TEASER

REMINDER: Be aware of the grammatical error and poor delivery of sentences, dialogues, and so on that you will encounter while reading. The author is always trying her best to improve until she gets better. I did not proofread this story. This is raw and has a lot of flaws. If you can’t afford reading a story that is not perfectly written, this is not for you. Thank you for dropping by. I appreciate your time.

This book is published under LIB Bare.

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One of the richest men in Asia, Brooke Montero is clearly needed only one thing…a woman who will marry him.

They will get married and he will get his inheritance from his grandfather.

It’s a simple deal, but the beautiful woman he chooses made it difficult for him. She desperately wanted a baby in exchange of marrying him and that’s out of his plans!

But, the thought of having her writhing beneath him, drives him insane.

Fvck all his plans! He will give what she wanted for her to stay…for him to have a hold on her, without even knowing that her real identity will only break each other’s heart.

Prologue

PROLOGUE

THE LARGE chandelier in the middle of their mansion and the grand double staircase, making all his childhood memories came back. A kid who was born with a golden spoon on his mouth, that idiom is perfectly fit on him. The short description say it all. Because he’s already a fucking billionaire since the day he was born! It was legally written on the papers and his bank accounts are the massive proof. No doubt ’bout how wealthy he is.

He’s not even wondering why he’s always on the list of one of the richest man in Asia. Taon-taon na walang palya.

Brooke silently took a deep sigh before he could even imagine the most unforgettable yet tearful memories he had in that mansion. He shook his head and eyed the maids who’s in the line, welcoming his sudden arrival.

“Good evening, Señorito. Welcome back,”

The old mayordoma of their mansion greeted him with smile on her lips. Her hair is in a very neat bun, almost same with the maids in front of him, they’re all uniformed. Nakahilera ng maayos, handang-handang magsilbi.

“Where’s Papa?” He asked and give his suit to the maid next to him.

“Nasa library room, Señorito. Kanina pa naghihintay sa pagdating mo si Don Armando.”

Brooke just shrug his shoulder and walk towards the grand staircase, leaving them with his suitcase. He just came back from Singapore, he’s been busy managing his oil company who has a branch all over the Asia.

He never stay in the mansion when he’s in the Philippines, he has a penthouse in Taguig and the mansion is located in South Luzon. He rarely visit his grandfather, maybe that’s the reason why the old man suddenly wanted his presence.

Brooke took a quick cold shower and changed his clothes before he went to the library room, which his grandfather was waiting for him.

“Papa,” he called the man who’s sitting on the swivel chair.

“Apo,”

“Why’s it so sudden? I was busy.” He complaint and give him a quick hug.

Brooke sit on the vacant swivel chair and stare on his abuelo. Don Armando isn’t getting any younger, his grayish hair is visible now and the wrinkles on his face cannot hide anymore. But still, the old man in front of him remains the authority of his aura. Very intimidating and powerful.

“I went to my doctor, Brooke. I can’t stay any longer. I was diagnosed with leukemia.”

Brooke eyes suddenly widened a bit, shocked by what he heard. It was a very straightforward moves from his grandfather!

“There’s a cure in leukemia, Papa.”

“Yes, but it was too late, apo. And the doctor found out that my kidney isn’t working well. At may butas ako sa puso.”

Brooke let out a loud breath. Is this for real? But when he look at his lolo, he seems so healthy. Matanda na pero may ibubuga pa, but what if he’s just hiding his weakness on him? His grandfather is a very powerful man, hindi nito binibigyan nang pagkakataon ang mga tao na kakitaan ito ng kahinaan, kahit pa sa harap niya.

“Bakit hindi natin nalaman nang mas maaga pa? Para naagapan,” Umiling-iling siya, bigo dahil sa nangyayari.

“I knew it, apo. You were the one who doesn’t aware ’bout my condition because you were busy earning millions on your bank accounts.” Don Armando sighed and shook his head, showing his disappointment. “You do not need to work so hard, Brooke. We have billions in our bank accounts. Let your people do your job.”

“You know how passionate am I in running my business. I cannot just give it up, besides I don’t have anything to do in my spare time. A short vacation is enough for me and women of course,” Brook smirked.

“Wala ka nang oras sa pamilya mo,”

A feeling of guilt kick in. His grandfather is fucking right, he’s busy making millions and the consequence was lacking of enough time for his family, he has no time for his only family…his lolo.

“Alright, I made up my mind now. I will be staying here for a months, for you.”

“That’s not what I wanted, Brooke.”

“Then what is it you wanted Papa?”

“I wanted you to have your own family,”

Brooke groaned and he lazily rested his back on his swivel chair. Family? He doesn’t even think about building one.

“You know that I don’t have plan on settling down. I’m happy with my life without it.”

“I wanted you to settle down, Brooke.” His grandfather insisted. “I might leave you anytime soon. You’re my only heir. And I wanted my only heir to have his own family.”

“No, I cannot do that.”

“Then I won’t give you your inheritance.”

“What the fuck?!”

Napaayos siya nang upo at nakipagtagisan ng tingin sa abuelo. After a few seconds of staring at each other, he realized that the old man is damn serious!

“I will just donate it all to the people who needed that more than you.”

“You cannot do that to me, Papa.” He frustratedly brushed his hair using his fingers. “Don’t push me to marry,”

The old man just shrug his shoulder and stood up, ending their conversation.

“I will give you three to five months to get married, Brooke. I’m sure you could find someone to marry that easy.”

“It’s not that easy. It’s hard to find a woman who will look at me as a husband and not a sugar daddy who will spoil and buy everything they wanted.”

He already mastered how to treat a women, they like expensive gifts and treat them like they are really special. They are so eager to be prioritize by men. Women are very demanding.

And, most of all, he knew what they wanted from him. His body, his name and his money. Nobody wanted him as him. How could he marry a woman when she only wanted from him is his wealth?

“It’s your problem, apo. Because you like to spoil your women. Baka ikaw lang ang nag-iisip na ginagamit ka lang nila dahil sa pera mo?”

“They’re user, I know that.”

“You were using each other then? You were using them to warm your bed and they were using you to their caprice.”

“That’s why I’m not going to marry. I can’t trust women.”

His grandfather sighed heavily and glance at him with understanding on his face, his abuelo knew what he was trying to say. He knew why he’s like that to women. He knew the story behind all the hatred on his heart. His grandfather knew everything.

“Women are different, my grandchild. Not because someone left you, it doesn’t mean that everyone would do that.” He explained, trying to change his mind ’bout how he look on women. “There’s always that someone who will stand out and will stick with you in the end. Trust me with that, apo.”

Brooke smile bitterly. Even he wanted to believe in that, he just can’t. His heart and mind is only believe in one thing, women never stay.

“I know Papa, but I also know that women will leave you after they get what they wanted from you. I experienced it first hand.” He shook his head, bitterness on his heart. “And I can’t trust them, anymore.”

“But remember what is this conversation all ’bout, I still wanted you to settle down or else I won’t give you all your inheritance.” His grandfather patted his shoulder, as if waking him up. “Think about all of this, Brooke. And I hope you change the way you look on women.”

1 ~ Client

CHAPTER ONE

“You are running out of time, brute. You only have one week to introduce your soon to be wife to Don Armando.” Kielton said, smirking on him.

His friend was sitting comfortably on the visitor’s chair of his huge office. While he’s on his swivel chair, he was swaying it lazily, crossing his legs and his hands were at the back of his head, tila pasan ang mundo sa problemang hindi niya naman dapat pinoproblema. Babae! Babae lang ’yan!

“If only Alexza didn’t refused the deal, hindi ako magigipit ng ganito.”

“Move on, kasal na siya. Let her be happy again.”

Brooke rested his head on the headrest of his swivel chair, without removing his hands at the back of his head. He closed his eyes, trying to relax himself.

Alexza was the woman he chose to pretend as his wife a months ago. They both agreed to that deal, but when she get back to the Philippines from Canada, everything changed. And the rest was history.

“I’m looking for a wife material. No to a party girl. Papa would not like it.”

“Sa probinsya, madami. Why don’t you try? I could accompany you to hunt that wife material you were looking for.”

Brooke let out a breath. He look at his friend, furrowed eyebrows.

“I don’t think you could help me with that, brute. I better do it alone.”

“Why not? I’m good in picking girls.”

“Nah, your fans will get wild once they see you. Ayoko nang magulong paligid. I don’t want to be with you in public.”

His friend is a famous rockstar in the Country. Masyadong mainit at matunog ang pangalan ni Kielton, kasagsagan ng kasikatan nito.

“Ang sakit mo magsalita,” Madamdamin na sinapo nito ang dibdib. “I can disguise.”

“Thanks, but no.” Brooke stood up and get his key car on the table. “Let’s get out of here.”

Kielton just shrug his shoulder and stood up. They leave his office. It’s already seven in the evening but he can still see some of his employees working their ass off, including his personal secretary.

“I’m leaving, cancel all my appointment this week.” He said, authority on his voice.

“Noted Sir Brooke.” She nod and look up on him. “By the way, about the mansion you were looking for in Southern Luzon, it’s on sale. You might want to get it?”

“The one that close to our mansion?”

“Yes, Sir. The one that you’ve been eyeing for a years now to be one of your properties.”

Brooke tilted his head on the side, massaging his jaw with his hand. His other hand is on his hip. Us a businessman, he is more on buying big houses or lot, particularly mansions as his investment for his hard work. And that mansion is in Southern Luzon, it would be great if he will have it on his name.

“Send the complete address on my email. I will visit it before I leave.” He demanded and walk towards the elevator.

“Where to go?” Kielton asked impatiently.

“Maybe a drink in D’ Club tonight would help me think ’bout how to solve my shit.”

Kielton let out an annoying laugh, telling him how fuck he is right now.

“Alrigh. I will contact the brutes who’s here in Manila. They could give you some advice with your shit.”

“I hope so,”

Naghiwalay sila ni Kielton nang makalapag sa basement ang elevator. They both hopped in on their expensive car and drove their ass off in D’ Club.

ANG MAHAROT na ilaw sa buong paligid at ang dami ng tao ay hindi nakakatulong sa pag-ikot ng paningin niya. Everything was getting blurred and it’s spinning. The Club is too crowded and noisy. And the smell of cigarettes, vapes and different kind of alcohol, making her vomit. She swallowed hard to control the shit on her stomach.

“Are you okay? Do you want to go home?” Joyce asked her, while caressing her back.

They’re sitting on the island counter of D’ Club, they’ve been staying there for a couple of hours now. She’s with her friends, comforting her.

“Getting drunk is not the answer to your problem. I tell you…” Kira shook her head. “Let’s go home and take a rest. We will talk about all of these tomorrow.”

“My head is spinning. Give me a minute.”

She closed her eyes, feeling sleepy and tired. Ang pagdating nang sunud-sunod na problema sa buhay niya ay hindi niya inaasahan. Walang makapitan, kundi ang mga kaibigan lang.

“Oh! Look who’s here!” Joyce exclaimed. But she’s too weak to see whoever is coming.

“That Kielton Grande together with Brooke Montero! Nagkakandarapa na naman ang mga babae, oh. Parang mga linta.” She could almost hear the sarcasm on Kira’s voice.

“Girls, let’s go home. I can walk na…I guess.”

Sinubukan niyang bumaba sa mataas na upuan, lihim na nagpasalamat nang matapakan ng mataas niyang takong ang tiled floor.

She drunkly get her purse above the counter and turn around to face her friends, but what surprised her was instead of facing them, she’s facing a man who’s standing proudly in front of her.

“Sex on the beach, please…” that deep baritone, making her knees tremble.

Napahawak siya sa island counter sa biglang panginginig ng mga tuhod. Malalim siyang humugot ng buntong hininga at mariin na ipinikit ang mga mata, pilit pinapahupa ang kalasingan.

“I know this trick,” the man whispered on her neck and snake his arm around her waist, supporting her weight.

Mas lalo siyang nang-galaiti nang maramdaman ang matigas na braso nito sa ilalim lang ng dibdib niya. Sa umiikot na paningin ay pinilit niyang kinalas ang brasong ’yon sa katawan niya.

“I know that trick, too!” She spat drunkly, looking up on this familiar face of a man.

“Woah,” He hissed.

“I may be drunk but I know what I’m doing. Mga lalaki nga naman, mapagsamantala.” She bitterly glance at him. “Gwapo sana, manyakis lang.”

“Maganda sana, masungit lang…” the man lifted his glass smugly for a cheers.

With her drunken state, she left the island counter and go straight to the restroom. Facing her face in the mirror, she looks wasted and miserable. She smile sadly at herself.

“I’M

SORRY to tell you this, Gelicah, but this is the only way for you to get a big amount of money for you

r

mother’s need. Let’s sell the mansion.“

Their family’s financial adviser said, as if there’s no choice but to sell their only mansion in Southern Luzon. That mansion was from her grandfather who gave it to her father who passed away just last year. That’s the only material thing who reminded her of her father. It’s a very sentimental mansion, she could not just give it up and sell it!

“I could sell my condo unit in Taguig. We have rest house in Pampanga, we could sell it.”

“At saan ka titira? Saan kayo titira ng mommy mo?”

“We could rent,”

“Even we both sold that rest house and your condo unit, it would not be enough to support your mother’s need. It only cost six to seven million pesos and you need more than that.”

Gelicah took a deep sighed, her heart is aching so bad. Why is this so sudden? Kamamatay lang ng daddy niya at may panibago na naman siyang suliranin na kailangan resolbahin.

“Fine, put that mansion on sale. It cost twenty to thirty million, right?”

“Yes, there are many businessman who’s eyeing that mansion. We could easily sell it.”

“Okay, I will call our lawyer to process the paper. This is so hard. That mansion is daddy’s safe haven…” A lone tears suddenly roll down her cheeks. “P-Pwede naman malaman kung sino ang bibili, di ba? Gusto kong masiguro na aalagaan niya ang mansyon bago ko ipagbili sa kanya.”

“Yes, you just need to contact your daddy’s secretary for that.”

She nod weakly. “Thank you, Mr. Rosales.”

“For your daddy, Gelicah. No problem with me. He’s a good friend of mine. Sayang nga at nawala siya nang gano’n lang.”

Malungkot siyang ngumiti. “That’s how dangerous life is. That was so unexpected. I’m still mourning.”

“Be strong, hija. Be strong for your mommy, too.”

EARLY IN THE morning when she received a phone call from her daddy’s secretary, telling her that they already have a buyer of their mansion. She felt happy at first, but felt sad when she thinks about that the mansion would not be under their name anymore.

Gelicah traveled for three hours to get into the mansion. She will meet the buyer together with the secretary and their lawyer.

She stopped her car when she saw a black jaguar in front of the big gate. Lumabas siya ng sasakyan at naglakad papunta sa gate, nakita niya ang karatula do’n na nagsasabing binibenta nga ang lugar na ’yon.

She tiptoed and bitterly remove it.

“Morning,” that deep baritone is very familiar.

Slowly, she turn around to confirm if she’s right. Or maybe her ears was just playing with her?

Gelicah swallow hard when she saw a man towering her with his wide built. Wearing a light blue long sleeve polo that perfectly fit on his muscled arms, black slacks and expensive leather shoes, the man’s lips curve up into a smirk.

His dark deep eyes bore into her as if he’s stripping her clothes in a very seductive way. It hit something inside her. Parang may nabuhay na kung ano sa kanya sa paraan ng paglapat ng tingin nito sa katawan niya.

Her heart was surprisingly beating fast than normal. She’s sweating and she don’t know why.

“Why are you here?” She asked, she sounds like a little bit rude. She’s hiding her nervousness.

At bakit ba siya biglang kinabahan? Lalaki lang ’yan!

“Why are you here?” Balik tanong nito at humakbang pa papalapit sa kanya.

Halos mahilo siya nang maamoy ang mamahaling pabango nito at nang maramdaman ang tila singaw ng init sa katawan ng lalaki, that body heat! She can feel it!

“I have meeting here, I’m waiting for my lawyer and secretary.”

“Hmm,” Nilagpasan siya nito at inabot ang karatula na hindi niya natanggal kanina. “I guess, you’re the owner of this mansion?”

She turn around again and face him, this time their body is just inches away. Nakita niya ang pagdilim ng mga mata nito nang tila pareho nilang maramdaman ang kakaibang init sa pagitan nila.

“And you’re the buyer?”

“Well,” he smugly shrug his broad shoulder.

“No! Ayokong ipagbili sa’yo ang mansyon!”

His brows shot up, amuse on his eyes while he was licking his lower lips as if he’s thinking for something. Damn!

“Why not? I can afford billion. Name your price, Miss.”

“It’s Gelicah,”

“Brooke Montero,”

He formally lifted his one hand for a shake hand. And as a woman with a class, she shook his hand in a formal way. Brooke gripped her hand gently, making her throat ran dry.

Inagaw niya ang kamay dito at pilit nagpakapormal. The man is good in ruining her composure. His intimidated aura, making her feel nervous and uncomfortable. There is something on his eyes that melt her every time their eyes met. It’s quite strange.

“Let’s wait for my lawyer and talk about all of these.”

“Sure,” Brooke glance on his wrist watch. “Are they on their way?”

“I don’t know?” Ngumuso siya.

“I don’t wanna wait here.”

“Gusto mong pumasok sa loob?”

Ang mga mata nito ay biglang tumalim, ang makakapal na kilay ay bahagyang nagsalubong. Napalunok siya at parang may mga daga na nagkakarerahan sa dibdib niya. Pinilit niyang ngumiti ngunit binigo siya ng labi niya, ngiwi ang nagawa niya. Kinakabahan sa gwapong kaharap.

“I don’t have much enough time to waste. Contact your lawyer and tell him that I will wire the money on your bank account. Send the papers in my office and I will sign it.”

“Parating na ang mga ’yon. Saglit lang,” Naalarma siya nang naglakad ito papunta sa sasakyan. “Brooke! Wait,”

She stop mid-step when he turn around, staring at her. Nagtaas noo siya at nagpaka-pormal ulit.

“What?”

“Aalis kana?”

“You want me to stay?” He asked calmly. Sa sobrang kalmado ay bakit kinakabahan pa rin siya?

She bit her lower lips and nod her head slowly. Huli niya na-realize na kailangan niya ang lalaki para sa pera. Paano kung magbago bigla ang isip nito? At kung hahayaan niyang umalis ito baka abutin na naman siya ng ilang araw para sa panibagong buyer ng mansyon.

“Can you stay? We can go inside for you to see the whole mansion. I can tour you there while we are waiting for my lawyer and secretary.”

“I thought you don’t want me to buy the mansion? Why changing your mind now, Gelicah?”

“I need a big amount of money.”

“How much?”

“Huwag mo nang tanungin. Basta kailangan ko ng pera. Kaya, please, stay here.”

Brooke rested his back on his car door. He crossed his arms above his chest, the veins on his forearm is now visible, it looks sexy but dangerous. She simply roam her eyes down, she clear her throat when she saw the bulging thing between his thighs.

“Eyes up, babe… you’re waking the wild beast.”

Gelicah face heated up. What the hell she’s doing? Staring at his body and his thing? Really? Nakakahiya siya!

“Hindi naman…” kaila niya.

“Don’t do that again. He gets excited when a beautiful woman wondering how big he is.”

“Ang bastos mo!”

“Wanna know how big?” Brooke lips for a sexy smirk. “Just let me know…I’ll show it to you.”

Her eyes widened and her face turn so red. Why he needs to be so blunt? Hindi niya naman sinasadya na masulyapan ang umbok na ’yon!

“Fuck you!” She curse angrily and walk towards her red Chevrolet.

Gigil na napahawak siya sa manibela habang masama ang tingin kay Brooke, he remain on his position but his attention is on her, his eyes is on her car. Mabuti nalang at tinted ang sasakyan niya, hindi siya nito makikita!

After a few minutes, she saw Brooke walk towards her car. Hindi siya magkandaugaga kung ano ang gagawin niya. Ang inis na nararamdaman ay napalitan nang pamilyar na kaba dahil sa presenya ng binata.

Brooke knocked on her car window. She leered and press the button to open the car window, on her side. Ipinatong nito ang mga kamay sa bubong ng sasakyan niya at dumukwang sa kanya.

She tilted her head backward to avoid being so close to him.

“A client like me shouldn’t be treated like this,” Brooke said coldly. His minty breath hit her face. “You’re the one who’s in need here.”

“Ang bastos mo kasi…” inirapan niya ito, hindi makatingin sa mga magaganda nitong mata. Natatakot na matunaw ang inis niya. “Hindi ko naman sinasadyang tignan ang ano mo…malisyoso ka masyado.”

“It’s my fault then?”

“Yes! Stop being malicious.”

“I became one when you look at me.”

Hindi niya napigilan na lingunin ito at muntik ng mabilalukan nang makitang ang lapit na masyado ng mukha nila. Muli ay iniwas niya ang sarili bago pa tuluyang manlambot sa mga titig nito.

“Don’t look at me…”

“You cannot stop me with that.”

“Kinakabahan ako kapag tumitingin ka sa’kin.” Pag-amin niya, walang ideya sa nararamdaman.

“Why?”

“Para kang nanghuhubad kung makatingin. Parang sa tingin mo palang makakabuntis kana…”

Kulang nalang sabihin niya ay ang ganda ganda ng mga mata nito, malagkit nga lang makatingin. Kakaiba. Nakakapang-init. Nakakaakit.

He suddenly chuckled softly. His hot breath hit her bare neck. Is he that close to her? She’s afraid to turn her face on his, she might get choke of their closeness.

“Kung gano’n baka nga mabuntis na kita…” Brooke trailed, his voice is raspy. “…to think na sa paraan nang pagtingin ko palang ’yon. Paano pa kaya kung…”

“Stop that topic, Brooke. I might ask for it.”

“For what?” He whispered, she could almost feel his lips on her neck!

Gelicah gulp and try hard her best not to look on him. Her heart is being wild and her body is shaking a bit, knowing that he’s so close to her making her feel excited. She never been this close with a man. Nininerbyos siya sa presensya ng binata.

“For a baby…” she whispered.

Brooke let out a short laugh, napapikit siya nang tumama ang mainit na hininga nito sa leeg niya. Hindi niya inaasahan ang biglaang pagtaas ng balahibo sa batok.

At hindi niya rin inaasahan na sasabihin niya ang lihim niyang pangarap, ang magka-baby na!

“Baby…yeah, I’m not into making baby. Sorry ’bout that, I can’t fulfill your fantasies about having baby.”

2 ~ Baby

CHAPTER TWO

ANG PAGBAGSAK ng ulan kanina ay ang dahilan kung bakit wala sa oras na napapasok sila sa mansyon. Hindi na pinilit pang manatili sa loob ng sasakyan. Ang pagdating ng masamang panahon ay hindi niya rin inaasahan.

“This mansion is a bit old. I can tell,” Brooke said, scanning the whole place.

He’s sitting comfortably on the single sofa. The aura of being a boss is on him. The authority and power were around him. It’s kinda intimidating, maybe that’s the reason why her heart keep beating so loud whenever she looks on him.

“This mansion was from my grandfather. Ipinama niya kay daddy,”

Nakapameywang siya habang inililibot din ang paningin sa kabuan ng lugar. She had some childhood memories in this mansion, but she spent most of her childhood and teenage days in United States of America, since her father was a US Citizen and USA Military, but he retired in Philippines. She has a dual citizenship, too.

“Where’s your father?” Brooke ask casually.

Napahugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib. The pain and longing on her heart suddenly appeared.

“He passed away last year.”

“Oh, sorry ’bout that.”

“And we are in need of financial support for my mother. That’s why I’m selling this mansion even if I don’t want to,”

She crossed her arms above her chest, not knowing that Brooke is staring at her. She’s standing right in front of the grand staircase, he was facing her back, just a meters away.

“Paano pala kung umatras ako sa pagbili sa mansyon na ’to?”

Bumaling siya sa binata dahil sa sinabi nito. Napaatras pa siya ng bahagya nang tumayo ito at gumawa ng ilang hakbang palapit sa kanya. Ang kaba sa dibdib niya ay bumalik, pagpasada palang ng tingin nito sa katawan niya ay hindi na siya mapakali.

“There are many businessman who’s eyeing this mansion. Hindi lang naman ikaw,” she said, stating the fact. “We could wait for another client if you ever change your mind.”

Brooke took a another intimidating step closely. Hindi niya napigilan ang mapalunok sa nakaambang paglalapit ng katawan nila.

“That’s not the right way to talk to a client. You should encourage me to buy this mansion.”

His eyes suddenly drifted on her lips, she’s so aware that she notice his every single moves. She saw how his jaw move a bit while staring dangerously on her lips. Pansamatala ay naitikom niya ang bibig sa sobrang kaba.

“I’m…I’m not good in sales talk. Isa pa, mabigat sa loob ko na ibenta ’tong mansyon. This is the only memories I have with my dad. This mansion is very important to him. I don’t want to…to sell this,” she said in a low tone, avoiding his gaze.

“I’m not going to buy this mansion,”

Sumakit ang dibdib niya sa narinig. Kung para saan ’yon ay hindi niya masabi pa. Hindi rin siya natutuwa.

“B-Bilhin mo na, kailangan ko talaga ng pera.”

“I will buy this mansion, but in one condition.”

He’s hiding a smirk on his lips. The stubble on his jaw, making him look so manly. His divided chin is so appealing to her.

“Condition?” She repeated nervously.

They are almost inches away, isang hakbang pa nito ay siguradong magtatama ng ang katawan nila. Why does he need to be so close to her? Pwede naman sila mag-usap ng ilang dipa ang layo nila, hindi ’yung ganito, nahihirapan siya sa lapit nito sa kanya.

“I have my proposal. If you agree to this, I will buy this mansion and will give you enough money to live.”

“What’s it?”

The side of his lips suddenly curve up, his eyes were dark and menacing. The beating of her heart boomed again, she could not stop it.

“I need a woman to marry me,” he seriously said. “Deal with me. Marry me.”

Gelicah gasped a bit. She’s about to shook her head for disapproval, but something stopped her. She’s staring back at him, he looks so damn serious and it makes her sweat. This businessman treated her like she’s some kind of business that he needs to deal for.

“M-magpapakasal tayo?” Kabado na tanong niya, naninigurado kung tama ba talaga ang narinig.

“Yes, but I have my rules and I will give you the rights to rule me, too. This is very easy, Gelicah. Magpakasal ka lang sa’kin, ibibigay ko lahat ng gusto mo bilang kapalit.”

She lifted her eyebrow. Almost smirking on her mind. Brooke Montero looks so serious and desperate to find a woman who will marry him. For what reason? That’s the question. She will find out soon.

“Lahat ng gusto ko ibibigay mo kapag nagpakasal ako sa’yo?”

“Yes, just tell me whatever you like. I will give it to you.”

She sophisticatedly cross her arms above her chest, making him glance at her breasts, it was a quick glance but damn, she can feel her body reacted on what he did. It’s surprising.

“I want to have a baby,” she said, almost whispering, feeling so shy but she’s really determine to have one.

Sa kabila ng problemang pasan ay nanatili sa isip niya ang kagustuhan na magkaanak na. She’s on the right age to have one, it would not be easy but she will do her best to raise her baby and give her or him a better future, even that she’s in need of money now. Pasasaan ba at makakaraos din siya sa problema niyang ’to.

“You want a baby?” Ulit ni Brooke, para itong pinagpawisan.

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi. Mukhang ayaw nito ng baby. Halata naman. Sex lang talaga ang gusto!

“Kung ayaw mo…kung hindi mo ako bibigyan ng baby, hindi nalang ako magpapakasal sa’yo.” Mabagal na sabi niya, ang dibdib niya ay kumalakalabog ng sobra.

Brooke suddenly turn around and brush his hair with his fingers frustratedly. His one hand on his hip, he’s tilting his head back. He looks like thinking and calming himself.

His wide muscular back and his round sexy butt, making her bit her cheek again. She’s free to stare at him. He’s tall that even she’s wearing a high heeled stiletto, hanggang balikat lang nito ang taas niya.

“Let’s talk about the baby some other time.” He said when he face her again.

Gelicah shook her head. Hindi siya papayag na sa ibang araw pa pag-usapan ’yon. She’s demanding and this man should know it.

“I will marry you, but you have to get me pregnant. That’s my number one rule.”

Brooke eyebrows shot up, if he’s amuse or what, she’s not sure. Pero bakit parang mas mukhang siya pa ang nakikipag-deal sa lalaking ito? Napasubo yata siya?

Humakbang ito ng isa, kaya napahakbang siya ng paatras. Ang likod niya ay lumapat sa barandilya ng hagdan. Ang isang paa niya ay nasa pangalawang baitang, habang ang isa ay nasa una, katabi ng isang paa ng binata.

Inilapag nito ang isang kamay sa barandilya, halos dampian ang bewang niya, lalo lang nadagdagan ang ingay sa dibdib niya. She’s towering Brooke a bit, he’s almost facing her chest, giving him a full view of her cleavage.

“I wanna hear your rules.” He said in a flat tone. “And I will let you know mine.”

“I will tell you more of my rules if you agreed with my rule number one. If you don’t, then, there’s no wedding and no baby for me.”

“Are you sure ’bout that baby?” His voice suddenly became husky, it makes her stomach fluttered.

Marahan siyang tumango, nakatingala ito sa kanya, parang unti-unti ng nalalasing. Ang mga mata ay nakatuon lang sa kanya na para bang handang-handang sundin ang gusto niya.

“I want to have one,” mahinang sabi niya. “Isa lang naman, hindi na ako hihiling ng pangalawa.”

Marahan itong natawa at napayuko. Napanguso siya. Hindi naman siya nagbibiro. Sapat na sa kanya ang isa.

Brooke took a deep breath before looking up on her again. The emotion on his face faded away, his dark deep eyes met hers. Nilabanan niya ang malakas na pintig ng puso at lakas loob na nakipagtitigan sa lalaki.

“We need to have a lot of sex to make a baby. Are you okay with that?” He asked, his jaw was clenching as if he’s controlling on something.

“Hindi ba pwedeng isang beses lang?”

Brooke purse his lips, it’s very tempting. Ilan babae na kaya ang nakahalik sa mga labing ’yon? Mukhang masarap.

“Uh,” he groaned. “Why do you need to be so obvious when you’re staring at me?” Nahihirapan ang boses nito, halos mapaungol. “And no, hindi pwedeng isang beses lang tayong magtalik. Hanggat walang nabubuo, hindi rin tayo titigil sa pagtatalik.”

Tumikhim siya upang maalis ang malaking bara sa lalamunan niya. Ramdam niya ang pawis sa kanyang noo. Malamig naman sa labas pero bakit ang init ng pakiramdam niya? Nakakainit pala talaga ang usapang pagtatalik.

Isipin niya palang na makakasiping niya ang lalaking kaharap ay umaapoy na ang katawan niya. Ikinahihiya niya ang sarili sa pasimpleng pagiging agresibo.

“Wala ka pa bang nabubuntis?” Tanong niya pa.

Ang mata nito ay mariin na nakatingin sa kanya. Madilim at parang nanantiya. Hindi niya malaman kung iiwas ba o hahayaan nalang na tuluyan siyang matunaw.

“Hindi pa,” paos na sagot nito. “Ikaw lang ang bubuntisin ko…” lalong naging mabigat ang titig nito sa kanya, na halos kapusin siya ng hininga. “…para lang magpakasal ka sa’kin.”

Maingat siyang tumango sa kabila ng walang tigil na pagkabog ng kanyang dibdib.

“K-Kung gano’n…payag kana?”

Brooke nod his head slowly, surrendering on something she could not explain. His eyes were so expressive that even he tried to look at her with causality and authority, she can still see the desire playing on it.

“I agree with your number one rule if that’s the only thing I can do for you to marry me.”

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi, kinikilig na hindi naman dapat. Ang pagpapakasal ay wala sa plano niya, pera at baby lang ang kailangan niya. At bago niya makuha ang mga ’yon, kailangan niyang magpakasal sa lalaking kaharap.

“Pero, maghihiwalay din tayo?”

“Yes,” He said, honesty on his voice. “After six months of being married.”

“That’s one of your rules?”

“That’s part of the deal of being married to me.” He stand straight and let out a soft breath. Standing there, in front of her with all his might. “Before we get married, I will tell you all my rules and our deal. Are you up?”

“Let me hear it,”

Brooke tilted his head on the side, staring at her, trying to read what’s really on her mind.

Umayos na rin siya ng pagtayo at ibinalik ang nawalang composure kanina lang.

“Now?”

“Can you tell it now?”

“Of course, come with me.”

He motioned her to follow him on the living room. He sat on the long sofa like a King, like he own the mansion! While she’s on the single sofa, crossing her legs and her arms in on the armrest. Sitting there with a class, looking like she’s so ready to deal with this man, when in fact, her heart keep beating so wild and loud.

“You can start now,” she said calmly.

“The deal is, you will marry me and after I get my inheritance from my grandfather, we will have our divorce.”

“So, you are into your grandfather’s wealth?”

“I’m the only heir, but before I get that, I need to get married first even I don’t want to. But because of that wealth, I will. So you have to deal with me.” He explained, without a doubt. “Our marriage life should only last for six months and after that we will have our own freedom. That’s the main plan.”

Pansamantala ay napaisip siya. Anim na buwan na kasal siya sa lalaking ito? Makakasama niya ito sa iisang bubong? At dapat sa loob ng anim na buwan ay mabuntis siya!

“I’m okay with that deal. Sige, payag ako d’yan.”

Brooke smirked. “Good. Problem solved.”

Napasandal ito sa inuupuan na para bang nawala ang tinik sa dibdib. He even rested his head on the headrest of the sofa. Relaxing. Looking so handsome on that angle.

Ang suot na long sleeve polo nito ay lalong humapit, bumakat ang malapad at matigas na dibdib. Nakakatuyo ng lalamunan. Parang nakakatakam. He’s very attractive, there’s something on him that she could not take her eyes off away. She likes watching his every single moves.

“Pero,” she gave a stress in that single word, trying to get his attention, but he remain on that position.

“Go ahead, tell me all your concern. I’ll listen.” He said, closing his eyes.

“…dapat sa loob ng anim na buwan ay mabuntis na ako kaya galingan mo.”

A bark of laughter suddenly echoed around. It was a short amusing laugh. Then he straightened his sitting position, his eyes were dark, burning with desire.

“Gusto mo ngayon palang umpisahan na natin ang pag-gawa sa anak natin,” may paghahamon sa tono nito, mas lalong nagwala ang puso niya.

“S-saka na pag kasal na tayo,” kabado na sabi niya, nag-iinit ang pisngi.

Napanguso siya. Bakit siya kabang kaba? Samantalang parang normal lang kay Brooke ang pinag-uusapan nila? Masyado siyang apektado, hindi lang puso niya ang nag-re-react pati na rin ang katawan niya.

“Are you really sure ’bout marrying me?” Tantiyado ang boses nito, tila naninigurado ng husto.

“Yes, because I need money and I want a baby.” She said truthfully. “Ikaw ba? Ayos lang sa’yo ang hinihiling ko?”

“Baby is out of my plan,”

Umirap siya sa hangin. “Kung napipilitan ka lang, eh di maghanap ka ng ibang papakasalan.”

“But of course, I want my soon-to-be-wife to be happy having a baby, so yeah, I will give you what you want and you will give me what I want.”

Gumuhit ang maliit na pilit pinigil na ngiti sa labi niya. Matamis din ang dila ng lalaking ’to, ano? Magaling magpakilig.

“Ahm,” she trailed. “So, are you going to buy this mansion?”

“Yes, after our wedding.”

“Kailan ba tayo ikakasal? Kailangan ko na ng pera, Brooke.” Impatiently, she demanded.

Hindi naman siguro siya mukhang oportunista? Gold digger? Kailangan niya talaga ng pera. Wala ng paliguy-ligoy pa.

“How much do you need?” He asked coldly.

Kinagat-kagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi, bumabangon ang pangamba. Siguro ay iniisip nitong mukha siyang pera? Ano pa nga ba? Gipit na gipit na siya.

“I need half million this week,” she whisper, her hands were shaking. She was gripping the armrest absentmindedly.

“Let me know your bank account number. I’ll wire you the money.”

Umawang ng bahagya ang labi niya, hindi pa masyadong makapaniwala.

“Papautangin mo ako?”

“No, you will be my wife and I don’t want my soon-to-be-wife to be stress because of lacking of money.” Then his eyes met hers, hypnotizing her. “Stop worrying. I will provide everything you need from now on as your husband to be.”

The authority and finality of his voice making her lips protruded a bit. Hindi pa man din sila naikakasal ay pakiramdam niya ay sinasakop na siya ng binata bilang asawa nito.

3 ~ Deal

CHAPTER THREE

“THEY are stranded because of the typhoon. Hindi na sila makakarating dito,” paliwanag niya kay Brooke nang makatanggap ng text message mula sa sekretarya ng ama.

“The weather is not that bad,” nakasilip ito sa malapad na bintanang salamin na natatabunan ng makapal na kurtina.

“Not that bad? Can’t you hear the thunder?”

Hinawi nito ang kurtina pasara at muling bumalik sa kaninang inuupuan. Tahimik niya lang itong pinapanood. Ang perang ipinadala nito sa bank account niya ay hindi pa pumapasok dahil sa kawalan ng sapat na internet signal connection.

“Are we going to stay here tonight?” He asked casually.

“It depends on the weather. If the rain stop, I’ll be back in Manila.”

“And if it’s not, we will stay here.”

Pasimple siyang napalunok. She can stay, but she’s afraid to stay alone. Pero bakit parang mas nakakatakot na mag stay siya na kasama si Brooke? Hindi niya na makilala ang nararamdaman niya.

“Yes, you can stay in the guest room. And I will be in my own room.”

“Show me my room,”

“Ngayon na?”

Brooke glance at her. “Pwede rin na mamaya na. Magtitigan muna tayo dito.”

Inirapan niya ito, nahimigan ang sarkasmo sa boses nito. She lazily stood up and pulled down her dress a bit to cover her legs. It’s a casual pencil cut dress just above her knees, she used to wear mini dress but today she felt so conscious, knowing that someone is secretly staring on her body.

Nauuna siyang maglakad kay Brooke, pero damang-dama niya ang paglapat ng tingin nito sa katawan niya. Nakakaasiwa na parang nakakakiliti. Hindi na naman siya mapakali, lalo at paakyat sila sa hagdan.

Sa bawat hakbang niya ay umaangat ang dulo ng dress na suot niya kaya panay din ang baba niya niyon. Hanggang sa marinig niya ang magaan na pagsipol ng binata na nakasunod sa kanya.

“I like your legs,” Brooke muttered, praising her.

“Ilang babae na ang sinabihan mo n’yan?” Aniya, patuloy sa paghakbang.

“Ikaw palang,”

Uminit ang pisngi niya. Napaka bolero!

“Maniwala ako sa’yo,”

“I don’t praise women.”

“Mukha nga,” she murmured. “Please, quit staring at my back body,”

“I’m just checking my soon-to-be-wife’s body, is it a big deal?”

Hindi niya napigilan at huminto siya, humarap siya dito. Ang isang kamay ay nasa barandilya, habang ang isa ay nasa bewang niya. Her eyebrow arched when she saw him bitting his lower lip, suppressing a smile.

“Huwag mo akong tignan,” pagtataray niya.

“You really like this position, huh.”

Gelicah watch their position, she’s towering him again, nakatingala ito sa kanya, naglalaro ang apoy at pagkatuwa sa mga mata.

“What’s wrong with this position?”

“You like towering me. Gustung-gusto mo na tinitingala kita,” umangat ang makapal na kilay nito sa sarkastikong paraan. “Kulang nalang sambahin kita.”

“Gano’n naman dapat. Ang mga babae dapat sinasamba.”

“Sasambahin naman kita, sa ibang paraan nga lang.”

Kung bakit tila kinikiliti ang tiyan niya pababa sa puson niya ay hindi niya alam. Siya lang ba o sadyang may ibig sabihin pa ang mga binitiwan nitong salita?

“M-Magtatabi ba tayo sa pagtulog kapag kinasal na tayo?” Wala sa sarili na naitanong niya.

“Yes,”

Pinagdikit niya ang mga labi saka ito tinalikuran. Kung gano’n, parang mag-asawa nga talaga sila?

Nakarating na sila sa guest room na nasa isip niya pa rin ang bawat gabi na makakasama niya si Brooke sa oras na ikasal sila.

“You look bothered,” puna nito at naupo sa gilid ng kama, halos katabi niya. “Look, if you don’t like to sleep with me, that’s fine. I don’t push women to do what they don’t like.”

Humarap siya dito. Siya ay nakaupo sa dulo ng kama, ito naman ay sa gilid. May tamang pagitan sa kanilang dalawa.

“Do I need to act like a loving wife?”

“Yes, especially when we are with my grandfather. We need him to believe on us that we are really in love to each other. Uh…” Brooke whimper softly. “Isa pa ’yan, kailangan natin magpanggap sa harap niya at sa mga taong nakapaligid sa’tin.”

“Hmm, so, we need to be sweet when we are in front of them?”

“Yes, learn how to be sweet.”

“I can do that.”

“Okay. Do you have a boy friends?” He asked, but she keep her mouth shut. “Bawal kang makipagkita at makipag-usap sa ibang lalaki. That’s part of my rules.”

Umismid siya. “Kung gano’n, bawal ka rin makipagkita at makipag-usap sa ibang babae para patas!”

Brooke eyebrows furrowed, disapproval on his handsome face. Hindi naman siya papayag na ito lang ang may rules, dapat meron din siya!

“I can’t promise you that.”

“So, makikipagkita ka pa rin sa ibang babae?”

“Yes,”

“What?” Gigil na napatayo siya. “You should follow my rules because I will follow yours!”

“I mean, my secretary is a woman and most of my employees.”

“Yun lang pala…” pabagsak siyang naupo sa kama. “So, wala kang ibang babae?”

Bahagyang umusli ang labi nito, pinipigil ang kung ano. Baka may ibang babae ’to? Sa gwapo ng kaharap, hindi na ’yon nakapagtataka! Nakakapang-init ng ulo!

Hindi niya napapansin na nanghuhusga na pala ang ibinabato niyang tingin sa binata.

“Ikaw lang ang babae ko. Okay?”

“Sigurado ka?” May pagdududa pa rin sa kanya.

“Well,”

“May iba kapa!” Paratang niya. “Hindi kita papakasalan kapag may ibang babae ka!”

Brooke took a deep sighed and he boringly lay his back on bed. He close his eyes and wide his arms, making his one arm rested on her lap.

She’s about to remove his arm but she stopped herself. Kailangan ay masanay siya sa pagdampi ng mga balat nila at pagtatabi ng katawan.

“Huwag ka nang magalit…ikaw lang ang babae ko.” Paos na sabi nito, parang nanuyo ang lalamunan niya.

“Hindi ako galit!”

“Hanggat kasal tayo, ikaw lang ang babae ko. Sa’yo lang ako uuwi. Sa’yo lang ako tatabi. Sa’yo lang ako hahalik…”

Humapdi ang puso niya sa labis na pagtibok nang marinig ang mga salitang ’yon. Parang pangako ’yon na nakakatakot panghawakan.

Brooke suddenly shifted his position, nakadapa na ito sa kama. Ang mukha ay nakapaharap sa kanya at mas lalong bumigat ang brasong nakatanday sa kandungan niya.

“D-Dapat lang,” mahinang wika niya habang pinagmamasdan ang mga galit na ugat sa likod ng palad nito. It’s quite strange but she found his veins dangerously sexy. “W-We need to stay faithful and loyal while we are married. Nagpapanggap lang din naman tayo, galingan na natin.”

“Kaya dapat masanay ka ng dumikit sa’kin,”

He pulled her a little bit closer making her gasped. Nakayakap ang isang braso nito mula sa tiyan niya paikot sa bewang niya. His grip wasn’t that tight but he made sure that she can feel that strong arm on her body. The electrifying sensation is building up, she could not stop it.

Marahas siyang napalunok nang maramdaman ang matigas na braso nito sa ilalim lang ng dibdib niya. Isang maling galaw lang ay siguradong magdidikit ang malambot at ang matigas. Sa tindi ng kaba ay pinagpapawisan ang noo niya.

Tuwid siyang nakaupo, nag-iingat na huwag madaplisan ng braso nito ang nagmamalaking hinaharap niya.

“Bakit ba ganyan ka makayapos…” namaos ang boses niya bigla.

“What’s wrong?”

Napapikit siya. Hindi maalis ang bara sa lalamunan niya ng isang lunok lang. Why does she needs to be so affected by his every stares and every touch? Paano pala kung magtatalik na sila? Baka tumakbo siya sa sobrang kaba? Hindi niya mawari ang sarili. O baka sadyang may angking katangian lang ang binata na nakakapagpakaba sa mga babaeng katulad niya?

“Hindi pa tayo kasal pero kung makayapos ka, wagas.” Umirap siya sa hangin. “Paano pa kaya kung kasal na tayo?”

“Kapag kasal na tayo, hindi lang yapos ang gagawin ko sa’yo, Gelicah.”

“Alam ko. Magsesex tayo palagi, di ba?” Napangiwi siya bigla, hindi sa tanong niya kundi sa agresibong tunog niya.

Gusto niya sanang bawiin ang sinabi pero hindi na nagawa, dahil lalo siyang nahirapan sa sitwasyon niya nang isiksik ni Brooke ang mukha sa balakang niya.

Ang mata niya ay pasimpleng bumaba sa mukha nito, his eyes remain close, his sexy lips is on a thin line, almost smirking.

“What is your favorite sex position?” Simpleng tanong nito, sa sobrang simple ay nag-init ang mukha niya.

Paano niya sasagutin ang kahalayan ng lalaking ’to? Kung wala pa siyang karanasan sa pakikipagtalik?!

“Wala akong favorite!”

“I would teach you.”

“Pati pala ang pakikipagtalik ay itinuturo na?” Magaspang siyang natawa.

“You should learn how to ride me.”

Nasapo niya ang noo. Ano ba itong pinasok niya? Bakit nga ba siya pumayag magpakasal sa lalaking ’to? For the sake of money and baby! Brooke would be a big help for her. She should keep him, right? Right . Her mind responded.

“O-Okay, teach me.” She whisper. “Kailan ba ang kasal natin? I need to leave next week.”

“Where are you going?”

“I will visit my mom,”

“Where?”

Malungkot siyang napabuntong hininga, pumasok sa isipan niya ang ina. She agreed to marry this man because of money…because of her mother. Brooke should know her reason, he have rights to know?

“California.” Mahinang sagot niya at pinaglaruan ang mga kuko sa daliri, ito naman ay nanatiling nakayapos sa kanya.

She let him do it on her. Bakit ba magrereklamo pa siya sa yapos ni Brooke? Kung hindi lang naman yakapan ang gagawin nila sa oras na ikasal sila. Isa pa, dapat lang na hayaan niya itong dumikit sa kanya dahil parte iyon ng pagpapanggap nila bilang mag-asawa.

It’s all about pretension.

“Let’s get married in California.”

“Huh? Bakit do’n pa?”

“So we could file a divorce. Don’t forget the main plan.” He reminded her again. “We can’t marry here. I don’t even think of marrying here though.”

“Ikaw ang bahala. Sabihin mo lang kung kailan ang kasal.”

“We need to get married within this week.”

“T-this week agad?” Nataranta siya bigla. Ang akala niya ay mga ilang buwan pa!

“Yes, I will call my secretary to book us a plane ticket and hotel.”

“Our honeymoon would be in California, too?” She asked carefully, almost gulping.

“Where do you like?”

“Kapag sinabi ko kung saan ko gusto, dun tayo?”

“Yes, wherever you like.”

She purse her lips to suppress a smile. Bakit pakiramdam niya ay susundin nito kung ano ang gusto niya?

“I want it to be in Maldives.” Halos pabulong na sambit niya.

“Okay, I’ll tell it to my secretary.”

“Seryoso ka? Dun talaga tayo?”

Ibinaba niya pa ang tingin kay Brooke para makasigurado. He’s resting, burying his face on her hip. She found him a little bit clingy. Hindi man lang nahihiya na nakayapos sa kanya samantalang ngayon lang sila nagkakilala. Is this even normal? He’s so comfortable being with her.

“Let me rest for awhile. And yes I’m serious ’bout Maldives. Our baby will be made in Maldives.”

Icah chuckled softly. “Sosyal pala ang magiging anak ko.”

“I’ll support the baby.” Brooke suddenly said.

He’s very responsible when it comes to financial matter. He’s a good provided, but it’s so obvious that he doesn’t have a soft spot for babies. She can feel it.

“Hindi na siguro kailangan ng suporta mo. Hindi naman kita hahabulin. Isipin mo nalang na ginawa kitang baby maker.”

“I’ll support the baby.” He repeated firmly, parang bakal na hindi mabali.

She leered and absentmindedly she trail the veins on the back of his hand up to his forearm using her finger. Brooke stilled because of that. Does she affect him?

IT WAS SO DARK outside and the strong rain keeps going. Gelicah was cooking their dinner. She was thankful that the caretaker of their mansion brought goods for them despite of the bad weather. Her father’s secretary was the one who called the caretaker to let her know that she’s in the mansion.

She left Brooke in the guest room, sleeping after they talked. Now that she’s alone, she have time to think about what’s happening on her life and how she slowly solving her problem with her own.

Maybe, fate made its way for her to meet Brooke in a very unexpected way. Who would’ve thought that in just a snapped of a finger, her financial problem will be solved?

Napailing siya sabay napatingin sa lamesa nang mag vibrate ang cellphone niya. With her knotted forehead, she get it and see the notification from her bank. It said that a name Brooke Montero with his bank account number just transferred ten million on her bank account!

“What the…” she stop herself from cursing and blink to make sure that she read it right. “Ten million? I said half million!” Siya pa ang galit.

She’s about to leave the kitchen to talk for Brooke when she saw him walking towards the kitchen, with his bedroom hair and button down polo long sleeve, showing a bit of his hard hairy broad chest. Sadyang nakakaakit kahit hindi naman nang-aakit.

Ang akmang pangangastigo sana sa binata ay biglang nawala, bumangon ang hindi na namang maipaliwanag na damdamin dahil sa nakikita. Gigil na lumunok siya, matapang itong tinignan.

“What’s with that look babe?” His brows shop up a bit, watching her with amusement dancing on his eyes.

“I said half million! Not ten million!”

Naglakad ito palapit sa kanya na kahit gusto niya mang umatras ay hindi niya magawa.

“It’s nothing,”

Brooke took another step. He’s almost covering her with his wide muscular built. He’s tall that she needed to tilted her head up to see his face clearly and to show him how annoyed she is for what he did.

“It’s nothing? I only asked for five hundred thousand, not ten million!”

Halos mahilo siya at mabuwal sa kinatatayuan nang ipalibot nito ang mga braso sa bewang niya at bahagyang hinapit palapit dito. Her knees were trembling so bad because of their closeness.

“Huwag ka nang magalit…” paos na halos bulong nito, ang mainit na hininga ay tumatama sa noo niya, mas lalo tuloy siyang natutunaw.

“Paanong hindi ako magagalit…” pati ang boses niya ay nanghina, parang kaunti nalang susuko na, bibigay na. “I don’t ask for it, Brooke. You don’t need to do that.”

“Kapag kinasal tayo, madadagdagan pa ’yon. Masanay kana sa’kin.”

Ngumuso siya. Parang lasing na nakatingin sa leeg nito. His Adam’s apple bobble up slowly. She can feel his chest on hers, it feels so warm. Ang mga kamay niya ay nasa gilid niya lang, walang lakas. Nagpagapi sa damdamin niyang hindi pa kayang pangalanan.

Maingat na sumagap siya ng hangin sa dibdib.

“Naiinis pa rin ako,” mas marahan na ang boses niya. Ang inis na sinasabi ay hindi niya narinig sa sariling tinig.

“I know,”

“I will save it for my future baby,”

Brooke chuckled softly, napapikit siya sa hindi na namang malaman na dahilan. Ang puso niya ay nag-uumpisa nang makigulo. Nakakatakot na baka maramdaman nito ang pagtibok niyon.

“No, it’s yours. The baby will have his own bank accounts.”

“Ang swerte niya naman.” Halos umirap siya, wala pa man din ang anak ay nakapagplano na ang ama.

“He’s mine after all. What’s mine will be his in the near future.”

Napalunok siya. Kung tama ang pagkakaintindi niya ay ang anak niya ay magiging tagapagmana rin ng isang Brooke Montero? She wanted her child to have a better future but she wasn’t expecting Brooke to be responsible about it.

Her plan is to leave him after six months like what they have planned and raise her child, alone. Without him on their life. She will stick on that plan. It would be easy for him to find other woman who he really loves, have kids and build a family.

“Paano ang magiging anak mo sa ibang babae?” Tanong niya, nag-alala.

Brooke suddenly laugh, it lasted for a long while before he pulled her closer, parang nanggigil at natuwa sa kanya. He rested his lips on her forehead, it’s so soft and hot.

“Ang cute mo talaga,”

“Hmm, nagtatanong lang naman ako. Inaalala ko lang ang future mo.”

“I don’t plan to have a kid with different woman. One woman is enough for it.”

Ang ngiti sa labi niya ay hindi niya napigilan. He said the words like he really meant it. No other woman aside from her? No other kid aside from her future baby?

“Ibig sabihin, ako lang ang babaeng aanakan mo?” Ang lambing sa boses niya ay hindi niya alam kung saan nanggaling.

Since she’s looking on his neck, she saw how he swallow hard. His Adam’s apple move a bit, it’s quite dangerous. Napakagat labi siya, it turns her on for some reason.

“Yes, ikaw lang. I don’t need other woman to carry my child, you is enough.” He let out a breath slowly. “You will marry me and I will give you a baby. That’s the main deal between us. Always keep that in mind. It’s a deal.”

4 ~ Wife

CHAPTER FOUR

WHEN she arrived on her condo unit, she was surprised to see Joyce and Kira who was waiting for her inside, judgment on their eyes.

“You slept in the mansion?” Joyce asked, crossing her arms above her chest, while sitting on the sofa.

“Alone? While raining so bad last night?” It was Kira who’s sitting on the leather single sofa.

Pinaikot niya ang mata at inilapag ang Hermes handbag sa gitnang lamesa. Umaga na nang tumili ang ulan at tanghali na nang makarating siya sa Taguig.

It’s very fortunate that Brooke is also living in Bonifacio Global City. They should’ve seen each other before since they’re living in the same place, why they didn’t? Bakit kahapon lang?

“I was with someone.” She lazily sat on the other single sofa.

“Were you with your father’s secretary?”

Joyce and Kira were her friends for years now, aside from Karen who’s already married to an Altaraza, kaya wala na sila masyadong oras para magchikahan. At ang dalawang ito ang nanatiling nasa tabi niya lalo nitong mga nakalipas na buwan na nangangailangan talaga siya. For her, the two has the right to know what’s happening on her life, since there’s a man who’s involved.

“I will get married, soon.” She said calmly and saw the shock on her friend’s face.

“Magpapakasal? Kanino? Wala ka ngang boyfriend!” Joyce reacted confusedly.

“Nawala ka lang nang isang gabi tapos magpapakasal ka na kaagad? Who was with you last night? Sigurado, lalaki ’yan!” Paratang sa kanya ni Kira. “May nangyari sa inyo? Nakuha na ang virginity mo? Kaya papakasalan ka?”

Napasandal siya sa inuupuan. Humugot ng hangin sa dibdib, iniisip kung paano uumpisahan ang pagpapaliwanag sa dalawa na ngayon ay titig na titig sa kanya.

“I was with a man last night,” she muttered, making the two gasped a bit then keep their mouth shut again. “He’s the one who will buy the mansion.”

“Then? Bakit may biglang kasalan?” Kira inquired.

“Because I don’t want to sell the mansion and I told him that. He decided not to buy the mansion. I panicked. Until he made a condition before he will buy the mansion.”

“Ang gulo niyong dalawa.” Reklamo ni Joyce. “So, the condition is you will marry him then he will buy the mansion?”

“Yes,”

“Eh, di go! Kung ikakasal kayo, may karapatan ka pa rin sa mansyon dahil mag-asawa kayo.”

“I though about that, too. But our marriage life would last for six months only. It’s a deal between us. I will marry him and he will give me money in exchange.”

“And because you’re in need, kaya pumayag kang magpakasal sa estranghero dahil sa pera?” Kira pointed out.

“Yes, and we have rules. So, you girls don’t need to worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Sabay pa napabuntong hininga ang dalawa. Nagkatinginan bago ibinalik ang atensyon sa kanya.

“Who’s the man?” Joyce asked, her brow arched.

Ngumuso siya nang maalala ang gwapong mukha ni Brooke at ang mga payakap-yakap sa kanya.

“Oh gosh! Why do you need to blush like that, Icah? Don’t tell me nauna na ang honeymoon niyo kagabi?” It was Kira, pilit hinuhuli siya.

“Hindi na ’yan virgin. Napasukan na ’yan kagabi.”

“Hindi, ha!” Totoo. “Hindi siya gano’n. Hindi sex ang habol niya. Kasal lang talaga ang gusto ni Brooke.”

Parang siya pa nga ang sex ang habol dahil gusto niya ng baby! No sex, no baby! So she needs sex a lot! It makes her blush again.

Brooke’s a very gentle man. They sleep in different room. Though, it was raining so bad last night, she tried hard her best not to transfer on his room for their both safety. And she succeeded. She’s still a virgin.

“Wait, Brooke? That’s his name?”

“Yes, Brooke. Brooke Montero.” She said and her forehead knotted when Kira and Joyce stood up, obviously, surprised.

“Are you serious? Si Brooke? The owner of Montero Oil Company?”

“Sa kanya ba ’yon? Hindi ko naman alam.”

Brook being a wealthy man wasn’t surprising anymore. Sino ba ang lalaking magbibigay ng ten million sa babaeng hindi naman nito lubusang kilala? Parang nagbigay ng barya sa pulubi.

“Oo sa kanya ’yon, bakla! Jackpot ka diyan kay Papa Brooke! Buhay prinsesa ka diyan pag nagkataon.”

“At bakit ang dami mong alam sa kanya?” Aniya kay Joyce, inangatan ito ng isang kilay.

“Sa lahat ng babae, ikaw lang ang hindi nakakakilala sa mapapang-asawa mo. Well, you grew up in Tate, you spent most of your life away from here. No wonder you don’t know that your soon-to-be-husband is one of the highest tax payer here in Philippines.”

Umismid siya sa nalaman. Kaya pala gano’n nalang magbigay ng milyones sa kanya si Brooke. Ayaw niya ng isipin pa gaano kayaman ang papakasalan niya, basta ang mahalaga ay nabigyan siya nito ng pera. That’s what she really needs for now. Money.

“CAN YOU fucking stop that creepy smile on you? Or maybe you better leave my office.” Brooke said rudely on his friend, Kielton.

That annoying man have been smiling and staring at him in a very creepy way. Nakatambay na naman sa opisina niya ang gago.

“Who was with you last night? I’m sure babae ’yan. You look like had a great steamy sex.”

“How did you say that?” He asked, while his eyes on the papers above his table, signing some documents.

“Hindi na mainit ang ulo mo. At mukhang hindi mo na rin pasan ang mundo.”

Brooke stopped what he’s doing and rested his back on swivel chair. Suppressing a grin, he look on the brute.

“I found a woman who will marry me.”

“Tangna, kaya pala may pangiti-ngiti ka pang gago ka. Problem solved?”

“Yeah, we will get married this week.” He grinned. Damn, why he could not hide it?

Kielton throw a pillow on him. “Bakit ang saya mo? Naka-kantot ka kagabi?”

Brooke grimaced. He’s very formal, very far from Kielton. The man has a bad boy image, full of tattoos. Wearing his black sando and ripped faded jeans, his friend doesn’t fit on his office. They’re friends since they were a child. They both came from a Buena Familia but have their own different lifestyle.

“Hindi ako masaya. Sinong lalaki ang masaya dahil matatali sa babae?”

“Ikaw gago! Ngumingiti ka mag-isa. Akala ko nga nasisiraan ka na ng ulo kanina.” Humiga ito sa black leather long sofa. “Saan kayo ikakasal?”

“California,”

“I thought in Canada?”

“I changed my mind.”

“Or your-soon-to-be-wife made you changed your mind?”

Brooke pursed his lips, thinking about Gelicah. He planned it in Canada, but when the woman told him that she will visit California, his mind changed quickly. Maybe he was just worried that she will run away from him? So he needs to chase her. He needs to secure her until they get married. That’s the only matter to him. To be married.

“She will visit her mother in California, that’s why I decided to get married there. Nando’n nalang din naman kami at pwede rin do’n.”

“Hmm okay. But make sure that she’s good in pretending as a loving wife. You know Don Armando, you cannot fool him.”

“No worries, brute, we already talked ’bout it. And she’s okay with it, since her deal with me is out of my imagination.” Baby!

“She have her own deal?”

“Yeah,” He took a deep sighed. “She wanted a baby.”

“Motherfucker!” Kielton hissed. “At pumayag ka?”

“Like I have a choice? I’m running out of time.”

“Congrats, brute. May tagapagmana ka na.”

“That’s out of my fucking plan. I’m still thinking ’bout it. She might use our baby for her own advantage in the future.”

But, there’s a part of him that he was doubting about she might use their baby to get something from him? She looks so innocent. She only needs money and she wanted a baby so bad. If ever she would use their baby one day, he’s willing to give what she wanted, money or properties. It’s his child after all. Right! Parehong makikinabang ang mag-ina sa mga ari-arian niya. That’s not an issue. Money never been an issue to him. He have lots to give and lots to earn.

“She will have a hold on you. Bahala ka, pikot ang tawag diyan.”

“I’m not that stupid para mapikot. I can handle this. I can handle her.”

“You can handle her? Kaya pala imbes na sa Canada ay sa California kayo.” Kielton smirked at him. “The highly Brooke Montero is chasing a woman, that’s new.”

“Because I need her.” That’s a fact. “Wait until we get married, I do not need to chase her anymore. She’s the one who will chase me, instead.”

He never chase women, but this time he was letting himself chase Gelicah, because he needs her to get his inheritance. His inheritance is the only matter to him.

IT’S ALREADY twelve midnight and she’s still packing her clothes to bring in California. She planned to stay there for one week for her mother and she needs to tell it to Brooke. Sana ay pumayag ang binata.

Isang araw na silang hindi nagkikita at puro tawagan lang. He’s always checking on her, she is not used to it. And tomorrow, they will fly to California. He move so quick. Things happened so fast without even expecting it.

Her iPhone suddenly vibrated, making her stopped what she’s doing. Brooke is calling. Really? In the middle of the night?

She pressed the answer button and place it on her ear.

“Brooke?” She said in a low tone.

“Hi, did I disturb you?” His bedroom voice from the other line making her close his eyes. Masarap sa tenga. Ang swabe. Boses palang alam mo ng gwapo.

“H-Hindi naman. I’m packing my clothes. Napatawag ka?”

“I will pick you tomorrow morning.”

“I can go to airport alone and wait for you there.”

“I said, I will pick you up.” She heard the authority of his voice.

“Oo na. Ikaw na ang boss. Ikaw na ang masusunod.” Halos paikutin niya ang mata.

Magtataka pa ba kung boss ito umasta? Kung boss naman talaga ’to. Kira and Joyce slapped her the status of Brooke, how wealthy he is and how he manage his oil company who has a branch all over the Asia. She’s lucky that the man give time to her and now he’s calling her. Is she that special? No, he just need her that’s why he’s giving her his previous time.

“Good, go to sleep.”

“Tatapusin ko lang ’tong ginagawa ko. Ikaw, matulog ka na.” Mahinang sambit niya. “Did you go to work today?”

“Yeah, I’ll sleep soon. I’m just waiting for my soon to be wife to finish whatever she’s doing.”

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi. Hanggang sa tawag ba naman ay kinikilig pa rin siya? Hindi na nga sila magkaharap.

“Sabay tayong matutulog?”

“Why not?”

“Hmm Sige. Tatapusin ko na ang ginagawa ko.”

“Let’s talk in Facetime.”

“Huh?” Nataranta siya. “Bakit kailangan na video call pa?”

“I wanna see what you’re doing.”

“O-Okay, I’m going to cut this line.”

Without waiting for his answer, she cut the line and open her Facetime app. She dialed Brooke’s number with her shaky hands.

Nakagat niya ang labi nang makita sa screen niya ang binata. Hay, bakit ba matutulog nalang ito lahat-lahat ay ang gwapo pa rin?

He’s resting his back on the headrest of his bed, his broad shoulder is showing, he’s topless for sure! Is he wearing boxer shorts in bed or maybe he’s naked when sleeping? Oh, damn her for thinking about it.

“Can you see me clearly?” She ask, a little bit shy.

“Yes, go ahead, continue what you’re doing.”

“And you will watch me?”

“Yes, until you finish.”

Tumango siya at ipinatong sa lamesa ang cellphone niya, sapat na para makita ni Brooke kung anoman ang ginagawa niya. Ayos din ang lalaking ’to, naninigurado.

“Are you finished packing your clothes?”

“I have my maid to do it, yes.”

Huminto siya saglit at binalingan ito.

“Next time I’ll be the one who will pack your things.”

She saw the side of his lips curve up smugly. “Yes, be a good wife to me.”

“And be a good husband to me.”

“I will,” his tone became soft.

One last glance on her suitcase and she finally closed it. Tinapik-tapik niya pa bago ’yon ibinaba sa kama niya. Pagkatapos ay kinuha ang cellphone niya bago muling naupo sa kama, katulad ng posisyon ni Brooke.

“I’m finished,” she said merrily.

“You aren’t wearing brassier when bed time?”

Her eyes widened and look on her chest. She’s only wearing a royal blue nighties just enough to cover her thighs, and yes, she doesn’t wear a bra! It means, Brooke saw her legs? Maybe even her butt cheeks when she carry her suitcase away from her bed!

Napalunok siya sa kahihiyan. “I don’t wear brassier when sleeping.”

“Thanks for letting me know that, so I would not be surprise in our first night.” The casualty of his voice is so hard to believe.

Hindi ba naakit sa kanya? Hindi man lang apektado?

“How about you? You sleep with clothes on?”

“No, I sleep naked.”

Nasamid siya ng hindi sinasadya kaya iniharap niya sa ibang dereksyon ang cellphone. Nasapo niya ang pisngi, mainit iyon! He sleep naked? It means, he’s naked now? While talking to her?

“Now I know.” Kinakabahan na sabi niya nang iharap muli sa kanya ang screen.

“We better sleep.”

“Good night. See you tomorrow morning.”

“Night,” with that cold cold voice, he cut off the line.

Gelicah turn off the lights and let herself sleep. She felt excited in going to California, coz she missed her mother. It’s been a while. Finally, she will see her again.

A BLACK TINTED Mercedes Benz minivan suddenly stopped in front of her. And a man wearing a white polo shirt and black slacks went out to open the back seat door for her.

“Thanks,” she muttered before she hop in.

Her heart race when she saw Brooke, sitting beside her. He’s sporting a white shirt and brown leather jacket, black jeans and expensive brown shoes. His black Invicta wristwatch fit perfectly on his outfit.

Napairap siya dahil may kausap ito sa cellphone, wearing his black sunglasses. She doesn’t even know if he notice her, he looks occupied and serious, listening to the other line.

While one of his bodyguard put her luggage on the compartment before went inside the shotgun door again.

“We’re going to airport now, Papa. Yes, we will be back after a few days in Maldives.”

After a few minutes he finally finished talking to his Papa. Umayos siya ng upo nang ibalik nito ang cellphone sa bulsa.

“Did you eat breakfast?” He asks, his hand on her lap, caressing it.

Tumikhim siya. Ang init ng palad nito ay nananalaytay sa balat niya kahit pa natatakpan ng tela ang hita niya.

“Hindi pa, ikaw?”

“Not yet. Let’s eat on the airport.”

They’re on their way now to airport with one bodyguard and driver. The two were silent and they seems alert.

“Did you sleep good last night?” She asked out of nowhere, looking on his face, but she can’t see his eyes because his sunglasses is so dark.

Brooke tilted his head closer, his lips is on her ear. Hindi pa man din nagsasalita ay nakikiliti na siya sa mainit na paraan.

“I did not, someone gave me a hard time last night.” He whisper softly. “You have to pay for it.”

He chew her lips, controlling something that wanted to escape from her mouth. The way he whisper was just so sexy and his palm keep caressing her lap up to her thighs.

Sa simpleng hagod palang ng palad nito ay may kakaiba na siyang nararamdaman sa tiyan niya na bumababa sa puson niya. It makes her sweat.

“Ano bang ginawa ko?” Halos hindi niya na narinig ang boses niya.

“Uh, you seduced me.” Para itong nahihirapan na bumulong.

“Hindi, ha. You’re the one who asked for video call. I wasn’t ready. Hindi na ako nakapagpalit.”

“But, I like seeing my wife in that silky thin nighties. You should buy more of it. Let’s shop in California.”

“Talaga?” Umahon ang excitement sa kanya. Ang tagal niya ng hindi nakakapag shopping! “I want that, Brooke.” Para siyang bata na humiling.

Hinaplos nito ang hita niya at isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg niya. He’s being touchy again. She starting to get use to it. This is Brooke, maybe he really like their skin to skin contact, kaya panay ang dikit sa kanya.

“We will. Whatever makes you happy, just tell me and I would do something for it. I want to spoil my wife.”

He’s spoiling her. He cares about her happiness. It melt her heart.

“You called me your wife.” Hindi nakatakas sa kanya ’yon.

“Is there a problem with that?”

“Nothing. Should I call you My husband?”

“Yes, magpapakasal na naman tayo bukas.”

“Bukas agad?” Tunog nag protesta pa siya.

She don’t see his eyes and face, but she can feel that he’s breathing on her neck and shoulder. He’s so close to her and he doesn’t even care if they’re with his people.

“Akala mo ba papatagalin ko pa na maging asawa kita?” Marahan pero may kaunting talim sa boses nito.

“Nabigla lang naman ako, mukha kang galit diyan.” Magkasalubong ang kilay niya.

Bakit ba pakiramdam niya masyado itong mapang-angkin? Ayaw pa naman niya ng nasasakal siya.

“We will get married once we land in California, then we will visit your mother. Okay?”

“Okay,” pinaikot niya ang mata at humalukipkip. “At huwag kang masyadong territorial, ha. Lalayasan talaga kita.”

“I’m not territorial.” He denied sharply, making her leered. “At hindi ko naman hahayaan layasan ako ng asawa ko. Ikukulong kita para hindi ka makapaglayas.”

“Yan ang hindi territorial?” Puno ng sarkasmong tanong niya.

5 ~ Married (SPG)

CHAPTER FIVE

THE GOLD ring on her finger and the small diamonds around it reminds her that she’s already married. She was in their suite in Beverly Hills, laying her back on their king size bed while staring on her ring finger. It fit perfectly on her, tila nakalaan talaga sa kanya ang singsing na iyon.

“I’m married,” she whispered.

They got married this morning. It was a simple ceremony and they were with Brook friends, Clane Altaraza and Dwaye Mendez as their witness. And her husband is still with them, having some drink in the hotel restaurant.

She got the chance to meet the two but she needed to leave them after a few hours of talking because she felt tired, it must be their long travel.

BROOKE took another sip of wine before he rested his back on his chair. He’s with Clane and Dwaye at the moment. He was grateful that his friends were there for his wedding. Clane was in New York when he called him while he was in the airport. And Dwaye was in Texas that time luckily.

“Six months? Why don’t you make it a one year deal? Para naman hindi masyadong halata kay Don Armando.” It was Dwaye.

“I agree with this, brute. You should make it at least one year. Besides, your wife seems nice. Hindi naman siguro sakit ng ulo?” Clane added in his usual tone.

“O baka ibang ulo ang sumasakit, Brooke?” Malutong na tinawanan siya ng dalawa.

“Fuck you! I’m not into sex. I could get other woman for that, but she’s the one who offered herself to me.”

“Ang pogi ng dating mo diyan.” May sarkasmo sa boses ni Dwaye. “There might be a reason for it? Your wife looks innocent, I can tell.”

“My wife wanted a baby so bad.”

“Oh, you are a baby maker now?” Clane chuckled. “I thought you only make money, and now you will be making a baby.”

“That’s part of our deal. I should follow it.”

“Kami pa talaga ang niloko mo?” Dwaye throw his cigarettes box on him, he caught it quickly and smirk at the brute. “It’s obvious that you like the idea, having her writhing beneath you.”

He took another sip to suppress a grin. What’s with his wife by the way? She’s just a normal beautiful sexy woman but there’s really something on her that it makes him sexually greedy. Nasasabik siya na ma-i-kama ang asawa sa totoo lang. He’s so eager to taste her and hear her moans.

Kaya nga kahit hindi niya gusto ang magkaanak, napapasubo siya dahil sa kagustuhang maangkin ang dalaga. It’s kinda strange for letting a woman break his own rules.

“Kadiri ka,” Clane grimace while looking at him. “Stop that grin, Montero. You look like a sex maniac.”

He let out a loud frustrated breath, he suddenly felt tired. Hindi niya na mabilang kung ilang gabi na siyang walang magandang tulog bago niya nasolusyunan ang problema. At ang lahat ng gabing walang tulog ay parang ngayon niya lang naramdaman. He need a good long sleep with his wife beside him, of course.

“I better go. I feel tired,” he informed his friends but the two just frown at him, hindi naniniwala sa kanya. “It’s true. I need to rest. My sleepless nights this past few days is hunting me now.”

“Kunyari naniniwala kami sa’yo. Go ahead.” Taboy sa kanya ni Dwaye.

Brooke stood up tiredly. “Order what you want and put the bills on my name. I’ll go ahead.”

“Enjoy the honeymoon, brute.”

“Our honeymoon will be in Maldives. My buddy will be behave tonight.” He smirk on his friends and walk towards the glass door.

Brooke swipe his key card before he open their suite’s door. The dim lights inside making him more sleepy. He walked towards their bedroom and was about to go to shower room, but he stopped when he saw his wife sleeping on her maroon silky nighties.

He swallow hard at the sight of her legs. He likes women who has beautiful legs, it turns him on and his wife turns him on effortlessly. He groaned at that thought and go straight to the shower room. Ang malamig na tubig ay makakatulong sa kanya sa pagpatay ng init sa katawan na dala ng alak at ng kasabikan ma-angkin ang asawa.

“MORNING, wife,” A bedroom voice of a man greeted her when she sleepily open her eyes.

She blink to clear her vision, that’s when she see her hand place above a hard chest of a man. The soft hair on it tingling her palm. Lumaki ang mata niya at napalayo, ngunit napigil siya ng mabigat na brasong nakapalupot sa balikat niya.

“B-Brooke,” she stuttered.

“Yes, you seems surprised.”

Umahon ng bahagya ang dibdib niya sa paghugot ng hangin mula do’n. Their body is too close, her head is laying on his chest, making it her pillow. His chest is hard like a rock, but it’s still feel good on her. Hindi masakit sa ulo.

“A bit shocked. But I need to get use to it, right? Waking up every morning beside you?”

“And sleeping every night beside me.” He added.

Maingat siyang tumango at wala sa sariling iginalaw ang daliri niya para mapaglaruan ang maninipis na balahibo sa dibdib nito.

“Stop that,” his voice were rough.

“Hmm?”

“Stop playing with it,”

“Bakit? It feels good in my fingers.” She keep caressing the thin hair on his chest slowly. “Malapad pala talaga ang dibdib mo, kayang-kaya akong takpan.”

Bahagyang umalon ang dibdib nito tapos ay nagbuga ng hangin. She can feel his warm hand caressing her shoulder down to her arm. Tumaas ang balahibo niya sa batok, konting haplos lang ay naapektuhan talaga siya.

“Stop teasing me, Gelicah. You’re making me hard.”

Lumaki muli ang mata niya kasabay ng pagsara ng kamay niya. Slowly, she look down on his lower body, from his ripped hard muscles on his stomach, down to his…she close his eyes when she saw the bulge between his thighs that covers with white sheet.

“Let’s get up and eat.” She whisper, she feel like she’s sweating.

“That’s better. Baka ikaw pa ang kainin ko.”

Napalunok siya at mas lalong tila pinagpawisan. Wala man siyang karanasan sa mainit na kamunduhan, pero hindi naman siya inosente sa mga gano’ng klaseng pasaring.

“Maybe in Maldives.” She tease, making herself blush. What the hell she’s saying?

“For sure. You will be my favorite dish.”

She slap his chest. She felt embarrass! Her face is heating up. Ang aga-aga, bakit ang halay ng pinag-uusapan nilang mag-asawa? And what makes her surprise is the idea of liking this kind of talks with him. Is this even normal for an inexperience woman like her?

“Hindi ako pagkain ’no!”

“Well, I will make you my food. How’s that?”

Naramdaman niyang bumaba ang tingin nito sa kanya pero nanatili siyang sa dibdib nito ang mata niya.

“Don’t ask me. I don’t have experience.”

“My wife is a virgin.” He playfully said. “I’m flattered to be your first.”

She smile at that. In fairness, he’s vocal today. Kahit papano ay natutuwa naman pala ito kahit napilitan lang sa kasal. They should enjoy their marriage life even they are only pretending, right? She should act like a real loving wife.

“Kain na tayo, Brooke. I feel hungry.”

“I feel hungry, too. I want to eat something.”

“Ano bang gusto mo? ’Yon nalang ang kainin mo.”

“Gusto kong kainin ’yung asawa ko, pwede ba?”

Pakiramdam niya namanhid ang ulo niya bigla. Binalak lumayo pero nabigo nang pigilan na naman siya nito sa pamamagitan ng matigas na braso. Gigil na pinalo niya ulit ito sa dibdib.

“Hindi pa natin honeymoon!” She hissed.

“Wala bang patikim diyan?”

Mas lalo lang nitong pinainit ang buong mukha niya. Patikim? Akala talaga nito ay pagkain siya na pwedeng tikman at kainin?

“Ang bastos mo talaga.”

“It’s normal. Mag asawa tayo kaya okay lang na pag-usapan ang ganito.”

“Kaya normal lang na sabihin mo sa akin na gusto mo akong kainin?” Mataray na sabi niya at umirap pa.

“Normal na sabihin at normal na gawin. I have the rights to eat you whenever I like because I’m your husband.”

“Paano kung ayaw ko?”

“Sinong babae ba ang ayaw na kinakain? Women love to be eaten.”

“Sila ’yon.”

“I will make you experience that so you will know the feeling. Baka hanap-hanapin mo pa sa huli.”

Umismid siya, may pairap-irap pa. Talaga yatang sinusubukan siya ng lalaking ’to. Malay niya ba kung masarap ’yon o hindi? Kung iisipin niya nga ay parang ang awkward. Brooke head between her thighs and licking her private part? It’s so gross!

But, why she felt her nipples hardened because of that thought? She can feel her nipples rubbing on the side of his body. Ikinahihiya niya ang reaksyon ng katawan niya!

“T-Talaga lang ha? Siguraduhin mo lang na hahanap-hanapin ko.”

“Uh, sinusubukan mo talaga ako?” May paghahamon na sa boses ng asawa, para bang natapakan niya ang kung anong damdamin nito. “Payagan mo lang ako ngayon, papasigawin talaga kita sa sarap.”

“Hindi sinasabi ’yan, ginagawa ’yan.” Hamon niya rin, sa mapaglarong paraan.

Brooke suddenly get up making her back body fully lay on the bed. His dark eyes darted on hers, it makes her gulp. Kinain siya ng matinding kaba nang marahas na inalis nito ang kumot na nagtatakip sa pang-ibabang katawan niya.

“I’m just—ay!” Tili niya nang marahas nitong paghiwalayin ang mga binti niya. “I was kidding…” kinakabahan na sabi niya ngunit matalim lang siya nitong tinignan.

“Well, I wasn’t.”

His hands reached the garter of her panty and her eyes widened when he remove it down! He even lifted her ankle and throw her black lacy panty on the floor!

“Oh, God!”

Hindi niya alam kung ang bibig niya ang tatakpan o ang pagkababae niya.

“Stay still, I don’t bite. Just lick.” Brooke smirk and grip her thighs, he slowly position his head between her thighs.

Ang lamig ng air con ay tumama sa pagkababae niya pero napilitan kaagad ’yon ng init na nagmumula sa bibig ng asawa. Malalim ang bawat paghinga niya, mahigpit ang kapit sa bedsheets sa gilid niya. Magkahiwalay ang mga binti niya at ang ulo ni Brooke ay nasa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita.

Hindi niya pa man din maramdaman ang labi nito sa pagkababae niya ay para ng sinisilaban ang katawan niya. She suddenly feel like wanting to feel his lips and tongue on her flesh. But her husband is such a tease, he was kissing her thighs slowly and it’s killing her.

Icah arch her body desperately, telling him that she wanted to feel his lips on that part of her.

“Brooke…” nahihirapan na tawag niya, pinapanood itong hinahalikan ang hita niya.

Ang mga braso ng asawa ay nasa ilalim ng mga hita niya, ang kamay ay nasa ibabaw ng tiyan niya, tila pinigilan siyang gumalaw, ayaw siyang pakawalan.

Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya, lasing ang mga mata. Nag-aapoy at nangungusap, marahas siyang napalunok. Napigtas niya ang matinding pagtitimpi nito, hindi niya masisi.

Naglabas ito ng mainit na hangin sa bibig na tumama sa puson niya. Napapikit siya ng parang may kumiliti sa kaloob-looban niya.

“I could stop this if you don’t like.” He seems like giving her time to back out, but she wasn’t on the right mind to do it.

Her womanhood suddenly aching for his attention, for his touch and for his kiss. She wants to feel him. She doesn’t want him to stop. She feels like she will go crazy if he would ever stop!

“I…I want to experience this,” she whisper, biting her lower lips. “Please…”

Mapungay ang mga mata niyang nakatingin sa asawa. Tila ba sumalamin sa kanya ang mga mata nito, na walang ibang emosyon kundi ang hindi matatawaran na kamunduhan.

Slowly, she watch him burying his face between her thighs. Umangat kaagad ang katawan niya sa unang dampi palang ng halik ng asawa sa ibabaw ng pagkababae niya.

“Fuck,” she could not help herself but to curse sharply.

Sa sobrang rahan ng mga dampi ng labi nito ay kinakapos siya ng hininga. Nakakamamatay ang matinding pagnanasang bumabalot sa kanya. She wanted more. She wanted to feel more.

Icah grip on the bed sheet tightened when she felt the tip of his hard tongue teasing her clit. Nangatog ang hita niya nang ipaikot-ikot nito ang dila sa maliit na kuntil na ’yon, pinaglalaruan sa masarap na paraan.

“Oohhh, B-Brooke…” lumipat ang kamay niya sa buhok ng asawa, baliw na baliw na sa ginagawa nito sa kanya. “Ang sarap…ohhh…”

Umangat ang pang-upo niya nang bumilis ang pag-ikot ng dila nito sa clit niya na para bang may hinahanap ito do’n. Ramdam niya ang paglabas ng likido sa makipot na butas niya. She’s so turn on.

“Ohh my…ooohhh! D-damn, oh, yes, yes…” she moan while meeting his tongue with her womanhood.

Iginagalaw niya ang balakang at ikinikiskis ang pagkababae sa mainit na dila ng asawa. Pataas at pababa ang paghimod nito sa pagkababae niyang basang-basa na, pakiramdam niya ay nadaanan na ng dila nito ang bawat sulok ng hiyas niya. Namimintig iyon sa labis na sarap.

“Brooke… Brooke! Ohhh, ummm…” kahit pigilan niya ang ungol ay lumalabas iyon.

Naramdaman niya ang pagbalik ng dila nito sa clit niya at ang mararahan na pagsipsip nito do’n. Umangat lalo ang pang-upo niya nang gamit ang labi ay inipit nito ang malambot na kuntil na ’yon at bahagyang hinila, tapos ay sisipsipin na para bang sarap na sarap.

Lalong nanigas ang hita niya. Damang-dama ang malambot na labi nito, masarap at maingat na sumisipsip. She feels like he knows that it’s her weakness. Na alam nito na kapag sinipsip nito ’yon ng paulit-ulit ay lalabasan siya. And he’s right. Her orgasm is coming on time because of that move from him.

“Ohh, Brooke! Ang sarap niyan! Ohhhh, Sige pa…”

“Ummm, you’re so sweet,” her husband murmured.

Napasabunot siya dito at napahiyaw sa sarap nang hindi nito tinigilan ang pagsupsop sa clit niya, halos ipagduduldulan niya ang pagkababae sa bibig nito. Pakiramdam niya ay maiihi siya! Her flesh is sensitive and it’s throbbing. She’s so wet.

“I’m gonna pee! Ohhh, B-Brooke…” she’s gasping but he didn’t listen to her. “Ohh, please… stop! Ohhh, I want to pee… fuck…” she’s going insane. “Brooke! Brooke!” She keeps on shouting his name.

Nabura na ang hiya sa katawan. Tuluyan ng kinain ng makamundong pagnanasa. Ang sarap ng pagkain sa kanya ng asawa ay hindi matatawaran. Tiyak na hahanap-hanapin niya nga talaga.

Panay lang ito sa pagsipsip sa maliit kuntil niya hanggang sa umangat ng husto ang katawan niya. Pumintig ng husto ang pagkababae niya at walang pakundangan ang paglabas ng likido sa kanyang lagusan.

Parang nayanig ang mundo niya. Nangatog ang mga binti. Nanghina ang katawan. Naghabol hininga.

“No, no, hubby, don’t.” Saway niya sa asawa nang akmang hihimudin nito ang katas niya.

He’s caressing her stomach with his warm hands while kissing her thighs. He’s giving her time to rest and let her orgasm coming.

“You squirted.” He informed, she could almost feel him smirking on her. “It’s sweet,”

“Alis ka diyan,” mahinang sabi niya, nahihiya na talaga.

“Later, wife.”

Brooke place a gentle kiss on her lower abdomen before he place his head on that. She can feel his hairy chest against her wet womanhood, it tingling her but she control herself.

She can see how wide and strong his shoulder is, the hard muscles on it, making her bit her cheek, he’s hot. She’s feasting on her husband back body without his knowledge.

“I feel tired,” reklamo niya sa malambing na boses. “I want to sleep again.”

“Then, sleep. Mamaya ulit.”

“Huh?”

“I mean, I will eat again later.” He chortled softly. “While my wife is sleeping.”

Uminit ang pisngi niya. “Don’t you dare.”

“Ayaw mo? Hindi ba masarap?”

“M-Masarap, ang galing mong kumain,” mariin siyang napapikit sa pag-amin lalo at narinig niya ang mahina nitong pagtawa dahil do’n.

“I take that as a compliment from my wife.” He whisper, kissing her flat stomach tenderly.

Naaantig ang puso niya habang pinapanood itong halik-halikan ang tiyan at puson niya. Nakakapanibago man, pero gusto niya ang mga kilos nitong ’yon. It caught her.

“P-pero, pagpahingahin mo muna ako. M-mamaya nalang ulit.” Pabulong na sambit niya, nagpapaangkin.

6 ~ Submissive

CHAPTER SIX

GELICAH glared at her husband, showing him how annoyed she is for what he did this morning. She’s blushing  because of embarrassment.

They’re in the hotel restaurant having their early lunch. She’s hungry while this handsome man in front of her was watching her coolly. Amuse by her reactions.

“Eat and don’t talk to me.” Then she leered at him to also avoid his gaze.

“Hindi ka pa naglilihi pero ang sungit mo na.”

Gumuhit ang init sa pisngi niya sa sinabi nito. Lihim niyang kinastigo ang sarili.

“I told you not to l-lick me when I’m sleeping!” She hissed. “But you did!”

“I can’t help it.” Brooke lips form a sly smile.

Though, she felt satisfied for what her husband did, still, she doesn’t like when someone is disturbing her sleep. Even he disturbed her in a good way. Masarap. Kaso, ayaw niyang masanay na gano’n. Paano kapag naghiwalay na sila? Siguradong hahanap-hanapin niya si Brooke sa tabi niya at ang mga ginagawa nito sa kanya, lalo na ang gano’ng bagay.

Malayo pa ang araw ng paghihiwalay nila pero inaalala niya na ang kahihinatnan ng lahat nang pagpapanggap nilang ito. She will surely missed everything about him when their time being together ended.

“Huwag kang sasama sa’kin,” ani niya pa. “Dito ka lang.”

“If that’s what you want, it’s fine.”

“I will just call you once I arrived in the hospital.”

“Dapat lang,” masungit na sambit nito. “And don’t talk with guys, remember my rules.”

She lifted her eyebrow. “I know. At ikaw, huwag kang makipag-usap sa mga babae dito. Huwag kang papahuli sa’kin.”

“Are you threatening me?” His brow furrowed a bit and sipped on his juice. “Hindi maiiwasan na kausapin ako ng mga babae dito.”

“Ayusin mo lang,”

“Don’t you trust your husband?”

Hindi ba? Trust is very hard to give to someone you doesn’t really know. They’re married but the fact that they are still strangers to each other making it hard for her to fully trust him. She needs more time for it. Everything takes time.

“Maybe, I trust you a bit? But, the women here?” She shook her head slowly. “I don’t trust them. They are ogling at you. It’s annoying.”

“Oh, you don’t like when women are staring at me? You should marry an ugly man.” Her husband smirk on her, his jaw move slightly.

“Yabang, ha.”

She admit, Brooke is really a good catch. He’s also financially stabled, ang pera ay hindi problema sa lalaki. He have lots, that’s for sure. Pero nakakainis din pala talaga kapag may mga babaeng tumitingin-tingin sa asawa niya. Nakakainit ng ulo lalo at saksi siya sa mga malalagkit na tingin mula sa mga ’yon.

“You don’t need to worry about girls here. We’re married.” Brooke shows her his gold ring on his finger. His eyes focus on hers.

Sa kabila ng maraming nag-gagandahan na babae sa paligid, nakakatuwang isipin na ang atensyon at ang mga mata nito ay nasa kanya lang talaga. Hindi man lang sumulyap sa paligid nila.

“Yea, we’re married.” She mocked.

“I’m stick with you. So, no other girls.”

Ang puso niya ay mabilis na pumitik sa huling salitang binanggit ng asawa. He stick with her? Maybe, he’s just being a good husband to her. She should always remember that they need to pretend as a real husband and wife. Kailangan ay isantabi niya muna ang mga pagdududa niya. Hindi iyon makakatulong, baka maging ugat pa ’yon ng pag-aaway nila at hindi ’yon magandang simula.

“Okay, I’m holding on with your words.” Pagsuko niya, para sa ikabubuti ng pagsasama nila. “I want to be fair with you… so, I’m stick with you, too. No other man, but you.”

“That’s good to hear.” Para itong napanatag bigla. “Make sure that you will be back this evening, can you?”

“Yes,” She nod quickly. “besides I could go back again tomorrow morning. Is that okay to you?”

“It would be okay if you would bring me with you in the Hospital.” His tone was serious same with the way he stares at her. “Can you?”

“S-sure. I just really need some time alone with my mother today. Thank you for understanding me in this situation.”

“Is she sick? That’s why you need money?” He curiously asked.

Marahan siyang tumango bago sumimsim ng malamig na tubig. Talking about her mother’s situation bring her back to her weakest days. Hanggat maaari ay ayaw niya na sanang pag-usapan pa, ayaw niya nang alalahanin pa. Pero may parte sa puso niya na parang dapat niyang sabihin ’yon sa asawa, na may karapatan itong malaman sa nangyari sa mommy niya.

Siguro dahil asawa niya na ito? Na ang mag-asawa ay dapat ay nagsasabihan ng problema at dapat walang inililihim sa isa’t-isa? Hindi man sila tunay na nagmamahalan ni Brooke, pero sapat na rin siguro ang papel at ang singsing nila para magbahagi siya ng mga pangyayari sa pribadong buhay niya, lalo at tungkol ’yon sa mommy niya.

“She’s in coma for a months now.” She said in a low tone. “After my father passed away last year, my mother got into a car accident just months ago. She was depressed for his lost. She was driving home that time and was drunk. That accident killed two people’s lives, that we needed to pay a big money for their family, so they would not going to file a case against my mother. ’Yon ang napagkasunduan. Besides, mom was the one at fault, she was the one who bumped on that car accidentally and drunkly.” She smile sadly at the thought.

She doesn’t know what’s her mother been through, it’s very painful, physically and mentally that’s all she know.

“Nawalan ng magulang ang dalawang batang ’yon dahil sa isang pagkakamali. I promised to help them finish their study and I’m still helping them, monthly. That’s the only thing I can do for them.” She took a deep painful breath and let it out slowly. “Masakit mawalan ng magulang, alam ko ’yon. Naramdaman ko ’yon.”

Muling humapdi ang puso niya. Nasasaktan sa nangyari sa ama at ina at awang-awa sa mga batang na-ulila dahil sa mommy niya. But who’s to blame? It was still an accident. Her mother was drunk and in coma now, suffering. Hindi nila alam kung magigising pa o hindi. She was just hoping and praying for a miracle, that’s why she is not giving up. She will never give up, though.

“I agree. Masakit mawalan ng magulang.” Mababa ang boses ni Brooke pero rinig niya ang pait do’n. “Let me support you with all of these. Okay?”

Pinilit niyang patatagin ang loob sa harap ng asawa. Pasimpleng kumurap upang antalain ang pamamasa ng gilid ng mga mata. Mahapdi ang bawat pagtibok ng puso niya dahil sa nangyayari sa buhay niya…dahil sa sitwasyon ng mommy niya.

“Buy the mansion so you do not need to help me with this, Brooke.” She suggested.

“Tell me how much you need for your mother and for the kids. I’m your husband. Remember that.” He said firmly, as if telling her that he will do everything to help and support her because they are husband and wife.

Lalong humapdi ang puso niya, parang gusto niya na talagang maiyak. She told him her story but she didn’t expect him to help her like this. Kasi, sigurado siya na kahit ang pagkapit sa patalim ay gagawin niya madagdagan lang ang bawat araw ng buhay ng ina…at matustusan lang ang pinansyal na pangangailangan na ipinako niya sa mga batang naulila. It’s her responsibilities.

“The hospital bills cost hundred thousand monthly. And I give one thousand dollars for the kids to add to their school monthly allowance.”

Tumango-tango si Brooke. “Okay, let’s settle all the Hospital bills and a monthly school allowance before we leave here. Let me know the bank accounts.”

She stare at her husband for a moment, she went speechless. He looks so serious that it scares her to ask him if he will really do it? Paying all the bills? Para na ring inalis nito sa balikat niya ang mga responsibilidad na pasan niya kung totohanin nga nito ang sinasabi.

“Brooke…” sa dami ng iniisip niya, pangalan lang ng asawa ang nabanggit niya sa mahinang tinig.

“Don’t worry now, okay? Let me handle all of these. Leave all your responsibilities to me.”

Kumurap siya kasabay ng panglalabo ng kanyang paningin. Bumagsak ang pinipigilang luha sa gilid ng mga mata. She tilted her head back, trying to control her tears, but she can’t, her tears keep rolling down her cheeks.

Mariin siyang pumikit at hinayaan nalang magbagsakan ang mga luhang matagal ng naipon. Hindi niya mapigilan ang maiyak, sa dami ng emosyon na itinago niya sa dibdib, tila ngayon lang ang tamang oras para ilabas ’yon, sa harap pa ng lalaking hindi niya namang lubusang kilala.

Her heart melted so bad because of his willingness to help her. It touched her. Parang hinahaplos ang puso niya, inaalis ang itinatagong bigat na nakatira do’n.

Why does he needs to help her like that? Maybe because he have lots of money to give and she lack of that?

“Why do you need to do this to me, Brooke?” Her voice shake.

His hand suddenly caught hers, he grip it gently, telling her that from now on, she will not face her problem alone, he will be with her…to support her in everything.

Ang mga mata nito ay malamlam na nakatingin sa kanya, pinapanood ang pagtuyo niya ng luha sa pisngi gamit ang isang kamay.

“Because I know that you need help and I’m here for that.” His lips form a thin line and he let out a breath. “Huwag ka nang iiyak sa harap ko, mahina ako sa ganyan.”

Ngumuso siya, bahagyang nag-iwas ng tingin. She didn’t mean to cry in front of him, it’s just that she became very emotional when she talks about her mother situation.

“Ayaw mo sa mga babaeng iyakin?”

Nanimbang pa muna ang mga mata nitong nakatuon sa kanya. Salubungin niya man o hindi ang magagandang matang iyon, sadyang talagang pumipintig ang puso niya sa bilis na hindi normal.

“Kung ikaw lang din naman ang iiyak, hindi kita aayawan. I’d rather wipe your tears away than leave you, alone and lonely.”

“Hindi na ako iiyak sa harap mo,”

“Hindi rin kita iiwan kahit umiyak ka.”

Tumagilid ng bahagya ang ulo nito, pinag-aaralan ang mukha niya, hindi man lang nahihiya sa harap-harapan na pagtitig nito sa kanya. Siya pa nga ang nahihiya sa totoo lang.

“Don’t look at me,”

“Why not? You’re so beautiful, I can’t take my eyes of you.”

She chew the side of her lip, her cheeks rose up. What a compliment? She knows that she’s a beauty and she heard a lot from other people, why it felt different when it came from Brooke?

“I take that as a compliment from my husband.” She made her voice a little lighter now.

Brooke suddenly lifted her hand and brought it to his lips, he kiss it gently while staring at her behind his thick lashes.

Pinilit niyang nilunok ang bara sa kanyang lalamunan bago pa siya mabilaukan. Bakit ba binibigla siya ng lalaking ito? Hindi siya handa sa mga gano’ng gesture!

“Can I come with you?” He asked, kissing the back of her hand.

“Huh?” Wala siya sa sarili.

She can feel the stubble on his divided chin. Ah, the tingling sensation is very familiar, she felt that stubbles on her femininity just this morning! Ang kaunting gaspang na ’yon ay tila nakadagdag pa sa sarap! What is she thinking? She feels like in heat just thinking of that.

“To the Hospital? I will just wait for you outside.”

Icah blink to erase that dirty thoughts on her mind. What did her husband do to her? Bakit ba ganito ang mga naiisip niya? She’s desiring him without her even knowing it.

“I don’t want you to wait outside. Hindi ako mapapakali kapag alam kong nasa labas ka at naghihintay.”

“Then, I will wait inside.”

“Hindi ka sasama.” Pinal na sabi niya. “Bukas na lang. We already talked about this.”

“Baka lang naman,”

“Hindi pa rin.” Inagaw niya ang kamay dito bago pa makaisip ng mga kahalayan. “Are you going to stay here all day?”

“No, I will walk around and maybe go shop.”

Kumibot ang labi niya. “You said, we will shop together.”

“Yeah, if you already have time for that, we will.”

“The day after tomorrow. I will be free.”

“Okay, you’re my wife. You’re the boss here.” Anito na para bang susunod lang sa lahat ng gusto niya.

She chuckle at that. “You’re really like that to women? Let them boss you?”

“Only to my wife,” his eyes became intense, she starting to get sweat. “Sayo lang ako ganito, Gelicah.”

“Dapat lang dahil asawa mo ako,” mayabang na bahagyang inangat niya ang mukha.

Magiliw na pinanood nito ang reaksyon niya at parang bigla siyang nahiya sa inasta. She sounded like a proud wife and a proud woman who married a man like him. Who would not be proud? Hell, its Brooke Montero!

“Yeah,”

“Sa’kin ka lang makikinig at susunod hanggat maaari…kasi ako ang asawa mo.”

“You made me submissive, already.” His tone softened. “And here I am, very willing to submit myself to you. Very willing to do all what you want just to please you. Hell…” He hissed when his own realization hit him. He even straightened his siting position, his dark eyes became menacing. It made her heart beat nervously again. “What did you do to me?” His husky voice making her stomach fluttered badly.

“N-Nothing,” she startled. “Y-You don’t need to be submissive, I don’t ask you to be one. I know, you aren’t that type.”

Lumikot ang mata niya, nawalan ng sapat na lakas ng loob para salubungin ang tingin ng asawa. Kung kailan siya masasanay sa mga titig nito ay hindi niya alam, dahil habang tumatagal ay mas lalong hindi napapakali ang sistema niya sa tuwing nasa gano’n silang sitwasyon. Tingin palang ni Brooke, sumusuko na siya.

“I’m not submissive…but for you, I’m willing to be one.”

“Just to please me?”

Her husband nod his head slowly. “Yes I think,”

“Bakit? Bakit ako?” Pati siya ay naguguluhan.

He let out a long groan. He rested his back on the chair. Namilog ang mga kamao na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa, nadepina lalo ang mga galit na ugat sa likod ng kamay paangat sa braso. Lihim siyang napahugot ng hangin sa dibdib, the sight put her body on fire, his sexy veins turns her on. Very strange. She starting to like that part of him. Very manly.

“I don’t know. Don’t ask me.” His voice was frustrated. “What I know is…I want to give all whatever you want. Kahit anong hilingin mo, handa kong ibigay sa’yo…makita ko lang ang mga ngiti sa labi mo.” Brook took another sighed and glance at her lips. Desire suddenly filled his eyes, he didn’t even bother to hide that kind of emotion. “I think…I’m going insane…” he murmured huskily, making her bit her lips nervously. “Damn it!”

And with that, he stood up angrily and tilted his head closer to hers. His one hand at the back of her head, he pulled her closely and claimed her lips for a rough kiss, that he almost bite her lips.

Marahas at gigil siya nitong hinahalikan na para bang bigong-bigo sa sariling nararamdaman para sa kanya…at sa kanya rin ’yon ibinubunton. Sa rahas ng mga halik ng asawa ay napapaungol talaga siya. Wala naman siyang kasalan pero bakit napaparusahan yata siya?

7 ~ Greedy

CHAPTER SEVEN

“KAILAN ka pa dumating, hija?” Tanong sa kanya ng babaeng hindi nalalayo sa edad ng mommy niya, si Bettina.

“Nung isang araw pa, po.”

Inilapag ni Gelicah ang handbag sa gilid na lamesa at nilapitan ang ina na nakahiga sa kama. Ang mga aparatong nakakabit dito ay nagpapasikip sa dibdib niya. Mga aparato na siyang tanging tumutulong para madagdagan ang buhay ng ina. Kung wala ang mga ’yon at kung wala silang sapat na pera, paano na kaya?

Nakakatakot isipin na mawawala ang mommy niya, iyon yata ang pinaka mahirap tanggapin sa lahat.

“Kumusta ang buhay sa Pilipinas?”

“Ayos naman po, Tita. Nakapag-adjust na ako kahit papano. Pero iba pa rin kapag kasama ko si mommy.”

Lumipat si Bettina sa kabilang upuan, pinag-gigitnaan na nila ang kama. Bettina is her mother’s friend and she’s the one who take care of her mommy while she’s in Philippines. She trust Bettina so much because she’s like a second mother to her. She’s living in California for so long. Hindi na nga yata umuwi ng Pinas. Walang balak.

“Sana nga ay magising na ang mommy mo. I always pray for it. I know she will survive to this.”

Icah held her mother’s hand, its warm and very soft, but still, no responds from her. Sanay na siya sa gano’n. Dapat ay hindi na siya nalulungkot, pero ang hirap iwasan ang damdamin na iyon.

“Sana nga po.” Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga at pinakawalan iyon ng dahan-dahan. “Mommy, wake up. I have lot of things to tell you.”

“Go on, tell it to her. It will help her.” Bettina encourage her. “Lalabas muna ako. I will be back later.”

Tango lang ang naisagot niya at hinintay itong lumabas bago niya muling kinausap ang natutulog na ina.

“Mommy, I want to tell you this, huwag kang mabibigla, ha?” She said, hoping that her mother would hear her. “Nagpakasal na ako, mom. Sa lalaking hindi ko lubos na kilala…nagpakasal ako dahil sa pera, mukha naman siyang mabait. Kaya, huwag kang mag-alala sa akin dahil kaya ko ang sarili ko. I know what I’m doing. Being married to him help us a lot. He’s the one who will pay for all the bills here, hindi na ako masyadong mahihirapan, mommy. My husband will help and support me to all of these. I feel like I’m lucky to have him, what do you think?”

No responds. Literal na nakikipag-usap siya sa taong tulog. Kahit parang naglalaglagan ang karayom sa dibdib niya ay nagpatuloy siya sa pakikipag-usap sa mommy niya. Kinuha niya ang kamay nito at ikinulong ’yon sa mga palad niya. Hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa na magigising ito isang araw at maririnig niyang muli ang boses nito.

“I’m doing all of these because of you. Na kahit hindi ko mahal ay pinakasalan ko. I don’t even think about love right now, though. What matters to me is how can I financially support you. Nauubos na ang pera natin. Naibenta ko na rin po ang ibang properties natin, mommy. I have some money on my bank accounts, but it would not last for long.”

Lumungkot ang tinig niya sa katotohanan na naghihirap na talaga sila. Ang monthly pension ng daddy niya ay nagsilbing allowance niya lang sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay. Kaya nga napalipat siya sa Pinas ng wala sa oras dahil mas mura manirahan do’n kesa kung sa America siya.

“I know it’s bad to use people, but that’s the only thing I can do for now, mommy. Besides, he’s using me, too. Kaya, patas lang po kami, di ba?” Naghanap pa siya ng kakampi. “We are using each other. We will be like that for six months. And before our deal ends, kailangan ko nang makahanap ng trabaho para magpatuloy ako sa pagsuporta sa’yo rito. That’s my plan, mommy. What can you say?”

Icah stares at her mother, she’s naturally beautiful even her skin is pale. But, she can’t see herself getting old looks like her mother, coz she looks like more her father who has foreign blood. Mistisa siya, magka-iba sila ng kulay ng mommy niya pero pareho silang may angking ganda. Ganda na parang ang hirap iwasan lalo na ng mga kalalakihan.

Umusli ang labi niya nang biglang maisip ang panghahalik sa kanya ni Brooke kanina. It was a rough kiss, and even he stopped kissing her, he still looks mad on something. Ang halik ay hindi naging sapat para pawiin ang galit ng asawa sa kung anong dahilan at bakit.

After a few minutes of staring at her mother, her phone suddenly vibrated. It was her husband who’s calling. She stood up and went to the glass sliding door of the room’s balcony. Then she pressed the answer button.

“Brooke? Why are you calling?”

“Just checking on you. You didn’t send me a message or even call me.” He sounded impatient.

“I forgot, sorry.”

“You should always remember that you have a husband who’s waiting for your phone calls.” His voice was stern now.

She starting to get irritated. Wala pa silang ilang oras na hindi nag-uusap o nagkikita at bakit parang galit na naman ito sa kanya dahil nakalimutan niyang tawagan ito? She’s preoccupied. She’s treasuring every minute being with her mother.

“I said, I forgot it. Bakit ba parang galit ka na naman diyan?” Ipinarinig niya ang iritasyon niya. Hindi ito nagsalita, bagkos malakas lang na buntong hininga ang narinig niya na para bang desperado sa mga sandaling ’yon. “We are both adjusting in this marriage life. I hope you understand me if I ever forget about calling you again. I’m not used to it, Brooke. Hindi ako sanay na may sasabihan o ipapaalam ako sa lahat ng gagawin ko.”

He let out a frustrated breath. Halos ma-imagine niya na ang itsura ng asawa niya, parang kanina lang, bigo siyang tinitignan na para bang ang laki ng kasalanan niya dito.

“I’m…I’m just worried. Don’t be mad.”

“Don’t worry about me. I used to live here in California. And, I’m not mad, ikaw nga ’tong mukhang galit na naman.” Umirap siya sa hangin.

Bakit gano’n? May pakiramdam siya na para bang nababahala si Brooke na takasan niya? Samantalang kasal na nga sila at wala siyang balak tumakas! Kailangan ay maiparamdam niya sa asawa na mananatili siya sa tabi nito sa loob ng anim na buwan, ayon na rin sa napagkasunduan.

“Because you forgot me.” He pointed out.

“Paano ko makakalimutan ang asawa ko? Na-i-kwento na nga kita sa mommy ko.”

“That’s enough for me. Next time, don’t be too preoccupied, you might forget me again.”

“Hindi nga kita nakalimutan. Ang kulit!”

Brooke chuckle on the other line. His mood is lighter now, she can tell.

“Okay, take your time there. Go home tonight, alright?”

“Yes, boss.”

“No, my wife is a boss here. Not me.”

Kumawala ang ngiti sa labi niya. Talaga naman, napaka-galing ng lalaking ’tong kilitiin ang puso niya.

IT WAS exactly six in the evening when she decided to leave the hospital when Bettina arrived.

“Tita, babalik nalang ako bukas.” Aniya.

“Why don’t you stay? Pwede naman, Icah.”

Nagdadalawang isip siya kung sasabihin ba rito ang biglaang pagpapakasal niya o hindi, pero nanaig ang una. Hindi niya kailangan itago ang pagpapakasal niya at isa pa ay nakagaanan niya na ng loob si Bettina. Hindi na ito iba sa kanya.

“Someone is waiting for me.”

“Hmm, who’s this someone?”

Icah lifted her ring finger. “I’m married, Tita.”

She saw the surprise on her face. “This is good news, hija!”

“I will tell you about him tomorrow. Kailangan ko na po talagang bumalik sa kanya.”

Bettina laugh a bit. “Saan ba kayo tumutuloy?”

“In Beverly Wilshire.”

“Oh, big time.”

“Oo nga, po.” Pagsang-ayon niya.

Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman niya kung magkano ang bayad ng bawat gabing pananatili nila sa hotel na ’yon. It cost thirty five to thirty seven thousand pesos. Big time nga talaga ang asawa niya. She’s aware of her husband financial status.

“Bakit hindi mo isinama rito?”

“I will bring him here tomorrow. To meet mommy and you, too.”

“It’s my pleasure, hija.” Bettina caress her hair motherly. “Sige na, mag-ingat ka sa pag-uwi.”

Bahagya siyang yumakap dito at ngumiti.

“Tita, thank you, ha? For taking care of mommy.”

Bettina just wave her hand, telling her that it’s not a big thing. She’s really a good friend to them.

“Go ahead. See you and your husband tomorrow.”

One last hug to Bettina and one last glance to her mother, she left the room with small smile on her lips. And cabbed back to Montage Hotel.

GELICAH opened the door of their suite slowly. She go straight to their bed room to take a quick shower, but stopped when she saw Brooke went out from shower room.

Topless, showing the ripped muscles on his stomach and his damn sexy v-line. The white small towel that dangerously hanging on his torso, making her feel uncomfortable already. It makes her sweat. Pakiramdam niya ay nahihirapan siya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“Oh, you’re here.” He noticed her and continue drying his wet hair using a white towel.

The hard muscles on his arms were moving. It makes her throat dry. This is the first time she saw him like that. His body was perfectly sculpted and he effortlessly amazed her with that.

“How’s your visit with your mother?”

Brooke walks towards the bed, comfortably sitting there, not knowing that she’s watching him with an awe. Napanguso siya. Uminit bigla ang pisngi. Bakit feeling niya ay lihim niyang pinagnanasaan ang asawa niya? At sino ba ang hindi magnanasa kung ganito ang sasalubong sa kanya?

“Ahm,” para siyang nataranta nung mag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya dahil sa tagal niyang sumagot. “I-It was okay. I’m happy to see her again.”

“Why don’t you sit?” He motion her to the bed.

Wala sa sarili na naupo siya sa dulo ng kama. Pilit na iniiwas ang tingin sa asawa, pinagpapawisan siya sa tagpo nilang ito.

“Where have you been?” She asked.

“Mall.” He pointed the paper bags on the couch.

Her eyes widened when she read what’s written on that paper bags. It’s Victoria’s Secret, Channel and Louis Vitton! Napatayo siya ulit, nasorpresa.

“Y-You bought all that?”

“For you, yes. Hope you would like it.”

Nasapo niya ang noo. Hindi alam kung ano pa ang pwede niyang maging reaksyon.

“W-Why…” Hindi niya na matapos pa ang gustong itanong dahil hindi niya rin alam kung ano ba ang itatanong niya.

“That’s my gifts for my wife. Go on, check it.” Brook gave her a small smile. “The lingeries will surely fit on you. I could almost imagine you wearing that in Maldives.”

Naramdaman niya ang kilabot sa batok niya bigla. Kung bakit tila nag-init ang pakiramdam niya ay hindi niya masagot.

“How did you know my size?”

“By the way I stare on your body?” He simply answered with a smug shrug.

“Ganyan ka katinik sa mga babae?” Umarko ang kilay niya, halos pamewangan ang asawa.

“It’s easy to know women’s size especially on you. Let me guess your vital stat?”

It challenged her. “Go,”

“36 cup A, 25 and 36. You have a perfect vital stat. No wonder.”

Lumiit ang mga mata niya. Totoo nga! Totoo ngang sanay itong kumilatis sa katawan ng babae! Ilan na kaya ang naging babae nito bago siya? Nakakairitang isipin!

“Maybe, you are a womanizer before marrying me. That’s why you are good at it.”

“Not really,”

“Don’t deny it. Hindi naman ako magagalit.” Pero naiinis siya sa totoo lang.

“At least, I’m sticking to one now.” He wiggle his eyebrows.

Inirapan niya lang at asawa at naglakad papunta sa couch kung nasaan ang mga paper bags. Inisa-isa niya ang mga ’yon at sinadya niyang ihuli ang VS paper bags.

“Like it?” He asked when she lifted a bit the LV bag to check.

She smile sweetly at her husband and nod her head happily like a kid who received a Christmas gifts.

“Love it! Thanks for the gifts.”

Her overwhelming feeling for his kindness to her making her stood up and give him a warm embrace. Her arms were wrapping his nape, his chin is above her shoulder.

“We could shop more for you to bring back to Philippines.”

“What you bought for me is enough. You already made me smile with that.” She rested her chin on his nape.

The shower gel that he used smells really good on him. Nakadagdag sa natural na bango ng asawa. She nuzzles on his nape without noticing it.

“Uh,” he groaned.

“You smells good.” Malambing na sabi niya.

Naramdaman niya ang dalawang kamay nito sa bewang niya, bahagyang pumisil. Dahil sa sensasyon na dala ng palad nito sa magkabilang bewang niya ay nadikit ng husto ang labi niya sa batok nito, nagpipigil siya ng kung ano.

He move his head a bit, telling her that what she’s doing on his nape was tingling him. It affects him.

“Baby…” paos na tawag nito sa kanya. “Stop that,”

“Let me smell you…” without hesitation, she nuzzled on it while giving him a small kisses on his nape, making him groan even more like a wounded beast in forest.

His grip on her waist tightened. She could feel how he controlled himself by the way he hold on to her waist.

“Don’t push me to my limit, baby.” He said breathily. “I might take you here.”

“I want in Maldives.” She whisper softly, breathing on his nape.

His hands were caressing her waist now up to the side of her boobs. Napapikit siya sa kakaibang sarap na dulot ng bawat haplos na ’yon. Gusto niyang ulit-ulitin ’yon ng asawa. Gusto niya ang mga klase ng haplos na ’yon.

“If you keep teasing me like this, we might end up our honeymoon here.” She can feel his lips trailing her shoulder up to her neck, giving her a wet kisses on that sensitive skin of hers. “I wanna take you here.” He whisper under her ear, giving her the feeling of being greedy in a very sensual and sexual way.

Nalalasing sa mga haplos ng asawa at sa mabangong amoy nito, pinilit niya pa ring nilabanan ang matinding kasabikan.

She unwillingly push herself to get away from him, but her husband is insane enough to let her do it. Brooke pulled her closer. They’re feeling each other’s body, the unexplainable heat and the tension between them, it made her hard for her to escape from his holds anymore.

Para bang natunaw ng init ang matinding pagtitimpi na ipinundar nila. Ang lihim na kasabikan para sa isa’t-isa ay ang hirap nang itago pa. Nakakatakam. Nakakapaso.

Ang bawat masusuyong halik na dumadampi sa balikat at leeg niya at ang bawat mainit na haplos sa bewang niya paangat sa gilid ng kanyang dibdib ay ang nagpapasusuko hindi lang sa matinong pag-iisip niya, kundi, pati na rin sa katawan niya.

“Brooke…” she called his name sweetly.

“Stop me now,” he’s breathless.

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata nang bumagsak ang katawan ng asawa sa kama…habang nasa ibabaw siya.

8 ~ Wound

CHAPTER EIGHT

“DON’T DO that again if you don’t like me to take you.” Brooke whisper, caressing her hair with his one hand, while the other one was on the small of her back.

She’s still laying above him. His hands were now on his naked chest while resting her head on it, listening to his heartbeat.

“I didn’t mean to seduce you or made you turn on to what I did. I just can’t help myself to nuzzled on your nape and…kissed it.” She said shyly.

What she did awhile ago really made her husband so turn on. She can still feel his erection on her abdomen. But she was just letting him to kill the heat slowly on his body in that position.

“You don’t know what I’ve been through when we are like this.”

“I know. I can feel your erection. You are turn on.”

“More than just my erection. More than just how turn on I was.” He sounded desperate again.

“Then what?”

“I might forget that you’re a virgin and take you roughly.” He caress her hair like a little girl. “Masasaktan kita at ayokong mangyari ’yon. Let’s take it slowly and gently.”

“In our honeymoon in Maldives?”

“Yes, my wife. In Maldives. Not here.”

A SOFT VOICE of a woman suddenly pulled him up from his deep thought after a long distance phone call from his grandfather. He grip on the railing of the balcony, watching the skyscrapers.

“Why are you still up?”

Brooke close his eyes tightly when he heard his wife’s voice from behind. He look at her over his shoulder, she’s leaning her head on the glass sliding door, wearing a white robe, same as his. With her bedroom messy light brown hair, innocent eyes who’s staring at him and a lips that pout a bit, she was standing there, patiently waiting for his answer.

“I can’t sleep,” he answer in a low tone.

“Can I go near you?” She asked, but he could not find an answer for that. He wanted to be alone, that’s all he knows. “Or you want some time alone?”

Brooke watch the skyscrapers carefully while thinking the right words to tell his wife about them leaving tomorrow for Maldives. He knows how Gelicah wanted to stay, he can see it on her eyes. But even he wanted to give what she wants, the condition of his grandfather was stopping him. He suddenly wanted to go home to check on his abuelo.

“We are leaving tomorrow.” He said with the hint of finality. Icah gasped at that but he continue. “My grandfather wanted to meet you before this week ends.”

“But, I thought we are going to stay for another days? You agreed with that.” She was almost complaining.

“We are leaving for our honeymoon. But if you want to stay here than to be in Maldives, it’s fine with me.”

“Hindi na tayo magha-honeymoon?” Her voice softened even more.

Muli ay marahan siyang napapikit. Kapag ganito na ang boses ng asawa niya ay parang nahihirapan na siyang mag desisyon. Lalo kapag makikita niya pa ang lungkot sa mga mata nito, baka tuluyan nang mabali ang desisyon niya. That’s why he didn’t bother to look on her again.

“We could skip that honeymoon if you don’t like.”

“Hindi naman sa ayoko,”

Naramdaman niya ang bahagyang paglapit nito sa kanya pero hindi naman tumuloy. Halatang nagdadalawang isip na lapitan siya o tumabi sa kanya.

“I’m giving you the rights to decide. You would stay here until weekend or we will leave tomorrow for Maldives and stay there until weekend? Choose.” He sounded like a businessman in a business deal.

“I…I want to…” she trail, maybe thinking on what she really wants?

And her answer making him quite nervous. Maybe, she would choose to stay here for her mother than be with him in Maldives for their honeymoon? Whatever it is, he would respect it though. He never force a woman to be with him. Because if a woman really wanted to be with him, she will stay, without him saying it. Vise versa.

“I understand if you want to stay here—”

“No, we will leave tomorrow for our honeymoon.” She cut him out.

Brooke lips almost curve up. She chose him? Damn it!

“Okay, I will email my secretary to buy us ticket for tomorrow.”

“Pero, pwede bang bisitahin ko muna ang mommy ko bago tayo umalis dito?” Mahina ang boses nito, tunog nakikiusap.

He look at her again over his shoulder only to saw his beautiful wife looking down the floor sadly. She wasn’t happy on her own decision to be with him? Halatang napipilitan lang!

“You can visit her tomorrow morning. We will leave here after lunch.” His voice was very formal, like he used to do when working. A boss.

“Hindi ka sasama?”

“Hindi na. I will pack our things and wait for you to come back.”

“Okay. Ipapakilala sana kita sa mommy ko at kay Tita Bettina.”

“Bettina?” He repeated curiously. “Who’s that?”

“Yes, the one who’s taking care of my mommy.”

“Okay, maybe next time.”

“We will be back here?” She can’t hide the excitement on her voice.

“Yes, for sure.”

“Woah, thank you!” And with that he suddenly felt her arms wrapped around his waist. His wife was hugging him from behind.

Brooke silently groan when he felt her soft rounded breasts against his back. Her effects on his body is very intense. But, his wife is so innocent that he can’t just take her anytime he wants. Maybe he would, if he already took her virginity? There’s no excuses anymore.

“You better sleep, Icah.” He said to avoid being too close to her physically.

His body’s reactions making him hard for him. He can control the heat, but he’s not always good at it especially to his wife. Ilang gabi rin siyang pinahirapan ng asawa. Sa Maldives siya babawi. He smirk evilly on his mind. Damn him.

“Ikaw? Hindi ka pa matutulog?” Tanong nito nang lumayo sa kanya.

“Soon, I will. I just need some time alone.”

“Okay, matutulog na ako.”

Tango lang ang isinukli niya sa asawa at hinayaan na itong bumalik sa kama nila.

After a few minutes, he turn around to get his phone on the table behind him, but stopped when he saw his wife laying on the bed, watching him through the glass door. She’s still awake. She can’t sleep?

He just shrug and get his phone. He sent a message to his secretary, telling her that they need a ticket for Maldives tomorrow and a hotel.

HINDI NA siya dinatnan ng antok sa balitang natanggap mula sa asawa. Aalis na sila bukas, bukas na bukas din. Ang plano niyang manatili pa ng ilang araw para sa mommy niya ay hindi na mangyayari. She need to be with Brooke because that’s part of their deal and that’s her duty as his wife, to be with him. Besides, it’s their honeymoon.

“Can’t sleep?” Brooke asked and closed the sliding door together with the thick beige curtain.

He walks towards their bed, wearing his white suite, showing a bit of his chest. Tumiyaha siya nang tamabi na ito sa kanya.

“Yes,”

“Why?”

Tumagal ang tingin niya sa may kadiliman na kisame. Ang tanging liwanag nila ay ang lampshade lang sa lamesa sa gilid ng asawa.

“Just thinking about my mom.”

“I told you, we could stay here.”

Her lips protrude a bit. Is he really serious about staying in California until weekend? And not going to Maldives for their honeymoon? She may be wanted to stay, but it was so selfish for her if she insisted it to him. She should also consider his reason, his grandfather wanted to meet her that’s why they need to leave as soonest.

“Masaya na akong malaman na babalik tayo rito. Okay na ako do’n.”

“You look like you aren’t.”

“Totoo,” sabay tumagilid ng higa paharap dito at muntik na siyang masamid dahil ang lapit lang pala ng mga mukha nila.

Marahas siyang napalunok at pasimpleng inatras ang ulo palayo. Sa susunod ay sisiguraduhin niya na ang mga kilos niya, hindi dapat pabigla-bigla lalo at malapit lang sa kanya si Brooke.

“I hope you understand that that was what my grandfather’s request.” He said, she could still smell his minty breath. “Besides, he’s the reason why we are married now. He and my inheritance.”

Tumango siya, sumang-ayon. “I understand you.”

“Thanks for that.”

“Hmm, sino pala ang ka-text mo kanina? Nakita kita. Hawak mo ang cellphone mo.” Aniya, curious lang naman siya. “Kahit alam mong pinapanood kita, nagpatuloy ka pa rin sa pagta-type.”

Ngayon ay halos umikot na ang eyeballs niya. Really? Dis oras na ng gabi ay may ka-text pa rin ito. At nang matapos ay saka lang bumalik sa kama nila, saka lang bumalik sa kanya. Kaya rin siguro hindi siya nakatulog na. Kakaisip.

“Is that a big deal to you?” He asked, amuse. Pero mas lamang ang tila panunuya sa kanya.

“Not a big deal, but it’s late at night already. Nakakadistorbo siya.”

“It’s my secretary.”

Parang umusok ang ilong niya. Alam na alam niya ang mga ganitong sitwasyon. The boss and his secretary’s affair! It’s okay if Brooke isn’t married, but hell! They are married! Hindi pwedeng may ibang babae bukod sa kanya, makakalbo niya talaga!

“Ganyan kayo ng secretary mo? Nagtetext-an kahit gabi? Sobrang close niyo naman.” Panunuya niya. “Pwede naman sigurong bukas ng umaga, ba’t kailangan sa oras pa nang pagtulog? Hindi mo pa yata sinasabi na kasal ka na o gusto mo ako na ang magsabi? Para hindi na siya nakakadistorbo.” Iritasyon ang bumalot sa kanya.

Nakakairita pala talaga ang ganito. ’Yung ikaw ang kasama pero iba ang tini-text? It’s not good. It will never be good as a woman and as a wife.

“I told her to book us tickets to Maldives and a hotel for our accommodation.” He simply said and wrap his one arm on her waist. “Stop thinking that I have an affair with my secretary. She’s married and have her own family. I respect her.”

Her face suddenly heated up. Gustong magsalita at bawiin ang mga sinabi ngunit nalunok niya na yata ang dila niya sa kahihiyan. Hindi niya nga ba talaga pinagkakatiwalaan itong asawa niya? She wanted to slap her face for acting like that.

“Hindi mo naman sinabi sa’kin kaagad na secretary mo pala ’yon. Malay ko ba kung may mga babaeng nangungulit sa’yo.”

“There are some, but don’t worry. Sa’yo lang naman ako.” Anito bago isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg niya at mas lalo pa siyang hinapit papalapit. “We better sleep. And stop thinking.”

WEARING A white robe, Brooke went to their suite’s balcony before answering a long distance call from his grandfather. It was eleven in the evening in California and his wife is already sleeping.

“Papa,” he muttered.

“How’s the wedding, Brooke? Until when you are going to stay in Beverly Hills?”

“The wedding was simple. And, my wife wanted to stay here for another days.”

Gelicah told her about that before she sleep. She wanted to stay for another days for her mother. And because he’s a good husband, he agreed.

“I want to meet your wife within this week.” His grandfather voice was stern. “Go home before this week end.”

“We were planning our honeymoon in Maldives. We can’t go home before this week ends.”

“Just leave that place tomorrow and go to Maldives. Then go back to Philippines. Why do you need to stay there for long?”

“She wanted to be with her mother here.”

“I thought you went there for the wedding? Not for your mother-in-law.” His abuelo’s voice was sarcastic.

Brooke sighed. “I’m just being a good husband, Papa.”

“Just go home this weekend, my dear grandson.”

He massage his temple. Ginigipit na naman siya ng lolo niya. Ano naman kaya ang nangyari? Kapag ganito na ang matanda ay tiyak na may dahilan ito sa pang-gigipit sa kanya para umuwi siya.

“Why’s sudden again? What happened, Papa?” He inquired.

Brooke heard a deep sighed on the other line and it followed with another one.

“Are you okay there? We need to hire a private nurse for you. You are making me worry here.”

His grandfather is his only family. His condition is worrying him. Hanggat maaari ay ayaw niya nang bigyan ng sakit ng ulo ang lolo niya. Isa rin ’yon sa dahilan kung bakit napilitan na rin siyang magpakasal, hindi lang dahil sa kayaman na makukuha niya. He wanted his grandfather to be at ease by thinking that he’s already settling down.

“I’m doing okay here. Maybe, I’m just tired being alone in this mansion with only maids around. You better go home, apo.” He sounded lonely and it made him feel guilty.

Brooke nod his head a bit. “Okay, we will be there this weekend, Papa.”

“Good. Have a good night.”

And the line was cut off. He stare on his cellphone screen for awhile before he heaved a sigh. What’s going on?

Brooke walked closer to the railing of the balcony and watch the city lights and the beautiful skyscrapers in Beverly Hills.

He’s with his wife, but

he

suddenly felt alone and lonely in the middle of the night.

His chest tightened when he felt the familiar pain inside. A pain that he’s been hiding for so long. Ang sugat sa puso na kailanman ay hindi naghilom sa pagdaan nang panahon.

The wound is still there, secretly hurting him.

9 ~ Water (Part 1/SPG)

CHAPTER NINE

GELICAH can’t take her eyes of her husband. From the plane and when they arrived in the beautiful island of Maldives. She keeps on staring at him, he looks different. Something on his eyes were bothering her.

“Quit ogling, I might think that you are falling in love with me already.” Supladong sita nito sa kanya habang nag-aalmusal sila sa gitna ng karagatan.

They’re in a floating cottage. Her husband rented it. Obviously, he wanted to be alone with her. The other cottages were just near them. Foreigners are just around, enjoying the view.

The pristine clear water is the combination of blue and green. The waves were mellow, it was relaxing and the cold salty wind keep blowing. The white sands were naturally sparkling and the bright sunlight making the whole place alive and almost in perfection.

The island is one hell breathtaking. It was like a paradise on her dreams that came true. This place is really perfect for honeymoon. It’s very romantic. She’s already in love to the beauty of Maldives.

“Hindi ka ba nakatulog ng maayos kagabi?” Imbes ay tanong niya.

He sliced another piece of meat before he put in on his mouth using a fork. He formally chewed it, making himself enjoying the foods as she enjoying watching him.

“Yes, I need some sleep tonight.”

“You should. Nangangalumata ka.”

“Gwapo pa rin naman, di ba?”

Nangingiti na tumango-tango siya. “No doubt. Gwapo pa rin.”

Brooke was wearing a white cotton polo and a blue surfing board shorts. The hard muscles and the veins on his arms are visible now. Hindi man marahas ang bawat galaw ng kamay at braso nito, pero ang mga muscle at ugat ay sadyang galit at tila nanunubok. And he’s effortlessly catching women’s attention, just by sitting there and eating.

Napapairap talaga siya sa harap-harapan na pagsulyap dito ng mga kababaihan sa paligid nila. Mapa-Asian, mistisa o Latina, walang sinasanto ang kakisigan ng lalaki sa harap niya.

“Where do you like to go after we eat?” He asked, ignoring those pretty eyes who was glancing at him the moment they entered to their own floating cottage.

“Hmm, I just want to walk around. And take a picture of course.” She winked at him. “Are you a good photographer?”

Mainit na pinasadahan nito ang mukha niya pababa sa dibdib, napainom siya ng tubig. Kung makikita lang nito ang ibaba pa ng katawan niya ay tiyak na papasadahan din nito ng tingin ’yon.

“If you will be the subject, I can be a good photographer.”

Hinamig niya ang sarili nang muli pa nitong binalikan ang dibdib niya. She’s on her maroon one piece backless bikini, her cleavage were proudly showing because of the criss-cross design on the chest. She pair it with printed bohemian pants and a summer hat.

Though, all the women around were wearing a revealing bikini, still, she could not stand herself removing the only clothe that covering her thighs and legs. It was not being conservative, she grew up in Tate, it was so normal wearing a bikini no matter how revealing it was. It’s just that, she felt a bit nervous exposing her body, knowing that Brooke will surely stare at her.

Maybe later? When they’re already in the beach, swimming and walking around.

“Then, be my photographer later.” She smile sweetly at him.

“Sure, for my wife.”

After a few minutes they left the floating cottage and decided to walk along the pristine clear water next to the beach. She removed her bohemian pants, leaving her with one piece backless bikini. The maroon color making her white skin glow. Mas lalong lumitaw ang kulay niya at mas lalong nakita ang magandang hubog ng katawan niya.

Brooke was walking just behind her, holding their camera. He was the one who take a pictures around the place and probably her pictures. Ah, her back!

She turn around and spotted him holding a camera, it’s on his eyes and then he clicked the button.

“I’m not yet ready,” she complain, but he just shrug his shoulder.

Tinignan nito ang mga kuha sa camera kaya napalapit siya. His lips form a thin line while looking at the images.

“Your bikini is too revealing. You should change.” He said with furrowed eyebrows.

She stood in front of him and take a glance on his shots. It’s her bare sexy back, walking with bare foot. The pictures can’t deny her curvy body. The other one was her side view shot, facing the sea while holding her hat to avoid blowing out by the wind. Her breast and butt were proud and in a perfect angle.

“You are the one who bought this.”

He groaned at that. It was his fault.

“Wear the other one. The two piece.”

“Okay,” she shrug. “Hmm. You’re good. I love the shots.” She was smiling while looking on the other photos, cupping the camera and his hands with hers.

“I wanna go swim.” He suddenly said, getting her attention. “Would you like to come with me?”

“Sure,” kinuha niya rito ang camera. “But let me take you a picture, first. Topless.” She playfully wiggled her eyebrows on him. “Please, hubby?”

“Okay,” he started to unbutton his polo shirt and she started taking a picture of him.

Hell! Brooke is stripping in front of her! His eyes is on her, he was letting her do whatever she was doing. Napakagat siya sa pang-ibabang labi ng mabagal nitong inalis sa katawan ang pang-itaas na damit. Revealing his flat stomach and the ripped hard muscles on it. A six packs, and below is a happy line and sexy v-line.

Sa kabila ng hangin at lamig ng paligid, pakiramdam niya ay pinagpawisan bigla ang kanyang noo. At lalong uminit ang mukha niyang kanina pa nag-iinit dahil sa sikat ng araw.

“Uh, lets swim?” She felt awkward.

He throw his cotton polo on the sand and he lifted a bit his hand in front for her to get it.

Ang panginginig ng kalamnan niya ay umabot sa kanyang mga kamay, ang hindi mapangalanang damdamin ay nagpapahirap sa kanya at sa mga kilos niya.

Marahan siyang naglabas ng hangin sa dibdib bago kinuha ang kamay ng asawa at impit na napatili nang pangkuin siya nito bigla at patakbong lumusong sa tubig.

Mahigpit na napakapit siya sa balikat nito sa pagsalakay ng lamig ng tubig sa katawan niya.

“Uh, ang lamig…” halos mapaungol siya sa pagrereklamo.

“Iinit din ’yan mamaya.” Bulong nito sa gilid ng ulo niya.

Brooke was carrying her, in a bridal style. The clear water is above his chest. Ang marahan na alon ay naglalaro sa matipuno nitong dibdib, paangat sa leeg at sa Adam’s apple, na isa yata sa madalas niyang sinusulyapan. Coz she found that part of him sexy and very manly.

“P-Pwede mo na akong ibaba,”

“Are you sure?” Malamlam ang mga mata ng asawa at hindi niya makakayanan ang mga gano’ng titig.

She avoided his gaze by looking down on his divided chin, the stubbles below it making her lips pout a bit. Why is everything about him scream of how lucky she is to have a man like him? To marry him? And to be his wife?

“I’m…sure. Put me down.”

Slowly, he loosened up his grip on her waist and legs, his eyes never leaves hers, watching her reaction. Muli ay naipulupot niya ang mga braso sa batok ng asawa nang maibaba siya nito at hindi maabot ng paa niya ang buhangin. Ang lalim!

Ang mga palad nito ay maingat lang na nakasuporta sa magkabilang bewang niya, tila alam na kakailanganin niya ang tulong nito.

“Ang lalim…” halos pabulong na sabi niya.

“You know how to swim?” She nodded her head as an answer. And slowly, he remove his hands on her waist, making her panicked for some reason.

“H-hey,” napayakap siya sa asawa, tila naghabol dito nang umatras ito ng bahagya. “I don’t…I don’t…”

“What?” The side of his lips curve up a bit.

She slapped his chest frustratedly with her one hand and put it again on his nape. Hindi sa kaartehan pero pakiramdam niya ay bigla siyang natakot sa lalim ng tubig. Kung wala ito ay baka lumubog na siya!

“Huwag mo akong iwan!” Frustrated na sabi niya.

“Who told you that I would leave you?” She could hear the hint of playfulness on his voice.

“You stepped backward!”

Masuyo na hinawi nito ang iilang hibla ng basang buhok niya na tumabing sa kanyang mukha. Lumabi siya, umirap dito upang itago ang kaba dahil sa lalim ng tubig at sa mga titig nito.

“I thought you want to swim, I was just letting you.”

“Ayoko nang lumangoy.”

“Why not?”

Marahan na hinahaplos nito pataas at pababa ang magkabilang bewang niya. Ang lamig ng tubig ay tila nag-init. Ang matinding sikat ng araw ay hindi na pansin pa. She suddenly focus on how he caress her waist up to the side of her boobs.

“I felt n-nervous.”

“Hmm, let’s stay like this, then.” He pulled her closer, making her feel the bulge between his thigh on her flat stomach.

Dala nang maiinit na haplos ng asawa sa bewang niya, papunta sa tiyan at paangat sa dibdib niya kaya hindi niya na napigilan pa ang pag-alpas ng mahinang daing mula sa bahagyang nakaawang na bibig.

“Umm,” parang lasing na nakatutok ang mata niya sa leeg nito, nag-iinit na ang katawan niya.

Slowly, he remove down the straps of her one piece bikini, making her breast exposed under the clear water. She can see it. Her nipples hardened when the cold wind blown.

Bumaba ang mukha ng asawa sa leeg niya at binigyan siya ng masusuyong halik sa parteng ’yon. She tilted her head back a bit, giving him the rights to completely claim her neck and her body.

Icah gripped on her husband nape when he felt his one hand on her breast, pinching her hardened nipple.

“B-Brooke…” paos na tawag niya.

His lips travel up until it reached her earlobe. “Yes?”

He teased her ear by breathing on it. Nakiliti siya. Tila may umapoy sa loob ng katawan niya. He was palming her breasts alternately and it feels good. She like the sensation.

“I want…” she doesn’t even know what exactly is she wanted!

Maybe his touch? His kiss? She doesn’t know! Para siyang nalalasing sa mga haplos at halik ng asawa niya. Nababaliw na yata siya!

“What my wife wants? Hmm?” His soft lips travel down on her jaw.

“I want your k-kiss?”

Brooke cackled, he was now kissing the side of her lips, teasing her.

“What else?”

Nakagat niya ang labi nang marahan nitong pisilin ang isang dibdib niya bago pinaglaruan ang ut*ng niya gamit ang hinlalaki nito.

“Y-your touch…I want your t-touch, too.”

Sa gitna ng malalim at malamig na tubig ay tila umapoy ang paligid nang maramdaman niya ang isang kamay ng asawa na bumaba sa pagitan ng mga hita niya. Parang lasing na sumubsob ang mukha niya sa balikat nito at hinayaan ang sarili na magpadala sa kakaibang init na bumalot sa kanya.

Her legs automatically wrap around his waist, when his finger found the pearl between her thighs.

“Umm,” she moaned when he started rubbing her femininity.

Napapapikit siya sa sarap ng marahan na pagmasahe ng gitnang daliri nito sa hiwa niya. Tuluyan nang nawala ang lamig sa katawan niya, sa init ay nagpatangay na.

His thumb found her cl*t skillfully and he teased it with it. She wanted to let out a loud moan but she was stopping herself.

Napakagat siya sa balikat ng asawa upang pigilan pa lalo ang pag ungol. Lucky that they’re alone in that spot. They can do whatever his husband wants for her. But it’s still a public place. They’re still people around, just a bit far from them. Stopping herself from moaning loud is the only thing she can do for a moment, coz she cannot stop herself from wanting him.

Brooke lips travel down to her collarbone. She can feel her breast against his hairy hard chest. It tingling her. She wanted to feel him more.

Absentmindedly, she grind her hips, making him groan. Below her butt is his hard hot thing, poking her.

“Baby…” his voice was raspy. “Stop grinding,”

“I w-want…to feel you.”

“You will, later.” Anito habang hinahalik-halikan ang collarbone niya pababa sa dibdib niya.

Mas lalo siyang hindi na magkandamayaw at napaliyad sa kagustuhan na maramdaman ang labi ng asawa sa dibdib niya.

“Please…” she begged, tilting her head back, facing the bright blue skies, while closing her eyes.

Brooke suddenly lifted her body up a bit, humulas ang tubig sa dibdib niya. Umihip ang hangin at nadama niya ’yon sa dibdib niya. Ngunit kaagad din napalitan ng init ang lamig nang maramdaman niya ang mainit na hininga ng asawa sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya.

“You’re perfect,” he praised before he felt him kissing the side of her nipple.

“Damn,” she cursed breathily.

His one hand was supporting her weight, while the other one is on between her thighs, his fingers keep playing with her cl*t.

Napahawak siya sa ulo ng asawa nang ipasok nito ang ut*ng niya sa mainit nitong bibig at marahan na sinipsip-sipsip. Brooke was sucking her like a baby who’s hungry enough to taste her milk. Ramdam niya ang panggigigil ng asawa sa kanya sa bawat pagsipsip nito sa tuktok niya. May kaunting hapdi pero mas lamang ang sarap.

“Ohh, hubby…ohhh, that feels good.”

He alternately sucked her nipples while his fingers were busy on rubbing and playing with her femininity. She was already wet. And she felt something on her stomach. She felt the needs to release that familiar feelings inside.

Brooke sipped on the skin around her breast, like a vampire who’s thirsty to get a taste of a blood. What her husband did will surely leave a mark on her breasts, but she doesn’t mind it. She loves the way he marked her.

Umarko ang katawan niya sa pinagsabay na sarap ng halik ng asawa sa dibdib niya at sa pagkiskis ng daliri nito sa pagkababae niya. She felt the liquid on her lower abdomen. It’s coming down. She’s coming.

Humigpit ang kapit niya sa balikat ni Brooke nang kagat-kagatin nito ang ut*ng niya, salit-salit na para bang hindi sapat ang isa lang, kailangan ay dalawa talaga.

Kagat. Sipsip. Kagat. Sipsip. Nahihibang siya sa pinagsamang hapdi at sarap. Sabayan pa ng paghagod-hagod ng matigas na daliri nito sa namimintig niyang pagkababae.

“I’m almost there…ooohhh,” she arched her body one more time when he inserted a digit inside her and move it in and out, bringing her to the climax. “Ohhh, hubby! Ahh!” She almost scream when his finger move fast inside her. “I’m gonna cum! Ohhh…”

Brooke licked her nipple and buried his middle finger inside of her…and let her taste her orgasm.

Kumislot ang pagkababae niya habang nasa loob ang daliri ng asawa. Nanghihina na napayakap siya dito at isnubsob ang mukha sa leeg nito. Ipinikit niya ang mga mata at nakaramdam ng pangungulila nang alisin ni Brooke ang daliri sa loob niya.

“You taste sweet as always,” he muttered after awhile. Icah opened her eyes tiredly only to saw him licking his finger that he used to pleasure her. Sarap na sarap ito. “Wanna go to our room?” He whispered seductively, putting her body on heat again.

Then he gently pulled up the straps of her one piece bikini to cover her breast properly. She felt him kissing the top of her head while waiting for her answer.

“Y-yes, please.” She whispered back and let her husband carry her.

10 ~ Honeymoon (Part 2/SPG)

A/N: Mature Content. R18. Be a responsible reader.

CHAPTER TEN

MAINGAT na nailapag siya ni Brooke sa kama matapos ang paglalakad sa initan, ngunit hindi niya inalis ang pagkakakunyapit ng mga braso niya sa leeg nito. Humupa ang init kanina pero kaagad din ’yong bumalik nang makarating sila sa silid na inuukupa nila. They’re alone. Ang init sa pagitan nila ay naghuhumiyaw, mahirap nang apulahin pa.

They’re staring at each other. They can’t hide the desire on their eyes anymore. Ang kagustuhang matikman at maangkin ang isa’t-isa ay hindi na makakayanang patagalin pa. Ang kasabikan na nararamdaman ay tila isang nakakabaliw na laro na ilang araw ring itinago-tago.

Brooke both hands were on her side, supporting his weight. He was kneeling at the edge of the bed, her legs were between his. Sinasakop siya sa hindi halatang paraan.

She move her fingers to tease his nape, she was trying to give him her sweetest smile, but her lips ended up into a thin line when she saw the intensity on his eyes while looking down on her lips.

Namungay ang mga mata niya nang unti-unting bumaba ang mukha ng asawa sa kanya…mabagal na inangkin ang labi niya.

“Open up,” he whisper, brushing her lips with his. “Baby,” he called her when she didn’t move a bit.

Napapikit siya nang kagatin nito ang pang-ibabang labi niya dahilan para umawang ’yon sa pagkabigla. Then he started moving his lips, encouraging her to kiss him back. Ang labing iyon ay desperado sa balik na halik mula sa kanya, paunti-unti ay rumarahas ang bawat galaw, tila napipigtas ang mahabang pasensya.

With a sly smile on her lips, she answer her husband kiss. Sinabayan niya ang galaw ng labi ni Brooke at napapahigpit ang kapit sa batok nito sa rahas at uhaw na halik sa kanya. Ang gaspang ng baba nito ay malikot na kumikiskis sa baba niya, ang sensasyon ay nakakakiliti.

She silently groan when he removed down the strap of her bikini, revealing her chest again. At hindi pa nakuntento dahil ibinaba pa nito iyon ng husto. She arch her hips and let her husband removed her one piece bikini.

“Damn it,” he curse breathily on the side of her lips, looking down on her naked body. “I wanna taste you, again.”

Magkasunod ang paglunok na ginawa niya. Ang panunuyo ng lalamunan ay dahil sa malikot niyang imahinasyon na dinala siya sa tagpong ang ulo ng asawa niya ay nasa pagitan ng mga hita niya, pinapaligaya siya. Namintig bigla ang pagkababae niya, nasabik na maramdaman ulit ang labi at dila ni Brooke na humihimod sa pagkababae niya.

“I wanna feel you…” nahihirapan na sambit niya. “…down there,”

He trail a kiss from her lips down to her neck, nahihibang na inangat niya ang katawan, ipinaparamdam sa asawa ang matinding pananabik niya sa gagawin nito.

Dumampi ang mga labi nito sa dibdib niya, matapos ang mararahan na halik sa paligid ng bundok niya ay saka nito dinilaan ang ut*ng niya. Ang pag alpas ng ungol mula sa nakaawang niyang bibig ay hindi na napigilan pa.

“Ohh, Brooke…” she grip on his hair and pull him down her.

“My wife is getting impatient,” he teased, kissing her flat stomach.

“Please…you’re killing me.” She was breathless, his lips on her belly button and the way his tongue play on it, drive her insane.

Bumaba pa ang labi ng asawa sa puson niya, wala pa man ay parang mapupugto na ang hininga niya. He’s kissing her lower abdomen, fuck! He’s teasing her!

“Brooke!” She impatiently arched her body, wanting to feel his lips on her flesh.

Her husband groaned before he lifted her legs and place it above his shoulder, making her wrapped her legs around his nape and gasped when she felt the tip of his tongue on her entrance.

“Ohh, Brooke…ummm,”

Mahigpit na napakapit siya sa unan sa uluhan niya at para nang nawawala sa sarili nang mag-umpisa ng maglumikot ang dila ng asawa sa bawat sulok ng pagkababae niya. Bawat hagod ng dila ni Brooke sa kabasaan niya ay napapasigaw siya.

“Ohh yes! Yes! Baby! Ahhhh…” she moan crazily and absentmindedly she grind her hips and meet his tongue.

Ang mga kamay nito ay nakalapat sa puson niya, ang hintuturo at hinlalaki ay ginamit upang paghiwalayin ang pisngi ng pagkababae niya bago pinagtuunan ng pansin diladilaan ang cl*t niya.

Brooke was licking her nonstop, he was thirsty to have a taste of her. He was literally giving her womanhood a torrid wild kiss.

Ang pag-ahon ng likido sa puson niya ay nagpaparamdam na sa kanya. Kaunting hagod ng dila nalang ng asawa niya sa pagkababae niya ay tiyak na lalabas na ang pangalawang orgasmo niya sa araw na ’yon.

“I’m gonna cum! Baby! Ahhh!” She arched her hips and was about to taste her orgasm when her husband stopped licking her. “Damn it!”

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa asawa, he was looking up on her, smiling. Makintab ang labi nito, namumula. Nanunuya ang pagkakaangat ng mga kilay.

“You look pissed.” He said,

“You don’t like me…that’s why you stoped?” She avoided his gaze.

Inalis niya ang mga binti sa balikat nito at nakaramdam ng matinding disappointment nang hindi siya nito pinigilan.

She watched him lay beside her. “Who told you that I don’t like to eat you?”

“You stopped.” She pointed out.

“I want a better position. Come,” he held her waist, telling her to sit above him.

Masama ang loob na umupo siya sa tiyan ng asawa, ramdam niya sa kanyang pagkababae ang alon-alon at matigas na muscles nito sa tiyan.

“What?” Iritado siya, kahit pa pinapainit na naman nito ang katawan niya sa pamamagitan ng pagmamasahe ng dibdib niya.

“Ride on my face.” He commanded.

“Huh?” Her forehead knotted.

“I wanna eat my wife again. Come on,” he guided her to move her body up until her womanhood reached his face.

“Oh, shit!” Napakapit siya sa headboard ng kama.

She looked down on their position, her legs were on the side of his head. Ang pagkababae niya ay nakasentro mismo sa bibig ng asawa, handang-handa na namang paligayahin siya. Ang makamundong pagnanasa ay muli na  namang umusbong sa katawan niya, wala na talagang makapipigil pa.

Gumalaw ang dila ng asawa at sinungkil-sungkil ang sensitibo at malambot na kuntil sa sentro ng pagkababae niya na halos magpasigaw sa kanya sa sarap. Ang kaninang napigil na orgasmo ay mabilis na namuo sa puson niya.

“Ohhh, yeah, oh, oh, Brooke…” she closed her eyes and grind above her husband’s face. “Ohh, hubby, ang sarap…ummm,”

Umarko ang katawan niya nang bumilis ang pagdila ng asawa sa pagkababae niya, dumiin ang kapit niya sa headboard, kumukuha ng sapat na lakas lalo at naninigas na ang mga hita niya sa tindi ng sensasyon.

Ang pagkababae niya ay lalong namintig nang maramdaman niya ang pagsipsip ng asawa sa sensitibong kuntil ng kabasaan niya.

“Ooh, Brooke! Damn! Ohh my…” hinihingal na halos umalis siya sa pagkakaupo sa mukha nito ngunit maagap siyang napigilan ng matitigas na braso na pumulupot sa hita niya.

“Cum baby, cum into my mouth.” Brooke muttered the words drunkly and continue sipping her cl*t.

Walang pakundangan ang pagsipsip ng asawa sa maliit na kuntil na ’yon, dahilan kung bakit marahas na napatingala siya at nanigas ang mga binti niya. Parang huminto ang ikot ng mundo niya nang walang habas na bumaba ang likido mula sa kanyang puson.

“Oooohhh, baby…” she moan breathlessly and let her orgasm squirted on her husband’s mouth.

Napayukyok siya sa ibabaw ng headboard habang dinadama ang matinding orgasmong pinakawalan. That was so intense, parang lumindol.

Napaigtad siya sa sarap nang maramdaman ang isang mahabang pagdila ng asawa sa hiwa niya bago ito tumigil sa paghimod ng katas niya. Damn.

“How’s my wife?” Brooke asked, satisfaction on his voice.

“You blown my mind away, baby.” She weakly respond and stay on that position for a while.

Wala nang pakialam kung ramdam niya sa kanyang pagkababae ang labi ng asawa, pababa sa may kagaspangan na chin nito. Kailangan niyang ibalik ang nawalang lakas. Damn, they’re just starting! Kinain palang siya ng asawa niya, naubusan na kaagad siya ng lakas. Paano nalang kung totoong bakbakan na? Baka hindi na siya makalakad sa kapaguran! Huwag naman sana.

Tinanggal ni Brooke ang mga braso nitong nakapalupot sa kanya at lumipat iyon sa dibdib niya, marahan na hinihimas ang bundok niya, tila tinutulungan siyang kumalma. Napapikit nalang siya at pinilit ang sariling umalis sa pagkakaupo sa mukha nito.

“I want more,” he requested.

Icah looked down on him in disbelief. That’s when she saw how red and shiny was his lips. It was swollen and seductive. Mapungay ang mga mata nito, nangungusap. Namigat bigla ang paghinga niya dahil sa nakaakit na imahe ng asawa.

“H-Hindi ka ba nagsasawa?”

“Sa pagkain sa’yo? Hindi.” Hinimas nito ang bewang niya. “Maybe, later? You look tired already. Nag-uumpisa palang tayo.”

Namanhid ang hita niya nang umalis sa pagkakaupo at tumabi ng higa dito. Nakabawi na siya, sapat na ang lakas niya. Handa na siyang magpaangkin ng tuluyan kay Brooke.

“I have enough energy now,” she whisper.

“Good,” then he quickly rolled over, he’s on her top.

She gasped a bit and stare at her husband. Umaliwalas ang mukha nito, kasing aliwalas ng paligid nila. Ang salaming pinto sa balkonahe ng silid ay nakabukas, ang manipis na puting kurtina ay sinasayaw ng hangin na nanggagaling sa malawak na karagatan sa harap. Tanghaling tapat, tirik na tirik ang araw, mainit. At mas lalo pang uminit dahil sa ginagawa nilang mag-asawa.

“I’m ready,” she informed him and trail her fingers on his stomach. Napapikit ito at mahinang napadaing. She like watching his reaction, he’s affected by her touch.

“Don’t tease me, I’m on the edge of taking you.”

Icah move her fingers down, until her hand reached his bulge. Bahagyang lumaki ang mata niya nang maramdaman sa kamay niya kung gaano iyon katigas, parang bakal, pero ang nagpaawang ng labi niya ay halos hindi masakop ng isang kamay niya ang pagkalalaki nito, mataba at mahaba.

“I-I’m gonna take off your shorts,”

“Damn it,” he curse sexily, tilting his head back, his elbows were on the side of her head to support his weight.

Nanginginig ang mga daliri niya nang mabagal niyang ibinaba ang shorts ni Brooke, habang pinapanood ang nahihirapang itsura nito. Para bang parusa para rito ang ginagawa niya, baka nga talagang maparusahan siya mamaya lang.

Napalunok si Icah nang tumama sa pagitan ng hita niya ang katigasan ng asawa nang maibaba niya ang telang ’yon. Matigas at mainit ang pagkalalaki ni Brooke pero may iba pa siyang nararamdaman sa bandang ulo niyon.

It seems like there’s a small metal on the tip of his d*ck. Muli ay napalunok siya, kinabahan.

“W-what’s that?” Mahina ang boses niya, itinatago ang kaba.

“What?” Nahihirapan na balik tanong ng asawa bago ibinaba ang mukha sa leeg niya.

Brooke move his hips forward, making her feel more the metal on the tip of his manhood.

“That…the metal on y-your…umm,” Hindi niya masabi ng deretso. “Your…y-you have, damn it!”

“It’s a pierce baby. Don’t be afraid.”

“A-A pierce?” Pilit niya itong tinitignan ngunit nakasiksik lang ang mukha nito sa leeg niya, hinahalik-halikan siya sa parteng ’yon. “H-Hikaw?”

“Yeah, I have pierce down. It’s on the tip,”

Uminit ang pisngi niya at mariin na napapikit. Hindi ma-imagine na may hikaw ang pagkalalaki ng asawa niya. She get curious, kabado pero mas umapaw ang kyoryosidad sa kanya.

“H-Hindi ba masakit ’yan kapag pumasok na sa’kin?”

“Hindi masakit, masarap.” Bulong nito na sinamahan ng nahihirapang paghinga sa leeg niya, nangilabot ang batok niya. “Papasigawin ulit kita sa sarap.”

She bit her cheek as she felt the heat on it. She’s blushing!

“I wanna see,” she whisper shyly again.

“Laters, baby.” Brooke move his hips forward, poking her entrance now. “My buddy is killing me. I need to be inside.”

Icah took a deep breath and make herself relax, while waiting for him to get inside of her. Ibinuka niya ang mga hita at inangkla ang mga braso sa balikat ng asawa, napapikit nang unti-unti niya ng nararamdaman sa sentro niya na ikinikiskis ni Brooke ang ulo ng pagkalalaki nito na may bulitas, kakaibang kiliti ang umahon sa katawan niya.

Parang kinakalabit ang pagkababae niya. Ang sarap.

“H-Hubby,” tawag niya. “Get inside please…”

Pinagpantay nito ang mukha nila, ang kanilang noo ay magkahalik. Ang mga ilong ay marahan na nagbabanggaan at parehong nakaawang ng bahagya ang mga labi, naglalabas ng magagaan na hininga, at mahihinang ungol.

“I need to be gentle, this will hurt you, baby.” He whisper tenderly.

“Kahit na,” mapilit na inangat niya ang balakang, sinalubong ang katigasan ng asawa. “Kaya ko,” and she moved her hips forward again.

“Fuck! Gelicah!” Brooke groaned painfully, closing his eyes.

Parang hirap na hirap ito sa kanya. Isang pagkakamali niya pa ay baka maparusahan na talaga siya. Nagtitimpi lang ito.

“I’m ready,” she informed him again as if he doesn’t aware. She’s getting wild. She’s on heat. Nakakabaliw.

Mabagal na gumalaw pasulong ang asawa niya hanggang sa pasukin ng dulo ng pagkalalaki nito ang masikip na butas niya. Humigpit ang yapos niya rito nang sumigid ang kaunting kirot, ulo palang ’yon pero sumipa na ang sakit.

“Brooke…” pinagpawisan siya bigla, yakap na yakap dito na halos magdikit na ang dibdib nila.

“Damn, you’re so tight,” he brush his lips on hers and slowly he thrust deeper.

“Ahh,” napaigik siya sa sakit na tila may napunit sa pagkababae niya.

Patuloy lang sa paghalik-halik sa kanya ang asawa habang nahihirapan na tuluyan itong makapasok sa loob niya. Kalahati palang ang naipapasok pero nangingilid na ang luha sa gilid ng mga mata niya. Nakapikit lang siya, dinadama ang mga masusuyong halik sa mukha niya ni Brooke na para bang iyon ang makakapawi sa sakit sa pagitan ng hita niya.

“You okay?” He worriedly asked when she didn’t open her eyes.

Icah nodded. “Y-Yes, go on,”

Brooke claim her lips again before he thrust deeper, making her gasped. Ang sakit na gumuhit sa pagkababae niya nang tuluyang maangkin ng asawa ay ang dahilan ng pagdaloy ng luha mula sa kanyang mga mata. Totoong masakit. Hindi biro. Sa sakit ay hindi niya na gustong gumalaw pa si Brooke.

“Hush,” he kiss away the tears on her cheeks. “Baby…”

Kinagat niya ang labi, pinipigilan ang paghikbi. Malay niya ba na masakit pala! At ang laki pa ng alaga ng asawa niya!

“O-okay lang ako,”

He sighed and kiss her forehead. “Sabihin mo sa’kin kung kaya mo na,”

“Kaya ko na,” mabilis na sambit niya.

Brooke looks like he would stop if she told him that she could not take him. She doesn’t want to back out, bakit pa? Ito naman ang gusto niya, magpaangkin dito para magka-baby siya.

“Kaya mo na?” Masuyo nitong tanong.

“Yes,” she force a sweet smile.

Brooke claimed her lips again and she answer that kiss with all her heart. He started thrusting inside her. Nilabanan niya ang hapdi sa pamamagitan ng pakikipaghalikan sa asawa. He inserted his tongue on her mouth, exploring inside while his one hand massaging her breast.

Napaungol siya sa bibig ni Brooke nang mas ibinaon pa nito ang pagkalalaki sa loob niya, she could feel his pierce inside, tingling something on there.

“Ooohhh, ahhh…” she arched her body and let her husband thrust inside, his lips travel down to the valley of her breast. “Oh Brooke…yes, that’s it…ooohh!”

The pain subsided and the sweet sensation filled her body. Ang kaninang mabagal na pag-ulos ng asawa sa loob niya ay unti-unti nang bumilis at mas lalong bumabaon. Tila sinusundot ang kailaliman niya sa masarap na paraan.

Umihip ang hangin na tila lalong nagpa-alab sa init nilang mag-asawa. Panay ang alpas ng ungol sa bibig niya, lalo na nang sinakop ng mainit na bibig ni Brooke ang isang dunggot niya habang panay ang bayo sa pagkababae niya.

“Yes! Yes! Brooke! Ang sarap! Ohhhh,” humihimas ang palad niya sa balikat ng asawa, sarap na sarap sa pagsipsip nito sa ut*ng niya at sa pag-ulos sa loob niya.

Ang hikaw sa ulo ng pagkalalaki ni Brooke ay ramdam na ramdam niya sa loob, napapalakas ang ungol niya sa tuwing ibinabaon nito ang kahabaan sa kanya. Kinikiliti ang pagkababae niya.

Icah wrapped her legs around Brooke’s waist and then she arch her hips to meet his thrust. She could feel the familiar sensation on her lower abdomen, she wanted to feel that orgasm again.

“Fuck, baby…that’s better.” Brooke cursed and they both watch how they claim each other.

Marahas na naglalabas-masok ang pagkalalaki nito sa butas ng pagkababae niya. His balls were dancing and slapping her butt, it feels so good seeing their private parts move that way.

That’s when she realized that they are really own each other, now. Pag-aari na nila ang isa’t-isa. Sa papel at sa katawan.

“Ohhh baby, ohh baby! I’m gonna cum!” She crazily moan, when his thrust went rough.

“Cum with me baby…” Brooke sexy voice made her turn on, it brought her to the edge.

“Ohhh my…” nakagat niya ang balikat nito at dumiin ang kuko niya sa likod ng asawa nang ilabas nito ang pagkalalaki at walang habas na ipinasok ulit. “Oohhh damn! Brooke! Brooke! Ohhhh!” She was shouting, her loud voice almost choke her.

Ilang beses nitong inilabas-masok ang kahabaan, ibabaon at ilalabas. Ang hikaw sa ari ng asawa ay ang nagpapalakas ng ungol niya, ramdam na ramdam niya ang pagkiliti niyon sa namimintig niyang pagkababae.

Mariin na kinagat niya ang balikat ng asawa nang umarko ang katawan niya dahil sa paglabas ng orgasmo niya at sa pagdila-dila nito sa kanyang ut*ng.

Matapos ang ilang marahas na ulos ay bumagsak ang katawan nito sa kanya. Kapwa sila hinihingal. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan niya, nakakapaos.

Brooke buried his c*ck inside before he filled her with his semen. And she suddenly felt contented…happy and satisfied.

A/N: Okay lang po ba ang bs? Let me hear your short feedback about their first bs. It will help me to write more. Thanks.

11 ~ Mystery

CHAPTER ELEVEN

NAANTALA ang pag-uwi sana nila sa Pinas nang araw na ’yon dahil sa pananakit ng mga hita niya, nahihirapan siyang maglakad, at bukod pa ro’n ay mahapdi pa ang pagkababae niya. Ang pamamaos niya ay sumabay din.

Ang unang pagtatalik nila ni Brooke ay nasundan pa nang nasundan hanggang sa magdilim ang langit, kaya hindi na katakataka kung bakit pati ang pagkain niya ay inihahatid ng asawa sa kama simula pa kahapon.

“Drink this after you eat, this will help you to lessen the pain.” Her husband put a tablet on the tray, beside her meal.

“Thanks,”

Naupo si Brooke sa gilid ng kama, sa tabi niya. Ang malamlam na mga mata ay tumuon sa kanya, tapos ay malumanay na bumuntong hininga.

“Sorry, our first day was rough.”

Tumikhim siya, pilit iwinasawaksi ang mainit at marahas na imahe kung paano siya inangkin ng asawa sa unang araw at gabi ng pulutgata nila. Ihi lang yata ang pahinga niya, sulit na sulit ang pag-angkin nila sa isa’t-isa.

“It’s okay. Nabigla lang ang katawan ko.”

Lumapat ang palad nito sa binti niyang naka-expose, at hinimas ’yon. His warm large palm was relaxing her, but it also gives her an electrifying sensation. Napatuwid siya ng pagkakasandal sa headrest ng kama, ang dalawang binti niya ay nakaunat at magkadikit. Apektadong-apektado sa simpleng haplos na ’yon.

“Pwede na rin siguro tayong umuwi bukas?” Dagdag niya pa. “I heard you last night, talking with your grandfather on the phone. Pinapauwi na tayo?”

“Yes,” he said, very straight forward. “He’s sick.”

“Kung gano’n, umuwi na tayo bukas. Kaya ko na namang maglakad kahit papano.”

Tahimik itong tumango, parang malalim ang iniisip. Maybe he’s thinking about his grandfather’s condition, he’s just hiding it from her. She understand him though. Knowing that someone you love is sick or ill, make us worried. Like how she gets worried with her mom and Brooke to his grandfather.

“Okay. I will book our tickets tomorrow.”

“You’re the one who will book our tickets? Not your secretary?” She was curious.

“I can book it. Yes,”

“Bakit hindi siya?”

Brooke frowned at her. “She’s busy right now. I don’t wanna give her another task to do when I can do it by myself.”

Umangat hanggang sa hita niya ang haplos nito, nilabanan niya ang sensasyon. Hindi pa pwede, masakit pa ang pagkababae niya. Magtigil!

“Ang bait mo namang boss.” She praised. “I think that’s one of the reason of your success now.”

“Maybe, some times, I am. But, I’m not a very kindhearted when it comes to my business.” He titled his head sideward a bit, getting a full view of her.

“You’re a beast when it comes to your biz?”

“In business world, you can’t be good as saint. You need to be a wild beast, eat all those who will try to block your way to get that success. It wasn’t easy, it was a fucking hard work for you to be on top.” He said it factly, by his experienced.

“And you succeeded. Your name was listed as one of the top businessman on Asia, it’s yearly.” She can’t hide the admiration on her voice. “You’re lucky, Brooke.”

“I was just lucky because I did not start with zero, I got my inheritance from my late father and I used that to start.” He informed her, very honest. Hindi nagyayabang. “There’s a lot of struggles that came my way, but I did all my best to get a spot on the top list of the businessman in Asia.”

Gumuhit ang humahangang ngiti sa labi niya. He was very passionate and dedicated while saying those words, it was all came from his heart. And, something inside her was flattered, because he shared it with her.

“No wonder, why your name is all over in the biz magazine. I saw and read the articles about you.”

“Stalker,”

“No,” agap niya. “My friends told me.”

“Your friends were the one who stalked me, then?”

“Yes. They know you. I was the only one who doesn’t aware about you, I just came back in the Philippines when we met.” She give him a small sweet smile. “It’s a pleasure to know more about Brooke Montero. I realized that…it’s better to hear all about you personally, that it came from you, than reading it on magazines and hearing it from other people.”

“I have more to tell, if you would allow me. Beside, getting to know each other will help us to make our pretension to looks real.”

Pretension . Yes right, they’re just pretending. All of these were just a game that they need to play. A deal. A pretension. And a lie, to make everyone around them believe that they are really love each other. How dare her forget it?

Gelicah get the glass of juice on the side table and she drink it. She’s simply compose herself, trying to look casual in front of him. The reality suddenly slapped her, ginising siya ng katotohanan sa harap niya.

“I agree with that. Kailangan nga natin kilalanin pa ang isa’t-isa para hindi tayo mabuko ng lolo mo.” She chuckle awkwardly. “Hmm, let’s start it now.”

“That’s better.”

Brooke caress her legs again, until his warm palm reach her inner thigh. She took a sip on her glass, ignoring the sweet sensation he was giving her. The silky dark blue nighties she’s wearing wasn’t helping her, it’s just below her thighs, her milky legs are exposed, and it seems like she was seducing her with it, even she wasn’t.

He may be look casual, but his dark expressive eyes always betrayed him, she saw the burning desire on it, even he was trying to cover it by acting casual in front of her. Brooke is just good in controlling himself and maybe he’s also thinking about the pain between her thighs. Ah, hindi talaga pwede, kahit isa lang.

“They said that, there’s always a woman behind every man’s success…” She trailed, looking on the tip of his nose, coz she couldn’t look on his eyes. She read it somewhere, that if you can’t look directly to the eyes of someone, then, you must look on the tip of their nose. That person will never notice it, and it’s effective. “I wanna know if there’s a woman behind your success?”

Brooke lips twisted up a bit, almost smirking on her question. She can’t decide if his answer would disappoint her or it would make her proud of him? Because for sure, she wasn’t that girl.

“Yes, there’s a woman behind my success.” His voice softened. His answer ached her for some reason.

“May I know who is she?”

His lips suddenly form a small sad smile, pero mabilis din nawala ang ngiting ’yon na para bang namalikmata lang siya. He glance at her before he directed his eyes on the glass sliding door on the left side of the room. Napatingin din siya do’n, ang kulay ulap na alon ay marahan na humahampas, payapa. Ang ihip ng hangin ay tila bulong lang na nagparamdam sa manipis na kulay puting kurtinang sumayaw lang ng bahagya.

“Someone special.” He whisper the words.

Icah force a smile, even he wasn’t looking on her. After a weeks of being with him, she can say that he’s really honest and a straight forward man. Na siguro kung magsinungaling man ito, ay madalang at dahil kailangan.

“I know now, I hope I could meet this mysterious woman?” She tried to be cheerful, he looks so serious. And it made her think that the woman behind his success is still special to him. She got more curious.

“Don’t wish for it.”

“Why not?”

“You will never see her.” His jaw clenched dangerously, making his features became ruthless. Her heart was thumping just by staring on him. “She’s gone.”

“Oh,” she gasped. “Sorry ’bout that.”

Brooke stood up, ending their conversation. He looks pissed. She wanted to regret for asking him ’bout it, but it’s too late now. Nasira na ang mood nito.

“Eat and take a rest. I will just walk around.”

Tahimik siyang tumango, wala nang lumabas na salita pa sa bibig niya. She felt guilty all of a sudden, she doesn’t want to ruin his mood by asking.

Her husband stared at her for a few seconds before he turned around and walked towards the door, leaving her with the thought of a mysterious woman behind his success.

AFTER A long travel, they finally arrived in front of the wide gate with a huge mansion inside, it’s two times bigger than their mansion. She can almost see the water fountain in the middle of the land. Its also in the South Luzon, located next to the City which where their mansion is.

It’s funny how things between her and Brooke seems so close. She and her husband were living in Taguig, their family mansion were located in South. In all places? Why there?

Is it a coincidence? Or the fate just brought them together? It remain a mystery to her. And when the luxury mini van parked in front of the wide main door and she saw clearly how classic and extravagant their mansion, that’s when she realized that the mansion is familiar to her.

“Nervous?” Brooke asked, sitting beside her. His palm is on her lap, caressing it in a gentle way, kinakalma siya kahit hindi naman kailangan.

Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa asawa, nagtataka at naguguluhan sa nakikitang itsura ng mansyon. Pero hindi naman naitago ng mga labi niya ang isang tila manghang ngiti.

“I’m not nervous,” she answered.

Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa mahiwagang mansyon, inaaral ang bawat sulok niyon, ngayon palang siya nakapunta do’n, pero bakit pamilyar sa kanya? Even it’s obvious that the structure is very different from what they have, she can’t compare it.

“You’re surprised?”

Hindi sigurado na tumango-tango siya. Surprised, yes. Sa pagkakataong iyon ay ibinalik niya ulit ang tingin sa asawa. Inatras niya pa ang ulo nang matantong ang lapit lapit ng mukha nito sa kanya. Ang pagod mula sa mahabang byahe ay nahahalata niya na sa paraan ng paglamlam ng mga mata nito, tila namimigat ang mga talukap na nakatingin sa kanya.

“This mansion looks familiar to me.” Pag-amin niya.

“Montero’s Mansion was featured in a few magazines. Maybe you saw it there.”

Gelicah shook her head, confused. “I haven’t seen Montero’s Mansion, ngayon lang.”

Pilit niyang iniisip kung saan niya ba nakita ang kaparehong mansyon na ’yon? Hindi yata siya makakatulog kapag hindi niya naaalala. Miminsan ba sa panaginip niya sumulpot ang imahe na ’yon? Posible rin. But still, she wasn’t convince. She was looking for more possible reason for it.

“Oh, Papa is here.” Brooke muttered, looking behind her shoulder.

Muli ay ibinalik niya ang tingin sa gilid niya, para lamang lalong paguluhin ang tumatakbo sa isip niya sa nakikita. The old familiar man with grayish hair was standing in front of the open door, the powerful aura of him, making her gasp silently. The maids on his side were properly in line, waiting for them to get out of the car.

Icha took a deep breath. Napasulyap siya sa asawa nang bahagya nitong pinisil ang palad niya. Kung kanina ay hindi siya kinakabahan, ngayon na nakita na ang lolo ng asawa niya ay parang may mga dagang nag-uunahan sa dibdib niya.

Why is she nervous? Is it because she felt like they cannot fool easily the old Montero? Or, maybe…she already know that he’s ruthless without even meeting him?

“Y-Your grandfather looks—”

“Ruthless? Powerful?” Brooke cut her off.

“He looks familiar.” Nanginig ang labi niya bigla.

He let out a short amusing laugh then he shook his head, telling her that’s nothing.

“Everyone knows him, Gelicah. I bet you parents knows him, too.” He said it as if he’s really sure. “He was a tycoon businessman. Before my name, it was his name first…on the top list. I’m a beast and he was a dragon in business world.” He explained, giving her the reasons why his abuelo looks familiar to her.

“Hindi…” umiling-iling siya, hindi aprubado ang rason ng asawa sa kanya. “I know him…he’s real. He exist. Wow,”

A bark of laughter suddenly echoed around. She bit her cheek for that kind of laugh from her husband. Uh, did he really think that she was kidding?

“Of course, Armando Montero is real and existing.” He laugh again, shorter this time. “Nice joke, baby. You got me.” He then kissed the side of her lips and held her hand. “Let’s get out of here, he’s waiting.”

With her weak knees, she let her husband guide her out of the car. Her grip on Brooke’s hand tightened when she heard the baritone called his name.

“Brooke, my dear grandson. Welcome home.” The old Montero said merrily. Then his dark cold eyes darted on her, making her heart jump a bit. She gasped at her heart reaction. Damn. “And, you must be Brooke’s wife?”

Mabilis siyang tumango, sobrang kabado. “O-Opo,”

Brooke wrapped his arm around her waist, while he was holding her left hand. Their body is very close, but she doesn’t feel awkward even there are people who’s watching them. Some of the maid went to the car and get their luggage.

“Papa, stop that dagger look on my wife. You made her feel nervous.” Brooke kissed the side of her head. “Don’t be so nervous, baby. I can feel your body shaking.” He whispered.

“Get in, you two.” The old man ordered before he turned his back on them.

“Come on, let’s eat and sleep after.” Brooke guided her to the wide door, the maids took a bow as a sign of respect.

Gelicah lips parted in awe when she saw the familiar grand double staircase and the large chandelier that illuminated inside. The images on her mind awhile ago was starting to get clear now, para bang nasasagot na ang hiwaga sa kanya ng lugar na ’yon. Kaunting sundot pa sa utak niya, tiyak na lalabas na nga ang sagot.

“It’s real,” she murmured. Then, her childhood memories suddenly flashed…together with a woman.

12 ~ Prince

CHAPTER TWELVE

IT WAS a cold night in Texas, Christmas is coming. She was enjoying the snow like she used to be. She’s sitting on the window, watching the snow. Inilabas niya ang maliit na kamay at sinalo ang maliliit at maninipis na yelong naglalaglagan. She giggled and let the ice melted on her small palm.

“What happened to the Queen?” Little Gelicah asked the woman who’s sitting behind her, inaalalayan siya para hindi mahulog.

“The Queen left the castle, honey.”

Nilingon niya ang kausap, nababalot ng makapal na jacket and katawan nito at may bonnet din sa ulo, kagaya ng suot niya. Ang mga mata naman nito ay malamlam at ngumingiti habang pinagmamasdan siya. Maganda, sana kapag laki niya ay kasing ganda niya rin ito. May mga matang kumikislap.

“Why? The castle is big. There are many rooms there, she could use it to sleep at night if the King is mad at her. The Queen doesn’t need to leave.” Icah said innocently.

“Even you are living in a big Castle, if you don’t feel the happiness anymore, you will surely choose to leave, than to stay and live an unhappy life.”

What she said made her think that if you are not happy, then leave? That’s what she understand. That’s why the Queen left the Castle? Because she wasn’t happy anymore?

“But…the Prince will be sad once he realize that the Queen already left the Castle.” Icah blinked, she felt sad about the little Prince.

“Yes. The Prince will be sad, for sure. The Queen knows that.”

“The Queen was a coward!” Little Gelicah hissed.

Malungkot na ngumiti sa kanya ang kausap, nawala ang kislap ng mga mata pero maganda pa rin ito sa paningin niya.

“Maybe…she was.” She whispered.

Little Icah took a deep sighed and made a sad face. Dalang-dala sa kwentong iyon na tungkol sa pag-alis ng reyna sa malaking kastilyo. Halos maisaulo niya na ang bawat pangyayari at ang bawat sulok ng kastilyong iyon. Nakaukit sa isip niya.

“Where’s the Queen now?”

She gave her a small smile and caress her cheek. “The Queen’s living in a simple life, away from the Castle…”

“…and away from the Prince?”

Tumango ito. “Yes, away from her little Prince.”

“How sad…” Little Gelicah pouted her lips. “So…The Prince is growing up without the Queen?”

“Yes,”

“He’s with the old King and the King in the Castle?”

“Yes, honey.”

“Masaya ba ang Prinsipe?” Curious na tanong niya, habang magkasiklop ang nilalamig na mga kamay.

“The Queen is hoping that the Prince is happy…even without her.”

“I wish for that, too. I want the Prince to be happy and I want the Queen to be happy, too.” She dreamily said.

“THIS IS like a castle.” Gelicah muttered while scanning the whole mansion.

Hindi magkandamayaw ang mata niya sa pagtingin sa bawat sulok, pakiramdam niya ay bumalik siya sa pagkabata. Ang kwento sa loob ng malaking kastilyo ay nanatili sa isip niya kahit na malaki na siya. Na kahit hindi naman totoo at kathang isip lang ay sadyang minahal niya ang kwentong ’yon…kahit na hindi ’yon nabigyan ng masayang katapusan.

“A modern castle?” Brooke teased and guide her to the long dining table.

Sa dulo ay parang haring nakaupo na ro’n si Don Armando, mataman na pinagmamasdan ang pagpasok nila. Sa gilid sila naupo, na laan talaga para sa kanilang mag-asawa, magkatabi.

Ang kulay ginto at puti ay naging perpektong kombinasyon para magmukhang engrande ang hapag-kainan ng mansyon.

She silently count the vacant sit in front of her, it was ten. And on their side was ten, too. Gaano kalungkot kumain ng mag-isa lang sa mahabang lamesang ’yon? Sa tanong na ’yon sa isip niya ay napatingin siya kay Don Armando.

The old man was eating alone most of the time. It’s sad to know that. But it’s funny that she don’t see any sadness on his face, it’s cold and menacing. Sa wari niya ay tinitimbang siya nito.

Ilang sandaling katahimikan muna ang namayani bago sila nag-umpisang kumain. Ang iilang naka-unipormadong kasambahay ay tahimik na nakatayo lang sa bandang gilid, naghihintay na utusan, habang ang isa ay maingat na nagsasalin ng maiinom sa mga baso nila.

“How was the trip in L.A?” Don Armando asked, looking at them.

She glanced on her husband, telling him to answer his abuelo’s question. Brooke sipped on his wine first, she saw his Adam’s apple bobble up.

“It was good, Papa, even I did not get the chance to meet my m-mother-in-law.” He stuttered a bit. Is he nervous?

“Mother-in-law, huh.” Patuya ang naging respond ng matanda, tapos ay sa kanya naman bumaling. Naalarma kaagad siya. Ngayon palang ay nahihirapan na siyang umarteng totoo ang lahat sa kanila ni Brooke! “Are you in a good term with your mother, Gelicah? Bakit hindi nakilala ng apo ko?”

“We are in good term, po. But she’s sick and she’s staying in the hospital. Kaya po hindi na sila nagkita ni Brooke.”

Lihim siyang nagpasalamat nang hindi namilipit ang dila niya habang nagsasalita.

“And when I was about to meet her, you called before that day and told me to go home.” Brooke added. “We were lacked of time when we were in L.A. But, I will meet her for sure, next time.” He caught her hand under the table, he squeezed it. “Hindi pwedeng hindi, dahil magtatampo itong asawa ko.” Then he turned his head on hers and flashed a small smile.

Gelicah nervously chuckled. Ganito! Ganito ang tamang pagpapanggap. First; Be sweet and supportive to each other especially when they are with Don Armando, who’s watching their every moves.

“Naiintindihan ko naman na kailangan na nating umuwi. Kaya, hindi ako magtatampo lalo at sinabi mo na babalik tayo do’n para sa kanya.” Matamis na nginitian niya rin ang asawa. “Pinanghahawakan ko ang sinabi mo.”

“Yeah, we will be back there.”

“You said, your mother is staying in the hospital.” Don Armando interrupted, making her glance on him again.

“Opo,”

“Why?”

Gelicah silently took a deep breath. Here they go again, talking about her mother’s condition. Sa lahat ng pagsisinungaling na ginagawa at gagawin niya, ang tungkol sa kalagayan lang ng mommy niya ang tama at totoo.

“She’s in coma…for a months now.” No reaction from Don Armando, he seems like he was waiting for more details, so she continue. “Ang sabi ng doktor, milagro na lang po ang aasahan namin para magising ulit siya. Kahit na gano’n, hindi po ako nawalan ng pag-asa. Hindi ko po siya isinuko at hindi ko siya isusuko. Hanggat kaya kong dagdagan ang buhay niya sa bawat araw na magdaan ay gagawin ko po…kahit gaano pa ’yon kahirap.”

Naramdaman niya ang paghaplos ni Brooke sa may likod niya, inaalo ang kalooban niya. Alam na alam na nagiging emosyonal siya kapag ang mommy niya na ang pag-uusapan.

“It takes a lot of money, then?” It was Don Armando in a flat tone.

Marahan siyang tumango. “Opo,”

“And Brooke is a big help for your mother’s financial need—”

“Papa,” protesta ng asawa niya, nakuha kaagad ang tila nais ipahiwatig ng abuelo. “That’s not what you think.”

“I’m just stating the fact, Brooke. You two are married now, you are responsible to whatever your wife needs.”

Humapdi bigla ang pagtibok ng puso niya. Hindi niya gusto ang itinatakbo ng usapan nilang iyon. Na para bang pinakasalan niya lang si Brooke dahil sa pera? Hindi man direktang sinabi ay gano’n ang dating sa kanya. At bakit ba siya nasasaktan sa hindi direktang paratang? Kung sa isang banda ay totoong pera ang dahilan kaya siya nagpakasal at pumayag sa deal nila.

“We know each other for a months now, but I never ask him to give me money for my mother because I can afford the expenses.” Sabi niya, nilakasan ang loob para lang mapagtakpan ang sarili. “Brooke will be a big help when it comes to financial matter, I agree with that, but I hope you understand that I marry him because I love him, not because I love his money.”

Gusto niyang palakpakan ang sarili sa dahil sa mga salitang binitawan, maging si Brooke ay hindi nakapagsalita. Siya ay nanatiling seryoso kahit sobrang kabado ang loob niya. Kailangan nilang paniwalain si Don Armando na nagpakasal sila dahil mahal nila ang isa’t-isa, hindi dahil sa kayamanan na meron si Brooke.

“How about the ten million he gave you before the wedding?” The old man asked, smirking at her before he sipped on his glass of wine. He knew it?! How come?

“I didn’t ask for it.”

“I sent it to her, Papa. As advance payment for their mansion.” Brooke saved her butt. “I will buy their mansion.”

Don Armando eyebrow shot up, telling them that they cannot fool him, they cannot lie to him. Ang matikas na tindig nito ay totoong nakaka-intimidate sa kahit sinong makakakita rito. Na para bang sanay na sanay na itong makipag-usap sa mga taong mangloloko lang dito, at nakaka-kaba dahil parang alam na nito ang tungkol sa kanila ni Brooke at sinasakyan lang nito ang paglalaro nilang ito.

“For investment?”

“Yes, you know me.”

“You have an obsession in mansions or big houses. I don’t know why?” Don Armando gave his grandchild a meaningful smirk.

“I don’t wanna talk about it, Papa.”

Hindi na nasundan pa ang pag-uusap nila na ipinagpasalamat niya. Nakakatakot na harap-harapan ay mabuko sila kaya sa susunod na araw ay gagalingan niya pa ang pagpapanggap hanggang sa makuha nila ang tiwala ni Don Armando.

SA PABILOG na lamesa ay nakahanda na ang pagkain nila sa gabing ’yon. Ang pagyeyelo sa labas ay mas lalong kumakapal, halos matabunan na ang buong paligid. Hindi na yata makakauwi ang bisita nila, si Tita Bettina. Ang matalik na kaibigan ng mommy niya.

“It’s a sad ending, Tita Bettina.” Little Gelicah can’t get enough on what happened to the Queen.

“Sad ending?” Her mom repeated curiously.

“Yes mommy. It’s about the Queen who left the castle. Tita Bettina told me that story. You know it?”

Ang dalawa ay nagkatinginan. Ang klase ng tingin na para bang lihim na nag-uusap sa pamamagitan ng mga mata. Nagkakaintindihan kahit hindi naman nagsasalita.

“I know that story, Icah.”

Nagpatuloy ang mommy niya sa paghahain na tinitulungan ng Tita Bettina niya. Para siyang Prinsesa na pinagsisilbihan ng dalawang Reyna. Kaya lang, wala ang hari, ang daddy niya na na-destino sa Afghanistan. Hindi nila makakasama sa pasko, kaya silang tatlo lang.

“And it’s a sad ending, mommy. A fairytale love story should have a happy ending!”

Katulad ng mga napapanood niya, lahat ay may maganda at masayang katapusan . Bakit ang kwento ng Tita Bettina niya ay hindi?

Naupo ang dalawa sa hapag at nag-umpisa na rin silang kumain. Sa murang edad niya ay nagmumukmok siya sa isang kwentong may malungkot na katapusan.

“How did you say that’s a love story? Did Tita Bettina tell you

about the King and Queen?“

Icah shook her head. “Not really. The story focused on the Queen, the Castle and the Prince she left. Is it a love story, mommy?”

“It’s a love story, honey.” Tita Bettina was the one who answered. She has a small smile on her lips. She glanced on her mother, they’re silently talking again, then she looked on her again. “It’s a love between the mother and the son.”

“Love? How can you say that you love someone? If you left him? Alone in the big castle.” Sabay na napayuko ang dalawa sa tanong na iyon. Tahimik na kumain at hindi na sumagot pa. “Maybe the Queen doesn’t love her little Prince?”

“Of course she love him.” Magkasabay na sagot ng dalawa sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon.

Little Icah giggled because of that. “I wish for a happy ending, mommy, Tita Bettina. Please, make a happy ending.”

Pinagmasdan siya ng dalawa at napabuntong hininga, parang namroblema bigla. Wala na ang kislap sa mga mata.

“Sana nga anak may happy ending…para hindi na nalulungkot ang reyna.” Malungkot na sabi ng mommy niya bago tumingin kay Tita Bettina na napayuko lang.

“HAY…BAKIT walang happy ending?” Gelicah asked herself, thinking about that story. She’s on their king size bed, nagpapaantok.

“Happy ending?” Brooke asked, he was fresh from shower, wearing a checkered boxers shorts and a grey sando, showing off his biceps.

“You know, when I was a kid, I used to watch a fairy tale.”

“I don’t remember watching it.”

“Hindi ka naniniwala sa happy ending?”

“No, I don’t believe that. There’s no happy ending. Kailan naging masaya ang katapusan? Kalokohan lang ’yang happy ending.” Supladong sabi nito at naupo sa gilid niya, ang bango, parang gusto niya ng lingkisan ang asawa.

“Ang bitter mo naman,”

“It’s not being bitter. It’s the reality. Kids shouldn’t watch fairy tales.”

“At bakit mo naman nasabi ’yan? I’m a fairy tales fan!” Umismid siya.

“Because when they grew up, the reality will slap them. There’s no happy ending in real life like they thought it has, because of watching fairy tales when they were a kid.”

“May happy ending ang bawat love story, naniniwala ako ro’n.”

“Because you watched fairy tales so much when you were a kid. Not good.” Her husband shook his head and look down on her, he smirked, telling her that what she believed won’t happen.

“I still believed in a happy ending.” She insisted.

“And what you believed will slap you in the end. Trust me.”

Marahas siyang naglabas ng hangin sa dibdib, iritado sa hindi malaman na dahilan. Ngayon niya lang nalaman na may pagka-bitter itong asawa niya sa mga fairy tales.

“Well, I know a story who doesn’t have a happy ending…”

Brooke rested his back on the headrest of the bed, while she was laying beside him, covering herself with dark blue comforter.

“A fairy tale?”

“Yes, but I didn’t watch it. I just heard it when I was a kid.”

“The storyteller must be good. You still remember the story until now.”

“Yes, she’s good. Her story was good but it has a sad ending.” She pout a bit, she remember the Prince again.

“Mas maniniwala ako sa kwentong ’yan.”

“At bakit?”

“Because it has a sad ending. That’s a fucking reality.”

Tumagilid siya ng higa, bahagyang inangat ang tingin sa asawa, ito naman ay nakababa ang tingin sa kanya habang marahan na hinahaplos ang buhok niya gamit ang daliri. It makes her sleepy.

“It’s sad because the Queen left the castle and the Prince…tapos hindi na siya bumalik.”

Naramdaman niyang huminto sa paghaplos sa buhok niya ang asawa. Natigilan.

“Pardon?”

“That’s the end of the story. It’s sad, right? Kasi hindi niya na nakita ang Prinsipe, hindi na siya bumalik sa castle.” Bumuntong hininga ulit siya. “Nakakabitin ang kwento. A fairy tale love story like that should have a happy ending.”

She doesn’t know that until now that she was no longer a kid, she was still looking for a happy ending of that story. Iyon lang ang katangi-tanging kwento na tumatak ng husto sa kanya na hanggang sa nagdalaga siya ay tanda niya pa rin.

“Maybe it’s not yet the ending? Who knows?” Brooke sounded a bit hopeful. “Maybe the Prince is just waiting for the Queen to come back…to come back to the castle.” The hint of loneliness on his voice, making her stare at him.

Ang mapanglaw na liwanag sa silid nila ay sapat na para makita niya ang pagbalatay

ng tila itinatagong pangungulila sa mga mata ng asawa. Kung para saan ang emosyon na ’yon ay hindi niya pa alam.

“D-Do you think the Prince is just waiting in the castle?” She whisper, and place her one arm on his stomach, almost hugging him.

“Yes, coz if I were the Prince, I would wait for the Queen no matter how long it would be…basta bumalik lang siya…sa akin.”

13 ~ Misunderstanding

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

AT THE young age, Brooke already know how to treat a woman right, because he saw it everyday to his father. The unico hijo of the multi-billionaire-Armando Montero, Briggs Montero.

Women should be treated like a Queen. As a man you need to support and give whatever your woman wanted. Make her the only one in your heart and life. And most of all, you need to make her smile…make her happy.

But, as time goes by, it’s slowly changing. Na ang babaeng dapat na pinapasaya mo ay tila bakit hindi na masaya sa piling mo? Bakit biglang may nagbago? Ano ba ang nangyari?

“WHAT? ANOTHER party tonight? Hindi na ba matatapos ’yan?”

Little Brooke looked up on the grand double staircase of their mansion. There, he saw his father following his mother, who looks like going to a party. She’s wearing a black elegant long gown, enough to cover her shoes. Silver clutch on her right hand.

“I told you to come with me.” His mommy said, walking down the stairs. “What are you thinking?” Her beautiful face is a bit annoyed now.

They don’t even notice that he was there, watching them.

“I cannot come with you because I need to wake up early for a fucking important meeting.”

“Then let me go. Bakit ba ayaw mo akong paalisin?”

Huminto ang dalawa sa huling baitang ng mahabang hagdan na ’yon at do’n lang siya napansin ng mga ito. Pagkabahala ang unang rumihistro sa mukha ng mommy niya, pero nanatiling matigas ang emosyon sa mukha ng ama.

“Are you going to party again, mom?” Little Brooke asked, looking up on his parents.

His beautiful mother squatted in front of him and caressed his hair. Ngumiti ito sa kanya pero hindi naman ’yon umabot sa mga mata nito.

“Yes, son. I’ll be back later tonight.”

“Make it sure.” His father interrupted in a cold tone.

“Basta anak, babalik ako.” Parang isang pangako iyon na pinanghawakan ng batang Brooke. “Matulog ka nang maaga. Don’t wait for me. Okay?”

Brooke nodded his head. “Okay mommy.” He kissed her cheek.

Ilang sandali muna siyang pinagmasdan ng ina, may kislap ng kung ano sa mga mata nito. Tapos ay malalim na bumuntong hininga bago tuluyang tumayo ng tuwid, hinarap ang kanyang ama.

“Go to your room, Brooke.” His father ordered.

He stare at his parents for a moment before he walked towards the grand staircase. Nang nasa dulo na siya ay sinulyapan niya pa ang magulang sa ibaba. His father was gripping her mother’s elbow, his dark eyes were cold. Nag-uusap ang dalawa sa pigil at mahinang tinig na hindi niya na narinig pa….at hindi na naintindihan pa ng mura niyang edad.

Ang madilim at malamig na mga mata ng ama at ang mahigpit na kapit nito sa braso ng ina, ay senyales na pala ng hindi pagkakaintindihan ng mag-asawa. Sa pagdaan ng mahabang panahon, unti-unti niyang naiintindihan ang lahat.

That even you gave your all to a woman, they will still leave you. They will never stay especially if they are not happy anymore being with you.

“I don’t see anything wrong with dad,” Brooke whispered, looking down on the glass of vodka above the table. “He gave his all to her. But still, it wasn’t enough for her to stay.”

“There are people in our lives that wasn’t meant to stay. Accept it.” His grandfather explain. “Ipapahanap ko para sa’yo.”

“No, don’t do that.” He shook his head in disapproval.

“Then, you better rest.”

Napailing na nag-angat siya ng tingin sa kanyang abuelo. It’s late at night, they should be sleeping now, pero heto siya hindi na naman pinapatulog ng mga ala-ala sa mansyon na ’yon.

“You rest, Papa.”

Mataman muna siya nitong tinitigan bago tumayo. Don Armando walked closer and patted his shoulder.

“Go to sleep after that shot.”

“I will,” he said and nod his head a bit. His grandfather left the library room, leaving him alone.

HATING GABI na pero hindi pa rin si Brooke bumabalik sa silid nila. Ang totoo ay hindi siya makatulog, namamahay yata siya. Kinuha niya ang cellphone sa gilid na lamesa at naisipang makipag-video chat kay Bettina.

Icah giggled when the woman answered immediately.

“Hi tita! Good morning there!”

The woman smile and waved her hand. “It’s late there. Why are you still up?”

“Ah, hindi po ako makatulog dito.”

“Nasaan ka ba? Nasaan ang asawa mo?”

“Nandito kami sa mansyon nila, tita. At, nasa library room ang asawa ko, kausap ang lolo niya.”

Panandalian na parang natigilan ang babae sa screen, tapos ay umiling-iling. Nagtataka man ay hindi niya na nakuha pang mag-usisa.

“I see, you look happy there. It’s good for you, Icah.”

Ngumiti lang siya. “How’s mommy?”

Bettina switched the camera, making her see her mother laying on the bed. May mga aparato pa rin  na nakakabit dito, walang pinagbago.

“Gano’n pa rin. Walang progress, pero hindi naman ako nawawalan ng pag-asa rito.”

Icah sighed. “Tita, basta, babalik po ako riyan.”

“Kung papayagan ka ng asawa mo?”

“Opo naman, siya nga ang nagsabi na babalik kami riyan para ma-meet si mommy at ikaw.”

Bettina switched the camera again. She’s facing her now.

“Mabuti at mabait ang asawa mo, Icah. Bihira ang ganyan. Huwag mo ng pakawalan.”

Natawa siya sa sinabi nito. Kung pwede lang at kung totoo lang ang lahat sa kanila ni Brooke, maari pang mangyari ang sinasabi nito.

“Naikwento ko nga po sa kanya ang ikinuwento niyo sa’kin noon.”

“The Queen who left the castle and the Prince?”

“Yes, tita.” Tumango-tango siya. “Make it a happy ending, tita.”

Bettina smile sadly and her eyes went to her mother, as if she’s avoiding that happy ending story she told her.

“Maybe it wasn’t yet the ending?”

“Ganyan din ang sabi ng asawa ko.”

“Talaga?” Mangha ito. “Your husband believed in that story?”

“He doesn’t believe in fairy tales, but he believe in sad ending, because he said it’s more real than a happy ending.” She tilted her head side. “So, kaya mo nang bigyan ng happy ending ang story mo?”

Bahagya itong umiling, iniwas ulit ang tingin sa kanya, kundi nasa mommy niya ang malamlam na mga mata nito.

“Hindi pa, Icah. Hindi ko pa kayang bigyan ng masayang katapusan ang istoryang ’yon.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t.”

Gelicah groaned. “Maybe after all these years, the Queen is still a coward. A weak.”

“She’s weak. Wala siyang lakas para balikan ang nakaraan niya.” Malungkot ang mga mata nitong nakatitig sa mommy niya, iniwas na naman ang tingin sa kanya. “Maybe, that’s really the end of the story. Dahil ngayon, sigurado ako na hindi babalik ang Reyna sa kastilyo.”

“Then make the Prince do the move. If the Queen doesn’t have enough strength to get back to the Castle, then the Prince should be the one to find the Queen and make a happy ending.”

Bettina smile at her. “You can make that story a happy ending.”

“Kung ako lang, tita, gagawan ko nang happy ending ang story mo. But it’s your story, you should be the one to make a happy ending…not me.”

Bettina took a deep sighed. “Let’s just wait for the Queen to wake her mind. Huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa, magkikita rin siguro ang Reyna at Prinsipe kung itinakda nang panahon.”

Gelicah was about to tell Bettina about what the Montero’s mansion look like but stopped herself when she saw the door opened, iniluwa ang asawa niya na mukhang nakainom.

“Ahm, tita, let’s talk again next time.”

“Sure,” Bettina smile at her before she ended the call.

“Sino ang kausap mo?” Kunot ang noo ni Brooke, ang mata ay tila hinuhusgahan siya. “Hating gabi? May kausap ka? Sino ’yan?”

Kung bakit ay bigla siyang nakaramdam ng kaba sa tono ng boses nito, lalo na nang inilang hakbang nito ang pagitan nila. Inilahad nito ang kamay, sinasabing ibigay niya rito ang cellphone niya.

“It’s tita—”

“Give me your phone.” He ordered like a King.

“Why would I? It’s mine.” Itinago niya sa likod niya ang cellphone.

Sa ginawa niya ay dumilim ang mukha ni Brooke, matalim ang titig na ipinukol sa kanya. Ang namumula at namumungay na mga mata ay tanda na nakainom ito.

“I said give me your cellphone.” His tone was cold.

Umismid siya. Hindi siya natatakot sa ipinapakitang ka-istriktuhan ng asawa, pero sa mga titig nito ay kinakabahan siya. Wala naman siyang ginagawang masama, bakit gano’n ang nararamdaman niya? Ano bang iniisip nito? Na lalaki ang kausap niya? Nagseselos ba ito? Pero mas lamang ang panghuhusga sa ikinikilos nito.

“I don’t need to do that, Brooke. Let’s just respect each other’s privacy.”

“Don’t fuck with me with that privacy, Gelicah. I know the difference between hiding something to a privacy that you were saying.”

Hindi makapaniwala na napatingala siya sa asawa. Ang matigas na emosyon sa mukha nito ay hindi nagbago. Ang bahagyang nagulong buhok ay nagpalitaw kung gaano naging perpekto ang anggulong iyon ng asawa. He was looking down on her with so much intensity on his eyes.

“What are you trying to say? That I was hiding something from you?” Mapait na ibinigay niya rito ang cellphone. “Go on and feel free to check my phone. Matutulog na ako.”

Padabog na humiga siya patalikod dito at binalot ang katawan niya ng makapal na kumot. Nakakasama ng loob na hinuhusgahan siya ni Brooke. Walang tiwala sa kanya?

KINAUMAGAHAN ay hindi niya nadatnan sa tabi niya si Brooke. Nakaramdam siya ng kaunting disappointment. Ni hindi niya nga rin sigurado kung tinabihan ba siyang matulog ng asawa.

Pagkatapos niyang maligo ay lumabas siya ng silid, sakto naman na nasalubong niya ang isa sa kasambahay na kalalabas lang sa isang silid.

“Magandang umaga, señorita.” Magalang na bati nito sa kanya.

“Good morning. Nasa baba na ho ba si Brooke?”

Lumingon ito sa silid na pinanggalingan, bago ibinalik ang atensyon sa kanya.

“Nasa gym po si señorito.”

“That’s the gym?” Turo niya sa pinto na ’yon.

“Opo,”

Nang tumango siya ay magalang na itong umalis sa harap niya. Siya naman ay naglakad papunta sa silid na ’yon. She slowly open the door, and her eyes automatically search for the man she was looking for.

Icah swallowed hard when she saw Brooke with only wearing a grey jogging pants, topless. Nakahawak sa magkabilang bakal sa taas habang binubuhat ang sarili paangat. Nadepina ang matigas na muscles nito sa braso sa pwersang pinapakawalan, ang galit na mga ugat do’n ay walang pakundangang naglilitawan na tila ba nagpapaligsahan.

Ang pawis mula sa ulo ay madrama at mabagal na dumudulas sa mukha nito, sa panga, sa leeg at hanggang sa matigas na tiyan nito. Muli ay napalunok siya nang bumaba ang malikot niyang mga mata sa umbok sa pagitan ng mga hita ng asawa. He’s really huge, his bulge is one of the proof.

Ibinalik niya ang atensyon sa mukha ng asawa at halos mabilaukan siya sa tindi ng kaba nang makitang nakatingin din ito sa kanya. Walang emosyon ang mga mata at gumagalaw ng marahas ang panga sa tuwing bubuhatin nito ang sarili pataas bago ibubuka ng bahagya ang bibig para sa pagsagap ng hangin, at para sa pagpapawala ng hingal.

“G-Good morning,” she greeted him and made herself welcome to the gym.

Pumasok siya at isinara ang pinto. Si Brooke naman ay bumitaw sa bakal na hinahawakan nito at kinuha ang puting towel sa gilid. He’s drying his face and neck using the towel without breaking an eye contact on her.

Hindi siya makahagilap ng sasabihin sa asawa. His body is distracting her. His eyes making her nervous and speechless. Tama ba na pinuntahan niya pa ito? Parang siya pa ang makikipag-ayos sa kaunting pagtatalo nila kagabi.

“About last night, I just want to…” she bit her lower lip when she saw him tilted his head on the side while drying his hair with a towel using his one hand, giving her an another perfect angle of him.

“Hindi ko pinakialaman ang cellphone mo.” Anito na tunog hinihingal pa. She could almost hear his moan when they were having sex. Hinihingal at paos!

“I was talking with tita Bettina last night.”

His stare became more intense. Hindi niya mawari kung ano ba ang mali sa sinabi niya at ganito ang reaksyon ng asawa niya.

“Okay,”

Lalapit pa sana siya upang makipagbati na ngunit pinigil niya ang sarili. Pakiramdam niya ay may kasalanan din siya, dapat sinabi niya kaagad kagabi na si Bettina ang kausap niya para hindi na nagduda pa ang asawa niya.

“Gusto ko lang sabihin sa’yo na sinusunod ko ang rules natin. Hindi ako nakikipag-usap sa mga lalaki.”

Tumigil ito sa pagpupunas ng buhok at isinampay ang puting towel sa batok nito. Nagpakawala ito ng hangin sa dibdib tapos ay unti-unting naglakad papunta sa kanya.

Her heart race automatically. Ang bawat hakbang ng asawa ay parang nagpapahirap sa kanya sa paghinga. She wanted to step backward because of that emotion, pero kung gagawin niya iyon ay baka masamain pa nito.

Iniwas niya ang tingin kay Brooke nang makatayo na ito sa harap niya. Now that she’s only wearing a flat doll shoes, mas lalong nakita ang agwat ng taas nila. Ang abot lang ng mata niya ay ang leeg ng asawa.

“I’m sorry about last night,” The sincerity on his voice making her look up on him. Direkta itong nakatingin sa mga mata niya, na mas lalong nagpakabog ng dibdib niya.

“I u-understand. Hindi mo pa ako pinagkakatiwalaan ng lubusan kaya iniisip mo na…na baka hindi ako seryoso rito.” Bumaba ulit ang tingin niya, ngayon ay nasa paanan na nila.

Dalawa o tatlong dangkal lang ang pagitan ng mga paa nila, isang hakbang pa ay magdidikit na ang mga ’yon…Isang hakbang pa ay sasakupin na naman siya nito sa gano’ng kasimpleng paraan.

Marahan itong naglabas ng hangin sa bibig, ang mainit na hininga nito ay tumama sa noo niya, napapikit siya, dinama iyon.

“I shouldn’t treat you that way.” Then he place his forefinger under her chin, making her look up on him. Her lip protruded to what he did. “Pangako, hindi na ’yon mauulit.”

“N-Nakainom ka kagabi kaya naiintindihan ko,” mahinang sambit niya.

Dampi lang ng daliri ni Brooke sa kanya ay nagpapahina na ng boses niya pati na rin ng tuhod niya. Gano’n katindi ang epekto nito sa kanya.

“Galit ka ba sa ginawa ko?” Masuyong tanong nito, bago gumapang ang hinlalaki sa gilid ng labi niya at ang palad ay halos sakupin ang panga at baba niya. “Galit ka ba sa’kin?”

“K-kagabi lang,” halos manginig ang mahinang boses niya. “H-Hindi na ngayon.”

“Sure?”

“Oo,” tumango siya. “Pero…hindi ka ba natulog sa tabi ko?”

The side of his lips curve up a bit. Ang kislap ng mga mata ay naglalaro pero pilit na pinapaseryoso. Kumibot ang labi niya, halos irapan ang kaharap.

“Kung hindi ba, magagalit ka?”

“Hindi ha,” agap niya. “Gusto mo huwag ka nang tumabi sa’kin tuwing gabi.”

“Hindi naman pwede ’yon.” Tutol nito sa paos na tinig. “Hindi na ako sanay matulog na hindi nakayakap sa’kin ang asawa ko…”

Uminit ang pisngi niya at pinakalma ang mga daga na nagtatakbuhan sa dibdib niya. Sa himbing ng tulog niya kagabi, hindi niya na namalayan na katabi niya pala ito.

“Akala ko kasi sa iba ka natulog.” Halos pabulong nalang na lumabas ’yon sa bibig niya.

Hindi niya na yata makakayanan pang manatiling nakatayo do’n ng matagal na hindi mabubuwal.

His thumb caressed the side of her lips gently, before he tilted his head closer to her ear.

“Kung nasaan ang asawa ko, do’n lang ako. Sa’yo lang ako tatabi, gabi-gabi.” Bulong nito na kumiliti sa kanya.

14 ~ Bad News

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“I’LL BE fine. You don’t need to bring me to the Hospital, apo.”

The old Montero is laying on the bed, he looks sick, but still trying to be strong in front of them. Hindi na ito nakasabay ng almusal sa kanila dahil masama ang pakiramdam.

“I’ll call your doctor, then. Hindi pwedeng ganito, Papa.” It was Brooke who was sitting at the side of the bed, while she’s standing just beside him.

“Kung mamamatay ako, mamamatay.”

“And I don’t like it.” Brooke hissed. “Don’t say it,”

Don Armando gave his grandchild a weak smile, kasabay ng pagkulubot ng balat sa gilid ng mga mata nito. He may be old by age, but she can say that he was good looking, lalo na siguro kung kabataan pa nito.

“I just need to rest. Napuyat lang ako kagabi kaya sumama ang pakiramdam ko.”

“It was my fault.”

“Go and leave. I want some time alone.”

Nag-aalala na tumingin muna ang asawa niya sa lolo nito bago tamad na tumayo. Parang ayaw naman talagang umalis, napipilitan lang.

“Magpagaling ka kaagad, Papa. Kung hindi, magpapatawag na talaga ako ng doktor.”

Don Armando wave his hand and frowned. “Go ahead.”

“Sana po ay umayos na ang pakiramdam mo, P-Papa.” Mahinahon na sambit niya.

Don Armando just glanced at her, no reaction from him. Wala na silang nakuhang salita pa mula rito kaya nagpasya na silang lumabas ng malaking silid nito, kasunod nila ang ilang kasambahay.

“Ano’ng sakit niya?” Curious na tanong niya sa asawa nung nakalabas na sila.

“He was diagnosed with Leukemia, but I doubted it.”

“Ahm, hindi siya mukhang may leukemia.”

Its true though. Don Armando looks healthy, ang masamang pakiramdam ay marahil dala lang ng katandaan.

“But, I’m worried about his heart.”

“Meron din siyang sakit sa puso?”

“May butas siya sa puso,” Inalalayan siya nito pababa sa hagdan. “Or maybe he was just tricking me with his illness. I know Papa so well.”

“He tricked you.” She teased, they are holding each other’s hand.

Ang mga kasambahay na kasunod nila kanina ay nawala na sa paningin niya. Sa laki ng mansyon, marapat lang na marami ang naglilinis at nag-aalaga do’n.

“I guess, yes,” he chuckled. “Well, I’d rather choose him to trick me than being ill.”

“Why don’t you talk to his doctor?” She suggested then looked up on him.

Brooke shook his head a bit. “I don’t want to. Ayokong pakialaman si Papa ng hindi niya alam. I don’t want him to get mad at me because of that.”

“You respect him that much?”

“Yes, because without him, I don’t know where I would be now.”

“Nasaan ba ang magulang mo? Mga kapatid mo?”

Patuloy sila sa paglalakad, papunta kung saang parte ng mga mansyon. Magkahawak ang mga kamay nila, tila sanay na sanay na sa gano’ng sitwasyon nila.

“They’re gone. And, I’m the only child.”

“Oh, sorry.” Sinulyapan niya ito ngunit sa mga malalaking portrait sa harap nila ito nakatingin. “Ah, kaya pala ikaw lang ang tagapagmana ni Don Armando.”

Brooke kept his mouth shut for a moment, he was looking on the portrait of a man, it seems like he was secretly reminiscing. Ang lalaki sa mamahaling painting na iyon ay malaki ang pagkakahawig sa asawa niya. Kaya tuloy ay napasulyap ulit siya kay Brooke para makasiguro. The thick eyebrows, the sharp jaw line and the pointed nose, she seems like looking at the two people with one face.

“Your dad? You look so much like him.” Gelicah smiled when his gaze went on her. “Gwapo rin. Mana ka.”

“I was told by many. Yes, I agree.”

Sa gitnang bahagi ay ang portrait ni Don Armando na kahit sa paraan ng pagpinta ay hindi nawala ang otoridad sa awra. Sa katabi ay isang matandang babae, na sa wari niya ay lola ni Brooke.

“Your grandmother?” She pointed the portrait of an elegant old woman.

“Yes,”

She was searching for more portrait but it was the last, aside from the portrait before his father. It was Brooke. Kaya ibinalik niya ang tingin do’n. Kung pagbabasehan ay tila ilang taon na ang nakalipas ng maipinta ang asawa niya. It was his young version.

“Habang tumatagal, mas gumagandang lalaki ka.” Wala sa sariling pamumuri niya, inaaral ang bawat parte ng mukha nito sa malaking portrait na iyon. “You look like your father…but there’s something in your face that I can’t figure out. Something in you looks familiar to me.” Napailing siya. “It’s weird.”

Gelicah been thinking about it. She never met Brooke before. Pero kapag tinitignan niya ang asawa ay parang may parte sa mukha nito na pamilyar sa kanya at nakakatawang hindi niya ma-pinpoint kung ano ’yon.

One thing is for sure, he doesn’t part of her past. Hindi niya pa ito nakita ni minsan dati, kaya bakit may titig siya dito na parang pamilyar siya?

“My face is all over the magazines and social medias. That’s why it’s familiar to you.”

“S-Siguro nga,” napalabi siya.

Maybe that’s really the reason why something on his face is familiar to her. Parang nakita niya na, hindi niya lang maalala kung saan.

“Wanna go out? Shopping?” He asked, he sounds bored.

“Sure,”

“Let’s go,” he gently drag her out, but she stopped him by gripping his hand. “Why?”

Icah took another glance on the portraits. May kulang yata?

“Where’s your mother’s painting? Siya lang ang wala.”

Brooke stilled. Then his eyes suddenly darkened. Ang makakapal na kilay ay inis na nagsalubong at ang panga ay mabagal pero marahas na gumalaw. Bumigat ang nananatiya nitong tingin sa kanya, tila ba nakulob sila sa isang silid sa mga sandaling iyon at nahirapan siya biglang huminga.

“I told you she’s gone.” His voice was stern. “Don’t ask about her again.”

Iniwas niya ang tingin dito at pasimpleng naglabas ng hangin sa dibdib. Uminit ang noo niya sa nagbabadyang pawis.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Binitawan nito ang kamay niya saka napasuklay sa buhok. His other hand was on his hip, the other one was on his hair, he tilted his head back a bit. His eyes were close, he looks like calming himself.

Nagalit o nainis ba ito sa pag-usisa niya tungkol sa mommy nito? Napapansin niyang mabilis magbago ang timpla ng asawa sa tuwing napag-uusapan ang ina nito. And now, she’s curious about what happened. Halatang apektado pa rin kasi ito sa pagkawala ng mommy nito, kung hindi, then why he was acting like that?

“I don’t wanna talk about her anymore. I don’t wanna remember her.” His voice was low.

“Hindi na ako magtatanong ng tungkol sa kanya. Pasensya na.” Masuyong hinawakan niya ang braso nito, hindi man lang nagtagpo ang mga daliri niya sa laki at tigas non. “Ayos ka lang ba?”

Brooke massage his temple and nod his head a bit. He took a quick glance on her before he took a breath.

“Let’s get out of here.”

“Let’s go,” Naglakad sila paalis do’n habang naka-angkla ang kamay niya sa braso ng asawa.

Ang mga kasambahay na nasasalubong nila ay napapayuko ng bahagya bilang respeto. May mga kasambahay naman din sila noon pero hindi ganito ka-pormal. Para bang Hari at Prinsipe ang mga pinagsisilbihan ng mga ito sa sobrang maingat na galaw at respeto.

Paglabas nila sa mayor na pinto ay nakaparada na do’n ang itim na sasakyan. Ang bodyguard na naka polo shirt na kulay puti ay ang siyang nagbukas ng pinto sa back seat. Pinauna siya ni Brooke pumasok, saka ito sumunod.

Ang bodyguard ay nasa front passenger seat at ang driver ay naghihintay lang sa go signal ni Brooke kung saan ba sila pupunta.

“At the Mall,” her husband said in a flat tone.

“Crowded sa Mall ngayon, boss.” Ani ng bodyguard.

“Hindi ka ba pwede sa crowded place?” Mahinang tanong niya sa asawa. “Sa mga public place?”

With the fact that he’s a billionaire and almost everyone knows him, especially women and paparazzi, she wasn’t wondering now if her husband can’t go to the public place by himself. Kailangan ay may bodyguards talaga na kasama.

“Bring us to a private place for lunch.” Brooke said again, no emotion on his voice and on his face.

Umandar ang sasakyan palabas ng mansyon na wala ng nagsalita pa. Ang tahimik sa loob ng sasakyan at kahit ang tugtog ay halos hindi niya marinig. Nilibang niya ang sarili sa daan sa labas hanggang sa lumipas ang ilan minuto bago nag vibrate ang cellphone ng asawa niyang nasa bulsa nito.

Inayos niya ang pagkakaupo at pasimpleng sinilip kung sino ang tumatawag. It was his secretary.

“Yes?” Brooke said dryly and paused for a seconds, his thick eyebrows furrowed as he listen to his secretary on the other line. “Fuck…How many people were involved in the incident?” She gets curious on what she heard, even the driver and bodyguard glance on him. “Talk to the authorized person there to settle it and talk to the media immediately—damn it, just do what I told you.” He gritted his teeth. “I’ll be in Manila in an hour. Keep me posted.”

Brooke cut off the line and heaved a sighed. Napasandal ito, tila napagod sa usapang ’yon. It was a bad news, she was sure ’bout it.

“Drive straight to Manila,” Brooke commanded the driver. “Ruben, call my pilot to ready the chopper tonight. We’ll go to Masbate.”

“Copy, boss.” The bodyguard said and get his phone on the dashboard to call the pilot.

“W-What happened?” Hindi niya na napigilan ang magtanong.

Brooke opened his eyes and look at her tiredly. “You will be sleeping in my penthouse in Taguig tonight, okay?”

“O-okay, pero ano’ng nangyari?”

Inakbayan siya nito at muling ipinikit ang mga mata, naramdaman niya ulit ang paghugot nito ng hangin sa dibdib, ang isang kamay niya ay nakapatong sa hita nito.

“Sumabog ang isang gasolinahan sa Masbate. The fire killed two people.”

“S-shit—” she covered her mouth with her hand. She was shocked, para siyang kinilabutan.

“It happened a few minutes ago. Hindi pa naapula ang apoy. The operation is still on-going.” He sighed one more time. “Damn it,”

“Alam na ng media boss?”

“Maybe, check your social media account and see.”

Tumango si Ruben at parang gusto niya rin makibalita sa social media ngunit nang hanapin niya ang cellphone niya ay wala naman sa kanya. Ni isa nga ay wala siya dala kahit sling bag man lang.

“Uh, I left my cellphone in our room.” Reklamo niya.

“Buy new one in Taguig when we arrive there.” Brooke muttered to solve her little problem. “Okay now?”

Napanguso siya nung sinilip pa siya nito, sinisigurado ang reaksyon niya. Wala naman siyang choice kundi bumili ng bago kesa naman wala siyang magamit. She will get bored tonight because Brooke will leave. At isa pa, gusto niya itong tawagan at i-text habang wala ito, to check him.

“Okay, I’ll buy one.” She said, resting her head on his shoulder.

“It’s all over on Facebook, boss. Malaki pa rin ang apoy.”

Iniharap sa kanila ni Ruben ang screen ng cellphone. Do’n ay nakita nila ang video na kinakain ng malaking apoy ang isang lugar, katanghaling-tapat. Ang mga tao ay nasa gilid at nakiki-usyoso habang may mga bumberong pumapatay sa apoy. The fire rucks are all over the place, too.

Brooke groaned and close his eyes tightly. Ang gwapong mukha ay problemado.

“Everything will be settled.” That’s the only words she can say. Everything will be fine, for sure.

“Two people died and three is on the hospital in critical condition.” Brooke whispered worriedly. “Of course everything will be fine, but the damage has been done. Maibabalik ba ang mga nawalang buhay? Paano ang mga pamilyang naiwan nila?”

“The family will be sad. Losing someone who’s dear to you is a pain that kills us inside. They will eventually accept what happened. I believed in that.”

Because she already experience losing someone who dear to you, her father. She didn’t accept it at first, but as time goes by, she starting to accept that her father is in good hands now.

“Yes you’re right, but I won’t tell it to their family just to make them feel good. Coz no matter how good my intention to help them, the fact that the company is responsible to all the employees safety, they will still blame me, my company and my people because of the incident.”

Gelicah caressed her husband’s lap, comforting him. He looks so damn serious even his eyes were close. Mabigat ang isang braso nitong nakaakbay sa kanya, bigong-bigo sa nangyari. Sobrang itong apektado at nag-aalala lalo sa mga pamilyang naiwan ng empleyadong namatay dahil sa pagsabog at sunog.

“Let’s just pray for them. The scars on their hearts right now will be healed in the end.”

She doesn’t know if her words will help her husband to lessen his worries, but she’s hoping that it will. But, Brooke didn’t speak, he just sighed and remain on his position until they arrived in BGC.

The huge penthouse of her husband that occupied almost the whole floor is quite impressive. The black crystal tiles making it looks elegant and very manly.

“Suite yourself, babe.” Brooke kissed the side of her head before he went to the bedroom.

Naglakad-lakad siya habang hinihintay ang asawang lumabas ulit sa silid na pinasukan nito. Inilibot niya ang paningin sa kabuuan.

The penthouse scream luxury, it’s obvious that the person who’s living there is not just an ordinary person. May ibubuga sa lipunan. And she will be staying in that penthouse for six months!

“Not bad,” she murmured.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay lumabas na ang asawa, bagong ligo. He’s wearing a cotton grey long sleeve, dark pants and leather dark brown shoes. His expensive watch is showing.

“I have to go, the chopper is ready.”

Hindi pa ito tuluyang nakakalapit sa kanya ay naamoy niya kaagad ang mamahaling pabango nito. Ganito yung mga tipo niya sa lalaki, bukod sa gwapo, ang bango-bango pa palagi.

“Sabay na tayo. I will buy new phone.”

Brooke walked closely and handed her a two cards. One is color black, the key card and the other one was a gold card with his name on it.

“Use it. Buy whatever you want.”

She nod a bit. “I go shop for groceries too.”

Umangat ng bahagyang ang mapulang gilid ng labi nito at ang mata ay kumislap sa mapaglarong paraan. He tilted his head on the side and watch her face, lumikot ang mata niya para iwasan ang mga mata nito.

“I wish I could go shop with you.”

“P-Pwede naman, kapag wala ka ng importanteng lakad.”

Tila nanuyo ang lalamunan niya nang haplusin nito ang pisngi niya sa masuyong paraan. Napalunok siya at nilabanan ang nakakapasong dampi ng daliri nito sa balat niya.

“Yeah,” he muttered. “Gusto ko rin matikman ang luto ng asawa ko…kung masarap din ba.”

She bit the side of her cheek and leered. Bakit parang iba ang tunog sa kanya ng sinabi nito? She’s being green minded!

“Masarap, ipagluluto kita bukas. Ano ba ang paborito mong pagkain?”

Napatingin siya sa asawa. Ang mga mata nito ay namumungay na, para siyang matutunaw. Ayaw niya talagang ganito ito sa kanya tumingin at ganito pa kalapit.

“Wala akong ibang paborito. Ikaw lang.” Halos pabulong na sagot nito at kumindat. Nag-init ang mukha niya, sana ay hindi iyon namumula.

“Pagkain ang ibig kong sabihin…hindi ako.” Inirapan niya ito upang pagtakpan ang kiliti na dumadaloy sa tiyan niya.

“Kahit ano basta ikaw ang nagluto, kakainin ko.”

“Sana lang magustuhan mo,” humina ang boses niya, umaasa.

“Kapag hindi ko nagustuhan ang niluto mo… Ikaw nalang ang kakainin ko.”

Pakiramdam niya ay namanhid muli ang ulo niya sa banat na ’yon ng asawa. Ang repleksyon ng pamumula ng mukha niya ay halos makita niya na.

“Uh, my wife is blushing. So cute,” he teased and pinched her cheek slightly. “We better go, I don’t wanna see you like that. I might ask for one round before I leave.”

Nag-iinit ang mukha na napapanguso siya. Well, pwede na naman ulit dahil hindi na masakit ang pagkababae niya. Masyado lang maingat itong asawa niya na huwag siyang galawin hanggat hindi niya sinasabi.

“P-Pwede naman…” pabulong na sambit niya, nahihiya. “H-Hindi na masakit.”

Napaungol si Brooke at nahihirapan na tinignan siya. Parang nagdadalawang-isip na tuloy na umalis dahil sa sinabi niya. Mapupurnada pa yata ng ilang minuto ang pag-alis ng asawa niya, ha.

“Well, the chopper can wait…” Brooke whispered huskily. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer on him. “…but your husband can’t…” he smirked before he claimed her lips with his.

15 ~ Yes (SPG)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A SWEET moan escaped on Gelica’s lips when her husband inserted his tongue inside her mouth. She can taste his minty saliva that mixed with hers. Brooke arms were wrapping around her waist, that she needed to tiptoed so she could answer his kisses properly. Ang labi nila ay sabik na gumagalaw.

She didn’t mean to seduce him by saying that they could have a one round sex before he leave. Sadyang ramdam lang nila ang kagustuhan na maangkin ulit ang isa’t-isa.

Siguro nga ay marupok sila, pero wala naman siyang makitang mali sa ginagawa nila. Bukod sa kasal sila at nasa tamang edad na para sa pagtatalik. At isa pa ay ginagawa niya rin ito dahil sa kagustuhan niyang magka-anak. Kaya, walang mali sa paglalaro ng apoy kahit pa hindi nila mahal ang isa’t-isa. No feelings involved. All of these are pure sex. And they are just doing the deal.

Brooke stepped forward making her stepped backward. And in one swift move, she felt the black couch behind her. Nasagi ng alak-alakan niya ang may pagkamalambot na bagay na iyon na tila ba in-adya para sa kanya.

Bumaba ang labi ng asawa sa leeg niya at doon humalik, itinagilid niya ang leeg upang mabigyan pa ito ng laya sa pamimiyesta sa parteng iyon ng katawan niya.

“Hmmm, uh,” Icah groaned when Brooke slid his hand inside her dress and pulled down her panty.

Napasinghap siya at napaupo sa couch, habang ang asawa niya ay nakaluhod sa harap niya, patuloy sa magaan na halik sa leeg at sa collarbone niya. His one hand is on his belt, while the other one caressing her thighs.

Umawang ang labi niya sa init ng palad ng asawa na tinutukso ang hita niya papunta sa kanyang pagkababae na ramdam niya ang pananabik na mapagtuunan ng pansin.

“Brooke…” hirap ang boses niya, nagmamakaawa na naman sa kung ano.

Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya at mas lalo siyang tila sinilaban nang makita ang lasing na mga mata nito, ang mapupulang labi ay nakaawang ng bahagya. Dahan-dahan na inagat nito ang dress niya hanggang sa kanyang bewang.

Nakagat niya ang loob ng pisngi nang bumaba ang mata nito sa pagkababae niya tapos ay umangat ang isang sulok ng labi.

“You shaved,” he murmured.

Ikinipot niya ang mga binti sa pagdapo ng hiya sa kanya ngunit pinigilan nito iyon gamit ang dalawang kamay ngayon, pinaghiwalay ’yon ng walang kahirap-hirap upang mabigyan pa ng laya ang sarili na makita ang parte ng katawan niya na dati-rati ay siya lang ang nakakakita, ngayon ay hindi na.

“Y-yes,” kapos ang hininga niya.

“Can I kiss you here?”

“Damn it,” she curse breathlessly and tilted her head back. The anticipation making it hard for her to breath.

Brooke let out a husky short laugh. “I found you sexy when you curse…but,” he lower his head and kissed her thigh. Wala pa man ay nanginginig na ang mga hita niya. “…I will only allow you to curse when we are like this…when we are having sex.”

Tumango siya, parang masunuring bata. “O-okay,”

“Good,” anito at tumayo.

Nanlalaki ang ang mga mata niya na nakatingala sa asawa. What is he doing?! Aalis na ba ito? Iiwan siyang gano’n? Na bitin?

“Are you leaving?” She asked, hiding her disappointment and irritation.

“Do you think I will leave without getting inside you?” He was smirking.

Brooke unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. She was watching him taking off his pants in front of her and he was letting her with that. Mukha pa nga itong nasisiyahan na pinapanood niya itong maghubad sa harap niya.

Gusto niyang i-iwas ang mata nang tuluyan na nitong mahubad ang pantalon at naiwan ang itim na boxer shorts. Ang nag-uumigting na umbok sa pagitan ng hita ng asawa niya ay tila gusto nang sirain ang telang nagtatakip do’n.

Then a memory of his huge d*ck with gold pierce on the tip flashed her mind. She saw it when they’re in Maldives and she felt excited seeing it again after a few days.

“I wanna see,” she whispered, bitting her lips and batting her eyelashes in a seductive way.

Brooke swallowed hard and his Adam’s apple bobbled up sexily. His intense dark eyes gaze on her lips. Parang mapupugto ang hininga niya sa titig na ’yon, exciting at ang lakas ng tambol ng dibdib niya.

“Turn around,” He commanded darkly.

Wala sa sarili na tumalikod siya rito, halos nakapaluhod sa malambot na sofa, nakapatong ang dalawang kamay niya sa ibabaw ng sandalan, hindi sigurado sa anong gustong mangyari ng asawa.

Naramdaman niya ang paglapat ng palad nito sa gitna ng likod niya at marahan na itinulak siya pababa pa, dahilan kung bakit naghiwalay ng bahagya ang mga binti niya at dumapi ang dibdib niya sa sandalan.

“W-What are you d-doing?” She nervously asked, looking on him behind her shoulder.

Brooke was standing behind her, watching her upside position. He removed up her dress until it reached her back body. Napabaling ulit siya sa harapan niya nang maramdaman itong lumuhod sa likod niya.

He slapped her butt cheek making her gasped. Then he gripped on it before she felt his tongue licking her womanhood. Napapikit siya habang nakaawang ang labi dahil sa sarap ng marahan na pagdila ng asawa sa pagkababae niya.

“Ohh, ahhh…” ungol niya at wala sa sariling iginiling ang balakang.

Ang pagkabasa ng pagkababae niya ay ramdam niya na. Ang kiliti sa bawat paghagod ng dila ng asawa sa hiwa niya ay nagpapaapoy sa kanyang katawan.

It was a short licking session, before he stopped and stood up. Brooke rubbed her femininity using his finger, making sure that she’s already wet and ready for his entrance.

Mula sa likod niya ay hinawakan nito ang magkabilang balakang niya at walang pakundangan na ipinasok sa butas ng pagkababae niya ang katigasan nito.

“Ohhh! B-Brooke!” Napasinghap siya at mariin na napakapit sa sandalan.

Icah glance on her husband over her shoulder. He was closing his eyes while slowly thrusting inside her. Tila sinasanay ulit siya sa laki nito. Ang hikaw sa ari ng asawa ay kumikiliti sa kanyang loob, nagpapapintig sa pagkababae niya.

“This will be quick baby,” He whispered huskily before he thrust faster and deeper inside of her.

Napasinhap siya at napaungol nalang sa sarap at rahas ng bawat pag-ulos ng asawa niya.

“Ohhh, ahhh…Oh Brooke…y-yes, yes,”

Napayuko siya sa ibabaw ng sandalan, sa pagbaba ng tingin niya ay nakita niya ang isang paa ng asawa sa tiled floor. Ang pants at boxer shorts nito ay nakakaakit pagmasdan sa paanan nito, hindi tuluyang nahubad kasama ang mamahaling sapatos. While the other one was place on the sofa, just near her leg, with only his shoes on it. Damn quickie.

Brooke was taking her from behind roughly. A sweet doggy style. Ang higpit ng hawak nito sa balakang niya at ang marahas na galaw ay nagpapauga sa sofa na kinaroroonan niya. Ang pag-uyog ng dibdib niya ay hindi na mapigilan pa.

“Ohhh! Ohhhh! Yes! Uhhh, ahh, Brooke!”

Umulos nang umulos ang asawa sa likod niya hanggan sa maramdaman niya ang pamilyar na kiliti sa puson niya. He bent his body, making her feel his chest on her back body before he thrust deeper.

Kiniliti sa sarap ang loob ng pagkababae niya, sinundot ng hikaw nito ang kung ano sa kailaliman niya dahilan ng pagpakabas ng mahabang ungol at ng orgasmo niya.

Nanghihina na napayukyok si Icah sa sandalan, habang ang kahabaan ng asawa ay nakapirmi sa loob niya. Ang pagdaloy ng init ng katas nito ay ramdam niya rin. Napapagod na gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya.

Brooke is really doing their deal. Marunong itong tumupad sa napag-usapan. Maybe, he really see her as his business that he needs to deal with.

Ilang sandali pa ay hinugot na ng asawa ang kahabaan sa loob niya. Hinahalik-halikan nito ang balikat at batok niya, habang humihimas ang kamay sa bewang niya paangat sa kanyang dibdib.

Umirap siya sa sarili, naka-isa na sila pero pakiramdam niya may balak pang umisa itong asawa niya.

Brooke lips reached her ear, he breath on it, the sensation tingling her. Napaigtad siya at inilayo ang ulo rito.

“Aalis ka pa…” paalala niya na ikinatawa nito.

“I know,”

“Your people is waiting for you.”

“I know that, too.”

Nilingon niya ang asawa, halos magdikit ang labi nila dahil malambing itong nakayakap sa kanya at nakalapag ang baba sa balikat niya. Malamlam at may kislap sa mga mata. Ganito itong asawa niya sa tuwing pagkatapos nilang magtalik, maaliwalas ang gwapong mukha palagi. He looks satisfied.

“What are you waiting for?”

Dinampian nito ng halik ang pisngi niya. “Pinapaalis mo na ako?”

Inihilig niya ang gilid ng mukha sa mga kamay na nasa ibabaw ng sandalan, saka ito tinignan ulit.

“You need to leave.”

“It’s not necessary actually. My presence doesn’t need there because I have authorized person to settle the incident.”

“Bakit ka pa magpupunta kung gano’n?”

Hindi naman sa ayaw niyang umalis ang asawa, pero mainit pa masyado ang insidente at tiyak na pagpipiyestahan ito ng media. Nag-alala lang siya.

“I want to check it. And besides I’m just an hour away and I have enough time.”

Huling halik sa labi niya bago ito tuluyang lumayo sa kanya. Umayos siya ng upo at pinanood itong isuot ang boxer shorts at pants.

“You’re going home tonight, right?” She asked, while covering her thighs with her dress. Hindi niya makita kung nasaan ang panty niya.

Brooke buckled his belt then stare at her for a moment. “Yes, for sure. But don’t wait for me, okay?”

“Why not?”

“I might come home late.”

“Call me,”

“Call or text me with your new number.” Instead he said to her. “My personal number is on the gold card.”

“Okay, I will.”

Gelicah stood up and searched for her panty. Nagpaikot-ikot na siya sa harap ng asawa pero hindi niya makita ang kapirasong telang ’yon.

“Looking for…what?” Brooke voice was teasing.

Nagdududa na tinignan niya ang asawa. Nakaangat ng bahagya ang kilay nito, may multong ngiti sa labi.

“Where’s my panty?”

Brooke place his one hand on his front pocket and pulled up something from it. A red thin lacy panty is on his hand now, showing it to her.

“This?”

Her cheeks rose up. “Give me that. I don’t have extra here.”

“Buy a dozen later. I’m gonna keep this.” He smell it without breaking their eye contact. “I don’t wanna miss my wife later. I’ll keep this with me.” Then he put it inside his pocket again.

Icah heart is thumping loudly inside her chest. Why does he need to be so blunt with his words and actions?

Sabay nilang nilingon ang cellphone nito nang mag vibrate, nasa gitnang salaming lamesa. Her secretary is calling again.

Brooke get the phone, he answered it and place on his ear. He’s back with his serious facial expression.

“I’ll be there in a minute. Yes, okay.” He cut the line and walked a little more closer to her.

“I need to go,” he said and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Call me, okay?”

“Okay. Ingat ka.”

“Come with me,” bigla ay sabi nito, halatang ayaw pang umalis. “Wala ka namang gagawin. Sumama ka na sa’kin.”

“Sigurado ka?”

Napahilot ito sa sintido at bahagyang napapikit pa. Parang may nagawa o nasabing hindi sinasadya.

“I…I mean,” Brooke frowned and held her hand. “Come with me.”

Amazed by his sudden action, she let him guide her outside. Nagpaubaya siya sa asawa na hawak ang kamay niya hanggang sa makarating sila sa huling palapag ng building. Paglabas nila sa pinto ay ang helipad ang bumungad sa kanya at ang itim na chopper na may nakasulat na B. Montero sa gilid.

Ang malakas na hangin ng malaking elesi ay ang nagpagulo sa buhok niya at nagpahawak sa kanya sa suot na dress upang hindi ’yon umangat.

“My panty,” she whispered on her husband, he’s holding her hand.

“It’s in my pocket, babe.”

“I need to wear it.”

Brooke chuckled and glance on her. He’s about to speak when Ruben, his bodyguard interrupted.

“Boss, pwede na tayong umalis.”

Brooke just nod and guide her to the helicopter. Maingat ang bawat hakbang niya, she felt uncomfortable wearing nothing under her dress.

Silang dalawang ng asawa ang nakaupo sa likod, habang ang piloto at si Ruben naman ang nasa harap. Ilang sandali pa ay lumipad na pataas ang sinasakyan nila.

“How are you feeling?” Brooke asked, his lips is on her ear while his hand was on her lap. His back arm was touching her boobs. He’s being touchy again.

“Uncomfortable.” She pouted her lips.

Sino bang mag-aakala na makakarating siya sa Masbate nang walang panty? Sila lang ni Brooke ang nakakaalam niyon at gusto niya nang mainis sa asawa dahil hindi man lang siya nagkaro’n ng pagkakataong isuot ’yon, dahil paglapag ng helicopter sa Masbate ay may sumundo kaagad sa kanilang itim na sasakyan papunta sa lokasyon ng sunog.

Sa labas palang ng sasakyan ay napaligiran na ng media. The tinted window is enough to cover them inside.

“Boss, papunta na ’yung ibang tauhan para harangan ’yung media.” Ruben informed her husband.

“Are you okay?” Brooke asked her instead.

“Okay lang.” Tumingin siya sa labas. “Daig mo pa ang artista, ha.”

“They’re just doing their job.”

Maya-maya lang ay nagsidatingan ang ilang kalalakihan na pinalibutan ang pinto sa gilid ni Brooke, upang harangan ang media sa pagdumog sa asawa niya.

“I need to wear my panty.” She whispered.

Walang nagawa si Brooke ng kapain niya sa bulsa nito ang telang ’yon at kunin. Napangisi siya.

He frowned at her. Hinawakan nito ang laylayan ng dress niya upang hindi umangat habang pasimple niyang isinusuot ang panty.

Icah smile grew wider when she finally felt comfortable, having her underwear on.

“Okay na boss, pwede nang lumabas.” Imporma ulit ni Ruben sabay tingin sa labas, nahawi na ang mga media, pero nasa gilid pa rin, inaabangan ang paglabas ng asawa niya.

“Okay, lead the way.” Si Ruben ang unang lumabas at nagbukas ng pinto sa gilid ng asawa niya. “Just hold my hand and don’t mind the media, okay?”

“Copy, boss.” She teased, making him chuckled.

“Nah, my wife is the boss here.”

Magkahawak ang kamay nila nang lumabas ng sasakyan. Para silang mga bigating artista na dinumog ng media, halos mapayuko siya at mapayakap kay Brooke, ang mga bodyguard ay nakapalibot sa kanila.

“Mr. Montero, ano ang masasabi mo sa nangyaring sunog?”

“Totoo ba na may pagkukulang ang MOC kaya sumabog na lang bigla?”

“Ang MOC ang sinisisi ng mga tao, ano ang masasabi mo ro’n, Mr. Montero?”

Sunud-sunod ang tanong na ’yon na walang sinagot ang asawa niya. Patuloy lang ito sa paglalakad at sa pag-cover rin sa kanya para hindi maabot ng mga reporter.

“Mr. Montero, totoo ba na ikinasal ka sa L.A?”

Naramdaman niyang natigilan din si Brooke sa tanong na ’yon, napahinto pa sa paglalakad. Ang mga mic at cellphone ay nakaabang sa kanila, pati na rin ang mga camera.

“Siya ba ang asawa mo?” Tanong pa ng isa. “You are both wearing a couple ring. Is that the sign that you two are married?”

That’s a follow up question from a female reporter of a famous tv network, according to her ID and the logo on her mic.

Brooke lips form a small smile and his gripped on her hands tightened. Siya ang kinakabahan kung sasagot ba itong asawa niya o hindi, lalo at huminto ito sa paglalakad, lalong binigyan ang media ng pagkakataon na dumugin sila.

“Mr. Montero, totoo bang ikinasal ka sa Amerika noong nakalipas na isang Linggo? Siya na ba ang maswerteng babae?”

Pilit ang naging ngiti niya. Hindi malaman kung ano ang mararamdaman. Kailan man sa buhay niya ay hindi siya pinagkaguluhan ng ganito. Ngayon lang.

Nagwala ng husto ang puso niya nang i-angat ng asawa niya ang magkadaupang palad nila, at hinalikan ang likod ng kamay niya. Pinagpawisan ang noo niya bigla.

Nag-flash ang mga camera na halos sumilaw sa kanya sa gitna ng kulay kahel na ulap. Nag-aagaw na ang araw at gabi, ang hangin ay iba ang init.

“Yes…I’m married.” Brooke answered and continue walking, holding her hand tightly, not wanting to let her go.

16 ~ No Cuddling

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

GELICAH didn’t expect that her husband would tell the media about their marriage. She was surprised. She thought that it was private, that they will hide it in public, because that’s only a marriage for convenient. Na maghihiwalay din naman sila pagkalipas ng anim na buwan, kaya bakit ipinaalam pa ni Brooke sa publiko?

“Yes, definitely. The company will help their family. I will make sure of that.” Brooke answered the reporter.

He gave time to the media to answer some of their question that is related to the incident. While she was in one of the vip room and having her coffee. Brooke is on the other vip room with the medias. She was watching her husband on the television. He was having a live interview.

Ang buong atensyon ay narito lang, tutok na tutok kay Brooke ang media na para bang masyadong mahalaga ang bawat salitang bibitiwan nito. The bodyguards is around him, too, guarding their boss.

“One last question Mr. Montero, any plan in building another branch of MOC here in Masbate?”

“Why not?”

“Kahit na isinisisi sa MOC ang biglaang pagsabog?”

“Let’s don’t jump into conclusion. The investigation is still on-going. Let’s stop blaming MOC, not unless it’s proven that is our fault.” Brooke serious expression on the tv screen turns her on.

Mas gwapo pa ito sa mga modelo at artistang napapanood niya sa TV sa totoo lang. Napainom siya sa kape niya nang hindi inaalis ang mata sa asawa. His thick eyebrows is bit furrowed, kung alam niya lang ay medyo iritado na ito ayon na rin sa ratsada ng kilay nito at sa pagkakadikit ng labi habang naghihintay ng mga tanong.

“One more question, Sir, this isn’t about the incident.”

“Go on,” Brooke urged the female reporter.

“Do you have any message to those single ladies who’s probably crying now about your marriage? Just a short message, Mr. Montero.”

Her husband chuckled sexily and shook his head amusingly. “Uh,” He massage his jaw, making his gold ring finger shows on the screen. A proof that he’s really married…to her. “I have friends who’s still single. Don’t lose hope ladies.” Then he followed it with a soft short laugh. Natawa rin ang mga taong nakapaligid dito.

Ilang sandali pa ay natapos na rin ang interview at binalikan na siya ni Brooke. He kissed the top of her head before he lazily sit on the vacant chair just in front of her.

“You look good on tv.” She praised him.

His lips protruded a bit, hiding a smile. “How about in person?”

“Well,” Pilya niya itong nginitian, napailing ito. Alam na ang tumatakbo sa isip niya. “Mas gwapo sa personal, syempre.”

“I know,” He smile smugly. “Hindi kita mapipilit pakasalan ako kung hindi.”

“Why so yabang?” Maarteng sabi niya at inirapan ang asawa.

“Let’s go home soon. Binyagan na natin ang kwarto ko.”

Uminit ang pisngi niya, sinaway ito sa pamamagitan ng paglaki niya ng mga mata. Nasa kabilang table lang sina Ruben at ang piloto, nakakahiya at baka narinig pa ang kahalayan ng amo nila.

“Gabi na, okay pa bang bumyahe?”

“No problem with that.”

Hinintay lang nitong maubos niya ang kape niya bago nag-ayang umalis na sa lugar na ’yon. Paglabas nila sa restaurant ay may iilang media pa rin ang naroon. Ang mga bodyguard ay nagsulputan na naman sa paligid nila. Brooke hand is on the small of her back, maingat siya nitong inaalalayan sa paglalakad na kulang nalang ay kargahin siya.

“WHY DID you tell it to public?” Gelicah asked her husband.

They’re laying naked in bed, under the dark sheet. Her head was resting on his chest, while his one hand was wrapping her shoulder. She felt sleepy and tired, it was a long day for both of them and they end it with a steamy sex awhile ago.

“What do you think?”

Now that he asked that, her idea came out. Maybe he did that to impress his grandfather? To make him believe that their marriage is real and he doesn’t need to hide it to the public?

“It’s part of your plan? To make it public? It’s more realistic actually. It will help us to make your grandfather believe in our marriage.”

“Yes,” he almost whisper the word.

Umalon ang dibdib nito para sa paghugot ng hangin. Sa isang banda ay nakaramdam siya ng disappointment sa sagot nito. Sa loob-loob niya ay talagang proud naman si Brooke na kasal na sa kanya, she saw it on his face the way he announced their marriage today. Pero may lihim palang plano ito kaya ipinaalam sa publiko.

“That’s good.” She hide her disappointment. She shouldn’t feel it!

“I can feel that he’s not yet satisfied the way we act. We need more realistic action. We cannot fool him that easy.”

“Kapag ba nalaman niyang niloloko lang natin siya, hindi niya ibibigay sa’yo ’yung mana mo?”

Hinaplos nito ang balikat niya pababa sa braso, ang dibdib niya ay nakadagan sa gilid ng dibdib nito. It feels so good cuddling with him after sex. She felt contented being with his arms.

“I don’t really know. But for sure, he will get mad and I don’t want that to happen.”

She place her palm above his hairy chest and caress it lightly, relaxing him.

“Kaya natin ’to…saka malay mo, makabuo na tayo. Mas makatotohanan ’yon, di ba?” Humina ang boses niya, umaasa sa positibong sagot ng asawa. Ngunit nawalan ito ng kibo. “We can use our baby to make him believe on us that we really love each other, right? Kasi, kung hindi tayo seryoso sa pagpapakasal, hindi naman tayo magpaplano ng pamilya, di ba?”

“You have point.” Tipid na sambit nito.

“Hindi niya naman malalaman na napagkasunduan lang natin ang tungkol sa bata. So, we can use the baby.”

“I don’t wanna use our baby for my own good.” There was a finality and authority on his voice.

“The baby will help us.”

“Yes I know, but when he grew up, I don’t want him to think that I used him when he was a baby just to get my inheritance. That’s selfish of me.”

Ngumuso siya, napasiksik sa asawa kahit na dikit na dikit naman ang hubad nilang katawan. His body is so warm, it’s hard but it comforts her for some reason.

“So, what’s your other plan now?”

“No other plan right now. Let’s stick with the deal. Having baby and acting like a real couple.”

Acting like a real couple.

Yes, they are just acting. Ang lahat ay pag-arte lang at pagpapanggap. Kaya, ngayon palang rerendahan niya na ang puso niya. Mahirap na at baka mahulog siya kay Brooke, at hindi malabo ’yon. Lalo na’t ganito sila kalapit sa isa’t-isa at palaging magkasama.

Nakakatakot mahulog sa lalaking katulad nito, na ang nasa isip lang ay pagpapanggap ang lahat para sa kayamanan.

Brooke set his mind on that matter, that’s why he’s really good in acting and pretending as a good husband to her. Samantalang siya, parang hindi na pagpapanggap minsan ang ginagawa niya. Pakiramdam niya minsan ay totoo na.

Napapikit siya sa ideyang ’yon. It’s scares her. Paano kung akala niya pagpapanggap pa ang ginagawa niya? Pero ang totoo ay hindi na? Na totoo na pala ang lahat ng ’to para sa kanya? Pero hindi para sa asawa niya. And that’s a slap on her face. Isang sampal ng reyalidad na nagpamulat ng mga mata niya.

Napalayo siya sa asawa na ipinagtaka nito, na kahit siya ay nabigla sa kilos niyang ’yon.

“What’s wrong?” He looks confused.

Lumikot ang mata niya, kapit ang kumot upang hindi humulas sa dibdib niya. Gumulo ang isip niya sa sitwasyon nila. Iba ang nararamdaman ng dibdib niya kapag iniisip niyang pagpapanggap lang ang lahat, para siyang nasasaktan.

“Hindi dapat tayo nagyayakap.” Aniya, lito pa rin sa sariling damdamin.

“Hmm,”

“We are just a fuck buddy.”

Brooke brows shot up, amuse. Tumagilid pa ito ng higa paharap sa kanya para sa buong atensyon nito. Ang kumot ay nanganganib na nakasampay sa bewang nito at kaunting galaw pa ay huhulas na ’yon pababa.

“Do you think we are like that?” He asked in an amuse tone.

“O-Oo! Ano pa ba? Hindi naman tayo totoong nagmamahalan. Hindi mo ako mahal at hindi kita mahal. Pero nagtatalik tayo, ano ang tawag do’n?”

Kung paano niya naitawid ang mga salitang iyon ng hindi nauutal ay hindi niya na alam. Ramdam niya ang panginginig ng kalamnan niya. Naiirita siya sa sariling damdamin.

Pag tingin niya sa asawa ay nawala na ang kislap sa mga mata nito, napalitan iyon ng kalupitan sa gitna ng maliit na tanglaw sa buong silid. Umahon ang kaba sa kanya.

“We are married.” His tone was menacing, it made her shiver silently.

“Y-yes, but it won’t change the fact that we are here for a casual sex because I badly want a baby.”

“Oh, okay,” he coolly nod his head, as if he already get her point and he’s there, ready to hear her whims. “What my wife wants now?” He asked, hiding his amusement now.

“H-Hindi dapat tayo nagyayakapan pagkatapos magtalik.”

“Why not? I like cuddling with you after sex.”

“Hindi dapat. It develops our feelings. Paano kung isa sa atin ang ma-in love? Masasaktan lang tayo sa huli.”

“I’m not scared on falling in love. You shouldn’t scared of love.”

“Says a man who had been with different women,” she sarcastically said. “How can you say that?”

“Let’s go back to the topic, baby.” Uh, his avoiding his women! “Tell me all what you want and what you don’t want for us.”

“We will stop cuddling after sex. Okay?”

“You want that?”

Hindi siya nakasagot kaagad. Bakit parang labag sa loob niya ang sarili niyang pinagbabawal? She likes cuddling with her husband!

“That’s the right thing to do, Brooke.”

“I was asking you if you want that?”

Gelicah leered. “Yes,”

“Okay, no cuddling after sex.” He shrugged, it feels like it’s nothing to him! “What else my wife wants?”

Huminga siya ng malalim at nag-isip pa ng mga ayaw niyang gawin nila para maisalba niya ang puso niya. Mahigpit ang kapit niya sa makapal na kumot, habang nakahiga at nakatingala sa may kadiliman na kisame.

“Don’t be so touchy when we are alone.”

“Hmm,”

“Brooke!” Iritado na nilingon niya ito, kabang-kaba na baka hawakan siya nito at bibigay siya. Kakainin niya lang yata ang mga pagbabawal niya sa sarili at sa kanilang dalawa. “I don’t like clingy.” Liar!

“Okay,” his tone was cold.

Then he proper his laying position. They are both looking on the ceiling, thinking nothing.

“Matulog na tayo.”

“I’m going to work tomorrow.” He informed her.

“Mag-isa lang ako rito bukas?”

“Yes.” He said and closed his eyes. Wala nang good night kiss?

Gelicah stare at him for a moment. Ang tangos ng ilong ng asawa ay nadepina ngayong naka-sideview ito, ang labi ay nakaisang linya, walang balak magsalita pa. Ang isang braso ay ginawang unan, na kanina lang ay nakayapos sa kanya.

Masama ang loob na tinalikuran niya ito ng higa at nagpilit na matulog. This is the right thing to do to save her heart from being broken in the end, stay away from his sweetness.

IT’S IN THE middle of the night but he could not sleep. Gelicah was laying beside him, the thought that he could not hug her making him feel annoyed to himself. Why he let her ruled him by the way?

Gumalaw ang asawa sa tabi niya, ilang beses na itong nagpalit ng pwesto mula pa kanina. Marahil ay hindi rin makatulog.

He concentrated and relaxed his mind, trying to get some sleep without hugging his wife. But his body is really ache for her, he wanted to grab her and lock her to his arms!

Frustratedly, he shifted his position to face her and to his surprised, she did the same. He saw the shocked on her beautiful face to what they did, he’s almost smirking on his mind.

“Hindi ako makatulog,” reklamo ng asawa niya, nakausli ang labi.

Her hair is messy and her eyes looks tired. Para itong may lihim na hinaing na hindi sinasabi sa kanya.

The dark blanket above her chest wasn’t good enough to hide her cleavage, it’s showing. It’s good in the eyes. He wanted to lay a finger on her breast and massage it like he used to do. But her rules was stopping him from doing it!

“Close your eyes.” He said coldly, fighting the urge of pulling her closely to him.

“Hindi parin!” She sounded desperate now.

Brooke frowned, showing that she’s disturbing him. He was testing his wife, kung siya ay hindi makatulog dahil hindi niya ito kayakap, siguradong gano’n din ito.

He’s battling with his pride. Gelicah was the one who made the rule of ‘no cuddling’, she should mean it, she should stand with it. And he wouldn’t break it.

Malakas itong bumuntong hininga nang hindi niya ito pinansin at nagkunyaring natutulog na. He seems like a stupid boy who’s grinning silently because of his wife miserable state right now. This is funny.

“Brooke…” she lay a finger on his shoulder, and it effects him so much.

“Baby, please let me sleep.” He told her, closing his eyes.

“Tsk,”

Iminulat niya ang mga mata, naaninag ang paglukot ng naganda nitong mukha. Nakausli na ang labi, ang natural na kapal ng kilay ay nagtatagpo na.

“What do you want me to do for you to sleep?”

Lalo itong napasimangot at umirap pa. Inis na itinaas ang blanket hanggang sa leeg nito, natabunan na ang magandang view kanina lang. She’s battling with her pride, too, he feel it.

“I don’t know.” She whispered sulkily.

Brooke let out a breath and reached her waist. “Come here,” then he pulled her closer to him.

Lihim siyang napangiti nang hindi ito nagprotesta. Nagpaubaya ito at napasiksik sa katawan niya. He pulled up the blanket that covering her body, making him feel her soft breast on the side of his chest, then he covered their body with the blanket. It feels so good, having her on his arms.

“I told you, you can’t sleep without hugging me.” He teased with a smug smile on his lips.

“Shut up,” Icah hissed, she was making herself comfortable by resting her head on his chest. “Namamahay lang ako.”

“Yeah?”

“Huwag mo na akong asarin.” Pakiusap nito na nahihiya. “Matulog na tayo. Maaga ka pa bukas, di ba?”

“Yes, goodnight. “ He kissed her head and tightened his embrace on her before he closed his eyes with a content smile on his lips.

17 ~ Crave

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“HOW’S YOUR marriage life?”

That question was from Joyce. They are in an exclusive coffee shop together with Kira. Her husband left early in the morning, so she woke up alone in bed. Okay na rin ’yon dahil nahihiya siya sa asawa niya. She made a rules last night, but in the end, she break it. What a shame?

Malay niya ba na hindi na siya sanay matulog ng hindi nakadikit ang balat niya sa balat ng asawa niya? Sana nga ay gano’n din si Brooke, pero mukhang hindi. Pinagbigyan lang talaga siya kagabi at naramdaman marahil na aligaga siya. Ngayon, hindi niya na alam kung mapapangatawanan niya pa ba ang ‘no cuddling’ niyang patakaran.

“It’s okay. Kahit papano ay nasasanay na kami sa presenya ng isa’t-isa.” Casual na sagot niya, komportableng nakaupo.

“Halata nga. You’re blooming. Masarap ba?” tudyo ni Kira sabay maarteng sumimsim ng kape.

“Syempre masarap!” Joyce was the one who answered. Tunog siguradong-sigurado. “I heard a lot of rumor about Brooke and his performance in bed. Binabalik-balikan daw ’yan ng mga ex niya. Ano bang mayron sa asawa mo, Icah? Bukod sa gwapo na, big time pa. Um?”

Ano nga ba? It’s hard for her to compare Brooke to other. She doesn’t have any experience with other men. Damn, she was a virgin when he took her!

Kaya ano ang isasagot niya? Na may pierce ang asawa niya sa pagkalalaki nito? Na nagpapasigaw sa kanya sa sarap? Uminit ang mukha niya, in no way in hell she would tell it to anyone! Kaya siguro hinahabol-habol ang asawa niya ng mga naikama nito dahil sa sarap nitong bumayo!

The rumor was right. Uh, she can still remember the night when Brooke admitted that there are some women who’s flirting with him until now!

“Si Gelicah lang ang makakasagot niyan. Ano, girl? Is the rumor about your husband’s right?” Kira shifted her sitting position aggressively, she’s now facing her, the two are waiting for her answer.

“Hindi makasagot.” Apila ni Joyce. “Hindi siguro totoo ang bali-balita-”

“Totoo!” Namula ang pisngi niya nang ngisian siya ng dalawa. Pareho itong lalong naging alerto, abang na abang sa susunod na sasabihin niya. “He’s good in…” napalunok siya. “…bed.”

“Rate mo, 1 to 10!”

“10!” she proudly said, making the two giggled.

“Nakaka-ilang rounds kayo?” Agresibong tanong ulit ni Joyce.

“Lupaypay ka siguro palagi, ano? Kaya pala ilang araw lang parang pumayat ka! Pero mas lalo kang gumanda, Icah. In fairness, nakakaganda pala talaga ang sex!” Walang preno ang bibig ni Kira na ikinahihiya niya na naging kaibigan ito.

Napapatingin na sa kanila ang iba pang customer do’n dahil ang lamesa lang nila ang tangi na maingay at nakakahiya pa ang pinag-uusapan nila! Goodness!

“Huwag na nga natin siyang pag-usapan.” Aniya, asiwa na sa topic nila. They shouldn’t talk about sex in public.

“Let’s continue talking about your husband. He’s interesting.” Joyce said, making her rolled her eyes on her friend. Hindi talaga titigil. “Guess what? I’ve read an article about his family background.”

And that caught her attention. His family background. She’s interested to know since Brooke keep his family background from her. Though, she understand him, still she wanted to know. Wala naman sigurong masama na kilalanin niya pa ng lubusang ang asawa niya, di ba?

“Let us hear it!” Kira motioned Joyce to continue, then winked at her playfully.

Joyce proper her sitting position, she rested her back on the chair. “His mother left their mansion when he was five.”

Gelicah eyes widened a bit, surprised by what she heard. She didn’t expect it. Ang alam niya lang ay wala na ang mommy ni Brooke. That’s all.

“Totoo ’yan?” Paninigurado niya.

“I don’t know. It’s just some part of gossips about him. He didn’t tell you?”

She shook her head before she sipped on her coffee. If his mother left him when he was a kid, if its really true, then her husband suffered of being left by his mother? How painful it was to be left by the one you love?

“All I know that his mother was gone.”

“Maybe the rumor is true?” Kira muttered. “What matter now is he’s successful even without his mother beside him.”

“He grew up without a mother.” She almost whispering, she suddenly felt sad. “His grandfather was the one who raised him.”

“Yes, he never forget to thank Don Armando whenever he have an interview for business magazine. Your husband look up on his abuelo so much, he said that in one of his interview.”

She smile, she can tell it too. Brooke really care about his grandfather. He’s a lolo’s boy. Don Armando is his only family. Kung sana ay papayagan siya ng tadhana na maging pamilya si Brooke ay gagawin niya…gagawa sila ng pamilya. Kaya lang anim na buwan lang ang pagkakataon na ibinigay sa kanya.

Pagkakasyahin niya na lang ang mga araw na ’yon para maiparamdam sa asawa niya na kabahagi siya ng pamilya…na pamilya parin silang matatawag.

IT WAS THEIR second month of being married, and so far so good. Walang naging problema sa kanila ni Brooke, bukod lang sa mga araw na iritado siya sa asawa lalo at madalas na itong umuwi ng hating gabi. Staying at home or going to Mall every day starting to bore her.

“I want to work.” She said to him, he’s getting ready to go to work again.

“You don’t need that. I can provide every thing for you, babe.”

Inaayos niya ang pagkakatali ng tie nito, gano’n sila araw-araw at nasasanay na siya, pero ang kabog ng dibdib niya ay hindi pa nasasanay sa tuwing tititigan siya nito. Katulad nalang ngayon, magaan ang lapat ng mata sa kanya ngunit nanunuri.

“But I want…I’m getting bored.” She whisper, her lips protrude a bit, while looking on his stubbles.

Marahan na ipinulupot ng asawa ang mga braso sa bewang niya, ang kabog ng dibdib niya ay mas lalong naging agresibo.

“Payagan mo na ako,” lambing niya pa sa mahinang boses.

“You can work with me.”

Kumislap ang mga mata niya nang mag-angat ng tingin sa asawa. Ang labi nito ay nakapirmi sa isang linya, may multong ngiti.

“Gusto ko ’yan. I can even replace your secretary.” Mayabang na sabi niya, halos taas noo.

“Hmm. My secretary do a lot of works.”

“Kakayanin ko.”

Ngumiti ang magaganda nitong mata, amuse sa ipinapakita niyang dedikasyon na mag-trabaho na.

“Just work with me in my office.”

She knotted her forehead. “What would be my job?”

Brooke smile playfully. “Just be…with me until I finish working.”

“Papanoorin lang kita?” Bahagya niya itong itinulak sa dibdib pero tinawanan lang siya. “You’re playing with me.”

Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. “Get dressed. Come with me in my office.”

Sa galak ay pinanggigilan na hinalikan niya ang asawa sa labi. Ilang araw niya rin itong nilambing sa bagay na gusto niya ng mag trabaho. Ngayon lang siya pinayagan, sa wakas. Sa opisina nga lang nito, okay na rin. Makakasama niya ito buong araw.

FOR THE FIRST time after being married with Brooke Montero for a good two months, finally, she got the chance to visit his office.

“Good morning, boss.” The secretary stood up when she saw them came out from the elevator. “Good morning Mrs. Montero.” She greeted politely with a smile.

“Good morning,” she greeted back with a smile. Being called Mrs. Montero made her heart jump gladly. Lalo tuloy gumanda ang araw niya.

Brooke just nodded his head before guiding her to his office. The wide glass wall at the back of his swivel chair, making the sun light came inside. The skyscrapers were good enough for an everyday view.

“What am I going to do?” She asked, standing in front of his center table, while he’s already sitting on the swivel chair, signing some papers.

“You can watch a movie in my room or make us coffee.” He winked at her and turn on his expensive silver laptop.

“Um, I want to eat chicken salad.” She sat on the couch.

Lumipat ang tingin ng asawa sa kanya mula sa laptop nito, nakuha niya ang atensyon ng gano’n lang. Distorbo lang yata siya rito.

“You ate a lot of chicken salad this pass few days.”

“Is that bad?”

“No,”

“Then, can I buy?”

“Mag-uutos nalang ako. Huwag ka nang lumabas.” He pressed the intercom above his table. “Come here,” he said on it.

Maya-maya lang ay magalang na pumasok ang sekretarya nito, nakangiti.

“Ano po ’yon, boss?”

Brooke motioned her to his secretary. “Ask my wife what she wants to eat and tell Ruben to buy it outside.”

The secretary turn around and face her. Para siyang nahiya bigla. Nagpunta lang yata siya do’n para kumain at distorbohin ang mga nagtatrabaho.

“Ahm, I want Mexican chicken salad and…” she paused and think on what she wants to eat. What she’s craving for. “…Lasagna, Macapuno caramel ice cream and…” she bit her lips shyly when she glance on Brooke and saw him staring and listening on her. “I want to eat santol, too. Okay lang ba?”

“Yes, Madam. Walang problema.”

“Thank you.”

“That’s all Mrs. Montero?” The secretary is all smile.

“Yes,”

The secretary turn to face her boss. “What about you, boss? Anything you want to eat?”

“I’m good, Lorry. Thanks.”

Tumango si Lorry at magalang na naglakad papunta sa pinto, saka niya naman naalala ang masarap na pamares sa santol.

“Um, please don’t forget to buy bagoong na maanghang.” Pahabol na bilin niya pa.

Lorry smile grew wider. “Noted, Madam.”

Ngumiti rin siya bago ibinalik ang atensyon sa asawa niya, napawi ang ngiti sa labi niya nang makita ang mataman na titig nito sa kanya.

“Why? You told me to eat whatever I want.”

Brooke blinked and shook his head. “Yeah,” then he force a smile. “Sabihin mo lang kung ano pa ang gusto mong kainin, magpapabili tayo, okay?”

“Okay,” Ilan sandali muna siya nitong pinagmasdan bago ibinalik ang atensyon sa ginagawa. “Do you want me to make you a coffee?”

“Yes, please.” He answered without looking on her.

She went to the mini kitchen and make him a brewed coffee. After a few minutes, she went back on him and put the coffee above his table.

“Here’s your coffee, boss.” She teased.

Brooke chuckled. “Thanks, baby.”

He rested his back on the swivel chair and massage his temple.

“Headache?”

“Uh, a bit.”

Umikot siya sa likod ng swivel chair nito at marahan niyang dinama ang sintido ng asawa, natigilan ito ng bahagya.

“It must be your lacked of sleep. You go home late and leave home early in the morning.”

“I think so,” he gently grabbed her hand and made her sit on his lap.

She carefully sitting on his lap, avoiding the thing between his thighs. His right arm was wrapping her waist and his palm was above her stomach, while the other one is on the arm rest.

“You can take a nap.”

“Hmm,” he nuzzle on her neck, making her tilted her head back a bit. His palm is caressing her stomach.

Nakapalupot ang isang braso niya sa batok ng asawa, habang ang isang palad niya ay nasa dibdib nito, nanghihinang nakalapat. Nalalasing na naman sa masusuyong paghinga nito sa leeg niya at sa paghaplos-haplos sa tiyan niya.

“Do you think it’s good that I’m here?” Her voice is low.

“Yes, I wanted you here in my office.”

“I’m disturbing you from working.” She pointed out. “Imbes na nagtatrabaho ka, ako ang tinatrabaho mo.”

Brooke let out a husky short laugh. Mas lalong nanindig ang balahibo niya sa pagtama ng hustong hininga nito sa may leeg niya.

“I’m just resting.”

“And this is your way of resting? Caressing and kissing your wife?”

“Yes, it’s relaxing.”

He planted a gentle kiss under her ear, it affects her body so much that even it was just a simple kiss, it put her body on heat. The feeling is so familiar, if her husband continue teasing her, she would surely ask for more!

“And this is my job? To make the boss relax?”

Marahan itong natawa. “That’s my wife’s job from now on.”

“How much is my monthly salary for that?” She playfully asked, tilting head on the side to have a full view of his handsome face.

Brooke eyes landed on her lips, she tried hard her best not to bit it because it would only make him turn on. Instead, she force a small playful smile.

“Name your price. I would give it to you in a blink.” He was intently stating on her lips now, her chest is going wild.

Icah swallow carefully, the desire on his dark eyes is very evident. Her husband wanted her! He’s just controlling himself!

Naalarma siya nang may kumatok sa pinto.

“Come in,” Brooke said in a flat tone.

Aalis sana siya sa kandungan ng asawa ngunit maagap siya nitong napigilan, huli na ang pagprotesta niya dahil pumasok na si Lorry na may dalang mga paper bag. Lorry smile on them, and it made her think that she is used seeing Brooke with a woman in that position. Hindi man lang nagulat sa nadatnan, nanatiling pormal at may ngiti.

“Heto na po ang lahat ng pagkain na pinabili mo, Madam.” Inilapag ng sekretarya ang mga ’yon sa lamiseta.

“Thank you.” She smile shyly at the woman.

Her face rose up because of their position. She looks like a naughty wife who’s disturbing her husband from working.

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Montero. Lalabas na po ako.” Magalang itong lumabas sa opisina.

“Uh, nakakahiya!” She hissed and slap her husband’s chest lightly.

“Anong nakakahiya do’n?”

“Your secretary caught us in this position. Baka iniisip niya ginugulo kita.”

“My secretary is out of my private life. And I don’t think she would think that my wife is only a distraction to me.”

Hinaplos nito ang hita niya, napaigtad pa siya nang ipasok nito ang palad sa formal dress na suot niya. Tinutumbok ng daliri ang ibabaw ng pagkababae niya.

Icah fake a cough and lifted her one eyebrow when Brooke smirked on her. He’s teasing her. Hindi siya magpapadala sa mapanudyong haplos nito.

“We are in your office.” She reminded him, she was killing the familiar heat that’s building up.

“I know baby,” he whispered under her ear, seducing her. His finger found her sensitive spot, making her body arch a bit.

“Brooke…” malambing na tawag niya.

His finger was teasing and rubbing her cl*t, she’s getting wet. She wants him, too, but she already smell the bagoong, para siyang naglaway bigla.

“Baby I want to eat…” she muttered and reached for his hand that’s busy rubbing her wetness, telling him to stop.

“Alright, eat.” He planted a kiss on her lips and stare on her for awhile.

“Sabayan mo ako,”

“I don’t eat santol.”

She laugh heartily. “Ice cream nalang?”

“Pwede, give me some.”

“Yes boss,” she winked on him before she stood up and went to the paper bags.

Inisa-isa niyang inilabas ’yon at mas lalong natakam nang makita ang mga santol na naglalakihan. Ilang beses pa siyang napalunok, takam na takam.

“You like that?” Brooke asked, he was watching her reaction.

Matamis siyang ngumiti at tumango. “Yeah, parang ang sarap. Lalo siguro kapag sinawsaw sa bagoong.”

Napangiwi si Brooke nang buksan niya ang lalagyan ng bagoong, inamoy-amoy niya pa ’yon. Ang sarap ng amoy!

“What the fuck is that smell?!” The door suddenly opened and a handsome man came in. It’s Kielton if she’s not mistaken. “The smell is gross! Ew!” Halos mangidlis pa ang lalaking bagong dating.

“Ang bango kaya,” sabat niya, inirapan ito.

“Oh, Mrs. Gelicah Montero is here. Hi,” Kielton coolly wave his hand on her, but she just leered at the man. Hindi niya bet. Masyadong ma-presko. “Ang sungit ng asawa mo, Brooke. Mabuti nalang maganda parin.”

Nang tignan niya ang asawa ay pasimpleng nakatakip ang isang palad nito sa ilong, tila ba minamasahe ’yon.

“Ayos ka lang?” Tanong niya rito.

“Yes baby, go on and finish eating your Santol and bagoong.” Brooke force a smile, telling her that everything is okay. “Don’t mind that brute.” Then he eyed Kielton sharply, as if he wanted his friend to shut his mouth.

“Oo na, ang bango na ng bagoong. Ang bango-bango ng opisina mo, Brooke.” Kielton said with the hint of sarcasm.

18 ~ Positive

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“MAS PINAG-USAPAN pa nga ang pagpapakasal mo kaysa sa pagsabog ng gasolinahan sa Masbate.” Patuloy si Kielton sa pagkukwento, nakaupo ito sa vacant chair sa tapat ni Brooke, habang ang asawa niya naman ay patuloy lang sa pagpirma ng kung anong mga dokumento sa lamesa nito. “Was that your tactic? Iliko ang issue?”

She was waiting for his answer for that, while she was eating her santol with bagoong, nakakadalawa na siya, pero hindi parin sumasapat sa kanya. She like it, medyo maasim na mapakla.

“It’s just happened, I didn’t expect that it will trend in tv news and social media.”

“It was trending for about a weeks or so.” Kielton informed. “The brutes were worried, you didn’t answer our text messages and phone calls.”

“I was busy that time, but I’ve read all the text messages.”

“We know that. Inisip nalang namin na hindi kawalan sa’yo ang gasolinahan na ’yon. ’Yung kinikita mo do’n pangdagdag lang sa pangbayad mo sa tax mo, di ba?”

Brooke laugh shortly at that, then he glance at her.

She gave him a small smile then avoided his gaze. Kanina pa pasulyap-sulyap sa kanya ang asawa niya, hindi niya naman matagalan salubungin ang mga tingin nito. Pakiramdam niya talaga ginawa niya lang tambayan ang opisina ni Brooke, tapos kain lang siya ng kain. Inaaya niya naman ang dalawa, ayaw lang talaga siyang saluhan.

“My tax is more than the gross of that gasoline station. Kawalan din sa MOC ang nangyari lalo pa at wala naman talaga sa amin ang pagkukulang. It was the employee’s issue after all.”

“Yeah, I heard the news. Your employee was depressed and killed herself by burning the office with her inside. It was a very dangerous move. People should kill the depression inside, not their lives.”

That’s the result of the investigation. Nangyari ang biglaang pagsabog dahil sa isang empleyado  na depress dahil umano sa pagdadalang-tao nito at hindi pinanagutan ng kasintahan. The eighteen year old girl was a breadwinner of her family, her unwanted pregnancy and her irresponsible boyfriend brought her the idea of killing herself…and the baby.

Napahawak siya bigla sa tiyan niya, biglang natakot. Pinagpawisan. Hinding-hindi niya magagawang kitilin ang buhay niya at ang anak niya dahil lang sa hindi siya papanagutan ng lalaki. She pity the girl, kung sana ay may nasasabihan ito ng problema ay hindi aabot sa gano’n ang buhay nito.

She believe that whenever you have a problem, you should share it. Huwag mong kimkimin, ilabas mo at isigaw mo. Maging ang buong mundo man ang makaalam ng problema mo, hindi ka dapat mahiya. Because everyone was suffering on their own problem, pagalingan lang sa pag-handle.

At higit sa lahat, palakasan ng pananampalantaya sa Panginoon, na ang lahat ng problema at pagsubok sa buhay mo ay malalagpasan mo.

Whoever is suffering to depression, it would be a help if you let go of your problem by telling it. Kung wala kang makausap, nariyan naman Siya, tumingin ka lang sa itaas, siguradong makikinig Siya. Iwan ka na ng lahat, pero Siya? Hindig-hindi ka Niya iiwan.

“Easy to say, yeah.” Brooke muttered. “Depression is one of the silent killer nowadays. Kung hindi ikaw ang papatay sa depresyon, ikaw ang papatayin niya. We should be more careful in dealing with people, because we never know what’s going on inside. They may be smiling outside, but slowly dying inside.”

“Depression is a bitch.” She hissed, making the men looked at her. “And girls should always remember that there are men who was born for being an asshole, who doesn’t have a balls to take and stand with their responsibilities!”

“That’s harsh.” Kielton defensively said.

“Affected?” Tuya niya, hindi talaga gusto ang lalaki. Gwapo pero naiirita siya.

“Of course not. I’m a fucking responsible. Kapag naka-buntis ako, papanagutan ko.”

“Papakasalan mo rin?”

“Ibang usapan na ’yan. Ayoko pang matali. Ayoko pang gumaya rito sa asawa mo, itinali mo, hindi na tuloy nakakasama sa amin.”

Umingos siya. Hindi niya naman pinagbabawalan si Brooke na lumabas, isa pa wala naman itong sinasabing makikipagkita ito sa mga kaibigan nito.

“Siya ang nagtali sa’kin, ’no!” Mataray na inirapan niya si Kielton at inis na sinawsaw sa bagoong ang santol.

Kielton playful eyes darted on her husband. “I see, ganito talaga ’to si Brooke. Naniniguradong sa kanya ang kanya.”

“Shut up,” Brooke eyed his friend sharply. “You better go, Kielton. You’re disturbing me.”

“Ouch,” Madramang daing ng lalaki, may paghawak pa sa dibdib. “Nag-asawa ka lang ganyan ka na.”

“What are you trying to say? Huh?” She glared at Kielton. “That I’m a bad influence to your friend?”

“I didn’t say anything like that, Mrs. Montero. And by the way, kahit masungit ka sa’kin, maganda ka parin. Mas maganda ka pala sa liwanag.”

Kumunot ang noo niya sa sinabi ng lalaki, parang may lihim na mensahe na hindi niya maintindihan. And when she take a glance to her husband, he’s glaring with Kielton as if he said something wrong to her.

“Fuck you.” Brooke curse in a low tone. “Not my wife.”

Kielton smirked and tilted his head on the side, annoying her husband. “Don’t be jealous, brute. I am just appreciating a women’s beauty.”

Brooke ignore his friend and continue reading and signing the papers. The silence inside his office only lasted for a minutes, before they heard a knocked on the door.

“They are here,” Kielton murmured.

“Ninong Brooke!” A voice of a kid suddenly echoed around the office when the door opened.

Isang cute na cute na batang lalaki ang patakbong lumapit sa asawa niya at sinalubong ng yakap. Parang tumalon ang puso niya sa eksena, sana balang araw ay mangyari rin ang gano’n, ang anak niya nga lang ang sasalubong ng yakap kay Brooke.

Malabo na sigurong mangyari ’yon lalo at may limitasyon lang ang pagsasama nila ng asawa niya. Bago siya manganak ay siguradong hiwalay na sila nito. Nakakalungkot isipin, pero gano’n talaga.

“Hey there buddy,” Brooke said to the little boy while he was brushing the kid’s hair with his fingers. “You surprised me.”

“Yes, we went to Villa Altaraza and we go straight here to visit you.”

“That’s sweet, Blake.” So, the kid name is Blake. So cute!

Isang lalaki at babae ang sumunod na pumasok sa opisina. The woman walked towards Brooke and gave him a peck on the cheek, and the man beside her patted her husband’s shoulder.

“Nag-aya si Blake. Miss ka na raw niya.” The beautiful woman said, smiling. Her baby bump is obvious, wearing a loose cotton dress and flat sandals.

Naka-kandong na kay Brooke ang bata, close na close ang dalawa, pansin niya lang.

“Have a seat.” Brooke motioned the visitors to the mini sala where she is sitting.

“Ninong, is she your wife? I saw her on TV with you.” Blake is now smiling on her.

Ang mga mata ay nasa kanya na. Bigla siyang nahiya, may bisita pala tapos ganito siya? Kumakain na para bang hindi pinakain ni Brooke ng ilang araw?

“Yeah, meet my wife, Gelicah.” Tumayo ang asawa niya karga si Blake tapos ay lumapit sa kanya.

“Hello Ninang! Ang ganda mo po.”

Icah blushed. She never knew that a compliment from a kid would make her blushed.

“Thank you. Ang cute cute mo, Blake.” Wala sa sarili na kinurot niya ng bahagya ang pisngi ng bata. Hay, nakakagigil! Parang gusto niyang lapirutin. “Gusto mo ng ice cream?”

Blake looked at his mother, asking for permission. “Mommy ko?”

The woman smile warmly. “Sure baby. Samahan mo ang ninang mong kumain.” Lumapit pa ito sa kanila at napangiti lalo nang makita ang mga pagkain sa lamesa. “Ang sarap niyan, ha. Maasim ’yung santol?”

Uminit ang pisngi niya at napatingin kay Brooke, nahihiya, pero nginitian lang siya ng asawa, para bang sinasabing ayos lang, hindi siya dapat mahiya.

“Medyo maasim, pwede na rin.” Then she followed it with a soft chuckled. “Gusto mo?”

“No, thanks. Mabuti nalang tapos na ako sa paglilihi.” Kumapit ito sa braso ng lalaking katabi, marahil ay asawa nito. “I’m Alexza, by the way. And this is my husband, Drake.”

Ngumiti siya sa mag-asawa. “Nice to meet you.” Tapos ay nakipagkamay siya sa mga ito.

Naupo ang mga ito sa bakanteng sofa sa tapat niya, si Blake naman ay pinag-gigitnaan nila ni Brooke, habang si Kielton ay nakisali na rin sa kanila.

“So, ’yan ang pinaglilihian mo? Santol at bagoong?” Tanong sa kanya ni Alexza, nanlaki pa ang mga mata niya.

“H-ha?”

Brooke fake a cough, napainom pa sa bottled water na nainuman niya na. Parang gusto niya na rin tuloy uminom, nanuyo ang lalamunan niya.

“Sorry, nagkamali yata ako?” Si Alexza. “Are you pregnant, Gelicah?”

Kinuha niya ang bottled water at inubos ang laman niyon. Literal na pinagpawisan siya, ang lakas ng kabog ng dibidib niya. Hindi niya maawat.

“I think..she is.” Brooke is almost whispering. He’s sweating like her.

“Wow! May baby na rin kayo, Ninong ko?” Naglikot si Blake sa gitna nila at excited na dinama ng maliit na palad ang ibabaw ng tiyan niya, nanigas siya, hindi nakagalaw. “Hi baby…matagal ka pang lalabas. Maraming tulog pa. Mauunang lalabas ang baby sa tiyan ng mommy ko.” Si Blake, kinakausap ang tiyan niya. “Pero okay lang ’yan, maghihintay kami sa paglabas mo, baby.”

Pinunasan niya ang pawis sa noo gamit ang likod ng palad. Hindi rin siya makatingin kay Brooke, ang lakas ng kalabog ng dibdib niya. They are not yet sure, but what if she’s really pregnant? Damn! Why she’s asking herself? This is what she wanted! To have a baby.

“You can use a pregnancy test, Gelicah.” Alexza suggested.

“Ah, um…” Hindi siya makahagilap ng sasabihin.

“Later, but right now, let’s enjoy the moment.” It was Brooke, trying to make a light conversation.

“Mommy, may bagoong din po, oh, look…” Itinuro ni Blake ang maliit na garapon. “Kumakain ka rin niyan mommy, di ba? May kasamang mangga na maasim.”

Alexza laugh softly. “Yes, anak.”

“Bagoong po ang kinakain ng mga buntis?”

The men suddenly laugh, making her laugh, too. Uh, why this kid need to be so adorable?

“Kasama sa paglilihi nila ang maasim na prutas na may kasamang bagoong, little boy.” Kielton winked at Blake. “Kaya kapag malaki kana at kumain ng maasim na may bagoong ang girlfriend mo, matik na ’yon na buntis siya.”

“Paano po ba nagkaka-baby ang mga girls, tito Kielton?” Blake asked innocently.

Lahat sila do’n ay parang kabado sa tanong na ’yon, wala naman din malakas ang loob na sumagot, kundi si Kielton lang.

“Brute, ayusin mo ang sagot mo.” Banta ni Drake sa kay Kielton.

“You need to be a sharp shooter to make a woman get pregnant.” Kielton answered, making them frown.

“How to be a sharp shooter?” Blake asked again, curious.

Tumikhim si Kielton, halatang nag-iingat sa sasabihin. “Ask your daddy and Ninong Brooke about it.” Then he wiggled his thick eyebrows playfully at the kid.

“Bakit sa kanila pa? Hindi ka po ba sharp shooter Tito Kielton?”

Nagtawanan silang lahat habang si Kielton naman ay nanlalaki ang mga mata, hindi inaasahan ang tanong na ’yon ni Blake.

“It’s not that I’m not a sharp shooter, little boy. I am just being careful, ayoko pa kasing matali.”

“Sino naman po ang magtatali sa’yo?”

kielton let out a loud breath, he brushed his hair with his fingers. “Yung mga girls. Kapag gwapo, itatali kaagad nila sa bewang nila.”

Nagkatinginan sila ni Alexza at napailing nalang, magpoprotesta sana sila pero nagsalita na ulit si Blake.

“Pero ang mommy ko ang itinali namin sa bed po. Daddy tied her.”

Alexza blushed, halos mapasubsob ito sa dibdib ng asawa na naka-angat lang ang sulok ng labi.

“Son, stop it. Your mommy is getting shy.” Drake smile on his son. “Saluhan mo nalang kumain ng ice cream ang ninang mo.”

“Okay po daddy ko.”

That’s the end of question and answer portion with Blake. Ang sarap naman pala talagang magkaro’n ng anak lalo at ang bibo bibo pa. Sana ganito rin ka-bibo ang maging anak nila ni Brooke.

Absentmindedly, she glance at her husband, and her heart gone wild when she caught him staring at her. Kaagad niyang ibinaling sa ice cream ang atensyon niya bago pa magwala ng husto ang puso niya.

Tahimik siyang kumakain, kasabay si Blake. Habang nag-uusap naman ang magkakaibigan tungkol sa business at sa iba pang bagay.

Nasa malalim siyang pag-iisip,dalawang buwan ang mabilis na lumipas at nakakatakot na pag-gising niya isang umaga ay wala na si Brooke sa tabi niya…dahil tapos na pala ang kontrata nila.

NANGINGINIG ang mga daliri niyang magkasiklop at mariin na nakapikit ang mga mata habang hinihintay ang resulta ng kanyang pregnancy test. She’s inside their bathroom, while Brooke was waiting for her on their bed. It’s early in the morning, she haven’t eat or drink anything yet, inuna niya talaga ang pag-test ng ihi niya, mas effective raw kasi kapag ganito kaaga.

“Gelicah,” Mas lalo siyang napapikit sa boses na ’yon ni Brooke sa labas ng pinto. “Are you okay there?”

Huminga siya ng malalim, kinalma ang kalabog ng dibdib niya. She wanted a baby, but the result made her so nervous! Ganito ba talaga? Para siyang naiihi ulit, nanlalamig ang mga kamay niya!

Slowly, she opened her eyes, she blink and look on the pregnancy test above the sink. The two red lines making her bit her lips. Her heart is hammering her chest so bad. Ang pag-iinit ng magkabilang gilid ng mata niya ay nagbabadya na ng masaganang luha.

Its positive! She’s pregnant!

Kinuha niya ’yon sa nanginginig na mga kamay. Kumurap-kurap siya, pinipigilan ang luha. Halos walang lakas na binuksan niya ang pinto at bumungad sa kanya ang asawa, na may malamlam na mga mata.

“What’s the result?” He asked softly.

Maingat nitong inalis ang ilang hibla ng buhok niyang tumabing sa pisngi niya, ingat na ingat na dumadampi ang daliri nito sa kanyang pisngi.

She will surely miss his sweet gestures. Siguradong hahanap-hanapin niya si Brooke kapag nagkahiwalay na sila. Naiiyak siya, dumagdag pa sa damdamin niya ang ideyang ’yon.

Tahimik niyang ibinigay kay Brooke ang hawak niya na tinanggap naman nito. Iniwas niya ang mga mata dito nang tignan nito ang ibinigay niya.

“Fuck…” He curse huskily, making her bit her lower lips. Her heart is beating so loud. “You’re carrying our child.”

Marahan siyang tumango, at sa gulat niya ay bigla nalang siya nitong kinabig at ikinulong sa mga bisig nito, na para bang hindi na siya nito papakawalan pa…na para bang binigyan niya ito ng isa pang matibay na dahilan para maangkin na siya nito ng tuluyan.

19 ~ Broken

CHAPTER NINETEEN

THE GOOD news made them both happy. She’s carrying an angel and she can see the gladness on Brooke’s eyes about it. At first, she thought he doesn’t mind it or he doesn’t care about it, but she was wrong. He became more caring and protective on her and to their baby. And she found it really sweet.

The good thing about her pregnancy is she doesn’t experience morning sickness, but, her cravings on eating foods made her cry some times if she didn’t get the chance to eat whatever it is she wanted to eat. She gets very emotional.

It was two in the morning already and she can’t sleep. Gelicah can see the city lights from their bedroom, her husband is sleeping beside her. Brooke’s tired from work, she doesn’t want to disturb his sleep just because she wanted to eat ice cream in the middle of the night.

Nang magpunta siya sa kusina kanina lang para kumuha sana ng ice cream sa ref, ay para siyang nawalan ng lakas nang makita niyang wala ng ice cream. Pagbalik niya sa silid nila ay halos maiyak siya.

“Why are you still up?” Brooke husky voice making her gasp.

Sinulyapan niya ang asawa, nakaupo siya sa gilid nito. Ang tanglaw ng lampshade lang ang nagsisilbing liwanag sa buong silid. He’s on his dark boxer shorts, he’s topless.

“I can’t sleep.”

“Come here, let me hug you.” Brooke reach for her hand and pull her gently, but she ignore him. “What’s wrong?” He sounds confused.

Napanguso siya at nag-init ang gilid ng mga mata niya. Dismayado at nasasaktan dahil sa hindi siya nakakain ng ice cream.

Pinahid niya ang bumagsak na luha nang bumangon si Brooke upang makita ang itsura niya. Hating gabi na pero gising na gising siya.

“N-nothing,” she lied. Ayaw niya itong isali sa kamiserablihan niya. “You better go back to sleep.”

Mula sa likod ay malambing na niyakap siya ng asawa, ang mga palad ay nasa ibabaw ng tiyan niya. Ang baba ay nasa balikat niya naman.

“You can’t sleep because you slept all day in my office?” His voice was gentle.

Maybe that’s also the reason why she can’t sleep? But the thought of ice cream is also kept her awake.

“I forgot to buy ice cream yesterday.” She almost whispering.

“We can buy later.”

“I want to eat ice cream now!” And now she sounded so desperate, making her husband chuckle on her neck. “What’s funny?!” She tried to look at him, but he buried his face on her neck, avoiding her glares.

“My babies wanted an ice cream?” There’s a hint of playfulness on his voice, that irritates her.

She feel so miserable for not eating ice cream! She wanted to scream, but she’s stopping herself. She was keeping her cool and think about what to do to stop her cravings.

“There’s a near convenient store here, right? Is it 24hours open?”

“Yeah,” dinampian nito ng halik ang balikat niya at kinalas ang yakap sa kanya. “I’m going to buy an ice cream.”

“I wanna go with you.” She said in a low soft voice.

She’s watching him wearing his v-neck shirt and khaki shorts. The sleeves of his shirt is a bit tight, the hard muscles on his arms were very impressive. Ang pagyakap ng damit nito sa katawan ay sapat na para mas lalong madepina ang matikas nitong tindig. Ang bahagyang pagkagulo ng buhok ay walang ka-effort effort na nagpadagdag lang sa gandang lalaki nito.

Effortlessly, he can take her breath away just by standing there, doing nothing but stares at her.

“Are you sure? You can stay here and wait for me.”

Gelicah blinked and composed herself properly.

“I’ll go with you. I don’t wanna wait here.” She said and stood up.

Brooke’s silently watching her every moves, the uneasiness when he stares at her is still there. Kung kailan siya masasanay sa mga tingin nito ay hindi niya pa alam o baka nga ay hindi na siya masanay pa.

She went to their walk in closet and change her nighties into a cotton loose dress. Hindi na siya makapaghintay makakain ng ice cream kaya sasama nalang siya sa asawa.

BROOKE WAS suppressing a smile while watching his wife eating ice cream in the convenient store near his condo. He’s sitting next to her, he can smell her sweet scent. Her hair is in a messy bun, but damn, his wife is effortlessly beautiful. He like her thick curly eyelashes and her hazel eyes, she looks like a doll.

Its already three thirty in the morning and they still awake. Then his gaze went on Gelicah stomach, his lips form a smile that almost turn into a smirk. Yeah, his wife and their baby are craving for an ice cream, that’s the reason why he’s there watching and supporting his wife and her cravings.

“Thank you for this, Brooke.” Gelicah said merrily and showed him the ice cream she was eating.

“Don’t mention it, its my responsibility.” Since she’s his wife and he’s the father of the baby. They are his responsibility.

The smile on her lips slowly faded then she nod her head lazily. “Yes, because you’re the father, that’s why you’re here.” Parang labas sa ilong nito ang mga sinabi.

“Hmm yea,” he stare at her, trying to read what’s on her mind.

“Are you happy?” She suddenly asked, looking down on the ice cream.

There’s a part of him that he’s happy and the other part wasn’t happy. People can’t be really happy just because you get what you want or just because someone is happy.

He learned that a real happiness in our hearts are hard to find. Even he loves the way he live, even he almost have everything or he gets whatever he wants, there’s still part of him was missing. And he knew from the very beginning that only one woman could ever fill that missing piece on him.

He was longing for his mother, he fucking admit it. Hoping that his mother would back on his life after leaving him is like a bitter pill that’s hard to swallow, but no matter how bitter it is, still, he wanted to take it, so he could have her again.

Is it too late for that? Is he asking for too much?

“Not really,” He honestly answered.

Aside from the question; are you okay? he realized that there’s still other question that’s hard to answer and that is; are you happy? Because those questions demand an honest answer. We can lie to others about how we really feel, but we can’t never lie to ourselves.

“I understand. Ako lang naman ang may gusto ng baby. Ako lang pala ang masaya.”

Bahagya siyang napatingala at napapikit ang mga mata sa pait sa boses ng asawa. Did she really think that he wasn’t happy about her pregnancy? When in fact, the baby became his inspiration. The thought of him and Gelicah having a baby made his heart jump inside his chest. He became excited to see his child.

“Don’t say that. I’m glad that w-we have an angel.”

He saw her leered on the ice cream, it seems like she didn’t believe on him.

“You were just saying that to make me feel good.”

“No baby,” he held her one hand, and gently squeeze it. “The idea of us having a child inspires me more.”

“You just said that you weren’t really happy.”

Brooke sighed. Her lips is pouted a little now while eating ice cream. From the glass wall of the store, he saw some people walking, back and forth and the dark sky is slowly fading. Paunti-unti ay lumiliwanag ang paligid, hudyat na lalabas na ang araw.

There are people went inside the store to buy something then going out after. Silang mag-asawa lang ang mga ilang minuto na rin na nakatambay do’n na para bang hindi siya papasok sa opisina mga ilang oras nalang.

“But I never said that I wasn’t happy about your pregnancy.”

“Then, why did you say that you weren’t, if you were really happy about our baby?”

Nahilamos niya ang mga palad sa kanyang mukha. This conversation might bring him to something that he has been avoiding to talk about to someone else aside from his grandfather.

“Coz there’s part of me that I wasn’t happy. But it’s not about our baby.” He could hear the frustration on his voice now.

Gelicah face him. There’s a sympathy on her eyes, and he doesn’t like it. Hindi niya kailangan ng simpatya galing sa iba. He can fucking handle himself, his problems and even his feelings.

“The feeling is mutual, Brooke.” She smile sadly at him. “I’m happy because there’s an angel who’s living here,” She gently caress her stomach. “But I feel like I wasn’t really happy inside, something is making me sad, something is still worrying me.”

“Its because of your mother situation.” He pointed out as if he already read what’s bothering his wife. And he think, he’s right.

Mas lalong lumungkot ang ngiti ng asawa, pati na rin ang kislap sa mga mata nito. Then she face the glass wall again, avoiding an eye contact with him.

Pareho sila ng posisyon, na animo pinapanood at binibilang ang mga iilang tao na padaan-daan sa labas. Pero ang katotohanan, ay pareho silang nasa malayo ang iniisip at ang tingin.

“Yes, its because of her.” Her voice was low. “Hindi na yata ako sasaya ng tuluyan kapag hindi pa siya nagising. I missed my mom so much. I missed hearing her voice, I missed seeing her smiles and I missed having a mother who will always support me in everything. Sometimes, I wondered, why does she needs to suffer like that? She’s been a good mother to me, a good wife to my father and a good friend. In all people, bakit ang mommy ko pa?”

Why does it seems like they are both longing for a mother? They really are. Hindi na siya magtataka kung bakit magaan ang loob niya sa asawa, because he knows that they are almost in the same situation.

They could only find a real happiness on their hearts if the people they are looking for to be with, would be with them…again.

Her mother and his mother.

“Maybe, it’s just a challenge of life. A trial and she needs to survive it.”

“Sana nga ay gano’n lang.”

“Let’s just be positive. Everything will be fine, I know.”

“How did you know? Do you ever feel what a daughter or son feels about their mother? That’s suffering and ill? Do you really know what I feel now?” There’s a bitterness on her voice.

“It’s not that—”

“You don’t know how I feel because you don’t have a mother.” She pointed out the truth and something inside him kick him. Her words were provoking, it provoked him, big time.

“Yes, I don’t have a mother.” He muttered coldly. He gritted his teeth, controlling his emotions. “But not because I don’t have her it doesn’t mean that I don’t know how you feel…because I fucking know it, I fucking feel it.”

Gelicah took a deep sighed and close her eyes tightly, as if she was regretting something. But its too late to regret now, he guessed, dahil nahukay na nito ang inilibing niyang damdamin sa dibdib niya, maraming taon na ang lumipas.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered softly. “I…I get emotional every time I think about my mother. Hindi ko sinasadya na sabihin ang mga ’yon sa’yo. That’s rude of me, I shouldn’t tell you that—”

“She left me.” He continue, cutting her off. “…when I was a kid. I lived almost all my life without her, without a mother. At the young age, I already know the feeling of not having a mother. The pain and jealousy watching my classmates who has a completed family broke my young heart.”

And he can still feel what he felt when he was a kid until now, it never leaves him. He buried that feeling on his heart, inalagaan niya ang mga damdamin na ’yon kahit hindi naman na dapat.

Minsan mas pinipili nating masaktan, kasi iyon din ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit tayo nagiging matatag.

Kaya siguro inalagaan niya ang masakit na pakiramdam na ’yon, kasi ’yon ang nagsilbing sandata niya na lagpasan ang lahat sa mga nagdaang taon…Na lagpasan ang pangungulila sa ina at sa sakit na dulot ng pag-iwan nito sa kanya.

Hindi sa lahat ng oras ay ang pagmamahal at kasiyahan ang totoong nagpapatatag sa isang tao, kundi, ang mga pagsubok at sakit na pinagdadaanan nito.

“But I continue living my life even I was broken, coz that’s the only thing I can do.” He continue, showing himself to her, telling her his deepest secret. “Little Brooke had so many wishes and dreams about his mother…that never came true.”

She saw Gelicah wiping her tears, almost covering her face with her palms, she’s silently sobbing. Nasasaktan sa hindi niya masabing dahilan. Kung para sa kanya ba? Ay baka, dahil gano’n ang nararamdaman niya sa mga sandaling ’yon. He was hurting about little Brooke and his wishes and dreams.

“I don’t need to be in your shoes to understand your feelings, especially when it comes to your mother because I know the feeling of not having one beside me.” He took a deep breath, trying to lessen the tightness on his chest. “I am a broken man…who was trying to fix myself because I was hoping that my wishes and dreams when I was a kid will come true…one day, someday.”

LITTLE BROOKE was silently watching his classmates together with their parents, while he was with his maid and family driver. Kung sana ay bumalik pa ang mommy niya nang gabing ’yon, siguro ay kasama niya ito ngayon.

The family day on their school would be happy and he wouldn’t feel envy on his classmates, but his mother wasn’t home yet until now. It’s already months ago since he last saw her. His father was busy at work, he didn’t even get the chance to ask him about his mother. And his grandfather was always avoiding his questions ’bout her.

“Yaya, kailan ba babalik ang mommy ko?” Tanong niya sa kay Lannie.

Little Brooke saw the glint of sadness on the face of the woman, but still, she tried to give him a smile.

“Maghintay ka lang, Brooke, b-babalik din ang mommy mo.”

“Pero ang tagal niyang bumalik. Namimiss ko na ang mommy ko.”

Thinking about his mother making him sad and hurt. He missed his mommy very much that he can’t sleep at night most of the time because he was longing for her, for her gentle caress on his hair and her soft voice when he sang a song for him to sleep.

Some times, thinking about her made him cry at night and nobody knows that. That’s his secret.

‘What if his mother will never come back home?’

That thought

scares him the most.

20 ~ The Truth

CHAPTER TWENTY

ALL THAT she wanted that moment was hug her husband and tell him that she’s very sorry to what she told him. Alam niya ang sitwasyon ng asawa at sa pang-iiwan ng ina nito nung bata pa ito. Her friends told her that and Brooke confirmed it to her.

The wound his mother left him is still on Brooke’s heart, silently hurting him. It was rude of her for telling him that he didn’t understand her situation when in fact he understand her and her feelings.

That emotional day had pass and they act normal again like they didn’t talk about his mother and his feelings. Sa isang banda ay may kasiyahan sa puso niya dahil sa ipinaalam sa kanya ng asawa ang nararamdaman nito.

Every time she looks at him, he seems like a man who doesn’t have a problem and just living his life, but deep inside, he’s a broken man. How she wish she could fix him, but only his mother could do it. Right?

She’s watching her husband sitting on his swivel chair, talking to his grandfather on the phone. His black suite is perfectly fit on him, that gives off an aura of power and authority.

His eyebrows were furrowed and his knotted forehead tells her that he was having a serious conversation with his abuelo. Then his dark intense eyes darted on her, making her heart jump.

Wala sa sarili na napakain ulit siya ng ice cream, pillit inignora ang kalabog ng dibdib niya dahil sa titig na ’yon ng asawa.

“She will be with me, Papa. I can’t just go there without her.” Brooke said in a cold tone. “Let’s talk about all of these when we get there. Yes, we will.” Then he sighed. “Bye,”

Brooke massage his temple after the line was cut off. She’s hesitant to ask him what he and Don Armando talked about. Bakit pakiramdam niya ay kasali dapat siya sa usapan ng mag-lolo?

“Papa wants to talk to us.” He break the silence.

Napilitan siyang lunukin ang malamig na pagkain na ’yon para mawala ang bara sa lalamunan niya kahit papano. Kinakabahan siya, kung sa titig ba nito o sa tila hindi magandang balita na matatanggap niya? Ay hindi siya sigurado. Sa paraan ng paglapat ng mga titig ng asawa sa kanya ay nagsasabing nasa hindi sila magandang kalagayan.

“T-Tungkol saan daw?” Kabado na tanong niya.

Brooke rested his back on the swivel chair tiredly, he close his eyes for a moment and when he opened it, she saw how worried he is for something she could not name yet.

“About us.”

“Oh, okay. Did you tell him about the b-baby?”

“Not yet.”

Her lips protruded. Why is she feeling nervous? Mukha namang walang masamang magaganap?

“Bakit mukha kang problemado d’yan? Kakausapin lang naman tayo ni Don Armando, di ba?”

Naglabas ito ng hangin sa bibig, tila problemado talaga. Ang cute pala ng asawa niya kapag ganitong sitwasyon. Mas lalong gumagandang lalaki.

“I know him. Hindi niya tayo ipapatawag basta-basta kung hindi naman importante.”

“Do you think we are in trouble?”

He nodded his head a bit. “Yes, I guess.”

Dala-dala ang ice cream ay nilapitan niya ang asawa at naupo sa katapat ng upuan nito. She tilted her head forward, giving him her full attention.

“Nalaman na kaya ni Don Armando na nagpapanggap lang tayo?”

Umangat ang dalawang kilay nito, ang mga mata ay amuse na ngayon na nakatingin sa labi niya. She took another scoop of ice cream and brought it to her mouth while attentively waiting for his answer.

“I don’t know.” He move a little bit forward. “Let’s find it out.” Then she felt his thumb on the side of her lips, wiping something on it, making her gasp. She watched him brought his thumb on his lips and lick it slowly. “Sweet,” Brooke muttered after tasting the small amount of ice cream.

Uminit ang pisngi niya. It was just a sweet but seductive move from him, it makes her heart race for some reason. Ang mga mata nito ay tila nalalasing na nakatingin sa kanya, hindi niya makayanan tugunan, para siyang tinutunaw.

“P-Paano kung malaman niyang nagpapanggap lang pala tayo? Na niloko lang natin siya? M-Maghihiwalay na ba tayo?” Mahina ang boses niya, nangangamba na.

“Gusto mo bang maghiwalay na tayo?” Napapaos na tanong nito. Ang mga mata ay namumungay na, mas lalo lang nagpakaba sa kanya.

Gusto niya ba? Ayaw niya pa! Nakakahiya at nakakatakot aminin ang bagay na ’yon. Hindi mabigkas ng bibig niya, pero ang puso niya ay naghuhumiyaw na huwag muna…huwag muna silang maghiwalay. She’s staring at him, telling him how much she wanted to stay and how much she wanted to be with him.

“Kung ayaw mo…Hindi kita hihiwalayan.” Anito na tila ba nabasa sa mga mata niya ang mga salitang hindi mabigkas ng labi niya. “Dito ka lang sa’kin…kayo ng anak natin.”

Ang puso niya ay hindi niya na mapigilan pa sa malakas at mabilis na pintig, na ang bawat marahas na pagtibok ay palihim siyang sinasaktan. Tahimik na humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib, bago marahan na tumango.

SEEING THE mansion again after a few months bring her back the memories of a Queen and the Prince in the castle. Maybe, the reason why the mansion is familiar to her it’s because on her imagination, it was the castle on her Tita Bettina’s story.

The castle who has King of all Kings, the powerful, which is Don Armando and the little Prince is Brooke. The Queen would be his mother and the King would be his father. It seems like those fictional characters became real all of a sudden.

Gelicah shook her head when she realized how funny it was her imagination.

“You know, in my imagination, you’re the Prince.” She said and gave her bag to one of the maids when they entered the mansion.

While Brook gave his coat to the other one and place his hand on the small of her back.

Walang nagbago sa mansyon, tahimik pa rin at ang lahat ng kasambahay ay desiplinado. Ang pagdating nila ay alam niyang inaasahan na ng mga ito dahil sa pintuan palang ay nakaabang na sa kanila, maayos na nakapila, para pagsilbihan sila.

“The Prince?”

“Yes. And this mansion was the castle and Don Armando is the King.” She let out a short laugh and shook her head again. “And you know who’s the Queen…”

“I know who she is.” He muttered dryly. They both knew who was she referring.

She has the guts now to talk about his mother some time, unlike before. At kahit papano ay ayos lang din dito na pag-usapan ang ina nang hindi na ito nagagalit o umiiwas sa bagay na ’yon. Brooke became more open now about how he feels, she noticed it.

“Good evening, senorito and senorita.” The mayordoma greeted them politely. “Pinapasabi po ni Don Armando na kung maaari ay ikaw lang muna ang kakausapin niya.” Imporma nito sa asawa niya.

Brooke glance at her. She smile at him, telling him that she understand what’s Don Armando’s ordered.

“Go ahead. I’ll be waiting in our bedroom.” She massage her nape lightly. “Medyo napagod din ako sa byahe natin. Magpapahinga lang muna ako.”

Nagtagal ang mata sa kanya ng asawa bago bumaba ’yon sa tiyan niya, sabay nag-kibit ng balikat.

“Okay, take a rest.” Brooke kiss her forehead before he left her with the maids.

“I’ll lead the way, senorita.” The mayordoma is about to guide her to the double stair case when she shook her head shyly, with a small smile on her lips.

“Pwede po bang dito muna ako? Magpapahinga lang ako saglit.”

“Walang problema. Rita!” Tawag nito ang isang kasambahay na kaagad namang lumapit sa kanila. “Hatiran mo ng maiinom si senorita.”

“Salamat,” Aniya, bago naglakad sa malawak na sala para maupo.

Hindi naman siya nagugutom o nauuhaw man lang. Ang gusto niya lang ay mapag-isa. Ang isip niya ay lumilipad sa kung ano ba ang pag-uusapan ng mag lolo? Tungkol ba sa kanila ni Brooke? O baka tungkol sa paglilipat ng kayamanan ni Don Armando sa asawa niya?

There are so many thoughts on her mind and it made her more tired. After a few minutes of being alone, she finally decided to go to their bedroom.

Her forehead knotted when an unfamiliar room welcomed her when she entered.

This isn’t the room they used when they stayed in the mansion, nagkamali yata siya ng pasok? The wall is combination with beige and white, it was good in the eyes, it was lively.

It looks like a woman’s bedroom with queen size bed and the bed is inviting, even she doesn’t want to lay her back on it, she could not help herself.

Napapagod na lumapit siya sa kama at naupo sa gilid. Ilang sandali niya pang inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng silid na ’yon. It looks like a newly renovated unused room.

Now, she’s wondering who’s room is this?

A ONE ON one talk with his grandfather is normal to Brooke. But this time, he felt like something is up on his abuelo. He’s been in the library room for a quite while, and his grandfather was just staring at him.

“Come on, Papa. What is this all about?” He impatiently ask him.

Don Armando sipped on his tea, then his eyes became more emotionless. It bothers him. His abuelo wasn’t like that when they’re together.

“I don’t like your wife for you.” He said in a very cold tone.

Naglabas siya ng hangin sa bibig. He was waiting for more ruthless words from him, but what he said didn’t bother him, though.

“I know that. The way you look at her and the way you treated her coldly, I know what’s up with you.”

“I want you to file a divorce. Then I’ll give you your inheritance.” Don Armando sounds like he was negotiating on him.

Brooke shifted his sitting position into a more aggressive move. Their topic got his interest.

But then again, his grandfather is on it again, dominating him with all his commands. Kung sa trabaho ay siya ang Hari, pagdating sa mansyon nila ay isa na lamang siyang Prinsipe na susunod sa lahat ng utos ng Hari.

“You changed your mind now, Papa? Did you finally realize that you shouldn’t interrupted with my love life?” Brooke chuckled softly, lighting their conversation.

“I want you to stay away from that woman, Brooke.” He commanded like a real King.

He lazily rested his back on the chair and his arms were on the arm rest. Bakit parang ang hirap hirap ng ipinapagawa sa kanya ng matandang ito? Kung dati ay gustung-gusto niyang makaiwas sa pagpapakasal, bakit ngayon ay tila hindi niya na magagawa ang pag-iwas?

He’s married. And damn it, he likes being married with Gelicah! He doesn’t want to stay away from her or even file a divorce!

“I can’t do that.”

“You can.” Don Armando’s voice was so sure that he can, but he fucking can’t! “Besides, it was just a deal between you and Gelicah, right?” There’s a hint of sarcasm on his tone, and his eyes consumed with anger and betrayal.

He suddenly felt sorry for his grandfather for lying to him. But who’s to blame? He did it because of the inheritance.

Hindi na rin siya magtataka kung bakit alam ng lolo niya ang deal nila ni Gelicah. Don Armando’s eyes were just around him, silently watching him and Gelicah when they’re away from the mansion. He couldn’t hide from his gaze.

“Even it’s just a deal between me and my wife, I can’t just fucking leave her because you say so.”

“Why not? You don’t love her.”

Malalim siyang napahugot ng buntong hininga. Alam na alam niya na kung saan papatungo ang usapan nila. At sa mga sandaling ’yon, ayaw niya nang maging sunud-sunuran. Lalo pa at alam niya sa sarili na hindi niya talaga kayang pakawalan nalang basta ang asawa niya lalo at magkakaanak na sila.

He was longing to have a completed family. And now that he’s having it, he doesn’t want to ruin it just because his grandfather doesn’t want his wife for him. He wanted a complete family now, because he never had one before…that last.

Nagkaro’n man siya noon ay saglit lang, pinatikhim lang sa kanya at sa huli ay ipinagkait din kaagad sa mura niyang edad ang pagkakaroon ng kumpletong pamilya.

He doesn’t want his child to grow up without him…coz he knew the feeling of being incomplete. It was more than just a heartbreak. It was killing him inside. And thinking about that his own child would feel that incompleteness inside, makes his heart melt in a very hurtful way.

“She’s pregnant. I don’t want to abandon my child like what my mother did to me.” He bitterly said, looking down on his coffee as if something was interesting on it. “I don’t want to leave my wife like what my mother did to my father.”

His childhood memories starting to flash his mind. Sinusubukan niyang iwaglit ang mga masasakit na ala-ala na ’yon. Those memories will only ruin him.

Nang mag-angat siya ng tingin sa lolo niya ay naabutan niya itong hinihimas-himas ang dibdib nito na tila ba nahihirapang huminga. Nakasandal sa inuupuan, nanghihina. Mabilis niya itong nilapitan at dinaluhan.

“Papa, what’s going on?” He can hear the panic on his own voice.

“Y-Your news will be the death of me.” Don Armando was breathless.

“I’ll bring you to the hospital!”

He’s about to guide him to stand up when he stopped him with his shaky fingers. Damn! He’s very much worried for his grandfather’s condition at the moment! The old man wasn’t playing with him! He can see it on his pale face!

“Y-You were just fooling me about your wife p-pregnancy, right?”

Brooke shook his head. “No, it was true. She’s pregnant—Papa!” He called him, frightened, when he saw him closed his eyes, and gasp for air. “Damn it! Damn it!”

“No, Brooke. Hindi pwede!” Kahit nahihirapan ay galit ang boses nito. “H-Hindi pwedeng maging kayo! It was a sin! S-Stay away from her!”

“What? Why should I do that?! Fucking tell me!”

He’s very confused now and at the same time is damn worried for his grandfather! He doesn’t want him to die!

“It’s just two things, Brooke. It’s either you would love her family…or you would hate her for having it!”

Don Armando gasped for air again weakly. He couldn’t think right at the moment, and what he heard confused him even more! Pero mas nangingibabaw ang labis na pag-aalala niya sa kundisyon nito.

“Papa! Let me bring you to the Hospital! Come on!”

Brooke tried to carry his one arm and brought it to his shoulder, but his abuelo continue talking, making him stopped.

“…but if you’re already falling in love with your wife, I’ll bet for the latter. You will surely hate her and her family…after you discovered the truth why your mother left you.”

21 ~ Pain

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

ANG KULAY kahel na ulap ay ang hudyat na lilipas na naman ang isang araw na hindi ni Brooke kasama ang nag-iisang babaeng ipinagdarasal niya gabi-gabi na sana ay bumalik na. Ang mommy niya.

At the young age, he already question God, why does he and her mother need to be separated? Is he a bad little boy to be punished like that? Every night, he prayed for his mother to come back home, but God didn’t hear him.

“I wonder where is my mommy.” He said to his yaya Lannie, who’s sitting next to him on the bench. They are in a park near the mansion. “Ang sabi mo babalik po ang mommy ko. Naghintay ako, yaya, pero bakit wala parin siya?”

Napabuntong hininga ang babae. Ito ang palagi niyang kasama sa park tuwing hapon para panoorin lang ang kulay kahel na ulap. Kapag nag nagdilim na ay saka lang sila uuwi.

“Hindi ko rin alam senorito. Sana nga ay bumalik na si senorita.”

“Sana…” malungkot na sabi niya, hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa.

“Gusto mo ba ng maiinom? Kukuha ako sa sasakyan.” Bagsak ang balikat na tumango siya. “Huwag kang aalis dito, ha? Sandali lang ako.”

“Okay, yaya.”

Sinundan niya pa ng tingin si Lannie papunta sa naka park na sasakyan sa bandang likuran niya at nang ibalik niya ang tingin sa harap ay kumunot ang noo niya nang may hindi kilalang babaeng tumabi sa kanya.

“Hi, I’m a friend.” The woman who has a same age with his mother, said to him.

“I don’t know you. I don’t wanna talk to a stranger.”

The woman gave him a friendly smile, and something on that smile comfort him.

“I came here to give you this, Brooke.” Nakuha ng babae ang buong atensyon ni Brooke nang banggitin nito ang pangalan niya. “This,” Inilahad nito sa kanya ang isang sobre.

“Why did you give me this?” Brooke shows her the small white envelope.

“Its from your mommy,”

Little Brooke eyes widened in surprised. “My mommy? Where is she? I wanna see my mommy! Bring me to her, please?”

The woman smile sadly at him, and that smile lose his hope.

“I’m sorry, Brooke. But I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Little Brooke asked in a low hopeless tone.

Marahan na hinaplos ng babae ang likod niya, inaalo siya. Nakayuko siya habang malungkot na nakatitig sa sobreng hawak niya. Sulat marahil iyon galing sa mommy niya? Pero bakit kailangan pa siyang sulatan? Hindi ba pwedeng bumalik nalang ito sa mansyon para sumaya ulit siya? Para hindi na siya iiyak tuwing gabi? Para hindi na siya maiinggit sa mga kaklase niyang may kumpletong pamilya.

“Your mommy wasn’t here. She’s away. She can’t visit you right now.”

Lalo siyang nalungkot. Ang gilid ng mga mata niya ay nanunubig na, nagbabadya na naman ang mga luhang tuwing gabi niya lang hinahayaang mahulog, kapag mag-isa siya sa silid niya.

“Gabi-gabi naman po akong nagdadasal na sana bumalik na ang mommy ko. Hindi ba ako naririnig ni Papa Jesus?”

“H-hindi naman sa gano’n-”

“Bad ba ako? Hindi ba ako love ng mommy ko? Kaya siya umalis?”

“Hindi. Hindi.” Halos yakapin na siya ng babaeng hindi niya kilala. Parang nasasaktan sa mga tanong niya. “Mahal ka ng mommy mo, Brooke. Pangako, mahal ka niya.”

“Kung mahal niya ako…ibig sabihin babalik ang mommy ko?” Bumangon ang pag-asa sa kanya.

“B-Babalik ang mommy mo, pero hindi pa ngayon.” Hinawakan nito ang maliliit niyang kamay, pinakatitigan siya. “Mangako ka sa’kin na itatago mo ang sulat na ’yan, okay?”

Little Brooke nod his head. “I promise.”

The woman smile at him. “Aalis na ako. Ahm, sana magkita ulit tayo.”

“Pakisabi po sa mommy ko na miss na miss ko na siya…at…at…” Hindi niya matuloy ang sasabihin dahil sa pagpipigil niya ng hikbi. The woman wipe her tears, mas nauna pang naiyak sa kanya. “At pakisabi po na mahal ko siya at maghihintay po ako na bumalik siya…kahit malungkot po ako dahil wala siya, maghihintay  parin ako sa mommy ko…” Humikbi siya, pero pinilit parin na magsalita. “Hihintayin ko po ang mommy ko.. .”

NAPASABUNOT si Brooke sa sariling buhok nang bumalik sa balintanaw niya ang imahe ng batang siya, parang kahapon lang nangyari ang mga oras na para siyang tanga na naghihintay sa wala…parang kawawa na umaasa sa wala.

Ang galit, lungkot at pangungulila ay naghalo na sa dibdib niya, hindi niya na maalis pa. Tila isa iyong mantsa na hindi na mabubura. Isang sugat na hindi na naghilom.

“Do you know where’s my mother?!” Brooke almost shouted in frustration.

Don Armando is a bit calm now, his breathing became normal again after a few minutes.

“I made an investigation about her and I found out that she’s in America.”

“Kailan pa?”

“Few weeks ago.”

Bigo na nailapag niya ang mga palad sa lamesa, habang nakatayo at napayuko, hindi na alam kung magandang balita ba ’yon o hindi. o kung gusto niya pa bang marinig ang mga sasabihin ng abuelo o huwag na lang? Dahil alam niyang masasaktan lang ulit siya?

“Then, why do you want me to file a divorce with Gelicah?” He’s very confused!

Don Armando look at him with hurt on his eyes. Pakiramdam niya ay sumalamin iyon sa mga mata niya.

“Because your wife is connected to your mother.” His grandfather said, making him close his eyes.

“Gelicah knows where’s mother?” He asked, bitterness filled him.

“She doesn’t have an idea about your mother.”

“Then, how did that happen?!”

Gulung-gulo na ang isip niya, parang sasabog na ang mga ’yon sa ulo niya kapag hindi pa siya naliwanagan.

“I don’t know, Brooke! Just fucking leave her! She will only hurt you!”

Nakayuko na mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata niya. Nag-iisip kung ano ba ang dapat niyang gawin? Bakit kailangan niyang hiwalayan ang asawa niya? Dahil ano? Dahil konektado ito sa mommy niya? Dahil ang pamilya nito ang dahilan kung bakit siya iniwan ng mommy niya noon?

“My mom…s-she had an affair?” He almost whisper the words.

“Yes,” His abuelo answered in a low tone.

Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib, naninikip na ’yon sa samo’t-saring emosyon. Ang dami-daming tanong sa isip niya, na ayaw niya nang malaman pa ang sagot. Dahil alam niyang maghahalo lang muli ang sakit at galit sa kanya kapag nalaman niya ang katotohanan.

“I’ve waited for her all my life…” He chuckled bitterly. He’s hurting so bad. “Hintay ako ng hintay sa taong hindi naman pala babalik. Umasa ako, Papa…umasa ako na babalik siya. Ang tagal kong pinaniwala ’yung sarili k-ko.” Natawa ulit siya sa mas mapait na paraan. “Hindi ko siya hinanap kasi naniniwala ako na babalikan niya ako. Mahal niya raw ako,” Parang dinudurog ang puso niya, masakit. “Dati naniniwala pa ako, iyon lang ang pinanghahawakan ko, p-pero ngayon ayoko n-na. That’s bullshit!”

To my dearest son, Brooke,

    Hello baby, I hope you’re doing good in school. Please, make mommy, daddy and grandpa proud of you. Did you miss me? Did you cry at night? Because I did, all the time.

I’m sorry for leaving

you, for not saying good bye and for not coming back. Mommy needs to leave. Please be a good boy always even without me by your side.

    Anak, alam kong mahirap na wala ako sa tabi mo, na walang ina na gumagabay sa’yo pero wala akong magawa para makasama ka pa nang matagal. Akala ko makakaya ko pang tiisin ang lahat, sa kagustuhan kong makasama ka mas lalo lang akong nasasaktan. Mas lalo ka lang ipinagkakait sa’kin.

Ang hirap-hirap para sa’kin ang paglayo sa’yo, ang sakit-sakit.

    I loved your father, I did all my best to be a good wife to him, I did my best to have a happy family with him, but I guessed, fate has its own plan for us. My heart wasn’t belongs to him. You will only understand what I’m saying when you get old.

I know I was being selfish for not bringing you here with me, but I hope that one day

you will forgive me.

   

Mommy love you very much, Brooke. Mommy will always miss you. I always think about you. I missed everything we did. I missed caressing your hair, I missed reading you a bed time story, I missed eating and laughing with you. I missed everything about you.

Leaving you break my heart so much. But, I want you to know that you are the best thing that happened to me. No one will replace you. You will be my only baby. I promise you that.

I wish I could kiss and hug you again.

I wish I could see you again one day…someday.

    I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, SON.

                                        Love,

Mommy.

GELICAH’S HEART is breaking into pieces while reading the letter from Brooke’s mother. Gelicah keep on wiping her tears, she can’t help herself but to cry and sob. Nasasaktan siya ng labis para sa mag-ina.

Aksidente niya lang nakita ang lumang sulat na hawak nang buksan niya ang drawer sa tabi ng kama. Maayos at maingat na nakatupi. It’s like old, but gold.

She got curious about it, so she read the letter without a permission to her husband. At heto ang napala niya pagkatapos  basahin ang liham, masaganang luha at sakit para sa asawa.

It was a heartwarming letter and at the same time it was heartbreaking. Ang bawat salita ay parang patalim na sumusugat sa puso niya. Ano pa kaya ang nararamdaman ni Brooke kapag nanabasa ang lumang sulat na ’yon?

Mula sa nanginginig na mga daliri ay bahagya niya pang kinalkal ang loob ng drawer na ’yon, umaasa na may iba pang sulat na nakatago do’n, pero bigo siya. Bagkus, isang hindi kalakihang photo album ang nakapa ng kamay niya.

Her curiosity eat her again. Kinuha niya ang photo album na ’yon at maingat na binuksan. At the first page, it was a photo of a cute little boy, it’s Brooke. And it made her smile.

“So cute,” she whisper, then sob.

Ilang pahina na puro litrato lang ng batang Brooke ang nakita niya, pero sa bandang gitna ay litrato na ng isang masayang pamilya. It was Christmas, a family picture, Brooke was in the middle, in front of him are boxes of gifts, while his parents were on his both sides, hugging him. They’re all smiling in the camera. A perfect image of a happy family.

Nagtagal ng bahagya ang mata niya sa mommy ni Brooke, unti-unti ay natanto niyang may kahawig ito. Binuklat niya ang isa pang pahina at nangunot ng husto ang noo niya sa nakita.

It’s a picture of little Brooke together with his mommy in school, this one is clear, she can see the familiar face of a woman and it made her heart hammering inside her chest so bad.

“No, no,” she shook her head, her fingers were shaking. “She’s not his mother! No!”

Napasinghap siya at napatayo. Kahit natatakot sa iba pang makikitang larawan ay pinilit niya parin ang sarili na tignan ang iba pa para lang mag-kumpirma, na baka nagkakamali lang siya. Baka pinaglalaruan lang siya ng mga mata niya.

But every time she flip a page, she see a clear images of a familiar woman together with Brooke and his father. The clear photo of Brooke’s parents wedding, break her heart.

Nasapo niya ang dibdib sa sakit dahil sa katotohanan na natuklasan. Her eyes wasn’t playing with her! It was a clear image of a very familiar woman.

Sa nanghihinang mga tuhod ay nagmamadali siyang lumabas ng silid, dala ang sulat at ang photo album na ’yon. Her heart is beating so loud that it hurts her. Hindi pwede ang iniisip niya!

Gelicah opened the library’s door without knocking on it. Sumalubong sa kanya ang bigong itsura ng asawa, at ang matalim na tingin ni Don Armando na nakaupo sa dulong upuan. Habang si Brooke naman ay nakatayo, halos yumukyok na sa lamesa.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi, pinipigilan ang paghikbi pero wala pa man ay dumaloy na sa pisngi niya ang masaganang luha.

“T-Tell me…” Nanginginig ang kalamnan niya nang bahagyang i-angat ang hawak niya.

“Bakit nasayo ’yan?” Ang mata ng asawa niya ay madilim, sa sobrang dilim ay nakikita niya ang sakit na pilit itinatago do’n.

“Aksidente ko lang ’tong n-nakita sa k-kwartong pinasukan ko-”

“Then why did you fucking bring it here?!”

Napaigtad siya at napapikit sa lakas at desperadong boses ng asawa.

“Brooke…” Ani ni Don Armando, tila ba pinapakalma ang apo, na parang tigre na bigla nalang siyang lalapain.

“Did you read the letter? Did you see the photos?” Naghahamon na ngayon ang tinig ng asawa, ngunit bigo na nakatingin sa kanya.

“O-oo, b-binasa ko…” pakiramdam niya ay nanghihina siya, nanlalambot ang mga tuhod niya, ilan sandali pa ay babagsak na siya. Ang lakas-lakas ng tibok ng puso niya, nasasaktan na siya. “I s-saw the pictures…”

“Give me that,” Brooke commanded.

Umiling siya, naglaglagan ang mga luha sa kanyang mata.

“Y-You have such a beautiful family.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!”

“Y-Your mommy loves you—”

“That’s bullshit!” Brooke cursed loudly, his angry voice echoed around the room.

“Y-Your mommy loves you the way my mommy loves me—”

“Don’t fuck with me with your words, Gelicah. I’m not in the mood!”

Pinahid niya ang luha sa pisngi gamit ang isang kamay. Nasasaktan siya para sa kanila ni Brooke. Hindi pa man ay nakumpirma niya na…na hindi nga talaga pwedeng maging sila.

“Y-Yung m-mommy mo….k-kilala ko.”

Brooke dark eyes darted on hers, her hearts race so bad, it’s hurting her. His lips parted a bit, but there’s no words came from him. So she continue.

“K-Kung alam ko lang na s-siya ang mommy mo…h-hindi na sana ako n-nagpakasal sa’yo…h-hindi na sana tayo nagkaanak.” Panay ang bagsak ng luha sa pisngi niya, hinahayaan niya lang ’yon, gusto niya na kahit ang luha niya ay maging malaya. “Ngayong alam ko na, s-sana hindi nalang kita nakilala. H-Hindi na tayo pwede, Brooke. Hindi na.”

Marahas na naglabas ng hangin sa bibig si Brooke bago nasasaktan na tumingala, mariin na ipinikit ang mga mata, nakasambunot sa sariling buhok.

“Where’s she?” Brooke voice was husky, she can almost hear the pain on it.

“S-She’s in California…” humikbi siya, sana hindi nalang totoo ang lahat ng ito. Sana nananaginip lang siya, pero hindi, dahil literal na nararamdaman niya ’yung sakit sa dibdib niya. “She was staying there…long time ago.”

“Am I allowed to visit her?”

“Y-yes, of course.” Her voice cracked. “M-Maybe, you’re the one she’s waiting for…”

“How did you know that she’s waiting for someone?”

“Coz I’m not enough for her to bring back her life like she used before. S-siguro, ikaw ’yung hinihintay niya.”

“Then, we will visit her. Can you come with me?”

Marahas siyang umiling. Hindi niya kaya na makasama pa ito.

“I can’t,”

“Why not?” Brooke voice softened, there’s hope on it and it hurts her even more.

“I’m afraid,” pag-amin niya. “You can visit her, alone. She’s in the h-hospital in California.”

“With your mom?”

Napapikit siya. Brooke doesn’t know yet what’s happening. At mas lalo siyang natatakot na sabihin dito ang totoo.

“Y-Your mom…is in c-coma.” Halos hindi na lumabas sa bibig niya ang mga salitang ’yon.

Ibinaba niya ang tingin sa sahig, ang luha niya ay nagbagsakan sa paanan niya.

Hindi niya kayang makita pa ang sakit sa mukha ni Brooke, mas lalo siyang nadudurog.

“My mom is in coma?! Don’t fuck with me, Gelicah!”

“It’s true!” She shouted the words, to lessen the pain on her chest. “Your mom is my mom! Brooke…that’s the truth!”

“No!” Brooke shouted. His eyes were bloodshot. “Bawiin mo ’yang sinabi mo!”

“These photos are the proof!” Sa nanginginig na kamay ay binuklat niya ang photo album at ipinakita rito Ang mga litrato ng babaeng kamukha ng mommy niya. “This is my mother! Magkapatid tayo!” Masakit na isinigaw niya ang mga salitang ’yon.

Nagtatagis ang bagang nito, nakakuyom ang mga palad. Ang mga galit na ugat sa kamao ay parang puputok na sa tindi ng pagtitimpi. Namumula rin ang matalim na mga mata, na sumusugat sa kanya.

Bumuhos ng husto ang luha niya. Hindi alam kung paano tatanggapin ang lahat o kung matatanggap niya pa ba?

All the emotions made her stomach ache so bad. Knowing that they’re siblings making her heart torn into pieces, the pain is killing her inside.

22 ~ Tears

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

BROOK was looking hopelessly at his grandfather, as if he’s asking for confirmation if they are really siblings.

Napapagod na umayos ng upo si Don Armando, ang kaninang maputlang kulay ng mukha ay ngayon ay bahagya ng dumilim. Habang siya ay pinipilit nalang ang sariling tumayo do’n, kahit na gustung-gusto niya ng bumigay.

“She was telling the truth, Brooke. I found it out few weeks ago, but I made another investigation, hoping that my people gave me a wrong information about your mother.” Don Armando shook his head, disappointed.

“Pero iisa lang ang impormasyon na ibinibigay nila sa’kin.” He sighed, his sympathy is in his grandson, who looks so down at the very moment. And seeing Brooke in his broken state, made her heart ache even more.

“That your mother was in coma. She’s widowed, and has a daughter which is Gelicah,” Don Armando glanced a her, his eyes were menacing, para bang isa siyang malaking kasalanan para sa apo nito. “And right now, she’s with Bettina. Your mother’s best friend. You know Bettina, right, apo?”

Nanghihina na napaupo si Brooke, nakayuko, nakasabunot sa buhok. Ni hindi siya kayang tapunan ng tingin, ni hindi ma-i-angat ang mata sa kanila.

“I k-know Bettina,” Brook voice is almost crack. “I met her long time ago. She was my m-mother’s messenger.”

Buong buhay niya naniwala siyang nag-iisang anak lang siya. Kaya paanong nangyari ang ganito? Bakit sila pa ni Brooke ang naging magkapatid ? Kaya ba sila pinagtagpo dahil para siya ang maging daan upang magkita na ang mag-ina? Hindi ba dahil sila ang pinagtagpo para sa isa’t-isa?

“Now that you both know that you two are siblings, even if it’s hard to accept these mess, I am still hoping that in the near future, you can have the guts to accept each other…as siblings.” Don Armando said emotionlessly, his gaze never leaves his grandson. He really cares for Brooke, she can see it in his eyes.

“A-Aalis na po ako.” Sa mahina at nanginginig na tinig niya nasambit ang mga salitang iyon.

Wala ng dahilan para manatili pa siya sa mansyon na ’yon. Mas lalo lang niyang sasaktan ang sarili niya at si Brooke kung mananatili pa siya.

Lumipat ang tingin sa kanya ng matanda, pinagmasdan ang mga luhang hindi pa natutuyo sa pisngi niya. Malungkot itong ngumiti sa kanya, tila gustong pagaangin ang sitwasyon pero hindi magawa.

“Ipapahatid kita kay Ben sa Maynila.”

“Hindi na po kailangan. Kaya ko po umuwi mag-isa.”

“I insist, Gelicah.” Don Armando said with finality on his voice.

Hindi na siya nakapiyok pa. Malalim siyang humugot ng hangin sa dibdib, tapos ay lumipat ang tingin niya kay Brooke. He was covering his face with his both palms, his elbows were above the table. Bigong-bigo sa mga sandaling ’yon, na kahit ang sulyapan siya ay hindi na nagawa pa.

Masakit ang dibdib na maingat siyang lumabas sa library room ng mansyon. Pinikit niya ang mga mata nang nasa labas na siya at sumandal sa nakasarang pinto.

Her tears slowly flowing down her cheeks, he did not stop her. Brooke let her go… is this really their end?

MALALIM NA ang gabi nang makarating siya sa penthouse ni Brooke. It was dark and silent. Kahit saan bahagi siya lumingon ay ang mga ala-ala nilang dalawa ang nakikita niya. Nasasaktan siya sa kinahinatnan nila ni Brooke, hindi ganito ang inaasahan niya. Pero bakit ganitong katapusan ang ibinigay sa kanila?

Is it really true that you can only see the happy ending in watching fairy tales? Maybe. Brooke is right, there’s no such happy ending in real world.

IN THE NEXT day, Gelicah found herself in a beautiful Villa somewhere in Visayas. She was thinking about going to California last night, but the thought that Brooke might visit their mother, stops her. She doesn’t have the nerve to see him again.

“Bakit ka malungkot, ate?”

Napukaw ang malalim niyang pag-iisip sa boses ng batang babaeng nakatayo sa gilid niya, may dalang salbabida.

She’s in one of the sun lounger in Villa Altaraza, the huge swimming pool is good in the eyes, but her mind is too preoccupied to appreciate every details of that resort and hotel.

“Ryzza, ikaw pala.” Aniya sa bata, na kapatid ng kaibigan niyang si Karen.

Nakakatawang isipin na sa halos ilang buwan na hindi nila pagkikita ng kaibigan ay ini-adya yata ng panahon na pagkitain sila ulit dahil sa pagtawag nito kagabi upang sana ay mangamusta.

Since she’s brokenhearted, and the only thing she wanted was to be away with her problems and to get away with Brooke, she then decided to visit Karen in Villa Altaraza when her friend invited her.

“Mas lalo kang gaganda kapag naka-smile ate Icah, ganito, oh.” Ryzza shows her how to smile. It’s cute.

Her lips protruded a bit. Hindi mabanat ang labi niya para ngumiti, kahit pekeng ngiti ay hindi niya kaya.

“Ryzza! Dito tayo, Tara!” Tawag pansin naman ng kapatid nitong si Rachel na nasa swimming pool na. “Huwag mong guluhin si ate Icah, dito nalang tayo.”

“Okay ate,” Ryzza smile at her. “Sige ha, mamaya ulit.”

Marahan lang siyang tumango at pinanood nalang ang mga iilang tao na naliligo. She’s relaxing herself just by watching the people and the view.

Wala pa man ilang minuto na nakahiga siya sa sun lounger ay may gwapong lalaki na na lumapit sa gawi niya.

“Hey there, beautiful.” The man coolly said.

Slowly, Gelicah remove her sunglasses and rolled her eyes when she got the clear sight of the man.

“Uh, now I know why this Villa is familiar.”

“Altaraza is quite famous, you know.” Carter shrug his shoulder arrogantly. “So, what brings you here?”

“Your sister in-law invited me here. Is there a problem with that?”

“Oh, you and Karen are friends, I see.” Tumango-tango ito at pumuwesto sa kabilang sun lounger, relax na nahiga, pinagkrus ang mga binti at ginawang unan ang mga braso.

“Yes,”

“Heard you’re married with that Montero.”

Gelicah’s eyes darted on his direction. Hearing even Brooke’s last name making her heart race in a very hurtful way.

“Y-yes, but—”

“But it was just a marriage for convenience?” He interrupted with a smirk on his lips. “Cool,”

“How did you know that?”

Carter snorted. “You guess,”

“Kira told you!” She accused. Well, Kira and this man has ‘something’, yon lang ang alam niya.

Carter frown at her. “No, you have such a loyal friends, they won’t tell your secrets.”

Nagdududa na hindi niya ito tinantanan ng tingin, inalis niya pa ang sunglasses niya para mas malinaw.

“I’m sure you and B-Brooke were not friends.”

“Yeah, but he’s a close friend of my elder brother, Clane.”

“So, Clane told you?” She’s fishing an information, as if the marriage is still important to her. Hindi na, bakit pa? Mawawalan din ng bisa ’yon!

“No, I just accidentally heard it. Don’t worry, Gelicah, your secret is safe with me.” Carter wink at her, she snorted and leered at the man. Ah, this notorious playboy is such a flirt. “Wanna dine with me?”

“Really, Carter?” She asked him in disbelief. “Don’t you remember that I’m Kira’s friend?”

“Then? What’s wrong with eating with you?”

Nasapo niya ang noo. O baka naman siya lang ang nag-iisip ng hindi maganda sa gwapong lalaking ito?

“Ahm,”

“You’re in our Villa, you’re our guest and guest should be treated nicely.” The side of his lip curve up a little. “Afraid that your husband would be jealous?”

“No,” agap niya.

“Tonight, then?”

Nag-isip siya saglit. Tama ba itong gagawin niya? Okay lang naman siguro, walang masama na kumain kasama ang lalaking ito. Isa pa, gusto niyang ilibang ang sarili para maiwasan niya kahit papano ang isipin pa si Brooke at ang stiwasyon nila. Dining with Carter would help her to forget her problem even just for a minutes.

“Okay, I’ll tell Kira about this.”

“No need for that.” Carter disagreed.

“She might get jealous or what, I don’t want to ruin our friendship just because I dine with her boyfriend.”

“Oh-oh!” He hissed, he shot up his thick eyebrows smugly. “Last time I check, I’m a fucking single.”

“Uh, sorry about it. I thought you and my friend have an affair.” Nagkakamali lang siguro siya ng hinala sa dalawa.

“I’ll wait for you in the hotel’s restaurant tonight, 7pm. Is that all right?” Carter change the topic quickly.

Gelicah nod her head a bit. “Okay, I’ll see you there.”

Brusko itong umalis sa hinihigaan at walang sabi-sabing naghubad ng pang-itaas na damit, showing his hard muscles on his arms and the ripped muscles on his stomach. The sight almost choke her and the girls who’s in the pool are giggling because of Carter Altaraza’s sudden bold move.

“See yah, then.” He wink at her again before he expertly dive in to the water.

Nagtilian ang mga kababaihan pati na rin ang mga kapatid ni Karen. They cheer him while he’s masterly doing an underwater swimming, back and forth to their huge pool.

Napailing nalang siya at nilibang ulit ang sarili sa panonood kay Carter. In all fairness, he’s skilled in swimming, fucking impressive.

BROOKE’s MIND is full of questions. And his heart felt nothing but pain. Pain for the fact that he and Gelicah are siblings. Pain for the fact that his mother left him to build another family.

Life is so cruel. How long can he handle this kind of life that God has given him? Is he really deserve all of these?

Hindi niya alam kung magiging masaya ba siya na may pagkakataon na siyang makita ang ina o mas lalong masusuklam dahil sa katotohanan na binigyan siya nito ng kapatid sa katauhan pa ni Gelicah?

“I’m going to visit her.” He told his grandfather his decision as a respect.

“If that’s what you want, I will support you with that. You’ve been waiting for this day, I know that even you don’t tell me.”

He was speechless. What matter to him at the moment is to see his mother and clear things between them. Pero paano niya nga ba ’yon gagawin kung hindi niya makakausap ang ina? Maybe, Bettina would help him with all his questions. He’s hoping that the woman will cooperate to him.

“I’m leaving tomorrow, Papa. Ayoko nang patagalin pa ’to.”

Don Armando gaze became softened, then he cocked his head on the side, trying to read what’s really on his mind at the moment.

“Bless you, my grandson.”

Brooke stood up, he gave his grandfather a light hug. “How are you feeling?”

Don Armando cackle and shook his head, he looks a bit amused. “I’m perfectly fine, Brooke.” He patted his shoulder. “How’s your heart?”

The slow beat of his heart is breaking. There’s so many reason why he’s feeling like this. And whenever he thinks about Gelicah and their baby, it made his chest tightened in pain. He’s hopeless.

“I’m okay,” his voice is husky. “Don’t mind me, Papa. Please get well. I want to talk with you again when I get home from Tate.”

“I will, Brooke.” The old man assured him.

He nod his head before leaving the library room. He left the mansion that night and fly to America the next day.

BROOKE ARRIVED in Los Angeles, California with the thought of seeing his mother and to talk with Bettina.

He’s in the Hospital lobby, talking to a blond nurse who’s smiling widely at him. Napabuntong hininga siya, wala pa siyang tulog pero sadya yatang malakas ang dating niya sa mga babae kahit ilang gabi pa siyang hindi matulog.

“Ah, yeah, I’m going to her room. Come with me, sir.” The blond woman said after he told her his mother’s name. She’s giving him a flirty friendly smile. “We are all waiting for Brianna to wake up. She’s such a beautiful woman!” She continue talking.

They walk inside the elevator, she’s following the nurse who has a curvy body, his type, but damn, he don’t feel anything.

“I wish for that, too.” He muttered, then he saw their reflection in the elevator’s door, she smile seductively at him, while hugging a white chart.

Brooke snorted, he ignore that kind of smile. He’s not in the mood. Ni hindi niya nga makita ang sarili na may ibang babaeng kinakama bukod kay Gelicah!

The fact that they are siblings frustrate the hell out of him! Hindi niya maatim isipin na magkapatid sila! Kung pwede lang sanang ampon nalang ang isa sa kanila, at sigurado siyang hindi siya ang ampon. Sana ay ampon nalang si Gelicah, kung totoo, mas ikatutuwa niya ang balitang ’yon.

Though, it would be hard on her part to accept it, if ever, still, he’s willing to support her to overcome the pain she’d feel. Basta, hindi lang sila maging magkapatid. Damn it!

“We’re here.” The nurse announced, pulling him out on his reverie. “Good morning, Bettina and Brianna! You have a handsome visitor today.”

Brooke close his eyes tightly when he heard how the nurse greeted the women inside the room. Damn, he felt so nervous! And when he opened his eyes, he saw a beautiful woman laying in bed. Ang mga aparato na nakakabit dito ay nagpasikip ng kanyang dibdib.

“B-Brooke…” Bettina called his name in surprise as she stood up from the single sofa near the window. “I-Ikaw na ba ’yan?”

He nod his head casually. “Yes,” then his gaze went at his mother. He took a deep breath. The sides of his eyes watered.

Ang masakit na tibok ng puso niya ay mas lalong sumakit. Naghalo ang saya, galit at pangungulila para sa ina.

“Oh, God!” Bettina gave him a tight hug. Sinuklian niya ’yon ng marahan na tapik sa likod ng ginang. “Ang gwapo gwapo mo! Your mommy will be happy now that you’re here!” Bettina said merrily and glance at his mother.

Nang ibalik nito ang tingin sa kanya ay may mumunting luha na sa mga mata. Alam niyang masaya ito sa pagdating niya. Masaya para sa kanila ng mommy niya.

Slowly, he walk towards the bed. He silently took another breath before he sit on the side of the bed, and held his mother’s hand. It’s so soft, the feeling of her skin against his melt his heart.

With his shaky fingers, he brought her hand into his lips and kiss it. The heartwarming and heart melting feeling being with his mother again, made a tears rolled down his cheeks.

Ikinulong niya sa mga palad niya ang malambot na kamay ng ina at do’n ibinuhos ang lahat ng damdamin na nakatago sa dibdib niya. As if she’s the only one he needs to mend his broken heart…and to make him whole again.

“M-Mom…m-mommy…” His voice cracked. He waited for so many years to say that words again in front of her. The words slipped on his lips softly and longingly. “Mom, I’m here…I m-missed you so bad. Please, come b-back to me…w-wake up f-for me…please, mom…” he’s literally begging, while kissing his mother’s hand.

23 ~ DNA Test

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

PASADO alas siete na nang makarating si Gelicah sa restaurant ng Altaraza’s hotel and resort, kung saan natanaw niya kaagad si Carter na prenteng nakaupo sa bandang sulok ng lugar. The man waved his hand cooly when he saw her in the entrance door.

She have been thinking about dining with him all day. Pero sa huli, pinayagan niya ang sarili kaysa mag mukmok sa kanyang silid at maghintay ng tawag o kahit text message man lang mula kay Brooke. She was just deluding herself with the thought that Brooke will call and check her.

Siguro nga ay hindi talaga matanggap ng lalaki na magkapatid sila, kahit siya ay gano’n din naman. Pero ito ang tadhana nila, they misinterpret the reason why their path crossed, hindi pala para magmahalan sila bilang mag-asawa, kundi pala bilang magkapatid.

“Earth to Gelicah…” Carter snapped his fingers just in front of her, pulling her out on her deep thought.

“Uh, I’m sorry.” She apologize and smile shyly at him.

“Missing your husband already?”

“No,”

The man stare at her for a moment, before he sigh defeatedly. “Alright, you can share your thoughts later.”

“Who told you that I will share my thoughts to you?” Umatake ang pagiging masungit niya.

“You better share it, I don’t want to see a beautiful woman like you going crazy because you have so many things in your mind that you refused to tell.” Carter smirk at her. “Thinking too much of your problem will make you stress…and I believe, a pregnant woman shouldn’t be stress.”

This handsome but dangerous man in front of her has a point. She’s been thinking too much that it made her hard to sleep. Ni kahit ang kumain nga ay wala siyang gana.

Ngayon na naisip niyang may anghel sa sinapupunan niya na apektado sa bawat galaw niya, bigla siyang nakonsyensya. Naawa siya para sa anak.

“Thanks for reminding me. I almost forget my baby.”

Carter rested his back on the chair arrogantly, as if he won an argument. “And one more thing, stress will lead you to depression. Uh,” He frowned. “ I don’t want you to suffer that kind of illness.“

“I don’t want it, too.” She took another breath. “Okay, I will share my secret to you that my friends did not know yet.”

“Its my pleasure to know it.”

Ilang sandali pa ay dumating na ang waiter para ihain sa lamesa ang mga pagkain na sa palagay niya ay na-order na ni Carter bago pa siya dumating kanina.

Ang mga pares ng mata ng kababaihan na pasulyap-sulyap sa gawi nila ay hindi nakatakas sa kanya. But, Carter Altaraza did not take notice to those longing gaze at him from women. It seems like he used to it.

“Do you stay in hotel?” She asked out of the blue. They are eating already.

Carter gave her a knowing smile. Umismid siya rito, akala siguro ay pupuntahan niya ito sa room nito. No way in hell!

“I don’t stay in hotel.”

She lifted her one eyebrow. “Saan ka tumutuloy kung gano’n?”

“Hindi ako pumapatol sa may sabit, Gelicah.”

And that made her laugh. Really? He was thinking that she’s flirting on him? This notorious playboy has full of air of himself.

“Nice joke, you got me there.”

“Yeah, that’s it. Smile…” He sipped on his wine. “I’m staying in our mansion, at the back of this hotel.”

“Karen and her siblings are staying in the mansion, too?”

“Yeah,” He shrugged. “My mom like her so much and her siblings, kaya hindi na pinaalis.”

“Okay, its nice to know that. Hindi na magkakahiwalay ang magkakapatid.”

“Do you want to visit them tomorrow?”

She likes the idea. “Sure,”

Nang matapos silang kumain ay nag-aya si Carter sa swimming pool area. Ang malamig na hangin ay nagpapakalma sa kanya. The pool is quite and relaxing.

“Come here, this makes you relax.” Carter motioned her to the swimming pool. Nakaupo ito sa gilid habang ang mga paa ay nakalubog sa may tubig.

Maingat na lumapit siya rito at ginaya ang posisyon nito, binigyan niya ng kaunting distansya ang pagitan nila, sapat na para hindi magtama ang mga braso nila.

“Why are you doing this, Carter?” She suddenly asked, the cold water enveloped her feet.

“Let’s just say that I don’t want to see a sad woman.”

“Ganyan ka ba sa lahat ng babaeng malungkot?”

“If I could make a sad woman smile, I would.”

“Comes from a notorious playboy? Its quite surprising.”

“I’m not the topic here. Lets hear your story.” His voice was serious.

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga at unti-unting pinakawalan ’yon. Ang mga mata niya ay nasa tubig, na bahagyang nagkikislapan dahil sa mumunting liwanag sa paligid.

“I realized that…I married the wrong man.” She whispered, her heart was beating bitterly. “That I’m loving the wrong man.”

Hindi niya alam kung kailan niya naamin sa sarili na mahal niya na si Brooke. Kahit pigilan niya pa ang puso na huwag tumibok para sa lalaki, ay hindi niya nagawa. Nahulog parin talaga siya kahit anong pag-iwas ang gawin niya.

“He doesn’t love you back?”

Gelicah shook her head. “I don’t know, but, I think he doesn’t love me the way I love him.”

“Why don’t you ask him?”

Malungkot siyang ngumiti. Ang puso niya ay nanghihinang tumitibok. Marahan niyang sinipa ang tubig.

“Kahit naman mahal namin ang isa’t-isa, hindi na rin naman pwedeng maging kami.”

“Paano ang anak niyo?” Kasing kalmado ng tubig ang boses nito.

Paano nga ulit ang anak nila?

Hindi na pumasok ’yon sa isip niya. Pero katulad nang naunang plano niya, lalayo siya kay Brooke pagkatapos ng anim na buwan.

Hindi pa man din dumadating ang itinakdang araw ng paghihiwalay nila, ay nagkahiwalay na sila. Iba nga talaga maglaro ang tadhana.

“I will raise my baby, alone. Away from him. That’s my plan.”

“Do you think that Montero will let you do that? It’s his child, remember that.”

“Brooke has nothing to do with our child. This is part of our deal before I agreed to our marriage.”

“Then, why are you acting like a brokenhearted woman who ran away from the man she loves? When all you wanted was to be away from him.” The confusion in his voice was mixed with a rude tone.

“Dahil lahat nang namagitan sa’min ay isang malaking kasalanan!” Halos pumiyok siya, ang tubig sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay nagbabadya na. “Na kailangan kong lumayo sa kanya para hindi na madagdagan pa ang kasalanan na nagawa namin. Hindi na pwedeng maging kami kahit iyon ang gusto ko…kahit ’yon ang palagi kong pinagdarasal.”

“Tell me, what’s wrong in loving someone?”

“There’s nothing wrong in loving someone, Carter, but we have to make sure who’s that someone before we let ourselves love him or her.”

He let out a frustrated breath. “Lets get into the point. Gelicah. Bakit hindi na kayo pwede?”

“Dahil…magkapatid kami.” Mahinang sabi niya na halos hindi na lumabas ’yon sa bibig niya.

Carter gasped, then looked at her. Yumuko siya at mariin na pumikit, hinayaan niyang bumagsak ang mumunting luha sa pisngi niya. The familiar beating of her heart is on it again, every damn beat is tearing her apart.

“Damn, that’s a fucking surprising.” That’s all he can say.

“Minsan, pumapasok sa isip ko na sana ampon nalang ang isa sa’min. Mas matatanggap ko pa yata na ampon ako kesa sa katotohanan na kapatid ko ang lalaking mahal ko at ang ama ng anak ko.”

“Let’s wish for that.” Carter patted her shoulder gently, comforting her.

ALL HIS LIFE he was wishing to see his mother again, but his pride was stopping him to find or search for her. Brooke always thought that his mother should be the one who search for him, because she was the one who left him.

Now that he knew that his mother is suffering, he felt guilty. Kung hinanap niya ang ina noon pa, mangyayari pa kaya ang lahat ng ito? Siguro ay hindi na. Ito nga talaga ang nakaguhit sa palad niya, ang makita ulit ang ina sa ganitong sitwasyon at pagkakataon.

“What do you want to talk about, Brooke?” Bettina asked him as she handed him a cup of coffee.

They are sitting in the balcony of his mother’s room, watching the sunset.

“About my mother’s family here.”

Maingat na tumango ang ginang bago sumimsim sa kape nito. “Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakit alam mo na ang tungkol sa bagay na ’yan. With your status, money and connections, you can do whatever you want in just a snap of a fingers. You are not that little Brooke anymore.”

“That little Brooke is still in me. Hindi naman nawala. Ako parin ’to.”

Bettina smile at him warmly. “Before we proceed to our main topic, I want you to know that your mother never forget you…kahit na may iba na siyang pamilya.”

His heart beat loudly knowing that. He rested his back on his chair, trying to keep his cool. He’s done being emotional. He wanted to clear things now, hoping that he could change the fact between him and Gelicah.

He fake a cough, trying to erase the beautiful image of the woman on his mind. He’s missing her, and he felt like missing her is a sin that he should avoid.

“I wondered why she need to do that to me…why she left me?”

Ang tanong na ’yon ang palaging laman ng isip niya, mula pagkabata hanggang sa tumanda na siya. Bakit kailangan pang umalis ng mommy niya kung maganda naman ang buhay nila?

“I don’t think I have the rights to tell her reasons to you. Brianna would not like it.”

“I will wait for her to wake up, then.” He said, giving up with that question. “I am just thinking that she left me and my dad because she have an affair.” He snorted, bitterness filled him.

Bettina took another sipped on her coffee before she sigh, and glance at his mother with sadness on her eyes.

“I don’t know exactly. A-And when we see each other again after a years, Brianna is already married and have a daughter.”

Brooke cleared his throat. This topic feared him the most. “She marry an american man?”

“A Filipino-American who has a dual citizenship. She marry him after your father died. She respect her marriage with your father.”

“You said, they have a daughter.”

“Yes,” Bettina nod her head. “She’s in Philippines. She’s married.” With me . His mind told him.

“I want a DNA test if she’s really my mother’s daughter.” He said firmly.

Bettina lips parted in surprise. Obviously, she didn’t expect him saying that.

“I will tell it to Gelicah.”

“No, don’t tell her about it. We will do the test without her knowledge.”

Nakatingin lang sa kanya si Bettina, tila ba pinoproseso pa sa utak nito ang nais niyang mangyari.

“You don’t need to do that, Brooke.”

“I need that. I was planning to give my mother some of my properties in Philippines. And my s-sister would benefit on it, I just want to make sure that we are really siblings.” He reasoned out.

The truth is, he badly want to know if they have the same blood running on their veins.

“I don’t think Gelicah will have an interest with your properties. She’s not that kind.”

“Can you please tell me how wealthy is her father? That they can afford the expenses in this Hospital for my mother?”

Napayuko si Bettina, hindi na naman inaasahan ang tanong niyang ’yon. Poor woman, nadadamay sa kamiserablihan niya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“Naubos na ang lahat ng ipon nila. Ang asawa niya lang ang inaasahan niya sa mga gastusin dito sa Hospital. She’s lucky to have a man like her husband.”

Who would not be lucky to have him? He has the money and the look, women get desperate to get his attention. Gelicah is such a lucky woman, if things aren’t complicated, he will surely brings her with him…to meet his mother. But damn, they have the same mother!

“That’s why I need a DNA test. Kung kapatid ko talaga siya,” He’s wishing that she wasn’t. “I will give her one of my mansion in the Philippines. I need to make sure. Can you help me with that?”

Bettina smile at him and nod, she was convinced. “Yes, I will help you with that. If that’s the only thing I can do for you to have a peace of mind.”

“Thank you. You help me enough, since I was a kid. I owe you.”

“I think its my job to help Brianna’s son. Magtatampo sa’kin ang mommy mo kung hindi kita matutulungan sa simpleng bagay lang.”

“Mom is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Bettina is his mother’s only best friend. Its nice to see her again after a long years.

“Anyway, Gelicah needs to pay a visit here for the DNA test.”

“Can I have another favor?” He asked.

“Sure,”

“Please don’t tell her about me. That I visited here.”

“Why not? Its time for you to meet your sister.”

He almost frown at that. Kailanman ay hindi niya matatanggap na magkapatid sila ni Gelicah. And the fact the they are expecting a baby after a few months making the situation more complicated.

“I don’t want to meet her, yet. Unless, its proven that we are siblings.”

“I understand. Ahm, are you going to stay another day here?”

“Yes, but I will leave once Gelicah’s arrive. Ayokong magpang-abot kami rito.” Baka kasi hindi niya mapigilan ang sarili niya na dalhin sa bisig niya ang babaeng palaging laman ng isip niya.

SHE’S ALONE AND LONELY. Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap ni Carter ay nagpasya siyang bumalik na sa silid niya para lang magmukmok, ulit. Brooke never try to contact her and that made her sad. She felt sorry for her baby, she could not control her emotions.

Napukaw lang ang malalim niyang pag-iisip nang tumunog ang cellphone niyang nasa gilid ng lamesa ng kama. Expecting that Brooke is the caller, she hurriedly get her phone.

Natunaw ang excitement niya nang makitang hindi si Brooke ang tumatawag, kundi, si Tita Bettina. Fear filled her. Why is she calling? Is there something happen to her mother?

“Hello, Tita, n-napatawag ka?” Kabado na sambit niya.

“Good evening there, Gelicah. Tumawag ako para itanong sa’yo kung kailan ang balak mong bumisita ulit sa mommy mo?”

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Salamat at wala naman palang masamang nangyari sa mommy niya. And thinking about her mother making her wants to fly to America as soon as possible.

“Maybe this week, Tita. Y-yes, I will visit there soon. Ahm, wala bang ibang bumisita kay mommy?” She asked casually. Pero kinakabahan siya sa sagot ng kabilang linya.

“W-Wala naman, hija.”

Marahan siyang naglabas ng hangin sa bibig. Ibig sabihin ay hindi pa bumibisita si Brooke sa mommy nila? Ah, that thought making her groan. She doesn’t want him to be her brother!

“Kumusta si mommy?”

“I have a good news, too, that’s why I called you.”

“What is it?” She urged.

“Kahapon, naigalaw na ng mommy mo ang daliri niya habang hawak ang kamay ni—ang kamay ko, I mean.” Bettina chuckle nervously. “Kaya mas maganda kung magpupunta ka rito para mas magkaro’n pa ng inspirasyon ang mommy mo na gumising na.”

Hindi niya inaasahan ang pagdaloy ng luha sa pisngi niya. Ang magandang balita ay tila tinutunaw ang puso niya. She’s wishing and praying for her mother’s condition to be better. Finally, there’s a progress.

Brooke will be happy once he get the good news. How she wish she could tell the news to him.

“Thanks for the good news, Tita. It helps me to feel better.” She wiped her tears. “I will book my ticket tomorrow. See you and mommy soon. I missed you both.”

“I missed you, too…we missed you.” Bettina whisper softly.

Ibinalik niya ang cellphone sa gilid ng kama pagkatapos nilang magpaalam sa isa’t-isa, pero wala pang ilang segundo ay tumunog ang message tone niyon. It must be a follow up message from Tita Bettina.

She get her phone on the table and her heart boomed inside her chest when she saw Brooke’s name in the screen. She opened his text messages. She was surprised to see a photo on it, it was her and Carter in the restaurant tonight.

From: Brooke Dating with Carter Altaraza, really, Gelicah? You have the fucking time to dine with that man?! May I remind you, if ever you forget about this, that we are still married and we are expecting our baby! Meaning to say, you are still mine!

Napanguso siya. Hindi alam kung kikiligin o kakabahan dahil halatang galit si Brooke, pero nangibabaw ang una. Kinilig siya kahit hindi na dapat.

Another message popped up.

From: Brooke Don’t you dare let that man touch you or even talk to you again! I have my eyes everywhere. Don’t you dare making me upset again. You don’t know what I can do.

He threatened her, but why the hell she’s smiling like an idiot?

24 ~ Voice

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

ANG MANSYON ng Altaraza ay halos hindi naglalayo sa mansyon ng pamilya nila na ngayon ay nakapangalan na kay Brooke. He bought the multi-million mansion on the first month of their marriage.

Napatunayan niya na sumusunod nga talaga sa napag-usapan ang binata. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na nagtapos kaagad ang maganda nilang pagsasamahan.

“Kaya pala biglaan ang pag-alis mo, Icah.” Si Karen na malaki na ang tiyan. Nasa malawak na sala sila, tahimik na nag-uusap.  “Ikaw nalang talaga siguro ang hinihintay ni Tita Brianna para magising na siya.”

“I hope so. Isa pa, gusto ko rin na nando’n ako kapag nagising na siya. Wala na rin naman akong gagawin dito sa Pinas.”

“Wala na talaga kayo ni Brooke?”

Humapdi ang puso niya nang marinig ang pangalan ng lalaki. She told her friend what happened to her and Brooke, Karen was shocked at the news. Kahit sino naman siguro ay mabibigla sa naging sitwasyon nila ni Brooke.

“I don’t know? We still married. And the fact that I’m carrying his child making our situation more complicated. Naguguluhan na ako, Karen.”

Her friend caress her back to comfort her. “Naniniwala ako na maaayos din ang lahat, Icah. We need Tita Brianna’s statement about this. At baka may maling impormasyon lang na nalakap ang mga tauhan ni Don Armando.”

“His people did the investigation twice, and the result was the same, that Brooke mother is my mom.”

“Feeling ko may mali! Hindi kayo magkapatid!” Nanindigan ang kaibigan. Na-stress na rin yata kagaya niya.

“I better go.” She stood up and help her friend to do the same. Ayaw niya itong madamay sa stress niya.

Karen stare at her warily. “Balitaan mo ako, ha?”

“Oo naman.” Bahagya niya itong niyakap, tapos ay napangiti nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa malaki nitong tiyan. Ilang buwan nalang ay lolobo na rin ang tiyan niya. She would raise their child alone, without Brooke on their lives. How sad.

“Mag-iingat ka, Gelicah.”

“I will.” She kissed her friend cheek and bid a goodbye.

IT WAS early in the morning when she arrived in the Hospital. Bettina was surprised with her sudden arrival. Sinadya niya talaga itong sorpresahin, hindi niya ipinaalam ang pag-alis niya sa Pinas.

“I thought your arrival was next week?” Bettina said after they short hug.

“I planned to surprise you and mommy.” Icah walked towards her mother who’s laying in bed. “Hi mom, I’m here…” She held her hand and brought it to her chest.

Ang emosyon niya dahil sa nangyayari sa buhay niya ay parang hindi niya yata maililihim pa lalo at kasama niya ang ina. It feels like anytime soon, she will burst out all her emotions inside her chest.

“Kailan ka pa dumating, hija?” Bettina asked, she was in balcony, kinuha ang dalawang tasa.

It seems like Bettina was having a breakfast when she arrived, but with who? There are two cups of coffee and two plates with breads, bacon and egg.

“Are you with someone, Tita?”

“Huh? Ah,” Bettina forced a smile. “Y-yes, a friend of mine visited early in the morning today.”

“Nasaan na siya?”

May iba pa palang bumibisita sa Hospital bukod sa kanya. Its quite surprising though, knowing that her mother isn’t a friendly type of a woman, Bettina is her only friend.

“He left after he eat.”

“ He ?“ She repeated. Icah grinned naughtily at the woman. “You eat breakfast with a man, Tita?”

Bettina waved her hand. “Naku, ikaw talagang bata ka, alam ko ’yang mga ngiti mong ’yan. Mali ka ng iniisip.”

“How would I know? He might be your suitor?”

Nanlalaki ang mata nito, hindi makapaniwala sa hinuha niya. Tapos ay humalakhak. Ah, sana ay makahalakhak din siya ng gano’n.

“Alam mo, kung hindi ko lang alam na may asawa ka…irereto kita sa kanya.” Umiling ito. “Hindi na rin pala pwede.”

“Malay naman natin, Tita, di ba? Baka pwede kaming magkaibigan nalang.” Pilya siyang ngumiti. “Gwapo ba?”

“Sobrang gwapo!” Puno ng paghanga ang boses nito. “Panay nga ang pa-cute ng mga nurse sa kanya kapag nandito, pati ang mga babaeng doktor.”

“Palagi siyang bumibisita?” Curious na tanong niya.

Naupo si Bettina sa couch bago siya nginitian, tapos ay lumipat ang tingin sa mommy niya. Naghalo ang saya at lungkot sa mga mata nito na madalas niyang makita sa tuwing pinagmamasdan nito ang mommy niya.

Bettina’s emotions towards her mother isn’t surprising to her anymoe, her mother and the woman used to be together always ever since, they treated each other more than a friend, they were like a real sister.

“Nito nalang siya bumisita. Huli niya na kasi nabalitaan ang nangyari kay Brianna.” Umayos ito ng upo. “Kumusta ka naman? Kumusta kayo ng asawa mo?”

Ngayon na siya at si Brooke naman ang topic, muli niyang naramdaman ang pamilyar na hapdi ng tibok ng puso niya.

“O-Okay naman po.”

“It looks like you are not, hmm? May problema?”

Bumuntong hininga siya habang marahan na hawak ang kamay ng mommy niya.

“We have a problem, Tita. Pero ayoko na po muna sanang pag-usapan. Nasasaktan lang ako, eh.”

Lumambot ang mukha ng ginang. “Sana ay maayos niyo kung ano man ang gusot sa relasyon niyo. Normal lang naman sa mag-asawa ang hindi pagkakaintindihan, pero dapat ay hindi niyo na patagalin ang away niyo, Gelicah.”

“We both need some time alone, Tita. Kapag kaya ko na siyang kausapin, gagawin ko. Sana ay gano’n din ang iniisip niya.”

She’s wondering if Brooke would ever accept the fact that they are siblings? Kasi siya, parang hindi niya kayang tanggapin. She wanted him more than a brother. She wanted to be his wife, like she used to do.

Their sweet memories and their hot steamy encountered in bed, those memories were lingering on her mind always. She missed him so bad that thinking of him makes her cry. It must be the hormones too.

“Mahal ka ng asawa mo, kaya sigurado akong gagawa ’yon ng paraan para magkaayos kayo. Huwag ka nang malungkot. Your mom doesn’t like it.”

Kinurap niya ang mga mata at tumingala ng bahagya, upang ibalik lang ang luhang nagbabadya. Minsan pumasok na sa isip niya kung mahal ba siya ni Brooke? O minahal ba siya kahit kaunti lang? He’s naturally sweet and caring, women fell for it, she fell for it.

“Hindi ko lang po maiwasan na huwag malungkot at masaktan.”

“Because you love your husband. You need to deal with heartache, Gelicah…even it is hard, even it tears your heart apart.” Bettina muttered and smile sadly at her. “Believe me, those tears and heartaches will be worth it eventually.”

Wala sa sariling inilagay niya ang palad sa dibdibd kung nasaan ang puso niya, mahapdi ang bawat tibok niyon, sinasaktan siya ng walang kalaban-laban. All that she can do is to feel the pain of every beat of her heart, feel it and deal with it.

“Had your heart been broken, Tita? I wondered.” She asked out of the blue.

“Yes.” Walang patumpik-tumpik na sagot nito. Very straight forward. “Ang tagal kong minahal ang lalaking may minamahal ng iba.”

“At sa huli? Minahal ka rin niya?”

Malungkot itong umiling, lumayo ang tingin na tila ba bumalik ang ala-ala sa mga nakaraan.

“Hindi niya kailanman nasuklian ang pagmamahal kong ’yon. Pero sige parin ako, gano’n yata talaga kapag tunay ’yung pagmamahal. Ibibigay mo parin ang puso mo, kahit hindi ibalik sa’yo.”

“I feel you, Tita.”

That’s exactly what’s happening on her. She’s loving Brooke without him loving her back. Patuloy niya parin minamahal ang lalaki kahit walang kapalit…kahit na masakit.

“Kung pwede lang na ihinto ko ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya, ginawa ko na. Pero hindi ko mapigilan ang puso ko. Sobra-sobra ’yung pagmamahal ko sa kanya na kahit ang mga taong mahal niya…minamahal ko.” Bettina gave her a warm smile and a meaningful gaze. “Ah, let’s stop talking about my heartbreaks, can we?”

Gelicah chuckled softly and nod her head. “Sure, Tita. That was all in the past. I’m sure you get over on it already.”

Isang ngiti lang ulit ang isinukli sa sa kanya ni Bettina. Ilang sandali pa ay nakita niyang kinuha nito ang cellphone at nagpaalam na lalabas.

BROOKE WAS WAITING to Bettina in the restaurant near the Hospital. He did not expect that Gelicah will arrived early in the morning today. Kung hindi siya natawagan ng bodyguard niyang nasa labas ng gusali ay siguradong nagpang-abot sila ng asawa.

“I didn’t expect her arrival, Brooke. I was surprised.” Bettina said as she sat down in front of his chair.

Brooke massage his temple. He lacked of sleep, but could not sleep when he was in bed. What the hell is happening on him?

“Lucky that I have my bodyguard to notify me about her sudden arrival.”

“Nagtataka talaga ako kung paano nakilala ng bodyguard mo si Gelicah?”

The question caught him off guard. Brooke cleared his throat, he was thinking what’s the best answer for that.

“I made an investigation about her. I have her informations. My bodyguard knew it.”

Matagal muna siyang pinagmasdan ng ginang bago tumango, mukhang naniwala naman sa kanya. Hindi ba masyadong halata na ayaw niyang makita si Gelicah? And damn, he’s still upset knowing that she dined with Carter! That woman… he shook his head silently to erase that thought. Nagagalit talaga siya kapag naiisip ’yon!

“Just wait until tomorrow for their hair. We are going to use it for DNA test. I will give it to you as soon as I get it.”

“How long does it take to get the result?”

“About one to two weeks, I think. Nagmamadali ka ba?”

“Yes,” He answered quickly. He’s being impatient waiting for the DNA Result, when in the fact they don’t do the test yet.

“Bakit ka nagmamadali? Hindi pa naman nagigising ang mommy mo.”

“Malay natin? Bukas magising na siya? I want to settle all of these before she wakes up. And…” He took a deep breath then think about Gelicah, their baby and their situation. “…I need to be with my wife as soon as possible. She’s pregnant, I don’t want her to be alone that long.”

Bettina gasped, surprised. “Wow! You’re married, hindi halata, ha. And congrats with the baby. Tiyak na magandang lahi ’yan.”

And that made him laugh shortly. “Yeah, thank you.” He rested his back on the chair. “So, I can’t visit my mom?”

“I can make an excuse to Gelicah about it.”

“Tita please make sure that she would not see me while I’m with my mom.”

“I will make sure of it, Brooke.” Bettina gave her an assurance. “You can even stay tonight until tomorrow morning.”

“That would be great.”

“Hindi rin kasi pwedeng mag-stay ng buong gabi si Gelicah, palagay ko ay buntis. Hindi lang sinasabi pa sa amin.”

Ah, his poor wife and their baby. If only he could do something to make her feel better, he would. Handa siyang isantabi ang galit niya sa pakikipagkita nito sa ibang lalaki, basta lang mapagaan niya ang loob nito.

“At may hindi sila pagkakaintindihan ng asawa niya kaya napaaga ang pagdating dito. Mukha talagang problemado, wala ng kislap ang mga mata.” Napabuntong hininga ito, halatang apektado. He could not blame her, Gelicah grew up with Bettina, too. “Sana ay magkaayos na sila ng asawa niya. Mahal na mahal niya pa naman.”

Napaayos siya ng upo at tila pinagpawisan ang noo niya. Marahas siyang napalunok sa tindi na emosyon ng biglang bumalot sa dibdib niya. His heart was hammering his chest and the feeling is fucking new to him.

“What did you say? She love her husband?”

“Yes,” Kunot noo na sagot nito. Nagtataka kung sa tanong niya o sa reaksyon niya. “Gelicah love her husband. Hindi naman ’yon masasaktan ng gano’n kung hindi niya mahal ang asawa niya. May asawa ka, dapat alam mo ’yan.”

“Uh, yeah.” Aniya ng mahimasmasan. Napahimas siya sa panga niya.

Knowing that Gelicah love him making him smile, but he needs to fucking stop himself from smiling like an idiot in front of Bettina. Brooke pursed his lips to suppress a smile, damn it, he’s silently having a victory inside him.

The thought ’bout Gelicah’s feelings for him, haunt him in that night. He’s with his mother. Gelicah and Bettina went home to sleep. Kung paano napapayag ng ginang na mapauwi ang asawa niya sa apartment na tinutuluyan ni Bettina ay hindi niya na alam.

What matters to him at the moment is to be with his mother and Gelicah to have a good sleep for their baby’s sake, too.

GELICAH was laying her back at the bed while caressing her baby bump. She’s in Bettina’s apartment and the woman is in the other room.

Wala sana siyang balak umalis sa Hospital, may maliit na silid naman do’n para tulugan pero ang mga sinabi ni Bettina kanina ay nagpa-konsyensya sa kanya. Naalala niya pa ang pag-uusap nila sa Hospital.

“Now that I know you’re pregnant, I won’t allow you to sleep here, Gelicah. Pwede naman tayong bumalik kinabukasan dito. Mas makakatulog ka ng maayos kung dun ka sa bahay.” Para siyang batang pinagsasabihan. Hindi siya makapiyok. “Dapat ay palaging maayos ang tulog ng mga buntis. Dapat ay kumain din sa tamang oras. Hindi porque may hindi kayo pagkakaintindihan ng asawa mo ay papabayaan mo na ang sarili mo. Don’t stress yourself, you know that it would not help you with your condition. Baka magalit pa sa’yo ang asawa mo dahil hindi lang sarili mo ang pinapabayaan mo, pati ang anak niyo.”

Napanguso siya. Hindi na nga talaga siya nakatanggi kanina. Sa isang banda ay natutuwa naman siyang napagsabihan, para niya na rin kasing nanay si Bettina.

Napabalikwas lang siya sa mahabang pag-iisip nang tumunog ang cellphone niya. Pakiramdam niya ay nangyari na ang ganitong eksena. Brooke handsome face suddenly flashed her mind and that makes her heart thunder inside her chest.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone ay mas lalong nagwala ang puso niya nang makitang tumatawag ang lalaki.

“Oh, shit…” she cursed lowly.

Nanginginig ang mga daliri na sinagot niya ang tawag at inilagay ang aparato sa tenga niya.

“H-Hello,” nangatal ang boses niya at ikinahihiya niya ’yon. “Napatawag ka?”

“I…I just want to check on you.”

“I’m okay,” she bit her lower lip. “Don’t mind me.” As if he’s minding her?

“Good. How’s the baby?” Brooke asked casually. It feels like someone pinch her heart.

“The baby is okay.”

“Do you eat on time? Do you take your vitamins everyday? Do you sleep good?”

Her lips protruded. And now he sounds like he’s concern to her! Pinapaasa lang yata siya ng pandinig niya. Tumawag lang talaga para sa baby nila!

“I always take my vitamins everyday for the sake of my baby if that’s what you want to know.” She could almost hear the bitterness in her voice. “I’m taking care of my baby.”

“ Our baby, Gelicah. That baby is ours .“ Brooke said territorially.

Umirap siya. Napaka mapag-angkin talaga. Hindi na siya magtataka kung balang araw ay mapag-awayan nila kung kanino dapat ang anak nila. Mukhang ang plano niyang paglayo kasama ang anak niya ay malabo. Tiyak na hahanapin sila ni Brooke para sa kostodiya ng bata.

She needs to be fair. He’s the father after all. He’s has all the rights. Things are getting more complicated on her side.

“ Our baby is safe and healthy. You don’t need to worry about it.“ She made her tone cold.

Brooke hissed on the other line. She could almost imagine that he’s frowning.

“How about you? I hope you are not stressing yourself.”

“I try not to…for the baby.”

“This is not all about our baby, Gelicah.” He sounds frustrated now. “This is about us . Do you understand?”

“We are siblings. There’s no us , Brooke. I thought I made it clear to you.” Bitterness filled her.

“I don’t fucking believe that we are siblings not unless my mother told me so.”

Naglabas siya ng iritadong hangin sa bibig. Hindi pa ba sapat ang mga ebidensya na magkapatid sila? Obviously, he can’t accept the fact the way she can’t.

“Nahihirapan na ako, Brooke..” Hindi niya na napigilan pang sabihin. Ang pag-iinit ng magkabilang sulok ng mga mata niya ay ramdam niya na. “Ayokong paniwalaan ang lahat. Hindi ko matanggap na m-magkapatid tayo. Nasasaktan a-ako…” halos ibulong niya ang mga salitang ’yon. “Bakit ganito ang nangyayari sa’tin? Do we really deserve this pain?”

“I don’t know.” Brooke sighed on the other line. “Mommy needs to wake up, she’s the answer.”

Yes. Their mother is the only answer. She’s willing to wait no matter how painful the answer would be. She wanted to know if they are really siblings, para mapanatag na siya. Para hindi na siya lihim na nasasaktan.

“Let’s wait for her to wake up. Tita Bettina told me that there’s a progress on her condition. Naigalaw niya na raw ang mga daliri nung nakaraan araw. Sana magpatuloy na.” She wished.

“Yeah, let’s keep our faith. Mommy will wake up, soon.”

His possibility made her smile. Marahan na hinaplos niya ang ibabaw ng tiyan niya, kinakalma ang sarili sa pamamagitan niyon. It makes her relax and sleepy.

“How are you?” She absentmindedly asked him.

“I’m fine. Don’t think about me too much.”

“Hindi kita iniisip!” What a liar!

“So, I am the only one who thinks about you and our baby all the time?” His voice was sarcastic, she could almost see the smirk on his lips. “Ititigil ko na ba ’tong pag-iisip ko sa’yo? Itigil ko na ba ’tong kabaliwan kong ’to?”

“D-Don’t,” she whispered softly. “Don’t stop thinking about me and our baby.”

Brooke let out a desperate sigh. It feels like he’s just controlling himself to remain relax while talking to her on the phone.

“You’re always in my mind. Without you beside me drive me insane. But I have to deal with all of these…for us.” His husky frustrated voice, making her bit the side of her cheeks. “Baby…” he called her softly.

“Umm?” She muttered, her heart was beating fast because of the endearment.

“Namimiss na kita…” Paos na bulong ng asawa, ramdam niya ang pangungulila sa kanya.

25 ~ Embrace

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

NANG INAYA siya ni Bettina na magpunta sa salon ay hindi na siya nag dalawang isip pa, sumama kaagad siya. She was stressing herself for a days now and pampering herself will help her.

“No, just above my shoulder. It would be fine with me.” She said to the hair stylist behind her.

Pinagmamasdan niya ang itsura sa harap ng malapad na salamin. Ang kislap sa mga mata niya ay hindi niya na makita, hindi katulad noon na magkasama sila ni Brooke, her eyes was always twinkle in happiness when she was with him.

Nung tinawagan siya ni Brooke at sabihing namimiss na siya nito, ay hindi napigilan ng puso niya na sumaya kahit sandali lang.

Ano ang ibig sabihin niyon? May pagtingin din ba sa kanya ang kapatid niya?

Gelicah frowned. No, that can’t be.

“Mas lalo kang gumanda, hija.” Napakurap siya nang magsalita sa gilid niya si Bettina tapos ay marahan na hinaplos ang may kaiksian niya ng buhok. “At mas lalo kang gaganda kung ngingiti ka na.”

Tipid siyang ngumiti rito mula sa repleksyon ng salamin. “He called last night, Tita.”

“Your husband?” Isang tango ang naging tugon niya do’n, hindi na itinama pa. Hindi na ipinaalam pa kung ano ang nangyayari sa kanila ni Brooke. “Sinusuyo kana?”

Hindi niya alam kung panunuyo ba ’yon. “Nangamusta lang po kung okay kami ni baby.”

“Yon lang?”

“Miss niya raw ako.”

Bettina patted her shoulder gently. “Ang sweet naman pala ng asawa mo. Makikipagbati na ’yan kaya huwag ka nang magmukmok, okay?”

“I will try not to, Tita. For o-our baby.”

“For you and for the baby.” Bettina corrected her. “By the way, we better go and visit your mom?”

“Mabuti pa nga po.” Aniya at inayos na ang sarili.

Pagpasok nila sa silid ng mommy niya ay pakiramdam niya ay nalanghap niya ang pamilyar na pabango. It was Brooke perfume, hindi siya pwedeng magkamali. Kaagad na lumapit siya sa ina at hinalikan ito sa noo, nagtagal pa ang tingin niya rito.

“Ahm, Gelicah, ikaw muna rito, ha? May pupuntahan lang ako.” Paalam sa kanya ni Bettina, hawak na ang handbag nito.

“Saan ka pupunta, Tita?”

“Just in the restaurant near here. Bibili na rin ako ng pagkain natin. May gusto ka bang ibang kainin?”

“Umm, ice cream?”

Bettina cackled. “Sure, just wait for me.”

She kissed her cheek before leaving the room. Nang mapag-isa sila ng mommy niya ay kinausap niya ito, habang hawak ang malambot na kamay.

“Mommy, kumusta ka na ba? Gusto ko na po maramdaman ang pag-galaw ng kamay mo, gusto ko na po marinig ulit ang boses mo…miss na miss na kita.” Inilagay niya sa pisngi ang kamay nang ina at dinama ’yon. “Alam mo ba? Magkaka-apo ka na, sana bago ako manganak, magising ka na.”

Sa biglang pagbukas ng pinto ay nahinto siya sa pakikipag-usap sa mommy niya. Isang blonde na nurse ang pumasok at nang makita siya ay bahagyang nawala ang ngiti sa labi nito. Tila ba na disappoint ito na siya ang nakita, o baka nagkakamali lang siya?

“Good morning, Miss. I will just check Brianna.” The nurse greeted her with a small smile on her lips now.

“Morning,” She greeted back and let the woman check her mother.

“This is my first time to see you here, Ma’am.” The nurse started a conversation with her American accent.

“Yeah, I was in the Philippines for a months, but now I’m back to look after my mom.”

“Oh, Brianna is your mother?”

The woman looks surprise. She even took a second look at her and to her mother, as if she was comparing their looks. Alam niya naman na hindi niya kamukha ang mommy niya, mas kamukha niya ang daddy niya.

“Yeah,”

“So, the handsome man who’s visiting here is your brother?”

Lumalim ang gatla sa kanyang noo. What is this woman talking about? Is she referring to Brooke? Did he visits their mother already?

“What are you talking about?”

The woman glance at her with small smile. “Brooke, that’s his name.”

Gelicah’s heart race in instant. So, that man was there without telling it to her?

“Oh,” She force a smile. “When did he visit?”

“I saw him last night when I went here to check Brianna.” She could see the twinkle on the woman’s hazel eyes. “You are lucky to have a brother like him. I wondered if he’s already taken?”

“He is,” Pakiramdam niya ay sumungit ang boses niya.

“Oh,” The woman sounds disappointed.

“He’s married. And they expecting their first child in a few months,”

The beautiful woman shrug her shoulder. “I wasn’t wrong after all. I saw his wedding ring on his finger. His wife is very lucky, that even he’s away, he stay loyal. Men usually remove their wedding ring when they’re away with their wives and have fun with other women.”

“Because he love his wife, that’s why he needs to stay loyal and faithful.” She confidently said.

“I can see that, Madam.”

Ilang sandali pa ay magalang na umalis na ang nurse. She get her cellphone and send a text message to Brooke. She felt like a bit irritated knowing that he’s there without telling her.

THEY ARE in the same restaurant when Brooke met Bettina. The woman arrived earlier than him.

“Here. I had to ask her to go to Salon for this hair.” Bettina handed her the sealed plastic with Gelicah’s hair in it. “And this is Brianna’s hair.” Then she took another plastic from her bag and give it to him. May pangalan na ng dalawa sa bawat plastic.

“Thanks for these.”

“You’re welcome. By the way, how’s your mom last night?”

A small smile escape his lips. “I felt her fingers last night, she moved it again for the second time. I talked to her doctor before I left the hospital this morning. He told me that, there’s a big chance that mom would wake up anytime soon.”

That good news made his day. The burden on his chest lessen because of it. He can’t even wait for his mother to wake up, but of course he needs to be patient for that day.

“That’s a good news! Gelicah will be happy once I tell it to her!”

“Yes, tell it to her so she would feel better.”

“Medyo umaayos na ang pakiramdam ni Gelicah lalo at nalaman kong tumawag pala ang asawa niya sa kanya nung isang gabi.”

“Do you think she like it when her husband is calling her?”

“Yes, it makes her feel better. Her husband should make a call always.”

I will . His mind told him.

Then his cellphone suddenly vibrate on his pocket. Kinuha niya ’yon para lamang makita ang message ng babaeng pinag-uusapan nila.

From: Gelicah So, you visited, mom? Without telling me?

Ibinalik niya ang cellphone sa bulsa nang hindi nag-reply. How did she know that? It supposed to be a secret between him and Bettina. Then an image of nurses in the hospital flashed his mind. Malamang ay ang mga ’yon ang nagsabi? Though it doesn’t matter to him now, pasasaan ba at malalaman din ng asawa niya na nando’n nga siya.

“Anyway, I need to go. I will bring this hair to someone I know who’s here. He will help me with the DNA.”

“I wish for the good result, Brooke.”

“Me too.”

“Aalis na rin ako. Bibili rin kasi ako ng pagkain namin ni Gelicah. At, ice cream.” Bettina shrug. “Hindi pa yata tapos ang cravings ng buntis.”

Brooke gets his wallet and give Bettina some money, American dollar.

“Here, take this.”

“No need, Brooke. May pera pa naman ako rito.”

“I insist.” Kinuha niya ang kamay nito at inilapag do’n ang pera. “Buy whatever you and Gelicah’s wants. I don’t mind you guys spending money.”

Walang nagawa si Bettina kundi tanggapin ang pera. “Sigurado akong ang swerte ng asawa mo sa’yo, Brooke. You know how to spoiled women.” Bettina beamed at him.

“Women love it.”

“Yeah, I agree.” Tinapik nito ang balikat niya. “O siya, mauna na ako sa’yo.”

Isang tango ang ginawa niya bago ito pinanood na lumabas sa restaurant. Nang mag vibrate ulit ang cellphone niya ay napalabas siya ng hangin sa bibig. Kinuha niya ’yon para lang mabasa ulit ang message ng asawa.

From: Gelicah Bakit mo nga naman sasabihin sa’kin ang bawat galaw mo. Wala na nga palang tayo . By the way, the nurses here were looking for you.

Brooke could almost smell the bitterness on her message. He dialed her number to talk to her. But the hardheaded woman did not answer his call. Napahilot siya sa sintido at nag-type nalang ng mensahe para sa pag-aalburoto ng asawa.

To: Gelicah Don’t be jealous. I made it sure to them that I’m married. That I wasn’t interested at all no matter how beautiful and hot they are.

Brooke went out to the restaurant and hop in to the car he rented. His bodyguard is in the front seat, waiting for him together with the driver. Papunta sila sa hotel kung saan siya tumutuloy at kung saan naghihintay ang isang kaibigan.

His cellphone vibrated again. Brooke rested his back and read Gelicah’s reply.

From: Gelicah Still, you talked to them. Akala mo siguro hindi ko malalaman.

He dialed her number quickly but she did not answer it again. So he needed to type a message again. He’s not into texting, he prefer phone calls but his wife is being a bad girl.

To: Gelicah Why don’t you answer my call and let me hear all your tantrums?

Nakarating na sila sa Hotel lahat-lahat ay hindi na siya nakatanggap pa ng mensahe mula sa asawa. Maybe he hit something on her and she realized that it’s useless to argue with him for talking to other women.

“Welcome to L.A, Dr. Howell Banchero,” Brooke sarcastically said to the man who’s sitting casually in the corner of the restaurant of one of the luxury hotel in California.

“Thank you very much, Montero.” Howell give him a smirk and motioned him to sit down.

“As much as I want to talk more but I think it would be better if we bring this,” ipinakita niya ang plastic na hawak niya. “to your friend.”

Howell shrug his shoulder and stood up. “Like that I have a choice?”

“We could have a drink after, what do you think?”

“I’m thinking to go home after.”

Brooke looks at his friend in disbelief. “Kadarating mo lang kagabi.”

“Yeah, but I miss my girl. So yeah, I better go home tonight or tomorrow.”

“In love, eh?”

“We are just same, brute.”

“No—”

“Yeah? You can fool yourself but you can never fool me, Brooke.” Howell patted his shoulder coolly. “You will never disturb a friend if you don’t need help. This must be very important to you.”

“It is, but it’s not what you think about it.”

“Can you please tell me why are you so eager to know the result of the DNA test?” They hop in to the car. “Ah, because you wanted to make sure that your wife isn’t your sister.”

“Shut it up, brute.”

“I am damn right.” Howell teasingly whistle. “I haven’t seen your wife personally, maybe I could take a look at her before I leave? So I will know why the mighty Brooke Montero is going nuts because of her.”

“You know, I called you to help me not to fucking annoy me.” He looked at the busy street of Los Angeles. “You better leave after the test.”

“You’re very much welcome, Montero.” Howell sarcastically said. “I appreciate it a lot. Ang lapit nga lang naman ng Pinas dito sa tate, ’no?”

Napailing nalang siya sa kaibigan. He trust Howell for the DNA test, he has a trusted friend who was working in America, that’s why he called him for a help and to pull some strings to make the DNA result done within this week.

PANAY ANG hugot niya ng hangin sa dibdib habang nasa balkonahe ng silid ng ina. Iritado parin siya at mas lalong nairita sa palitan nila ng text message ni Brooke. How dare him tell her that she was jealous and she tantrums?

“Oh, may problema ba? Hindi na naman maipinta ’yang mukha mo.” Puna sa kanya ni Bettina at binigyan siya ng ice cream.

Nakasimangot na tinaggap niya ’yon. She took a one scoop and let it melt on her mouth. This ice cream could be her stress reliever.

“He’s here, Tita.” Icah informed the woman.

“Talaga? Eh, di maganda. Sinundan ka niya.” May kasiyahan sa boses nito. “Makikipag-ayos na ’yan. Papuntahin mo rito.”

Napangiwi siya. Hindi niya yata makakaya ’yon. Sila ni Brooke kaharap ito at ang mommy niya? They need to act like a stranger to each other if that happen. Hindi naman nila pwedeng sabihin na mag-asawa sila, baka atakihin ang Tita Bettina niya.

“Huwag nalang po. Hindi pa ako handa na makita siya.”

“Bakit naman? This is the chance to make everything right for the both of you.”

Malungkot siyang ngumiti sa kawalan. Kung normal lang na mag-asawa sila ni Brooke ay hindi na siya mag-aatubili pang makasama ulit ito, pero iba ang sitwasyon nila. Masasaktan lang siya kapag nagkita sila, sa Hospital pa at sa harap ng mommy nila. Parang tinanggap na rin nilang magkapatid sila? Kung gano’n nga ang mangyayari.

“Hindi naman po siya nagsabi na magkita kami.”

“Why’s he here then?”

“Maybe to visit a friend? Or for business.” She bit her tongue for lying.

“Hindi naman kailangan na ang lalaki palagi ang magsasabi kung magkikita kayo o hindi. Siguradong isa sa dahilan niya kaya siya nandito ay para sa’yo. Kaya, kung ako sa’yo, makikipagkita ako sa kanya.”

Sana nga ay gano’n lang kadali ’yon.

“M-Makikipagkita nalang ako sa kanya pero hindi rito, Tita.” Aniya para matapos na ang usapan na ’yon.

“Good. You need some time alone with your husband.” Bettina wink at her, making her blush. Ano ba ’tong iniisip niya? Halata naman na tinutukso siya nito. “May nagpunta na ba na nurse rito?”

“Ah, opo, kaninang umaga. At, ang sabi may bumisita raw kay mommy kagabi.”

Nakita niya ang bahagyang gulat sa mukha ng kaharap. “S-Sino raw?”

“Si…Brooke raw.” Mahina ang boses niya.

“Oh, your brother!”

Gelicah frowned at the statement. Your brother? My brother? It makes her heart ache.

“Y-Yes, babalik pa kaya siya?”

“I don’t know? Maybe? Gusto mong makita?”

Mabilis siyang umiling. “Ayoko pa po. Hindi pa ako handa.”

“Siguro mas maganda kung makipagkita ka sa asawa mo at habang wala ka, si Brooke naman ang magbabantay sa mommy niyo.”

Napangiwi siya sa ideya ni Bettina. Malabo mangyari ’yon. Iisang tao lang naman ang pinag-uusapan nila.

“Nakakapagod po mag-isip.”

“Huwag mo nang isipin. Ipahinga mo nalang ’yan, Gelicah.” Anito at bumalik ulit sa loob ng silid.

Matapos ang mahaba niyang pagmumuni-muni ay tumunog ang cellphone niya para sa isang mensahe.

From: Brooke I’m on my way to the Hospital.

Pakiramdam niya ay lalabas ang puso niya sa biglang paglakas ng tibok niyon. Binasa niya ulit ang mensahe, dahil baka nagkamali lang siya. Pero hindi. Malinaw na tama ang nabasa niya at para sa kanya ang mensahe na ’yon dahil may kasunod pa.

From: Brooke Let’s stop playing hide and seek. I’m tired of our situation. I wanna be with you.

Gelicah went inside the room quickly, making Bettina looks at her with confusion on her eyes.

“Sit and calm down, Gelicah. Ano ba ang nangyayari sa’yo?”

Napakurap siya tapos ay nagpalakad-lakad sa silid, hindi alam ang gagawin at lalong hindi alam ang irereply sa kay Brooke. Ang puso niya ay patuloy sa pagkalampag sa dibdib niya.

Then after a few minutes, they heard a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Bettina said casually.

Parang mapupugto ang hininga niya habang pinapanood ang maingat na pagbukas ng pinto. She’s wishing that it was not Brooke, pakiramdam niya ay hihimatayin siya pag nagkataon.

Slowly, the door revealed a familiar built of a man. Wearing a casual white shirt that hugs his body, a brown jacket and a black jeans, a man stood there with all his might.

His deep dark eyes was looking at her intently and longingly, making her knees wobble. Her heart was beating so loud that she could almost hear it.

“Brooke,” Bettina muttered, surprised by his sudden arrival.

“Yeah,” His deep baritone made her realized that she was longing to hear it again personally after a week of being away from him. Brooke eyes never leaves hers, then he spoke. “I’m sorry to interrupt but I could not hold it any longer, I want to be with…” he paused.

“With your mother.” Bettina finished the sentence. “I understand. Maiwan ko muna kayo rito.”

The woman went out the room, leaving her with Brooke. They stare at each other for a couple of seconds before she heard him curse harshly.

“Damn it!”

Walang sabi-sabi na binagtas ni Brooke ang pagitan nila, kinabig siya at dinala sa bisig nito.

Gelicah was stun. She could not even move a finger. She was letting him to embrace her…and to give his rights to claim her again as his.

26 ~ Promise

A/N: Sumobra sa word count. Ikaw na talaga baby, Brooke! 😍

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

BROOKE cupped her face with his palms while staring at her. Ang mga mata ay malamlam, na alam niyang sumasalamin sa kanya. Hindi na nila kailangan sabihin kung gaano sila nananabik makasama ulit ang isa’t-isa, dahil ang mata nila mismo ang nagsasalita para sa kanila.

Madamdamin na napapikit si Gelicah nang dumampi ang labi ng asawa sa kanyang noo. Dampi palang ’yon pero damang-dama niya ang pangungulila sa halik na ’yon.

“Did I surprise you?” Brooke asked softly, looking through her eyes.

Umilap ang mga mata niya, hindi na naman makatingin ng deretso rito. Bagkos, isang marahan na tango lang ang naisagot niya.

Kahit yata ang pagsasalita ay hindi niya magagawa dahil sa lapit nang distansya nilang dalawa. Ang pamilyar na init sa pagitan nila ay ramdam niya, nakakapanabik.

“Are you mad at me?” Tanong ulit nito na para bang kapag hindi pa narinig ang boses niya ay mabibigo na nang sobra.

Lihim siyang humugot ng hangin sa dibdib, ilang minuto palang silang nakatayo do’n pero pakiramdam niya ay bubuwal na talaga ang kanyang mga tuhod.

The intensity and longing on his eyes were very visible, that made her chest tightened. Kinailangan niya pang humugot ulit ng hangin sa dibdib sa palihim na paraan para lang maayos na makapagsalita.

“J-Just a bit annoyed.” She whispered.

Bakit ba kailangan maging matapat siya sa saloobin niya?

Nakita ni Icah ang multong ngiti sa labi ng asawa, na mabilis din na nawala at napalitan ulit ng seryosong ekspresyon.

“What do you want me to do for you to forgive me for making you feel annoyed?” Brooke voice was very gentle.

Gelicah felt his thumb on the side of her lips, he’s slightly caressing it…he’s feeling it and it seems like he’s just stopping himself to kiss her there.

“W-Wala,” ang boses niya ay halos hindi niya na marinig, ikinahihiya niya ang inaasta niya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

Ang tapang-tapang niya nang ka-text ito kanina pero ngayon ay natatameme siya. Sa mga magagandang mata palang nito, tiklop na siya…na-hipnotismo na nga talaga siya.

“Gusto kitang halikan,” Uminit ang pisngi niya sa sinabi ng asawa kaya mas lalong iniwas ang tingin dito.

Nanghihina na ang mga tuhod niya, ayaw nang gumalaw ng mga paa niya para sana bigyan kahit papano ng distansya ang pagitan nila.

“Pero paano ko gagawin ’yon kung naiinis ka?”

“Eh, di huwag mo akong halikan.” Pinasungit niya ang boses.

“Naglilihi ka parin?” Brooke cocked his head on the side, amusement on his eyes. “Pahalik,” then he titled his head closer.

Namanhid ang ulo niya at labis nag-init ang buong mukha pababa sa leeg. He’s really good on this! In making her blush and embarrass in front of him!

“Bakit ka ba nandito?” Binalot siya ng pagkainis.

Dahil sa pag-iinit nang mukha niya ay pinagpapawisan ang kanyang noo.

“To be with you.” Brooke muttered huskily. “And to kiss you.” With that, he move his head closer and claim her lips, making her gasped.

It was just a quick kiss but damn, the tingling sensation sent shiver down her spine. Iba talaga ang epekto sa kanya ni Brooke. Bumangon ang pangungulila niya sa asawa pero sa gulat ay naitulak niya ito ng bahagya. Dumilim ang mukha nito pero huli na, natauhan na siya na mali ang halik na ’yon.

“Why did you do that?!” She hissed at him, wiping something on her lips.

“Why not?” Brooke brushed his hair with his fingers. “We are still not sure if we are really siblings. Walang mali sa paghalik ko sa’yo.”

“K-Kahit na,”

Napaatras siya kaya mas lalong rumihistro sa mukha nito ang pait. She’s avoiding him and he doesn’t like it.

“Ayaw mo na ba sa’kin?” Paos ang boses ni Brooke, hindi siya nilulubayan ng tingin na para bang kapag kumurap ito ay mawawala siya sa paningin nito.

Marahas siyang napalunok. Ayaw tumigil sa pagkabog ang dibdib niya. Nahihirapan rin na siyang aminin ang totoong nararamdaman para rito dahil sa sitwasyon nila, pero kung aaminin siya, ano pa bang silbi? Kung sa huli, hindi rin naman pala sila pwedeng magsama?

“Hindi sa gano’n-”

“Then why avoiding me?” Brooke step closer to her.

Napayuko siya nang nasa harapan niya na naman ito, hindi na naman binibigyan ng distansya ang pagitan nila. Sinasakop na naman siya.

“M-Masyado ka kasing malapit.” Wala sa sariling lumapat ang palad niya sa dibdib, patuloy ang malakas na tibok ng puso niya. “Ang l-lakas ng tibok ng puso ko.”

Brooke thick eyebrows shot up, then he smirk playfully at her. “Bakit?”

“I…I don’t know.” she pursed her lips.

Siguro ay kinakabahan lang siya dahil kaharap ulit ito? O baka dahil mahal niya ito kaya gano’n ang reaksyon ng puso niya?

“Did I make your heart beat fast and loud?” He asked gently, she nod her head carefully as an answer. “Kailan pa?”

Nag-isip siya saglit, kailan nga ba naghuhumerentado ang puso niya sa tuwing kaharap ito? If her memory serves her right, it started the day she met him. Mas lalo lang lumala habang tumatagal na magkasama sila.

“Your presence always makes me feel nervous. And,” She looked up at him and bit the side of her cheek when she caught him staring at her intensely.

“I am sorry if I make you feel nervous.” Wala na siyang nagawa nang hawakan nito ang magkabilang kamay niya at dinala sa labi nito, para masuyong halikan ang mga ’yon. “But I am not sorry for making your heat beat fast and loud because of me.”

Umusli nang bahagya ang labi niya. Halata naman na gustung-gusto nito ang reaksyon ng puso niya. Para bang may alam ito na hindi sinasabi sa kanya.

“Do you feel the same?” She asked in a soft tone.

Malalim itong napabuntong hininga, namroblema bigla sa tanong niya. Dapat ba ay magkapareho sila ng nararamdaman? Baka nga siya lang ang nakakramdam ng gano’n…

“Yes,” Brooke muttered huskily. “You make my heart beat fast and loud just by standing in front of me doing nothing but avoiding my gaze and bitting your lips. Yeah, you are very good at it.”

“Galit ka ba?” Lumambing ang boses niya.

“No, baby.” He kissed her hands again. “But some times, its quite frustrating. I can’t stop it, unless I will take my gaze away from you, but I don’t want to do it.”

“Bakit ayaw mo?”

Nahihirapan na napaungol si Brooke na para bang ayaw nang sagutin ang tanong niya. Ang mga mata ay namumungay na. Ang labi ay bahagyang nakaawang, natatakam siyang halikan.

“Lets just say that…I love staring at my wife and to her beautiful face.”

Gelicah face rose up. Napayuko siya, nahiya bigla. She was told by many that she’s beautiful but hearing it from Brooke, it sounds so special.

Ilang sandali silang binalot ng katahimikan hanggang sa binasag ’yon nang bumukas ang pinto. Para siyang napaso at mabilis na lumayo kay Brooke.

The beautiful nurse looked at both of them with smile on her face and her face lift up when her gaze went to the man beside her.

“Good day, sir.” The blond nurse who has a blue eyes greeted Brooke. “Good day, Miss.”

“Mrs.” Pagtatama niya at ipinakita ang wedding ring sa kamay. She could almost see the smirk on Brooke’s lip.

“Oh, sorry, Mrs.” The nurse gave her a friendly smile. Then, went to her mother to check her.

“Mrs. huh,” He murmured beside her.

Umirap siya at naglakad palapit sa mommy niya. Ilan sandali pa ay nagpaalam na rin ang nurse, binigyan pa ng magandang ngiti si Brooke bago tuluyang lumabas.

“Gustung-gusto mo naman?” Iritado na sabi niya sa lalaki.

Kahit na hindi niya nakitang gumanti ito ng ngiti, ay talagang naiinis parin siya.

“What are you talking about?” Brooke’s looks confused.

“Gusutung-gusto mo na may ngumingiti sayong babae!”

Napapantastikuhan na umangat ang mga kilay nito, napahilot sa panga na para bang pinipigil ang matawa.

“I don’t see anything wrong about women who’s smiling at me. Besides, I saw her smiling at you, too.”

“See? You were looking at her. You even saw her smiling at me!”

Lumapit ito sa kanya. Tumayo sa harap niya habang nakaupo siya sa gilid ng upuan katabi ng kama ng mommy niya.

“But I did not smile back.”

“Whatever.” She murmured to herself.

“I like it.”

Magkasalubong ang kilay na tiningala niya ito. “What?”

“I like it when you’re jealous.” He licked his lower lips, making her throat ran dry.

“Isipin mo na kung ano ang gusto mong isipin.” Mataray na sabi niya. “Pero sana lang kung makikipag mabutihan ka sa mga babae rito, huwag mo nang ipakita sa’kin.”

“Woah,” He gasped. “What made you think that?”

“Advance ako mag-isip.”

“Well, well, sweetheart, let’s make this things clear.” Brooke squatted in front of her, almost kneeling on the floor, then he held her both hands. “First of all, I came here for my mom, not to flirt with nurses or doctors here. Second, I am married, I am expecting my first child. Do you really think that I have enough time for other women? When in reality, I only have one woman in my mind.”

Gelicah became speechless. She let her her heart speak with her. It’s beating fast again, it’s beating for him.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang gagawin ko para hindi ka na magselos.” Para itong bigo, hinahalikan ang mga kamay niya. “You have my name, you are carrying my child.” Brooke looked at her with longing on his eyes. “What else my baby’s want? Tell me…and will I obey you in a heartbeat.”

The raspiness on his voice tell her that he will do everything for her no matter how hard it is, she just need to tell it to him.

“J-Just stay…with me.” She whispered softly.

Napaigtad siya nang yakapin siya nito bigla habang nakaluhod. Isiniksik nito ang mukha sa tiyan niya, yakap na yakap talaga sa kanya.

“I will. I promise.” Brooke kissed her stomach then looked up on her with tenderness on his eyes. “Just wait a little longer, baby, I’m already working on it. Okay?”

Maingat siyang tumango kahit hindi niya naman talaga naiintindihan ang sinasabi ng asawa. Isa lang naman talaga ang gusto niya para sa kanilang dalawa, ang muli silang magsama nang hindi iniisip na kasalanan ang ginagawa nila. Pero paano ba mangyayari ang lahat ng ’yon?

Marahan na hinaplos niya ang buhok ni Brooke na nakasiksik na naman ang mukha sa tiyan niya. Nahihirapan na siya sa sitwasyon nila, ni hindi niya nga alam kung saan ba siya kumukuha ng lakas para makayanan niyang palipasin ang mga araw na gano’n ang sitwasyon nila.

“I hope we could stay like this forever. Having you here beside me…having you with our baby.” Her voice became soft.

The wild beating of her heart aches her. It feels like she was wishing for something that could never happen. But who knows? Miracles happened, she believed in that.

“I am willing to commit a sin if that’s the only way I can do to have you.” Brooke whispered tenderly.

Hindi niya na namalayan ang pagdaloy nang luha sa pisngi niya. She didn’t expect him to be like this…to be willing to commit a sin for her and for their child.

“People will judge…” she bit her lower lips. “But who cares? I want you to be with me.” Pag-amin niya, hindi na naitago pa ang damdamin niya.

Brooke looked up on her and his face suddenly softened hearing her words.

“I don’t give a damn to what other people say about us.” Ang malamlam na mga mata ng asawa ay nangungusap sa kanya. “Gustung-gusto kita,”

Nakagat niya ulit ang pang-ibabang labi. Ang tibok nang puso niya ay naghumerentado ng husto. Ni hindi na naman siya makapiyok, pakiramdam niya ay mabibilaukan siya kapag nagsalita siya.

“If wanting you to be with me is a crime, then I’m fucking guilty, baby.” Brooke cupped her face gently and stare at her. “I will claim you as mine even the world is against us.”

Then her husband kissed her territorially and passionately.

GELICAH CAN’T help herself, ang ngiti sa labi niya ay hindi maawat. Napapatingin tuloy sa kanya si Bettina.

“You’re smiling.” Puna nito.

Umayos siya nang upo sa sofa, habang pasimpleng sinisipat si Brooke sa balkonahe, may kausap sa cellphone.

Ilang araw na rin nang makapag heart to heart talk sila ng asawa. At sobrang nakatulong iyon sa kanya. Gumaan ang pakiramdam niya. Nabawasan din ang mga agam-agam niya tungkol sa nararamdaman ni Brooke para sa kanya.

He likes her so bad. She keep his words in her heart and mind, because it makes her feel better. It inspires her to wake up every morning.

“Mas maganda ako kapag nakangiti, Tita Bettina. Di ba?”

“Yes. And your eyes are smiling. Nagkausap na kayo nang asawa mo?”

Isang sulyap ulit kay Brooke na nakatalikod sa gawi niya, bago muling itinuon ang pansin kay Bettina.

“Opo, medyo okay na kami.”

“Halata nga. Ang blooming mo, eh. Nasaan na siya? Hindi ba bibisita rito?”

“Hindi po muna. Busy pa.”

“May picture ka ba riyan? Patingin nga,”

Naalarma siya bigla. Saka lang niya natanto na bago nga pala ang cellphone niya at wala silang picture do’n ni Brooke.

“Wala po, Tita. Kakabili lang po ng cellphone ko. Naiwan ko kasi sa mansyon nila ’yung isa na may mga pictures kami.”

“Gano’n ba? Ano nga ulit pangalan ng asawa mo? Nagiging makakalimutin na ako, hija.”

Pilit siyang ngumiti. Ang hirap talaga ng sitwasyon nila ni Brooke. Kailan kaya sila aamin? O aamin ba sila? ’Yon ang tanong.

“Ano’ng pinag-uusapan niyo?” Tanong bigla ni Brooke nang makapasok sa silid tapos ay tumabi ng upo sa kanya. Talaga naman. Baka mahalata sila! “Care to share?”

“Ano, Brooke, hindi ko pa kasi nakikita ang asawa ni Gelicah. I’m just curious.” Bettina shrug her shoulder.

“Gwapo ba ’yung asawa mo?” At ang magaling na lalaking ito tinanong pa talaga siya ng harapan!

Pasimple siyang umusog palayo rito para may mas distansya sila. They’re too close.

“S-Syempre, gwapo.” Umirap siya nang nakita ang pilyong kislap sa mata ng katabi.

“Mas gwapo kay Brooke?” Si Bettina.

“Pantay lang, po.”

“Ah, e di gwapo nga talaga. Kung halos kasing gwapo lang ni Brooke, siguradong magandang lahi ’yan.”

“Naman,” Brooke muttered smugly.

“Yabang,” she murmured.

“Pardon?” Brooke cocked his head, staring at her with his expressive eyes.

“Ahh!” Bettina suddenly giggled, making them eyed her.

“Why, Tita?”

“I should not feel this! Bakit nakakakilig kayong dalawa panoorin?”

Gelicah smile shyly. “Tita naman, parang teenager.”

“Hay, kung hindi lang kayo magkapatid, siguradong mapagkakamalan ko kayong may relasyon. Tignan mo ’yang si Brooke kung makatingin sa’yo, Icah.”

“What’s with the way I look?” Brooke asked innocently, resting his back on the sofa.

Iunat nito ang isang braso sa ibabaw ng sandalan, parang nakaakbay tuloy sa kanya. Kung alam niya lang, gusto na naman nitong dumikit nang husto sa kanya.

“It looks like you feel something on her. Be careful when you look at someone because you have a very expressive eyes, Brooke. Those beautiful eyes could betray your emotions inside.”

“Ganyan lang po siguro siya tumingin.” Pagtatanggol niya at tuluyan nang lumayo sa asawa, sa mommy niya siya lumapit at sa gilid ng kama naupo.

“You get your eyes with your mother, Brooke.” Bettina added.

That’s when she realized that maybe that’s the reason why Brooke’s eyes are familiar to her? Because he have the same pair of eyes with her mother?

“I believe in that.” Brooke shrug then glance at her. “Hindi nga siya kamukha ni Gelicah.”

She felt a prick on her heart when he said that, while looking intently at her. Ipinagsawalang bahala niya nalang ’yon dahil sa isang banda, totoo naman. Hindi niya kamukha ang ina.

“Because I look more my dad.” Inismiran niya ang asawa at inirapan pa, hindi na alintana na pinapanood ni Bettina ang reaksyon niya.

Brooke let out a short hearty laugh. “Oh baby, I’m sorry to annoy you with the fact.”

“Shut up,” she mouthed rudely.

“Hay, kayong dalawa talaga. Tama na ’yan.” Awat sa kanila ng Tita Bettina niya at tumayo. “Lalabas ako, may ipapabili ba kayo?”

“Just buy some snacks, Tita.” Brooke get his wallet on his pocket and give money to the woman.

“Ice cream sa’kin, Tita.”

“Sure, hija.” Then Bettina left the room.

Nang sila nalang ang naiwan ay kaagad na lumapit sa kanya si Brooke at niyakap siya mula sa likod.

“Naiinis ka?” Bulong nito sa likod ng tenga niya habang pahalik-halik sa kanyang balikat at leeg.

“Sinong hindi? Ipinapamukha mo talagang wala akong nakuha kay mommy.”

“That’s okay. You’re still beautiful in my eyes.” Brooke kissed the side of her lips. “I’m leaving later.”

Gelicah looked at him over her shoulder. “Saan ka magpupunta?”

“Hmm,” mapaglaro na hinaplos nito ang gilid ng bewang niya na nagbigay ng pamilyar na kiliti sa kanya.

“Saan nga? Are you going back to Manila?”

“Not yet, baby. I will just meet someone.”

“Someone? A girl or a boy?”

Pilit nitong hinanap ang mukha niya para tignan ang reaksyon niya, pero pilit niya rin iniwas.

“It’s a girl.”

“Yung nurse?”

Brooke chuckled on her neck, his minty breath hit her bare skin.

“Lumayo ka nga sa’kin! Nakadikit ka na naman! Alis!” Siniko niya ito dahil sa iritasyon at selos, kaso hindi man lang ito natinag.

“Ayaw ko sa nurse…gusto ko sa asawa ko.”

“Alis na! Baka dumating si Tita Bettina.” Pinataray niya parin ang boses, para maitago naman ’yung kilig na sumalakay sa kanya. Napaka traydor talaga ng katawan niya.

“Please, sleep with me tonight.” Brooke whispered sexily at the back of her ear. Nagsitaasan ang mga balahibo niya sa batok. “I miss your warm embrace at night.”

“Umm… P-Paano?” Inirapan niya ang sarili. Ang rupok lang? “Tita Bettina will ask about it.”

“Leave it to me.” He planted a gentle kiss on her shoulder. His palm was caressing her abdomen. “I wanna kiss our baby…and the mommy.”

Brooke and his sweetness. She really fell for it.

“O-Okay, tonight.”

“Uh, hindi na ako makapaghintay mag-gabi.”

Natawa siya at pinalo ito sa braso. Iba ang naiisip niya, masyadong mahalay at mainit.

“Anong oras ka babalik?”

“Sandali lang ako do’n. May kukunin lang ako.”

“Is that really important?”

“Very important, baby.” Umangat ang mga palad nito na nasa bewang niya, kulang nalang ay sakupin ang dibdib niya.

“Yung kamay mo,” sita niya.

He groaned and stop what he’s doing. Ibinalik nalang ang kamay sa ibabaw ng tiyan niya.

“Mamaya ka sa’kin.” Bulong ulit nito na ikinapula ng pisngi niya. “Papagurin kita.”

“Hindi ako pwedeng mapuyat.”

Knowing her husband, he won’t stop in making love to her until she beg for him to stop. Mukhang mapapalaban pa yata siya?

HINDI SIYA mapakali. Kailan man sa buhay niya ay hindi siya nakaramdam nang ganitong emosyon. Ngayon lang.

Matapos ang ilang sandali na pakikipagtagisan sa sariling damdamin ay dumating na ang babaeng hinihintay.

“Good day, Mr. Montero!” The woman formally greeted him and sit on the vacant chair in front of him.

“Good day, Miss Williams.”

Tumango ito at may kinuha sa bag.

“This is the result of the DNA test that we made last week.” The blond woman handed him the envelope.

Formal na kinuha niya ang envelope na iyon kahit na sa loob loob niya ay nagwawala ang tibok ng puso niya.

Brooke was fucking nervous! He wanted the result to be negative but he could not help himself to think that it might be positive , too.

“Thank you for this.” He lifted the envelope a bit.

“Thank you for trusting us, Mr. Montero.” Tumayo ang babae at naglahad ng kamay sa kanya na kaagad niya namang tinanggap at tumayo rin. “Good luck.”

“Yeah,”

Bumalik siya sa inuupuan nang makaalis ang babae. Ilan sandali niya pang pinakatitigan ang envelope bago niya maingat na binuksan.

His heart was beating wildly while unsealing the envelope. He could almost feel that his hands are shaking.

“Damn you!” He cursed himself. “Fucking calm yourself, brute.”

Brooke let out a loud harshly breath and took the paper inside the envelope. He slowly and carefully read every details. And every words made his jaw clenched to control his emotions.

And when he saw the result at the bottom of the paper, his heart skip a bit. It almost choke him.

Brooke closed his eyes tightly and tilted his head back. He brushed his hair using his shaky fingers. The mixed emotions are bombing his chest and it almost hurt him.

Then Gelicah’s face and their heart to heart talk suddenly flashed his mind. His words to her was playing on his ears repeatedly.

A promise is a promise. And he fucking mean it.

27 ~ Result (SPG)

A/N: First time kong makatanggap ng 300+ comments sa isang chapter. Thank you so much, girls! Mas lalo akong na-inspire magsulat. ❤️

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

NAKAHIGA siya sa ibabaw ng kama habang si Brooke ay nasa gilid niya, nakayakap sa kanya. Ang palad nito ay nasa ilalim ng blusa niya, dinadama ang kanyang tiyan. His warm palm on her stomach making her feel relaxed.

Hindi niya alam kung anong dahilan ang sinabi nito kay Bettina para payagan siyang sumama rito. Pagdating ni Brooke sa Hospital kanina ay sobrang seryoso ng mukha. Pero nang sila nalang dalawa ay parang maamong tupa na hindi mailayo ang katawan sa kanya.

“What’s wrong with you?” She asked, while watching a movie in a big screen tv in front of their bed.

“Why?”

“You’re being clingy again.”

“Namiss lang kita.” Gumapang ang palad nito sa dibdib niya, malayang minasahe iyon. Wearing bra in bed is useless especially when she’s with Brooke. “Ganito naman ang mag-asawa, di ba?”

“Umm,” she wanted to agree, but she can’t mutter that words. “Kumusta pala ang lakad mo kanina?”

“Hmm,” its time for him to make her confused. “Kapag sinabi ko sa’yo, hindi ko alam kung malulungkot ka o matutuwa. Or maybe both?”

“Hindi kita maintindihan.”

“I feel happy and at the same time sad for…uh, never mind.”

“Why do you feel that? Is it because of our situation?”

“No, it’s because of your situation.” Masuyong siya nitong hinalikan sa labi at unti-unting pumaibabaw sa kanya. “I want to surprise you with something, but my hesitation was stopping me.”

“Sabihin mo na,” sinakop niya ang panga ng asawa gamit ang mga palad. His stubbles tickled her. “Hindi ka makaka-score ngayong gabi kapag hindi mo sinabi.”

“Woah,” he hissed, looking at her in disbelief. “Kaya mong gawin sa’kin ’yan? Kaya mong tiisin ang sarili mong asawa?”

Ngumuso siya. Hindi niya ito kayang tiisin o tanggihan, pero sa ngayon ay titigasan niya muna ang loob. His actions after he met that someone confused her. She was curious whom he met?

“Hindi tayo mag-asawa.”

“Yeah? You have my name and you have the product of our making love inside your womb. Now tell me if we are not really a husband and wife?” He smirked meaningfully at her.

“We are siblings.” Pilit niya, kahit kinokontra siya nang puso niya.

Brooke chuckled at that, making her more confused. Tanggap na ba nito na magkapatid sila?

“Do you want us to be siblings?”

“No,” umiling siya. “Pwede bang hindi nalang tayo maging magkapatid?”

“Pwede…basta hahayaan mo akong angkinin ka ngayong gabi.”

“Brooke, seryoso ako.”

Hinalik-halikan siya nito sa labi na halatang nagpipigil lang ng kasabikan na maangkin siya.

“Paano kung malaman mo na hindi pala tayo magkapatid? Magiging masaya ka ba?” Bulong nito sa gilid ng labi niya.

He’s teasing her lips with his, while he was palming her breast. Her legs is a bit parted, giving him enough access to invade her inner thighs.

“Oo naman, magiging masaya ako. Ikaw ba?”

“Masaya ako.” Ang ngiti nito ay umabot sa mga mata. There’s really something on him. What’s going on?

“Kapag hindi ko iniisip na magkapatid tayo, sumasaya ako.”

“Then, stop thinking that we are siblings.” Brooke brush his lips on hers, his other hand was caressing her thighs. “And you should stop thinking about it.”

Napatingala siya nang bumaba ang labi ng asawa sa kanyang leeg, hinahalikan siya sa parteng ’yon at bahagyang sinisipsip. It will surely leave a mark on her neck.

“B-Brooke, oh,” a soft moan escaped her lips when he lifted her blouse, exposing her breast.

Ang mainit na hininga ng asawa na tumatama sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya ay nagpapalasing sa kanya. Her hand automatically reached his hair when she felt his tongue licking the side of her n*pple.

Her arousal is building up. She arched her body to feel his mouth more on her breast. He was licking her n*pple alternately, he’s tasting her, he’s teasing her.

Using his one hand, he removed down her cotton short shorts together with her panty, then he throw it on the floor. Ang lamig ng aircon ay dumampi sa pagkababae niya, pero napalitan kaagad ’yon ng init nang naramdaman niya ang daliri ng asawa na naglalandas do’n, marahan na pinapadulas ang mahabang daliri sa hiwa niya.

Napakasarap sa pakiramdam. Binalot na siya ng kasabikan na maangkin ulit nito kahit ilang beses pa. She miss him so bad. She’s aching for his touch and kisses. She wanted to feel him inside of her.

She can feel her wetness. Ikinalat nito ang kabasaan niya sa buong pagkababae niya gamit ang daliri saka mabagal na hinagod-hagod ang kaselanan niya.

Napapikit siya nang tuluyan niya nang maramdaman ang ut*ng niya sa mainit na bibig nang asawa, sinisipsip ’yon at paminsan-minsan ay kinakagat. Naghalo ang hapdi at sarap na nagpaungol sa kanya.

“Oohh, yes, keep doing that, baby…”

’Yon palang ang ginagawa sa kanya ni Brooke ay parang nawawala na siya sa sarili. Paulit-ulit at pinagpalit-palit nito ang pagsupsop sa ut*ng niya na para bang uhaw na uhaw na sanggol.

Pati ang kabuuan ng dibdib niya ay sinisipsip ng asawa niya, balak na namang iwanan siya ng pulang marka sa buong paligid.

Brooke loves leaving a mark on her body. She used to it. And she love it. She felt like she’s really his.

“Give me more access, baby,” Brooke muttered huskily as he guide her to wide her legs a little more.

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang naibuka niya ang mga hita, sapat na para bigyan laya ang asawa na sambahin siya.

Brooke lips travel down to her abdomen and planted a gentle kiss there. A kiss for their child. Pakiramdam niya ay natunaw ang puso niya sa halik na ’yon nito sa tiyan niya. She felt how he cares for their baby.

Bago pa siya tuluyang maging emosyonal ay naramdaman niya na ang labi ni Brooke na humahalik sa ibabaw ng basa niyang pagkababae.

“Oh, d-damn, that’s feels good, yes, ohh…” halos mapamura siya sa sarap. “B-Baby stop t-teasing me like that…”

“I missed kissing you here,” he whispered, his voice was very seductive.

Ikinulong nito ang mga hita niya gamit ang matipunong braso, hindi niya na maigalaw, mukhang walang balak pakawalan siya.

“I…I missed when you k-kiss me there.” She said shyly, bitting her lips, looking down on him.

His strong shoulder and muscled arms turn her on. The security of the way he embrace her legs, making him looks like a dominant in bed. He is.

She could feel his lips form a wicked smile before she felt the tip of his tongue on her cl*t, teasing her there.

Nahigit niya ang hininga at umangat ang balakang niya ngunit napagil siya nang mga brasong nakapalibot sa hita niya.

Brooke pinned her down on the bed while he’s licking her cl*toris wildly and hungrily.

Uhaw at sabik na sabik ang asawa niya habang hinihimod ng dila nito ang bawat sulok ng kanyang pagkababae na namimintig na dahil sa sarap.

“Ohh, fvck! Yeah, Ahhh, ummm! B-baby, y-yes, l-lick me…oh! Ohh!” Icah was moaning so loud.

Pinipilit niyang igiling ang balakang, sinasabayan ang pagdila ng asawa sa kabasaan niya. Ang kiliti at sarap na bumabalot sa kanya ay nagpapawala ng katinuan niya. She’s getting insane and wild. She’s in heat!

Naramdaman niyang pinaghiwalay ni Brooke ang pisngi ng pagkababae niya gamit ang daliri bago marahas na diniladilaan ang hiwa niya. Napakapit siya ng mahigpit sa bedsheet at ibinuka ng husto ang mga hita.

“Ahhh, a-ang s-sarap niyan, B-Brooke…ummm,” pilit niyang ikiniskis ang kabasaan niya sa bibig ng asawa na walang tigil sa paghimod sa pagkababae niya gamit ang mainit at mahabang dila.

“Umm,” Brooke let out a delicious moan. “You taste so sweet, baby.”

“Y-Yeah,” habol niya ang hininga. “Uhhh, hubby…”

Ang pamilyar na init sa may puson niya ay nanganganib ng sumabog ilang sandali pa.

Isang mahabang pagdila ang ginawa nito sa hiwa niya bago pinagtuunan ulit ang maliit na kuntil do’n. Hinanap ng dila ng asawa ang cl*t niya bago niya naramdaman na tila hinahalikan nito ’yon ng ilang sandali bago pinagsisipsip!

“Oh, f-fuck! Brooke! Ahhh!” Malakas siyang napaungol at napasabunot sa buhok nito para ipagduldulan ang pagkababae niya. “I’m coming! Baby! Ohhh! I’m gonna cum!”

Pabaling-baling siya sa higaan, ang unan niya ay wala na sa kanyang ulo. Patuloy sa pagsipsip ang asawa sa cl*t niya hanggang sa manginig ang mga binti niya. At nang maramdaman nitong nanginginig at naninigas na ang mga ’yon, ay mas lalo nitong ginalingan ang pagsipsip na para bang sarap na sarap.

“Ahhh, Brooke…ahhhh!” It was a long and loud moan from her before she let her orgasm explode on his mouth.

Brooke stopped from licking her. He’s letting her feel her orgasm. It made her weak but very satisfied. Her husband never failed her in bed. Palagi nitong sinisigurado na lalabasan siya.

After a while, she rested her body. Pero si Brooke ay hindi parin umaalis sa pagitan ng hita niya.

“One more,” he requested, almost begging to her.

Umaalon ang dibdib niya dahil sa paghahabol ng hininga at pagod. She knew that he won’t stop, but she could not take another orgasm just by licking.

Wala pa sila sa main event nila ngayong gabi. Knowing Brooke, he’s wild and very active in bed. Palaging siya ang pagod at sumusuko.

“N-No,” she whispered weakly.

“Okay, my wife is tired.”

Binigyan nito ng isang halik ang pagkababae niya bago inihilig ang ulo sa ibabaw ng tiyan niya, tila ba pinapakiramdaman ang anghel sa loob.

Icah brushed her husband hair gently using her fingers. She’s treasuring this moment with him. Dahil hindi niya alam kung mauulit pa ba ang ganitong pangyayari sa kanila o baka ito na nga ang huli.

“I treasure every moment that we’re together.” That words suddenly escape her lips. She could almost feel them saying good byes, soon. “I never thought that I would feel this way for you. All I want at first were your money and sperm, but I could not imagine that my heart would ask for more…more of you.”

“Are you confessing your feelings for me?”

She nod her head with a small smile on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Umangat ang ulo ng asawa para siguro tignan siya, pero maagap niya itong napigilan. He stay on his position, resting his face above her stomach.

“This might be the last day that we would be close like this, so I want to grab this opportunity to confess my feelings for you.” Gelicah took a deep sigh. The beating of her heart is getting abnormal. “I thought I could stop what my heart’s desire, what my heart’s wants, but I was wrong. I shouldn’t fall for you in the first place, kasi alam kong wala akong matatanggap na kapalit galing sa’yo. But I learned that, people should not be scared in falling in love, coz it’s one of the happiest feeling of our lives.

Hindi dapat tayo matakot magmahal kahit na walang kasiguraduhan kung ibabalik ba sa’tin ang pagmamahal na ibinigay natin. Loving someone is a risk that we need to take no matter how hard the consequences would be.“

Marahan na sinuksuklay niya ang buhok ng asawa, ang butil ng luha ay hinayaan niyang maglandas sa pisngi niya.

“I was giving myself a freedom to love you without asking you to love me back. I would never stop from loving you even the world is against us.” She bit her lips to control a painful sob. “I love you very much, Brooke, that I am willing to be a sinner just to keep loving you.” Then she let her sob escape her lips.

“Hush, baby,” suyo nito sa kanya at pinagpantay ang mukha nila.

Brooke cupped her face gently. He was kissing her tears away. Hirap na hirap ang itsura nito habang pinapatahan siya.

“I’m s-sorry, I don’t plan to love you, but I can’t stop my heart from beating for you.”

Hinalikan siya nito sa noo papunta sa tungki ng ilong niya, pababa sa labi niya.

“You don’t know how happy I am to know that you love me.” He’s brushing his lips on hers. “I thought that the happiest feeling of my life was the moment I found out that we are not siblings, but I was wrong, because knowing that the woman I love is loving me back is the happiest feeling ever.”

Brooke groaned as if he said something he should not tell her. But it’s too late for him, she heard it all clearly.

“W-What? W-we are not siblings? H-How come?” She was very confused.

Mas tumatak pa sa isip niya na hindi sila magkapatid kesa sa pagmamahal nito sa kanya. Hindi niya na makilala ang nararamdaman dahil sa mga nalaman niya.

“Uh,” kinagat-kagat nito ang labi niya, bigo, itinikom niya ’yon para matigil ito.

“Maybe you were just lying to me.”

“No, I wasn’t lying. We are not siblings. I’ll show you the DNA result later.”

Hindi niya na naman napigilan ang luhang mahulog sa mga mata niya. Humihikbi na sinakop niya ang panga ng asawa at pinakatitigan ito ng husto. Walang bakas na ginu-goodtime siya nito. He looks so serious, the twinkle on his eyes telling her that he’s happy.

“T-Totoo talaga ’yan? P-Pwede na maging tayo?”

Tumango si Brooke at muli siyang hinalikan sa labi. Pinahid nito ang luha sa pisngi niya, may pagmamahal na pinagmamasdan ang mukha niya.

“Yes baby. We can be together. We are not committing a sin for loving each other because we are not siblings.” Brooke smile at her lovingly. “I love you very much, Gelicah.”

Dahil sa labis na saya ay hinalikan niya ito sa labi at niyakap ng sobrang higpit na ikinatawa ng asawa. Sana ay totoo na ang lahat ng ’to. Sana ay hindi ito panaginip.

“We are not siblings. We are not.” She muttered as if she’s just dreaming. “Damn, am I dreaming baby?”

Icah’s heart was hammering inside her chest. Yung saya niya ay hindi niya maipaliwanag!

“No, you are not dreaming, my wife. This is real.” Brooke kissed her neck and intertwined their fingers. “The DNA result is Negative . Thanks God for letting us to be happy without committing a sin. And, for letting me to be with the woman I love.”

28 ~ Bed (SPG)

A/N: Happy 400+ comment sa Chapter 27! 😍

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

IT WAS a long night for Brooke and Gelicah. Ang rebelasyon tungkol sa hindi nila pagiging magkapatid ay nadagdagan pa nang pag-amin ni Brooke ng damdamin nito para sa kanya.

Kinabukasan habang nakahiga sa kama ay inalala niya ang usapan nila ng asawa, na ngayon ay mahimbing na natutulog sa may tabi niya.

“M-Mahal mo ako?” Naitanong niya sa mababang tinig.

Everything that Brooke said ’bout his real feelings for her just sinked in after a few minutes of being stunned.

There’s a small smile on his lips before he nodded his head. Mas lalong nadepina ang kislap sa mga mata dahil sa lampshade sa gilid na bahagi sa tabi ng kama.

His elbows were at the side of her head. He’s covering her body with his massive and muscular built. She can see the muscles on his back and shoulder whenever she look up in the sailing.

Ang salamin sa kisame ay tila ba isang tahimik na saksi sa pag-uusap nila ngayong gabi. Isang saksi sa muling pag-iisa nila ni Brooke.

“Mahal kita, Gelicah.” Paos na sabi nito na titig na titig sa kanya.

Unti-unti ay bumaba ang labi nito, tinagpo ang kanya. Isang marahan na halik ang iginawad sa kanya at para na siyang matutunaw. Ang kalampag ng puso niya sa dibdib ay halos marinig niya na rin.

“We don’t need to pretend anymore. Let’s make everything right and real between us.” Brooke added. “Totohanin na natin ang pagpapanggap natin bilang mag-asawa.”

Her husband made her speechless again. Bumuka ang bibig niya pero wala namang lumabas na salita roon. Nanginig ang labi niya at naiyak nalang dahil sa mga naririnig niya. Everything is making her very emotional.

“I’m sorry kung natagalan bago natin nalaman ang totoo. I should’ve made an investigation about your family background before I marry you. But that wasn’t on my mind, because all I wanted that moment was to…marry you and be my wife, without thinking about the consequences that might happen.”

“H-Hindi ka ba nagsisisi na pinakasalan mo ako?” Humikbi siya.

Brooke was kissing her tears away again. Uh! Why does he needs to be so sweet?

“I have no regrets of marrying you. In fact, I don’t picture myself marrying other woman, but only you. I don’t see myself having a kids if the mother would not be you.”

Kahit humihikbi ay ngumiti pa rin siya sa asawa. Marahan na sinapo niya ang panga nito, at may pagmamahal na pinagmasdan ang gwapong mukha.

“Ako rin, hindi ako nagsisisi na pinakasalan kita, Brooke. Kung may pagkakamali man akong magagawa, siguro ’yon ay kung pipigilan ko ang puso kong mahalin ka…kasi, parang pinigilan ko na rin ang sarili kong sumaya.”

“Uhh,” Brooke let out a long groan and tilted his head back, closing his eyes.

Ramdam niya ang paghugot nito ng hangin sa dibdib bago muling ibinaba ang tingin sa kanya. His lips protruded cutely as if he’s stopping himself to speak whatever’s on his mind.

“Mahal na mahal kita, Brooke.” Dagdag niya pa at tila mas lalo itong nahirapan itago ang kung anoman ang saloobin.

“Damn it,” he curse softly as he tilted his head down. He took a deep breath again, seems like he was calming himself.

“At, tama ka, totohanin na natin ang pagpapanggap natin. Handa na akong ipagsigawan sa mundo kung gaano kita kamahal—”

“No, I should be the one who will let the world know how much I love you, baby.” Brooke cut her off gently. “But right now, let me claim you as officially mine.”

He lick his button lips as his gaze went on hers. Natutukso nang halikan siya ngunit tila hinihintay pa ang permiso niya.

“Yes, please, claim me. I am all yours.” She whispered softly.

And with that, Brooke claim her lips as he parted her legs a little wider to give himself a complete access to her inner thighs.

“Baby, ooohhh…” Gelicah let out a long soft moan when he felt the tip of his length on her entrance, poking her with his pierce hard d*ck.

Agresibong sinalubong niya ang pagkalalaki nito, dahilan para mapaungol ulit siya dahil ibinaon ni Brooke iyon sa loob niya. Ang hikaw sa dulo ng pagkakalaki nito ay kumikiliti sa kanya sa sarap. Napapaungol talaga siya, binabaliw siya nang bagay na ’yon.

“Ang s-sarap, ohhh, Brooke…ahh,”

Kumapit siya sa balikat ng asawa at sinalubong ang bawat sabik na ulos sa loob niya. His lips travel down to her neck, to her collarbone until he reached the valley of her breast.

Panay ang ulos ng asawa sa loob niya habang panay din ang pagsipsip sa may ut*ng niyang naninigas na dahil sa sarap na dulot ng mainit na bibig nito. Iniliyad niya pa ang katawan para mas lalong maramdaman ang ginagawa ni Brooke sa kanya.

Basang basa na ang pagkababae niya, habang tumatagal ay bumibilis din ang paglabas-masok ng pagkalalaki ng asawa sa loob niya.

“Ohhh!” She gasped when she felt his finger on her cl*t, massaging it while thrusting inside. “Uhh, b-baby, ang s-sarap, oohhh…”

Icah’s body is really in heat. Sa sobrang kasabikan niya na maangkin ulit siya ng asawa sa ganitong paraan ay mabilis niyang naramdaman ang pamumuo ng orgasmo sa may puson niya.

Brooke bit her nipple and pull it a little using his teeth and suck it again. Nababaliw sa sarap na napatingala siya at nang imulat niya nang bahagya ang mga mata ay nakita niya ang repleksyon nila ng asawa sa salamin sa kisame.

Brooke was thrusting very hard and fast. Ang marahas na pag-galaw ng balakang nito ay mas lalong nagpainit sa kanya. Ang mga muscle sa braso na nasa pagitan ng ulo niya ay mas lalong nadepina. Galit na galit ang mga ugat do’n.

The back of his head was moving from her other breast to another. Pagkatapos sipsipin ang isang ut*ng niya ng ilang sandali ay lilipat naman sa kabila. Salit-salitan, sinisiguradong binibigyan ng patas na atensyon ang malulusog niyang dibdib.

Her husband is really expert when it comes to bed, when it comes on pleasuring her. Wala siyang maalala na nagtalik sila na hindi siya nilabasan, lahat ng orgasmo niya na ibinibigay nito ay nagpapaikot ng mundo niya.

“B-Baby, I’m c-coming…ahh, oh, oh!” Her voice was desperate.

Brooke lips travel up until it reached her lips. Muli nitong inangkin ang labi na kaagad niya namang tinugon. Ang mainit at sabik na halikan na pinagsasaluhan nila ay nagpadagdag para maabot nila ng sabay ang sarap na dulot ng pag-iisa ng kanilang katawan.

“Ohh, Brooke! Ahh…” She arched her body and let her orgasm came out.

“Uhh, baby,” Hingal na umungol ang asawa at ibinaon ng husto ang pagkalalaki sa loob niya.

Brooke kissed her on the forehead before he collapse above her. Ang mainit na likido na nagmula sa kanila ay ramdam niya sa kanyang loob.

A content smile crept her lips. She felt really good every time he spread his semen inside of her. Pakiramdam niya ay buong-buo na ibinibigay ni Brooke ang sarili nito sa kanya.

“Wala ng atrasan, akin ka na talaga.” Paos na sambit ng asawa niya.

“Sayo naman talaga ako.” Uminit ang pisngi niya dahil sa sinabi, halatang hindi tumututol sa pag-angkin ni Brooke sa kanya.

“Yeah, my wife is mine. All of you is mine.” He territorially whispered. “And I love you very much.”

Her heart jump a bit. Medyo hindi pa siya sanay na marinig ang mga salitang ’yon mula sa asawa. Nag-re-react talaga ang puso niya.

“I…I love you, too, Brooke.” She whispered shyly. “At, sa akin ka lang din, okay?”

Brooke chuckled softly. “Umm,”

Umirap siya sa hangin. “Sayo lang ako! Dapat sakin ka lang rin!”

“Oh-oh, relax,” he coolly looked up on her to see her face. Inirapan niya ang asawa, nakasimangot na. “Sa asawa ko lang ako.”

Pinigil niya ang mapangiti. Ah, nababaliw na yata siya! Nakakabaliw ang lalaking ’to!

“Good. Ayokong makikipag-usap ka sa mga nurse o doctors sa Hospital.”

“Woah,” Brooke gasped dramatically.

Tuluyan na nitong inayos ang pwesto nito, ang buong atensyon ay nasa kanya talaga. He looks so amuse.

“Ako na ang makikipag-usap sa kanila tungkol kay mommy. Tapos sasabihin ko nalang sa’yo.”

“If that’s what my wife wants, okay.” Anito, sunud-sunuran sa kanya.

“Subukan mo lang makipag-usap.” May pagdududa sa himig niya kaya mas lalong na-amuse ang asawa sa kanya. “Pag-uuntugin ko kayong dalawa.”

“Baby, kinikilig ako,”

“What?!” Then she laughed. Hindi makapaniwala! Si Brooke? Kikiligin? It’s hilarious!

“Yes, I like it when you’re being possessive.” Brooke winked at her. “Keep on doing that, you make me love you even more.”

“Basta, lalaking nurse o doctor lang ang pwede mong kausapin.”

Masunurin na tumango si Brooke. Para bang susunod lang talaga sa lahat ng sabihin niya.

“May iba ka pang ipagbabawal?” Tanong nito, seryoso.

“Iisipin ko pa.”

Nakita niya na nagpigil ito ng ngiti, tapos ay seryosong tumango. Pinipilit lang yatang maging seryoso!

“Kapag naisip mo na, sabihin mo sa’kin. I’ll write it down.”

“You’re playing with me!”

“Of course not. Asawa kita, kaya susundin ko lahat ng ipagbawal mo.”

“Kahit ano?”

“Well, not when it comes to bed.” Pilyo siya nitong kinindatan. “You can rule me in everything, but not when we our in bed. If I want to eat you, I will, not until you beg for me to stop.”

“Alam mo naman na mahina ako sa kain kain na ’yan. Bente minuto lang ang itinatagal ko.” Umusli ang labi niya.

“Sasanayin kita hanggang sa kaya mo na ang isang oras, okay?”

“Isang oras?!” Eskandalosang sambit niya at ikinipot ang mga binti, ngunit hindi nagawa dahil nasa pagitan niya parin ang asawa.

“Yeah, kailangan mong masanay. Lalo kapag umaga.” Brooke smirked at her. “You know that I prefer eating my wife in the morning, than having a heavy breakfast.”

Namanhid ang ulo niya sa kahihiyan. Hindi na dapat siya nahihiya sa ganitong usapan!

“Ganyan ako kasarap?” She smirked back at him.

Napaungol ito, parang nasaktan na kung ano. “You don’t know how many times I dreamed about having my head between your thighs while we were separated for a week or so.”

“You miss me that much?”

Nalasing ang mga mata ni Brooke. Sa hita niya ay naramdaman niya ang muling pagkabuhay ng pagkalalaki nito.

“I will show you how much I miss you, Gelicah.” Bulong ng asawa sa nakakaakit na paraan at walang sabi-sabing ipinadulas na naman sa loob niya ang kahabaan nito.

She took a content sighed after remembering what happened last night. Binalingan niya si Brooke nang gumalaw ito sa tabi niya at dinama ang tiyan niya gamit ang palad.

“Morning, beautiful.” He greeted her with his husky bedroom voice.

“Good morning, handsome.” She gave him a kiss on the forehead.

“And good morning…baby,” bumaba ang ulo nito sa may tiyan niya at hinalikan ang ibabaw niyon.

They are both naked under the white thick sheet. Ang singaw ng init ng katawan nila ay dama niya kahit malakas ang aircon sa silid.

Gelicah’s eyebrow lifted when her husband parted her legs. Then he position his head between her thighs. Brooke was the one who took her to the shower after their love making last night.

At hindi niya rin naman hahayaan ang asawa na sambahin siya nang kay aga-aga kung hindi siya nakaligo bago natulog. Knowing that Brooke morning routine is to eat her before getting up to the bed!

Pinigil niya ang mapadaing nang dumampi na ang dulo ng dila ng asawa sa hiwa niya. Kumapit lang siya sa bedsheet, kinakapos ng hininga dahil sa antipasyon.

Ngunit, hindi pa man din naglulumikot ang dila ng asawa sa pagkababae niya, ay umugong ang cellphone nito na nasa lamesa sa gilid ng kama.

“Someone is calling,” she informed him, almost breathless.

“Take it,” he said and continue massaging her cl*t using his tongue.

Kagat ang labi na inabot niya ang cellphone. Pinipigil niya ang mapaungol. She’s wet already and her hubby like it very much.

“It’s T-Tita Bettina,”

Brooke stopped. “Answer it for me, please.”

She pressed the answer button and place the phone on her ear.

“Good morning, Tita. It’s me Gelicah—” she paused when she heard Bettina was sobbing on the other line. “T-Tita, ayos ka lang ba? B-Bakit parang umiiyak ka?”

Binalot siya ng kaba. Hindi niya mawari. Ang asawa niya naman ay tumigil sa ginagawa at pinagpantay ang mga mukha nila.

Marahan na kinuha ni Brooke sa kanya ang cellphone at pinindot ang loud speaker.

“Tita, it’s me.” Brooke said casually.

“Brooke, Gelicah, come here in the Hospital. Asap.” Bettina’s voice cracked.

“May nangyari ba, Tita? Si m-mommy?”

Wala na silang narinig na boses mula sa kabilang linya. Naputol na ang tawag. Nagkatinginan sila ni Brooke, pareho silang tensyonado.

“Get dress, baby. We’ll go there.” Anito nang tila nahimasmasan.

Dali-dali silang umalis s kama at nagkanya-kanya ng bihis. Sa sobrang pag-aalala ay hindi niya na namalayan na nakarating na sila sa Hospital. Hindi na rin nila nagawa pang kontakin si Bettina.

“Si…m-mommy,” paulit-ulit niyang sinasambit ’yon kay Brooke.

“Hush, she will be fine. She’s fine.” Pagpapalakas naman nito sa kanya ng loob habang nasa elevator sila.

“P-Pero bakit umiiyak si Tita Bettina kanina?” Her lips trembled.

Brooke kissed her head. Nakaakbay ito sa kanya, nakasiksik naman siya rito. Pinaghihinaan na talaga siya ng loob. Hindi niya makakaya kung may mangyayaring hindi maganda sa mommy niya!

“Let’s find it out.”

Bumukas ang elevator, tanda na nasa tamang palapag na sila. Ang nurse station ay nagkakagulo, parang may kung anong nangyari. Hindi niya talaga mawari.

Pagliko nila sa hallway patungo sa silid ng mommy niya ay mas lalo lang siyang dinaganan ng kaba nang makita si Bettina sa labas ng silid ng ina, nakayakap ito sa nurse habang umiiyak!

Ang pinto sa silid ay nakabukas, parang may komosyon na nangyayari sa loob.

“Brooke,” nanghihina na napakapit siya sa braso ng asawa.

Ang pormalidad sa lalaking katabi niya ay nanatili, pero ramdam niya ang pagpipigil nito ng emosyon.

“Tita,” Brooke called Bettina.

The woman looked at them, her tears keep flowing on her cheeks. Nahawa siya at bigla rin naiyak.

Ang pinaka-tatakutan niyang pangyayari sa ina ay parang kidlat na nag flash sa kanyang utak. No! She don’t want her mother to leave them!

Umiling-iling siya, naglaglagan ang mga luha sa kanyang pisngi. Pilit niyang binubura ang imahe na ’yon sa kanyang isipan.

Then a doctor came out from the room together with some nurses. But right before doctor remove his mask and talk to them, she ran quickly to get inside the room.

But her world stopped from spinning when she saw nothing, but a vacant bed.

29 ~ Truth

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

“WHAT happened is not only a miracle, because we all know that Brianna’s really wanted to wake up and live her life again. She fight for her life.”

The doctor told him before patting his shoulder, then leave. Pinakawalan ni Brooke ang hangin na kanina pa naipon sa kanyang dibdib. Ngayon ay makakahinga na siya ng maluwag. Everything is getting fine.

“Tita, mom’s awake. Come on.” Brooke caress Bettina’s back.

“Y-yes. Sobrang saya ko lang at sobrang emosyonal sa nangyari kay Brianna.”

“Naiintindihan ko. At masaya rin po ako na may kaibigan siyang katulad mo. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong na ginawa mo para sa mommy ko.”

Nagpahid ng luha sa pisngi si Bettina at pilit na ngumiti. He appreciate everything that she’s done to his mother and to his wife. Bettina is really part of their lives.

“Para ko na kayong pamilya, Brooke. Masaya ako na maayos na ang lahat.” Luminga ito. “Si Gelicah?”

“She’s inside. I’ll go and get her.”

“Sige. At sumunod nalang kayo sa bagong silid ng mommy mo, ha.”

Tumango siya bago binagtas ang dating silid ng ina. Sa pagpasok niya sa loob ay nabungaran niya kaagad si Gelicah na nakayukyok sa kama na walang laman, umiiyak.

Uh, his poor wife. She’s very emotional and she was crying hard. For sure she’s thinking that their mother is gone. Oh, no!

Mabilis niya itong nilapitan at dinala sa bisig niya. Nanghinina na ito, basang-basa ng luha ang buong mukha.

“Si m-mommy…h-hindi ko kaya n-na mawala s-siya sa-kin.” Tapos ay humagulgol na naman sa dibdib niya. “W-Where’s my m-mom? Where’s s-she?!”

Hinagod niya ang likod ng asawa at hinalik-halikan ito sa ibabaw ng ulo.

“Mom is fine. They transferred her to another room that’s why she wasn’t here.” He kissed her head again. “Stop crying. Mom is alive.”

Marahas na nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya si Gelicah, naghahalo ang emosyon sa maliit na mukha. Sakit at kalituhan sa nangyayari. Namumugto na rin ang mga mata.

“She’s a-alive?”

Brooke kissed her forehead. “Yeah,”

Mas lalong naiyak ang asawa, pero sigurado na siya na ang mga luhang ’yon ay dahil sa kasiyahan.

“Natakot ako, Brooke. Natakot ako ng sobra.”

“Hindi mo na kailangan matakot. Nasa atin pa rin siya, makakasama na ulit natin siya.”

Tumango-tango ang asawa sa dibdib niya habang pinipigil na ang mga luhang nagbabagsakan sa pisngi. Brooke keeps on stroking his wife’s hair with his fingers, while kissing her head.

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. Dinama sa bisig niya ang asawa at inalala ang napaka gandang balita. Gising na ang mommy niya. Makikita na siya ulit nito pagkatapos nang mahabang panahon.

He’s wondering what his mother’s would feel once she saw him again? Shock? Regrets? Longing?

“Let’s go to her room. I wanna hug her.” Gelicah said sweetly.

Tumayo ito at siya ay ganoon din. Inayos niya ang nagulong buhok ng asawa. Ang namumugtong mga mata nito ay nakatingin sa mga mata niya.

“Ikaw lang muna ang magpakita sa kanya.”

“Bakit ako lang?” Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Icah.

“I don’t want to surprise my mother yet with my presence. That would only make her very emotional and that will not help with her condition right now.”

“I understand. Ikaw lang naman ang iniisip ko, Brooke. Alam kong gusto mo nang makausap si mommy.”

That made him smile. Gelicah is very caring and she thinks about how he feels.

“As long as I know that mommy’s fine, I’ll be fine. As long as she’s happy, I’ll be happy, too.” He gave his wife an encouraging smile.

Gelicah smile back at him. Then he caress his jaw. “I love you.”

He didn’t expect that! He felt like his heart skip a bit. Oh boy, she really owns his heart.

Hinalikan niya sa noo ang asawa. “Love you too, my wife.”

Gelicah let out a low groan. “Uh my heart…is beating fast again.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Then he wink at his wife. “Let’s go. I’ll bring you to mom’s private room.”

Magkahawak ang mga kamay na lumabas sila ng silid na iyon. Wala siyang maramdamang iba kundi ang kapanatagan sa kanyang dibdib. His mother is finally awake, that’s all that matters to him at the moment.

“MOMMY! OH, God! Thanks God!”

Hindi na napigilan ni Gelicah na yakapin ang ina na nakaupo sa kama. Gusto man niyang higpitan ang yakap ay hindi niya na ginawa, nangangamba dahil alam niyang mahina pa ang katawan nito.

Icah felt a gentle caress on her hair. Uh, she missed it very much! Hindi niya napigilan ang mapaiyak.

“Ah, crying like a baby girl.” A soft voice said, almost chuckling.

“Masayang-masaya ako, mom.” Aniya at kumalas ng yakap.

Pinakatitigan niya ang ina. She still looks like weak but very beautiful. Her expressive beautiful eyes remind her of someone. Brooke , her mind told her.

“I am very happy. I heard everything you and Bettina said to me. It’s just that my body was very very weak that I wasn’t able to even move a finger.” A lone tears escape on Brianna’s eyes, her lips form a small smile. “Miracle do happen and…” Brianna sighed, and paused for a couple of minutes, as if she was trying to remember something or what. “I’m not sure if I was just dreaming or is it real? I heard a voice of a man.” Then she closed her eyes. “I’m not familiar with the voice, but… I feel like I know him. I know who he is.”

She must be referring to Brooke? Her son. Ang lalaking alam niyang kapatid niya, pero hindi naman pala. Paano nangyari ’yon?

Bago pa man din sakupin ang isip niya ng samo’t-saring katanungan tungkol sa DNA Result, ay pumasok na si Tita Bettina na maraming dalang paper bags mula sa isang sikat na restaurant.

Kaagad siyang tumayo at tinulungan itong ilagay ang mga ’yon sa mini kitchen. Brianna’s new room is bigger than the old one. Surely, it cost a lot of dollars.

It’s kind of funny that she stopped thinking about the Hospital bill of her mother like she used before. Because she already have someone who help her. Brooke is the one who finance all of the expenses.

“Nadistorbo ko yata ang pag-uusap niyo ni Brianna?” Si Bettina na tinutulungan niyang ayusin ang mga pagkain.

“Hindi naman po, Tita. Ayaw ko rin na masyadong maging emosyonal. Nahahawa si mommy.”

“Yes, happy lang dapat tayo.”

Kinuha niya ang ice cream na nakabukod ng lalagyan. Natakam na naman.

“Ang dami mong pinamili, Tita. May ice cream pa.”

“Si Brooke ang bumili ng lahat ng ’to.” Mahina ang boses nito na pasimpleng sumulyap sa mommy niya. “Sinabi mo ba?”

“Ang ano po?”

“About Brooke.” Bettina whispered.

Binuksan niya ang ice cream at kumuha ng lalagyan. Pagbalik niya sa lamesa saka siya nagsalita sa mahinang tinig din.

“Hindi po. Ayaw pa ni Brooke. Pero,” sinulyapan niya ang mommy niya at nginitian dahil pinapanood lang sila nito sa pag-aasikaso ng pagkain nila. “Sabi niya may narinig daw siyang boses ng lalaki na kumakausap sa kanya.”

“Si Brooke na nga ’yon, hija. Wala namang ibang lalaking bumisita kundi siya lang.”

“Hindi pa natin pwedeng sabihin kay mommy?”

“Kapag nagtanong pa ulit at namilit, sabihin nalang natin. Brianna deserve to know about her son.”

Napatango siya at lumipad na naman ang isip. Her mother has a son and that is Brooke, but she and her husband is not a sibling. How come? Adopted ba siya? ’Yon lang ang pwedeng dahilan kaya hindi sila magkapatid.

Her heart ache at the thought of her being an adopted child. She’s not sure yet, but why the hell she felt like she really is?

“Halika na, sabayan natin kumain ang mommy mo.” Aya sa kanya ni Bettina at nauna nang magpunta sa kama.

Wala sa sarili na sumunod siyang dala ang galon ng ice cream. Naupo siya sa sofa, nakatingin lang sa kawalan.

“Earth to my beautiful daughter?”

Napakurap siya sa pagtawag pansin sa kanya ng ina. Nang balingan niya ito ay nakangiti sa kanya.

“You were not listening, honey. Mind telling us what’s bothering you?”

“Ah, w-wala naman, mom.” Icah force a smile. “Kain na po tayo.”

Brianna’s eyes went down on the ice cream, then back on her face. “Ice cream? Early in the morning?”

Nahiya siya bigla. Si Bettina naman ay napailing nalang.

“May gusto yatang sabihin sayo si Gelicah.” Si Bettina, na may nakakalokong ngiti.

“What is it honey? Come here.” Brianna motioned her to come closer to the bed.

Dala ang ice cream na naupo siya sa gilid ng kama. Pinaggigitnaan nila ang mommy niya.

“Mom, ano po kasi… I’m married.” Icah bit the side of her cheek when she saw her mother’s lips parted.

“Is it true? Everything I heard was true?”

Tumango-tango siya. “Opo. I’m sorry you were not in my wedding day. Wala rin naman si Tita Bettina.”

Her mommy waved her hand. “I have no say about that. What I want right now is to meet your husband. Kikilatisin ko. Kakaliskisan namin ng Tita Bettina mo.”

Napangiwi siya. Ano nalang ang magiging reaksyon ng mga ito kapag nalaman na si Brooke pala ang asawa niya?

“Mom, he’s…umm.” Hindi siya makahagilap ng excuses.

“I want to meet him tomorrow. Where’s he?”

“Nandito naman po.”

“American?” Her mother asked.

“No,”

“Oh, a supportive husband. Kasama mong nagpunta rito?”

Napatingin siya kay Bettina na tahimik lang na kumakain at nakikinig. Ang hirap hirap magsinungaling ng harap-harapan. Blame it to her husband?

“He came here, alone.”

“No, her husband came here to chase her.” Bettina said and gave her a teasing smile. “Alam mo na ang mag asawa, Brianna. May kaunting tampuhan minsan kaya kailangan ng suyuan.”

“Yes, that’s right, Bettina. Now,” Her mother give her attention to her. “I want to meet your husband tomorrow. No excuses, Gelicah. I want it tomorrow.” Her mother said with finally on her voice.

“O-Okay mom. I will tell it to him.”

“Good. Let’s finish eating.” Tumingin ulit ito sa ice cream at napabuntong hininga. “Buntis ka?”

Pakiramdam niya uminit ang pisngi niya. Marahan lang siyang tumango.

“Opo.”

Ngayon na nakakausap niya na ang ina, mas mahirap para sa kanya na magtago ng kung anu-ano rito.

Kailangan na talaga nilang umamin ni Brooke. At sa pag-amin nila, siguradong lalabas ang kanya-kanya nilang tunay na pagkatao. Ang kanya-kanya nilang tunay na papel sa buhay ni Brianna.

It’s scary, it makes her nervous, but she felt like she is willing to take the pain of being an adopted child, than being Brooke’s sister.

GABI NA nang makatanggap siya ng mensahe mula sa asawa. Hindi niya namalayan pa ang oras dahil sa masayang pakikipag-usap sa ina.

From: Brooke Are you going to sleep there? Would you like me to bring you clothes?

Napangiti siya sa nabasa. Brooke’s not a selfish type of a guy. Kasama rin dapat nito ang mommy nila ngunit handang tikisin ang sarili para lang mabigyan pa ng tamang lakas ang ina na harapin ito.

“Someone is smiling while reading a message.” Her mother teased her. “What did he say? Miss ka na agad?”

“No mom. He was asking me if I want him to bring my clothes here. He thought that I’m going to sleep here tonight.”

“That’s sweet. I suggest that spend this night with him and just go back here tomorrow morning. With your husband. Okay?” Brianna gave her a warm smile. “Go ahead honey.”

Wala na siyang nagawa kundi pumayag nalang. Hinalikan niya sa pisngi ang mommy niya at si Bettina saka nagpaalam sa mga ito.

Pagpasok niya sa Hotel ay sakto naman na kalalabas lang ni Brooke sa elevator. Nagtagpo ang mga mata nila, pero natawa siya dahil nangibabaw ang supresa rito nang makita siya.

“I thought you’re going to sleep in the Hospital.” Brooke said after giving her a quick kiss on the lips, in front of some hotel guests and staffs.

But kissing in public isn’t a big deal especially in Tate. It’s very normal. But for her, she found it a bold move. Uminit ang pisngi niya kahit parang wala namang pakialam ang mga nasa paligid nila.

“Pinauwi ako nila ako sa’yo.” Umusli ang labi niya. “Ikaw, saan ka magpupunta?” Tinaasan niya ito ng isang kilay, halos pamewangan.

Brooke’s sporting a black long sleeve, making his muscled arms more define. She can also smell his after shave and his expensive perfume. Is he going to a night Club?!

“I was about to go out and eat.”

“Kakain ka lang bakit nagpagwapo ka pa? Bakit nagpabango ka pa?”

His eyebrows shot up, amuse. Then he check his clothes and even his smell.

“This is normal. What’s the matter?” He asked, without an idea why she’s acting like a very possessive wife to her husband.

He’s too handsome and hot that every women that was passing them were taking a glance on him! And he doesn’t even aware with that kind of look with women. Or maybe he’s just ignoring them? Because his full attention is on her?

“Hindi ka magpupunta sa night club?”

Brooke let out an amuse chuckle then he shook his head. “No, why would I?”

“Because you think that I would be sleeping in the Hospital so you’re free to go to night clubs.”

“I will not do it without your knowledge.” He held her hand. “We better eat and tell me how’s your day with mom.”

Nagpaubaya nalang siya sa asawa nang dalhin siya nito sa mamahaling restaurant.

“She wants to meet you.” She informed him while waiting for their foods.

“As what? Your husband or her son?”

“My husband.”

Broke nodded carefully. “When?”

“Tomorrow. Is that okay to you? I can make an excuse.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s time to tell them the truth about us. We don’t need to waste more time. We will go there tomorrow and tell them everything.”

Mahina siyang naglabas ng hangin sa dibdib. Hindi naman siguro kalabisan kung ngayon niya tatanungin si Brooke tungkol sa totoo niyang pagkatao? Alam niyang hindi siya makakatulog ng maayos kung may bumabagabag sa kanya.

“May gusto sana akong malaman, Brooke.”

The peaceful and relaxing ambiance around them is helping her. Ang marahan na musika ay pumapailanglang, magaan sa pandinig. Para siyang hinihele.

“Ask me.” Brooke was looking at her in the eyes.

“About the DNA Result. You said that we are not siblings. How did it happen?”

Umayos ng upo ang asawa at hinawakan ang dalawang kamay niya, ikinulong sa mga palad nito, hindi siya binibigyan ng pagkakataong kalasin ’yon kung sakali.

“I did it because I love you very much, okay?” Masuyo nitong sabi. Tumango siya, naiintindihan ang dahilan. Pero ang kaba sa dibdib niya na baka tootoo nga ang haka-haka niya ay hindi mawala. “Let’s get into the point here. You are not my mother’s daughter, Gelicah.”

Kinagat niya ang labi para hindi siya maiyak. Masakit parin pala malaman ang totoo kahit na hinanda niya na ang sarili sa posibilidad na hindi nga siya tunay anak ni Brianna.

Umikot si Brooke sa may likod niya at niyakap siya mula do’n. Hinalik-halikan nito ang ulo niya.

“Still, I love you very much. We love you very much.” He whisper gently to her. “It’s okay to cry, baby, don’t hold it back. I’m just here.”

With that, she let her tears flow her cheeks. Niyakap niya ang mga braso ni Brooke at umiyak.

“I can feel it…nang sinabi mong hindi tayo magkapatid, n-naramdaman ko kaagad na hindi ako ang anak ni m-mommy.”

“She may not be your biological mother, but she will always be our mother.”

“Mommy ko pa rin siya?”

“Mother in law this time, baby.” Brooke kissed the side of her lips. “Wala naman magbabago sa pakikitungo niyo sa isa’t-isa. I want my wife to treat my mom like she’s really her mother. I like the way you love and care for my mom. You really caught all of me because of that. Mas lalo mo akong binigyan ng dahilan na makasama ka habang buhay.”

Her heart melted just like that.

Now that he revealed the truth about her and Brianna, tomorrow is the time that they will reveal about her and Brooke. Everything is getting in place. Finally.

30 ~ Mother

CHAPTER THIRTY

“KINAKABAHAN ka?” Tanong sa kanya ni Gelicah nang makalabas sila sa elevator.

Brooke looked down at her. She’s beside him, hugging his one arm. Honestly, he has a sleepless night. The thought of seeing his mother and talk to her kept him awake all night.

“I’m not nervous.” He said, caressing her hands on his arm. “Do I look like one?”

“Hindi naman, pero tahimik ka. Ano ang iniisip mo?”

Lumiko sila sa dulo ng hallway kung saan ang bagong silid ng ina. May iilang nurse na nasalubong at bumati sa kanila.

“Marami. Don’t mind me, I’m fine.”

“Ako ang kinakabahan sa magiging reaksyon nila kapag nalaman na mag asawa tayo.”

“Well, they have to deal with it. We are married and there’s nothing wrong with it.”

“Right.” Icah agreed and stopped from walking when they reached his mother’s room. “Ready ka na ba?”

Brooke shrug his shoulder and nodded his head. “Yeah, I’m ready.” Then he slowly open the door.

Sa pagbukas ng pinto ay kaagad na lumipat sa kanila ang mga pares na mata sa loob ng silid.

His heart boomed inside his chest when a familiar gaze went on him. A familiar beautiful pair of eyes that same as his.

Ang matinding emosyon sa dibdib niya ay unti-unti nang bumabangon. Ang mga hiling at dasal noong bata pa siya na hindi natupad ay parang isang punyal ngayon na sumasaksak sa kanyang puso.

Those lone tears at night, those silent cries, those wishes and prayers that never came true and the longing to have a mother when he was a kid until now, suddenly flashes his mind.

Ang lahat ng lungkot at sakit na itinago niya sa dibdib ay walang pakundangan na lumabas at bumuhos. Habang nakatayo do’n at nakikipagtitigan sa ina.

“B-Brooke?” Brianna’s voice cracked and her tears roll down her cheeks. “I-Ikaw na ba ’yan? I-Ikaw na—oh my—” then she cover her face with her palms and cry her heart out.

Yumuyugyog ang balikat nito. Bettina and Gelicah were stunned. While he’s standing there with his emotionless facial expression.

Sa likod ng matigas na awra niya ay nagtatago ang duguang puso. Nagtatago ang isang batang lalaki na labis na nangungulila sa pagmamahal at pag-aaruga ng isang ina.

“Let’s leave them alone.” Bettina held his wife’s hand.

Tinignan siya ni Gelicah ngunit hindi niya ito tinapunan kahit na sulyap. Natatakot na lumabas ang emosyon niya kapag nakita itong nasasaktan din katulad niya.

Ilan sandali pa ay lumabas na ang dalawa, iniwan silang mag-ina. Patuloy ito sa pag-iyak, saka niya lang naalala na hindi pwede na gano’n ang sitwasyon nito. She’s still weak. Crying hard won’t help her.

Mabibigat ngunit mabibilis ang hakbang niya na binagtas ang pagitan nilang dalawa. Niyakap niya ito, niyakap niya lang. Yakap na ang tagal tagal niya ng gustong gawin sa ina.

“B-Brooke, I know it’s y-you.” Garalgal ang boses nito, napapikit siya, dinama ang ganting yakap ng ina sa nanginginig na mga braso. “I’m sorry…I’m…I’m v-very sorry.”

“It’s okay…it’s okay.” He said, almost calming his mother with his soft husky tone.

He’s very worried that she might break down, that he’s almost forget the pain on his chest. Worried that he might lose her again! Damn, he’s willing to forget all the pain if that makes his mother be okay, if that makes her stop from crying!

“It wasn’t okay, it will never be okay. I feel your pain, I saw that in your eyes. H-hindi ka man lumaki na kasama ako, pero alam ko ang nararamdaman mo bilang anak ko. P-Patawarin mo ako…sa pang-iiwan ko sa’yo.”

Mariin siyang napapikit at nahulog sa pisngi ang pinipigil na luha. Umigting ang panga niya, tila may pumupunit sa kanyang dibdib. Ang hagulhol na pag-iyak ng ina ay mas nagpapahirap sa kanya. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang sakit at pagsisisi dito. Halos mapatawad niya na.

“It’s…it’s o-okay. I’m f-fine. I’m h-happy that I’m…I am w-with you now, finally. P-Please, stop crying. It’s bad for you. I’m s-sorry, I know t-this is too early for us. I should wait for another day before I came here. N-not now, but I can’t wait for another day to see you and talk to you.”

Tinapik-tapik ni Brianna ang kanyang likod, marahan na hinahaplos ang kanyang buhok, mas siya na ang tila pinapakalma ngayon. He’s there, hugging his mother like a lost little boy.

“Your father and grandfather raised you well. You’re a man with a kind heart. Even if you were away, even if we were not together, I want you to know that I am very proud of you for being successful in life…you become successful even without me, even without a complete family.”

“How did you know that?” He asked, confused.

Kumalas siya sa yakap, kinalma ang sarili at hinarap ang namumugtong mga mata ng kaharap. Ang magagandang matang ’yon ay sumasalamin sa kanya.

Brianna smile warmly at him. Marahan nitong hinaplos ang mukha niya, halos mapapikit siya sa pangungulila sa haplos ng isang ina. He missed a lot of thing being a son to his mother.

“Before the accident, I got the chance to take a look on you and your success.” Brianna took a deep sighed. There’s a glint of sadness on her eyes. “I used to read all the articles about you, watching your live interviews and even stalked you with your appearance in different magazines all over the Asia. It makes me proud as your mother, pero, nasasaktan ako na tawagin ang sarili kong mommy mo, because I know that I don’t deserve being your mother.”

Brooke blinked his eyes and tilted his head back. He close his eyes very tightly. Lihim siyang humugot ng hangin sa dibdib.

“A mother should support her child in everything, but I wasn’t there for you. I should not leave you, but I did. I should stay beside you, but I abandoned you.” Brianna chuckled bitterly. “I don’t deserve you as my son. I don’t deserve to be your mother, Brooke.”

Umiling-iling siya, nahihirapan at nasasaktan.

“Yo deserve me. You deserve to be my mom. You deserve to be a mother. No matter what you did, no matter how painful it was to me, you cannot change the fact that you are my mother…” marahas na pinunasan niya ang luha sa namumulang mga mata. “I don’t want to have another mother if it’s not you. I need you, mom. I want you to be with me again. Please! Please!” He begged desperately, holding his mother’s both hands.

Bumitaw ang ito sa hawak niya at parang may matalim na gumuhit sa dibdib niya, ngunit unti-unti rin naglaho ang sakit nang punasan ng ina ang mga luha sa kanyang pisngi, habang umiiyak ito.

“I don’t know what did I do for you to still treat me like this…magalit ka sa akin anak, kamuhian mo ako, okay lang kay mommy…” malamyos na sambit nito, marahan na inaalo siya. Wala na siyang pakialam kung ano ba ang itsura niya. He need his mother so bad! “Ang bait bait mo kahit nasasaktan ka na. Sa sobrang bait mo sa’kin, mas lalo akong nagsisisi sa ginawa ko.”

“Let’s forget it. I need a mother in my life. Huwag mo na ’yon ipagkait sa’kin ’yon ngayon. Pakiusap…”

Tumango-tango ang ina, naglaglagan ang mga luha. Ngumingiti habang lumuluha.

“Pangako. Babawi ako sa’yo, anak. Dito lang si mommy, sa tabi mo lang ako palagi—”

“I want that, but you can’t do that always. I’m married, mom.”

Natigilan si Brianna tapos ay maiksing natawa. “Silly, what I mean is I will always by your side now to support you kahit alam kong hindi mo na naman kailangan. You become successful without me. You can live without me.”

“I lived without your presence but your memories remained in my,” itinuro niya ang sintido. “And in my,” at ang puso. “You may not there to support me, but you were one of the reason of my success. You were the woman behind my success, mom.” Brooke took a deep breath then he continue.

“I always wanted you to be proud of me. I told myself that I need to be successful in the future so when I see you again, you would be proud of me. Na kahit wala ka, na kahit na iniwan mo ako, I can be successful. I’m afraid to disappoint you, nagsikap ako kahit wala ka, na kahit hindi ako sigurado kung magkikita pa ba tayo, pinaghusayan ko ang trabaho ko…hindi lang para sa’kin, kundi para rin sa mga taong naniniwala sa’kin at para…sa mommy ko. I’m afraid of failures, I feel like if I fail, someone would leave me…like what you did.

I wanted to be more than enough to someone, so they would not leave me. I don’t want to disappoint them so they would stay with me. I gave everything so they would be contented being with me. I’m afraid of being left behind just because I was not enough. All those fears and heartaches were because of what you did to me. You broke my young heart, mom.“

Brooke looked at her mother sadly and smile sadly.

“But, I managed to fix it. But the scar is still there, it’s hurting me…and that pain became my motivation to reached my success. You were my inspiration, mom. I will always be your little boy. Your little Prince.”

Sa lumuluha na mga mata ay muli siyang niyakap ng mahigpit ng ina. Brooke hug his mother back and took a long sigh.

Pinakawalan niya ang lahat ng sakit, lungkot at pangungulila na naipon sa kanyang dibdib.

GELICAH AND Bettina are having a coffee in the Hospital’s cafeteria when she received a text message from her husband.

From: Brooke Come here. My mom wants to meet my wife.

Naubo siya at napangiwi. Inilapag niya ang tasa ng kape sa ibabaw ng lamesa.

“Ayos ka lang, Icah?”

“Umm, opo. Pwede na raw tayong bumalik kay mommy.”

“Brooke texted you?”

Tumango lang siya. Iniwas niya ang mata sa kaharap nang titigan siya nito, tila may hinahanap na sagot sa kanya. Nagdududa na ba ang Tita Bettina niya? Halata na ba sila ni Brooke?

Pagpasok nila sa silid ng ina ay kaagad niya itong sinalubong ng yakap, hinalikan sa pisngi. Halatang galing ito sa pag-iyak at nang tignan niya si Brooke na nakaupo sa sofa ay gano’n din ang mga mata, namumula, pero mas maaliwalas na ang gwapong mukha.

“Akala ko pa naman asawa na ni Brooke ang dumating.” Ani ng mommy niya, lumaki ang kanyang mata

Tumikhim siya at nang tignan siya ng mga ito ay awkward siyang ngumiti.

“She’s here.” Brooke said casually.

“Nasaan?” Bettina asked and look around.

Brooke glance at her and saw him smirk. Inirapan niya ang asawa at padabog na naupo sa gilid ng mommy niya.

“Son, don’t play with us. I thought you were with your wife last night? And she’s here? Where’s she?”

“Yeah, she’s here. Can’t you see?” Brooke motioned his hand on her, making the women eye her with confusion.

“Gelicah?” Bettina hissed.

“Oh my—Goodness! Anak!” Eskandalosang sambit ni Brianna, nanlalaki ang mga mata. “Don’t tell me Gelicah’s your wife?!”

“Yeah,” Brooke coolly stood up and walk towards her.

Marahas siyang napalunok. Pinagpapawisan at kinakabahan! Halatang hindi makapaniwala ang dalawang babae sa nangyayari.

“You can’t be serious, son. Gelicah’s your sister, do you know that?”

“Well, mom, I have my DNA done. And Gelicah’s not my sister. Right?”

Bettina gasped, but did not bother to speak. While their mother is still in awe. Pinagpalit-palit ang tingin sa kanila ni Brooke, napahilot sa sintido.

Sa pag-aalala niya ay inalalayan niyang makahiga ng maayos ang ina. Hindi parin nagsasalita, malalim ang iniisip.

“I will call a doctor.”

“No need, no need.” Pigil ng mommy niya. “I’m okay. Nabibigla lang ako sa mga nangyayari.”

“Sabi ko na nga ba!” Bettina hissed. “Yung mga tingin ni Brooke kay Gelicah natin, iba, e. Tinginan palang ng dalawang ’yan magdududa ka na talaga sa relasyon nila.”

“You should know that, mare. Mas nauna mo silang nakita kesa sa’kin.” Huminga ng malalim ang mommy niya, hindi sila tinitignan ni Brooke.

Napanguso siya at nag martsa papunta sa sofa kung nasaan si Brooke kanina, at ang magaling niyang asawa ay nakasunod kaagad sa kanya, tumabi pa talaga!

“Tignan mo, mare, tignan mo, dali!” Si Tita Bettina. “Mas clingy itong si Brooke. Tignan mo, oh, nakayapos kaagad.”

Uminit ang pisngi niya. Bakit naman kasi nangyayakap itong asawa niya kahit may mga tao!

“Galit ka?” Bulong nito, nasa likod niya nakaupo, ang mga braso ay nakayapos sa tiyan niya.

“Galit yata si mommy.”

“Nabigla lang daw.”

“Hindi niya ako pinapansin.” Umusli ulit ang labi niya at sinulyapan ang ina na iniwas ang tingin sa kanila. “Ayaw niya yata na ako ang asawa mo.”

Brooke let out a husky short laugh. His minty breath hit her nape. Kinilabutan siya, may pumintig na kung ano sa pagitan ng mga hita niya. Uh, hormones!

“Mom, may itatanong yata itong asawa ko sa’yo.” Tawag pansin ni Brooke sa mommy nito.

“Ah, bahala kayong dalawa. Masyado niyo kaming binibigla ni Bettina.”

“Uh, wala na kayong magagawa. Kasal na kami, magkakaanak na rin at hindi ko naman din hihiwalayan ’tong asawa ko…kahit hindi kayo boto.”

Siniksik ni Brooke ang mukha sa leeg niya tapos ay marahan na humahalik sa parteng ’yon, napapatingala siya, nasasarapan at nakikiliti.

“Boto ako, ha!” Si Tita Bettina na nag aasikaso ng pagkain.

“Mommy, sorry na! Pinikot lang po ako ni Brooke!” Aniya, iritado dahil sa reaksyon ng ina. “Hihiwalayan ko po siya kung ayaw mo siya ang asawa ko—”

“Woah,” Brooke gasped. “Really? You will do it?”

Umirap siya sa hangin.

“Tingin mo ba Gelicah papayag ’yang si Brooke na hiwalayan mo? Halata naman na patay na patay sa’yo.”

Tinawanan lang ng asawa niya ang sinabing ’yon ni Bettina.

“Tita, huwag mo akong nilalaglag baka lumaki ang ulo nitong asawa ko at hiwalayan nga talaga ako.”

“Eh, di, maghahabol ka na naman niyan.”

“Gano’n na nga po.”

“Hay, kayong dalawa talaga. Amuuin niyo na ang mommy niyo.”

“Huwag niyo na akong amuin. Okay lang sa’kin ang pagiging mag-asawa niyo, pero, totoong mahal niyo ba ang isa’t-isa? Hindi ba kayo napipilitan lang?”

Sabay silang napatingin sa mommy nilang nakaupo na ulit sa kama. Nang magtama ang mga mata nila ay nakita niyang nakangiti ito, pilit lang na nagseseryoso.

“Mahal ko si Gelicah. Walang duda. Walang pamimilit.” Si Brooke na hinalikan siya sa gilid ng ulo. “Mahal mo ’ko?”

Imbes na sumagot ay nilayasan niya ito at tumabi sa mommy niya, malambing na yumakap. Halos inggitin si Brooke na napapailing nalang.

“Mahal ko siya…” mahinang sabi niya. “Mahal na mahal ko po si Brooke. Huwag ka nang magalit mommy, totoo naman ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya. Sana matanggap mo po ako bilang asawa ng tunay niyong anak.”

Hinaplos ni Brianna ang kanyang buhok, hindi niya napigilan ang pagdaloy ng luha sa pisngi.

“Syempre naman, tanggap kita bilang asawa ng anak ko. Walang magbabago sa samahan natin Gelicah, I’m still your mommy. And, about our real connection, your father was the one who decided not to tell you ’bout it. Sana huwag kang magalit sa’kin dahil itinago ko kahit wala na ang daddy mo. Pwede kong sabihin, but I chose not to. I’m longing for a child.”

Gelicah nod her head, and wipe her tears. Yumakap siya ng mahigpit dito. Walang magbabago sa samahan nila kahit anong katotohanan pa ang mabunyag. Ipinikit niya ang mga mata at hinayaan ang sarili na damhin ang sakit at saya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

31 ~ Briggs & Brianna

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

“I WAS forced to marry your dad. Briggs was so in love with me that he did everything to have me.” His mother said in a low soft tone.

Brianna looks like reminiscing the past. Ang mga mata nito ay nakatuon sa bintana ng eroplanong sinasakyan nila papunta sa Pilipinas.

Sa kabilang gilid ni Brooke ay ang natutulog na si Gelicah, ang ulo ay nakahilig sa balikat niya habang nakayakap ang mga kamay sa kanyang braso.

“ Papa wanted me to marry him, given the fact that he was so in love me, Briggs Montero has a big name in business world. Kung masasabit ang pangalan ko sa mga Montero, siguradong lalago rin ang negosyon namin. I agreed to marry your father even I don’t really love him.“ Brianna took a sighed then she smile. “But eventually, I learned to love him. Minahal ko ang daddy mo, Brooke, dahil kung hindi, wala ka sana.”

Masaya sa pakiramdam na marinig ang buhay pag-ibig ng magulang niya, ngunit hindi niya maialis ang kirot sa dibdib sa katotohanan na walang masayang katapusan ang pag-iibigan na ’yon.

“Why did you have to…” Brooke swallowed hard. He was avoiding this topic ever since his mother woke up. But right now, it seems like its over. “…to leave us, to leave me?”

Sinulyapan siya ng ina, may lungkot sa mga mata bago muling ibinaling ang tingin sa makakapal na ulap sa labas.

“I thought my love for him would last till the end, but it did not. Sinubukan ko na mahalin siya ulit, na maging masaya ulit sa piling niya, dahil ayokong masira kami, ayokong bigyan ka ng hindi kumpleto at masayang pamilya. Pero habang sinusubukan kong gawin ang mga bagay na ’yon, mas nagiging mahirap para sa’kin dahil sa mga maling paratang niya.” Pumait ang boses ng ina, makailang ulit na humugot ng hangin sa dibdib bago nagpatuloy.

“I never had an affair. I was faithful and loyal to him, to our marriage and to you. Your father was very like you when it comes to his physical appearance, women sweep on his feet. Mahal niya ako, pero alam kong may iba pa bukod sa’kin.”

Brooke’s lips parted a bit, shocked by what he heard. Wala siyang ideya na may ibang babae ang ama, no one told him ’bout it!

“Dad had an affair?” He almost whisper the words.

Marahan na tumango ang ina tapos ay malungkot na ngumiti. Nakita niya ang pangingilid ng luha nito sa gilid ng mga mata.

“Hindi ko siya masisi kung bakit nagkaro’n siya ng ibang babae, hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawa. He slept with different women to punished me for not loving him back. I was hurt.” Nilingon siya nito at kaagad na pinunasan ang luhang biglang bumagsak. “I was very confused with my feelings towards your father, kung hindi ko siya mahal, hindi ako masasaktan, di ba? Pero nasasaktan ako sa tuwing nalalaman kong may ibang babae siya.”

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata. Hindi alam kung ano ang mararamdaman. His father was the one who had an affair? That’s the reason why his mother left them?!

“It was dad’s fault after all?”

Umiling ang ina. “May kasalanan din ako. Don’t blame your father, he has his reason why he did all that to me. Kung may sisisihin ka man sa nangyari sa amin, ako dapat ’yon, Brooke, dahil ako ang unang sumuko sa aming dalawa. Ako ang nang-iwan.”

“I grew up thinking that you were the one who have an affair. I don’t bother to ask dad and lolo about you because I know it would only hurt me. But damn!” Brooke chuckled bitterly. “He was the one who made a reason for you to leave us.”

“I don’t encourage you to blame your father for the mistake I made. I know, he was a good father to you and he was a good husband to me. It’s just that there are things that wasn’t meant to be…that won’t last forever, and our marriage is one of those things.”

“Still, he cheated on you! He was the reason why I grew up without a mother!” His voice raise a bit. He couldn’t handle his emotion. Damn him!

“Kung hindi dahil sa’kin, alam kong hindi niya gagawin ang mga ’yon. Ako ang sisihin mo, pakiusap, huwag ang daddy mo.” Muli itong nagpunas ng luha. Ramdam niya na totoong nagsisisi at nasasaktan ito sa ginawa sa kanya.

“And I want you to know that… I chose to leave you with Briggs, because I knew that I could not give you a better future that he could give you. And I was right, looking at you right now made me realized that I chose the right decision. Kahit sobrang sakit na iwan ka noon, nilabanan ko para sa kinabukasan mo.”

Iniisip niya kung ano ba ang kapalaran niya kung sinama siya ng ina nang umalis ito? Magiging successful ba siya kagaya ng tinatamasa niya ngayon? Marahil ay oo, marahil ay hindi rin.

“Handa naman akong tanggapin lahat ng galit mo, anak. Alam kong sobrang sakit din sa’yo na wala ako. Bakit hindi ka sa’kin magalit?”

“I’m tired of it. Buong buhay ko iyon ang ginawa ko, ang magalit sa’yo, ang magalit sa ginawa mo.” Napahugot ulit si Brooke ng hangin sa dibdib. “Wala ng puwang sa puso ko ang galit ngayon. You are here with me, that’s what I wanted all my life, to be with my mother.”

Humikbi ang ina at napayakap sa kanya. Napapikit si Brooke, binibigyan niya ng pagkakataon ang sariling magpatawad at kalimutan ang lahat ng dahilan kung bakit lihim siyang nasasaktan…noon.

To find a real happiness, you have to free your heart from all the pain. Forgive yourself to be happy again by forgiving those people who broke you.

“Forgive me for all the pain I gave you, son. Forgive me.” His mother said while sobbing.

Brooke caressed Brianna’s back and nod his head. “I already forgive you, mom.”

Everyone deserve a forgiveness and his mother deserve it. He forgave her as he let himself forgave his father as well even nobody ask for it.

His father did all his best to raise him. He was the best father for him. Kung buhay lang sana ang ama, baka may pagkakataon pang ma-kumpleto ang pamilyang hinahangad niya.

“I never had an affair even after your father’s death.” Brianna muttered as she sit properly again, wiping her tears. “I was there…I w-was there, Brooke.”

Marahas siyang napalunok. Pinakatitigan ang ina na nanatiling nasa labas ng bintana ang mga mata.

“You were there? Why you didn’t show up? You have the rights.” Frustrated niyang sinabi.

“May karapatan ako bilang asawa niya pero wala akong lakas ng loob, Brooke. Briggs death made me regrets everything I’ve done to him and to you, to our family. Matagal ko nang pinagsisisihan ang lahat, anak.”

“You never had an affair but…” sinulyapan niya si Gelicah na tulug na tulog. Paanong hindi mapapagod ang asawa niya, pinuyat niya ito kagabi. “But you married another man.” Brooke pointed out, making his mother gaze went on him.

Brianna nod her head slowly. “I marry Gelicah’s father and that marriage was only for convenience. We made a deal before I agreed to do that.”

Brooke eyebrows shot up, amused but confused. Marriage for convenience, huh? Looks like him and his wife.

“Tell me all about it. I wanna know everything, mom.”

“Walang-wala ako nang umalis ako sa mansyon. My own family did not even support me since they were furious to what I did, but I was happy that Bettina was there to help me. We flew to Los Angeles and she introduced me to a man, and that was Gelicah’s father. We were in the same situation, our hearts were mourning, his wife died after giving birth to a baby girl.”

Sinulyapan nito si Gelicah at napangiti. Tapos ay inangat ang tingin sa kanya, kumislap ang mga mata ng ina, nasisiyahan na pinagmasdan silang mag asawa.

“I badly wanted to stay in L.A, away from all the pain I left in the Philippines, and the only thing I need to do is to marry an American citizen. Henry agreed to marry me.” That was Gelicah’s dad. “But in one condition, I need to stand as a mother of his daughter. We both agreed to it. But I swear, Henry was just a very good friend of mine like your Tita Bettina. And he had a secret affairs to warm his bed, coz I cannot give it to him, and I’m okay with it, that’s part of our deal.”

“And my wife don’t know all of this, right? Your set up with him?”

“Gelicah don’t know even a bit of it.” Brianna let out a soft breath. “Wala akong minahal na ibang lalaki kundi ang daddy mo lang. Briggs is the only man in my heart even he’s already gone. Hanggang sa huli, siya lang. Siya pa rin.” Emosyonal na sabi ng ina.

That made him smile. Knowing that she never love any other man but his father, made his heart feel good.

“Masaya akong malaman na si daddy lang ang minahal mo. Kahit hindi niyo ako nabigyan ng kumpletong pamilya, masaya na rin ako dahil alam kong hindi huwad ang pagmamahalan ninyo, mom.” Isinandal ni Brooke ang ulo sa inuupuan at ipinikit ang mga mata, inaalala ang mga huling sandali na kasama ang namayapang ama.

“HINDI na ako magtatagal, anak. I’m sorry for all the mistakes and pain that I’ve caused you.” His father said in a weak tone, he’s laying in bed. He’s very weak.

“Dad, don’t say that. Get well. I don’t wanna hear your goodbyes.”

Brooke was trying to make the ambiance lighter, he was very worried. Natatakot siyang mawala ang ama, ayaw niya nang tuluyan na mapilay. Wala na siyang ina tapos mawawalan din siya ng ama? Nasaan ba ang hustisya?

“Your mother…find your mother. I have had enough time that I spent with you, still, I knew that I wasn’t enough. I could never complete you, but your mom could do something for it. Find her, for me and for you. Okay, son?”

“No,” he bitterly hissed. “I only want is you to get well, and to be with me.”

Parang may kumurot sa dibdib niya. He was lying to what he only wanted, of course, he wanted to be with his mother as well, but he’s too angry with her that he can lie to himself.

“You can never fool a man like me, Brooke. I am your father, and I know that you’re longing for your mom. I’m sorry that you need to suffer to all of these. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a happy and complete family.”

“Don’t leave me, dad.” That’s the only words he can mutter. That’s the only thing that matters to him at the moment. “Don’t leave me yet, please.”

“I may not give you a complete family, but I want you to keep this in your head, your mom is the only woman I love… she will be the only one in my heart until my last breath. And if I would be given a chance to live my life again, I would still choose her as my wife. No one else, but Brianna.”

“Dad might had an affairs, but he made it sure to me and to himself that you were the only one in his heart, mom. And I believed in him.” Brooke said after reminiscing that moment with his father. “Thank you for keep on loving my father even after all what happened to both of you. Your love story may not have a happy ending, but still, I admire it.”

Brianna smile warmly at him, then nod her head.

“Our love story wasn’t perfect, but for me that made it perfect. Because loving him from afar made me realized that people can love without being with the person. It’s not all about being together, sometimes memories are enough to keep the love inside, no matter how happy and painful those memories I had with him. Briggs will forever be the only one in my heart. I am not perfect, I made a lot of mistakes, pero ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo at sa daddy mo ay hindi huwad. Sa lahat nang pagkakamaling nagawa ko, ang mahalin kayong dalawa ang pinaka tama.”

❤️

A/N: This will be the last chapter of this story. Next is Epilogue.

32 ~ Never Ending

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

ISANG BUWAN ang lumipas na kasama nila ni Brooke ang mommy nila. Masaya kahit hindi sila kumpleto. Thinking about someone above was watching them happily as how happy they are, making her feel contented.

Wala man ang ama, nagkabunyagan man sa huli, wala naman nagbago sa pakikitungo sa kanya ni Brianna. Kung meron man, mas lalo siya nitong minamahal at inaalagaan kagaya nang kay Brooke.

They’re living in her husband penthouse, though, most of the time Brooke wasn’t around, kaya mas lamang parin ang oras na kasama ni Gelicah ang ina. But today, Brooke took another leave from work for a week because they will visit Don Armando.

“Galit pa kaya siya sa’kin? I can still remember our last encountered. That was very emotional.” She said, resting her head in Brooke’s shoulder.

Pinag-gigitnaan nila ito. Ang mommy nila ay tahimik lang naman sa byahe, marahil ay bumabalik na naman ang isip sa nakaraan. Sa mansyon.

“I don’t think so. I already talked to Papa about our arrival. He’s expecting us today.”

“Sana ay maging okay na ako sa kanya.”

Hinalikan nito ang ibabaw ng ulo niya at hinigpitan ang kapit sa kamay nilang magkasiklop na nasa lap nito.

“That’s for sure. Papa was in bad temper because he thought that we were siblings. That our relationship was a crime.”

“Sinabi mo na ba sa kanya ang totoo?”

“Not directly, but I gave him a hint. And, I will talk to him later about all of these. Don’t worry, okay?”

Tango ang naging sagot niya bago sinilip ang mommy niya. “I wonder what mommy’s thinking.”

Si Brooke ay napasulyap din sa ina. “Me too. Care to share, mom? What is it?”

Brianna shook her head then smile at them. “Just reminiscing the past.”

“Ah! I know about it, mom!” Napaayos siya sa pagkakaupo pero nanatili ang magkahawak kamay nila ng asawa. “I knew your story even before.”

“Hmm? How is that happened?” Brianna is now curious.

Gelicah grinned and tell them Bettina’s story that she used to tell her when she was a kid.

The Queen who left the little Prince in the Castle.

IT WAS A one hot afternoon when Gelicah decided to make a video call to Bettina. She’s in the sun lounger of the swimming pool in her husband penthouse, while her mommy is cooking in the kitchen.

“Tita! Hello! Good evening there!” She excitedly waved on the screen as Bettina answered the call.

“Hi, it’s late here.”

“Uh, did I disturb you?”

“No, no. I was packing my clothes.”

Lumaki ang mga mata niya. “You made a decision already?”

“Yes, it’s time to go home.” Bettina smile. “Why calling by the way?”

“Uh, I just wanted to ask you a question.”

“Go ahead. What is it?”

“About the Queen and the little Prince. I think I know who they are.”

“Yes, we know who they are. And I think, I can give them now a happy ending like you always demand on me.” Bettina chuckled on the other line. “Knowing that the Queen and the Prince are happy, makes me feel happy as well.”

“It was mommy’s story, right?” Marahan niyang tanong. “She was the Queen who left her little Prince which is Brooke. The Montero’s mansion was the Castle.”

Bettina nodded her head carefully then smile. “Yes you’re right. It was Brianna’s story.”

Pinakawalan niya ang hangin sa dibdib. Tama ang hinala niya kung gano’n. It was a true story with a happy ending this time, like a fairytale.

“Now, we can give them a happy ending.”

“Just happy, Gelicah, a happy never ending story of their lives. But right now, I want you to be the one who continue storytelling that with a happy never ending story of the Queen and the Prince together with his Princess this time.”

Lumanghap siya ng hangin, napangiti sa kausap at masayang tumango. “And I am the Princess who marry the Prince?”

“Exactly!”

Napatili siya. Kinikilig na hindi niya maintindihan. “That was a very admirable story! It was like a fairytale.”

“It is. A fairytale that exist. That was their story. A painful yet a very beautiful story of their lives. Masayang-masaya ako na nagkita ulit sila, na kulang man sila pero alam kong nakumpleto niya ang pagkatao ni Brooke nang magkita sila ulit. I can see the happiness on them, it reflects on each other’s eyes. That’s a real happiness, Gelicah. A real happiness is in the eyes of a person, not on their lips.”

The twinkle on Brooke’s eyes every time he looks at her and to his mother tells them how happy he is inside and outside.

And their story would have a never ending happiness .

“Tita Bettina used to tell me your story mom since I was a kid. I don’t have idea that’s exist. That a Queen and a Prince are existing.” Gelicah said and smile to her mother.

“As far as I remember, Tita Bettina didn’t give you a happy ending.” Brooke interrupt and wink at her. “You were sulking because of it.”

“It wasn’t sulking! Nabitin lang ako.” Umirap siya sa bintana. “Pero kaya ko nang bigyan ang story niyo nang walang katapusang kasiyahan.”

“You don’t like happy ending anymore?”

“Sa iba pwede, pero ayoko ng happy ending sa inyo ni mommy o sa atin. I want a never ending happy story.”

“If that’s what my wife want, go for it. I will support you. I don’t like endings and goodbyes, anyway. Happy lang, walang ending.”

“I agree, son. Minsan ko nang tinapos pero hindi naman naging masaya. This time, I don’t want to end all of this. I will never leave you…both of you. Mahal ko kayong dalawa.”

“Ah, so sweet.” Parang may humaplos sa puso niya. “Mahal na mahal ka rin namin mommy.” Aniya at nagpilit maabot ang ina para lang mayakap kahit madaganan niya na ang asawa.

Nakaalalay lang ang kamay ni Brooke sa likod niya, parang niyayakap na rin siya at ang isang kamay ay nasa likod rin ng ina, maingat na nakasuporta.

She suddenly became emotional. Naiyak siya kaya isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg ni Brooke, na kaagad naman nitong naramdaman ang pag-iyak niya.

“Oh-oh, someone here is being emotional again.” Brooke muttered and kiss the side of her head.

Brianna let out a short soft laugh. “It must be her hormones. Balat sibuyas talaga ang mga buntis. You should understand your wife’s mood swing.”

“Yeah, I learned to understand her feelings even she’s not pregnant.”

Napanguso siya. Malambing na yumakap sa leeg ng asawa. Ang bango-bango, gustung-gusto niya ang amoy nito. Ang gwapo na ang bango pa.

SA ENTRADA ng mansyon at nakahilera na ang mga kasambahay nila. Ang iba ay magalang na lumapit kay Gelicah at sa mommy niya upang kunin ang handbag na dala. Ang iba ay sa sasakyan nila nagpunta upang kunin ang gamit nilang tatlo.

“Welcome home, senorito and senorita.” The mayordoma greeted them politely then her eyes went to his mother. “Welcome back, Madam.”

“Thank you.” Brianna said quietly and nod her head.

Sa double staircase ay nakita niya ang maingat na pagbaba ng kanyang abuelo. Ang pagkapit ni Gelicah sa kamay niya ay humigpit kaya bumaba ang tingin niya rito. She’s nervous.

“He will be good to you this time. Calm yourself, wife.”

Hindi na nagsalita ang asawa hanggang sa nasa harap na nila ang hari. Don Armando looks very healthy. Hindi mapagkakamalang may sakit, o may sakit nga ba talaga?

“Good afternoon po.” Si Gelicah ang naunang bumati, gusto niyang matawa, kabado ang asawa.

“Papa, happy to see you again.” Brooke stepped forward and give his grandfather a man to man hug.

“I’m glad to see you too, apo.” Then his gaze went to the women beside him. “Welcome back, Gelicah and…Brianna.”

“T-Thank you, Don Armando.”

“ Dad ,“ Pagtatama ng lolo niya sa pagtawag ng mommy niya rito. “I want you to call me like how you used before, like how Briggs called me. Welcome home!” Then he wide his arms, welcoming his mother.

“Dad!” Her mother could not help herself but hug Don Armando. “I’m so sorry for all the—”

“Sshh,” Don Armando cut her off. “Let’s the past be in the past, Brianna. You’re here, my grandson’s happiness is my happiness. So, Gelicah and Brianna, welcome to my home. Feel at home.”

“Uh, I’m getting emotional again.” His wife murmured and hug him. “Thank you, lolo.”

“ Papa for you, Gelicah. Like how your husband called me.“

“Opo, Papa.”

Don Armando smirked and guide them to the dining area. “That’s better. Let’s go and eat.”

Sabay-sabay silang nagkatinginang tatlo. Hindi niya inaasahan ang mabilis na pagtanggap ng abuelo sa mommy niya. Don Armando really know and care about his happiness.

GABI NANG magpasya si Brooke na kausapin ang abuelo. He’s sitting in front of his swivel chair on the mansion’s library room.

“Your eyes can’t deny the fact the you’re genuinely happy in and out. I’m happy for you, my grandson.” Don Armando sipped his wine.

“Thank you, Papa. How are you?”

“I’m perfectly fine. And, I want you to know that my game is over.” The old man shrug arrogantly.

“Your game? What are you talking about?” Brooke proper his sitting position, then pour his glass of vodka.

Don Armando is really good in making him confused.

“I know you already have a hint about my health. You were worried and I appreciate it.”

“Of course, I am worried. What is this all about, Papa?”

“Well, I’m not ill. As you can see, Brooke.” He even wide his arms proudly, showing how strong he is. “Your grandfather is very healthy.”

Napabuga siya ng hangin sa bibig at napailing. Though, his hint was right, pero talagang nabahala siya na maaaring may sakit nga ang lolo niya.

“I was right, you were just using your health for me to settle down. Well, Papa, you won. I’m married and happy, without you doing that trick on me, I don’t know where I would be by now.” He smiled on his abuelo. “Thank you Papa for always thinking about what’s best for me. I learned a lot from you, I owe you my success, I owe you a lot.”

Nakita niya ang pangingislap ng magkabilang gilid ng mga mata nito. Humugot siya nang hangin sa dibdib at nagpatuloy.

“You stand as my father and mother for a long time. My financial adviser and even my boss of my own. All your commands and demands taught me a lot. Without you, I don’t think I could reach where I am now. I will forever be grateful because you are always there for me.”

Tumayo siya at nilapitan ang abuelo, niyakap ito. Yakap ng pasasalamat sa lahat nang nagawa nito para sa ikabubuti niya.

Don Armando patted his back. “Stop making your grandfather emotional, little boy.”

His lips form a smile. Little boy? Really?

“I’m sorry because I don’t have the guts before to thank you personally for all you’ve done to me. But Papa, I really, really, I appreciate all your help for me to be where I am now.”

“You’re always welcome, my dear grandson. I didn’t spoil your father, but I spoiled you. I hope Briggs won’t get jealous.”

Marahan siyang natawa at may ngiti sa labi na bumalik sa inuupuan. Naabutan niyang nagpahid ng luha ang abuelo. Napatingala siya, kinurap ang mga mata. Ang saya saya ng pakiramdam niya. Maayos na ang lahat sa buhay niya. Wala nang itinatagong sakit at galit.

“Kung buhay lang si dad, siguradong mas masaya.” He wished.

“I always wish for that. But, of course, we need to accept the fact that he’s gone.”

“Yeah, but I know he’s watching us. Especially now that I’m with mom. I know he’s very happy right now.”

“He is. Briggs wanted was for you to be with your mother. Ilang taon niyang nilabanan ang sakit niya dahil gusto niya pang makita na magkasama kayo ng mommy mo. He wanted to bring back his family, but life didn’t let him.” Don Armando smile sadly and sipped on his glass of wine again. “He wanted to correct all his wrongs, he wanted another chance to live, pero minsan ’yung mga gusto natin hindi nangyayari kahit anong pilit pa ang gawin natin. Don’t hate your father, Brooke.”

Umiling siya habang pinaglalaruan ang alak sa baso.

“I don’t hate him. I love father, I don’t have the rights to hate him or to even get mad of him for whatever he’s done to my mother and to our family. Sa ngayon, puro pagmamahal lang ang nangingibabaw sa’kin, Papa.”

“Masaya akong malaman ’yan. Masaya ako para sa’yo, Brooke. After all the pain you’ve been through, I know that one day you will find the forgiveness and happiness in your heart. And this is the time.” His abuelo lifted his glass and he do the same. “You deserve all the happiness you’re feeling right now. Cheers!”

And he ended that night with smile on his face and with happiness on his heart. He’s free from all the pain now.

Epilogue

This is the final chapter of Territorial Men Series 3. Again, thank you very much to all of you for being with me from the very beginning of my writing career until this moment.

Territorial Men Series 4 will be posted next year, January 2019. Kung sino? It’s a surprise! ☺️

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of us! 🎅🏻🎉❤️

EPILOGUE

PAGKATAPOS nang lahat ng sakit at pagsubok na dumating sa buhay nila, masayang isipin na sa huli, sila parin ang magkakasama. Si Gelicah, kasama ang mommy Brianna niya at ang asawa niya, si Brooke.

It wasn’t easy to accept the fact that she’s an adopted child, but if is the only way for her to be with the man she loves, she will accept it with all her heart. She accepted the pain and the reality of life.

Life would not be worthy if you don’t risk something and if you don’t fight for something you know would be your happiness. You have to take a risk no matter how painful it would be in the end. Challenge yourself, because it would make you stronger than you thought you already are.

Katulad nalang sa pagmamahal, kung hindi ka susubok na magmahal, hindi mo mararamdaman ’yung tunay na kasiyahan na dulot niyon.

Don’t be afraid of falling in love, because love is the greatest feeling in the world.

“You don’t really remember the night when we first saw each other?” It was Brooke who’s asking her about their first encountered.

They’re in Isla Fuentes for a short vacation together with his friends. Pinaglaruan ng mga paa niya ang pino at maputing buhangin, habang hinihintay ang paglubog ng araw. Sa tabi niya ay ang asawa na nakatuon ang buong atensyon sa kanya, hindi maka get over sa topic nitong hindi niya naman maalala talaga.

“I don’t remember anything. I think, I was really drunk that night?” Icah glance at her hubby.

Ang frustrasyon sa pagkalukot ng mukha nito ay ang nagpatawa sa kanya ng bahagya. Napabuntong hininga si Brooke sa ginawa niya.

“You’re making fun at me.” He leered.

“Hindi, ha. Bakit ba kasi iniisip mo pa ’yon?”

“I’m just reminiscing the first night I saw the woman that I know I will marry in the end.”

Hindi niya alam kung bakit uminit ang pisngi niya. Hell! They’re married and expecting their first child a few months from now, then why she’s blushing like a teenager girl in front of her ultimate crush?

“Paano mo naman nasabi na ako nga ’yon? ’Yung papakasalan mo?”

“I just felt it.” Brooke shrugged his shoulder then he his head made it way to her lap.

Nahiga ang asawa sa kandungan niya, ang mga binti niya ay nakaunat, ang pinong buhangin ay magaspang na kumikiliti sa paanan niya paangat sa mga binti.

“Tumibok ’yung puso mo?” Patuloy siya sa pagtanong, marahan na sumusuklay ang mga daliri niya sa buhok ng asawa.

“Something like that. It was a different feeling though. I haven’t felt like that before, until I met you. You’re a witch.”

Gelicah let out an amuse laugh. Pabiro na pinitik niya ang noo ni Brooke kaya ito napangiwi tapos ay bahagyang napanguso.

“A beautiful witch?”

“Yeah, very beautiful.”

“No wonder why you marry me.” Mayabang na sambit niya.

“Your beauty is just a bonus, baby. I marry you because I love you.” Brooke sincerely said, then he caught her eyes effortlessly.

Her heart is booming inside her chest. Staring at him this close making her heart crazy. Hindi na magbabago pa ang reaksyon ng puso niya pagdating sa asawa, nabihag na nga talaga siya ng isang Brooke Montero.

“I marry you because I feel the same. I love you very much, Brooke.”

Her words making the side of his lips twitched up sexily. Ang paglunok nito habang nakikipagtitigan sa kanya ay hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya. His Adam’s Apple moved sensually because of what he did.

“Ang hirap hirap ipaliwanag kung bakit mahal na mahal kita. Kung bakit para akong mababaliw kapag iniisip kong mawawala ka sa’kin.” Ani Brooke, tila nahihirapan talagang magpaliwanag ng damdamin para sa kanya kahit hindi niya naman inuubliga.

Napanguso siya. She keep on brushing his hair with her fingers. Ang kulay kahel na kapaligiran ay nagpaganda lalo sa kapaligiran. Umihip ang malamig at maalat na hangin, ang marahan na alon ay kanina pa humahampas sa dalampasigan. The ambiance and the view really made her relaxed.

“Hindi ako mawawala sa’yo. Wala naman akong balak hiwalayan ka.” Lumambing ang halos pabulong niya nalang na boses.

Mas malakas pa nga yata ang kabog ng dibdib niya kesa sa lumalabas sa labi niya.

“Alam ko at panatag ako na hindi ka naman mawawala sakin dahil hindi ko naman hahayaan na mangyari ’yon.” Habang tumatagal ay namamaos ang boses ng asawa. “It’s quite frustrating that I fell deeply in love with you just by looking at you.” Then he sighed, looking so desperate now because of what he feels for her. “Cupid really hit me. You owned my heart effortlessly, baby.”

Icah smile sweetly at her husband. Her heart is melting because of what she heard from him.

“Sayo lang din naman ang puso ko. All of me is yours, Brooke. I am surrendering myself to you. Own me as yours.”

Brooke’s eyes dilated with a familiar emotions, it was burning passionately. Kinuha nito ang kamay niya na nasa buhok nito, pinagsiklop ang mga daliri nila bago hinalikan ang kamay niya.

“I own you as my wife, as the mother of our child and as my territory. I am claiming you now as the only woman I will spend my life forever.” Brooke whispered territorially before giving her a gentle kiss on the lips.

“LET HER BE, brute. She’s with her friends.” Kielton said to him impatiently.

Kiel is following him as he was following the stranger drunk woman going to the ladies restroom.

“Why are you following me by the way? Go and have fun.” Aniya nang lingunin ang kaibigan.

Umangat ang mga kilay ng brusko at namewang sa harap niya. May nakakalokong ngiti sa labi.

“You want some time alone with the girl?” Kielton teased, smirking at him.

“No, I just want to make sure that…” Wala siyang mahagilap na dahilan. At bakit nga ba sinusundan niya ang babae?

“That what, Montero?”

“Can you fucking get out of my sight instead?” Brooke shooed his friend.

“Okay, okay.” Pagsuko nito. “Basta balitaan mo ko kapag naka-score ka.”

“Gago! Hindi tayo magkapareho.”

“What?” Maang-maangan ito. “I came here to party, to enjoy my life. How about you, brute? Came here to chase a woman you don’t even know?”

Napahilot siya sa sintido. “Can’t you see? She’s drunk as hell. What if someone take advantage of her?”

“Why do you care?” Kielton question caught him off guard.

What the fvck? Bakit nga ba nakikialam pa siya? Ang dami niya na ngang problema, tapos poproblemahin niya pa ang kapakanan ng babaeng hindi naman niya kilala?

“Just…fucking leave me alone and don’t question me.”

Nang magkibit ng balikat ang kaibigan ay alam niya nang titigilan na nga siya nito sa pangungulit.

“Okay, I’ll be around. See you when I see you.”

Tumango lang siya at tinalikuran na nila ang isa’t-isa. Naghintay siya sa labas ng ladies restroom, sa gilid ng pinto ay sumandal siya. Hindi alam kung bakit nag aaksaya pa siya ng oras sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“Hey, alone?” A flirty voice suddenly approached him.

Brooke scanned the woman in front of him. Sporting a revealing mini tube dress and a killer shoes, the woman walked closer and lay a finger on his chest. He silently groaned.

“What do you want?” He asked the woman casually.

“I heard a lot about Brooke Montero’s performance in bed. I want to prove if it’s true. Hmm?”

His brows shot up, amuse and at the same time surprise. Really? Women talk about his performance in bed?

He’s about to speak when the woman he’s waiting came out from the rest room. Pagewang-gewang na ang paglalakad at mas lalo pang pinahirapan ng mataas na sandals na suot.

“I’m with someone.” Brooke said to the girl in front of him and attended quickly to the drunk woman.

Maagap na naalalayan niya sa bewang ang babae, na dahilan kung bakit malakas itong napasinghap. Mabilis nitong inaninag ang mukha niya at napangiwi, parang masusuka pa yata.

“Bitiwan mo ako o puputulin ko ’yang kamay mo?” Lasing na banta nito sa kanya.

“You’re drunk, Miss.”

“I know, but you are not my boyfriend to hold me like this!” Masungit na inalis nito ang kamay niya tapos at dinuro siya. “I know that trick! You’re taking advantage to a drunk woman like me!”

Woah, who’s this woman again? For the first time, a woman point a finger on him and accused him!

“It’s not what you think. I’m just being gentleman here, I just want to make sure that no one would take advantage on you.”

Umismid ito. Ang mapupungay na mata ay masungit siyang inirapan. Her swollen lips is red and very tempting. Damn boy, he’s attracted with that lips.

“Well, thanks for being a gentleman, Mister.” Sarkastiko nitong binanggit ang ‘gentleman’. “But I don’t need you around me. I can handle myself.”

“You sure?” He cocked his head forward, looking at her closely.

Ah, the woman is really a beauty, no wonder she caught his attention. She looks like having a foreign blood. But he’s so sure that he hadn’t met her before. He use to visit D’ Club, pero hindi niya pa talaga nakita ang babae, dahil kung nakita niya na ito dati, siguradong naikama niya na.

But wait, does he really think about bedding this woman? He’s really fucked up!

Tumalim ang mga mata nito na para bang alam ang iniisip niya at lasing na itinulak ang noo niya palayo.

“Huwag ka ngang lumapit.”

Umayos ulit siya ng pagkakatayo. He was trying to act casual to make her comfortable with his presence, but deep inside him, he wants to do something on her, then his eyes went down on her lips again. She’s chewing it absentmindedly, making a curse escaped his lips.

“Fuck…” he curse breathily.

Inalis niya ang tingin sa labing iyon. Napasuklay siya sa sariling buhok at marahas na napalunok.

“Hmm, do you want me to bring you to your friends?” He offered casually.

“No, I want to go home.” With that, the woman walk away from him.

“Hey, wait,” nahagip niya ang braso nito. “I can drive you home.” He offered again.

He felt so frustrated of himself. Can someone tell him why he’s chasing this woman? He should’ve enjoying himself and flirt with women by now, but where’s he? He’s with a drunk beautiful woman, and guess what? He was trying to impress her!

His friends will surely make fun of him once they discovered what he’s doing at the moment.

“Makulit ka ’no?” Ani ng babae, lasing na napasandal sa makinis na pader. “What do you want?”

He don’t know how to answer that question. What he wants? He wants to drive her home? That’s it? Or, maybe, he just wants to know where he can find this woman again?

“Just trust me. I won’t do anything you don’t like. Let me drive you home.”

Ilan sandali muna siyang tinitigan ng babae. There’s something on her eyes that tells him that she’s not okay. There’s a glint of sadness on that beautiful eyes. Her eyes betrayed her.

“Why do you care? You don’t know me.”

“Just let me do it.” He offered his hand on her, pero tinignan lang nito ’yon.

“You want me in your bed?”

His eyes wide a bit. Tumikhim siya at nagpakapormal talaga sa harap nito. Does he really looks like someone who’s looking for sex?

“I can offer you a one night stand, but in one condition, you will pay me.”

“What are you talking about?” Siya ngayon ang nagugulat sa sinasabi nito.

Brooke take a glance at the woman in front of him, she have a body, a boobs that will surely fit on his palm, a height and a face of an angel, she doesn’t look like a prostitute who offer sex for money!

“I’m in need of money. A very big amount of money. I’m desperate to have it as soon as possible. So, if you can’t give me a money that I need, then let me escape from you. Huwag mo na kong sundan!” She almost shout at him frustratedly, the side of her eyes is blinking. She’s holding back her tears.

Tinalikuran ulit siya nito kahit gegewang gewang. At nang mag sink in na sa kanya ang lahat ng sinabi nito ay saka niya lang ulit ito sinundan.

“Come on, I can give you the money you need.”

Napahinto ang babae, pero nanatiling nakatalikod sa kanya. Brooke made his way in front of her.

“F-for a one night stand?” Now, she looks nervous.

He shook his head. “No, I can lend you a money. How much do you need?”

“S-Sigurado ka? Walang mangyayari sa’tin?”

“Well,” he scanned her body again and swallow hard. “Unless you like.”

“I made a bad deal. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ask a one night with you for money. I’m really, really desperate now. I don’t know what to do anymore.” She massaged her temple, then closed her eyes.

Parang sinakal siya nang makita na naglaglagan ang mga luha sa pisngi nito na sinabayan ng mga pigil na hikbi.

“Hey, stop crying. I can do something from it. I told you, I can lend you a money.”

“A-At ano ang k-kapalit?” She sob.

“I don’t know yet. What matter right now is to help you, I think.”

“Why don’t you buy our mansion or one of our properties instead of lending me a money?” She suggested, wiping her tears. Her red sleepy drunk eyes looks so cute.

“Sure,” mabilis na sumang-ayon siya. “I’m looking for it as my investment. So yeah, I can buy one of your properties.”

“Our mansion in South Luzon is on sale. You might want to visit that? I…I can personally tour you t-there.”

“I’d would like it.” Brooke gave the woman a reassuring smile.

“I don’t know if you’re serious or you’re just giving me a good time. But, I want to trust you this time.”

“Don’t worry, I will buy your mansion. Para wala ka nang problema.” Aniya, habang ito ay may hinahanap sa dalang pouch.

“Damn, I forgot to bring my phone.” She murmured.

“It’s okay. Just let me know where I can find you.”

Muli itong nag-angat ng tingin tapos ay wala sa sariling tumango. Ang inaantok na mga mata ay pinipilit nalang idilat, hanggang sa unti-unti itong napasandal sa pader.

“Damn it,” mabilis niya itong naalalayan at binuhat. “Really? Sleeping while talking to me?” Brooke shook his head, he can’t help himself but to smile.

“HOW CAN this brute forgot that night? Eh, patay na patay sa’yo ’to, Gelicah.” Kielton beamed at him. This annoying man! “Sunud nang sunod sa’yo nung gabing ’yon. Kung hindi nga lang siya nakita ng mga kaibigan mo na buhat ka, baka inuwi ka na ni Brooke sa penthouse niya.”

Natawa ang asawa niya sa turan ng kaibigan. He told his wife about that night, some memories were blurred, she said.

Nakakaloko na tinignan siya ng asawa, napailing siya at napasimsim sa alak sa baso. Icah’s teasing him quietly.

“So, kilala mo na ako bago pa tayo magkita sa mansyon namin?” His wife asked him, lifting her one eyebrow at him. Brooke remain silent. “You fooled me! Kilala mo na pala ako!”

“Woah, I don’t fool you. I was just waiting for you to remember me that day. Pero hindi mo ako naalala.” Napanguso tuloy siya.

His wife was really drunk that night that she can’t remember him anymore. But it’s amazed him how fate brought them together.

Hindi talaga natin masasabi kung ano o sino ang talagang nakatadhana sa’tin hanggang sa dumating ang itinakdang araw.

“I’m sorry, hubby. I was drunk, very drunk that night. Wag ka nang magtampo.” Niyakap siya ni Gelicah sa gilid niya, ang baby bump nito ay naramdaman niya. “Ang mahalaga ay magkasama tayo ngayon, di ba?”

“Yeah,” Brooke nod his head a bit. Then he kissed Gelicah’s head. “Ang mahalaga ay asawa na kita.”

“Makaalis na nga. Tumatamis ang alak na iniinom ko dahil sa inyong dalawa.” Kielton cringed. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing and seeing right now. Ganyan ba talaga kapag tinamaan ng pana ni Kupido?”

“Yeah, you will know what I’m feeling when Cupid hit you, Kiel. I can’t wait to see you kneel down for woman.” He said to his friend.

“Thanks for that scary thought, Montero. It helps me.” Kielton sarcastically said then lifted his beer. “Goodnight love birds. See you around.”

Pagkaalis ng kaibigan at kaagad na dinala niya sa kandungan ang asawa. Malambing itong yumakap sa leeg niya.

“I love you so much.” She whispered sweetly on his lips.

Brooke brushed his lips on hers. His heart is thumping loudly inside his chest. It’s going wild again. He caressed her baby bump. Thinking about their child making him smile. He couldn’t wait to see their baby and be a good father.

“The only thing that I can promise to you is…I will love you endlessly.” He whispered back and claim his wife’s lips for a passionate kiss.

❤️ The end. ❤️

Can you give me a short review about this story? What can you say? It will help me. Thanks.

Love, MsGrainne