbukas ng mata dahil baka hallucinations niya lang na andito si Rafael. He never visited him ever since his imprisonment.

“I’m sorry.” Paige heard a voice. Medyo malapit iyon sa kaniya. He knows this voice well. Alam na alam niya iyon dahil ilang beses na niya iyong naririnig sa kaniyang mga panaginip. It’s Rafael.

Paige was about to open his eyes but suddenly he felt Rafael touching his face. He is touching his cheeks!

“I didn’t know it was this bad.” Saad ni Rafael. He is seeing the state of Paige right now. The black shades forming under his eyes determines the fact that Paige hasn’t been properly sleeping and is under the state of stress for the past days.

Not to mention, he has become thin! Paige is masculine but you can clearly see in his body that he has become thinner compared to when Rafael brought him back to the Philippines.

“If you were that concerned, you should not have brought me here.” Saad ni Paige. Bigla niyang binuksan ang kaniyang mata at hinawakan ang kamay ni Rafael na nakahawak sa kaniyang pisngi.

“I have been waiting for you.” As swiftly as he could, Paige got the fork hiding from his pillow and stood up. He immediately pushed Rafael against the bed while he was holding his hands.

Nanginginig na ngayon ang kaniyang kamay. To hold a fork against the person who marked him means his hatred towards Rafael boiled up.

“How could you think that I couldn’t harm you?” Saad ni Paige. He was pointing the fork towards Rafael’s neck.

“But before that, I need you to talk. Did you kill my father?” Paige asked.

Even with the fork pointing at his neck, Rafael didn’t reply.

“Is this all your doing?” Dagdag niya.

Still, no reply.

“Answer me.” Nanginginig, pinilit ni Paige itusok ang tinidor sa leeg ni Rafael.

“Let’s talk properly, can’t we?” Biglang saad ni Rafael. “I can’t talk while my mouth is against this bed.”

“Liar. You were just talking right now.” Sagot ni Paige.

“Fck…” Rafael said. Since Paige is at his back, and was strangling two of his hands, Rafael used his feet. Gamit ang kaniyang paa ay pinatid niya si Paige.

Paige couldn’t react with what Rafael did. He was shocked. Muntik na siyang mahulog sa sahig pero agad siyang sinalo ni Rafael.

“Baby, I’m a soldier, my body was trained to handle this much.”

Rafael was now holding Paige on his waist as he look at his eyes since their was close with each other.

To be continued…

Chapter 14

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 14

Over

Nakatingin lamang si Paige sa kisame sa araw na iyon.

He is overthinking so much these days. He anxiously lay down on his bed every night, afraid of even blinking. Hindi kasi niya alam kung kailan siya papasukin sa kaniyang silid upang patayin.

He needs protection.

“Kuya, wala po bang tinidor?” Paige innocently asked to the guard outside.

Hindi ito nagsalita at nagtatakang tinignan si Paige.

“Nakalimutan niyo ata ngayon.” Paige added.

He knew that sharp objects are not allowed inside the cell. Pero sa tuwing kumakain siya, kumpleto ang mga kubyertos na kaniyang ginagamit na binibigay nila at kinukuha din pagkatapos.

Sumilip ang guard sa loob ng silda ni Paige at tinignan ang pagkaing nasa kaniyang harapan.

Wala ngang tinidor doon. Ang ulam nila ngayong lunch ay manok na kinakailangan ng tinidor upang kainin.

Umalis ang guard matapos makitang walang tinidor. Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay bumalik ito dala ang panibagong tinidor para kay Paige.

“Salamat.” Paige smiled as he received another fork for that day.

“How did you get this object?” Saad ni Rafael.

They are now sitting on Paige’s cell bed. Hawak hawak na ngayon ni Rafael ang tinidor na ginamit ni Paige kanina.

“How foolish. Tingin mo kaya ka nitong protektahan?” Dagdag niya. He look at Paige beside him.

Paige was sitting quietly, looking down. Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya. Nanginginig pa rin ang kaniyang kamay.

To think that he would have killed someone, it terrifies him. The boiling anger inside him and the anxiousness of his safety within this cell made him do that.

Bumuntong hininga si Paige.

“Why don’t we talk?” Saad muli ni Rafael. He moved his hand towards Paige’s face. Hinawakan niya ang panga ni Paige upang makita ang mukha nito.

“Hmm? How could I clear your mind?” Dagdag niya.

“Just answer my questions a while ago.” Sagot ni Paige, tinignan niya din si Rafael.

Nothing has changed on Rafael. Gwapo pa din ito, as always. Hindi kagaya ni Paige na sobrang laki ng pinagbago ng kaniyang mukha at katawan.

“Is that enough?” Rafael asked.

“I’ll ask more depending on your answers.” Napalunok na sabi ni Paige.

“Is this my doing?” Pag-uulit ni Rafael sa tanong ni Paige kanina. “No, this is not my doing. And no, I didn’t kill your father.”

Paige failed to see any malicious intentions on Rafael’s eyes as he spoke. He looks normal and his eyes were the same as it was before. Walang pinagbago doon o hindi lang talaga kayang basahin ni Paige ang mukha ni Rafael.

He spoke those words with certain factuality to it. Hindi iyon kakitaan ni katiting nang kasinungalingan.

Paige would have been fooled by that but he wasn’t. Thanks to the days that he have suffered, it made him less trusty of Rafael.

He doesn’t know Rafael personally. They met just because they were both in need of each other.

Paige realised that it was his foolishness to trust Rafael to go back here in the Philippines without even questioning it.

“Then, why did you bring me here?” Tanong ni Paige.

“I didn’t bring you here. Someone caught us while we are on travel. The police heard of your arrival that day, they immediately when up to us. They have warrant of arrest towards you that fast kaya wala akong nagawa kundi ibigay ka. I have no power against the law.” Rafael said.

“Where are we going in the first place?”

“We were planning to take you home as quietly as possible. Pero hindi ko alam kung bakit nalaman at nasundan iyon ng mga police. Someone might have ratted us.”

“Why? I’m living peacefully in Italy!” Kinagat ni Paige ang kaniyang labi. He still can’t understand the situation.

“You weren’t safe there. Your father has been receiving threats on you! Your father didn’t budge for months but things blow up. News spread so fast about an organisation and your warrant of arrest was immediately issued. Things went abruptly uncontrollable.”

“My father?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Paige. “So he knew… bakit ‘di man lang nila ako sinabihan.” He asked himself but Rafael answered.

“He doesn’t want to bother you.” Sagot niya.

Rafael wiped the tear that fell from Paige’s eyes. It saddens him. The solemnity of Paige’s eyes shows that he’s tired and relentless. It might have taken a lot of toll on him.

“I’m sorry.” Rafael apologized.

Napalunok si Paige. Slowly, things were slowly clearing up on his mind.

His father is just trying to protect him. His father doesn’t want him dragged in this mess but he couldn’t. His father was trying to save him. His father… who died in this battle.

“I’m sorry.” Rafael apologized again. Pero tila walang naririnig si Paige.

He couldn’t understand why Rafael is apologizing right now. He couldn’t see the need for him to apologize right now. He has been hurt. Things have went uncontrolled.

“Bakit ngayon ka lang?” Paige asked bravely. Looking straight towards Rafael’s eyes.

All throughout the days of his imprisonment, there’s never been a day that Paige failed to think of Rafael. He hoped and prayed every night for Rafael to come. But all of that failed once the morning sun rose and rays of it filled his room yet there’s still no sign of Rafael.

Those days of suffering from having no light to see, he lose hope. He lost Rafael, the only hope and light that he could have on disappointed him.

Why would he hope for him in the first place? Wala namang sila. It’s the truth but somehow, Paige still depended on Rafael. He trusted him. He thought that Rafael is not like his family. Paige thought that he is safe within his arms.

Rafael made him feel that everytime they kiss and shared their night. But it was fake, doesn’t it? Paige is only gaslighting himself.

“I couldn’t come. The night that they caught you, I made a deal for you to stay in the military base for a while until there’s a clear single cell available for you in the penitentiary.” Rafael answered.

Paige smiled. “Thanks for even thinking that it might be better for me.”

But it wasn’t.

“I couldn’t trust the police. They cut off all the things that might help you in this case. I needed time–”

“That’s enough.” Paige cut Rafael. “I’m tired.” He said, iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang paningin kay Rafael.

Time. Rafael said he needed time.

It’s been a long night. It has been rough for Paige, for days. Sa ilang araw niyang paghihirap at pag-iisip ng mga bagay-bagay, Rafael simply explained it.

Ganon lang pala ka-simple ang explanation ng mga nangyayari. Bakit ngayon palang niya ito nalaman?

It’s over. His father is dead. Kaya ano pang silbi na malaman niya ang lahat ng mga dahilan sa mga nangyayari?

Humiga si Paige sa kama. May space pa sa likod ni Rafael kaya doon siya sumiksik. His back is now facing Rafael. Rafael is looking at Paige.

Hindi pa rin umalis si Rafael. He feels it. Something is wrong.

“How… about my mom?” Paige asked after a moment of silence.

“She’s okay. Somehow.” Nakaharap na ngayon si Rafael at tinitignan ang likuran ni Paige.

Rafael couldn’t see Paige’s face but he was clearly shaking.

“That’s good to hear.” Paige barely said.

Rafael’s hands went to Paige’s shoulder. He doesn’t know what to say. Pero agad din niya iyong inalis at tumayo.

Rafael is clearly seeing Paige’s state. His state… his precious being being vulnerable right in front of him yet he couldn’t console him.

Paige is now looking so weak and fragile right at this moment. Seeing his back, Rafael thought that at any moment now, he would lose him.

“This fight is not yet over. Please hold on a little longer. I’ll do the rest and everything to get you out of here.”

To be continued…

Chapter 15

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 15

Heat

Paige slept that night with the presence of Rafael and the smell of his pheromones inside his cell.

From the past days, his whole body is sore due to the bed that is uncomfortable to sleep with. Matigas iyon at walang kumot kaya sa tuwing nagigising siya ay masakit ang kaniyang buong katawan.

But today is different. Magaan ang pakiramdam ni Paige sa araw na iyon. Somehow, with the pheromones of Rafael in his surroundings, the cell felt comfortable.

Hindi na siya nagulat nang pagmulat ng kaniyang mga mata ay wala na si Rafael. Rafael can’t stay inside the cell since he isn’t working under this institution. He’s from the military and this place is handled by different department.

He look at his face in a small mirror inside his cell. His face is glowing. Sinampal niya pa ang kaniyang pisngi dahil kumikinang iyon.

It was shinning as if it was lubricated. For the first time inside his cell, he felt cute. Tinignan niya ang kaniyang katawan. He become thin but he saw it as sexy.

He’s acting weird right now. Why would he think about this at this time?

“Your trial will be in five days from now.” Lawyer John said when he visited Paige that day.

Paige look at Lawyer John. He still question and is suspicious of the intention of the person in his front.

The paper he gave Paige yesterday seems true. What’s written on that paper is “Rafael is on your side. Trust him.” Then Rafael visited him that night.

“I have prepared everything I think that is needed. I’m sorry it took a lot of time for me to collect everything since most of the crucial information are from overseas.” Lawyer John said.

Paige confirmed the timeline that he presented. All of the questions Lawyer John asked Paige is answered with all honesty. Ang karamihan sa kaniyang tanong ay kung ano ang mga ginawa niya sa Italy.

Those information are important to this case in order for Paige to deny the allegations that he ordered those men here in the Philippines.

His phone were also investigated by the forensic and it was revealed that the only international call he made was from his mother, 2 months ago.

They call each other unusually since from the past years, they only made 5 calls for year. That explains the kind of relationship they had. Paige doesn’t want to be disturbed in Italy.

Paige couldn’t understand but it seems that Lawyer John knows what he is doing. He is splendidly doing his job and Paige seems confident that he would this case.

“Are you working with Rafael?” Paige asked.

“No. Not anymore.” Lawyer John replied.

“Not anymore?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Paige.

Lawyer John only smiled at Paige. “That would be all for my visit today. Hang in there, Mr. Montero.” He said, stand up and left.

Paige went back to his cell. But suddenly he felt dizzy. This feeling is rather familiar with Paige. He hadn’t felt this for years now since he always drink pills everytime it attacks.

It’s the week of the month were his pheromones would combusted inside him. Pinalo-palo ni Paige ang kaniyang dibdib upang kontrolin ang kaniyang sarili. Hanggang sa dumating siya sa kaniyang silda ay agad-agad siyang nahiga sa kama.

He feels hot and cold at the same time. Nagpapawis ang kaniyang balat at grabe ang bilis ng tibok ng kaniyang puso.

To control more of his self, he inhale and exhaled. Due to that, he smells the remnants of pheromones of Rafael inside the cell. Thanks to that, Paige’s pheromones slowly calm down.

After a while he fell asleep. Paige would wake up only to eat his food. Pagkatapos niyang kumain ay natutulog siyang muli.

Sleeping has become a habit of him everytime that his heat would attack him. Lalo na pag hindi siya nakainom ng pills.

In his sleep, he would dream of Rafael and it would satisfy his pheromones to calm down. The drive would slowly lay low as he dreamt of Rafael in his slumber.

Hindi na namalayan ni Paige na gabi na. Mahimbing parin ang kaniyang tulog kaya hindi na niya napansin na dumating si Rafael sa gabing iyon.

Unknowingly, Paige is emitting too much pheromones as he sleep. Sobrang lakas ng amoy ng pheromones ni Paige kahit ito ay natutulog.

In Italy and back when he haven’t met Rafael, he would always drink his pills to stop his heat. He would drink it everyday. But now, he hasn’t had one for days now. That’s why, the amount of pheromones emitting out of his body is too much.

Rafael was already on his way inside when he felt that. Napalunok siya at agad napatingin kay Paige. He’s still sleeping peacefully.

He’s on his heat!

Rafael, who marked Paige felt the urge to be with Paige. He knows that what Paige needs now is his mate. His body and pheromones are reacting to Paige’s. His pheromones, that emits freely from his body reaches Paige’s pheromones.

Just like a yin and yang, their pheromones around them collided and combined completely. The smell becomes so fresh and delicious that it is addicting. It adds more to the urge for their body to become at this night , at this room, at this moment. Napalunok muli si Rafael.

He could feel his member itching right now. It’s bulging inside his pants, wanting to be released.

He’s now slowly taking a step towards Paige.
But before he could even complete his third step, his phone rang.

His mouth is salivating as he said, “Fck.”

Rafael felt either thankful to the person who called so he could stop himself or sad because Paige would suffer tonight.

“Hello,” He answered call. He stopped walking and is now looking at Paige who was still sleeping peacefully while grinding his teeth.

“Gio, can you make the other prisoners confess? Tell them to confess the truth. Base on what they have confess first, it’s all a lie!” It was Lawyer John who called.

“I know.” Rafael replied.

The two of them continued to talk while Paige was still deep in his sleep. Inside his mind, he is dreaming of unearthly things with Rafael.

“Rafael…” Paige moaned.

Mabuti na lamang at natapos na ang tawag ng umungol si Paige. Narinig agad iyon ni Rafael na siyang nagpaigting sa kaniyang panga.

He sighed. Nilapitan niya si Paige upang hawakan ang noo nito. It was hard for him to go near Paige at this rate. Pero kinontrol niya ang kaniyang sarili upang maramdaman ang katawan ni Paige.

Paige was hot, extremely hot. This is called heat because the person who would experience would undergo extreme feeling of heat coming out of their body. It’s due to their pheromones continuously releasing to call out their mate.

Rafael knew that he needs to control to himself. Paige is unconscious and it’s just his pheromones acting up.

Hindi niya dapat ito pakialaman. That would be rape.

Kahit na siya naka-marka dito, he would still ask for permission. And this is not the good time to do this.

“Hang in there, baby. I’ll control myself too. So please, calm down.” Rafael spoke.

But rather calming down, Paige’s pheromones continuously releasing as Rafael stayed inside the cell. The longer would he stay inside, the more Paige’s pheromones would react.

Rafael stayed with Paige for awhile. He put cold towel on his head as he wash his body with another cold towel. It would somehow ease the heat Paige is experiencing now.

But due to the extreme attraction of his pheromones towards Paige, he left. It was around midnight before he decided to leave Paige alone. It was the time where the pheromones would be more abundant than ever.

He can’t control himself anymore. Mahirap nang kontrolin ang tawag ng kaniyang katawan. Hindi niya alam ang mangyayari kung hahayaan niya pa ang kaniyang sariling manatili sa silda ni Paige.

His hands wants to touch Paige and his mind is now being clouded. But before anything would happen between them, he left.

Paige is on his heat for this month. He can be needy and it wouldn’t satisfy him in just one s3x. His heat wouldn’t leave him alone until they reached satisfaction. It’s mating session and it should be a mating session. No stopping until one is satisfied.

To be continued…

Chapter 16

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 16

Medicine

Paige woke up the next day with his body being wet and sticky. Ang lagkit ng kaniyang katawan dahil sa kaniyang pawis. He also felt the watery feeling down there. It’s awkward but his hole were lubricated during his heat cycle.

Napamura si Paige at agad na bumangon. Agad niyang napansin ang dalawang towel. Ang isa ay nasa kama, malapit sa kaniyang ulo at ang isa ay nasa sahig. Pinulot niya iyon at naramdaman niyang medyo basa pa ang mga ito kaya tumayo siya at nilagay sa gilid.

Someone was here, he realised. Napamura siyang muli dahil hindi niya alam kung mayroon ba siyang ginawang hindi maganda kagabi. He just hoped that he didn’t do something worst last night while he was sleeping.

Mataas na ang sikat ng araw ng magasing siya. What he smells first was something unusual. It was not the smell of the land emitting its morning flesh but something surreal, a bliss on his nose.

Paige knows how his pheromones smell but the scents coming in his surroundings are different. It was his pheromones with a rather familiar scent. It smells like lavender!

He confirmed that Rafael was here last night when he smelled more of his trace last night.

Unbeknownst to him, he smiled. If Rafael was here last night, he might be the person who put those towels on him.

Maya-maya pa ay nag-blush siya. Naalala niya ang kaniyang panaginip kagabi. It was wild! Rafael screwed him inside this cell, so hard it felt real for Paige.

Napamura siyang muli.

Paige spent most of his time inside his cell. Pinapakiramdaman niya ang kaniyang sarili. His heat might attack him so he needs to be careful.

He was already marked. And if other people smell his pheromones while he is on heat, it would be irritating. Hindi nila magugustuhan ang amoy ni Paige. It would be annoying for them, and it would be dangerous for Paige.

Lumabas lang siya sa araw na iyon ng pinatawag siya dahil sa kaniyang bisita.

“Good morning, Mr. Montero. I have prepared everything we need now.” Lawyer John said professionally.

Paige has asked him to call him by his name but he declined. With his reason for being “professional” in this field. Naintindihan naman iyon ni Paige kaya hinayaan niya iyon.

“Rather, I came here to give you this.” Lawyer John said. Mayroong itong nilagay na box sa mesa dahilan para mahiya siya. “Ibibigay ko nalang sa kanila para ma-check nila. Then, ibibigay na nila sa’yo.” He smiled.

“T-thank you…” Nahihiyang saad ni Paige. He knows? Maybe Rafael said it to him. Lawyer John is giving him pills to control his heat.

Natapos ang kanilang pag-uusap ay bumalik na si Paige sa kaniyang silda. He remained laying down on his bed for hours. Hind siya inaantok dahil sa kakahintay sa pills.

“What’s taking them so long?” Saad ni Paige sa kaniyang sarili.

The pills are taking longer to arrive. Nagsisimula naring mag-init ang katawan ni Paige. Akala niya ba inspection lang ang gagawin ng mga ito? Bakit hindi parin dumadating sa kaniya?

Hanggang sa gumabi ay hindi dumating ang kaniyang pills. Paige is now feeling his whole body hot. Tumitindi na ang init na kaniyang nararamdaman. He needs the pills now!

Ilang beses na niyang tinanong ang guard pero pareho parin ang sagot nito. Wala pa daw dumadating na ganon galing sa inspection office. Maghintay nalang daw siya.

But things are hard for Paige right now. Nawawala na siya sa kaniyang katinuan dahil sa init na kaniyang nararamdaman.

If the pills aren’t here, maybe Rafael would come here tonight. Napadaing si Paige, napapahawak sa gilid ng kama habang nararamdaman ang kakaibang init sa kaniyang katawan.

Sinusubukan man niyang ipikit ang kaniyang mga mata ngunit hindi niya iyon magawa. It’s the second day of his heat cycle, it has become harder to control than yesterday. Nahihilo at nanlalabo na ang kaniyang mga mata. Hindi na niya macontrol ang kaniyang sarili.

Kung hindi lang dahil nasa loob siya ng silda, kanina pa siguro siya nagwawala ngayon kakahanap sa kaniyang pares. He needs someone to mate on! And for that, he is grateful that he was chained in this cell. Somehow, it’s safe for him during this time.

Hindi na siya makatulog dahil sa kaniyang nararamdaman. And so, he waited. For the pills to arrive, and for Rafael to save him at this time. Iyon na lamang ang kaniyang pag-asa sa mga oras na ito.

Pero wala.

Walang dumating ni isa sa dalawang kaniyang hinihintay.

Naubusan na lamang siya ng lakas at nahimatay sa paghihintay pero hindi dumating ang mga ito.

Kaya naman sa sumunod na araw ay buong maghapong tulog si Paige. He fell asleep for the whole day after waiting for whole night. His body is feeling sore and now feeling fatigue.

Napagod at nahihirapan na siya sa pagtitiis. Sa sobrang hirap, gusto na lamang niyang mamatay.

For the last time, his hopes were in vain. Ilang beses na nga bang hindi natupad ang kaniyang mga inaasam at inaasahan?

Maybe God have made him suffer because he wasn’t a good child to his family. Maybe God has forsaken him to experience all of this. Pero kahit na ano mang paninisi ang kaniyang gawin sa diyos, he silently prayed for this to end. He still prayed for God to have mercy on him.

Paige opened his eyes when he felt the touch on his face. It’s soothing kaya naman agad niyang hinawakan ang kamay na iyon.

Rafael went inside Paige’s cell that night to see how it was going for him. Siguro naman ay nainom na nito ang pills na bigay niya. That’s what he thought.

But Paige, who was sleeping in his cell was unusually calm. Maybe because he slept for the whole day, his pheromones subdued for a moment. Kumalma ang mga ito panandalian.

But all of that calmness was shaken the moment Rafael went inside his room. Hindi ito nagtaka dahil akala niya nainom na nito ang pill na bigay niya. Pero hindi.

Ang nagpapahingang pheromones ni Paige ay biglang nabuhay muli. They immediately attacked Rafael. No one was inside the room except for Paige kaya agad nagising ang pheromones nito ng maramdaman ang mga presensiya ni Rafael.

Due to the fact that Rafael was the one who marked Paige, Paige’s pheromones immediately hugged the presence of Rafael. It shocked him.

It was a trap! A trap made cunningly by Paige’s pheromones. It’s the third day, and his pheromones are now much stronger than yesterday.

The need must be satisfied now! Paige needs the pleasure to save himself. Because if not, he might be in a critical situation with his life depending on it.

It’s the third day now. Paige needs intervention. This is the most crucial moment for Paige. He needs to release the wildness of his heat to look for its unearthly satisfaction that it needs.

And since Rafael was here, he immediately grab his hands. The gentle hold at first becomes a tight grip, unreleasing Rafael’s hands.

Rafael went inside the den of an uncontrolled omega on heat. The urge are much strong.

“You’re here,” Paige said. Kahit na hindi niya maaninag ang mukha ni Rafael, alam niyang siya ito.

He is now heat-drunk. He has no control over his body. It’s the demon of his heat that’s dominating his body.

There’s no stopping now. There’s no escaping for Rafael. And it’s about time for Paige to experience the salvation of his heat as his life depends on it.

If there’s still no intervention on his heat for the third day, Paige might stop releasing pheromones. He would become sterile for the rest of his life.

Kung nakainom lamang siya ng pills sa lalong madaling panahon ay hindi ito mangyayari. He has no choice now but to use Rafael, as the medicine for his need.

To be continued…

Next chapter: 🔞

Chapter 17

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Warning: Matured scenes ahead. Read at your own risk. 🔞

Chapter 17

Play

Bumangon si Paige sa pagkakahiga. He is still holding the hands of Rafael, who were still shock when he felt the strong scent coming from Paige.

Umawang ang labi ni Rafael ng biglang halikan ni Paige ang kaniyang kamay. Mas lalo pa siyang nagulat ng biglang dilaan ni Paige ang kaniyang mga daliri.

“Your fingers are so long, I guess it’ll fit inside me.” Paige said, looking drunk with his eyes full of naughtiness. He smiled.

Napalunok si Rafael.

“Did you drink your medicine?” Tanong ni Rafael kay Paige.

“Oh that. I can’t remember.” Saad niya.

“Where the fck is the medicine I’ve brought for you?” Nilingon ni Rafael ang paligid pero hindi niya makita ang box ng pills.

“Maybe, there was someone who needs it most, I haven’t receive it.” Saad ni Paige. He continuously licks Rafael’s finger. Pinapasok pa niya iyon sa kaniyang bunganga dahilan para manghina si Rafael.

Paige is now releasing so much pheromones. Sobrang lakas nang halimuyak ng kaniyang pheromones. And it slowly went inside Rafael, as he feels his self turning on.

With the sight of Paige licking and sucking his fingers right in his face, with his eyes looking straight into his, he knows he doesn’t have a choice.

Tumayo si Paige galing sa kama habang patuloy na nilalaro ang daliri sa isang kamay ni Rafael.

“You shouldn’t have come here,” Paige said. Gamit ang kaniyang isang kamay ay hinaplos niya ang mukha ni Rafael.

Rafael couldn’t understand what’s his thinking right now but his body tells him that he needs him. Paige need him right now.

Paige’s hand went down from his face, to his neck, body, and stop at the bulge on his pants. Hinaplos iyon ni Paige. Napangiti pa siya ng maramdaman ang nakatago doon.

“You’re hard.” Nang-aakit na saad ni Paige habang nakangiti.

Hindi nagsalita si Rafael. He’s still determining what to do right now. Nanatili siyang nakatayo sa harapan ni Paige habang umiigting ang kaniyang panga dahil sa ginagawa ni Paige sa kaniya.

He wants it. His body says so. But his mind is asking if this is the right thing to do. Bakat na bakat na ngayon ang kaniyang pagkalalaki sa kaniyang pants.

Rafael knows that he has done something wrong with Paige from the past days. Alam niyang may tinatagong tampo o galit ito sa kaniya dahil sa pagkakakulong nito.

But what can he do right now? It’s Paige. He can’t deny him. He can’t escape now because today is different. Hindi siya pumunta dito kahapon dahil ayaw niyang maulit ang nangyari noong isang gabi.

Pero ang totoong rason, baka siya pa ang hindi niya makontrol ang sarili. Tiniis niya lang noong una pero God knows how he wants Paige. Gustong-gusto niyang laruin ito pero ayaw naman niyang maging sensitibo sa nararamdaman ni Paige.

But now, Paige is conscious and is doing things with his body.

“Do you want to play with me?” Tanong ni Paige.

“What play?”

“Basketball.” Saad ni Paige. Kinuyom niya ang pagkalalaki ni Rafael gamit ang kaniyang isang kamay.

“I wanna see you shoot right on my ring.” Paige flirtatiously said.

Rafael smirked right after he heard that.

“Well, I’m better than Stephen Curry.” Hinila ni Rafael si Paige sa kaniyang bewang patungo sa kaniya gamit ang kaniyang isang kamay.

Agad niyang siniil ang labi ni Paige ng halik nang maalis niya ang kamay na sinisipsip nito. Agad silang nagpalitan ng mapupusok na mga halik. Damang-dama nila ang labi ng bawat isa. Kitang-kita ang kasabikan sa kanilang dalawa sa bawat galaw ng kanilang mga labi.

Umikot silang dalawa hanggang sa umabot sila sa pader ng silda. Paige’s back is now against the wall as they continuously kiss each other, hungry of one another. Ang kanilang kamay ay parehong gumagalaw patungo sa bawat parte ng kanilang katawan, hinahaplos at dinadama.

“Hngg…” Ungol ni Paige ng bumaba ang halik ni Rafael sa kaniyang leeg. Matapos halikan nu Rafael ang kaniyang leeg ay bumalik ito sa kaniyang labi.

“Fck.” Rafael cursed as he viciously kissed Paige. He felt so impatient. Pinapatulan naman ni Paige ang kaniyang halik sa mismong tyempo kasabay ng kaniyang bawat galaw.

They kissed a little longer. Nakapasok na ngayon ang kamay ni Paige sa pants ni Rafael at hinihimas ang kaniyang naninigas na alaga. Habang ang isang kamay ni Rafael ay nakapasok narin sa pants niya at nilalaro ang kaniyang pwet.

Rafael was rubbing his hole aggressively. Naputol lamang ang kanilang halikan ng biglang napahiyaw si Paige.

“Ahh!” Sigaw ni Paige ng biglang pinasok ni Rafael ang kaniyang isang daliri na walang sabi-sabi.

His middle finger, which was the longest finger, went totally inside Paige. It went so deep.

Rafael then kissed Paige again. Pero napuputol ang kanilang halikan dahil sa paggalaw ng kamay ni Rafael sa loob ni Paige. He finger-played his whole as much as he could until Paige is prepared to take him whole.

“Fck it.” Pagmumura ni Rafael. He totally lost it.

Gamit ang isang kamay ni Rafael ay hinuli niya ang dalawang kamay ni Paige. Pinatalikod ni Rafael si Paige sa kaniya. Ngayon ay nakataas na ang dalawang kamay ni Paige sa kaniyang ulonan habang nakatalikod kay Rafael.

Binaba niya ng kaunti ang pants ni Paige dahilan para lumabas ang matambok nitong bundok.

Hinampas iyon ni Rafael ng makita niya. Hinawakan naman niya ang nakalabas na ngayon niyang alaga at tinutok sa butas ni Paige.

“I’ll go in now.” Rafael whispered on his ear.

Dahil sa sobrang init na nararamdaman ni Paige, hindi na siya nakasagot.

Napahiyaw na lamang si Paige ng maramdaman niya ang pagkalalaki ni Rafael na unti-unting pumasok sa kaniyang sildang masikip.

“Fck. So tight.” Saad ni Rafael. Tinitignan na niya ngayon ang kaniyang pagkalalaki na unti-unting pumapasok sa masikip na silda ni Paige habang ang kaniyang isang kamay ay nakawak sa isang pisngi ng pwet nito, kinukuyom at pinapalo.

Since Paige was on his heat, his hole provided its own lubricant. Dahan-dahan lamang ang pagpasok ni Rafael dahil alam niyang masasaktan si Paige lalo na’t malaki ang kaniyang alaga.

“Ahh…” Hiyaw ni Paige. Napapaungol na lamang siya dahil sa laki ni Rafael.

Both of them were lost at this moment. Wala na silang pake kung may makakarinig sa kanilang ginagawa. It was deep in the night now kaya maaring tulog na ang mga tao sa kulungan maliban sa iilang bantay.

Whoever sees this, they will be shocked of this sight. The two of them were mating splendidly. It looks so hot as they fck inside the cell.

Their pheromones combined made a beautiful scent. The lavender scent became much more good like a smell of blooming cherry blossoms.

Hawak na ngayon ni Rafael ang ang isang hita ni Paige. Nakataas na iyon ngayon habang inuulos niya si Paige. Habang si Paige ay nakahawak na ngayon sa pader gamit ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. His upper body is going against the wall as Rafael continously
fck him.

“Do you like it?” Rafael asked huskily.

“Yes… go deeper please…” Paige begged Rafael. “More…”

Mas lalo pang binilisan ni Rafael ang pagtira kay Paige at nilaliman ang bawat ulos.

Parang nawawasak ang mundo ni Paige sa sarap ng bawat galaw ni Rafael sa kaniyang loob. Ang kaniyang sarili ay nawawala na sa ulirat dahil sa sarap ng ginagawa nito.

“Hngg…” Ungol ni Paige sa bawat pasok ni Rafael.

They stayed in that position for a while. Bago binuhat ni Rafael si Paige at pinaikot habang hindi naalis ang kaniyang alaga sa loob ni Paige. Ngayon ay buhat buhat na ni Rafael si Paige.

Nakasandig na ngayon si Paige sa parehong pader habang patuloy na gumagalaw si Rafael sa kaniyang kalooban. Rafael kissed Paige as he thrust inside him.

Ang kanilang mga ungol ay naririnig sa buong silda. They weren’t quiet, they weren’t afraid. They continued even after Rafael came for the first time.

Ngayon ay nasa sahig na sila. Paige was on his knees and hands with Rafael at his back still thrusting inside him. Ang unang paglabas ni Rafael ay naging lube sa butas ni Paige.

Naging mas mabilis ang galaw ni Rafael sa kaniya dahilan para mas lalo pa siyang mapaungol. The rhythm wasn’t cut off even after Rafael came. But instead, it became much more intense and hotter with the cream-like lube as he fck Paige.

After a while, they were now on the bed, still fcking. As both of them lost at each other’s arms, they haven’t noticed the time. They didn’t know how it ended but one thing for sure, Rafael came multiple times at different positions.

It was a long night and a long ride.

But both of them loves it. They tasted each other out wherever their souls and body says. It was their need that drives them both to experience the best séx of their life.

To be continued…

Chapter 18

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 18

Questions

It’s the day before Paige’s trial. Nang magising si Paige kinabukasan ay pinapakiramdaman niya ang kaniyang sarili.

He felt his whole body sore as he slightly moved in his bed. Masakit ang kaniyang katawan, mahapdi ang kaniyang pang-ibabang parte ngunit napangiti na lamang siya nang maalala ang nangyari kagabi.

He is satisfied!

They were both wild last night. Ang ingay nila kagabi kaya paniguradong may nakarinig sa kanilang ginawa kagabi. And maybe, someone might have watched them in a CCTV or something.

Tired and anxious, Paige remained in his cell for the whole day. And since he has satisfied himself, his heat were no longer kicking. He’s okay now, he’s back to his original self.

He blushed when he remembered the things that they have done together. Nararamdaman pa at naalala pa ni Paige ang pakiramdam nang pagpasok ni Rafael sa kaniyang katawan. It’s completely engraved in his mind.

And so, his day passed as he slept and rested for the whole time. The next day, he woke up freshly looking with his skin glistening. His eyes were also looking alive.

“Please prepare yourself. We’ll be going to your trial any moment now.” A guard said from the outside of his cell.

Napatango na lamang si Paige bilang tugon. Nasabi na sa kaniya lahat ni Lawyer John ang kaniyang gagawin sa unang trial niya sa kasong ito.

Paige is feeling unusually okay and light as they travel to the court. Hindi siya kinakabahan. Panatag ang kaniyang puso at utak.

It’s as if he thinks that everything will be fine. That everything will go through without any problem.

Nang dumating sila sa korte ang nagulat si Paige sa dami ng reporter na nasa harapan ng korte. They were all waiting for Paige to arrive.

Naka-posas, bumaba si Paige sa bus na kanilang sinakyan kasama ang ibang mga bilanggo at ilang guard. Agad siyang dinaluhan ng mga guard na naghihintay sa labas ng bus nang makababa siya upang pigilan ang mga reporter na lumapit sa kaniya.

“Mr. Montero, is it true that you were the leader of the organisation?” One reporter asked and it was followed by many more.

“Is it true that you kidnapped kids and sold their organs in the black market?”

“Is it true that you provided military weapons to the Philippine terrorists from 3 years ago?”

Paige didn’t answer a single question as he walked towards the court but there was a question that made him stop from walking.

“Are you in an illicit affair with General Almendralejo, the fiancee of Alistair Delmentio?” One reporter asked.

Natigil sa paglalakad si Paige at nilingon ang report na nagtanong sa kaniya. Nakapalibot kay Paige ang mga guard kaya hindi ito makalapit sa kaniya. Ang tanging mic lamang nito ang nakalusot at nakatutok kay Paige.

“What did you say?” Nakakunot ang noong saad ni Paige sa reporter at lalapitan na sana niya ito ngunit pinigilan siya ng reporter, tinulak upang magpatuloy sa paglalakad.

“Wait…” Nilingon pa niya ulit ang reporter para magtanong dito ngunit hindi siya hinayaan ng mga guard na makabalik.

That question bothered him.

What does it mean?

May fiancee si Rafael?

“Please wait here until it’s your turn.” The guard sent him to a room inside the court.

Lawyer John was already inside the room, waiting for Paige to arrive.

“Good morning, Mr. Montero.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

Paige didn’t answer that, he is lost in his thoughts kaya walang sabi-sabi siyang naupo sa harap na upuan ni Lawyer John.

“Let me brief you again about the questions that might be asked of you.” Lawyer John. Tinignan niya ang madaming papel sa kaniyang kamay bago kay Paige at nagsalita.

But Paige is in deep thoughts of what the reporter had asked him. He is conflicted about what to do right now. There’s something that urge him to go ask Rafael about the truth but his case will be in a moment now.

Dahil sa lalim nang kaniyang pag-iisip, hindi niya napansin si Lawyer John na nagsasalita sa kaniyang harapan. Saka lamang siya nagising sa kaniyang pag-iisip nang biglang binagsak ni Lawyer John ang makapal na papel sa lamesa sa kanilang harapan.

“Mr. Montero!” Medyo inis na tawag ni Lawyer John kay Paige.

“Please focus right now if you want to be released today!” He added when he got Paige’s attention.

Napalunok si Paige at napatingin sa hindi niya napansing nanginginig na kamay. He’s shaking.

“Can I go to the bathroom?” Paige asked, sounded worried.

Tinawag ni Lawyer John ang isa sa mga guard at pinasamahan si Paige patungo sa cr. Walang cr sa loob ng room kaya lumabas pa siya.

“Please stop the reporters from getting near him.” Lawyer John said to the guard beside Paige as they walk towards the comfort room.

Lutang na naglalakad si Paige. His thoughts were completely ruled by the question thrown at him a while ago.

Is it true? Tanong niya sa kaniyang utak.

He didn’t know Rafael that much but he haven’t heard of him having a fiancee.

Nang makapasok si Paige sa loob ng comfort room ay tiningnan niya ang kaniyang mukha sa salamin. His face looks so bright right now. His face is glowing.

It was the after effect of his heat being fulfilled. He feels good. But if it’s true that Rafael has a fiancee, why does it matter anymore?

“Wake up. I need to get out of here.”

Sinampal niya ang kaniyang magkabilang pisngi gamit ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. Naghilamos si Paige upang magising sa kaniyang pag-iisip.

He will ask Rafael later on. That’s what he thought but someone went inside the comfort room to give a very disturbing answer.

Leon went inside right after Paige was done washing his face. Nakita agad ni Paige ang mukha nito sa salamin sa kaniyang harapan.

Leon was smirking at his back.

“Hey,” Leon amusingly greeted him. “It’s the main character of our plot here.” Dagdag nito.

“What?” Agad na nagkasalubong ang kilay ni Paige. Hindi niya maintindihan ang pinapahiwatig ni Leon.

“Who’s plotting this thing?”

Tumawa si Leon nang marinig ang sinabi ni Paige.

“Are you stupid? Hindi mo pa rin ba naiintindihan ang nangyayari ngayon?” Tanong ni Leon. “Well, if you understand a thing, you wouldn’t let a soon to be married men fcked you inside your jail.” He added.

Agad na umigting ang panga ni Paige. Parang may naputol sa kaniyang pasensya dahil agad agad niyang hinawakan sa kwelyo si Leon. He is in his police uniform right now.

“What did you say?” Tanong ni Paige dito.

“I said what I have said.” Saad ni Leon. “I know you heard that, don’t deny it.”

Hindi nakapagsalita si Paige. He can’t confirm it.

Leon saw it. Leon knows what kind of relationship he has with Rafael. And he knows a thing with Rafael that he doesn’t know.

“Is this true?” Saad ni Paige. Sinikipan pa niya lalo ang pagkakahawak sa kwelyo ni Leon.

“Were you fooled too?” Leon smirked. Nagtaka si Paige sa sinabi nito.

“Well, you really can’t trust military men. They cheat whenever they want, whomever they like.” He added.

Mas lalong sumikip ang pagkakahawak ni Paige kay Leon. Nasasakal na ito. Biglang kumatok ang guard na naghihintay sa labas.

“What’s happening?” Tanong nito ngunit hindi sila nagsalita. Narinig siguro nito ang kalabog ng tumama ang likod ni Leon sa pader.

Paige already has an idea of whoever is plotting the things that are happening with him right now. Nakita niya na iyon sa investigation na ginawa ni Lawyer John. He found clues within the data that he saw and read.

But he has no idea that Rafael has a fiancee. This is completely new to him. He hadn’t heard of that.

“Was he good?” Nakangising saad ni Leon. “Did he make you scream like he did to me? Was it crazy good?” Nakakalokong ngumiti si Leon sa harapan ni Paige.

Hinawakan ni Leon ang kamay ni Paige nasa kaniyang uniform.

“Do you think it will be good to hurt a uniformed police worker right now?” Saad nito. “Let go.”

Paige understood his situation. If Leon will report him to the court because he harms the police on duty, it will be bad for him. Which Leon could do if he wants to.

“Your crimes might be added with another offense.” Saad ni Leon. Dahan-dahan namang tinanggal ni Paige ang kaniyang kamay sa kwelyo ni Leon.

Inayos ni Leon ang kaniyang uniform at hinawakan si Paiges sa kaniyang balikat. His smirked remained as he looked at Paige looking so devastated by what he found out.

Paige couldn’t accept the things that he had known. Gusto niyang saktan si Leon ngayon upang makakuha agad ng sagot sa kaniyang mga tanong pero hindi niya iyon magawa. He controlled himself.

“Stop trying so hard to live, just die already. You’re making things hard for your father.” Leon asked, still smirking before leaving Paige inside the comfort room.

Sinundan lamang ni Paige nang tingin si Leon sa kaniyang pag-alis. Kumuyom ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. Tanda ng galit at frustration niya sa nangyayari.

His mind is yet filled again with many questions. Gulong-gulo na ang kaniyang isipan sa dami ng bagay na kaniyang iniisip at nalalaman. It flooded his mind.

Really, God may have betrayed him just like the people around him.

To be continued…

Chapter 19

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 19

Freed

Nang makabalik si Paige kung saan si Lawyer John ay nagtaka ito kung bakit nagbago ang mukha ni Paige. He looks so emotionless that it is ominous. Ang lalim ng tingin ni Paige nang pumasok ito sa kwarto.

Bagama’t hindi nagsalita si Lawyer John ay napansin nito ang pagbabago ng mood ni Paige. Lawyer John just quietly hope that it would not affect the hearing.

“Mr. Montero, you just need to answer the questions honestly okay? Just calmly do that.” Lawyer John reminded Paige to do that.

And then, it was Paige’s turn for hearing on his case. Nakaupo na ngayon si Paige sa gilid ng korte kung saan nakaupo ang defendant kasama si Lawyer John.

Tinignan niya ang manood sa kaniyang hearing. There was no familiar faces there. Kahit isang pamilya or relatives niya ay walang pumunta doon.

Maya-maya pa ay dumating ang mga judges. Nagsimula na ang kaniyang hearing.

“I solemnly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Paige with his affirmation.

Then the hearing started. Everything went smoothly. Lawyer John was doing explendidly well. Kitang-kita na siya ang nangunguna sa hearing na ito laban sa mga prosecutor.

Paige was watching the whole thing. And then, he realised that Lawyer John was doing his best defending him in this court. He was grateful.

Labis na nagulat si Paige nang biglang tumawag si Lawyer John ng ibang witnesses. Ang mas lalo pang kinagulat niya ay nang makita niya ang lima sa mga nag confess at sinabing siya ang leader ng organisation.

Tinignan niya si Lawyer John. Wala ito sa kanilang pinag-uusapan kaya medyo kinabahan si Paige. Nilingon naman siya ni Lawyer John at binigyan ng okay sign dahilan para mapanatag ang kaniyang loob.

“Your honor, the witness they brought have already made a confession against the offender. The witnesses might be irrelevant!” Saad ng prosecution.

Tinignan ng judge ang prosecution bago si Lawyer John.

“Will the affirmation do to make us trust their words?” Tanong ni Lawyer John.

Then the judges agreed to use the new witnesses for this case. Lawyer John immediately went to question the witnesses after they have spoken their affirmations. Matapos niyon ay isa-isang tinanong ang mga bagong witness.

“Have you ever contacted Mr. Montero during your illegal transactions?” Tanong ni Lawyer John sa

“No.” Sagot nito.

“Objection your honor! The witness is not telling the truth!” Sigaw ng prosecution side.

“From your messages and contacts, it’s clearly shown that Mr. Montero was here. Are you saying this is not true?” Tanong ng punong hukom.

“Yes. It’s a different number but we have saved and called the person using Mr. Montero’s name as a disguise.” Saad nito.

“Then why is these all from international calls?” Tanong muli ng punong hukom.

“The order came from Italy using a burner phone. But it wasn’t from Mr. Montero.” Saad ng witness.

Paige is now gritting his teeth. Why does the witness changing his words now? Bakit ngayon pa na nakakulong na siya. He already made a confession against him. Dapat noong una palang ay sinabi na nito ang katotohanan.

Paige is watching the hearing when felt Rafael near. Nilibot niya ang kaniyang paningin at nakita niya nga ito na bagong dating at naupo sa isa sa mga upuan.

He look at Paige. But Paige notice was the band -aid on his lower lip. Out of concern, he thought about what caused that. Pero agad din niyang pinilig ang kaniyang ulo at binalik ang tingin sa hearing.

Akala niya ay wala ito ngayon. Dahil sa kaniyang mga nalaman ay hindi na ini-expect ni Paige na pupunta pa ito sa kaniyang hearing. It’s useless to come here.

And then the hearing then proceeds with all the other witnesses turning their backs to the person who gave them the order to use him as a cover up for their crime. They revealed everything and how things are not related to Paige. That Paige is free from all of these charges.

Paige smiled. Although things were hard for him, he still smiled. Especially to Lawyer John who gave his best to protect him and defend in this case.

“Thank you,” Agad-agad na saad ni Paige dito ng matapos ang hearing. Niyakap niya si Lawyer John ng mahigpit. He can’t be thankful enough.

Agad-agad na lumabas ang resulta ng hearing. Naging malaya si Paige sa mga krimeng pinaratang sa kaniya at makakatanggap pa siya ng kompinsasyon dahil sa pinsalang tinamo niya.

It was thanks to the witnesses who established and strengthen his side, mas lumaki ang tyansa niyang manalo sa hearing na ito.

“What are you going to do now?” Tanong ni Lawyer John sa kaniya ng makalabas sila sa court room.

“I am taking him.” Si Rafael galing sa likuran ni Paige. Bigla itong nawala nang mawala ang ibang witness sa court.

Lawyer John smiled at Rafael. His mouth opened with movements of uttering “good job” without a sound.

Nilingon ni Paige si Rafael na nasa kaniyang likuran. He is going to vent out at him right now but he remembered that they are still in the court.

Nanatili silang magkatitigan nang magpaalam si Lawyer John na aalis na. Pansin-pansin ang band-aid sa mukha ni Rafael at ilang maliit na sugat sa ilang parte ng mukha nito.

“Let’s go.” Saad ni Rafael. Sinundan ni Paige ito at pumunta sa parking lot ng court.

Dumating sila sa kotse ni Rafael. It was a black tinted tesla, the latest and newest model.

“Ah. I need to change first.” Saad ni Paige ng maalalang hindi pa pala siya nakapagpalit.

“There’s t-shirt and pants inside my car. You can change inside.” Saad ni Rafael. Binuksan ni Rafael ang front seat nito at pinapapasok si Paige. Sinunod naman iyon ni Paige.

Umikot si Rafael at bumalik sa driver’s seat ng tesla. Inabot niya sa back seat ang isang paper bag at ibinigay kay Paige.

“Open it. Change into those.” Saad ni Rafael. He was looking straight at Paige.

Agad na binuksan ni Paige ang paper bag at nakitang damit iyon na saktong sakto sa kaniya.

“Are you going to watch me?” Awkward na saad ni Paige.

Hindi sumagot si Rafael. He is still eyeing Paige. Kanina pa niya ito tinitignan pero nahihirapan siyang basahin ang mga mata nito. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit nawala ang kinang ng mga mata nito kahit na malapit siya dito.

From time to time, he could see Paige’s eyes glistening when he is with him. But now, it’s nowhere to be seen.

“I have seen your whole body. It’s okay.” Saad ni Rafael.

“Fine,”

Walang nagawa si Paige kundi maghubad sa loob ng kotse habang pinapanood siya ni Rafael.

Nang matapos si Paige ay nagtaka siya kung bakit tahimik lamang si Rafael na pinapanood siya kaya tinignan niya ito. Rafael was seriously looking at him. Paige licked his lips.

“What’s going on with your mind?” Rafael asked.

“Nothing.” Paige shrugged. “Can I borrow your phone? Nakalimutan ko kunin iyong mga gamit ko na hinuli nila.” Saad niya.

“What are you planning? You’re not planning to leave me now that you’re freed, aren’t you?” Tanong muli ni Rafael.

Hindi sumagot si Paige. Inalis niya ang kaniyang tingin sa mukha ni Rafael.

“What’s gotten into you?” Tanong ni Paige.

“What are you thinking?” Pilit na namang tanong ni Rafael.

He wants to nag Paige. He is suspicious of it. Sa loob palang ng court room, iba na ang tingin na binibigay sa kaniya ni Paige.

“I said, nothing. Wala nga, Rafael.” Saad ni Paige.

“Look at-” Naputol ang pagsasalita ni Rafael ng biglang sumigaw si Paige.

“Just fucking drive! Dumidilim na! Gusto ko munang magpahinga!” Sigaw niya.

Nagulat si Rafael sa sigaw na ‘yon ni Paige. It was not right on his face but it was so loud. Kinuyom ni Rafael ang kaniyang kamay na nakahawak sa manibela.

He didn’t speak after that. Tinignan niya lamang si Paige, galit na ngayon ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito.

Kinuha ni Rafael ang phone sa kaniyang bulsa.

“Here,” Pagbibigay ni Rafael dito sa kaniya ng cellphone ngunit hindi iyon tinanggap ni Paige.

“I have changed my mind. Just drive me home. Ang layo pa ng byahe na’tin!” Reklamo ni Paige.

“I’m tired, please.”

To be continued…

Chapter 20

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 20

Attack

It’s true that Paige is tired. He is exhausted. As much as he wants to ask Rafael about the things that he had known, there’s something that is stopping him.

Maybe he is afraid. He is afraid that it’s true. Takot siyang malaman na totoo iyon. Takot siyang marinig mula kay Rafael na meron nga. Takot siyang marinig na hindi iyon totoo, na maniniwala na naman siya at sa huli, maloloko na naman siya.

Paige became so weak. Humina na ngayon ang kaniyang pagdedesisyon. Masyado na siyang nag o-overthink. Hindi na niya alam kung paano timbangin ang katotohanan sa hindi. He can’t tell the truth or lies around him.

Due to the things that happened to him, he became so vulnerable that it made him anxious about what’s true and which is not.

He slowly succumbs to the feeling of uncertainty. He is in a state where he would questions everything around him. That he would become suspicious of everything.

He is losing himself, in a world where reality are worsened by lies and things are manipulated by people around him.

It’s as if Paige was in a chess board, in which he is just a pawn controlled by the player.

Paige smiled bitterly as he saw the city lights as they travel across Taguig. They are now leaving this place and traveling towards Makati. It has been a while since he last saw the glitters coming from light of the buildings at night.

They were both silent. Walang nagsasalita sa kanila at tahimik lamang sa loob ng kotse. Paige is looking outside while Rafael is focused on the road at the same time eyeing Paige.

Rafael tried to reach for Paige’s hand that is resting on his leg but when Paige felt that, iniwas niya ang kaniyang kamay. Binawi na lamang ni Rafael ang kaniyang kamay at napalunok.

Kumunot ang kaniyang noo at napag-isip kung ano ang ginawa niyang mali upang magalit si Paige ngayon.

“Tell me what’s going on, baby.” Rafael initiated.

Alam ni Rafael na galit si Paige ngayon. If he wasn’t, he would be so happy that he got out of his cell and would be smiling right now. But he wasn’t. Instead, he feels distant to him.

“Answer me.” Rafael said again when Paige didn’t reply to him.

“Nothing. I’m too tired to speak for now.” Saad ni Paige.

Rafael wouldn’t accept that reason. Pero hinayaan niyo na lang muna na manahimik si Paige.

Lumagpas na sila ngayon sa maraming buildings. Kumunti na lamang ang mga kabahayan na kanilang nadadaanan.

“Where are we going anyway?” Tanong ni Paige.

“We’ll stay at my condo tonight. Then we’ll visit your home the next day.” Sagot ni Rafael at tinignan si Paige sa kaniyang gilid. He is still looking outside the window.

“Okay…” Tanging saad muli ni Paige.

It’s better to stay with Rafael for now. Hindi alam ni Paige kung ano ang naghihintay sa kaniya sa kanilang mansion o sa kaniyang iniwan na condo sa BGC. It is much safer to stay with Rafael, he thought.

Their silence continues as they travel. Pareho silang walang imik at parehong pinapakiramdaman ang bawat isa.

“What’s that?” Saad ni Paige ng makita ang nakakasilaw na ilaw mula sa kanilang unahan.

Bright lights were blocking their sight of what’s in front of them. Hindi nila makita ang daan. Humina ang pagpapatakbo ni Rafael sa kotse. It’s normal that there will be light from the other side of the road blocking them but it’s in one part of the road only. Pero ang ilaw na tumatama sa kanilang mata ay sakop ang buong kalsada.

Walang kabahayan sa gilid ng kalsada at puro lamang mga puno ang makikita sa paligid. Wala ding ilaw sa kanilang dinadaanan. Ang mas nakakapagtaka pa ay wala silang nakakasalubong na kotse.

Huminto na ngayon si Rafael sa pagpapatakbo ng kaniyang kotse. Iba na ngayon ang pakiramdam ni Paige sa nangyayari.

“Don’t open the door no matter what happens.” Saad ni Rafael kay Paige habang matiim na nakatitig sa harapan. Sinulyapan din ni Rafael ang kanilang likuran at nakita ganoon din sa kanilang pinanggalingan. The roads were blocked!

Rafael didn’t notice that he was being followed, not until he stopped driving. Huminto rin kasi ang mga sasakyan sa kanilang likuran.

“We are cornered.” Saad ni Rafael.

“What?” Gulat na saad ni Paige. Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso dahil sa kaba.

May lumabas na silhouette mula sa ilaw galing sa kanilang harapan. Ganon din sa kanilang likuran. Mas lalo pang kinabahan si Paige ng makita ang position ng mga anino. Their arms were raised as if they were pointing guns towards them.

“Don’t worry my car is bulletproof.” Saad ni Rafael upang maibsan ang kaba ni Paige.

“What should we do?” Saad ni Paige, natataranta at kinakabahan. Tinignan niya si Rafael na kalmado lamang ina-analisa ang nangyayari.

“We’ll just go straight at them.” Saad ni Rafael.

Napaawang ang labi ni Paige sa sinabi ni Rafael.

“Are you crazy?” Sigaw ni Paige dito.

Pero hindi na nakasagot si Rafael nang bumuhos ang mga bala sa kanila. Multiple gun shots were heard from different directions. Pinaulanan ng bala ang kanilang kotse na siyang dahilan kung bakit napatakip ng tenga si Paige. Nanginginig na siya ngayong nakayuko sa kaniyang upuan.

“Seat belts on.” Saad ni Rafael pero hindi iyon masyadong narinig ni Paige dahil sa ingay ng balang sunod-sunod na tumatama sa kanila.

Rafael immediately accelerated the car. Pinaandar niya iyon patungo sa kanilang harapan sa napakabilis na takbo.

The gunshot never stopped until they went near the attacker. Mabuti na lamang at dalawang kotse lamang ang nakaharang sa kalsada. Binangga ni Rafael ang pagitan ng dalawang kotseng nakaharang upang makadaan.

Mabuti na lamang at parehong silang naka-seat belt kaya hindi masyadong naramdaman ang impact ng kanilang pagkabangga.

They successfully went past the attacker. Tinignan ni Rafael ang side mirror ng kaniyang kotse at nakita niyang nakasunod na ngayon ang mga ito sa kanila.

Rafael expected that someone might attack Paige as soon as he got out of prison. Their plan to use Paige as bait failed, that’s why they will kill him to destroy the Montero empire.

The chase continued until they reached the city of Makati. Masyado ng gabi kaya kunti na lamang ang mga kotseng dumadaan sa kalsada.

“Request for backup.” Rafael said on his radio.

“Roger that.” Sagot ng nasa kabilang linya.

Paige who was still shaking due to fear looks at their front and back to see the people chasing them.

“What’s their deal?” Tanong ni Paige.

“They want you dead, but I’ll never let that happen.” Saad ni Rafael na siyang nagpagulat kay Paige.

Kinuha ni Rafael ang nakatagong baril sa kaniyang kotse. Naglabas ito ng dalawang baril muli sa gilid ng kaniyang upuan habang patuloy na mabilis na nagmamaneho.

“Here, use this as your protection.” Saad ni Rafael at iniabot ang isang baril kay Paige. Sa nanginginig na kamay ay tinanggap iyon ni Paige.

Nakalayo na sila ng kunti sa humahabol sa kanila. They are still in the middle of the national road of Makati not until Rafael turns his wheel to one of the crossroads. Bigla nitong pinahinto ang kotse sa isang madilim at masikip na iskinita.

“The reinforcement will be here sooner. Just stay inside this car. Never come out.” Saad ni Rafael. Tinanggal nito ang kaniyang seatbelt.

“Where are you going?” Tanong ni Paige kay Rafael.

“I’ll try to stop them.” Saad ni Rafael habang hawak ang baril sa kaniyang kamay. “They will continue chasing us until they are done with their business. We have no choice but to kill them before they could kill you.” Dagdag ni Rafael.

Paige is scared. He is trembling as he watches Rafael check his gun. Tinignan siya ni Rafael. Rafael looks so serious right now. Tinaas nito ang kamay niya at hinaplos ang mukha ni Paige.

“We’ll be fine, don’t worry.” He said, he smiled a little. Iniling ni Paige ang kaniyang ulo.

“Don’t go out.” Saad ni Paige. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Rafael.

“Mauubusan tayo ng gasolina kung patuloy lang tayong tatakbo. I’ll kill them bago nila tayo maunahan.” Saad ni Rafael kay Paige.

“Baby, trust me.”

To be honest, Rafael is not sure. Napansin niya kaninang dumami ang kotseng humahabol sa kanila. The chances of surviving alone… is low.

It’s do or die now. He has no choice but to face them off.

“Give me 15 minutes, I’ll be back.” Rafael said while still holding Paige’s face with his two hands with the other one holding a gun.

“If I wasn’t still back, prioritize yourself. Escape from here.” Dagdag ni Rafael.

“No…” Nanginginig ang labing saad ni Paige.

Labis labis ang takot na nararamdaman ngayon ni Paige. On the other hand, Rafael bravely look at Paige with full of determination.

“Don’t come out or open the door unless it’s me.” Rafael warned Paige.

Kaya walang nagawa si Paige kundi hayaan na lamang si Rafael na lumabas sa kotse.

Inside the car, he saw Rafael’s back slowly fading from his sight. After a while, he heard gunshots again. Hindi iyon kalayuan sa kaniyang pwesto. Nanginginig ang kamay niyang hawak ang baril habang binibilang ang minutong lumipas.

His heart were beating so fast as the time passed by. His eyes remained on the road where Rafael went, where he lost sight of him. He waited for Rafael to come back safe as the gunshots continued to echo in his ears.

To be continued…

Chapter 21

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 21

Alive

But after all the gunshots, a moment of silence came, and Rafael never came back.

“Rafael…” Paige said worriedly.

Paige is still sitting on the front seat, while leaning back to see any signs of Rafael. Matapos ang sunod-sunod na paputok, hinintay ni Paige ang pagbalik ng anino ni Rafael. Ngunit makalipas lamang ang ilang minuto, nagsulputan ang higit sa tatlong anino sa pwestong kaniyang tinitignan.

Terrified, Paige moved immediately to the driver’s seat as soon as he saw the shadows moving faster towards him. Takot na takot siya ng paandarin niya ang makina ng kotse. Sa nanginginig na kamay ay minaneho niya ang kotse.

Without waiting for Rafael.

It is the rush of fear that made him do that. Nang makita niya ang mga ito na tumatakbo ay alam niyang kasama ito ng humahabol sa kaniya upang patayin siya.

And he remembered Rafael mentioning that he should escape if he won’t make it back.

Sunod-sunod ang pagmumurang ginagawa ni Paige habang nagmamaneho at pasulyap-sulyap sa side mirror upang tignan ang kaniyang likuran kung may nakasunod sa kaniya.

He is driving mindlessly. Not until he saw the navigation of the car. He’s traveling away from Makati. Nang makita niyang may daan pabalik upang makapunta siya sa Manila ay iyon ang kaniyang tinahak.

The Mansion! He thought that he would be safe as long as he went there. Kunti na lamang ang gas ng kotse dahilan para mapamurang muli si Paige.

Sobrang lalim na ng gabi na makarating siya sa Manila. He saw the familiar buildings around him and drove to the avenue towards their home after minutes of driving. He just hopes that he is safe there.

Kahit na walang kasiguraduhan ay tinahak ni Paige ang daan patungo sa kanilang mansion. Kahit na hindi niya alam kung may naghihintay pa ba sa kaniyang pamilya.

Bumagal ang pagpapatakbo ni Paige nang makita sa kalayuan ang gate ng kanilang subdivision. Tutuloy sana siya ngunit huminto siya ng makita ang kakaibang guards na nakaaguwardiya sa gate. He stopped and observed the situation first.

There’s no guard outside their mansion. Normally, it would be inside the gate. But now, they are waiting outside which is suspicious. It’s as if they are waiting for someone to arrive and protect the gate for someone to leave.

“Fuck…” Pagmumura ni Paige. His heart never stops beating faster due to fear. Takot na takot parin siya.

He made a turn. Kahit na takot siya ay susubukan parin niyang makapunta sa mansion. Wala siyang ibang mapupuntahan ngayon maliban sa kanilang mansion.

He has no friends here in the Philippines. He never made one. Kaya wala siyang ibang masasandalan ngayon.

Kaya naman ay pumunta siya sa likod na parte ng subdivision. There’s a shortcut that Paige only knew. As a kid, Paige used to play so much that he made his own escape exit in their mansion. He just hopes that it’s still there.

Dahil malalim na ang gabi ay walang nakapansin sa kaniya. He stopped when he was near the hole. If his memory served him correctly, there was a hole that he made on the wall of their backyard. Kaya ayon agad ang kaniyang hinahanap nang lumabas siya sa kotse.

“Found it,” Saad niya ng makita niya itong natatabunan na ng damo. Thanks to his quirky side, he made the hole big enough for him to escape quickly as a kid. Kaya ngayon ay saktong-sakto ang butas upang makapasok siya.

Medyo nahirapan pa siya dahil sa dami ng damong nakapalibot sa butas. When he did, bumungad sa kaniya ang madilim na parte ng kanilang backyard. May mga puno sa parteng iyon kaya nahihirapan siyang makita ang pathway patungo sa kanilang backyard kung nasaan ang kanilang mansion.

Akala ni Paige ay walang tao sa kanilang mansion ngunit naaaninag niya ito na punong-puno ng ilaw. Lahat ata ng ilaw ay naka-on kaya nakikita niya ito sa malayo. Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad patungo sa mansion. Pero hindi pa siya nakakatapak sa back yard ay nakita na niya ang isang taong nakaupo sa isa sa mga upuan sa tabi ng swimming pool.

Napatigil si Paige at napaawang ang kaniyang labi. Not yet satisfied with the view, naglakad pa siya ng kaunti bago tuluyang naklaro ang mukha ng taong kaniyang nakita.

Shocked of the sight, napahawak siya sa kaniyang labi at mahinang napabulong.

“Father…”

His father is alive. The person leisurely drinking alcohol is his father, who he thought died!

Agad na gumuho si Paige sa kaniyang nakita. What’s going on? Bakit buhay pa ang kaniyang tatay?

Paige couldn’t think of why his father is still alive. It’s that he is, but how and why would he fake his death?

Akala niya patay na ito!

And then, Paige thought that it was his father who controlled everything! That it is the father who manipulated things to come this way.

Naging malabo ang paningin ni Paige. Sumakit din ang kaniyang ulo. It’s too much for him. The things that are happening are too much. He is still clouded by what’s going on. He solely relied on his thoughts and suspicions for the past days, it was never confirmed for him to stop overthinking things.

Lalo na ngayong buhay pala ang kaniyang tatay ay hindi maitago ang kaniyang takot. Maybe, it was his father who did all of these? That maybe it was his father who wanted him dead?

Tuluyang gumuho si Paige ng makita niya ang lumabas sa mansiyon. Hawak-hawak ang bote ng alak ay nakangiting pumunta ang kaniyang nanay sa pwesto ng kaniyang tatay.

They were happy! As if there’s nothing going on! Parang normal lamang ang mga ito, healthy, at walang katakot-takot sa kanilang buhay.

Nanginginig na ngayon ang buong katawan ni Paige.

He never heard a thing from them ever since he came here in the Philippines. Not even once they contacted him in his imprisonment. If they were alive and okay, they should have told Paige!

But they never did.

They never cared for Paige.

They let him suffer through all of these alone.

With his shaking legs, hands, and lips, Paige managed to move more. Ngayon ay naririnig na niya ang halakhak ng kaniyang mga magulang na masayang nag-iinoman.

“We haven’t done this for a while,” It his mom who sweetly spoke to his father. She is smiling as she poured more alcohol in his father’s glass.

The two of them are both happy while Paige is in the shadows under the tree with his whole body shaking due to all of the emotions that he felt right now. Takot, masaya, na may halong pangamba ang sabay-sabay na nararamdaman ni Paige ngayon.

A man on his tux went running towards his father. It is an unfamiliar face for Paige but the person is working for his father.

“Sir, Rafael and Paige were attacked on their way home.” The guy announced.

“What?!” Gulat na saad ng kaniyang nanay.

Paige couldn’t clearly hear the things that they spoke due to the distance. He could barely hear them talk.

“Rafael’s body was found, but Young Montero is nowhere to be found.” The men said.

“Then, immediately find him!” Biglang sigaw ng kaniyang tatay at tumayo sa kaniyang kinauupuan.

Nagulat si Paige dahil sa biglang pagsigaw ng kaniyang tatay.

Biglang nanumbalik ang takot ni Paige. Dahil sa biglang pagsigaw ng kaniyang tatay ay nahimasmasan siya.

He needs to escape!

His mind is telling him that this place is dangerous. That he needs to run right away.

With his mind filled with that thought, he went back to where he came from. Mabilis siyang nakalabas at nakasakay sa kotse.

Hindi na niya ngayon alam ang kaniyang pupuntahan. But it wasn’t time for him to think about where to go, he just needed to get out of here as soon as possible, as far as he could.

But Paige could barely move away from the mansion. Naubusan ng gas ang kotseng kaniyang sinasakyan. He looked around him, it is somewhere far but it’s still near his father. Sa kalayuan ay nakikita niya ang buildings at kung saan ang public market.

They might have found him if he continued to stay inside this unusable car. Kailangan niyang iwan ito upang makatakas. But he has no money and barely energy to move along.

Paige then search Rafael’s car. And yet again, he was saved by Rafael.

Agad na tumulo ang luha ni Paige ng makita ang wallet ni Rafael. Binuksan niya ito at nakita niya ang mukha ni Rafael na nakasuot ng army uniform at katabi nito ay ang kaniyang mukha na nakasuot ng chef attire. It was a stolen shot of him but were put and faced towards Rafael. It looks like they were couple.

Paige saw some cash inside his wallet and his card. Without a second thought, he abandoned the car. Nanghihina na ngayon ang katawan ni Paige sa pagod pero pinilit niyang makalayo doon.

He just needs to escape from here, to end this long night of running away, fighting for and saving his life.

To be continued…

Chapter 22

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 22

Womb

Escaping is never been Paige’s expertise. At this moment, he doesn’t know what to do. When he left Rafael 3 years ago, hindi iyon sinasadya dahil nagkataon lamang na pupunta siya sa Italy. Matagal na iyon na kaniyang plano kaya hindi pagtakas ang nangyari noon.

It was fate that made them far from each other after meeting up. And right at this moment, it might also be the fate that pushes them away from one another.

Recalling all the things that happened is too much for Paige. Ang hirap balikan ng mga alaalang iyon. And all those memories hunted him every night.

“Paeng!” Diego called him.

Paige that night barely left Manila with the little cash he found on Rafael’s wallet. When he saw the first trip of the bus towards Valenzuela. And it wasn’t yet far for Paige, he rode another bus and reached Angeles for the whole day.

Gabi na ng makarating siya sa Angeles. He was tired and exhausted from all of those travels. Pagod na pagod siya sa byahe lalo na’t hindi pa siya makakain ng mabuti. All he did was eat ready to eat foods and water. There’s nothing that he could think about but running away.

He stayed in Angeles for the night. He booked an inn for him to rest. But he never did rest. Hindi siya makatulog sa unang gabi ng kaniyang pagtakas. Hindi maalis sa kaniyang isipan na baka may nakasunod sa kaniya.

He hasn’t gotten a proper sleep and yet he travelled again. He stopped for a while in Tarlac but immediately traveled to Dagupan at night. The second night was the same. Hindi siya makatulog at mapakali. He also couldn’t eat properly.

The third day he went to Baguio. His money was running out. Kunti nalang ang natitirang pera niya. And that’s when signs showed up. Akala niya ay dahil lang sa pagod kaya siya mabilis na mahilo. Balak sana niyang magpahinga sa Baguio sa gabing iyon ng isang araw ngunit ang isang araw ay naging dalawa, hanggang sa maging tatlo, at naging buong week na.

He is throwing up everything that he eats. It’s his seventh day here in Baguio and he is still feels sick. Nagsusuka at nahihilo siya. He never thought that it could be something else.

He’s still thinking about a lot of things and what happened. Hindi pa siya nakaka-move on sa nangyayari. He lacks news about what’s happening after he left. Wala siyang narinig na balita mula sa kaniyang mga magulang.

Lalong-lalo na sa nangyari kay Rafael. It wasn’t on the news. They never announced what happened to him that night. Kaya mas dumami ang iniisip ni Paige.

Did he live?

Is he okay?

He has no news of him. Hindi niya rin magawang bumili ng cellphone sa takot na malocate siya once na binuksan niya ang kaniyang mga social media.

He has no money left. Hindi niya rin magamit ang card ni Rafael sa takot na ma-track nila ang kaniyang location. And that if he did, he might be in danger again.

He hasn’t left his room ever since. His foods were given to him by the inn he checked into. He remained inside his room for all those days and nights. But the night of his 7th stay was different.

Pinagkakatok ang pinto ng kwarto ni Paige. Ang simpleng katok ay naging marahas. Paige immediately went inside the comfort room, waiting for the person to stop knocking. Afraid, he left that place immediately. Iniwan niya lamang ang bayad niya sa kaniyang kwarto. Since he doesn’t have anything with him, nakaalis siya ng mabilis.

And that’s when things are harder for Paige. Penniless, he went to San Fernando. But when he arrived, and as he roamed around the new place he went to, he fell down in the middle of the street at daylight. Tirik na tirik ang araw ng mahimatay siya sa gitna ng kalsada.

When he woke up, he was in a completely unfamiliar place. Agad na bumangon si Paige ng magising siya. Nilibot niya ang kaniyang paningin at pinakiramdaman ang kaniyang katawan.

Ang kaniyang damit ay nag iba!

Gusto niyang tumayo kaagad ngunit hindi niya magawa. Hindi niya maikilos ang kaniyang katawan sa hindi malamang dahilan.

“Oh hijo, gising ka na.” Paige immediately saw an old woman approaching him.

Paige couldn’t utter a word. Hindi siya makapagsalita. Napansin iyon ng matanda at binigyan siya ng maiinom na tubig.

His throat was hurting when he tried to speak. And when that water came flowing through it, it felt better. Tuyong-tuyo ang kaniyang lalamunan!

“Nahimatay ka sa harapan ng tindahan ko kaya dinala kita dito sa aming bahay.” Saad ng matanda kay Paige habang nakangiti.

The old woman looks harmless but Paige couldn’t stop eyeing him with his brows cohering.

“Ipaghahanda kita ng makakain mo. Dito ka lang at magpahinga.” Saad ng matanda sa kaniya.

Umalis ang matanda sa kaniyang harapan ng hindi siya makatanggap ng sagot kay Paige. Paige looked at everything around him. The house was simple and yet neat. It was properly cleaned.

And that’s where he meets Lola Viola, the person who saved him when he passed out. For two straight days, Lola Viola helped him without asking Paige for anything. She never asked Paige about his name. She never questioned why he is here.

Paige couldn’t speak for a day. He couldn’t move his body for hours until he got his energy back. Pagod na pagod at gutom na gutom pala siya kaya siya nahimatay. Mabuti na lamang ay natulungan siya kaagad ni Lola Viola.

Lola Viola is living alone in her house not so far from the market place, where she works as a tindera in her vegetable shop. Naglalako ito ng gulay na galing mismo sa kaniyang garden. Binibenta nito ang gulay na kaniyang nakuha sa kaniyang mismong mga pananim.

Paige was watching Lola Viola do that for 2 days. And today, he decided to help her. For two days, he is now completely feeling safe with Lola Viola. She was harmless. That’s what Paige thought.

But everything fell when Lola Viola’s son came back. Sinabi ni Lols Viola na mag-isa lamang ito kaya nagtaka siya kung bakit biglang may dumating na anak nito.

“Marco!” Sigaw ni Lola Viola.

“Lola!” Sigaw ng bagong dating habang malaki ang ngiti nito.

“May nakuha ka ba?” Nakangiting saad ni Lola Viola at nilapitan ang tinawag niyang Marco.

Curious, Paige went along Lola Viola. Hindi siya pinakilala ni Lola Viola at tinignan lamang siya ni Marco na para bang kilala na siya nito at alam niyang narito na siya.

“Sobrang dami ng laman, Lola!” Saad ni Marco. “Kaya binili ko lahat ng gusto mo, andon pa sa tricycle at ipapasok na ni Manong sa bahay.”

Biglang pumasok ang isang Manong dala-dala ang malalaki at madaming supot sa kamay nito.

“Mukhang mapera kayo ngayon, Lola Viola.” Nakangiting saad ng Manong sa matanda.

“Nako! Maswerte lang kami dahil sa aming napulot!” Saad ni Lola Viola at nakangiting tinignan si Paige.

Paige couldn’t get at first. But when he saw the things that they have bought, he remembered the wallet that was with him.

“Nasaan ang wallet?” Agad na tanong ni Paige dito.

“Anong wallet?” Kunwari ay hindi alam na tanong ni Lola Viola. Masaya nitong tinitignan ang mga bagong gamit na pinamili ni Marco sa loob ng kanilang bahay.

“Nasaan ang wallet ko?!” Sigaw ni Paige.

He looked at Marco who was shocked by his sudden shout. Marco was around 19 years old. Mas matangkad ito sa kaniya pero mas malaki naman ang kaniyang katawan.

“Iyan ba ang pang sukli mo sa pagtulong namin sa’yo?” Saad ni Lola Viola. Nagulat si Paige dahil doon.

And then he got it. Tinulungan siya ng mga ito para lamang may makuha ang mga ito sa kaniya.

That day, he left Lola Viola’s house. Apparently, Marco used one of Rafael’s cards. Nag withdraw ito ng pera at ginamit ng mga gamit. Naagaw ni Paige ang cards at iilang pera sa mga ito.

Nagsisimula na sana siyang pagkatiwalaan si Lola Viola pero agad-agad din iyong naputol. It has become crazy for Paige.

There’s no one that he can trust here in this world. His father, his mother, his relatives, Lola Viola, and even… Rafael.

If Marco have used one his card, he might be notified by the sudden withdrawal from his ATM. It can also mean that he didn’t cut it off so that Paige could use it and he could trace him.

Due to that, Paige yet again traveled from this place. Tumakbo siyang muli palayo sa lugar na ito. It’s not safe anymore. He has never been.

Nanumbalik ang kaba sa kaniyang puso at takot sa kaniyang isipan. He can’t stop thinking about all the possibilities that could arise from this situation.

Na baka agad-agad siyang mahanap at ipapatay. Na baka tangayin na naman siya sa hindi inaasahang paraan.

He is afraid. He is afraid for himself… and for the child inside his womb.

To be continued…

Chapter 23

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 23

Angel

Trust.

Why is it very important? Why does it matter? Why do we need to give that to other people?

People tell lies. People are manipulative and deceptive human being. People are born with the trait of deceiving others. It will always run in our veins.

Conscience? It doesn’t exist. It doesn’t matter to people who sees nothing but their own selfishness. If they gain something from telling lies, manipulating and deceiving others, it’s all good for them.

“Hoy! Paeng!” Ito na ang pangalawang beses na tinawag ni Diego si Paige.

“A-ano ‘yon?” Sagot ni Paige. Nakatulala kasi siya habang nakatayo sa kaniyang pwesto.

“Iyong niluluto mo, parang nasusunog na!” Sigaw nito sa kaniya.

Agad nilingon ni Paige ang kawaling nasa kaniyang harapan. The food he were cooking is overcooked! Pangit na tuloy ang lasa niyon pero with Paige’s skill, he immediately saved that.

“Tikman mo nga kung okay na.” Mahinahong saad ni Paige.

“Masarap! Masarap palagi basta ikaw ang nagluluto!” Saad ni Diego sa kaniya.

Diego is the son of the owner of this place, the Aling Belen’s Restaurant. He is one of Paige’s friends after 6 years of escaping.

“Sige, aalis na ako at susunduin ko pa si Angelo!” Saad ni Paige.

“Salamat, Diego.” Saad ni Paige habang nakatingin kay Diego na naglalakad paalis.

Nasa kusina sila ng restaurant kung saan nagtratrabaho ngayon si Paige bilang kusinero. Nilipat ni Paige ang kaniyang bagong luto sa lalagyan at maingat niya iyong dinala sa labas upang i-display kasama ng ibang ulam na kanilang paninda.

From afar, Paige saw Aling Belen cleaning one of the tables. Walang natira sa counter maliban sa kaniya kaya wala siyang nagawa kundi pansinin ang mga bagong pasok na customer. Hindi pa siya ganoon kasanay dahil sa nangyari sa kaniya kaya nakayuko niyang kinausap ang mamimili.

Palagi siyang nasa loob ng kusina bilang taga-luto ng mga ulam. Ngayon ay nakayuko siyang nakaharap sa customer.

“A-anong sa inyo?” Tanong ni Paige. Tinignan niya ang mga ulam sa kanilang harapan.

“Magkano ito?” Tanong ng customer.

“30 pesos per serving.” Malamyang sagot ni Paige.

He is shaking! Right now, mahigpit niyang hinahawakan ang kaniyang kamay na nanginginig sa maliit na pag-uusap lamang nila ng customer.

He is afraid. He has always been ever since. Simula noon, palagi na siyang natatakot.

Mabuti na lamang ay agad na nakabalik si Aling Belen sa kaniyang pwesto kaya naman ay umalis kaagad si Paige sa tabi nito at bumalik sa kusina.

“Fuck…” Pagmumura niya habang tinitignan ang kaniyang kamay na nanginginig.

Sa nakalipas na taon, habang namumuhay na palaging tumatakbo at iniisip na nasa panganib siya, naging mahina ang kaniyang loob. Ang kaniyang utak ay palaging nag o-overthink. Ginagawa niyang big deal ang mga maliit na kilos, gawa o salita na sa tingin niya ay makakapanakit sa kaniya.

He was always on edge. Palagi siyang naka-observe sa kaniyang palagid. Palaging naka-tatak sa kaniyang isipan na sa kunting pikit lamang ng kaniyang mata ay baka may bala ng tumama sa kaniyang katawan.

Paige sighed. Nakakapagod na pero kailangan niyang magpatuloy.

Masyado ng matagal na panahon ang lumipas pero para kay Paige ay parang kagabi lang nangyari ang lahat. Na-aalala pa niya ang lahat ng mga nangyari. Ang mga bagay na kaniyang nalaman, ang mga tanong sa kaniyang isipan na hindi masagot-sagot hanggang ngayon ay buhay pa sa kaniyang isipan.

Lalong-lalo na ang kasinungalingan na nagpaguho sa kaniyang buhay. Kung paano siya napaikot sa kamay ng taong hindi niya nakikita.

It was tormenting, but Paige survived this far.

Mahirap. Right after he knew that he was pregnant, naging mahirap pa lalo ang lahat.

He developed distrust towards other people. He lived in a world where there’s no one he could trust, believe, and rely on except for himself.

Sa kaniyang pagbubuntis ay hindi siya bumisita sa hospital para mag pa-check up. Hinayaan niya lamang ang kaniyang tiyan na lumaki hanggang sa kapanganakan niya.

Dahil iyon sa takot niyang baka malaman ng mga humahabol sa kaniya ang kaniyang location. Dahil din sa kawalan niya ng tiwala sa paligid niya. He overthinks things even if it hasn’t happened yet. He saw far from what was happening in his present. Inaakala niya at iniisip ang possibleng mangyari sa bawat kilos niya at ng mga tao sa kaniyang paligid.

He continued to travel even if he was pregnant. But it slowed as his stomach became big that made him hard to travel alone. 9 months passed and he arrived at Claveria.

Here he saw Aling Belen’s Restaurant. It is a two storey small building. The first floor is a restaurant and on its second floor are boarding rooms. Doon nanalagi si Paige hanggang sa tuluyan siyang nanganak doon.

No one was beside him that time. No one knows that it was time he gave birth. But thankfully, Aling Belen and Diego heard Paige’s growl upstairs before it was too late.

It was Aling Belen who assisted and guided him in giving birth. Hindi niya ito kilala kaya sobra ang hesitasyon na kaniyang naramdaman pero wala siyang nagawa dahil lalabas na ang kaniyang.

“Ahh…” Sigaw ni Paige. He was holding so tight on Diego’s hands while Aling Belen was on his hole, waiting for his offspring to come out.

It was a successful home delivery but what terrifies Paige was the sight of his offspring. Sobrang payat nito at hindi umiiyak.

Kaya akala ni Paige ay patay na ito sa unang tingin niya dito. His suffering where for nothing when the child is dead!

Pero si Aling Belen ay ginawa ang lahat ng kaniyang makakaya upang mapaiyak ang bata. Pinalo niya ito ng mahina upang mapaiyak.

And before Paige closes his eyes at that moment, he hears his small cry.

“Ano bang ginawa mo sa sarili mo at sa iyong anak?” Iyon ang agad ang bungad ni Aling Belen kay Paige ng magising siya.

Nakatanggap agad siya ng sermon dahil sa delikadong nangyari. Paige could have died and his child. Mabuti na lamang at nariyan sina Aling Belen and Diego na kahit hindi siya kilala ng mga ito ay tinulungan parin siya.

His son was very thin when it was born. Malnourished and was always chasing his breath. And it made Paige regret that he didn’t take care of himself. It was all his fault kung bakit ganito ang estado ng kaniyang anak.

The child looks unhealthy for his first days. Palaging takot si Paige kapag nakikita niyang umiiyak ito o hindi kaya ay nahihirapang huminga.

For the past nine months during his pregnancy, Paige never had enough food for himself especially those healthy foods. He lacks sleep because he couldn’t sleep at night. He was always on the run and that’s why he never found a place to stay for over 3 days. And at that time, he never thought about the child inside his womb.

With all the things that had happen to Paige, he never thought about the burden and hardship of raising a child. He could barely take care of himself this time and how could he took care of his child?

And Paige is in a state where he isn’t mentally okay. He isn’t mentally and physically prepared to take care of his son. And it was Aling Belen who made it up for his lack of care towards his son. Hindi lang ang anak niya ang inalagaan nito kundi pati narin mismong si Paige.

“Mama, bottom po ako!” Si Diego nang sabihin ng kaniyang nanay na pakasalan nalang si Paige.

As months passed by, Paige slowly got used to his newly found environment. Paige never opens up about the things that had happened to him and he is silently grateful that the two never questioned him.

“Paeng, payag ka ba na maging tatay ng anak mo si Diego?” Si Tita Maricel habang hawak-hawak ang anak ni Paige.

The child has grown big and somehow healthy, it was thanks to Aling Belen. It was lucky that Paige went to a restaurant, kung hindi ay baka gutom na silang pareho ng kaniyang anak.

Paeng is the name given to Paige as he stayed here. Hindi sumagot si Paige sa tanong ni Aling Belen. In fact, he never spoke a single word during his stay here.

Tinitigan lamang niya ang kaniyang anak na nakangiting hawak ni Aling Belen. It’s been two years and more than 4 months.

For those long times, Paige always stayed inside his room. Kinukuha ni Aling Belen ang anak niya dito sa kwarto tuwing kumakain at dinadala lamang sa kaniya kapag natutulog na.

Those times were long for Paige. Hindi siya makatulog sa gabi dahil sa panaginip na palaging umaatake sa kaniya. The events that had happened to him always chased him, even if the sun had risen or during the night.

It made Paige restless all the time. Takot na takot pa rin siya. And that issue becomes so big that he went paranoid at the smallest things that he could see, feel and think. Kahit na kunting ingay lamang ng pusa sa kanilang bubong ay iniisip na niyang assassin iyon na pumunta upang atakehin at patayin siya.

Six years have passed and Paige was never healed. The traumas and nightmares of the past always hunted him down. But he is slowly getting better, all thanks to his little angel.

Ralph Angelo is running at the entrance of the restaurant with Diego following him. He is smiling as he goes inside the kitchen.

“Mama, tignan mo ito. Perfect ako sa activity namin kanina.” Saad ng anak ni Paige habang nakangiting hawak-hawak ang papel nito. It was a drawing where he got a five star.

“Wow, ang galing naman ng anak ko!” Saad ni Paige at nilingon ang kaniyang anak. “Come here, I’ll give you a hug.”

Agad na yumukap ang anak ni Paige sa kaniya. He is 5 years old now and slowly growing big. As his small hands wrap Paige’s body, the anxiety Paige felt a while ago was gone immediately.

The existence of his son becomes the medicine for Paige. His existence drives Paige to heal from his own personal problems. The child that he neglected during his pregnancy, became an angel for Paige throughout those years of struggle and suffering.

Paige smiled. He may never heal from the traumas of his past, but he has his angel now. The saviour he needs the most.

While living with his son, it became clear to him the importance of trust, honesty, and communication. Every word uttered matters. There should be no room for lies and misunderstanding within their bond.

Ralph Angelo became the strength that Paige could rely on at nights of his darkest times. His son became the pillar for him when he was losing himself. He became the angel against the demons within Paige’s mind.

To be continued…

Chapter 24

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 24

Roots

Paige couldn’t count how many times he struggled and suffered surviving all those years. He always make mistakes as he doesn’t have anyone he can rely on during those times. He tried to forget everything as he started his new life here in Claveria. He found his new home here and that made him try to abandon everything about his past.

But our roots are the most hard to bury. It will try and try to be seen above the surface as the ground covering it falls away as time passes.

We will all be hunted by our past. The mistakes that we made will always come back until we realize where we did wrong. We can’t turn back the time but we are all given the time to correct it in our present.

And all of it will happen again and again until we can no longer make any mistakes in our life. We make mistakes, we learn, we make compromises, until we reach the perfection of living.

But life will never be perfect. Life is flawed and so do those who live with it.

“May program kanina sa school nila kaya medyo natagalan kami. Kinausap pa kasi ako ng principal dahil dito kakain ang mga bisita nila.” Saad ni Diego.

It always happens here in the restaurant. Palaging may mga unexpected orders kaya naman palagi silang handa sa ganitong sitwasyon.

It is already peak hour for the restaurant that’s why their food is already running out. Kailangan muling magluto ulit ni Paige.

“Wala ba silang gustong ipaluto?” Tanong ni Paige.

“Iyong pinaka-dabest daw! Alam mo na ‘yon!” Sagot ni Diego. Umalis na ito at nagtungo sa labas ng kusina. Habang ang anak naman ni Paige ay nagtungo na sa kanilang kwarta sa taas. Nagtataka pa nga si Paige kung bakit ito nagmamadaling pumunta sa kanilang kwarto.

It took him a long time before he could pick up cooking again. He learnt to cook when he was still young and up until he became an adult, cooking has taken part to his growth as a person. And just like that, he slowly get up and somehow managed to get out of his room. Cooking has then helped him a lot to get back into society.

The anxiety of his past slowly faded as he indulge himself in cooking. But all those years, he never healed. It still lingers in his eyes, behind his smiles, and hidden in his shadows.

Kahit saan at kung anong gawin niya, naaalala parin niya ang lahat ng nga nangyari. It was burden for Paige. But yet, he still manage to survive.

One of the things that he realised all those years is that the only person you can rely on is yourself. And if you manage to get help from others, never use it for granted. Suklian mo ang lahat ng mga natulong sa’yo at pagbayarin mo ang lahat ng mga tumalikod sa’yo.

And that’s Aling Belen. Paige helped her in the restaurant as a cook. The restaurant was on its brink of dying and they were living off to the people who rented rooms. But like magic, when Paige came to help her cook food, it was brought back to life and become famous for its good food. All thanks to Paige’s hands.

Walang pera si Paige kaya iyon na lamang ang naisip niyang panukli sa pagtulong ng mga ito sa kaniya, at sa kaniyang anak.

Although, Paige was still suspicious at first and always observed them, he learnt that Aling Belen and Diego had no ill intention behind those help he received. That made him stay here. Kaya naging madali at masaya kahit papano ang kaniyang buhay dito sa Claveria.

Paige thought it was just a normal day. But it wasn’t.

Nasa harapan na siya ngayon kung saan nakapwesto ang cashier para tignan ang kanilang natitirang ulam ng dumating ang principal ng school na pinag-aaralan ng kaniyang anak.

“Pasensya sa biglaang pagdating. Nasabi na ba ni Diego sa inyo, Aling Belen?” Nakangiting saad nito.

“Opo! Nakapaghanda na kami! Niluluto pa ni Paige ang huling ulam para sa inyo.” Sagot ni Aling Belen at sinulyapan siya.

“Salamat. Salamat.” Masayang pasasalamat ng principal. “Madami-dami kami kaya baka mapuno dito. Hindi ko ini-expect na madami ang mag vo-volunteer ngayong taon!”

“Mabuti naman kung ganon!” Sabi ni Aling Belen. Paige is on the corner, eyeing what was happening right in front of his face.

The principal is a man around his fourties and he is one of Aling Belen’s close friend here in Claveria. There’s was even a time where he saw them making out. So their relationship is literally “close” friend.

“Pasensya ka na, Paige ha.” Baling naman sa kaniya ng principal. Ngumiti na lamang si Paige dito bilang sagot dito.

“Susunod na iyon sila dito maya-maya.” Saad nito at nagtungo na sa isa sa mga upuan ng restaurant.

“Tapos na ba ang niluluto mo?” Nakangiting baling ni Aling Belen sa kaniya.

“Malapit na po.” Saad naman ni Paige dito.

“Baka hindi na tayo magbukas mamayang gabi! Ubos na kasi ang stocks na’tin dahil nakalimutan kong mamili.” Saad ni Aling Belen, inaayos na ngayon ang ilang pagkaing nasa kaniyang harapan.

“Opo.” Nanatili muna doon si Paige ng ilang minuto bago bumalik si Paige sa kusina. Tinignan pa niya ang hagdan patungo sa second floor para tignan bababa na ba ang kaniyang anak ngunit hindi niya ito nakita kaya hinayaan nalang nito.

Malapit nang matapos at maluto ang pagkaing kaniyang niluluto ng pumasok si Diego sa kusina.

“Kanina sa program, pinapili ang mga bata kung anong gusto nilang maging trabaho sa pagtanda,” Panimula nito, habang nakakunot ang noo.

“Hmm?” Tanging sagot ni Paige at nilingon ito.

“Sinabi ko kay Angelo na piliin iyong sundalo, kaso nagalit siya.” Dagdag ni Diego.

“Bakit?” Tanong ni Paige.

“Hindi ko alam. Sinabihan ko lang siya na piliin iyong sundalo para makalapit kami don pero hindi niya ako pinansin.” Ngayon ay medyo nangi-ngiting saad ni Diego.

“Baka hindi iyon ang pangarap niya.” Tanging saad ni Paige. He remembered his past about military men. Mapait na lamang siyang ngumiti at binalik ang tingin sa pagkain.

“That’s good if he doesn’t want to.” Dagdag ni Paige.

“Hays, sayaangggg!” Saad ni Diego na para bang nagrereklamo.

Nilingon siya ulit ni Paige para tignan ang mukha nito ngunit hindi na siya nagsalita. Parang pinagbagsakan ng langit si Diego habang nakatingin sa kawalan.

“Ang gwapo pa naman nong sundalo!” Saad ni Diego, inaalala ang mukha ng kaniyang nakita.

“Eh? Kaya mo gusto maging sundalo ang anak ko kasi gwapo iyong nakita mo?” Natatawang saad ni Diego na may halong pandidiri.

“Hindi lahat ng sundalo matino. Gwapo lang ang mga yan pero wala namang mga utak!” Saad ni Paige at sinandok ang ulam na kaniyang niluto.

“Eh? Bakit ka nagagalit?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Diego sa kaniya.

Hindi na nakasagot si Paige ng marinig nila ang ingay galing sa labas. Dumating na ang iba nilang customer galing sa paaralan kaya naman ay dali-dali nang nilipat ni Paige ang ulam at sa lalagyan nito. Maingat niya iyong dinala sa labas. Hindi na niya tinapunan ng tingin ang mga tao dahil doon ang lahat ng kaniyang focus.

Napangiti si Paige ng makita ang mga ulam na kaniyang niluto sa harapan. Lahat nang iyon ay mukhang masarap at talaga namang masarap kung matitikman mo.

“Well done.” Saad ni Paige at naglakad patungo sa counter ng restaurant bago nilingon ni Paige ang mga taong bagong dating.

They arranged themselves along the tight space of the restaurant. Ang sikip-sikip tignan ng restaurant sa dami nila. Ang karamihan ay mga teacher na pamilyar kay Paige at iilan ay hindi, na sa tingin niya’y ang mga bisita. Nagtipon-tipon ang mga iyon sa iisang table, kung saan agad napako ang paningin ni Paige.

Just like the wild waves of Claveria, memories flooded his mind and body as he saw him sitting in one of the chairs and looking straight to Paige.

Nanginig agad ang mga kamay ni Paige, napalunok at naestatwa sa kaniyang kinatatayuan.

Rafael was sitting with his tall, masculine, big body among the visitor. He looks so vigor with his military uniform. Ang laki ng katawan at muscles nito ay hindi matatago ng uniform, sapagkat ay hulmang-hulma pa ang mga ito na para bang mapupunit ang kaniyang uniform.

His hair was clean-cutted, with some of it falling from his forehead. His eyes were as sharp and deep as tiger as he look at Paige. He still looks the same years ago with the beard along his sharp v-like jaw.

Nakita pa ni Paige ang pagdaang ng gulat sa mukha ni Rafael pero agad iyong napalitan ng hindi malamang emosyon ng makita siya ni Paige. Sobrang lalim ng mga mata na mahirap pangalan ang emosyong pinapakita nito. Paige just saw him gritted his teeth as he look at him.

Hindi malaman ni Paige ang kaniyang gagawin sa puntong iyon. Napako siya sa kaniyang kinatatayuan. He never thought that he would Rafael right at this moment. In fact, he never expected to see him ever again.

3 years after Paige left, he just accidentally heard the news of Rafael getting engaged to someone. Na-aalala pa niya iyon dahil grabe ang kaniyang iyak habang yakap-yakap ang kaniyang anak sa gabing nalaman niya iyon!

That made him wanted to get rid of Rafael out of his heart, his mind, and his son’s life. Pero mahirap iyon para kay Paige dahil ayaw niyang pagkaitan ng magulang ang kaniyang anak. Kaya naman ay bata pa lamang ay sinabi na niya kay Ralph Angelo ang tunay nitong tatay.

He can’t lie to his son. Iyon ang pinaka-unang rule na sinapuso ni Paige. His son should not live a life full of lies. He will not let his son live his life like him, surrounded by lies.

“Ang gwapo niya no?” Napaigtad si Paige ng biglang magsalita si Diego sa kaniyang tabi, napansin ang tingin ni Paige kay Rafael. Hindi parin naputol ang kanilang tinginan na para bang tumigil ang oras sa kanilang paligid.

“Diego! Tulungan mo akong mag serve! Hayaan mo muna si Paige na magpahinga.” Tawag ni Aling Belen sa kaniyang anak.

Dahil doon ay iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyan tingin kay Rafael. Ngunit nalipat na lamang ang kaniyang tingin sa kaniyang anak na nakatayo na ngayon sa hagdan. Ralph Angelo was looking at Rafael across the table. Tinignan ni Paige ang kabuuan nito at napalunok siya ng makitang hawak nito ang wallet na kaniyang tinago sa kanilang kwarto.

Ang wallet na may picture ni Rafael at Paige ay hawak-hawak na ngayon ng kaniyang anak. Hindi mabasa ni Paige ang mukha ng kaniyang anak nang unti-unti siyang lumapit dito.

Sinabi at kinwento ni Paige ang lahat ng nangyari sa kaniya. Mula sa pangarap ni Paige hanggang sa mapadpad sila dito. Wala siyang tinagong detalye dito, maliban sa mga kasinungalingan hindi pa niya nakuha ang katotohanan at sagot sa mga ito.

Nilingon siya ng kaniyang anak ng makalapit. Napasinghap na lamang siya ng makita ang takot at pangamba sa mga mata nito.

Ralph Angelo was looking straight at Paige, with the same eyes he had back when he was running away that night.

Everything from roots can be reflected back to its fruit. Kuhang-kuha ng kaniyang anak ang takot na nararamdaman ni Paige. Kaya naman ay hinawakan ng kaniyang ang kaniyang kamay.

“Mama…” Saad nito.

“We should leave, we need to escape.” Ralph Angelo firmly said, full of determination.

Sa gulat ni Paige sa sinabi nito ay wala siyang nagawa ng hinila siya ng kaniyang anak palabas sa restaurant.

In a swift moment, Paige was running away again. Not just for his life, but with his son.

De ja vu.

It happened before. Sa takot ni Paige na baka mangyari ulit ang nangyari dati ay hinayaan niya ang kaniyang sariling tumakbo kasama ang kaniyang anak.

Both of them doesn’t know where to go right now. But they didn’t stop running.

Hindi nagtanong ang kaniyang anak pero nararamdaman ni Paige na alam nito ang lahat ng bagay na tungkol sa kaniya. Mula sa kaniyang takot, pangamba, paghihirap, pangarap, at lahat pa ng iba ay alam ng kaniyang anak.

Hindi alam ni Paige pero sa tuwing gabing umiiyak siya ay nagigising ang kaniyang anak sa ingay na kaniyang ginagawa. Kaya alam ng kaniyang anak kung ano ang totoong pinagdadaanan nito sa mga nakalipas na taon.

His son kept quiet but he always look at Paige differently. With much more care and concern than any other people.

To be continued…

Chapter 25

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 25

Stay

Six long years. That’s how long Paige kept everything inside him. The thoughts never left his mind.

Hanggang ngayon, dala-dala parin niya ang mga bagay na nanatiling nagpapagabag sa kaniya. Mga tanong na hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring kasagutan.

Bakit siya nakulong?

Bakit siya nasali sa gulong wala naman siyang kinalaman?

Sino ang may pakana ng lahat?

Bakit buhay pa ang kaniyang tatay kahit na binalitang patay na ito?

Six long years, and it was never answered. Nanatili iyon sa kaniyang isipan at puso na siyang nagpahirap sa kaniya sa araw-araw at gabi-gabing punong-puno siya ng takot at pangamba para sa kaniyang buhay.

The two of them were both panting as they stopped running. Nilingon ni Paige ang kanilang pinanggalingan at nakitang hindi pa sila nakakalayo doon. Binalik niya ang kaniyang tingin sa kaniyang anak na ngayon ay nakatingala sa kaniya na puno ng pag-aalala at takot.

“Mama, okay ka lang?” Ralph Angelo innocently asked yet concerned were drawn on his eyes and face.

“Yeah…” Paige bitterly smiled.

Ralph Angelo grow up beside him. His son saw his darkest side. Everytime na ina-atake siya ng kaniyang anxiety ay kitang-kita iyon ng kaniyang anak. At sa tuwing nakikita niya ang kaniyang anak na takot na takot sa tuwing nakikita nito si Paige na nanginginig at hindi makapagsalita, nalulungkot siya.

His son knew everything. That his mom is a mentally unstable person, living in paranoia. Kaya naiintindihan niya ang kaniyang nanay na sa tuwing may program sa school na kailangan ang magulang at hindi ito makapunta. Sa tuwing uwian ay ang Tito Diego nito ang sumusundo sa kaniya.

But Ralph Angelo always knew, that his mom will always be waiting for him at home, anxiously waiting for them to come back home.

Paige is an overly anxious and paranoid person yet kind and good at cooking. That’s how he knew his mom.

“Should we keep running?” Tanong nito sa kaniyang nanay kahit na mukha na itong pagod sa takbong kanilang ginawa kanina.

Nilingon muli ni Paige ang daang kanilang pinanggalingan pero walang nakasunod sa kanila. Akala niya susundan siya ni Rafael dito pero hindi, hindi niya nakita ni anino ng kung sino mang may gustong sumunod sa kanila.

“We’ll ride a boat!” Ralph Angelo eagerly said while holding Paige’s hand.

His son knew everything and that includes his journey until he arrived here in Claveria. Alam nito kung paano at kung bakit siya tumatakas palayo.

“Umalis na tayo, Mama!” Pagpipilit ng kaniyang anak.

The sight of his son begging him to run away broke his heart. Masakit para kay Paige tignan ang kaniyang anak na pilit siyang pinapatakas para lang maging maayos ang kaniyang pakiramdam. Because his son knew, that when his illness attack, mahirap iyong gamutin. Mangiginig si Paige at magkukulong buong magdamag at wala itong kinakausap.

And Paige is shaking right now. He knew he hasn’t move on from what happened years ago. And his son know it all. Kilalang-kilala at alam na alam siyang basahin ng kaniyang anak.

“I’m sorry…” Paige said, with his voice shaking.

“Umalis na po tayo!”

“I’m sorry…” Paige said again, now on his knees and hugged his son.

“You shouldn’t be acting like this. You look so mature for your age.” Paige is now crying on his son shoulder.

“No, mom. Wala na po tayong oras kaya umalis na po tayo!” Saad ng kaniyang anak, naluluha na rin sa takot.

“I’m sorry…” Paige said again.

“We should go! Kukunin ka niya ulit kapag nanatili pa tayo dito!” Pagpipilit pang muli ng kaniyang anak sa kaniya.

It looks like Paige inflicted too much pain on his son. Nahawaan na siguro niya ang kaniyang anak sa kaniyang sakit.

And like a lightning, Paige came back to his senses. This is his fight, not his son. Na hindi dapat kasali ang kaniyang anak sa mga problemang dinadala niya.

Na hindi dapat ang kaniyang anak ang nagdedesisyon para sa kanilang dalawa. Na hindi dapat ito ang nag-iisip para sa kanilang kaligtasan.

Dahil sa una palang, hindi ginusto ng kaniyang anak na mabuhay para lang gamitin at maging sandalan ng kaniyang magulang.

It should be Paige who’s mandating their way of life. Na siya dapat ang nag-iisip para sa kanilang kaligtasan nilang dalawa. Dahil siya ang nanay nito at siya ang nagluwal sa kaniyang anak dito sa mundong ito.

Hindi ginusto ng kaniyang anak na ipanganak. His son is not the one responsible for him. It should be the other way around. It should be Paige who’s responsible for his son.

Ralph Angelo is too young. He is too young to have this on his shoulder. Masyadong mabigat na pasanin para sa kaniyang ang alagaan siya at protektahan sa kung ano mang panganib ang kaniyang tatahakin.

“I’m sorry…” Paige cried and apologized again. He’s hugging his son so tightly.

“Mom…” Namimiyok na saad ng kaniyang anak, pilit na pinipigilan ang pag-iyak.

Madilim na ang kalangitan sa mga oras na ito. Nagbabadya ng pumutak ang ulan at kumukulog na sa mga ulap. But the two them remained there for minutes. Still crying on each other’s arm.

“Sumilong muna tayo.” Saad ni Paige at tinanggal ang pagkakayap sa kaniyang anak. Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito sa kaniyang pagtayo.

Paige look at his son’s face. He looked so strong right now, full of determination for then to run away. But his son’s were burningly red, halatang pinipigilan nitong umiyak sa harapan ni Paige.

Mapait na ngumiti si Paige, pinunasan niya ang kaniyang pisnging basang-basa na kaniyang luha. Tinuro niya ang light tower sa kanilang unahan.

“Doon muna tayo habang umuulan.” Saad niya sa kaniyang anak. Biglang bumuhos ang ulan kaya naman ay tumakbo sila patungo doon, magkahawak kamay silang sumulong sa ulan.

Nakarating sila sa light tower at pumasok sa loob nito. Nasa tabing dagat sila ngayon kaya rinig na rinig ang ingay ng malalakas na alon na humahampas.

Ngumiti si Paige habang pinupunasan niya ang basang katawan mukha ng kaniyang anak.

“Thank you for getting me out of there.” Saad ni Paige, tukoy sa restaurant na kanilang pinanggalingan. “I didn’t know what to do when I saw him there.”

“We should have just left already. Baka mahanap pa tayo niya dito.” Sagot ng kaniyang anak, bakas parin ang pangamba.

Paige told him that it was Rafael who went to Italy to get him back here in the Philippines. Kaya takot na takot ang kaniyang anak ngayong andito ang kaniyang tatay, sa pag-aakalang kukunin siyang muli ni Rafael.

“We shouldn’t run away like that.” Saad ni Paige dito at mapait na napangiti. “Malulungkot ang Lola Belen at Tito Diego mo kung bigla nalang tayong umalis na walang paalam.” Dagdag ni Paige.

Nakita ni Paige na dumaan ang lungkot sa mukha ng kaniyang anak bago ito nagsalita.

“T-they will understand!” Matapang na sagot nito. “T-they can manage without us!” He selfishly added.

“Don’t be like that, Angelo. They are our family.” Pilit ni Paige dito, tinignan niya ang mga mata ng kaniyang anak na hindi makatingin sa kaniya.

Alam niyang nagdadalawang isip din ito pero pinipilit nito ang sarili para lamang sa kapakanan ni Paige.

“You’re my family too. Your safety is my priority.” Angelo said, convincing Paige but it was more likely for him.

Paige doesn’t know if his son is just mature for his age or he is just trying to be like someone he saw.

“I’m safe here, you see.” Pinakita ni Paige ang kaniyang sarili.

Wala na ngayon ang kaniyang takot at panginginig ng kaniyang katawan. Nawala iyon kanina habang yakap niya ang kaniyang anak at nakapag-isip isip.

“No! That ruthless man is after you!” Saad ng kaniyang anak.

“Malulungkot ang Lola Belen mo kapag umalis tayo na walang paalam.” Pilit din ni Paige dito. “It’s okay son, hindi ako papayag na kunin niya ako.”

“No! He has a gun! He can aim it at you… he can…” Habol at pigil hiningang saad ng kaniyang anak, hindi kayang banggitin ang gusto nitong sabihin.

Naalala ni Paige ang mga nakalipas na taon. Ilang beses siyang inatake ng kaniyang sakit at ang karamihan sa kaniyang sigaw sa tuwing inaatake siya ay ang takot niyang mamatay. Na sa tuwing nakakakita siya ng baril o nakakarinig ng paputok o pagsabog ay agad siyang natatakot.

“He might kill you!” Takot na saad ng kaniyang anak.

Natigilan si Paige. It pained him. His son is so concerned for him that he thought too much about him, his anxiety, and his illness. Mapait na napangiti si Paige. He can’t allow himself to see this again. He won’t allow his son to act strong just so he could help him.

Masyado pa itong bata! He should be playing with his friends of the same age. He should be crying and learning to control his emotions. Dapat masaya ito sa kaniyang edad. We only have one time as a child, he should savour it. Hindi ganitong iniisip na nito ang kapakanan ni Paige sa murang edad pa lamang.

Paige can’t continue relying to his son. He should be strong for himself so that his son could rely to him.

He has become so weak. What happened years ago damaged himself so much. Hindi siya ganito dati. Hindi siya mahina.

They stayed inside the light tower for hours. Hindi huminto ang ulan kaya nanatili pa sila doon ng matagal. His son is now resting on his arms, sleeping. Nakaupo na sila ngayon sa sulok at naghihintay na tumigil ang ulan.

It’s always been like this in Claveria. Bigla-biglang umuulan kahit tirik pa ang araw dahil malapit lamang sila sa dagat. Tinatangay ng hangin ang ulan patungo sa kanilang lugar.

It’s cold. Nilalamig na si Paige at ang kaniyang anak. Kaya naman ay mahigpit niya itong niyakap upang hindi lamigin.

Paige is thinking a lot about himself. He sighed after a while. What has gone wrong for him to experience his in his life? He suffered so much and now he is seeing his son suffering with him.

Hindi iyon kaya ni Paige. Hindi niya gustong makita ang kaniyang anak na naghihirap dahil sa kaniya.

What can he do though? Things have come far to this. Rafael is here and Paige doesn’t know what may happen.

Should he run away just like what his son said?

Paano naman ang buhay na nakasanayan na niya dito?

Paano ang kaniyang utang na loob na sabi niya’y babayaran niya kina Aling Belen at Diego?

Hinaplos niya ang ulo ng kaniyang anak na mahimbing na natutulog sa kaniyang bisig.

All he did was run away. Nanatili siya dito sa Claveria dahil sa kaniyang anak. Para sa kaniyang anak. That’s why, he decided to just stay here.

Hindi na siya dapat tumatakbo. Hindi na siya dapat tumatakas. He shouldn’t let Rafael disturb his and his son’s peaceful life here. He needs to stay, not to run away.

Six years and Paige realised that he was just a coward. Ang hina-hina niya sa mga panahon na iyon. Kaya ngayon ay gusto niyang manatili at lumaban.

Paige is just gaslighting himself, pero ang totoo ay takot na takot parin siya. Madami parin ang tumatakbo sa kaniyang isipan. Hindi niya alam kung paano magsisimulang muli. Kung saan niya gustong ungkatin ang mga nangyari noon.

Binaon na niya sa limot ang mga nangyari pero hindi parin talaga niya iyon matatago. Ang kagustuhan niyang malaman ang katotohanan at maliwanagan ay nanatili parin.

Sometimes, he would even question his act of running away. Saan ba siya tumatakbo? Saan ba siya natatakot? Sa mga gustong pumatay sa kaniya? Sa gustong sumira sa kanilang pamilya? O sa takot niya sa katotohanan?

He is conflicted. There’s a part of him that wanted an answer, but there’s also a part of him that is afraid of the truth. Na baka hallucinations niya lang ang lahat ng mga nangyari at tinatakasan lamang niya ay ang kalaban sa loob ng kaniyang utak.

He decided to take the risk. To take the risk of staying here even if Rafael is here. To take the risk even if it means his life is at the edge. To take the risk of taking a step towards the truth of his ugly past. To take the risk out of his comfort.

To take the risk of facing Rafael, who sacrificed himself so he could run away that night.

To take the risk of seeing the person who marked him, and yet married another person.

To take the risk of testing the wall he made around his stone heart.

Because taking a risk right now would mean his peaceful and beautiful future ahead. For his broken mind, heart, and soul. With his son, with all the flaws that happened to him.

To be continued…

Chapter 26

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 26

Cold

Tumila ang ulan makalipas ang ilang minuto kaya nagpasyang lumabas si Paige buhat-buhat ang kaniyang anak na mahimbing na natutulog.

Ilang hakbang palang ang kaniyang natatahak ay napatigil siya ng makita si Rafael na nakatayo sa kabilang parte ng kalsada. Nakita ni Paige si Rafael na basang-basa dahil sa ulan kanina. Mababakasan sa mukha nito ang takot at pangamba. Hinahanap nito sina Paige simula pa kanina ngunit hindi niya ito nakita. Ngayon pa lang na tumigil ang ulan.

“Paige…” Rafael spoke in a deep voice, calling out Paige across the road.

Paige eyed Rafael and his state. Naka uniform parin ito at basang-basa.

They look at each other’s eyes. Pero hindi makayang tignan ni Paige ang intensidad ng pagtingin sa kaniya ni Rafael at agad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin.

May nabubuhay sa kaniyang kalooban na hindi niya mapangalanan ngayong nakikita niya si Rafael sa kaniyang harapan.

Hindi pa siya handa. Hindi pa niya kayang harapin ngayon si Rafael kahit na ilang taon na niyang ini-imagine kung ano ang kaniyang gagawin kung makikita man niya si Rafael sa mga nakalipas na taon.

Pero ngayong nasa harapan na niya ito, tila ba nalulunod muli ang lahat ng gusto niyang sabihin dito at napapalitan ng takot sa kung anong susunod na mangyayari kung makikipag-usap pa siya kay Rafael.

Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ni Paige gaya ng dati kung nakikita niya si Rafael. Kaya naman naglakad siyang muli at tinahak ang daan pabalik sa restaurant, hindi pinansin ang pagtawag sa kaniya ni Rafael.

Sa daan pabalik sa restaurant ay nararamdaman ni Paige ang pagsunod ni Rafael sa kaniya. Damang-dama niya ang tingin na pinapako sa kaniya ni Rafael. Pero hinayaan niya lamang iyon.

Hindi na siya natatakot ngayon.

“Saan kayo nanggaling?!” Nag-aalalang sigaw ni Aling Belen ng makita niya si Paige at ang anak nito na papasok sa restaurant.

Hindi sumagot si Paige dito at nagpatuloy na naglakad.

“Pinaghahanap namin kayo kasi ang lakas ng ulan kanina! Hindi pa talaga kayo nag paalam.” Ngayon ay mababakasan ang galit sa tono ni Aling Belen.

“Pasensya na po…” Saad ni Paige.

“Naku! Paeng, sa susunod magpaalam kayo kung lalabas kayo!” Saad ni Aling Belen. “Tatawagan ko pa si Diego at ang ibang sumali sa paghahanap sa inyo para sabihing nakauwi na kayo.”

Hindi iyon pinansin ni Paige at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad patungo sa hagdan papunta sa pangalawang palapag.

Patuloy na nakasunod si Rafael sa kanila kaya gusto itong takasan ni Paige upang makapag-isip muna sa susunod niyang gagawin ngayong nagkita silang muli ni Rafael.

Does he want to go back to his old life?

The answer is no. Paige wants to stay here, with his son. Natutunan na niya itong mahalin. Naging comfortable na siya sa buhay dito sa Claveria.

Does he want to know the truth?

Yes, he wants it. He wants it badly. Gusto niyang makuha at malaman ang mga kasagutan sa lahat ng nangyari noon.

Pero ang problema ay hindi pa siya handa. Hindi pa niya kayang ungkatin ang nangyari noon.

“Paeng,” Tawag sa kaniya ni Diego sa labas ng kanilang kwarto. Ilang minuto pa lamang ang nakalipas nang makapasok sila sa kanilang kwarto.

Tinitignan na ngayon ni Paige ang kaniyang anak na mahimbing na natutulog sa kanilang kama. Maliit lamang ang kanilang kama ngunit kasya na iyon para sa kanilang dalawa.

“Anong nangyari?” Tanong ni Diego nang pagbuksan siya ni Paige.

Hindi nagsalita si Paige at hinayaan lamang si Diego na makapasok sa kanilang kwarto na agad dumeretso sa tabi ng kaniyang anak.

“Bakit kayo tumakbo kanina?” Tanong muli ni Diego dito. Tinignan niya ang anak ni Paige na nasa kama bago nilipat ang tingin kay Paige na nanatiling nasa nakatayo.

Ngayon ay napansin ni Diego ang namumugtong mga mata ni Paige tanda ng pag-iyak nito.

“Inatake ka na naman ba?” Concern na tanong ni Diego dito.

Sa mga nakalipas na taon ay naging close ni Paige si Diego. Naging comfortable siya dito at nakaya niya itong pagkatiwalaan.

Pero hindi pa nasabi ni Paige dito ang katotohanan sa kaniyang pagkatao. Hanggang ngayon ay nanatiling misteryoso ang pagkakakilanlan ni Paige sa kanila. Sa nakalipas na taon, hindi iyon tinanong ng mag-ina sa kaniya.

Hindi siya pinakialam ng mga ito sa anumang sekretong kaniyang dinadala. Bagama’t ay hinayaan lamang siya ng mga itong manitili dito na walang tanong-tanong.

Isa iyon sa pinagpapasalamat ni Paige. He still can’t open up his wounds to someone else. He can’t tell his story to other people aside from his son.

Dahil doon ay naging mas madali ang paninirahan ni Paige dito. Mas lalong naging madaling pagkatiwalaan ang mag-ina.

Sanay na ang mga ito sa pananahimik ni Paige. Ngunit ngayon ay kitang-kita ang katanungan sa mukha ni Diego. Gusto na niyang tanungin si Paige sa lahat ng mga bagay.

Malalim na bumuntong hininga si Paige at ngayon ay umupo na sa kama, sa tabi ng anak ni Paige.

“Ano ang naging dahilan ngayon?” Tanong ni Diego.

Napalunok si Paige. Maybe it’s time for them to know everything. Kahit hindi na lahat, basta makapag open-up lamang siya ngayon.

Alam ni Paige na hindi niya maitatago ang kaniyang sekreto kaya naman matagal na siyang humahanap ng tyempo para masabi ang lahat pero sa mga nakalipas na taon ay nahihirapan siyang gawin iyon dahil natatakot siya. Pinapangunahan siya ng kaniyang takot.

Natatakot siyang baka magbago ang pananaw ng mga ito sa kaniya. He was afraid that they might turn their back at him. Na tumigil ang mga itong tumulong sa kaniya dahil sa takot na masali sa kaniyang gulo.

He’s been living like a fugitive. Kaya nahihirapan siyang magtiwala sa mga taong nakakasalamuha niya.

But now, it might be safe because it’s Diego. They are both living under the same roof for the past six years. Naging malalim na ang kanilang samahan. Pinagkakatiwalaan na ito ni Paige.

“Andito na siya.” Saad ni Paige.

“Sino?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Diego.

“His father.” Sabi ni Paige at nilipat ang tingin sa mukha ng kaniyang anak.

His son doesn’t look like Rafael when sleeping. Pero kapag nakadilat ang mga mata nito ay kitang-kita ang pagkakaroon ng mga ito ng parehong mata. Kuhang-kuha ng kaniyang anak ang mga mata ni Rafael.

A cave-like deep brown eyes.

“Huh? May tatay siya?” Gulat at nagtatakang ani ni Diego.

Hindi sumagot si Paige dito at nanahimik lamang habang tinitignan ang kaniyang anak.

“Mabuti kung ganon! Hindi na ako pipilitin ni Mama na maging tatay ng anak mo.” Biglang saad ni Diego dahilan para mapatingin si Paige dito.

“Si ex-General Almendralejo ba?” Mabilis na dagdag ni Diego, ngayon ay buong atensyon itong nakatingin kay Paige. Nag-uusisa.

Hindi nakasagot si Paige at napakurap.

He forgot that Diego is around his 20s and is a little bit immature. Para itong bata kung umasta minsan kaya close na close sila ng kaniyang anak.

“Jusko! Kaya pala ang gwapo ng anak mo!” Sigaw ni Diego at napatayo sa kama. “Palagi akong nagtataka kung bakit sobrang layo ng pagmumukha ninyong dalawa kasi sa tatay pala nagmana.”

Tumaas ang kilay ni Paige dahil sa narinig.

“Anong sabi mo?” Medyo naiiritang saad ni Paige.

“So anong gagawin mo ngayon?” Agad na pag-iiba ng usapan ni Diego.

“Kukunin niya ba si Angelo? Huwag kang pumayag!” Dagdag nito.

“Of course, hindi ako papayag. I won’t even give him any rights to his son.” Saad ni Paige.

“Bakit? ex-General iyon, baka kasuhan ka!” Saad ni Diego.

Paige doesn’t know if he would be grateful that Diego didn’t ask him so many questions and dig deeper into his identity or what. Pero kung magtatanong pa ito sa kaniyang sarili ay handa siyang sagutin ang mga tanong ng mga ito.

“He’s married now. Ang huling balita ko sa kaniya ay engaged siya.” Saad ni Paige.

“Ano?” Gulat na saad ni Diego. “Pero ang rinig ko ay-”

Agad na pinutol ni Paige ang pagsasalita ni Diego.

“Kasal na siya kaya hinding-hindi ko ibibigay ang karapatan niya bilang tatay ng anak ko.” Saad ni Paige. “Hinding-hindi ko hahayaan na makuha niya ang anak ko sa akin. Hinding-hindi.”

“Tama! Dito lang dapat si Angelo!” Pagsang-ayon ni Diego dito.

Umalis si Diego ng bigla itong tawagin ni Aling Belen sa baba.

Akala ni Paige ay matatahimik na siya ngunit biglang pumasok si Aling Belen sa kaniyang kwarto na hindi kumakatok.

“Totoo ba ang sabi ni Diego?” Puno ng kuryusidad na tanong ni Aling Belen.

Walang nagawa si Paige kundi kumpirmahin muli ito kay Aling Belen. Pero ang kaibahan ni Aling Belen at Diego ngayon ay ang dami ng mga tanong ni Aling Belen dito.

Kaya naman ay wala siyang nagawa kundi ang sagutin ang mga tanong ni Aling Belen. Ngayon ay alam na nito ang ibang suklob ng pagkatao ni Paige.

“Nasa baba pa siya! Pupuntahan ko muna at papaalisin.” Saad ni Aling Belen. “Kasama siya sa naghanap sa inyo at siya ang naunang sumulong sa ulan para lang mahanap kayo. Akala ko ay nagmamagandang loob lang pero mayroon pala kayong koneksiyon.”

“Aling Belen…” Tawag ni Paige dito ngunit mabilis na itong nakaalis.

Sa gabing iyon ay hindi umalis si Aling Belen at Diego sa kaniyang tabi. Dahil narin siguro sa tagal ng kanilang pagsasama at nang kaniyang anak sa kaniyang tabi, naging madali para kay Paige na ikwento ang lahat.

Napasinghap si Aling Belen at hind makapaniwala ng ikwento ni Paige ang lahat. Si Diego naman ay naiiyak habang nagkwe-kwento si Paige hanggang sa matapos ito.

“Hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang dinanas mo!” Maluha-luhang saad ni Aling Belen at niyakap si Paige.

Napangiti si Paige. He expected worse than this reaction. Sa utak niya ay naiisip na niyang magagalit, itatakwil, at lalayuan siya ng mga ito ngunit sa halip ay niyakap siya ng mga ito na sobrang higpit.

Mabuti na lamang at pinagkatiwalaan ni Paige ang dalawa. This interaction somehow healed a part of his heart. Akala niya ay wala nang taong ganito sa mundong puno ng kasinungalingan at kasamaan. Akala niya ay wala ng taong yayakap sa kaniya ng mahigpit na walang hinihinging kapalit.

There are still people he can trust. And it’s right in his arms, hugging him. Aling Belen and Diego are the first person he opened up his heart and past. And they never judge nor get afraid of him.

Naluluha na rin si Paige dahil sa mainit na yakap na kaniyang natatanggap ngayon.

“Nasa labas pa rin siya.” Saad ni Aling Belen makalipas ang ilang minuto, kalmado na silang lahat ngayon.

Nakatayo na ngayon si Paige sa tabi ng bintana ng kanilang kwarto at nakasilip sa labas ng restaurant. Malalim na ang gabi at malamig na ang simoy ng hangin.

“Wala akong karapatan para manghimasok sa buhay ninyong dalawa ng anak mo pero sana maging matapang ka para harapin ang lahat, kahit na ang nakaraan man ito o ang inyong hinaharap.” Saad ni Aling Belen, nakatingin kay Paige.

“Kung ano man ang maging desisyon mo, andito lang kami. Ang hihilingin ko lang ay sana huwag na kayong tumakbo palayo dito, palayo sa amin.” Dagdag ni Aling Belen.

“Pag-iisipan ko po muna. Ayaw ko nang magpadalos-dalos ngayon. Natuto na ako.” Saad ni Paige, nanatiling nakapako ang kaniyang tingin kay Rafael.

Rafael is standing outside the restaurant. Naka army green t-shirt na ito ngayon. Pero ang pants niya ay iyon parin, basang-basa palatandaan na hindi ito umuwi o nagpalit man lang.

“Paeng, hindi ka nag-iisa ngayon. May anak ka na, andito kami. Sumandal ka sa amin at pro-protektahan ka namin.” Si Aling Belen.

Those words were so warm for Paige to hear.

Naluluha na naman siyang muli.

Kung narinig niya lamang ang mga salitang ito noon. Kung meron lamang siyang Aling Belen noon. Hindi na sana hahantong sa ganito ang lahat. Hindi siguro masisira ang kaniyang buhay.

Noon ay mag-isa siya ng mangyari ang lahat. Sanay na siyang mag-isa noon pa man pero ngayong pinagdaanan niya ang lahat ng ito, nalaman niya ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng masasandalan. Kaibigan at pamilyang totoo, na maaaring andiyan para sa kaniya.

He wondered if Rafael was like that before. He doesn’t know. Did he care for him before as much as Aling Belen cares for him right now? Naging sandalan ba niya si Rafael noon?

Ngayong nakikita niya si Rafael na mag-isang naghihintay sa labas, nasasaktan siya. Kumikirot ang kaniyang puso.

Naaalala niya kung paano niya pinapanalangin si Rafael na nasa mabuting kalagayan. Kung paano niya pinangarap na mayakap si Rafael sa gabing umiiyak siya.

Rafael was the shield he wanted while he was still in prison, while he was running away, and while he fought his own battle.

But Rafael failed miserably. Paige fought this battle all alone. Hindi niya ma-appreciate ang presensiya ni Rafael sa kaniyang buhay.

Ano ba ang dinala ni Rafael sa kaniya? Ano ang naging dulot ng kaniyang pagtitiwala kay Rafael?

Hindi alam ni Paige kung maganda ba ang kaniyang desisyon noon na akitin si Rafael. Kung hindi sana siya naaakit dito ay baka hindi siya dumating sa puntong ito ng kaniyang buhay. Na baka ngayon ay masaya siyang nagluluto bilang kilalang chef sa buong mundo.

Umihip ang malamig na hangin na tumama sa balat ni Paige. But with all those thoughts going on with his mind, Paige wondered if Rafael is feeling cold right now…

He bitterly smiled. He still foolishly cared for this person who brought nothing but distraction to his life.

To be continued…

Ps. sorry for the typographical and grammatical errors.

Chapter 27

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 27

Afraid

The night is long for Paige to make his decision. He will talk to Rafael to get to learn everything that happened before tomorrow. Gusto na niyang malaman ang katotohanan at huwag ng patagalin pa. Six years is long enough.

Pero mukhang hindi ata aabutin ng bukas ang kanilang pag-uusap dahil hanggang ngayon ay hindi umaalis si Rafael sa pagkakatayo sa labas. Ilang beses ng pabalik-balik si Paige sa kama at bintana sa mga oras na nakalipas at nanatili parin si Rafael doon.

Hindi na siya mapakali kakaisip dito! Hindi siya makatulog kasi binabagabag siya ni Rafael.

“Mom?” His son woke up from his slumber.

Nilingon ni Paige ang kaniyang anak na ngayon ay inaantok pang pumunta sa kaniyang pwesto.

“Uh…” Hindi nakapagsalita si Paige ng lumapit ang kaniyang anak para yakapin siya.

“It’s cold, let’s sleep together.” Si Ralph Angelo sa inaantok na boses.

“Yeah… It’s cold.” Saad ni Paige at napalingon sa labas.

Dahil sa pagtingin ni Paige sa labas ay napatingin din ang kaniyang anak. Kinusot-kusot pa nito ang mata upang makita ng mabuti ang kaniyang tinitignan sa labas.

“Let’s sleep.” Baling ni Paige sa kaniyang anak, ginigiya ito patungo sa kama upang matulog na.

Bumalik sila sa kama at natulog na. Ngunit hindi maipikit ni Paige ang kaniyang mga mata dahil sa pag-iisip kay Rafael na nasa labas.

Malalim na bumuntong hininga si Paige.

“Okay lang ba na hayaan na’tin siya doon?” Tanong ng kaniyang anak. Napatingin si Paige dito. Nakapikit ang mga mata nito ngunit kitang-kita sa noo nito ang kunot at kilay nito ay magkadikit na tila ba nag-iisip.

“He won’t leave.” Wala sa sariling saad ni Paige.

Biglang bumangon ang anak ni Paige dahilan para mapatingin siya dito.

“I’ll go out. He should leave.” Saad nito sa inaantok pang boses pero rinig sa boses nito ang katiting na concern.

Ralph Angelo grew up kind and good. Mababait ang lahat ng mga tao dito sa Claveria lalo na si Aling Belen at Diego kaya naman lumaki itong mabuti. At lumaki ang mga bata dito na pinapangaralan ng kung ano-ano gaya ng huwag pananatili sa labas kapag gabi dahil makikita mo ang babaeng ahas at maninigas ka na parang bato.

“No.” Saad ni Paige at pinagilan ang kaniyang anak na ambang bababa na sa kanilang kama.

Napalunok si Paige. Kanina pa niya gustong lumabas pero pinipigilan niya lamang ang kaniyang sarili dahil hindi niya alam ang mangyayari kung lumabas siya.

“Masyadong malamig sa labas, baka magkasakit ka.” Saad ni Paige sa kaniyang anak at bumangon.

“Ako na ang magpapa-alis sa kaniya.” Tinignan ni Paige ang kaniyang anak. “Stay here.”

Magrereklamo pa sana ang kaniyang anak ngunit agad nang lumabas si Paige sa kanilang kwarto. Dahan-dahan ang kaniyang paglalakad sa hagdang gawa sa kahoy upang hindi makagawa ng ingay.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Nagulat si Paige ng marinig ang boses galing sa kwarto nina Aling Beleng sa unang palapag ng kanilang tinitirhan.

“Ah!” Gulat na anas ni Paige.

Nakatayo si Aling Belen at may hawak itong mainit na kape. Akala ni Paige ay tulog na ito!

“Pupuntahan mo siya?” Tanong ni Aling Belen.

Hindi nakasagot si Paige.

“Ano naman ang gagawin mo?” Tanong muli ni Aling Belen.

“P-papaalisin ko po. M-masyadong malamig sa labas.” Nauutal na saad ni Paige.

“Talaga ba? Sinasabi ko sa’yo, Paige. Huwag kang magiging marupok. Paalisin mo lang, huwag kang papadala kung ano man ang sasabihin niya sa’yo.”

Napatungo na lamang si Paige bilang sagot.

“Maghihintay ako dito para kung makita ko kung anong gagawin niya sa’yo.” Saad ni Aling Belen.

Biglang nablangko ang utak ni Paige ng maglakad siya patungo sa pinto palabas ng restaurant. Ano nga ba ang sasabihin niya dito? Hindi niya alam dahil ang bilis ng tibok ng kaniyang puso dahil sa kaba!

Napa-ayos ng tayo si Rafael ng makita si Paige na naglalakad patungo sa kaniyang pwesto. Napahakbang pa ito ng ilang beses para salubungin ito ngunit napatigil siya ng huminto si Paige sa paglalakad. Ilang hakbang pa ang kanilang layo.

“Bakit andito ka pa?” Malamig na saad ni Paige dito.

“Paige…” Tawag ni Rafael sa kaniya, paos ang boses tanda ng epekto ng lamig ng hangin dito.

“Umalis ka na.” Saad ni Paige.

Hindi kaagad nakasagot si Rafael. Nagulat ito ng ilang sandali bago tumiim ang kaniyang bagang.

“Can we talk?” Saad ni Rafael.

“No. Hindi ngayon. Umuwi ka na muna.” Saad ni Paige.

“Kailan tayo pwedeng mag-usap?” Tanong muli ni Rafael.

“Basta!” Sagot ni Paige. Hindi na siya ngayon makatingin kay Rafael.

Rafael looks like a lost cat right now. Nasisinagan lamang ng mahinang ilaw ang mukha nito kaya hindi masyadong klaro ni Paige ang mukha nito pero kitang-kita nito na ang minsan-minsang panginginig ng katawan nito at ang paggalaw ng panga nito sa dilim.

Masyadong malalim ang tingin ni Rafael sa kaniya na para siyang natutunaw. Hindi inalis ni Rafael ang tingin sa kaniya na para bang bigla itong mawawala sa paningin nito.

“Then, I’ll stay here until then.” Rafael said, in a hoarse deep voice.

Napatingin muli si Paige dito.

“Ano? You should go home!” Sigaw na ngayon ni Paige.

“No. I’ll stay here.” Sagot lamang ni Rafael, hindi natinag sa sigaw ni Paige.

Hindi makapaniwalang tinignan ni Paige si Rafael.

“Bakit? Why would you go that far para lang makausap ako? Sobrang lamig na! Nilalamok ka narin. We can talk anytime soon, pero hindi muna ngayon. You are disturbing the people here!” Sigaw ni Paige.

It’s true, nakakadisturbo si Rafael sa mga tao dito. Lalong-lalo na sa kaniya, hindi siya makatulog dahil dito.

“No. I will stay here.” Saad ni Rafael, determinado at hindi papatinag kahit kitang-kita na niya ang galit na ekspresyon ni Paige.

“Ha! Ano bang mapapala mo dito ngayon? Wala! Sakit lang ang makukuha mo kung mananatili ka dito!” Sigaw muli ni Paige.

Hindi na alam ni Paige kung anong pinagsasabi niya ngayon dito.

“I’m afraid.” Biglang saad ni Rafael dahilan para matigilan si Paige.

Sa bawat bigkas nila ng mga salita at paghinga ay kitang-kita ang usok galing sa kanilang mga bibig tanda ng lamig ng panahon.

“W-what?” Takang tanong ni Paige.

“I’m afraid that you’ll run away again. If I leave now, I might not see you again. I’ll never let that happen now that I have found you. Not on my watch.” Tiim ang bagang na saad ni Rafael.

Hindi nakapagsalita si Paige. Wala sa utak niyang umalis o tumakas ngayon. Malalim siyang bumuntong hininga. Naninikip ang kaniyang dibdib sa kaba.

“You… y-you should leave. Bumalik ka nalang dito bukas!” Saad ni Paige at tinalikuran ito. Naglakad siya pabalik sa restaurant ngunit natigilan ng marinig ang tanong ni Rafael.

“Is he your son?” Tanong ni Rafael. Napalingon si Paige sa bintana ng kanilang kwarto. Naroon si Ralph Angelo, nakatayo at nanonood sa kanilang pag-uusap. Nakatingin din si Rafael dito.

Hindi nasagot ni Paige ang tanong ni Rafael dahilan para magtanong muli ito.

“Is it mine? No. I mean, who’s the father?” Hindi na nito hinintay ang sagot ni Paige sa una nitong tanong. Binalik ngayon ni Rafael ang tingin kay Paige na nakatilikod sa kaniya.

Napalunok si Paige. He wants to deny it. Gusto niyang magsinungaling dito. But his heart wants to say that “it’s our son”. Pero hindi niya iyon pwedeng sabihin. Hindi sa ngayon. He still needs to talk to his son. Kahit na alam na ng kaniyang anak kung sino ang tatay nito, hindi alam ni Paige kung tanggap ba ito ng kaniyang anak.

“Paige…” Tawag niya dito.

“Nothing is yours here. If you wants us to talk, we’ll talk tomorrow.” Saad ni Paige at nagpatuloy sa kaniyang pag-alis.

Paige and his terrible lies. He ain’t good at it kaya hindi niya alam kung paniniwalaan ba iyon ni Rafael.

Nasa tabi ng pintuan si Aling Belen ng pumasok si Paige. Inilingan na lamang iyon ni Paige upang masabi na hindi aalis si Rafael sa gabing iyon. Labis-labis ang tahip ng kaniyang puso ngayon.

“Let’s sleep.” Saad niya sa kaniyang anak ng makapasok sa kwarto. Hindi nagtanong ang kaniyang anak at hinayaan lamang si Paige na mahiga sa kama at tumabi dito.

Pero sa gabing iyon ay hindi nakatulog si Paige sa kakaisip kay Rafael.

It’s still here. In his heart, the feeling when he sees Rafael. Mabilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso pero hindi iyon masakit para sa kaniya. Instead, it’s warm. A feeling he missed the most, the fluttering of his heart every time he sees Rafael. The unfamiliar yet familiar rhythm of his heart.

Malalim siyang huminga at mapait na ngumiti.

Kinabukasan ay maagang nagbukas ang restaurant. Ang una nilang customer ay si Rafael na agad na pumasok dito ng magbukas sila.

“Do you have any soup?” Tanong ni Rafael kay Aling Belen na ngayon ay malditang nakatingin kay Rafael.

“Huwag mo akong maenglish-english jan. Wala kaming soup-soup dito kaya umalis ka muna at maglilinis muna kami!” Si Aling Belen, maldita at medyo pasigaw na saad nito.

Rafael, still on the same shirts and pants looks so pale right now. Kahit na moreno ito ay bakas na bakas dito ang lamig na kaniyang naramdaman kagabi.

“Oh, o-okay…” Medyo nahihiyang saad ni Rafael. Umalis nga ito pero nanatili naman ito sa labas.

Maya-maya pa ay bumaba si Paige galing sa kanilang kwarto kasama ang kaniyang anak.

“Pumasok ka, ihahatid ka ng Tito Diego mo!” Medyo inis na pamimilit ni Paige sa kaniyang anak.

Paggising nito ay agad nitong sinabi kay Paige na hindi ito papasok sa araw na ito kaya naman ay maaga palang ay nagpipilitan na sila. Si Paige na pinilit ang anak na pumasok sa klase at ang kaniyang anak na pinipilit ang kaniyang nanay na huwag pumasok.

“Anong nangyari?” Tanong ni Diego ng makababa sila sa hagdan.

“Ayaw niyang pumasok ngayong araw!” Saad ni Paige. “Pilitin mo nga Diego na pumasok.” Dagdag ni Paige at pumasok sa kusina. Hindi na niya napansin si Rafael na nakaupo sa isa sa mga mesa at umiinom ng kape.

This is their morning routine. Si Paige na agad pumupunta sa kusina upang maghanda kasama si Aling Belen at si Diego na naglilinis sa restaurant at ihahatid si Angelo sa school pagkatapos.

“Naghahanap siya ng soup.” Saad ni Aling Belen ng makapasok si Paige.

“Soup?” Takang tanong ni Paige. Tinuro naman ni Aling Belen ang labas ng kusina kaya napalingon si Paige dito.

Naroon si Rafael, malalim n nakatingin kay Diego at Angelo na nag-uusap. Nang maramdaman nakatingin si Paige sa kaniya ay nilingon niya ang kusina. Kaya agad na iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang tingin.

Nakalimutan niyang narito pala si Rafael!

Kitang-kita sa loob ng kusina ang kanilang mga customer sa labas. Ganon din ang kusina sa pwesto ng mga customer kaya hindi nakatakas si Paige sa paningin ni Rafael.

“Ayaw niyang pumasok!” Saad ni Diego makalipas ang ilang minuto. Napatingin si Paige dito at sa anak niyang katabi nito.

“Angelo, don’t miss your class.” Saad ni Paige.

“I’ll stay here today! I’ll help!” Saad nito at lumingon sa labas, tinignan si Rafael na ngayon ay nakatingin din sa kanila.

Kaya naman ay hindi na niya napilit ang kaniyang anak na pumasok lalo pa’t si Aling Belen at Diego din ay ayaw itong papasukin sa araw na ito. His son is stubborn sometimes. Mahirap pilitin kung ayaw nitong gawin ang isang bagay, gaya din niya noong bata pa siya. He got his son’s stubborness from his mom.

Kaya naman sa araw na iyon ay tumulong ang kaniyang anak sa pagse-serve sa kanilang mga customer sa umagang iyon. Nagtatagal ito sa kusina kasama si Paige na para bang binabantayan siya nito.

Natapos na ni Paige kanina pa ang kaniyang niluto para sa kanilang paninda sa umaga at patapos na rin para naman sa tanghali. Hindi siya nakalabas sa dami ng kaniyang niluluto sa kusina sa araw na iyon. At si Rafael na hindi umalis sa restaurant hanggang tanghali.

Kahit na gustong paalisin ni Aling Belen ito ay hindi niya magawa dahil sa dami ng kinain nito. Tinitikman ni Rafael ang lahat ng bawat luto ni Paige. Wala siyang pinalampas kaya mahirap paalisin ang customer na palaging kumakain ng kanilang paninda.

“Let’s talk.” Saad ni Paige matapos siyang magluto at lumapit kay Rafael.

Kanina pa niya iniisip ang kaniyang mga tanong kay Rafael. Kagabi pa niya napagdesisyonan na kausapin ito upang malaman ang katotohanan sa lalong madaling panahon.

He thought he was ready. But he wasn’t when he heard everything. The reason why it happened and what happened after.

To be continued…

Chapter 28

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 28

Truth

“I’m gonna talk with him.” Saad ni Paige sa loob ng kusina. Para iyon sa kaniyang anak na tahimik lamang nagmamasid sa kaniya.

His son is observing everything he does.

“Will you be okay, mom?” Tanong ng kaniyang anak.

Lumapit si Paige sa kaniyang anak. Umupo siya sa harapan nito upang magpantay ang kanilang mga mata.

“Please trust me for this.” Nakangiting saad ni Paige sa kaniyang anak. His son is looking straight to him, reading every unspoken words made by his every action, face and eyes.

“Just call me if you need help.” Concern na sabi ng kaniyang anak.

“Yeah…” Napangiti si Paige sa sinabi ng kaniyang anak at niyakap ito.

Wala na masyadong customer nang matapos si Paige mag-ayos sa kusina. Lumabas siya ng matapos ang kaniyang ginawa.

“Kakausapin ko po siya.” Determinadong paalam ni Paige kay Aling Belen. Hindi na hinayaan pang sumagot ni Paige ito at agad na nagtungo kay Rafael.

“Let’s talk.” Saad ni Paige kay Rafael.

Nakatingin na ngayon si Rafael kay Paige na lumapit sa kaniya. Agad itong naupo sa kaniyang harapan.

“I don’t know what brought you here but I wanna know the truth. Everything that happened years ago.” Seryosong saad ni Paige. Lumunok si Paige dahil sa pagtatama ng kanilang mga mata.

Hindi kaagad sumagot si Rafael. Pinagmamasdan niya muna ang mukha ni Paige na nasa kaniyang harapan.

A lot has changed in him. Sa paningin ni Rafael ay sobra ang pagpayat nito. His skins looks so pale. His eyes looks so deep now. Mahirap ng mabasa ang emosyong pinapakita ng mga mata nito.

“Please tell me the truth.” Saad ni Paige. Handa ng-handa ngunit mababakasan sa kaniyang boses ang kabacan.

“Where should I start?” Tanong ni Rafael.

“Anywhere you want to. Just tell me what you know.”

“I started working with your father right after you left for Italy.” Saad ni Rafael makalipas ang ilang minuto. Nagtitigan muna sila ng ilang minuto bago nag-iwas ng tingin si Paige.

Paige remembered what happened the night before he flew to Italy to chase his dream.

Napayuko si Paige matapos magsimulang magsalita ni Rafael. Ang kaniyang kamay ay nasa taas ng kaniyang hita, pinapaikot niya ang kaniyang daliri doon.

To face Rafael after years is something he should surpass. He have expected that one day, they might met again. Meeting Rafael means opening his wounds. Opening his wounds bare his anxiety of his past.

But Paige knew that he should face this no matter what. He should be ready to speak with Rafael with his eyes and ears open. And that means he should step out of his comfort that he made over the years.

Kabadong-kabado siya ngayon. Pero tinatapangan niya ang kaniyang sarili para matapos na ang lahat ng kaniyang paghihirap na hanggang ngayon ay kaniya paring dinadala.

Talking with Rafael right now is one of the step for Paige to heal his broken soul. He needs confirmation. He needs to close that part of his life in order to continue living.

“The first job he gave me was to send you guards in Italy for your security, without you knowing.” Saad ni Rafael. “Nagpadala kami ng tatlong guards sa’yo kada buwan. Para lang bantayan ka at ilayo sa mga umaaligid sa’yo.” Umigting ang panga nito.

Napasinghap si Paige sa narinig. Hindi niya iyon alam!

“But the last three guards that were sent to you went missing. We look for them around Italy but their bodies were found here in the Philippines. Lifeless.”

Seryoso-seryosong nakatingin si Rafael kay Paige habang nagsasalita. Paige didn’t speak so he continued speaking. Napalunok si Paige sa narinig. Someone died while guarding his safety!

Hindi niya inaakalang may namatay kapalit ng payapa at tahimik niyang buhay sa Italy. Para sa kaniya ay malaya siyang namumuhay roon pero mayroon palang mga guard na umaaligid sa kaniya upang bantayan siya.

“That’s when your father had doubts. Matagal na niyang alam na may plano ang kaniyang kapatid na pabagsakin siya. Ilang araw siyang nakatanggap ng threats. He payed no mind to any of that but when your pictures were sent to him, that’s when things get serious. He continuously get pictures of you having red x mark, warning him about your safety.”

Nanginig si Paige sa kaniyang kinauupuan. Hindi niya alam na nasa delikado na palang posisyon ang kaniyang buhay.

“Your father always knew that you don’t want to be involve in any of your family matters. But he can’t deal the threats being made against him using his son. Kaya naman humingi siya ng tulong sa akin, na kunin ka pabalik sa Pilipinas. Because we believe that you’re much more safer here, sa kita namin at nababantayan. Everything was under control not until your name was being slandered all over the internet, news and every where. You become wanted for no reason.”

Rafael continued.

“Our trip back to the Philippines were supposed to be hidden. Wala dapat nakakaalam ng pag-uwi mo pero someone might have ratted us. Nagkaroon ng check point sa daan kahit na wala dapat check point sa gabing iyon. And Leon, your cousin brought you under his custody. Wala akong nagawa at that time. They have your warrant of arrest. I couldn’t go against the law.” Napatigil si Rafael sa pagsasalita.

Paige is being quiet in front of him. Pero nakikinig ito sa bawat salitang sinasabi ni Rafael.

The restaurant was quiet since it’s after lunch. Wala na ang mga customer. Ang tanging naroon lamang sa gilid ay sina Aling Belen, Diego, at ang anak ni Paige na tahimik na nagmamasid sa kanilang pag-uusap.

“Who… was the person behind it?” Tanong ni Paige habang nakayuko at malalim ang iniisip.

The night he ran away from their mansion came back to his mind. Akala niya ang tatay niya ang may pakana ng lahat noon kaya siya tumakas. Labis-labis ang takot na kaniyang nararamdaman noon.

Maybe that’s when his trauma started. When he saw one of his father’s men walking towards his farher to say something.

Hindi na niya inisip ang lahat.

That maybe if he let his family explain, he wouldn’t come this far. But he can’t blame himself. Sirang-sira na ang kaniyang tiwala habang siya ay nakakakulong. Akala niya ay pinagtaksilan siya ng kaniyang mga magulang sa ilang araw ng kaniyang pagkakulong at hindi sila nagparamdam sa kanila.

But Paige knew that he should have let them explain. It pained him because they were his family. Only family in this world, the first he should have trusted.

“It was your father’s sister, Temari Leonard Montero. It was her who wanted to take the position of patriarch from your family.” Saad ni Paige na siyang nagpagulat sa kaniya.

Leon’s mom!

Paige barely met his Aunt because she was always abroad, always having her time in the wonders of the world. Palagi itong nag babakasyon at walang pake sa nangyayari sa kanilang pamilya. Paige knew her as a brat who lavishly uses the family’s money!

He didn’t expect this coming.

Napatingin na ngayon si Paige sa mukha ni Rafael. Seryosong-seryoso ang mukha nito.

“But she was not alone. Everyone in the family betrayed your father. He fought against them all alone right after you went missing. We look everywhere for you while he is fighting for his throne. But your father made the decision of giving up on finding you. Because he thought that it might be better for you. You wanted to be freed so much out of your family. So instead, he fought against them and kept the position while stopping everyone that chases after you. He thought that you might be safe wherever you are if he could stop them.”

Napakurap si Paige. Sa nakalipas na taon, walang nagparamdam na humahabol o naghahanap sa kaniya. Everything was all inside his head, he was afraid for his life. That’s why he keep running away.

Everything is now clear to Paige. His family didn’t betray him. His father was trying to protect him. It’s just that, everything is entangled between him.

Maybe, the enemy knew that Paige was the greatest weakness of his father. Lalo na’t nasa abroad siya, malayo sa kaniyang mga magulang. The enemy could use him at any scheme that might use. And they succeeded.

Nanatiling tahimik si Paige sa kaniyang kinauupuan.

He was wrong. He is wrong all those years. Sa anim na taon, tahimik niyang sinisisi ang kaniyang mga magulang sa nangyari sa kaniya.

Mali siya. Hindi niya pinagkatiwalaan ang kaniyang pamilya. He realised it now.

Napalingon si Paige sa kaniyang anak. He wondered if he were in his father’s shoes. What would he do?

No parents would kill their own offspring, no parents would want their own die. Walang matinong pamilyang ganon. Walang matinong tatay o nanay na gustong makita ang kanilang anak na mamatay.

Dahil ang pinaka-unang gagawin ng pamilya ay protektahan ang bawat isa. Gawin ang lahat para sa seguridad at kaligtasan ng bawat isa.

It’s cruel. Everything that happened is cruel. Nasira ang kanilang pamilya dahil sa ginawa ng mga ito. Nawala ang kaniyang tiwala sa kaniyang nag-iisang pamilya na dapat ay ang unang at siyang pinagkakatiwalaan niya.

Nanikip ang kaniyang dibdib. What happened to him might be his own mistake. Baka siya talaga ang may kasalanan sa nangyari sa kaniya ngayon.

“H-how are they now?” Tanong ni Paige.

Hindi sumagot si Rafael dahilan para mapatingin si Paige dito. Nagulat siya ng makitang nagbago ang mga mata ni Rafael. It’s ominous, Paige had the clue right from what he saw in his eyes.

Malungkot itong tumitig sa kaniya.

“It has been a long time.” Panimula ni Rafael. “Your father… died due to over exhaustion and pressure from work. Hindi niya nakayanan ang pagod physically and mentally.”

Napasinghap si Paige sa gulat. Napaawang ang kaniyang labi at napahawak sa kaniyang naninikip na dibdib.

His father, whom he thought that is still alive until now is dead.

Hindi nakapagsalita si Paige. Hindi niya alam ang sasabihin. Nawalan siya ng boses.

“Mom…” Saad ni Ralph Angelo, hindi na napansin ni Paige ang paglapit nito.

Napansin siguro ng kaniyang anak ang pamumutla ng kaniyang ina. Dahil sa pagtawag ng kaniyang anak ay nalipat dito ang kaniyang atensyon.

“I n-need to go out first…” Saad niya dito at tumayo. Lumabas siya restaurant na walang iniisip na iba kundi ang kaniyang mga nalaman.

Naninikip ang kaniyang dibdib at nahihirapan siyang huminga. Nagbabadya narin ang kaniyang mga luha sa pagbagsak ngunit hindi ito pumapatak. Naglakad si Paige palabas sa restaurant hanggang sa dumating siya sa tabing dagat.

Where his choices all these years are correct?

Tama bang nagpatuloy siyang lumayo sa kaniyang pamilya? Six years, he had the time to go back to his family. To check on them even in news. Pero hindi niya ginawa.

His hatred and pain made him selfishly unbothered here in Claveria. Mas ginusto niyang takbuhan ang katotohanan. Mas ginusto niyang mamuhay ng tahimik dito.

Winaksi niya ang lahat ng kaniyang pagmamahal sa kaniyang pamilya. Napalitan iyon ng takot na siyang nagtakip sa kaniyang iisipan. Hindi niya nakita at naalala ang mga magandang nangyari sa kaniyang buhay kasama ang kaniyang pamilya. Napalitan iyon ng takot ng isang pangyayaring hindi niya inakalang dumating sa kaniyang buhay.

He’s much worse than his family’s enemy. That’s what he thought. Mas nakakadiri siya kaysa sa mga kasinungalingan kaniyang kinatakutan at tinakbuhan.

Nagsimula siyang sisihin ang kaniyang sarili sa nangyari.

Kung hindi sana siya umalis at tumakbo ng gabing iyon, hindi sana siya maghihirap at ang kaniyang pamilya. Kung tinanong at nilabanan na lamang niya ang kaniyang takot na harapin ang kaniyang pamilya, hindi sana sila magkakalayo.

Nadala siya ng takot. Ang kaniyang tiwala ay binaon ng galit at ang kaniyang pangamba.

Kung nagtiwala lamang siya sa pagmamahal ng kaniyang mga magulang, hindi na sana hahantong sa ganito ang lahat. He could have stayed with them for six years.

Ngunit huli na ang lahat. Wala ng mababago.

“Don’t blame yourself.” Si Rafael na sumunod kay Paige.

Nakaupo na ngayon si Paige sa tabing dagat at nakatulalang nakatingin sa papalubog na ngayong araw.

Punong-puno na ngayon ng pagsisisi ang kaniyang puso.

“You did nothing wrong, Paige.” Dagdag ni Rafael ng hindi magsalita si Paige.

Lumalim ang pag-iisip ni Paige sa mga nalaman. Sabi niya gusto niyang malaman ang katotohanan. Handa siyang harapin ang lahat ng kaniyang malalaman ngunit ngayong alam niya na ang lahat, tila gumuhong muli ang kaniyang mundo.

Gusto ulit niyang tumakbo palayo sa katotohanan. Hindi niya matanggap na siya at kaniyang pagiging mahina ang dahilan kung bakit niya dinanas ang lahat. Walang kasalanan ang kaniyang pamilya. Gusto lang ng mga ito ay ang kaniyang kaligtasan. Hindi iyon agad nakita ni Paige.

“H-how about my mom?” Tanong ni Paige makalipas ang ilang minutong katahimikan.

“She’s still alive.” Sagot ni Rafael.

Dahil sa kaniyang narinig ay medyo gumaan ang kaniyang pakiramdam. It’s still not too late for his mom. Pero hindi na niya mababawi ang ninakaw na oras para sa kaniyang tatay.

How cruel.

Life has been really cruel.

To be continued…

Chapter 29

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 29

Dinner

“Mom!” Tawag ng kaniyang anak na nag-aalala. Nakasunod ito sa kaniya ng maglakad siya palabas.

Paige needs to breathe. Hirap siyang huminga dahil sa kaniyang nalaman. Pero nang lumingon siya sa kaniyang likuran, nakasunod sa kaniya sina ang kaniyang anak, si Aling Belen, Diego at si Rafael na malapit na malapit sa kaniya.

The sight of them all worried for Paige sent warmth to his flattering heart. Ang kaninang nagkukumahog sa kabang kaniyang puso unti-unting kumalma.

He has these people now. They are showering him the comfort he needs the most. He’s not alone.

Mapait na napangiti si Paige. What could have gone wrong now?

What happened in his past is something that already happened, hindi na mababalikan at mababago.

Patakbong nagtungo sa kaniya ang kaniyang anak. Kasunod nito ay sina Aling Belen at Diego.

“Are you okay?” Tanong ni Ralph Angelo.

Maputlang-maputla ang mukha ni Paige ngayon. Namumula ang mata at mababakasan dito ang kaniyang pagod.

“I just need to breathe. Parang nasasakal ako sa aking nalaman.” Paige honestly said to his son.

“Paige…” Tawag ni Rafael dito.

“Fuck off.” Biglang sagot ng anak ni Paige dito at mahigpit na humawak sa pantalon ni Paige.

Kitang-kita ang gulat sa mukha ni Rafael ng marinig iyon.

“Angelo! Your words!” Gulat din si Paige sa sinabi ng kaniyang anak.”

“I’m sorry mom but he hurted you!” Reklamo ng kaniyang anak.

“It’s not good to use that word!” Saad ni Paige sa kaniyang kalmado ngunit may diin na pagkabigkas.

Kumalma na ngayon si Paige at akmang babalik na sila sa restaurant ngunit natigilan siya ng makita si Rafael.

“Let us talk again if you ever have something left to say.” Saad ni Paige at iniwan si Rafael sa tabi ng dagat.

Bumalik sila sa restaurant kasama sina Aling Belen at Diego. Habang si Rafael naman ay tahimik lamang nakasunod sa kanila.

“Hindi ka na nga pumasok ngayong araw tapos maririnig pa kitang magmumura.” Saad muli ni Paige sa kaniyang anak.

“But that guy made you look so sad!” Naka-pout at medyo inis na saad ng kaniyang anak.

“I told you to trust me, diba? I’m okay. Nalungkot lang ako sa nalaman ko galing sa kaniya. Hindi siya ang may kasalanan.” Saad ni Paige.

He’s a mom now. He has responsibility to take care. Paige slowly overcoming his uncontrolled emotions. Maybe it is parental instinct over the years that made him feel calm now. Na alam niyang naghihintay ang kaniyang anak para sa kaniya kaya dapat ay maging okay siya para dito.

“You don’t look okay to me.” Saad ni Ralph Angelo, magkadikit ang kilay ngunit kitang-kita sa mata nito ang concern.

“Yeah, I may not be okay now but I will be okay later. For you, my son.” Nakangiting saad ni Paige dito.

He shouldn’t let his son see his vulnerable side now. Masyado na atang nagiging sensitive ang kaniyang anak sa kaniya dahil sa mga nakaraang taong nakita nito ang kaniyang mahinang mga araw. It’s as if his son is overly sensitive now because of his frequent breakdowns.

Nanatiling tahimik sina Aling Belen at Diego habang pinanood sila. Hindi ito nagsalita at hinayaan lamang sila sa kanilang moment. Habang si Rafael ay patuloy na nakasunod sa kanila.

“Magsasara na kami!” Saad ni Aling Belen kay Rafael sa napaka-intimidating na mukha at boses.

“Uh… Do you have any spare rooms?” Tanong ni Rafael dito.

Dumilim na hudyat na mag-gagabi na.

“No english!” Saad ni Aling Belen.

“May bakante pa ba kayong kwarto?” Seryosong saad ni Rafael kay Aling Belen bago binalik ang tingin kina Paige na nag-uusap kasama ang anak nito.

“Wala na!” Pasigaw na saad ni Aling Belen.

“Sabi sa labas madami pang bakanteng kwarto dito.” Sabi ni Rafael, tinignan si Aling Belen, at tinuro ang labas ng kanilang restaurant.

May maliit na sign doon na nagsasabing may pinapaupahang kwarto dito.

“Wala na ‘yon. Okupado na!” Pagrarason ni Aling Belen.

“Magbabayad ako.”

“Magkano? Este, hindi pwede!” Saad ni Aling Belen at napalingon kay Paige.

Nakatingin na ngayon si Paige sa kanilang dawalang nag-uusap pati ang anak nito. Narinig niya ang pinag-uusapan nila.

Pinandilatan ni Aling Belen si Paige para sana humingi ng permisyon dito. Pero tumalikod lamang si Paige at pumunta sa kusina para magluto ng kanilang dinner.

“Wala na ngang bakante kaya umalis ka na.” Pagtataboy ni Aling Belen dito. Hindi siya nakakuha ng sagot kay Paige kaya hindi niya alam kung okay lang ba manatili dito si Rafael.

“Mama? Anong wala? May isa pa doon sa gilid!” Saad ni Diego.

Dahil sa sinabi nito ay kinurot niya ang tagiliran ng kaniyang anak. Hindi na iyon nakatakas sa pandinig ni Rafael.

“1000.” Offer na ngayon ni Rafael. “Para sa kwartong iyon.”

500 lang ang nakalagay sa note nila sa labas kada isang buwan.

“Hindi pwede!”

“10,000?” Mas mataas na offer ni Rafael.

He really wants to stay here. Malapit kay Paige upang mabantayan ito at masabi pa ang kaniyang gustong sabihin.

Napasinghap si Aling Belen at Diego sa kanilang narinig. Hindi araw-araw ay nakakarinig sila ng ganito.

“Pumayag ka na mama. Pwede mo na yan pang bayad sa utang mo!” Bulong ni Diego sa kaniyang anak.

Napalunok si Aling Belen. Hindi niya alam kung okay lang ba ito kay Paige pero nangangati na ang kaniyang kamay dahil sa narinig nito kay Rafael.

“Ilang araw kang mananalagi dito?” Saad ni Aling Belen. Humina na ngayon ang boses nito at nagseryoso.

“Depende…” Saad ni Rafael at lumingon sa kusina ng restaurant.

“Isang gabi lang.” Saad ni Aling Belen.

“Hindi… limang araw.” Sabi ni Paige.

One night might not be enough for him to persuade Paige to go back. Gusto niya itong maibalik sa Manila sa lalong madaling panahon.

“Hindi pwede!” Saad ni Aling Belen, bumalik ang pagiging maldita sa boses nito.

“10,000 sa bawat oras ng pananatili ko dito.”

Napasinghap si Aling Belen at Diego ng marinig ang sinabi ni Rafael.

That’s too much!

“K-kausapin ko muna si Paeng…” Saad ni Aling Belen at tila ba nakalutang itong nagtungo sa kusina upang makausap si Paige.

“What do you want for dinner?” Tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang anak.

“Can we have adobo tonight?” Saad ng kaniyang anak, nakangiti tila takam na takam.

“Paeng…” Tawag ni Aling Belen sa kaniya.

Nilingon ni Paige ito. Nakatayo lamang ito sa tabi ng pinto at lutang na nakatingin sa kawalan.

“Hmm?” Nagtatakang himig ni Paige.

“Pwede naman siguro siyang matulog dito ngayong gabi? Kahit ngayong gabi lang?” Saad ni Aling Belen.

In Aling Belen’s mind, she is calculating how much she will get from Rafael if he stays here for just one night.

Napalunok si Paige. Hindi iyon okay sa kaniya pero hindi rin okay sa kaniya na makita si Rafael sa labas ngayong gabi, nilalamig. Tila wala kasi itong balak na layuan sila ngayon.

“Aling Belen, sa inyo po ito. Kayo po ang may karapatan mag magdesisyon para dito.” Iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang paningin kay Aling Belen at binalik ang atensyon sa paghahanda ng kanilang makakain.

Sa ilang taong pananalagi ni Paige dito ay siya lamang ang tanging nag okupa sa isa sa apat na kwartong meron sa pangalawang palapag. Aling Belen never had a customer for that. Dahil ang karamihan sa tourists na pumupunta dito ay sa hotel nananalagi na may kalayuan dito.

Agad na bumalik si Aling Belen sa labas ng marinig ang go signal galing kay Paige.

“Cash.” Saad nito kay Rafael.

Agad na nilabas ni Rafael ang kaniyang wallet.

“Ito lang ang meron ako ngayon. Bukas nalang ang ibang bayad ko.”

Naglabas ng madaming isang libo si Rafael galing sa kaniyang wallet. Gulat na gulat si Aling Belen at Diego sa dami ng nilabas nitong pera. When Aling Belen counted it, it was exactly 30,000.

“Diego! Ituro mo sa kaniya ang kaniyang kwarto!” Saad ni Aling Belen sa kaniyang anak na nanlalaki ang matang nakatingin sa perang hawak ng kaniyang ina.

And that’s how Rafael got his room here for tonight. Iyon nga lang, wala na siyang perang natira. Pagkapasok niya sa kaniyang kwarto ay agad niyang tinawagan ang kaniyang secretary. There’s no bank here in Claveria that’s why his cards are useless. Nasa kabilang bayan pa ito.

Bumalik si Rafael sa unang palapag upang magmasid sa ginagawa nina Paige. It’s dinner time. Naghahanda na ang mga ito sa kanilang pagkain.

“Sumali ka na sa amin!” Si Diego ng makita si Rafael.

“Halika na at kumain ka na din dito.” Si Aling Belen na good mood na ngayon.

Just what money can’t buy in this world?

Napatingin si Paige sa mag-ina at hindi makapaniwala sa kaniyang nakita. Hindi niya alam kung bakit maayos ang pakikitungo ng dalawa kay Rafael.

Tumikhim si Paige dahilan para makuha nito ang atensyon ni Aling Belen at Diego. Ngunit nag-iwas lamang ng tingin ang dalawa at naupo sa mesa.

Rafael then shamelessly seated in one of the chairs across Paige and his son.

This thing is uncomfortable for Paige. Kaya kunot na kunot na ngayon ang kaniyang noo at salubong na ang kilay.

And it wasn’t just Paige, pati narin ang kaniyang anak. His son is glaring at Rafael.

Pero hindi na sila nagreklamo pa ng magsimulang kumain ang tatlo. Paige couldn’t get anry while there’s food in their table. Kaya hinayaan na lamang nitong makisali si Rafael sa kanilang dinner.

To be continued…

Chapter 30

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 30

Will

“Paige,” Si Rafael na agad bumungad kay Paige ng makalabas ito sa kanilang kwarto.

Umagang-umaga palang ay nagsimula nang magpa-pansin si Rafael kay Paige. Hindi pa nakakalimutan ni Paige ang nangyari kagabi kaya hindi niya ito pinansin at nag-focus na lamang sa kaniyang trabaho.

Gaya ng dati ay ganon parin ang ginawa ni Paige sa araw na ito. Nanatili siya sa loob ng kusina hanggang sa matapos siyang magluto.

“Mom!” Ang kaniyang anak na kakarating lang galing sa school. Tanghali na at umuuwi ito para kumain.

Kahit anong pilit ni Paige na magbaon na lamang ito ng lunch para hindi na mahirapan ang Tito Diego nito sa paghatid-sundo, ayaw parin ng kaniyang anak dahil mas gusto nitong kumain dito sa kanilang restaurant.

Kakalagay pa lang ni Paige ng huling ulam na kaniyang niluto para sa tanghali.

Ngumiti si Paige at agad na niyakap ang kaniyang anak ng tumakbo ito patungo sa kaniya. It’s warmth. He will never get used or had enough of his son’s hug.

“That guy is still here?” Mahinang bulong ng kaniyang anak ngunit narinig iyon ni Paige.

Kumalas sa pagkakayakap si Paige at tumayo, nilingon niya ang tinitignan ng kaniyang anak.

Si Rafael iyon na tahimik na nagmamasid at malalim na nag-iisip habang nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa. His eyes were showing some kind of amusement or something like jealousy?

Tumayo si Rafael sa kaniyang mesa at nakatitig parin kina Paige at sa anak nito nang maglakad ito patungo sa counter ng restaurant.

Kanina pa naiilang si Paige dito dahil sa tuwing lumalabas siya sa kusina ay damang-dama niya ang paninitig ni Rafael at sa bawat latag niya ng ulam ay agad-agad na umu-order si Rafael.

“Isang order dito.” Si Rafael kay Aling Belen sabay senyas sa mainit-init at bagong ulam na nilabas ni Paige.

Nakatingin lamang sina Paige at ang kaniyang anak sa ginawa nito. Binalik naman ni Rafael ang tingin niya sa mag-ina dahilan para matigilan si Paige. Ang kaniyang anak naman ay hindi mabasa ang ekspresyon sa mukha.

“Will you eat with me, kiddo?” Tanong ni Rafael, ngayon ay nakatingin na sa batang nakatingala sa kaniya.

Suminghal si Ralph Angelo ng subukan siyang kausapin ni Rafael.

“You ain’t welcome to eat at the same table as me.” Malditong saad nito.

Natigilan si Paige sa narinig at agad na binalingan ng tingin ang kaniyang anak. Maldito nitong inalis ang tingin kay Rafael at agad na nag walk out patungo sa kusina.

Si Aling Belen na narinig ang sinabi ng bata ay napasinghap na lamang. Sinundan ng tingin ni Paige ang kaniyang anak bago binalik sa na-estatwang si Rafael sa kaniyang harapan.

He looks defeated and devastated! Hindi siya makapaniwala na nireject siya ng isang bata sa ganoong paraan.

“I-is that really my son?” Tanong ni Rafael kay Paige.

He knew it. The moment he saw Paige with the kid, he realised it then. He had the feeling that it’s his son.

He needs no confirmation from Paige. Anak niya ang bata.

“You know you were the only person who marked me right?” Saad ni Paige dito.

In this world, one Omega can only be marked by one Alpha, in most cases. There are special case but not for Paige. For six years, Paige never met nor had feelings for any Alpha aside from Rafael.

Napatiim bagang si Rafael nang lagpasan siya ni Paige at sumunod sa anak nitong pumasok sa kusina.

Rafael really missed six long years in Paige’s life. In his son’s life. Kumuyom ang kaniyang kamao. Gusto man niyang magalit sa kaniyang sarili dahil hindi niya nagawang protektahan si Paige noon ngunit wala na siyang magagawa ngayon.

Instead, kailangan niyang mag focus sa pagkuha ng loob ni Paige at ng kaniyang anak. Which might be harder because the two were elusive. Masyadong mailap ang dalawa at para bang ayaw siyang kausapin.

After a while, Rafael sighed and went back to his usual seat in the restaurant. Madami na ang naipong plato doon ng kaniyang pinagkainan.

Diego served the newly cooked food. Just like it used to be, mukha at amoy masarap parin iyon para kay Rafael. Ngunit hindi niya iyon magawang galawin.

Naglinis si Diego sa mesa nito bago umalis. Rafael were silent and in his deep thoughts.

Natapos ang peak hour sa restaurant kaya naman ay naglilinis na ngayon sina Aling Belen at Diego sa loob ng restaurant. Dahil wala namang ginagawa si Rafael kaya tumulong siya dito.

Aling Belen denied it at first pero hinayaan nalang din ng mapilit si Rafael.

Maya-maya ay lumabas si Paige sa kusina. Nang makita iyon ni Rafael ay sumunod siya dito palabas. Binaba ni Paige ang basura sa harapan ng restaurant at nang humarap siya sa kaniyang likuran ay nagulat siya ng makita si Rafael.

Matiim at malalim ang titig ni Rafael kay Paige.

“Paige.” Malalim ang boses na saad ni Rafael.

Napalunok si Paige ng marinig niya ang kaniyang pangalan mula dito. Kanina pa siya naiilang sa mga titig ni Rafael sa kaniya. Kanina pa din niya iniiwasang makipag-usap kay Rafael.

“Let’s talk, please.” Pagmamakaawa ni Rafael kay Paige.

Ngunit hindi natinag si Paige. Blangko ang expresyon niyang nakipag titig kay Rafael. Dahil sa ilang oras na pananalagi ni Rafael dito ay unti-unting nasasanay si Paige sa presensya nito. Hindi pa naaalis ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya ngunit hindi na siya natatakot ngayon. Because Paige knew that Rafael would not hurt him.

“What is it?” Walang emosyong tanong ni Paige.

“It’s about your mom and your father’s last will.” Saad ni Rafael. “Your mom is ill right now. You are the only person she needs the most. She’s looking for you.”

Bumilis pa lalo ang tibok ng puso ni Paige ng marinig niya ang sinabi ni Rafael. Napalunok si Paige. He knew where this was going.

“I won’t go back for now. I need more time.” Saad ni Paige at napalingon sa restaurant. Wala na doon ang kaniyang anak dahil pumasok ito sa hapon nitong klase ngunit nanatili ang kaniyang paningin doon, umiiwas sa tingin ni Rafael.

He cares about his mom. But he still can’t bear to leave this place he called home for the past six years. Mahirap iwan ang nagbigay ng bubong sa kaniya sa mga nakalipas na taong naghihirap siya.

“I’ll give you some time. But promise me be that you’ll go back. You need to go back to where you belong.” Saad ni Rafael.

Dahil sa sinabi nito ay napatingin si Paige kay Rafael.

“May babalikan pa ba ako doon ngayon? I’m living happily here. Mas masaya at payapa dito kaya bigyan mo muna ako ng oras para makapag-isip!” Si Paige na ngayon ay galit na.

He cares for his mom but his father’s last will is something that he doesn’t want to be involved with. Ayaw niya iyong hawakan dahil sa kaniyang takot.

“I’m sorry… I’ll give you the time you want.” Saad ni Rafael ngunit natigil ito ng may pumaradang itim na van sa kanilang tabi.

Parehong napatingin doon si Paige at Rafael. Bumakas ang pinto nito na nasa kanilang harapan at lumabas doon si Lawyer John na ibang-iba na ngayon ang mukha.

Lawyer John smiled so big as he stepped outside the van. He has long hair now falling from the sides of his head. He still had the same thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, and deep black eyes without its glasses. Maputi parin ngunit matipuno na ito ngayon. Mukhang nag-wo-work out ito dahil sa mga bukol na nakikita sa puting pulong suot nito.

He’s different now. He was tall before mas lalong itong tumangkad. Ang dating payat ay ngayo’y maskulado ng tignan.

“Hi!” Saad nito kay Paige at kumayaw. “This place looks so beautiful! The beaches are perfect! The mountains are magnificent!”

Gulat na gulat si Paige ng makita si Lawyer John ngayon. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang kaniyang mararamdaman. But since Paige didn’t hold any grudges against the people who helped him, and Lawyer John looks so friendly right now. Wala siyang kinakatakot dito.

“I guess Gio still couldn’t talk with you properly looking at the two of your right now.” Saad ni Lawyer John. “He doesn’t know how to persuade you!” Mahinang bulong nito ngunit rinig na rinig iyon ni Rafael.

“Tss…” Singhal ni Rafael.

Dahil sa pagdating ni Lawyer John ay agad silang nagtungo sa loob ng restaurant upang makapag-usap.

Nakaupo na sila ngayon sa isang mesa sa loob ng restaurant. Nasa harapan ni Paige si Lawyer John habang si Rafael ay nasa gilid naman niya.

“So, hanggang saan na ang nasabi ni Rafael sa’yo?” Tanong ni Lawyer John kay Paige.

“We we’re just talking about my mom and the w-will.” Sagot ni Paige. Hindi pa siya ganoon kasanay sa pakikipag-usap sa mga tao ngunit manghang-mangha siya sa pagiging friendly ngayon ni Lawyer John. A lot has changed in him. From his looks and personality.

“The will!” Masayang saad ni Lawyer John at ngumiti kay Rafael. “I’m the one handling that kaya dapat ako ang kausap mo?”

“Huh?” Takang tanong ni Paige. Napatingin siya kay Rafael na ngayon ay tumango.

“I was your father’s lawyer. You know, that’s why I took your case before because no one would take it.” Proud at nakangiting saad ni Lawyer John na tila ba walang nangyari noon.

Nagulat si Paige sa kaniyang nalaman.

“Well, that’s in the past now. I’m now working as your lawyer!” Saad nito na may malaking ngiti. “Ikaw lamang ang taga-pagmana ng iyong tatay kaya naman ikaw na ang boss ko ngayon.”

Inabot ni Lawyer John ang kaniyang kamay kay Paige ngunit bago pa man nito mahawakan ni Lawyer John ay pinalo at pinalayo na iyon ni Rafael. Kunot ang noo at magkadikit na ngayon ang kilay na nakatingin si Rafael kay Lawyer John.

“Chill, bro!” Saad ni Lawyer John at bahagya tinaas ang dalawang kamay bilang pagsuka. “Still as mad as ever.”

“Don’t touch him.” Rafael said with a hoarse voice.

“Alright. About the will.” Binalik ni Lawyer John ang kaniyang paningin kay Paige at sersyong-seryoso na ngayon nakatingin sa kaniya.

Paige still couldn’t believe it.

“Your father has left everything, from your family’s assets, businesses, lands, buildings, etc. under your name.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

“What?!” Gulat na gulat si Paige. “L-lahat?” Hindi makapaniwalang saad ni Paige.

“Lahat.”

Paige could just think of all the things his family own! Mula sa unang henerasyon ng mga Montero ay hawak ng kaniyang tatay. Kung ang lahat ng iyon nasa kaniyang pangalan, that means his already a billionaire.

“That’s why, I am here. I want to take you back so that we can stabilize the order of your businesses. It’s a little shaky right now because of some uncompetitive leaders your father’s had in your business,” Sumulyap si Lawyer John kay Rafael.

“Investors and the board of the shareholders on all the businesses are all turning against each other, fighting for the lack of leader.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

“I can’t accept all of these.” Saad ni Paige. Gulantang parin sa kaniyang nalaman.

“You won’t do anything. We just need to show you, that the real owner of the Montero Empire is alive. We’ll do the rest of the hard work. All we need is your presence. That’s enough.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

Pinoproseso pa ni Paige ang lahat ng ito ng dumating ang kaniyang anak kasama si Diego.

“I don’t think I can leave here yet,” Saad ni Paige.

He’s contemplating of what to do right now. He wants to see his mom, pero gusto niyang takbuhan ang yamang iniwan sa kaniya ng kaniyang tatay.

He doesn’t want all of that. He doesn’t need any of that. Sapat na sa kaniya ang simpleng pamumuhay dito sa Claveria.

“Mom!” Tawag sa kaniya ng kaniyang anak at agad na lumapit sa kaniya.

Si Diego naman ay sumunod dito na tulalang nakatingin sa bagong mukhang kaniyang nakita sa mesa kung nasaan si Paige. Diego looks enchanted as he look at Lawyer John.

“Mr. Montero, we can’t let your father’s hard work to go in vain. Please think carefully about this.” Saad ni Lawyer John at nilipat ang tingin sa batang bagong dating.

“Give me time to think about it.” Sagot ni Paige. Ngayon ay nakatingin na sa kaniyang anak na humawak sa kaniyang kamay habang tinitignan ang dalawang estranghero sa kanilang harapan.

“Is this your son?” Tanong ni Lawyer John.

“Yeah…” Wala sa sariling sagot ni Paige.

“Your father also left something for your offsprings. I’ll bring in all the papers for you to read if you want.” Saad muli ni Lawyer John.

Everything went as fast as wind. Bigla-bigla na lamang nalaman ni Paige na nasa kaniyang pangalan nakapangalan ang lahat ng kanilang ari-arian. He became the patriarch of the Montero Empire in a blink of an eye. In fact, he became one since years ago.

But Paige doesn’t think that he deserves any of that. After all that happened, he doesn’t care about any riches right now.

What he cares the most right now is the peace of his mind. Gusto lamang niyang malinawan sa lahat ng nangyari. His life here is enough. He already knew everything that happened. He doesn’t need anymore riches because he already had the best gift on his arms, his son.

To be continued…

Ps. This is originally the last chapter for their story but I guess I need to give justice to them. I’ll be writing additional chapters until I become satisfied with Paige and Rafael’s story.

Thank you for all the support! See yah until the end. :>

Chapter 31

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 31

Home

“I don’t wanna pay for a room. Nagtitipid ako ngayon.” Saad ni Lawyer John.

Matapos nilang mag-usap ay pinakilala ni Paige si Lawyer John kina Aling Belen at Diego.

“Ay sa room ko nalang ikaw mag stay sir, for free!” Saad ni Diego sa malanding tono.

Dahil sa narinig ay kinurot naman siya ni Aling Belen na nasa kaniyang tabi.

“Magtigil ka jan, malandi ka!” Pasaring niya sa kaniyang anak.

“Excuse me,” Saad ni Paige at umalis sa kumpulan nila. He want to rest. The new people coming into their restaurant is too much for him. Pinanood lamang siya ni Rafael habang ang kaniyang anak ay sumunod sa kaniya patungo sa kanilang kwarto.

Rafael and Lawyer John brought too much wild waves into his calm shore. Kahit na ini-expect na itong mangyari ni Paige sa nakalipas na taon, hindi niya parin mapigilan magulat dahil sa lala ng mga ito. Matagal na niya itong tinatakbuhan ngunit ngayong narito na, parang ayaw na naman niyang harapin.

But he can’t continue like that. He needs to escape in the shell made by his fear and traumas.

Kaya naman sa mga sumunod na araw ay patuloy na natili si Rafael at Lawyer John sa restaurant. Si Rafael sa kaniyang sarili kwarto at Lawyer John sa kwarto ni Diego.

“Kailan po ba sila aalis?” Saad ng kaniyang anak, ilang araw ang nakalipas.

Alam ni Paige kung sino ang tinutukoy nito. Nilingon niya ang kaniyang anak na mukhang inis na inis.

Sa nakalipas kasing mga araw ay hindi ito tinatantanan ni Rafael at Lawyer John. Rafael wants to befriend Ralph Angelo with the help of Lawyer John. Pero mahirap makuha ang loob ng kaniyang anak.

“Andito sila para sa akin, Angelo. And besides, don’t want to know your father more?” Ani ni Paige dito.

“For you? Will they take you away?” Saad ng kaniyang anak sa nanghuhusgang tono.

“Of course not. They are waiting for me to decide whether to go back or stay here.” Ngayon ay lumapit si Paige sa kaniyang anak na seryosong-seryoso ang mukha.

“I won’t let them take me if I don’t want to, if you don’t want to.” Dagdag ni Paige.

“I don’t want to know him anymore.” Nilingon ni Ralph Angelo si Rafael na matiim na nakatitig sa kanila mula sa labas ng kusina. “He’s a terrible guy.” Dagdag niya.

Napalunok si Paige dahil sa kaniyang. As much as he want his son to have his son own father, alam niyang may limitasyon siya kay Rafael. Pero ayaw namang ipagkait ni Paige kay Rafael ang karapatan nito sa kanilang anak.

But if his son doesn’t want to, that’s a different situation. Dahil sa mga nakalipas na araw ay pinapakita ni Rafael ang kagustuhan nitong gampanan ang kaniyang pagiging ama nito. Ngunit ang kaniyang anak na mismo ang umiiwas dito.

Hindi alam ni Paige kung anong sasabihin niya sa kaniyang anak. Masyadong matagal ang lumipas na mga araw na wala itong kinikilalang tatay. Kahit na sinabi naman ni Paige kung sino ang kaniyang tatay ay hindi madiktahan ang kaniyang anak na gustohin at kilalanin si Rafael bilang kaniyang tatay.

“Whatever you want and wherever you go, Mom. I’ll go with you.” Saad nang kaniyang anak na seryosong nakatingin kay Paige na nakaupo sa harapan nito.

“Just be honest with what you really feel.” Dagdag nito.

Ralph Angelo grew quicker than kids of his age. Sobrang talino nito. Mabilis nitong maintindihan ang mga sitwasyon sa paligid nito. In fact, he learned how to read at 2 and at the same time knew and recognised the flags of different countries. He does his english at 3 and advance math lesson at 4. He advance quicker than anyone here in Claveria.

“I missed my mom.” Paige said honestly. Nakatitig siya sa mata ng kaniyang anak na tinitimbang ang kaniyang emosyon.

“I miss her so bad.” Malungkot na ngumiti si Paige. “I wanna see her, hug her, and catch up with her. Siya nalang ang natitirang magulang ko. But I don’t know how to face her. Natatakot ako.”

“She’s your mother, mom. Right? There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Saad ng kaniyang anak. “Just like me, I am not afraid of you. Sometimes, yes. If you are really mad and would scold me if I am a bad kid. But you always hug me like it doesn’t happen.”

“That’s why, if Mom wants to meet his mom, I’ll go with you. I’ll be with you.” Nakangiting saad ng kaniyang anak na siyang nagpagaan sa kaniyang kalooban.

Dahil sa kanilang pag-uusap ng kaniyang anak ay nakapag-desisyon na si Paige sa sumunod na araw.

“Sumama na po kayo sa’min!” Pagpipilit ni Paige kay Aling Belen.

Nasa kusina na sila ngayon, nag-uusap kasama si Diego at ang kaniyang anak.

“Ayaw ko, Paeng. Andito ang buhay ko. Pasensya.” Hindi natitinag na saad ni Aling Belen kay Paige. Ilang minuto na silang nag-uusap ngayon tungkol dito.

Paige wants Aling Belen and Diego to go with them. Pero ayaw ng mga ito.

“Paeng, buhay mo ito. Hindi dapat kami makikialam sa magiging desisyon. Nakakalungkot man para sa akin ang desisyon mo, pero hindi ako makakasama sa’yo. Hindi ko kayo pipigilan na umalis, pero ayaw ko ding sumama sa inyo at iwan ang buhay ko dito.” Seryosong saad ni Aling Belen.

Napayuko na lamang si Paige. Nakagat niya ang kaniyang labi. He’s comfortable around them kaya natatakot siya na baka wala siyang magiging sandalan kapag lumuwas siya patungong Manila.

Naiintindihan niya ang punto ni Aling Belen. Gusto niyang ipilit ang kaniyang gusto ngunit hindi niya naman maipagkakait ang kagustuhan ni Aling Belen.

“Paeng, nakita kung paano ka naghirap sa nakalipas na taon. Pero nakita ko rin kung paano mo nilabanan ang lahat ng mga pagsubok na iyon.” Naibalik ni Paige ang kaniyang paningin kay Aling Belen ng pumiyok ito habang nagsasalita. Naiiyak itong nakatingin kay Paige habang nakangiti.

“Sobrang hirap sa akin makita ka habang binubuhay mo ang anak mong mag-isa. Ganoon din ako dati. Ganoon din kami ni Diego noon. Kaya walang alinlangan ko kayong tinulungan dahil nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa’yo.” Saad ni Aling Belen.

“Nakita ko kung paano ka nawala sa sarili mo at ang hanggang sa kung ano ka na ngayon, maayos na hindi gaya ng una na’ting pagkikita. Pero alam kong hanggang ngayon ay hindi ka pa buo. May kulang pa sa’yo at ikaw lamang ang makakahanap at makaka-kumpleto ng sarili mo.” Naiiyak na ngayong saad ni Aling Belen.

It’s hurts so much to left the person who helped you survive for the past years. Kaya gustong isama ni Paige ang mga ito dahil ayaw niyang mawalay sa mga ito. They became his hope and saviour for the past six years. Malaki ang kaniyang utang na loob sa mga ito.

“Kaya kung gusto mong bumalik, bumalik ka. Pero kung hindi mo kaya, pwede kayong bumalik dito. Palaging bukas ang restaurant para sa inyo. Pero ang gusto kong makita kung babalik ka dito, ay kung kaila buo ka na. Gusto kong makita ang totoong ikaw, hindi ang Paeng na nakilala ko sa nakilapas na taon.”

Paige went to hug Aling Belen tightly. Sumama din si Diego na naiiyak din sa narinig. Nag-iyakan silang tatlo doon habang ang kaniyang anak ay nanood lamang sa kanilang. Emotional too but he’s controlling himself.

Tama si Aling Belen. Paige needs to regain his past version, but with all the experience, mature and perfectly imperfect. A version of him that doesn’t duel with mistakes and traumas. The Paige that his parents made. The stronger Paige. Ang Paige na matapang na naglagay ng ginseng sa isang inumin ng isang General.

Although, it hurts to leave Claveria, Paige managed to leave and bid farewell to the people here. Pinangako niya sa kaniyang sariling babalik dito, bilang ang totoong Paige Montero.

He left with his son, together with Rafael and Lawyer John. Nakasakay na sila ngayon sa van na sinakyan ni Lawyer ng pumunta siya dito.

Sa loob ng van ay maingay si Lawyer John at ang kaniyang anak. Naglalaro ang mga ito. Sa nakalipas na araw, Lawyer John managed to become friends with his son. While Rafael?

He’s still on bad terms with his son. Nasa front seat ito ngayon, kasama ng driver at tahimik na nagmamasid kina Paige, kina Lawyer John at ang kaniyang anak na masaya at maingay na naglalaro ng kung ano.

Nakita ni Paige ang mukha ni Rafael sa front seat. Nakita niya ang mga mata nitong puno ng inggit sa dalawa. Rafael wants to play with his son too. But he still can’t. He needs to work it out until he can.

Gustong tulungan ni Paige si Rafael ngunit alam niyang hindi niya masabihan ang kaniyang anak sa ganito. Ralph Angelo should decide for himself and Sergio Rafael should make himself worthy of his father.

Mahaba ang kanilang byahe pabalik sa Manila. Sa tagal ng kanilang byahe ay naisip ni Paige kung gaano pala kalayo ang kaniyang tinahak. Kung gaano pala kahirap ang kaniyang pinagdaanan.

Dumating sila sa Manila nang gabi na. Nakatulog si Paige at ang kaniyang anak sa byahe pabalik sa kanilang mansion.

“We’re here,” Narinig niyang saad ni Rafael.

Binukas ni Paige ang kaniyang mata at bumungad sa kaniya ang mukha ni Rafael na pinagmamasdan silang dalawa ng kaniyang anak. Nakasandal kasi ang kaniyang anak sa kaniya at bahagyang nakayakap.

Iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang tingin ay tinignan na lamang ang gate sa harapan. The gate of their mansion was still the same. Still tall and wide, golden metal with an intricate design. Sa labas ng gate ay kitang-kita ang fountain circle bago ang mansion.

Wala na si Lawyer John na kanilang katabi kanina. Marahil ay bumaba na ito kanina habang natutulog sila.

Pumasok sila sa gate at pumarada sa harapan ng malaking mansion nina Paige. It’s been so long since he came here. Muntik na niyang makalimutan ang mukha ng kanilang malaking mansion.

“I’ll take him.” Saad ni Rafael at akmang kukunin na sana ang kaniyang anak.

“Ako na. Baka magising…” Saad ni Paige.

Umigting ang panga ni Rafael ngunit hindi na siya nagsalita pa. Binuksan niya ang pinto ng van at bumaba. Umatras ito at binigyan daan si Paige na dahan-dahang binuhat ang kaniyang anak palabas sa van.

Memories flooded as soon as Paige took his foot towards the mansion. Naalala niya bigla ang kaniyang kabataan. This mansion was so big for him. It took him years to get familiar around here.

Sa laki nito ay lumaki si Paige na kinakamuhian ito dahil sa dami ng pasikot-sikot, sa dami ng kwarto, at mararangyang mga gamit. He hated living here. For him, this is a palace that caged him until he became 18.

Growing up, Paige was treated like a prince here. With all the maids lining up for him. With butlers ready to die for him.

He never liked it. But still, this is still his home. A home where he lives lavishly. Nakukuha niya ang lahat ng kaniyang gusto dito. Kaya naman kinamuhian niya ito.

He doesn’t hate it because he was maltreated, he hated it because it was boring. Walang kahirap-hirap ang mamuhay dito. Kaya naman noong bata pa siya, palagi siyang tumatakas palabas upang makagala. He likes it more outside than being inside their mansion.

Sa kanilang pagpasok sa mansion ay sumalubong sa kanila ang maraming maids at butler. Hindi na nagulat si Paige doon. Sa halip ay tinignan niya ang mga mukha nito. Most of them are not familiar with him. Wala na siguro ang mga dating nagtratrabaho dito.

Sumenyas si Rafael sa mga ito upang hinaan ang pagbati ng mga ito sa kaniya. Binalingan siya ni Rafael at nakita niya ang pagmamasid ni Paige sa mga ito.

“Welcome home, Master.” Sabay-sabay na bati ng mga maid at butlers sa mahina at kontroladong boses.

“Your father fired everyone and hired new ones. He was suspicious of them so,” Saad ni Rafael kay Paige.

Tumango lamang si Paige habang buhat-buhat parin ang kaniyang anak. Lumapit pa ang isang butler sa kaniya para kunin ang kaniyang anak ngunit umiling lamang si Paige.

“We’ll go straight into your room.” Saad ni Rafael at sinenyasan ang iilang maids. Naglakad si Rafael na siyang sinundan naman ni Paige kasunod ang iilang maids.

Ang mansion ay maliwanag na maliwanag sa dami ng ilang na meroon ito. The mansion has one big chandelier in the middle of the front hall with 10 average sized chandeliers around it.

Dumiretso sila sa malaking staircase patungo sa pangalawang palapag ng kanilang mansion nang marating nila ang central hall ng mansion.

Binuksan ng isang maid ang kwarto ni Paige. If he remembered correctly, this isn’t his room before. Mas malaki ito kumpara sa dati niyang room noon. There’s a queen size bed in the middle of the room.

“This will be your room from now on.” Saad ni Rafael.

Pumasok naman si Paige doon ng magbigay daan si Rafael. Dumeretso na siya sa kama upang ibaba ang kaniyang anak dahil nangangalay na siya sa pagbubuhat dito.

Nilingon ni Paige ang pinto ng kwarto at nakita roon si Rafael na hindi pumasok at nanatiling nanood sa kanila. May sinabi ito sa ilang mga maids na sumunod sa kanila bago umalis ang mga ito.

“Good night,” Tanging saad nito bago sinara ang room.

To be continued…

Chapter 32

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 32

Mother

Pagod na pagod sila kagabi kaya agad ding nakatulog ng dumating sila. Hindi na niya sinundan pa si Rafael at inisip na lamang na umuwi ito sa asawa nito ngayong nakabalik na sila Manila.

“Mom? Is this your house?”

Maagang nagising sina Paige at ang kaniyang anak. Nasa balkunahe sila ngayon upang pagmasdang ang pagsikat ng araw. His room is facing the direction where the sun rises.

The majestic sun rose beautifully today. It’s different back from Claveria but it’s still shining brightly. Ang ganda nito’y walang pinagbago.

“Yeah,” Saad ni Paige na nasa tabi ng kaniyang anak.

Tiningala siya ng kaniyang anak at pinagmamasdan. Something is glowing in Paige’s eyes right now. The reflection of the sun in his eyes were different. Humawak sa kaniyang kamay ang kaniyang anak dahilan para mapalingon si Paige dito. His son smiles brightly as the sun.

“Should I tour you around?” Saad ni Paige dito.

Matapos maghilamos ni Paige at ng kaniyang anak sa bathroom ng kaniyang kwarto ay lumabas sila. Tahimik pa at wala pa ang mga maids sa paligid nang maglakad sila sa hallway ng second floor.

Nagmamasid ang kaniyang anak at manghang-mangha ito ng nilibot nila ang buong mansiyon.

Dumating sila sa kusina at doon nakita nila ang tatlong maids na naghahanda. Nang pumasok sila kusina ay agad napalingon ang mga ito.

“Good morning, Master and Young Master.” Yumuko ang tatlo ng bumati ito.

Napulunok si Paige ng maramdaman niyang humigpit ang hawak ng kaniyang anak sa kaniyang kamay. Paige is used to this, kahit na naiilang palang siya ngayon. Ngunit ang kaniyang anak ay hindi, naninibago ito.

“Good morning.” Nakangiting saad ni Paige at bumaling sa kaniyang anak. “Greet them too,” Saad nito.

Tiningala siya ng kaniyang anak bago binalik ang tingin sa tatlong maids.

“G-good morning…” Nauutal, naiilang na sagot ng kaniyang anak.

“Let’s take it slow for now, Angelo. But you need to get used to this now.” Saad ni Paige at hinila ang kaniyang anak patungo sa malaking mesa sa gitna ng kusina.

Huminto ang tatlong maids sa kanilang ginagawa at pinagmamasdan silang dalawa. More likely, waiting for orders.

“I’m going to cook.” Paige announced.

Magsasalita na sana ang isa sa kanila ngunit pinigilan siya ng katabi nito. Nanatili lamang ang mga ito sa kanilang pwesto at naiilang na nakatingin kay Paige.

“What do you want for breakfast, Angelo?” Tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang anak na nakaupo na ngayon sa isang bangko sa malaking mesa.

“Anything…” Saad nito.

Umalis naman si Paige sa tabi nito at nagtungo sa kitchen upang tignan ang mga gamit doon. Naghalungkat siya doon ng pwede niyang maluto. Habang ang mga maids naman ay napa-atras ng lumapit siya.

“I-is there anything that we can help, Master?” Tanong ng isa sa tatlong maids. She looks the oldest among them.

Nginitian lamang ito ni Paige at nagpatuloy sa paghahalungkat.

“I’ll cook our food for now. You can go back to your own rooms.” Saad ni Paige dito. Lumabas nga ang mga ito ngunit hindi sila umalis. Nanatili sila sa labas ng kitchen room, kung nasaan ang mismong dining room. The table inside the kitchen room is just small compared to the one in the main dining room.

Nagluto si Paige ng kanilang makakain ngayon. He cooked one of his favourite Italian pasta. Habang ang kaniyang anak ay manghang-mangha habang tinitignan ang malawak na kitchen room ng mansiyon. Punong-puno kasi iyon mga kagamitang hindi pa nito nakikita o nakikita lamang sa larawan.

“Is that an oven?” Tanong ng kaniyang anak.

Nilingon ni Paige ang kaniyang anak at nakita niya ang tinuturo ng kaniyang anak.

“Yes,” Sagot ni Paige. Dahil sa tanong nito ay nakangiting sinabi ni Paige ang lahat ng mga pangalan ng mga machine na nasa kitchen room.

“Good morning, Master.” Sabay na saad ng tatlong maids sa labas ng kitchen room.

Master? Napalingon si Paige doon. Dumating si Rafael suot ang puting t-shirt at itim na shorts. They are calling him with the same courtesy name as Paige.

Nagtaka si Paige dahil doon ngunit binalik niya ang tingin sa niluluto habang nagpatuloy namang naglakad si Rafael patungo sa kitchen room.

“Good morning,” Bati nito kay Paige at sa kaniyang anak na ngayon ay matalim na nakangitin kay Rafael na bagong dating.

“Why are you here?” Tanong ni Ralph Angelo.

“I live here.” Sagot naman ni Rafael dahilan para mapalingon si Paige dito. Sakto namang lumingon din si Rafael sa kaniya.

Isn’t he married? Bakit ito dito nakatira?

“Your father allowed me to stay here.” Sagot ni Rafael sa nagtatanong na mukha ni Paige.

Hindi iyon sinabi sa kaniya ni Rafael kaya medyo nagulat siya ngunit agad ding binalik ang focus sa pagluluto. He’ll ask him about that later.

“I’m done.” Saad ni Paige nang ilapag niya ang kaniyang nilutong pasta. Focus na focus siya sa pagluluto kaya hindi niya napansin ang tensyong namuo sa dalawang nasa mesa.

“Angelo,” Tawag ni Paige sa kaniyang anak upang makuha ang mata nitong masamang nakatingin kay Rafael.

“You can eat now.” Saad ni Paige dito.

“Walang kanin?” Tanong ng kaniyang anak dahilan para mapangiti si Paige.

“You can’t eat rice with pasta.” Sagot ni Paige dito dahilan para kumunot ang kaniyang noo.

Binigyan ni Paige ang kaniyang ng plato at nilagyan ng pasta. Manghang-mangha pa ang kaniyang anak ng makita niya kung paano pinaikot ni Paige ang pasta sa tinidor bago nilipat sa plato.

Nakalimutan kaagad ng kaniyang anak ang presensiya ni Rafael nang makita ang pagkain. Agad nitong sinubukan ang luto ni Paige. His son hadn’t have this kind of food.

“How is it?” Tanong ni Paige.

“Masarap!” Sagot ng kaniyang anak.

Narinig naman nilang tumikhim si Rafael kaya sabay itong nilingon ni Paige at kaniyang anak. Nakatitig si Rafael sa pastang nasa mesa bago nilipat ang tingin kay Paige. His eyes tell him that he wants to eat the food too.

“Akin lang ‘yan. Magpaluto ka!” Saad ni Ralph Angelo habang may pagkain pa sa bunganga nito.

“Angelo, no talking when eating.” Paige warned his son. Kunot ang noo at magkadikit ang kilay na tinignan ng kaniyang anak si Rafael habang patuloy itong kumain.

Paige sighed and looked at Rafael apologetically. Rafael knew it. Napalunok na lamang ito at iniwas ang tingin sa pagkain.

“When could I meet my mom? Iyon sana ang gusto kong unang gawin dito.” Saad ni Paige at seryoso na ngayong nakatingin makalipas ang ilang sandaling katahimikan nila.

“Can we talk outside?” Tanong ni Rafael kay Paige.

“No.” Sagot ni Ralph Angelo.

“Dito nalang.” Paige followed.

Rafael sighed. Nag-isip pa ito ng sandali bago nagsalita.

“Please don’t be shock okay?” Saad ni Rafael dahilan upang kabahan si Paige.

He knew that his mom was ill. Is it that serious?

“O-okay…” Sagot ni Paige at napalunok.

“Your mom is getting treatment for psychological problems.” Nagulat si Paige dahil sa unang narinig. Hindi niya iyon maitago kay Rafael.

Napalunok na lamang si Rafael ng makita ang reaksyon ni Paige.

“W-why?” Tanong ni Paige.

“After your father died, she lost control of her mental health. When you went missing, your mother left this house and your father. She continuously blamed your father for what happened to you for years until his death. And after his death, she blamed herself for what happened to your father. It was too much for her. She lost two of her family.” Saad ni Rafael.

“W-what?” Paige unconsciously spoke. He slowly processed what he had heard.

Ang bilis ng kaniyang paghinga at tibok ng kaniyang puso. Unti-unti na namang siyang nahihirapang huminga dahil sa kaniyang narinig. Nanlalabo ang kaniyang paningin.

Mabuti na lamang at naramdaman niya ang paghawak sa kaniya ng kaniyang anak sa kamay dahilan para malingon siya dito.

“Mom…” Tawag sa kaniya ni Ralph Angelo.

“Are you okay?” Concern na tanong ni Rafael ng makita ang reaksyon ni Paige.

“I’m fine…” Sagot ni Paige sa kaniyang anak na nakatingin sa kaniya. “I couldn’t believe it…”

“We’ll meet her next time.” Rafael decided.

“N-no.” Agad na pigil ni Paige dito. “I want to see her now.” Determinadong saad ni Paige.

He could have lost it if only he didn’t have his son beside him. His mother…

Muling naisip ni Paige ang taong nagdaan. Akala niya siya lang ang nagdusa sa panahong iyon. Kaya ngayon alam na niya ang nangyari sa kaniyang mga magulang, hindi niya kayang paniwalaan ito. Hindi lang siya ang nasira kundi ang kanilang buong pamilya.

He suffered so much but he couldn’t imagine how much his parents had suffered while he was gone. Hindi niya maisip kung gaano kahirap para sa mga ito ang mawalan ng anak.

“We can have it next time…” Saad ni Rafael nang nasa kotse na sila ngayon patungo sa hospital. Nasa driver seat ito habang nasa likuran sina Paige at ang anak nito.

“No…” Sagot muli ni Paige.

He can’t prolong it anymore. Gusto na niyang makita ang kalagayan ng kaniyang nanay. He needs to confirm with his own eyes. He learnt it in a bad way before. Ayaw na niyang paniwalaan ang naririnig niya lamang. Mas paniniwalaan na niya ngayon ang nakikita niya mismo.

In fact, bumalik lamang siya dito sa Manila dahil sa epekto ng mga papeles na pinakita ni Lawyer John.

Kung si Rafael lamang at ang kaniyang mga salita, he could have stayed there in Claveria. Hinding-hindi siya babalik dito. Pero nakita niya mismo ang papeles na dala-dala ni Lawyer John. Ang death certificate ng kaniyang tatay at ang last will nito.

It’s not that he can’t trust Rafael, it’s him who he can’t trust and his decision. Ayaw niyang magkamali kaya inabot pa ng ilang araw bago siya pumayag na bumalik dito.

“Mom,” Tawag sa kaniya ng kaniyang anak.

Ralph Angelo is looking with his eyes full of concern at his mom beside him. Hawak-hawak nito ang kamay ni Paige habang tinatahak nila ang daan.

“I’m fine.” Sagot ni Paige at ngumiti.

Paige is acting strong right now but his heart is beating so fast. Kinakabahan siya, labis-labis na kinakabahan.

Natatakot siya. Hind niya pa kayang harapin ang kaniyang nanay ngunit tinatapangan niya lamang ang kaniyang loob. Para sa kaniyang sarili, sa kaniyang anak, sa kaniyang magulang, at para matapos na ang lahat ng kanilang paghihirap.

He realised it then that everyone involved really suffered. Marami pa siyang hindi nalaman sa nangyari kaya dapat niyang tatagan ang kaniyang sarili.

He doesn’t if it’s safe now. Baka buhay pa ang mga kalaban kaya kailangan niyang ihanda ang kaniyang sarili. Para sa katotohanan at para sa mga mangyayari pa.

Our future is uncertain. Hindi na’tin alam na baka mamatay na tayo sa susunod na mga minuto. Hindi na’tin alam na mawawalan tayo ng mahal sa buhay sa susunod na araw. Hind na’tin alam na mawawalan tayo ng negosyo o pera. Hindi na’tin alam kung kailan magugunaw ang mundo.

We can’t do anything against this uncertainty. But all we can do is get ourselves ready and prepared for whatever may come. All that we could have is the tenacity to fight through it. To have willingness to fight it head on, to have the courage to accept it’s aftermath and continue living our life.

Bago nangyari ang lahat, Paige was unaware and unprepared of it. Hindi niya inakalang mangyayari iyon sa kaniya. Hindi niya napaghandaan. Kaya sobrang laki ng epekto nito sa kaniya at sa kaniyang pamilya.

Pero ngayon, he had six long years to prepare. He had the time to think about it. He is fully aware and ready.

But his world crumbled yet again when he saw his mom in her blue gown inside her room. Her mom was holding a toy, a kitchen ware big spoon made of plastic. Paige remembered it as one of his favourite toys when he was a kid.

His mom is looking so thin and pale. He could barely recognise his mom. She looks so unhealthy and old now.

“Did you see my son? He’s the best cook in the world.” Nakangiting saad ng kaniyang ina ng maupo ito sa harapan ni Paige.

His mom couldn’t recognise him. It is as if Paige is not his son right now.

Sumakit ang puso ni Paige ng makita ang kaniyang nanay ngayon. It hurts him so much to see his lovely mom in this state. Nakagat ni Paige ang kaniyang labi dahil sa pagpipigil na umiyak sa harapan nito.

“Have you tried his food?” Tanong ng kaniyang ina.

“Yeah.” Sagot ni Paige.

Nakatingin silang pareho sa isa’t-isa. Paige is eyeing every parts of his mom. While his mom is innocently looking at him, as if he was a stranger to her.

“How was it? Masarap diba?” Tanong ng kaniyang ina.

Paige couldn’t utter a single word after her question. Malaki ang pinagbago ng kaniyang nanay. She looks so old now. She has wrinkles on her face. Under her eyes are forming black shade. Payat na payat.

“Masarap diba?” Tanong muli ng kaniyang ina.

“Opo…” Tanging sagot ni Paige.

He couldn’t have a proper conversation with his mom. Naintindihan niya iyon pero masakit parin sa kaniya na ganito ang kanilang pag-uusap sa kanilang muling pagkikita.

If only he knew what would happen at the time, he could have stayed. He couldn’t have run away from his parents.

Nang lumabas si Paige ay malamig ang kaniyang katawan. Nanginginig ang kaniyang labi at mga kamay. Nanlalabo narin ang kaniyang paningin. As he stepped forward again, his tears fell.

Naaninag niya ang imahe ng kaniyang anak patakbong pumunta sa kaniya habang si Rafael ay nakasunod dito.

“Mom!”

That’s what he heard before he closed his eyes and fell to the ground.

To be continued…

Chapter 33

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 33

Here, Always

“Mom!” Sigaw ni Ralph Angelo sa hallway ng hospital. Nasa likod nito si Rafael na nakasunod dito.

Kakalabas palang ni Paige sa kwarto kung saan nag-usap at nagkita ng kaniyang nanay. Nang makita nilang natumba si Paige ay sabay silang dalawa na agad na tumakbo patungo kay Paige.

Paige lost his conciousness the moment he stepped outside of that room. Its been hours since then.

Minulat ni Paige ang kaniyang mga mata at bumungad sa kaniya ang hindi pamilyar na kwarto. He’s in a comfortable bed in a wooden styled room. The room is designed and filled with wood. From the walls, to the lamps, and the windows.

Agad na nakita ni Rafael ang pag gising ni Paige dahil nakatayo siya sa tabi ng kama nito. Napatingin si Paige dito ng makita niya si Rafael na lumapit sa kaniya at may pinindot sa ulunan ng kaniyang kama.

“Nurse, he’s awake.” Saad ni Rafael.

Paige is inside the private room of a hospital. Agad siyang dinala dito ni Rafael ng mahimatay sa kaniya.

“Are you okay?” Tanong ni Rafael.

Hindi iyon sinagot ni Paige at naiilang na iniwas ang tingin kay Rafael. Inilibot niya ang kaniyang paningin sa paligid at nakita niya ang kaniyang anak na natutulog sa sofa.

Rafael is looking at him intensely with so much concern. Paige can’t stand it. Hindi niya kayang tignan si Rafael na ganoon dahil bumibilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso.

Kinagat ni Paige ang kaniyang pang-ibabang labi. He knew that he fainted a while ago.

“What happened to him?” Saad ni Paige, nakatingin sa kaniyang anak.

Nilingon ni Rafael ang tinitignan ni Paige. Napalunok bago nagsalita.

“He was worried about you. He won’t stop crying since you collapse. Ngayon lang siya huminto ng makatulog dahil sa pagod.” Sagot ni Rafael at bumaling kay Paige.

Napalunok si Paige dahil sa sinabi ni Rafael. He pitied his son because he saw his mother like that. Labis-labis siguro ang takot nito.

“Are you okay?” Tanong muli ni Rafael ngunit hindi parin iyon sinagot ni Paige.

Paige doesn’t know how to reply with that.

He’s not okay but he doesn’t know if it’s right for Rafael to know. Rafael doesn’t need to know. He doesn’t need to care so much for him.

Dumating ang nurse na tinawag ni Rafael upang i-check si Paige. Gumilid naman si Rafael ngunit nanatili parin siya sa tabi ni Paige, matiim na nakatitig kay Paige na hindi makatingin sa kaniya.

Paige is still avoidant. It’s been like that ever since they meet in Claveria pero ngayon palang siya napupuno. Ngayon palang niya hindi gusto ang trato sa kaniya ni Paige. Ngunit lumunok na lamang si Rafael at umigting ang panga.

He can’t do anything. He can’t rush this. It needs time. He knows that. And he will deal with Paige and his son in any ways that he can do.

Even if he suffer and painfully received their treatment towards him. He understands it. Kahit na masakit na sa kaniya ay mananatili parin siya dito. He won’t go away, he won’t back down now.

“I’ll call Doctor Moran to give you our findings on his state.” Saad ng nurse matapos i-check ang katawan ni Paige.

Paige is injected with a yellow-like fluid as he laid on the bed. Hindi niya iyon alam ngunit hindi narin siya nagsalita. He could just feel himself slowly regaining his energy.

Gabi na sa labas ng lumingon si Paige sa bintana ng kwarto. Hindi niya alam kung ilang oras siyang tulog pero palagay niya ay sobrang tagal niyon dahil gabi na ng magising siya.

Maya-maya pa ay pumasok ang doctor at ang nurse na nag-check kay Paige kanina. May dala-dala itong chart kung saan nakalagay ang findings nila sa kalagayan ni Paige.

“Good morning, Mr. Montero and Mr. Almendralejo.” Magalang na saad ng doctor.

Tumango si Paige bilang tugon sa pagbati nito. The doctor is an old man and Paige is familiar with him. He remembered seeing the doctor going into their mansion from time to time. Naalala niya rin na ginamot siya nito noong bata pa siya.

“It’s nothing serious,” Seryosong saad ng doctor. Napalunok naman si Paige at nakinig dito.

Six long years. And this is only the first time that he had seen a doctor. Sa nakalipas na taon ay hindi siya bumisita sa hospital kahit isang beses. He even had his labor inside his room.

Natatakot siyang pumunta sa hospital dahil baka malaman ang kaniyang location. He can’t trust them. Kahit na alam niyang may mali sa kaniyang katawan.

This is not the first time that he collapsed. It happens from time to time. Pero nagiging okay naman siya kaya hindi niya na pinagtuonan ng pansin ang kaniyang sarili at pinagsawalang-bahala na lamang ito.

“You are just experiencing the effect of your pheromonal dysfunctionality.” Saad ng doctor dahilan para kumunot ang noo ni Paige. He had read that in text books and he had the clue in that but he didn’t believe it because he’s still alive.

“How long has it been since you had intercourse?” Walang malisyang tanong sa kaniya ng doctor.

Naiiwas ni Paige ang kaniyang tingin dito. Suddenly, he felt awkward. Lalong-lalo na dahil si Rafael ay matiim na nakatitig sa kaniya at nakikinig sa usapan.

“Please tell it honestly so we can include that in your data.” Saad ng doctor.

Napalunok na lamang si Paige dahil dito.

“Six years…” Saad ni Paige sa naiilang na boses.

“That long?” Tila gulat na saad ng doctor bago nagsalitang muli. “It’s a miracle! People experiencing pheromonal dysfunction are commonly dead after 1 year at that. But you survived for six years?” Rinig na rinig sa boses ng doctor ang kaniyang pagkamangha.

Pheromonal dysfunction is a disease experienced by Omega who has been marked by an Alpha. If an Omega is marked and he couldn’t mate with his Alpha who marked him within his heat cycle that occurs every month, he will experience terrible pain. His pheromones will slowly disappear. And if pheromones are gone, it will affect the heart, the mental health of the person, the senses of the body, the immune system, and every system of his body. He will experience that until he dies. That’s what happens in most cases.

But in Paige’s case, he doesn’t know why he survived that long. From time to time he experiences this unexplainable pain in his heart. Nanginginig siya kapag kinakausap siya ng mga estranghero o kapag may nalalaman siyang hindi maganda.

This disease is also the reason why he overthinks, stresses on little things, and experiences paranoia around his surroundings.

“There might be a way for you to survive and heal from this. We’ll keep an eye on you and check you from time to time. And I hope we’ll find a way to cure this.” Saad ni Doctor Moran.

They bid farewell to each other and the doctor and nurses left Paige’s room. Ngunit nanatili si Rafael sa loob ng kwarto dahilan para magpatuloy ang awkwardness na na nararamdaman ni Paige.

“Do you need anything?” Saad ni Rafael na lumapit sa tabi ni Paige.

Hindi sumagot si Paige at pinagmasdan ang kaniyang anak na mahimbing na natutulog.

“Do you want to eat?” Rafael asked, with the same tone that sounds concerning.

Paige doesn’t know where Rafael is coming. Kung bakit nanatili ito sa kaniyang tabi hanggang ngayon. Kung bakit hindi ito lumalayo ngayon.

Dahil sa araw-araw nilang pagsasama ni Rafael at patuloy niyang paglayo na siya namang patuloy na paglapit sa kaniya ni Rafael, hindi na niya alam ang kaniyang mararamdaman.

Rafael is sending butterflies to his stomach every time that he hears him speak with so much care and concern. Rafael is careful with every word that he utters with him.

But Paige has been curious about one thing. Matagal na niya itong iniisip pero hindi niya magawang kausapin si Rafael.

Napalunok si Paige ng maisip muli kung ano nga ba ang nangyari sa parte ni Rafael. He remembered him giving his life so that he could escape that night.

Nilingon ni Paige si Rafael na ngayon ay nag-ta-type sa kaniyang cellphone. Nakatayo parin ito sa tabi ng kaniyang kama.

Maybe he’s texting his wife? That’s what Paige thought.

“I’ll bring anything you need. Tell me if you want something.” Saad ni Rafael at binalik ang tingin kay Paige. Agad namang nag-iwas ng tingin si Paige ng magtama ang kanilang paningin.

“W-why are you doing this?” Napalunok muna bago nag lakas ng loob si Paige na magsalita.

“Hmm… I don’t get it. You don’t want me here?” Rafael asked, offended by the sudden question of Paige.

Binalik ni Paige ang tingin kay Rafael. Now, with intense emotion of pain, guilt, and… fear.

“I don’t understand why are you bothering me. Why are you helping me? Anong makukuha mo sa akin sa mga tulong mo sa akin ngayon? What are you planning?” Saad ni Paige. Tunog nag-aakusa.

It’s true. He doesn’t know the purpose behind why Rafael is doing this to him. Kaya hindi niya mapigilang mag overthink dahil dito.

“Why did you work for my father? Why are living in our mansion? How come you know my family so much? And why are you still here… Hindi ko alam kung bakit andito ka pa.” Paige bravely spoke. Nagulat si Rafael sa biglaang sinabi ni Paige.

For the past days, they never talk about him. Rafael only spoke everything about his family. And aside from that, they never get to speak with each other. Umiiwas ito at lumalayo sa kaniya kaya gulat na gulat siya ngayon.

“I can’t think of any right reason… we are strangers to each other. That’s why, all I can think about is that you are here so that you can destroy me again.” Iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang tingin kay Rafael.

Is that what he really think about him for the past days? Kaya ba siya lumalayo dito sa nakalipas na mga araw? Kaya ba ayaw nitong buksan ang kaniyang puso para sa kaniya?

“No… I am not here to destroy you.” Napalunok si Rafael ng sumagot siya. He’s somehow lost for words.

“Then tell me why are you here!” Madiin na saad ni Paige. “You marked me for no reason. And I was chained after that. You work for my Father after I left for Italy. Hindi ko alam kung anong iisipin ko tungkol sa’yo dahil hindi ko alam ang totoong rason mo para gawin mo ang lahat ng iyon!” Galit at may halong pag-aakusang saad ni Paige.

“You are very suspicious!” Dagdag niya.

“I am… in love with you.” Pag-amin ni Rafael.

Natigilan si Paige sa sagot ni Rafael.

“I am madly in love with you.” Ulit ni Rafael. Hindi nakapagsalita si Paige sa sinabi ni Rafael.

Tumahimik ang paligid matapos niyon. Ang tanging maririnig ay ang malalalim na paghinga ni Rafael matapos nitong umamin. Habang si Paige ay parang mawawalan ng hangin dahil sa kaniyang narinig. Tama ba ang kaniyang narinig?

“B-but you are already… married!” Binalik ni Paige ang kaniyang paningin kay Rafael. Kunot at galit na ngayon ang mukha. How can he be in love with Paige if he was engaged 3 years ago?

Napasinghal si Rafael dahil sa kaniyang ng narinig.

“For god’s sake, I am not. I am not married to anyone. If there’s anyone that I would marry, that would be only you, Paige. No other else.” Rafael said honestly, looking straight into Paige’s eyes intensely.

“Hindi ako naniniwala…” Hindi makapaniwala saad ni Paige.

“Look!” Tinaas ni Rafael ang kaniyang mga kamay upang ipakita ang kaniyang mga daliri. “I don’t have any wedding ring here. Please believe me, Paige.” Pagmamakaawa ni Rafael dito.

“No… You are married…” Saad ni Paige. Iyon ang pinaniwalaan niya sa mga nakalipas na taon. Hindi niya naisip na minahal siya ni Rafael dahil doon.

“It’s impossible that you’d fall in love with me.” Saad ni Paige.

“It’s possible! It’s true that I am in love with you. I won’t mark you that night if I am not. I will not stay here all these years if I only want to destroy you. I will not sacrifice my life if I am not, I am willing to die for you. I will not look for you while managing all the businesses under your name if I don’t really love you.” Saad ni Rafael. Huminto ng ilang segundo bago nagpatuloy.

“I… I wanted you for me. All I wanted was to be with you. I’m so much in love with you, Paige. Believe me because it’s only possible because it’s you.” Saad ni Rafael.

Iniwas ni Paige ang kaniyang tingin kay Rafael. Rafael is showing so much emotion in front of him. The longing in his eyes, the truthfulness of his words, the way his body acts in front of him told Paige that it’s true.

Hindi ito nagsisinungaling kaya hindi ito magawang tignan ni Paige. Hindi niya kayang paniwalaan. Six years, he learnt how to read people. Natuto siya kung paano tignan ang mga taong kaniyang nakakasalamuha. Because of his trust issues, he observed everything that a person does. Nalaman niya kung paano tignan ang mga tao kung nagsasabi ba ito ng totoo o hindi, if they are suspicious or not.

And that’s why, with Rafael in front of him acting like that, hindi niya alam ang kaniyang gagawin.

He doesn’t know how to react with that. But inside him, with his heart beating so fast right now with the sudden confession, he is happy to hear all of those word. It’s warmth. Parang nawala ang punyal na nakatatak sa kaniyang puso.

Hindi na masakit para sa kaniya ang tibok ng kaniyang puso. Sa halip ay natutuwa siya dahil sa tibok ng puso niya ngayon. Iyon ang nakakapagsabi sa kaniyang gising at buhay siya ngayon at hindi nananaginip.

He’s awake. Gising na gising siya.

“I will always be here. Here for you, Paige. I will not do anything that might harm or pain you.”

That was the most honest words Paige has ever heard after six years.

To be continued…

Chapter 34

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 34

Back

“Mom, you need to eat.” Saad ng kaniyang anak kay Paige. Kakagising palang ni Paige sa araw na iyon.

Ilang araw na siyang narito sa hospital. Nakakagalaw na rin siya, nakakatayo at nakakalakad. Pero hindi parin siya na di-discharge.

They are still waiting for the results of the tests that he undergoes while he was here.

Mayroong pagkain sa bed table na nakalagay sa table kung saan nakatayo sa tabi nito ang kaniyang anak nang magising siya. Sa nakalipas na araw, binabantayan siya ng kaniyang anak at ni Rafael. Inaalagaan at pinapakain.

“Eat with me, Angelo.” Saad ni Paige dito. Bumaba siya sa kama at lumapit sa pagkain.

It’s already lunch and the two of them were enjoying their food when Rafael entered. Agad itong tinapunan ng tingin ni Paige ngunit agad ding iniwas.

After the sudden confession that he made, hindi na magawang tignan ni Paige si Rafael. Mas lalong naging awkward ang kanilang pagitan.

Nawala ang ngiti ng kaniyang anak ng pumasok si Rafael ngunit hindi na ito nagsalita at nagpatuloy na kumain na may busangot ang mukha. Ralph Angelo still doesn’t like Rafael.

There’s still no progress between them. And it might take long for his son to open up his heart for Rafael.

“It’s John.” Saad ni Rafael habang pinapakita ni Rafael ang kaniyang cellphone. Kahit na hindi nagtanong si Paige ay sinabi niya iyon.

Right at the moment, Rafael doesn’t want Paige to think of him as anything bad having a wife. Alam niyang hindi pa rin ito na naniniwalang mahal niya si Paige kaya naman maingat na maingat siya ngayon.

Lawyer John visited Paige on his first day here in the hospital. They talk about his health and plans on what to do with his companies and businesses. And now, Lawyer John is preparing meetings for all the companies and a grand banquet for his welcoming ceremony once he gets out of the hospital.

Nagdadalawang isip pa si Paige ngunit hinayaan niya na lamang itong mangyari. It’s a thing that needs to be done and should be overcome. He’s back and it’s about time he took control of his family’s assets.

That’s the least that he can do. Hindi niya na mababawi pa ang mga araw na nasayang ngunit ayaw niyang tuluyan pang masira ang kanilang pamilya.

His father died protecting the line of his family. Paige lost it all, but he should at least take care of his family’s business and assets.

Alam niyang wala na iyong saysay para sa kaniya. Pero ito na lamang ang kaniyang magagawa para sa kaniyang yumaong tatay. He can’t let their business and money ruin right in front of him.

Lawyer John told him that he doesn’t need to do anything. He just need to show up as the rightful owner of the Montero Empire.

The companies and businesses went to extreme re-establishment. Ang bawat company ay meron ng sari-sariling CEO na namamahala ngunit nanatili parin ang mga itong pagmamay-ari ng Montero family.

The meetings will be made to keep everyone in check. For everything to be under control. To chain the risk of others betraying them again. That’s what Lawyer John said. And Paige agreed with that.

Naghirap ang kaniyang tatay para lang protektahan ang kanilang yaman. Naghirap siya, ang kaniyang magulang at ang buong pamilya. Kaya ngayon ay hindi niya hahayaang masayang ang effort ng kaniyang magulang.

Iyon na lamang ang kaniyang maitutulong ngayon. Iyon na lang ang tanging paraan para makabawi siya sa mga nasayang na mga taon.

Pumasok si Doctor Moran na nakangiti sa kwarto ni Paige.

“It’s here.” Saad nito habang masayang nakatingin kay Paige at sa kaniyang anak na patapos ng kumain.

“The results of your tests are done. We have concluded the reason why you have survived for years and how we can cure your disease.” Nakangiting saad ni Doctor Moran.

Matiim namang nakikinig si Paige dito habang ang kaniyang anak ay nililigpit ang kanilang pinagkainan. It wasn’t messy so it was easy pero nasulyapan pa ni Paige ang pagtulong sana ni Rafael dito ngunit masamang tinignan lamang siya ng bata kaya hindi na ito natuloy.

“Your son may have helped you all these years. Your son may have gotten his pheromonal traits from his father, the one who marked you. That’s why your pheromones that haven’t faded might have recognised the similarities between them. Although it wasn’t strong, it somehow kept your pheromones from completely fading away.” Saad ni Doctor Moran.

Nagulat si Paige dahil doon. All those years, he was with his son. And it’s only his son who can keep him from going insane.

“I think the bond between you two is so strong. And also it might have been your own will to continue living for your son.” Dagdag ni Doctor Moran.

Lumapit si Ralph Angelo at yumakap kay Paige. Dahil dito ay napangiti si Paige at si Doctor Moran. Paige felt his son’s warm body and it warmed his heart.

It’s always been like this. His son is the greatest gift he has received. Maybe, God has heard him pray when he is alone while running away so he gave him a child to rely on, to gain strength so he can continue living for his life. His son gave him a way to the correct path. Kung hindi siguro siya nanganak ay baka hindi niya makikilala si Aling Belen at Diego.

Sukong-suko na si Paige sa buhay ngunit dumating ang kaniyang anak. He is so grateful he had his son all these years. Without him, hindi alam ni Paige kung saan at kung anong nangyari sa kaniya.

“And about the cure…” Saad ni Doctor Moran. Tinignan nito ang anak ni Paige na nakayakap sa kaniya.

“Pwede mo bang takpan ang kaniyang tenga? It might not be good for him to hear.” Saad ng doctor.

Napalunok si Paige. Wala bang gamot kaya pinapatakpan nito ang tenga ng kaniyang anak?

Tinakpan nga ni Paige ang tenga ng kaniyang anak at nagulat sa sumunod na sabi ng doctor.

“We have concluded that it might be possible for your pheromones to come back.” Nagtaka si Paige dahil doon.

“It might be possible if the person who marked you is still here. With his help, you might regain your pheromones back. I’m saying that, if you do it with him, your pheromones might become awake again. They are just sleeping inside your body, waiting for your Alpha to wake them up.” Saad ni Doctor.

“I mean, the intercourse.” Saad ni Doctor Moran sa mas mahinang boses.

Sa araw din na iyon ay nakalabas siya sa hospital. Nanatili iyon sa isipan ni Paige. Mas lalong hindi niya matignan si Rafael.

He heard all of that! Alam nito ang lunas sa kaniyang sakit.

Kung siya lamang ang nakakaalam nito, pwede na pang itago dito. Ngunit hindi, narinig ni Rafael ang lahat. Kaya hindi niya alam kung paano haharapin si Rafael.

Days passed and the welcoming banquet for Paige had arrived. Sa nakalipas na araw ay patuloy na umiiwas si Paige kay Rafael. Hindi nagtama ang kanilang mga mata at walang salitang namutawi sa pagitan nilang dalawa.

Kinakabahan at nahihiya siyang harapin ito. Rafael confessed his feelings, and he also knew that he is the only cure for Paige’s disease.

“Welcome back, Paige.” Bati ni Gio Refugio sa araw ng banquet ni Paige.

Kanina pa nagsimula ang banquet at kanina pa kinakabahan si Paige dahil sa dami ng mga tao. He could have run away right now pero hindi niya ito naisip ngayon dahil nakahawak ang kaniyang anak sa kaniyang kamay habang binabati nila ang lahat ng mga bisita.

Everyone here knows Paige. But he doesn’t know everyone. Pamilyar ang mukha ng lahat, kilala niya ang iba, ngunit ang karamihan ay hindi niya kilala.

“Everything is going smoothly.” Si Lawyer John na lumapit sa kaniyang mesa.

Paige is now resting on one of the tables. It’s overwhelming him as well as his son. Nginitian lamang ni Paige si Lawyer John na siyang naghanda ng lahat ng mga ito.

The banquet is now being held here in the Montero Mansion. Dito nalang ito ginanap dahil ayaw na ni Paige na lumayo pa. And he is much more safe inside their mansion.

Maya-maya pa ay umalis si Lawyer John sa kanilang mesa at nagtungo sa ibang kilalang mga tao upang kausapin ang mga tao. Pinagmasdan naman ni Paige ang lahat ng mga taong narito. They are all enjoying themselves. As well as his son, who was happily eating cake beside him.

“Masarap ba?” Tanong ni Paige sa anak nito.

“Yesh.” Sagot nito habang puno pa ng cake ang labi nito.

Natawa naman si Paige dahil sa mukha nito. Nagkalat na kasi ang icing sa labi nito ngunit patuloy paring kumakain ng cake sa plato niya. Hinayaan na lamang niya ito at tinignan muli ang mga taong narito.

It’s overwhelming but still familiar for Paige. Ilang beses na siyang dumalo sa mga ganito ngunit ngayon ay kakaiba ang kaniyang pakiramdam. He is overly anxious about the people looking at him and his son. They are talking about something but he couldn’t care less about that.

Ang mas nakaka-abala sa kaniya ay pakiramdam ng mga titig ni Rafael sa kaniya. Nilibot niya pa ang kaniyang paningin at dumapo iyon kay Rafael.

Rafael is sitting in on of the chairs in a table full of old man. Paige remembered them as the group of chairmans of the trading industry. They were talking about something but Rafael were looking only at Paige. Kahit na malayo ang kanilang pwesto ay tutok na tutok sa kaniya ang paningin ni Rafael.

It’s intense. May hawak na isang baso ng wine si Rafael sa kaniyang isang kamay. He is wearing a black polo with its button from his upper body open, making his neckline exposed. Nakataas din ang sleeves nito patungo sa siko ni Rafael. He is looking so dark amidst that group of people, laughing while he was staring at Paige with a blank face and serious.

Napalunok si Paige at iniwas ang paningin doon.

“Are you tired?” Tanong niya sa kaniyang anak ng makitang humikab ito. Halatang inaantok na ito.

“Yeah…” His son answered honestly. “When will this end?” Tanong nito.

Napangiti si Paige sa tanong nito.

“It might end later tonight. You can go upstairs and sleep. I’ll be alright,” Saad ni Paige at sinenyasan ang isang maid sa gilid na lumapit dito.

“Mom,” Saad ng kaniyang anak.

“I’ll be alright. Susunod din ako sa’yo maya-maya kung mapapagod na ako.” Saad ni Paige.

Hindi sana papayag ang anak niya na umalis ngunit halata na masyadong pagod ito kaya wala na itong nagawa ng samahan siya ng maid patungo sa kwarto nito.

Nanatili si Paige doon at kinausap ang ibang lumalapit sa kaniya.

Minutes have passed and he saw a familiar face. A girl on a fancy dress walk up straight to him.

“Tegan!” The short haired-girl exclaimed the moment he went near at Paige.

“Seraph,” Paige remembered the girl as his fellow cook in El Refugio.

“I couldn’t recognise you,” Saad ni Seraphim at tinignan ang buong katawan ni Paige.

Paige smiled.

“You too,” Sagot niya dito.

“It’s been a long time. Parang kailan lang nong nag ma-make out pa tayo sa kitchen!” Namula ang mukha ni Paige dahil sa biglaang sinabi nito.

Tumawa si Seraphim. “Look at your face! You can’t take jokes like that now?” Saad nito.

Hindi nakasagot si Paige dito at napainom na lamang sa wine na nasa kaniyang harapan. He remembered those times. Back when he wasn’t fully out as an Omega.

“I saw your son a while ago. Who was the father?” Walang prenong tanong sa kaniya ni Seraphim.

Hindi agad nakasagot si Paige at napalingon sa pwesto ni Rafael. Tumayo si Rafael, kunot ang noo at tiim ang bagang na nagtungo ito sa table kung nasaan ang mga drinks at wine. Pinagmasdan lamang ni Paige ang paglalakad nito na siya namang napansin ni Seraphim.

“Ohhh…” Saad ni Seraphim. “Siya ba?” Tanong nito.

“Yeah…” Tanging nasagot ni Paige.

“How did it happen?” Takang tanong ni Seraphim. “Wait… was it you?” Napapaisip na saad nito.

“What?” Takang tanong ni Paige dito.

“The reason why he had to resign as a soldier!” Saad ni Seraphim na nagpagulat kay Paige.

What? Resign? Because of him?

Dahil sa sinabing iyon ni Seraphim ay hindi napigilan ni Paige na magtanong. Matapos ng kanilang pag-uusap ay hindi alam ni Paige ang gagawin.

Sa kaniyang kinauupuan ay nanginginig ang kaniyang kamay. He knew that Rafael sacrificed himself for him. But he didn’t knew what happened after that.

Hind niya alam ang pinagdaanan ni Rafael sa nakalipas na taon. Hindi niya alam kung anong nangyari dito. Hindi niya alam kung paano ito naka-survive sa gabing iyon at sa mga sumunod na taon.

Biglang nilapit ni Seraphim ang kaniyang mukha sa pisngi ni Paige. Magkadikit na ngayon ang kanilang ulo, at ang labi ni Seraphim ay malapit na sa tenga ni Paige.

“Stay still. It looks like he’s about to explode.” Paige heard Seraphim spoke and then chuckled.

Saka lamang niya naintindihan ang ibigsabihin nito ng hilahin siya ni Rafael patayo sa mesa niya at palayo doon. Paige doesn’t know where he is taking him pero nakatingin lamang siya sa likuran nito. Rafael looks so mad as they walk.

Now looking at his back, he remembered that night when Rafael bravely face those who pursuit them and fight those wanted him dead.

Napalunok siya.

Does he really love Paige?

Mahirap iyon paniwalaan para kay Paige ngunit dahil sa kaniyang nalaman mula kay Seraphim ay napagtanto niyang totoo nga ang inamin nito sa kaniya.

To be continued…

Chapter 35

Hello, this will be the last chapter of this story. Thank you so much for coming this far. Nananakit na ang daliri ko kakasulat pero hindi ko mapigilan dahil binabagabag talaga ako ni Paige at Rafael. Sinasabihan nila ako na isulat ko sila nonstop :<

So here we go. Epilogue is up next.

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Chapter 35 🔞

Miss

He was comatose for 12 months. That’s what Seraphim told him about Rafael.

Rafael was barely alive when he was found by the reinforcement that night. He had multiple gunshots across his body, three of which were critical. Dahil sa lala ng pinsalang natamo nito at sa surgery para lang mailigtas ang buhay nito, na comatose siya ng isang taon.

It was critical and life threatening. Nang magising si Rafael ay hindi nito maigalaw ang ilang parte ng kaniyang katawan. He undergoes treatment to get back to what he is today. But he resigned to his job due to the damage he had taken.

Wala nang pag-asa pang makabalik siya sa military.

Paige wondered, how did he survive all those years? What kept him going to continue living?

How much did he suffer from his point of view?

Napalunok si Paige ng tinignan niya ang likuran ni Rafael. He is afraid, anxious, but more likely sad. Hindi maisip ni Paige kung gaano kahirap ang pinagdaanan nito.

Kaya nalulungkot at nagui-guilty siya dahil pinagdaanan iyon ni Rafael. Paige didn’t ask for it. He was willing to die for Paige. Wala silang relasyon upang tulungan siya nito ngunit ginawa parin ito ni Rafael.

Rafael was just helping him. Dahil sa tagal ng panahong hindi niya alam ang katotohanan, sinisisi niya si Rafael sa nangyari noon. Dahil sa anim na taon, ang alam niya lang ay kung hindi siya nito kinuha sa Italy, hindi niya daranasin ang lahat ng ito.

But Rafael is just one the victims of the cruelty of their family’s enemy. Hindi kalaban si Rafael sa una palang. He was just entangled in the mess of his family.

Pumasok si Rafael sa isang kwarto sa mansion. This wasn’t his room because they are still on the first floor of the mansion. Paige guessed it as one of the guestrooms. Walang tao sa loob ng pumasok silang dalawa doon.

Malakas na sinara ni Rafael ang pinto sa likuran ni Paige. Rafael is looking so mad right now. He is furious about something. Umiigting ang panga nito habang matalim na nakatingin kay Paige.

Napalunok si Paige dahil sa intensidad ng pagtingin sa kaniya Rafael. Rafael is tall so he is towering through Paige right now.

“What are you doing…” Saad ni Paige ngunit hindi na siya nakapagsalita ng marahas na hinalikan siya ni Rafael.

Napa-awang ang labi ni Paige dahil sa gulat ng ginawa ni Rafael sa kaniya. Dahil doon ay mas lalo lang hinalikan ni Rafael si Paige.

It was a quick yet deep kiss.

Nahabol ni Paige ang kaniyang hininga ng tumigil si Rafael sa paghalik sa kaniya.

“I’m sorry…” Rafael said hoarsely.

Napatingin si Paige doon at nakagat ang kaniyang labi.

“I couldn’t control myself. I should have not done that.” Saad ni Rafael. Umatras ito palayo kay Paige.

Tatalikod na sana si Rafael ngunit hinawakan ni Paige ang kaniyang kamay upang pigilan ito sa pag-alis.

“R-rafael…” Ito ang unang beses na tinawag ni Paige ang pangalan nito simula ng magkita silang dalawa.

It was slow and tender.

Dahil doon ay natigilan si Rafael at napalingon kay Paige.

“If you haven’t done this, it would be me coming for you.” Saad ni Paige at malakas ang loob na tumingkad upang mahalikan si Rafael.

Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ni Paige sa mga minutong nagdaan. Lumalim pa lalo ang kanilang halikan. Hanggang sa mahubad nila ang damit ng bawat isa ay hindi naputol ang kanilang halikan.

Their kisses were as wild as the animal. Both lf them were kissing each other harshly, both longing for this for a long time.

“Hmm…” Pareho silang napahalinghing sa bawat palitan nila ng mga halik.

“Are you sure about this?” Saad ni Rafael ng huminto ito sa paghalik ngunit hindi nilayo ang ulo kay Paige. “I don’t think I can’t stop myself if you aren’t.” Dagdag niya habang magkalapit ang kanilang labi.

Hindi sumagot si Paige at hinalikan na lamang muli si Paige. Dahil doon ay pinagpatuloy ni Rafael ang marahas na paghalik kay Paige. Ngayon ay binuhat niya si Paige habang hinahalikan. Ang dalawang kamay ni Paige ay nasa leeg ni Rafael ang kaniyang paa ay nakapulot sa bewang ni Rafael.

Mabilis nilang narating ang kama. Ang natitira na lamang saplot nila ang kanilang pang-ibabang damit. Marahas na tinanggal ni Rafael ang pantalon ni Paige ng ibaba niya ito sa kama at tinanggal naman ang kaniya.

“Are you really sure about this?” Tanong ulit ni Rafael sa kaniya.

“Yeah…” Wala sa sariling saad ni Paige.

It was fast and wild. Makalipas lamang ang ilang minuto ay pareho na silang hinihingal habang kumikilos sa ritmo ng bawat isa. Para bang walang party na nangyayari sa labas habang ginagawa nila ang kanilang sariling party sa kwartong ito.

“Fuck,” Pagmumura ni Rafael ng unti-unti niyang pasukin si Paige.

Maingay ang salpukan ng kanilang katawan. Malalakas din ang kanilang ungol at pagtawag sa pangalan ng bawat isa. Parehong sabik na sabik kaya naman ilang ulit silang nagkaisa sa gabing iyon hanggang sa maabot nila ang kasiyahan at kasapatan.

Rafael owned Paige that night multiple times. He longed for this. He misses this so much as much as he misses Paige.

Hindi na nila alam ang nangyayari sa labas dahil nawala na sila sa kanilang sariling mundo.

Nang mag-umaga ay mainit ang kanilang katawang magkayap sa ilalim ng kumot ng kama kung saan ilang beses nila iyong ginawa.

“Good morning…” Rafael hoarsely said when he woke up by the touches of Paige.

Ang kamay ni Paige ay hinahaplos ang marahang marka ng sugat sa katawan ni Rafael. He hasn’t clearly seen it last night pero ngayon umaga na ay ngayon niya pa lamang ito napagmasdan.

Rafael has so many scars in his body. Small and big scars. Marami ang nasa likod nito. He also had three scars on his stomach, one was on his lower right limb, near his kidney.

Hindi sumagot si Paige at patuloy na pinagmasdan ang mga sugat ni Rafael. Sobrang dami niyon at hindi siya makapaniwala.

“These are scars from gunshots.” Saad ni Rafael kahit alam naman iyon ni Paige. “These are normal when you’re working in the military.” Dagdag niya.

Paige knew that. But these scars are the worst and life threatening! Kumunot ang kaniyang noo ng maisip kung gaano kasakit ang matamaan ng isang bala gayong si Rafael ay sobrang dami ng tama ng bala nito.

Rafael kissed Paige on his forehead and hugged him tighter, with their both bodies naked.

“Don’t worry, I am all fine now.” Saad ni Rafael.

Hindi sumagot si Paige at napapikit na lamang. Naluluha siya.

“I will be much more fine if you are with me.” Makahulugang saad ni Rafael.

“I love you…” Malalim ang boses na saad ni Rafael ng tumahimik sa kanilang pagitan.

Hindi sumagot si Paige dito. He’s still collecting his thoughts and feelings.

“It’s okay if you don’t answer me right now. Somehow, I’ve got progress on us. That’s enough for me.” Saad muli ni Rafael at muling hinalikan si Paige sa noo.

“Don’t ignore me again.” Rafael warned. Tumango na lamang si Paige bilang sagot dahilan para mapangiti si Rafael.

“I need to go back to my room. Baka hinahanap na ako ni Angelo.” Saad ni Paige at bumangon na. Masyado pang masakit ang kaniyang katawan dahil sa nangyari kagabi ngunit nakayanan naman niyang tumayo.

“Just stay here for a moment.” Rafael said, pleadingly.

“No, baka magtaka si Angelo kung bakit wala ako sa tabi niya.” Saad ni Paige. Hindi na niya matignan si Rafael ng pinulot niya ang kaniyang mga damit.

“He won’t like the idea of us sleeping together.” Saad ni Paige at bumalik sa kanilang kwarto. Paige it hurts Rafael but it might be harder for him to get into his child’s heart if he finds out that the two of them sleep together.

After that night, their relationship somehow leveled up. Pinapansin na ni Paige si Rafael. Ilang beses na rin silang patagong nag ma-make out. But one thing that hasn’t changed was his son’s treatment for him. Hindi parin natinag ang anak niya at hindi parin pinapansin si Rafael.

Patago dahil pareho silang natatakot sa kanilang anak.

“It might take him a while. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help you,” Saad ni Paige at hinalikan si Rafael. Nasa isang kwarto na sila ngayon. Natutulog ang kanilang anak kaya malaya silang nakakapag-usap ngayon.

“No, I’ll do my best to open his heart for me. I won’t stop until he accepts me as his son.” Saad ni Rafael. They did it again right in that room.

“You’re mine,” Rafael kissed Paige on his cheeks one day. Nasa loob na sila ngayon ng kitchen at nagluluto si Paige ng kanilang hapunan.

Rafael is hugging Paige from behind.

“Lumayo ka nga! Baka mahuli tayo ni Angelo.” Singhal ni Paige at siniko ito.

“Why are you afraid about that? Hindi ka nga natatakot na tumakas sa kwarto niyo tuwing gabi para pumunta sa akin.” Bulong ni Rafael sa tenga ni Paige dahilan para makiliti ito.

“He will get mad!” Saad ni Paige.

“Why? Can’t I do this?” Hinawakan ni Paige ang balakang ni Paige upang iparamdam sa kaniya ang matigas na alaga ni Rafael sa likod nito. Damang-dama iyon ni Paige dahilan para mamula ang kaniyang pisngi.

“Stop it!” Saad ni Paige.

For the past few days, they have been working on “that” treatment for Paige. Paige has been asking Rafael to do him in order to get better. And somehow, his pheromones are slowly turning from time to time. Just like what the doctors have said.

“Can I try?” Saad ni Rafael kay Paige ngunit natigilan sila ng pareho nilang narinig ang boses ng kanilang anak.

“Mom,” Ralph Angelo said coldly. Agad na napalingon si Paige sa kaniyang anak na bagong ligo pa lamang at si Rafael naman ay agad na lumayo sa kaniya.

“You’re here! Lunch is ready,” Awkward na nakangiti si Paige ng imbitahan niya ang kaniyang anak.

Matalim na tumitig si Ralph Angelo habang si Rafael naman ay iniwas na lamang ang tingin dito. His son is sending daggers with the way he looks at Rafael right now. Pero hindi na ito nagsalita at umupo sa isang upuan upang makakain ng lunch.

Somehow, Rafael can now have his lunch together with them. Pero iyon nga lang, kunti lang ang nakakakain ni Rafael sa luto ni Paige dahil matakaw na inuubos ng anak nila ang pagkain. Leaving Rafael with a small portion for every food that Paige cooks.

Hindi nga lang alam ni Rafael kung sinasadya ba iyon ng kaniyang anak ngunit hinayaan na lamang niya iyon.

“Are you happy here, mom?” Isang tanghali ay tinanong siya ng kaniyang anak.

Mag-iisang buwan na nong bumalik sila dito. Paige has been visiting his mother from time to time.

“Why are you asking me that? Hindi ka ba masaya dito? Gusto mo bang bumalik sa Claveria?” Tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang anak.

Nasa kusina sila ngayon. Paige is baking cookies right now and one cake for his son.
Simula kasi ng mapunta sila dito ay nahilig ang kaniyang anak sa cake. Kaya naman paminsan-minsan ay ginagawan niya ito ng cake.

“No… If you are happy here, I will stay here with you. I’ll go anywhere with you as long as you’re happy, mom.” Saad ng kaniyang anak.

Nilingon ni Paige ang kaniyang anak na malalim ang iniisip na nakatingin sa oven kung nasaan ang cake.

“But I can see that you’re happy here.” Ralph Angelo said honestly. “I’m just afraid that he might hurt you again.”

Lumapit si Paige sa kaniyang anak at niyakap ito.

“No one can hurt me as long as I have you, right?” Saad ni Paige na siya namang tinanguan ng kaniyang.

“I’ll protect you, mom.” Saad ng kaniyang anak sa kaniyang bisig.

“That’s why if he hurts me, protect me, okay?” Saad ni Paige sa kaniyang anak na nakangiti.

“I don’t know mom. I’m slowly liking him, I think he won’t hurt you.” Saad ng kaniyang anak.

“You know that he is your father right?” Tanong ni Paige sa kaniyang anak. Hindi ito sumagot at nanatili lamang tahimik sa kaniyang bisig.

“Just like me, I can’t hurt you because we are a family. He also thinks that way. He won’t hurt us because he is your father.”

“Are we… a family too, with him?” Tanong ng kaniyang anak na hindi nasagot ni Paige.

Paige doesn’t know. Hindi niya sigurado. Ang alam niya lang ay mahal siya ni Rafael. Ngunit hindi pa siya sigurado sa nararamdaman niya para kay Rafael.

To be continued…

Epilogue

It’s here!

I know this story has many flaws. The characters are flawed, I am flawed as an author, and you have your own flaws too.

Life is flawed so does those who live with it. But everything depends on us on how we deal with our flaws and making use of it in a good way. Use your flaws to be strong and move on with your life.

As you can see, the point of view of this story is different from the first installment of the series. Sinubukan ko lang talaga pero sobrang hirap pala kaya thank you for dealing with my mistakes from Prologue to this end.

Thank you so much for coming this far. This is the end of the story and this will be the point of view of Sergio Rafael Almendralejo.

I do not proofread. This chapter is unedited.

Epilogue

Food

“Why don’t you just go to the restaurant instead of having your own food here in this room, alone?” Saad ni Gio Refugio sa akin isang gabi.

Gio Refugio owns this hotel. He’s one of my friends but he doesn’t know why I am eating in this room with the food cooked by his certain chef in the restaurant of this hotel.

Nasa isang elite suit ako ngayon ng kaniyang hotel, kumakain ng kaniyang luto. Gaya ng dati, mukha at amoy masarap na iyon agad para sa akin. Pero sobrang sarap ng kaniyang mga luto kapag nasa aking bibig na.

When I was a kid, I lost my sense of taste. Hindi ko malasahan halos lahat ng mga pagkain ko. Kaya kahit ano ay nakakain ko kahit sobrang alat, tamis o asim. Hindi ko iyon alam. Dahil doon ay nakakakain ako ng pagkaing hindi na pala maganda para sa aking kalusugan.

That’s how I became picky of the food I eat.

Pero nang mapadpad ako sa opisina ni Gio at inimbitahan ako nitong kumain sa kanilang restaurant ay nagulat ako sa aking natikman.

For years, I couldn’t taste anything. But when I chewed one of the food that was served, I tasted something. A sweet flavor. Masarap.

Sobrang sarap ng pagkain na iyon para sa akin.

That’s how I started visiting this hotel if I have time. To try and look for that same feeling I tasted. Because that food changed my life. Akala ko ay hindi na ako magkakaroon ng panlasa habang buhay.

I tried every food on their menu at first. But I couldn’t taste all of them. That’s when I learned that I can only taste the food that he cooked.

Tegan Paige Montero. A talented young chef who works at El Refugio’s hotel. Ang pagkaing niluluto niya ay nagbibigay ng buhay sa aking patay na panlasa.

That’s how I became obsessed over the foods he cooked. I started craving it everyday. I spent every vacation and day off inside the hotel, only to try his food. Until that obsession grew over time, I fell in love with his food.

I fell in love with him. I wanted to have him cook for me until the day I die.

But I was ashamed and shy. Wouldn’t it be creepy to talk to him and say I fell in love with your food?

That’s why I stayed in the suit room. Just alone and order every food on his cooking list. Every time that I went there, I wouldn’t go home without feeling satisfied.

His does so much to me with just his foods. He comforted me when I was sad, he energised me when I was tired. It was satisfying.

I thought that my dream of marrying him won’t happen. But when I accidentally saw him inside that gym, clearly hitting on me with all his moves, I thought I had the chance.

That’s why I made a fake date in one of the suit rooms of the hotel. I booked him as the cook for that night. I wanna watch him cook for my food.

Napansin ko kaagad ang paglagay niya ng kung ano sa nakabukas na bote ng alak na dala niya. When I drank that, it sent so much heat through my throat, into my stomach. After that, I felt something growing in me.

We had that night. I thought I could make a move on him after that. But who wanted to have a relationship with someone you had one night stand with? Definitely, not him.

Nagalit ako na marinig kung umalis na siya patungong Italy kinabukasan ng may mangyari sa amin. Akala ko may pag-asa na ako sa kaniya ng ibigay niya ang kaniyang sarili sa akin noong gabing iyon.

“I wanna marry your son.” I told Mr. Montero, his father when I met him at one of the parties I was invited to.

Humalakhak ang kaniyang tatay sa aking sinabi.

“He left already towards his dream. If you can wait for that long until he achieved that, I’ll give you permission to marry him.” Tanging sagot nito.

That’s when I started working under his father. I became one of the heads of their family’s security while I was still working under the military.

“I am afraid that something might happen to him there.” Isang araw ay sinabi ng kaniyang tatay sa akin.

I was too. I am afraid that he might have found someone to love there. That’s why we immediately sent 3 men, exchanging every month. We received all the reports about his whereabouts, everything that he does, everywhere he goes.

Umigting ang aking panga ng mahawakan ko ang isang picture kung saan kasama niya ang kaniyang workmate habang sabay silang papasok sa cinema para manood ng movie.

I missed him so bad. I missed the food that he cooked.

“Send him a warning.” Saad ko sa pinadala naming security sa kaniya.

After that, his workmate stopped going out with Paige. He stopped hitting on him.

Pero kahit na ganoon ay hindi ako napanatag. Hindi ako satisfied.

“He might not be safe there.” Saad ko sa kaniyang tatay ng hindi namin matanggap ang daily reports ng mga security niya. We sent another group to him while we looked for the one who went missing.

But we found their bodies, lifeless. Nakalagay ito sa kabaong ng ipadala ito sa kanilang mansion.

3 years have passed when his name was slandered here in the Philippines. Pumunta ako sa Italy para ibalik siya at iligtas sa kung ano mang panganib na mangyayari.

I couldn’t control myself when I met him. After I ate his food in their restaurant, I craved for something else. I didn’t know that I was on my rut that night. That’s why I thoughtlessly marked him.

But I didn’t regret any of that. I claimed possession over him now. Wala na siyang kawala sa akin. The only thing that I regret is that he couldn’t have his dreams because of his family.

However, I regret it instantly when I couldn’t do anything to keep him beside me right after we arrived in the Philippines.

“I’ll give him to you but let him stay in one of our military base,” Saad ko sa pinsan niyang si Leon na siyang pumigil sa aming byahe.

They have a warrant. Hindi ko iyon kayang pigilan. Pero naipadala ko siya sa military base namin para lang protektahan siya ng ilang araw. I checked everything in the penitentiary before I let them transfer him. Kahit papano ay nabigyan ko siya ng sildang siya lamang ang mag-isa. That’s the least that I can do at the moment.

When I visited him in his cell, he is on heat. The first time it occurred, I controlled myself. Nagpadala ako sa kaniya ng pills para sa kaniyang heat ngunit nang bumalik ako, he is still on heat. As much as I don’t want to own on in that cell, I had no choice.

I had it investigated. I found out that it was Leon who stop the pills from coming to Paige’s hand. Not long after that, it leads me to the real culprit of everything.

I was busy looking for a way out for him. After long days of collecting evidence and turning the people who confessed against him to his side, he finally went out.

I wasn’t sure that if I can survived. But I still promised to him to comeback to him. But I failed.

I fought against 10 gunmen alone. I merely survived because of luck. I killed 8 of them and the two run away. Pero napuruhan na ako. Masyadong marami ang balang tumama sa aking katawan. I have critical shots near my right kidney and lungs.

I failed to go back to him that night. I failed so much that I couldn’t see him for six years.

“Ang bobo mo ma-inlove.” Si Lawyer John ng maabutan niya akong umiinom mag-isa sa isang bar.

I was comatosed for 1 year. It was hard to take back the life I had before. Habang nagpapagaling ako ay nagalit ako sa kaniyang tatay kung bakit pinatigil nito ang paghahanap sa kaniya. I resigned in the military because I couldn’t do it anymore.

Bumalik ako sa kaniyang tatay upang magtrabaho. I thought with their resources, I could find him. But it was hard. Palagi naming pinigilan ang mga taong sumusunod sa mga unang taon.

The fight over the Montero Patriarchy lasted for almost 2 years. His father won against all the traitor but it took a lot of him before he could do that. After that, I had the time to look for him.

Everything was controlled by his aunt, Leon’s mother.

It’s been years since he went missing. It’s been years since I couldn’t find him. And it’s been years and a lot happened.

My life become so dull without him. Tasteless.

His father died and he gave me the position of director in his company. I am managing all of their business and companies. I could barely manage it properly, but thanks to it, I kept myself busy.

After that, his mother went deluded. She blamed herself of everything that happened. Ginawa ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para lang matulungan itong maibalik sa dati. I couldn’t do that. He needs Paige.

Inabala ko ang aking sarili sa trabaho habang patuloy siyang pinaghahanap. I believe that he is outside there. That he is alive.

With that thought, iyon lamang ang tanging naging lakas niya sa mga panahong iyon. He somehow managed everything that he now owns under his name with the help of those who have stayed with his father.

“You need to have a break sir. Take this as one.” Si Mara, ang aking secretary. She suggested this outreach where I will act as a soldier for the kids to know.

I never knew that I could meet him again. Hind sinasadyang napapayag akong mag volunteer sa outreach program sa Claveria, malayo sa Manila. I thought it was only a break for me.

Pero hindi, it was more than that. Nakita ko siya sa hindi sinasadyang panahon at lugar. A lot has changed in him. Mayroon na rin itong anak. And I realised immediately that it is mine.

It was hard. Their treatment towards me is something that I expected. Pero ngayong nasa aking harapan na ito ay hindi ko parin maiwasang masaktan.

But I understand all of that. Paige can blame me for everything that happened. Our son can hate me now since I am a bad father. I understand all of that. But I won’t stop here. I will do my best to have them in my arms.

“I only lusted for you.” Saad ni Paige matapos namin tikman ang bawat luto ng isa’t-isa isang gabi.

“It’s okay. You can use my body, it’s yours. I will still love you.” Saad ko sa kaniya.

“I won’t stop saying I love you until I hear you speak the same language as me.” Saad ko at siniil siya ng halik.

We had a long journey before we arrived back to each other’s arms again.

Hindi ako magsasawang mahalin siya ngayon, hanggang sa mahulog din siya sa akin, at hanggang sa aking kamatayan.

All I wanted was him in this life. But we also had a child. The child that will remind me always of my mistakes before.

Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang aking anak ay nakikita ko ang aking kamalian noon. I deserve all of his hatred. I am a weak father to him. I couldn’t protect his mom. I wasn’t there when he grew up. He saw the time when I wasn’t there for him. I couldn’t turn back the time.

That’s why I understand everything that he speaks against me.

But right now, I will do my best to be good to them. To give them the love that I couldn’t give for years. I will fill my part in their heart because they already filled mine.

I am happy now that I am with them. I am now complete. And I will still work until they become complete with me in their hearts.

“It’s my birthday and you’re not invited.” Saad niya sa akin.

Masakit pero nakaya ko parin ngumiti sa kaniya para ipakitang okay lang sa akin ang mga sinasabi niya.

It’s fine. I deserve this. And I will continue to do this until he could love me too as his father. It might take a long time but I will not give up. He can have everything that Paige cooks. Magpaparaya ako basta maging maayos lamang ang aming samahan.

I won’t give up. Not now that they are with me. Sobrang lapit na nila sa akin. Hindi ako hihinto. They are my family. My two little loved ones that give life to me.

I will do everything until I become a good partner, husband, and a father to my son.

The end…

1. One Lusted Affair
2. About the Omegaverse
3. Synopsis
4. Prologue
5. Chapter 1
6. Chapter 2
7. Chapter 3
8. Chapter 4
9. Chapter 5
10. Chapter 6
11. Chapter 7
12. Chapter 8
13. Chapter 9
14. Chapter 10
15. Chapter 11
16. Chapter 12
17. Chapter 13
18. Chapter 14
19. Chapter 15
20. Chapter 16
21. Chapter 17
22. Chapter 18
23. Chapter 19
24. Chapter 20
25. Chapter 21
26. Chapter 22
27. Chapter 23
28. Chapter 24
29. Chapter 25
30. Chapter 26
31. Chapter 27
32. Chapter 28
33. Chapter 29
34. Chapter 30
35. Chapter 31
36. Chapter 32
37. Chapter 33
38. Chapter 34
39. Chapter 35
40. Epilogue